A holiday tale...

My good friend D wanted to find her husband the perfect Christmas gift. He had been asking and asking like a child for the Nintendo Wii. D had no interest in getting the Wii, but due to her extreme good nature and love for her man, she decided this is what she would buy.

A decent day of work was spent surveying the internet and finding the greatest deals on the Wii. Where was the best place to buy it, was it in stock, could we get it today. It was a group event and triumph when D finally exclaimed that she had found it and purchased it.

The next step was sneaking it in to the house. She brought it in to work and we found the perfect box for it. The Wii just slid in to the supply box like it was made for it. So D got it home by telling a fib that she started bringing home boxes to send gifts to E's family in Finland.

The time had passed by and it was now Christmas eve. We were all gathered at Cladaugh's house for dinner. A phenomenal dinner at that. E began to tell me how proud he was of his gifts for D. I convinced him to tell me what he got her. First he got her a beautifully framed picture of the two of them. Next, he got her 4 gift certificates for Horseback riding (one of D's passions) and finally, got her the Nintendo Wii. I burst out laughing. I said "seriously, the wii?" And he then argued that yes, it was something he wanted, but also something they could all share. I told them before dinner ended that I wanted a phone call immediately following the opening of gifts the next morning.

At 11:30, my phone rang. It was E calling to call me an asshole for not telling him what D got him. It was a very entertaining phone call, where I laughed almost the entire time! D said that when she opened his gift, she started to even cry! Poor E didn't even know what to do, he tried to distract her with the riding lessons... but alas to no avail. Poor D and all that hard work!

In the end it all works out... it is an entertaining story that they can tell for years to come. And of course, it also was quite entertaining for me and the rest of the group that knew.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! I hope Santa was good to you!

U-G-L-Y

Oh yes, this was FANTASTIC!
Thanks ya'll for a wonderful christmas sweater party.

peep show

and this time...

it does mean that they're letting you look at the new toys before Christmas.

extra points to whomever gets where the "peep show" reference is from.

fyi

I have had the hiccups 5 times today.
Just thought you would like to know.

today - is the day

I take the GRE at 5:30 this afternoon. I have already had one panic attack, and hoping there are no more. I am reviewing my formulas, equations and prefixes and I am hoping and praying that I can get through this test, with a decent score. I am not looking for a miracle in the least. I am looking to do the best I can do. I want to be able to recall everything I need to and be confident in my answers. And i want to do well.

do whatever you do, pray, send good thoughts, whatever.... just please do it. thank you.

currently occupying my time...

I am learning algebra, fractions, percents, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, quantitative comparisons, word problems and hell of a lot of words that were not in my vernacular before.

The gres are Tuesday the 30th. They will help determine whether or not I get in to graduate school. Some programs won't even consider your application if your scores don't suit their fancy.

So my hope is this. I can continue to learn the math portion of this test. I can recall the words needed for the verbal section. I will write my ass off in the analytical writing section. And i WILL do well enough for all my schools to look at me.

your prayers and thoughts are encouraged.

where you can find me...

So, after much turmoil, i have decided thus far to stay here, in Boston. However, that doesn't mean that I am all that happy about it. I have been uncomfortable, uneasy, antsy and wicked emotional. I tend to space out a lot more frequently... and it's just not so great.

I spent a decent about of the day on the computer and watching tv. I decided to take a walk at one point because I was just frustrated with myself and the coverage. Right now, Anderson, my dear Anderson, is reporting from the French Quarter and it seems as though the storm has started to make it's way in.

Depressing to say the least. Right now, the story is about the homeless that are squatting in abandoned buildings and that they may try to ride out the storm. The group called Unity is going through these houses where clearly people are living. It's hard to watch for me because I feel like i can put my self in Unity's eyes... going around looking for folks they know to get them some where safe.

Hospitals right now are also not evacuating. Which i think it crazy, but good. I hope to GOD that they are completely prepared and are ready for anything. Apparently, the children's hospital in NOLA now has a helipad, which they did not have before. They are letting parents to stay at the hospital with the patients and they have a ton of diesel fuel.

That's what I want to see. I want to see just the property damage. In the movie "Low and Behold" the insurance guy makes a big speech about the dream, a HUGE natural disaster with a lot of property damage and no casualties. Sounds silly, but sounds great...

So now, you can find me by any news outlet. I plan on watching this storm, watching the damage and deciding whether I quit my job or not. Sounds a little insane, and i know that, I have been toiling over this in my head for 5 days now. I hope to soon either be comfortable with the decision I made, or strong enough to make a different one.

Keep the city of Nawlin's, Houma, and others in your thoughts. Pray and support those who are down there, the national guard, the NOPD and NOFD, FEMA and the volunteers that they stay safe and strong and make the appropriate decisions. And keep me in your thoughts, if you catch me zoning out, just shake me a little, i'll come back from the place i love.

maybe this will help...

August 29. To me that's a pretty significant date. It's the anniversary of Katrina. Part of the reason my left wrist has a ink in it.

Doing relief work is an amazing experience. It brings your mind, body and spirit to a completely different place. Sometimes a calmer place because you know that you get to board a plane, go home and go back to all your earthly possessions, which you have all of. There is a bit of survivors guilt, which i admit to be oh so guilty of, always. But it's a really important thing to me to be involved in something bigger than I, something that I can do to change the greater good.

Last night, I received a call from the American Red Cross. They asked me to deploy to the gulf. My answer was maybe/yes. I had to speak to my boss first. I had already brought up the possibility of being deployed with her a few days ago when I received a preliminary email warning us about the possibility of deployment.

This morning when i approached my boss with the news of deployment on Saturday for 18 days, she was not so pleased. From her stand point, I can TOTALLY understand. One of your employees asks to leave for 18 days on oh 10 hours notice? HA. But this isn't vacation, this is something bigger, better and more important than laying on a beach some where. But that choice is not up to me yet.

I am awaiting an email that either approves or denies my request for personal leave. If it is denied, I have been given the option to leave my position today to go down tomorrow, with out it being here when i return. And i am not sure at this point what my decision might be. I recognize that I have been here for 1 year, and jumping jobs does not look good. But on a resume, disaster relief looks pretty awesome... Nursing schools will admire my character and accept me right away right? Ha, I wish. And to be honest, I am not so sure how I will react Monday morning if I wake up in my bed, in my apartment. I think i may be in quite a funk and not the same because doing this is something I love to do, something I have a passion for, and to be denied that is, well (in the most dramatic sense) is like denying my air.

well, my tumbling tummy will have to continue until i have a more definite answer, which i fear will be a bad one.

helloooo nurse...

I got out of work extra late last night, and missed my normal quick 47 bus to Cambridge. Instead I walked over to the E line and took the train in bound, and switched at Park Street. This is something I have done hundreds of times, and never thought twice. As I was leaning against one of the pillars at the red line platform, playing "who wants to be a millionaire" on my phone, a woman approached me and said coyly "hellloooo nurse".

At first, I assume it was a friend, but as the scantily clad woman (wearing a black, tight zip up hoodie and a short zebra print skirt) circled me like a shark, i realized, this was more foe than friend. I ignored as best I could, but then when she circled through, asked me if she could come home with me. I said, no and went back to playing my game. She continued to circle until the train came and I got on one car and she got on another car. I thought my worries were over.

Of course at Charles MGH, she got on my train, and walked up and down the middle isle. She settled somewhere on the other side of the T, and I felt as though there were enough people around that I was still ok, just annoyed. At Central Sq, the person sitting directly across from me got off, and my dear stalker, sat down. Mind you, she is wearing a super short, zebra print skirt. She sits with her legs spread WIDE open, for all the world to see, and followed that with "you want some of this." Oh, and if you are wondering, yes, i saw her v-jay-jay (that is the technical term you know). And so did the people on either side of me. There were chuckles, snorts and quite a few gasps.

I intently played my game, and did my best to ignore that horrible train wreck sitting across from me. I decided to get off at Porter Sq because I would be able to quickly get in to the grocery store and get a cab home from there. I get off the train at the last possible moment, hoping that the door catches her and I loose her. Instead, she gets off too, and heads up the other escalator, only to meet me at the top, asking me if I was headed home with her. I kept going and at each escalator, she was there, to wink, or make a comment. I booked it through the parking lot, while talking to Atree. I couldn't see her, and I felt safe among the food of Shaw's.

That was until I was in the frozen food section. My friend was standing in front of my favorite freezer door (Ben and Jerry's of course) and asked if i was going to make dinner and have her for dessert. I said, no, I am going to get security. And that is what I did. 10 minutes later the police showed up, I gave my statements, and I noticed my lovely "professional" friend being escorted out in cuffs.

The nice cop gave me a ride home and I chilled out in front of the lifetime classic "the other sister", without my Ben and Jerry's.

sometimes not enough.

So as you know, I tend to visit the ER every so often. I have reduced my visits to about 1 or 2 a year verses more than that, so that's an improvement. Any ways... Last night, I went to the Brigham and Women's ER after having a dizzy/fainting/nauseous spell at work. I was wheeled over by one of my co-workers and promptly checked in to triage.

While I understand it was at 5:30 and most people were commuting, I could not get a hold of one single person. It's not that I needed a person with me, I am quite comfortable in the hospital environment, but I did want someone with me. I called in a certain order. First people who I thought were in the area, which included the wentworth boy, radgrl, soxnut and one of my nurse friends here, LC. They all work within the Longwood Radius and I was SURE I could get one of them. Alas, no answer. So then I called a few people that I thought didn't live so close, but might be off work, and I was kinda frantically texting other people including nurses at work. Soxnut responded first saying she was in Harvard on her bike and it would be a while before coming back to the area. Being the wonderful nutritionist and friend that she is, she recommended checking my glucose level (which was 99, so that's all good) and my bp (which was 124/86, high for me, but technically a normal bp). She had a conference call with the Sox later on so she was unable to attend the wonderful adventure of the waiting room. Then the wentworth boy called. I was so happy. He came right over and stayed with me for a while. I sat in the waiting room forever, and the poor thing just came from the gym as was stinky (haha) and I am sure hungry. I sent him off around 9.

FINALLY at 9:30 I was brought back and got some wonderful meds like pepsid and zofran and a bag of fluid. The end all decision was, like March, I has a Vasovagal syncope episode brought on by the pain in my belly which now needs a CT.

I am at work now, and feeling much much better. The only thing I keep thinking about is the fact that I didn't have that many people to call. I am a little bummed in the fact that when asked who my emergency contact is and I said Ali, they said, no, first a family member and I said, no, first Ali. It's a little frustrating watching husbands yell at the registration desk because they just want to see their wife and know that she is ok, and I sit there alone. Friends are wonderful, please, don't get me wrong, any one. I love love love love my friends, because they are my family and my significant others... but sometimes, like last night, it's just not enough. At least for me.

i am stressed.

Here is how i have figured that out.

1. My head is pounding, I have fantabulous migraine today so severe that I can't really see straight.

2. My stomach is a wreck. Churning and turning and ick.

3. I have about 30 million zits.

4. I have 3 finals in the next 72 hours.

Oh yeah. Pray for me. oy.

Day 6

The end was drawing near. Boston, home, our own beds, were so close, yet, SOOOOO FAR!

Becky and I got up earlier than Alicia and went down to the Whole Foods to get some fixin's for waffles and bacon. We cut up some strawberry's and raspberry's and had a lovely breakfast on the porch. Then it was time to say good-bye and get back in the good 'ol Honda.

We left at 11. We thought had had planned this perfectly. We would miss the DC traffic and hopefully only catch the beginning of the NY traffic. Traffic in DC was slow going. We made it out of there and in to Maryland around 1 or so... Then we made pretty decent time. We stopped quick for lunch, our turkey and cheese sandwiches with carrots and of course making inappropriate comments about the people at the rest stop. We can be pretty immature sometimes, but, eh, who cares, we had our supply of twizzlers to keep us happy.


Back on the road, and headed towards NY. We got to NJ paid our arm and a leg toll and were on our way to the G.W. bridge. It was probably about 3:45.

We had gotten stuck smack dab in the middle of the traffic. We listened to 4 Dixie Chicks CDS from the NJ turnpike in to NYC. I was getting ridiculously angry and soo frustrated!!! We had no AC, which is really ok, except when you are surrounded by 16 wheelers, and stupidness. Here's me being very, very, very frustrated. Even Alicia is making a face in the corner.


A good 2 hours later, we had finally gotten through the traffic and were headed towards CT. We were doing well, until, shocking! more traffic. I thought it would be best to get some gas since we were low and I had no desire of getting stuck with no gas. We got off at Stamford, and couldn't find gas for the life us. So we got back in to the pile of traffic. It took probably another 30 minutes until we were happily going a nice 60 miles per hour and saw a rest stop. I HAPPILY handed the keys over and took my happy place in the passenger seat. That was at 6.

There were few delays from there. A pretty decent accident did stall traffic for a little bit. A huge 16 wheeler looked as if it had ripped open like a can of sardines and then flipped... not so great. Even worse was a stupid Jeep from NJ who had the dumbest driver ever. Boo her. First, she almost crashed her car in to other cars going about 70 miles an hour, she didn't stop in time, so instead she drove off the road in to the middle ground. She got back in the line of traffic where she then bumped the car in front of her. The driver got out and started yelling, thankfully it was settled and everyone got back in their cars. Once we passed the accident it was smooth sailing to the house. We got home around 9:30/10. The car was pretty much emptied, but there was some stuff left. Tomorrow, I'll start really cleaning and doing laundry and what not.

Well, it's off to bed so I can be ready and refreshed (yeah right) for work!

Day 5

We woke up around 9 and headed out to Huey's, a New Orleans Style restaurant, for breakfast. YUM. There was a little more shopping and then we experienced our first Sox-Hating. We were both wearing our sox shirts and in a candy store we had an older man walk by us, then come back and say, "I shouldn't be saying anything, but I couldn't help it with both you ladies wearing those shirts! I am a proud Yankee fan!" He was so cute. We chatted for a bit. It was nice...

We got settled at the hotel (with the correct rate, yay!) and got on the road to DC. We had been gloating the day before about how extremely well the trip had gone, no snafus and just so smooth. I think we jinxed it.

So we headed out towards DC. I had made this binder with directions divided by each leg of the journey. I made a mistake on our Savannah to DC directions though and instead of going from Savannah, it went from Morrow, GA. So the directions had us going back to Atlanta, and then to DC, which is definitely out of the way. So, Alicia's the amazing girl she is dealt with me and we figured out eventually how to get on the right road (that is after we attempted to find 95 once and turned around - oh that's right, it was the exit AFTER the one where we turned around).

So, we get on 95 and we're going, it's a decent drive. We leave Georgia, head in to South Carolina, pass the town of Coosawatchie and then out of the trunk in front of me flies some black thing, i have no clue what it was. There was then a ping sound, something hitting the car, and we started to swerve a bit. To our right, a driver yelled, you have a flat tire. Oh yes folks. We cursed ourselves good. A nice flat tired near the town of Coosawatchie.

Well, Alicia called AAA and we got someone on the way. Mind you, we both know how to change a flat, but, on the busy highway, we just didn't want to deal with it. At all. So we had about 45 minutes to wait for them. As we are waiting, a police cruiser pulled up behind us and out came a VERY handsome trooper. His name was Perry. We called him (not to his face) "Super Trooper Perry".
Anyways, he and his giant arms told us where the next Wal*Mart was, and said he'd check in on us in a little bit. The AAA guy came with his big belly. He fixed it in no time, and we were on our way to Wally World.

The guy at Wal*Mart was super nice... however we had about an hour to wait. So, we played. The coolest thing about the store was the cookie samples. Oh yes, tons of cookies! Lovely. Finally we were back on the road. I must say, at this point, both of us were wearing thin. Totally ready to just be home... not DC, home.

The rest of the drive was alright. I freaked out at every little sound, but everything was always fine. We stopped to fill up on gas, and grab ourselves some Sonic.

We met "larry the cable guy", who really wasn't as famous as the other guy, but still entertaining. The Sonic on the other hand, not so entertaining. Perhaps it was the rate at which we inhaled the food, or perhaps it was that we hadn't eaten fast food burgers in forever, but whatever it was, it just wasn't right.

We took our icky stomachs to DC. We were totally on our last legs, and the lack of parking just kinda took us over the edge when we got to Becky's. Alicia and I were done with the road trip, but sadly, we couldn't actually be done. We were only in DC! Becky set us up wonderfully in her apartment. Alicia had the air mattress to herself and I got to cuddle with my Beck-1! It was most certainly time to crash.

Day 4

We got up a little to late to have our continental breakfast at the Best Western, but that's OK. We got our sleep. Alicia and I had packed snacks like muffins and apples so we munched on the way.


Ah. Savannah! The place Alicia and I had been waiting for! And totally NOT what I expected, and I think Alicia would agree. The drive to Savannah was relatively short, only 4 hours compared to most of our other 9 hour drives. It was beautiful weather. Route 16 goes right into downtown, a little strange, but good for a visitor. Our hotel was located right downtown, very close to the City Market and the River.

We checked in at 2:00, knowing well and good that check in is technically at 4. I had previously printed the confirmation page, as well as checked to make sure that we had changed the reservation for 2 people instead of 3. Everything was lookin' good on paper. Not so much at the hotel where they had the wrong reservation linked with the confirmation number, and had the wrong rate for the room. I was quite frustrated by this whole issue... it was thankfully worked out by the ever cool Alicia.

We decided since it would be at least an hour until our room was ready to start walking around Savannah. I think that I had imaged amazing houses and shops every where... something a little more classy then what seemed to be before us. First stop, the Lady and Son's restaurant to make sure we could get dinner reservations.

We got them for 8:45 pm. Sounded great. We then grabbed lunch at Belford's in the city market. It was a pretty decent meal. The drinks however, were another story. I have come to find that I have no tolerance for liquor and Alicia learned of her distaste for Key Lime Martini's and their frothiness. The atmosphere was nice in the restaurant, and it was good to just chill.

We then walked all around the river front. River Street is the "known" area in Savannah. It's pretty and some of the buildings are really cool, and obviously it's all really historic.. so that's neat... however, we thought it was weird that for the most part, it was empty and when you walked over a few streets "too far" you would have walked into an area that seemed perhaps, not the safest of spots. All in all, the city is very neat to run around in. There are squares of little parks and then a large park (name Forsyth Park) in the middle. Most of the squares have statues or fountains. As with most cities, you find a few characters out and about.
After walking around for a few hours, we headed back to the hotel to crash for a bit before dinner.

We made it to the restaurant a little early, but it was alright, we were seated a little early. Paula Deen is Alicia's FAVORITE person (there may actually be a tie between her and Wentworth Miller, and of course, moi). She was hoping to run in to her idol, but alas, Paula was a no show. The menu looked wonderful. There were many appetizers, and about 10 entrees. At least 5 of them had shrimp so that was a no go for me... and about 8 of them were seafood, so Alicia's was out on that. We decided on the buffet and fried green tomato appetizers. They came over with some wonderful hoebread (quite like a pancake) and a delicious cheesy biscuit. The tomatoes were yummy too, except they had this spicy stuff on them, which was a little too much. We then went for the buffet. Ready? There was fried chicken, stewed chicken, steak, mashed potatoes, green beans in a butter bath, grits, gravy, lima beans, collard greens and my personal favorite, mac and cheese (i was the first to dive in to the new pan that came out). The food, although was delicious, was a little too much for my body to handle. The lack of the gall bladder made me not so happy... but of course, i had to get dessert. The buffet came with dessert but I had been saving myself all week for Paula Deen Key Lime Pie. And it was 100% worth it. YUM.

So we stuffed ourselves silly and then promptly passed out in bed. The beds were wickedly comfortable. And we were out.

PS to our Marathon friends: We "ran" our 26.2 miles along with you. Start at 10:30 we tracked our time, and it should be known, we won the prize. We finished in 20 minutes and 4 seconds. That's right... we won, not some amazing African Runner! :)

Day 3

Today was our lazy day. Lindsay stayed up quite late/early doing some homework (perhaps a view of what my future life as a nursing student may look like). Originally we had wanted to go to church, but that idea was scratched when we all remembered how much we loved sleep.

We actually left the house around 12:30. Lindsay took us on a tour of Jackson. First we saw her school. She goes to Union University... You might recognize the name because a tornado ripped through her school in February this year. We were able to see the new construction going up around that disaster. We learned where the nice Kroger is and where you can go shopping... as well as where most people are spending their Sunday afternoon. The local park was PACKED. Lindsay said that when she had been there before no one was there, but, there were so many people there playing on the play ground, the soccer fields, baseball diamonds, it was insane actually.

Downtown Jackson is lacking some... well people and businesses. There isn't much there, although, it is quite an adorable little town with might I had, the National Barber College (the building looks as if it hasn't been used in 50 plus years!).

blizzard, and i have to say, it was only my 2We then headed to the Jackson Family Fun Complex where Lindsay (the scorekeeper) beat Alicia and I in a round of mini-golf. We're pretty sure she cheated. Then it was off to my first go-kart experience. Not exactly what I pictured, but fun. It was warm out so we decided it was necessary to have some DQ (or Dairy Queen to the uneducated). I got a wonderful butterfingernd DQ experience, and I loved it more then the first). We spent hours at DQ just talking and then decided to finally head over to O'Charley's.


Alicia is a manager at a local 99 up in the Boston area, and within the past 10 year's O'Charley's has taken over as it's parent company, so she had said early on that she wanted to go to eat there. The food was decent, and the staff was attractive and nice. The bathrooms however were another story. It's all good though.

We headed back to Lind's house and met her landlady who is a bit of a character, but funny and sweet. Then it was off to Morrow, GA where we spent the night before heading in to Savannah. The drive wasn't terrible... long, but good. There were some parts where we were driving through winding mountainous roads that I fee like would've been much nicer to do in the day time without millions of 16 wheelers. But all in all... good day. Soon to see Paula!!!!!!!


One quick note! Good Luck to all the runners tomorrow!!!!!! YAY!

Day 2

Today was a loooong day, yet technically the same length of any other day. We left Lexington around 8. We first got our complimentary breakfast consisting of English muffins, corn flakes and various juices. There was a slight incident when we saw the housekeeping staff digging through the garbage picking out all the Styrofoam cups, just like the ones we were drinking out of. I was quite disgusted, but Alicia just kept on drinking her juice… who knows where our cups had been!

I took the first leg of driving. From Lexington to Nashville, it was about 7 hours. For a good part of the first 4 it rained. It was icky grey and just did not look nice.

Alicia slept, which was really good. As much as I’d like to say I loved driving through there, I can’t say it… it’s all the same, cows and farms, and more cows, and some chickens. I guess I should be thankful we’re not driving through Kansas.

We stopped around 1 at a rest stop just outside of Knoxville and grabbed lunch. We then called our local tour guide, Casey, in Nashville to let her know we were only 2 hours or so away. She seemed so very nice on the phone, and we were so excited for Nashville.



It was sprinkling a bit when we pulled off the sketchy exit in to Nashville. It reminded me a lot of getting of I-10 in NOLA, where you think you’ve just made a terrible mistake, but really, just keep going, and it will be fine. We parked in a garage, and that is when the fun began.

We wanted to wear our going out clothes… but we had no place to change, so we changed in the car. I am SURE the security guard could see us and enjoyed the show. We headed out the door, and outside, where it had begun raining harder and our adorable outfits were just not appropriate for the weather. So we headed back inside to grab sweatshirts and change again. Finally we made it out towards the ice cream parlor because it was the only place we could find with a bathroom. With a strawberry shake and a mango tropical smoothie we were on our way to Casey. She lives right in downtown Nashville, the equivalent of say living on Tremont Street or in Times Square. Her apartment was GEORGEOUS!!!! And she was so nice!

on our own, couldn’t afford, and wouldn’t find easily in Boston. It was fun though. We found some cute things, but at least for me, my budget doesn’t have space for a 100-dollar dress rightShe took us around to some boutiques which were places that we would probably never go in now. We headed back to the “big streets” of Nashville, grabbed dinner and a cute bar place where we had the most ditzy waitress ever, think Ursula on Mad About You.

We then went shopping in the touristy stores around and I don’t know that I have laughed that hard in a really long time! There are a lot of lame yet funny things around, including Alicia and my new man, Elivs!
Alicia and I wanted cowboy boots, and we found a store with a sign that says, “buy 1 pair get 2 pair free” – which says to us, buy one pair of boots get the second pair free. Well, apparently it’s buy one pair get 2 pairs free. So we got each a pair and one for her sister. We headed back to the car to toss all the stuff with us and let me put on my boots and then headed out for some good old Nashville Night Life. We went to the a place called the Stage.


There were a mix of people at the stage, really hip 20 year olds and some not so hip everyone elses. There were men in cowboy hats and boots, and there was a fabulous country singer (who wore really tight jeans, just like a good country singer should). Despite the southern charm rumor, we experienced the same creepiness as we do up North. Boys trying to hit on you by running their hands all over you. Get the message boys; in a cowboy hat and boots you are still being creepy!

We headed out a little later towards Jackson to meet up with Lindsay (Alicia’s sister). That drive I have to say thank god I was not the driver. I was barely able to keep my eyes open. Thankfully Alicia got us here safe and sound.

Tomorrow, we rest for the day and head to Morrow, Georgia (half way to Savannah).

Day 1

We departed from Boston at 2:00 am and made our way to the road. Despite the fact that it was wicked early, Licia and I were ridiculously awake. We chatted for the first hour or two about various things, and most importantly talked about how much we missed our third road companion RadGrl. Sadly, she had other pressing engagements and was not able to partake in the adventure.

I fell asleep around 3 and told ‘Licia to wake me up when we hit the Tapanzee Bridge. Right on time, around 4:40 am she woke me up… just as we were heading in to White Plains. Being from NY, and traveling to the city frequently during my childhood, I always get a bit nostalgic when traveling around familiar landmarks.

We got to the bridge at 5:09… where we hit our first ‘bout of traffic. It took us a good 30 minutes to get off the bridge and be on our way.
We made it to Victory, PA before stopping – a whole 300 miles… We got some coffee and gas, and I took the wheel.


PA is full of farms and cows. I was ridiculous always saying COW! I know ‘Licia got sick of that one. She fell asleep a little later, and I kept driving. We had decided that at 9 we would be stopping to grab breakfast at Shoneys restaurant. A whole 5.99 for a breakfast buffet. Whoo-hoo!

Back on the road, back to more farms. We played about a million cds and sang at the top of our lungs to most of the songs. It was completely delightful. Driving and driving, I felt like we were NEVER going to get to Lexington.

FINALLY we arrived in Lexington. The hotel thankfully let us check in early and we showered and got ready to meet up with Justin (‘Licia’s brother). We hit the VMI around 2:30 and Justin showed us around a little. We went on a tour with a fantastically nerdy boy and learned wonderful things about the VMI. We were then ready for the parade to begin. Let me remind you that it was HOTT out. Ok. Maybe not hot. Nice and warm, probably 75 at least.

Here were the poor cadets in their dress uniforms, wool and wicked hot. Having to stand out in the sun. Turns out at least 12 of them had fainted and had to fall out of line. The parade was cool, and it was fun to watch at the VMI boys running around. There were some QUITE attractive ones.

After the parade, we took Justin and some friends (4 to be exact) to dinner at a pizza place in town. These 5 VMI boys all squeezed in the back of ‘Licia’s sturdy Honda Civic. We were even asked at a light if we were Mexican or from the Circus. No Lie!


Now Alicia and I are back at the hotel. Quite sunburned and completely ready for bed. We’re watching a little I love Lucy to get us ready and then it’s a good nights rest for us. We are off tomorrow for Nashville and Jackson.

Thus far I have quite enjoyed seeing the amazing scenery. It is quite beautiful out in this area, and amazingly historical. Yay! See ya’ll later!!

Interruption....

We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog for a special program.

I'm a wanna be hippie that showers presents:

ROAD TRIP TO THE DIRRRTY DIRRRRTY SOUTH 2008

prepare to be dazzled by the wonders of the road.
2 girls, a honda civic and the south.



OH YEAH.

i love a job where....

• you are reminded to wear your red sox gear on tuesday.

• when you walk in on tuesday, everyone is wearing their red sox gear.
  

• all tvs are turned on to the red sox opening day ceremonies.

• the nurses encourage you to eat the free ice cream.

• everyone stops what they are doing to watch the f-16 fly overs, and it's really awesome because you are on the 10th floor with lots of windows.

Oh yes, that's my job! :) GO SOX!

Dr Yousef comes to town...

I have a very dear friend who has a minor fetish... foreigners... She's dated them, friends with them, hell she's even married to one! Because of this fetish, she always has interesting stories when it comes to security issues... It is always an adventure with Radgrl.

Tonight was no exception. Radgrl is married to Hrvdboi. He is Indian, and his family lives in Kuwait. Currently, everyone is preparing for a wedding in California. This includes getting all supplies over from Kuwait to the US. His mother had arranged for 2 acquaintances who were flying to the US to meet up with Radgrl and hand over 2 bags filled with random items including an amplifier, sari, pots and pans, and a potato masher. Radgrl was told that these 2 men, (one of whom is named Dr. Yousef...) would call upon arrival.

Radgrl and I hung out for Easter and prepared to leave for the airport around 7, supposedly leaving us enough time to say hello to Ali and the gang at the 99 and make our way to the airport for the pick up. Well thankfully we left when we did because traffic was horrible. We got to the airport at 9:07. I called to find out when the flight arrived and it had been there about 20 minutes. Radgrl had not heard from our friends yet... Chewy ( the dog) was in the back seat so, there was no way we could park and go in. So i jumped in to the driver seat and Radgrl went inside to baggage claim.

She walked around for about 10 minutes. While inside she spoke to the information guy, trying to explain that 2 men from Kuwait were bringing her 2 bags that she needed to pick up. Clearly that did not go over so well. She was suggested to check with the baggage people. That conversation went very similar to the one before. "Maybe they left the bags for me to pick up" "Who are you again?" "You are telling me that 2 men from Kuwait, left you 2 bags to randomly pick up at the airport?" On top of that she began to notice more security make their way around the area. She asked if she could page the 2 men. The information man said that he would page them, but she needed to leave the airport within the next 5 minutes.

While Radgrl was inside, I was sitting at the gate outside, waiting. I could see the cop directing traffic on his walkie-talkie and moving closer and closer to the car. I kept trying to figure out what I would have to tell them when Radgrl came out, flustered and frustrated. We drove away laughing at the hilarity and insanity of the evening. A little adventure never hurt anyone.

"a friend will bail you out of jail,
a true friend will be sitting next to you"

help wanted:

looking for someone to kick my butt and motivate me to put down the junk food and start putting fruit and veggies in my mouth. Someone who will carry me out of bed and drop me off at the gym and be sure I actually do something.

If you are willing and able.... apply within.

You're still a part of everything I do, you're on my heart just like a tattoo...

Birthday chanukah begins!!!

So because i do have awesome friends... i have enough presents here so that i can open one every day for the next week.... It's very exciting. So, i have already started... :)

Yesterday, as I was patiently waiting for my red sox / yankees tickets. I got cold, and colder.... but, i figured it was just a me thing... but, by the time i cranked the thermostat to 80 and nothing happened, i thought something was wrong. But, i was preoccupied with my tickets. When Marian got home, i explained the coldness and we called the landlord. Then she reminded me about the presents... so i said ... find me the warmest one....

so i got....
This kitty will be keeping the draft out of my room for a while... hopefully it will help me stay a little warmer.

Today (sunday), Marian, John and I went to breakfast and on our way back it began to rain. If you know me, you know I hate the rain. With a passion. So we played the game again... Find me a present that will keep me dry.

so i got...

This hard has been something i've wanted for a very long time! With the construction and demolition work i have done... i felt i needed my own hard hat. I had the steel toed boots, why not the hard hat. To make it even more personal, it's from the Suffolk Construction Company ... but no one needs to know that... just that it says Suffolk... my alma mater!


I'll keep you posted on how the next week goes! Don't forget, February 15th is day kids... so send those wishes my way!

*UPDATE:

I received many wonderful gifts that include the following:
-candy
-tattoo gift certificate
-kite
-plates
-necklace
-duvet
and some other stuff that at this moment, i can not remember. Thanks to all for making it such a wonderful day/week/month.

I can't pick a birthday present...

I have had a really fun weekend. Classes started and I'm quite excited. My professor seems to be excited about teaching and the subject of anatomy and physiology, so that's great. I do better when my professors are excited about their class. After class i ran to Park Street where I was able to witness a union of some friends. From there we went to the reception then headed home to change. We headed to Rt 1 for some fun and adventures... because yes, that's what we do. We go to Rt. 1 to have fun.

We happened to go to Kmart while there. I have been looking for a new duvet and bed set for at least a year. I have also wanted to paint my room. So Marian and I walked around looking at bed sets together. There were a few that I really liked. Despite Marian saying to pick one out for my birthday, I turned down any offer and we went on our merry way.

Today, Crimson, Marian, Sean, John and Chris met up for a brunch that supported the Greater Boston Food Bank. It was lovely. After we went shopping around the Pru. There I noticed that I was very picky about the things I was looking at and considering buying. We later headed downtown to H & M where I found the most wonderful spring coat. I loved it! And despite the price being affordable and Crimson saying she'd get if for my birthday, I said, No.

Crimson and Marian were talking about settling for things and I said, I'm very picky. I always wait because what if something better comes along... and then I had an a ha moment. I am too picky in life. I am crazy about my clothes matching and crazy about not getting something I really want because, what if I find something I love more a little later. Then It's too late, i already choose. Besides my silly idiosyncrasies, I feel as thought this is a bigger issue in my life. Especially when it comes to dating.

First off, I admit that I have been burned before and therefore am extra cautious when it comes to relationships. Yet that doesn't explain why I don't give more people chances at getting to know me or for me getting to know other people. I am shy when it comes to guys I might be interested and very awkward when it comes to guys who like me. I am always wondering, what if there is something better. What if I meet someone who I'm more attracted to?

I think i just need to get out there. Give more people a chance. Now that doesn't mean I'll change over night, but it does mean that I'll give a lot more thought. Maybe I'll buy a jacket, settle on a wall color, choose a duvet cover or maybe even pick a birthday present...

or maybe, I'll go on a date.

how close is too close?

I realized today that I really truly miss my patients. I have been moved to another section of the hospital, and starting next week, I'll be in yet another section. I eat lunch in my original placement, and hang out with some of my friends and patients. Today I noticed one of my patients looking particularly uncomfortable and ill. I spoke with his mother and just sat there with her for a bit. I realized that I wouldn't be able to take care of him any more. I wouldn't be there to bring the warm blanket, the yogurt, or bust on him about needing to take another set of vital signs. The same goes for other patients... no more conversations about Macs, or my schooling with the professors that are here. It makes me sad.

That makes me wonder, how close is too close? Have I stepped over a line to the point where I am too invested? Am i too deeply involved. I fear that this will continually be a problem. I am the type of person who wants to be involved. I want to know about the regular life stuff along with the disease-y type stuff. I want to know what music you're listening too and what your platelet level is. It's just how I am. I would share my platelet level with someone if i knew it on a regular basis (Though I am not sure how many people want to know about that).

I feel as though patients are just friends that are sick. I wouldn't scream from the roof top some personal information, but, on a personal level, i connect with these people. I have become part of their lives. I know that because of Christmas cards, e-mails, and hugs. Their lives I know, include me, and that I am important to them. So why can't or why shouldn't they be just as important to me? Why shouldn't I miss them, as they miss me when I'm not on the floor?

I fear this will be a life long struggle.

In good news though, last night I went out to see Firedrill! perform at Johnny D's in Somerville last night. First off, I'd like to point out that Johnny D's is one of my all time favor brunch places. They play jazz as you eat... can it get any better? Well, Firedrill! was great (as always). It was nice to see my friends D and Tree... (yes, i use code names for most people... you need to figure them out!). We definitely enjoyed ourselves and it just solidified the following: i need to get out more, i need to hangout with my friends more and i need a life. excellent.

Donate Blood and Platelets - I did today!

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) Kraft Family Blood Donor Center and the Brigham and Women's Hospital's (BWH) Blood Donor Center are members of the Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine (JPTM). Together these centers provide essential blood products to patients cared for in both institutions. The Kraft Center collects platelets; the BWH Donor Center collects whole blood and red cells. The program's research and quality standards ensure the safety of the more than 60,000 transfusions performed annually at their patient care facilities.

Transfusions of blood and platelets are critical to helping patients return to health. There is no substitute for volunteer donors; patients count on people like you to help.Blood is made of four components: platelets, plasma, red blood cells and white blood cells. The platelet component is necessary to control bleeding. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, for example, are unable to produce enough platelets. Without platelet transfusion, life-threatening hemorrhages could result.

Plan to spend about two hours at the donor center. When you arrive, you will complete a confidential screening about your medical and travel history. Platelets are collected by a procedure called apheresis (a-far-EE-sis). During this process, a machine collecting blood from one arm separates your platelets from the other blood components, which are returned to you. The donation takes about 90 minutes during which time you can enjoy a variety of entertainment from our multimedia library on a personal TV screen, read about monthly happenings in the center's newsletter, or simply sit back and relax.

Safety is our priority; all materials used are new for each donor and then discarded. After the donation, you will be asked to remain in the donor center for a brief period of rest, during which time we invite you to relax and enjoy some refreshments.

Eligibility
You are eligible to donate platelets every two weeks (up to 24 times a year), if you:
are at least 17 years old; weigh at least 110 pounds; are in good health; are free of aspirin or products containing aspirin (e.g., ibuprofen, Advil, naproxen, Motrin, and Aleve) for 36 hours beforehand; and are free of antibiotics and dental cleaning for 48 hours beforehand.

You will be unable to donate if:
you have had a tattoo or piercing within the last 12 months; you are pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant; or you have traveled to a malarial risk country. There are other travel, medical conditions, and medications that may make you ineligible to donate. Please feel free to contact the donor center with any questions you have about your eligibility.

Appointments
You can make an appointment to donate platelets during the hours listed below for the Kraft Center.

For first time donors:
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.Friday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Regular hours:
Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.Friday, 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call (617) 632-3206, or e-mail us at joseph_powell@dfci.harvard.edu.

health AND dental insurance?!

So, i was offered a full time, benefits full, vacation time and sick time, position at my place of employment. I am very excited about it. The only really sad part is that it is in a new unit. I really love my patients. A lot. And I am sure I'll love these patients just as much, but it really bums me out to be missing out on their lives. I ran in to a few of them on my way down from my interview and it seemed as though they were almost going to cry when I told them that I going to be moving. I have become so involved in their lives, but I guess this is part of life. Getting new jobs, meeting new people, moving on.

Of course, I'll be catching up on my favorites, and try to work on the other floor when I can. I believe I can scramble down there some days when I am off for some extra cash (which will be quite nice).

Tonight I believe will be a quiet night, and most likely a quiet weekend. It will be good. However, if you want to make it exciting give me a call and we'll do something.

Have a great weekend readers.

my birthday is just around the corner...

This was my list last year. I have to say... my friends did really well... I will highlight things that are still missing. And of course, within the next month (that's right, only a month left!!) I'll add more things. YAY for birthdays!

1. Until There's a Cure - Silver AIDS bracelet - available at Body Shop.
2. John Corbett CD- available at Borders.
3. Sharpie Accent Retractable Highlighters - various colors - available at Staples.
4. Queen Sized Duvet - down alternative - white - available at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
5. Queen Sized Duvet Cover - white - available at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
6. Amazing Wall Hanging Fish Tank - available only at target.com.
7. Fish for the fish tank - beta - a petstore.
8. Timbuk2 Cargo Tote- medium/black - timbuk2.com/backcountry.com/city sports.
9. Gift Certificates to Gap, Old Navy, Target (any where i can get new clothes!!).
10. One way ticket to NOLA.
11. Elsa Peretti Cross necklace, small. Sterling silver, on 16" chain - available at Tiffany's.
12. Black Mac Book, 13", 160 GB Serial ATA drive, etc... - available at Apple.com or the store.
13. New furniture at Ikea - available at ikea.com.
14. A freezer for Sarah - available at walmart.com or the store.
15. Books - available at Borders or Barnes and Noble or Brookline Booksmith.
16. Salon Gift Certificate to get my hair cut - available at a salon.
17. GRE study book - available at Borders or Barnes and Noble or Brookline Booksmith.
18. a bible, small, NIV - available at Borders or Barnes and Noble or Brookline Booksmith.
19. A snowboarding trip for a day (rental and lift tix included) - available at a mountain.
20. A new body pillow.
21. 8 candle votives (i get wax every where).
22. a winter jacked (ski/snowboardesque). Despite my denying my need for it... i need it...

Can you tell that I am a tad bored at work? Well kids, get shopping. :)

Running, running, running...

I have been going to the gym almost every day for the past 2 weeks. While I realize that 2 weeks really isn't a lot of time, I feel as though I haven't accomplished much at all. My weight hasn't changed all that much, just a few pounds (well... depending on which scale I use it can vary from a loss of 3 to 8 pounds). I feel as though my clothes are still too tight (there is a possibility that I have shrunk them all. I am not so great at laundry. This past load I turned all white things in to a pale blue/gray). Sigh.

My usual routine is to run/elliptical for about 30 minutes. Today I did that for 45 minutes because, well let's be honest, I ate a disgusting amount of rice krispy squares last night. Then on some days, I do arm strength training, and on the other days, I do leg strength training. I am trying to also get in about 50 crunches a day. That usually doesn't get done so much. But, I wouldn't think I NEED the crunches so much when I am doing the other stuff...

I have stayed OP (on-plan for all you non ww (weight watchers) people) this week. Which is clearly a good thing. Again, i haven't seen results of that either. Maybe i am doing something wrong, I am just not sure what. I am doing my best to eat at least 4 fruits and veggies a day... Maybe I need to work on what my points are being used towards. That could be a good goal. What is sad is the more healthy my food gets, the more expensive and time consuming it is.

Alright kids. I have 7 hours and 1o minutes left in this joint. It's possible I'll be back on after lunch for an update on the day.

Update:
So in other news...

I have been working at this health care facility since September as a per diem clinical assistant. That means, i am paid per hour and I have no benefits. That also means that technically, I can lose my job at any time because I may not be needed any more. (Anyone sense some foreshadowing?).

Yesterday my supervisor pulled me in to the office to let me know that after I am trained at this new section, I may not have a space when I get back. This shocked me, of course. Job security was something I never worried about. There was always something for me to do.

Well, not so much anymore. But, I am taking the higher ground. I have applied to full time positions and have an interview tomorrow. Hopefully all will go well.

The thing that bothers me is change. I don't want to meet new staff, new patients, new this and new that. I wish I could stick to what I know. But I guess that's how it goes. Always have to be on your guard and be prepared to change if needed. So yeah.

Biggest Loser, what?!

So, my office (well mainly Maz and myself) decided that we should do the Biggest Loser, Office Style. The word got out, and a TON of staff are excited and involved. Starting next Tuesday, we will be weighing in every week (yay accountability!). We pay $6, $1 will go to the weekly winner and the other $5 will go to the large pot to the over-all winner. It's quite exciting. It's also really great because it will encourage everyone to really get involved and be on top of it. When you try to do things on your own, generally it is harder... with the entire staff by my side, I can't fail. I hope I don't fail... seriously.

In other news I am being trained in a new section of the hospital. It is slow and boring. Send me emails and love. I should only be here for 2 weeks, but today has gone by SOO SLOWLY... oy. I like fast pacedness.

School applications are going out soon (again). Classes start up at the end of January. I need to finish my stats class (i hate that class, p.s.).

the life of a suzi. never dull.