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.