Murphy's Law

Spring is Here!!!

2011-03-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

Hiiilllooo!!

Jerry Humphrey's is a popular man in Alabama. He has inspected any & every elevator in the state, from Mobile to Birmingham, Scottsboro to Jacksonville, Gadsden, etc. I've actually made it a point to check out who the elevator is inspected by b/c there is nooo way he's checking EVERY elevator!! Funny that I first noticed his name when I was a sophomore in college at USA, so needless to say, I've been noticing the elevator inspectors.

So, the Lenten season has begun. I was getting off work on Ash Wed, so I decided to make the early mass, which just so happens to be the school mass of the day!! I've been attending the same Catholic church in Bham for 4yrs b/c I'm too nervous to try another one by myself. The past few times I've been (which, indeed, have been too far apart), I showed up at 530...mass didn't start until 6. The next time, I bee bopped in there at 630, wondering why I was the only one who was walking in. It was only like 632, couldn't have been thattttt late. They had just finished the Homily. I couldn't leave b/c I had already taken off my jacket! Ugh! So, back to Ash Wed, I had just gotten off a 12hr shift, tiredddd & looking like it. I sit in my normal seat...3 rows closest to the back on the far left. Well, then kids of all ages start piling in. I was the tallest person for rows!!! Hahah.

My pops, sister, & I adventured to Tunica, MS a few wknds ago. Mine & Ry's 1st casino rendezvous. Believe me when I say, I've never seen so many Hover-rounds (sp?) & wheelchairs. Not to mention, the array of pajama pants people were sporting! Hahah! We had a BLAST. I didn't lose any $$, so I broke even. Who knew Roulette was so fun? I tried to lighten the mood since everyone is sooo serious around the table. When it was quiet, I said, "So this isn't the same as Russian Roulette, is it?!?!" Hahah! Didn't get quite the laugh I was seeking, but that's okay! Everyone asked Ry & I if we were twins or assumed I was older which is annoying b/c she's 2yrs older than me!!

Buffet city. I haven't eaten at a buffet in years, but oh my, did I eat at the casino's! We made some friends naturally w/ my dad telling everyone he was there w/ his daughters & Ry & I being the socialites we are. One Yemen man played Roulette w/ us for a while. Ry kept saying that "Lemon" guy. Wait, did I just say we made friends? I meant we didn't! Hahah! Jk! He didn't hear her. After that trip, come on Vegas!!

St. Patrick's Day: ah, what a glorious day. I set up shop at an Irish Pub around 0900...yes, in the morning. Don't judge; there was free breakfast! This place is open 24hrs for this special occasion. Kegs & Eggs, they called it. Hahah! You wouldn't believe the ppl who showed up at 0600 when they opened! Impressive. It's like Mardi Gras where ppl take off work to enjoy/celebrate allll day! Making friends was easy, & there was more shades of green than the Amazon Rainforest.

Seinfeld is my #1 all time, favorite shows. I LOVE IT! Can't get enough, even though I've seen every episode a number of times! It kills me how Jerry always has like 65 boxes of cereal in his apt. Have you ever noticed that? Its' funny to me.

Well, I wouldn't be Megan if I didn't put my foot in my mouth at least weekly. Good thing I've already completed that task for this wk. A man walks in to see his what I believe is grandchild. "Hey Grandpa!!" ....I wondered if I could retract the statement as soon as it rolled off my tongue. "Ohhh, no, I'm not Gpa...know I look old, but I'm dad." I just smiled, as I wanted to melt into the ground.

Think that's it! Love!

Who wants a Sandwich?

2011-02-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Hey! The "No soup for you!" lunch ladies are gone from my work!!! Outta there. No mas! See yaaaa! Thank heavens; I can now order my turkey, pepperjack on wheat w/out the possibility of getting a knife thrown at me! Haha. The sandwich maker moved to day shift...I truly believe it's bc I gave her such the stink eye when I went in there. My coworkers wouldn't even go w/ me in fear that that mean, old lady would not like them too! Anddddd the cashier, she was just too old, bless her. Usually I buy a Powerade & Chex Mix w/ or w/out the sandwich. I promise you, L, the cashier, would spell out everything you bought! It took her entirely toooo long to cash you out. She used a pencil & if there was a backspace on that thing, she was wearing it out!! So needless, to say, my life is a lot better now w/out those 2 mean ladies!

I don't recall if I've mentioned the divorce of my Dad & (ex)stepmom. Well, it was an ordeal, just like everything else. She's moved to ArkansaS (I like to pronounce the silent S). Yes, you read correctly, Arkansas. Sucks b/c my little sister is there w/ her. We do get to see her, just not as much as I, or the rest of the family would prefer. Don't really think it's fair to strip a child away from all of her family, but who I mean who am I to question? So, point of story. Mac was here a few wks ago. She, Ry, & I were all watching tv in my dad's bed, sharing some sister bonding. I lost my phone charger (& by lost, I mean misplaced for 1 second, & had already began sweating that Id never see it again...dramatic, I know) Of course, I blame Mac; she's young, why not? She says "Uh, no, Meg, I didn't have it. You losed it." Before Ry or I can correct her, my 8y/o sister says, "Oh no! I've lived in Arkansas too long!!" Hahahha!!!! Speaks volume!

February 7th was a year since Ben Trussell's passing. We all got together to celebrate his life. Seems so unreal that he's been gone a yr. His (older) brother wrote the most amazing song about him, a tear jerker for sure. The chorus "I play the same chords you played" Just got chills even typing that. His dad played a song of his. It's amazing to see how many ppl come out or showed up in memory of him. Damnit Ben.

After experiencing the death of a close friend & just being a nurse, it's so scary to know how fast things can happen & turn sour. Some ppl are ready for death. Well, I guess I shouldn't say ready, rather, not afraid for it. Not me. I'm so scared of death.

Freedom of Speech...the 1st Amendment, correct? Yes. Also, in this country, we are allowed to practice any religion, whether it be Christianity or praying to wild turkey. I've already mentioned in the past what it's like being a Catholic in the "Bible Belt" so to speak. It's not Alabama in general b/c when I lived in Mobile, everyone was Catholic. However, out of all the nurses I work w/, I believe only 3, including myself, have practiced or are practicing Catholics. Ever since the 3rd grade, I've been getting grief about my Christian denomination b/c mind you, Catholicism is a part of Christianity. As a matter of fact, we started Christianity. How can so many ppl seem to forget that? You learn it in school! Someone's Facebook (another topic later) on how they were glad they didn't have to pray to a Priest, blah blah. Now I shouldn't take offense to that, I know. I mean, if you're reading my blog, I know I've probably offended you along the way. I just don't see how ppl can "act so Christian" & then criticize another CHRISTIAN denomination. No, that's wrong. Plus don't ask me why I do what I do in my church when we started the Christian Churches. I'm going to ask you why YOU do what YOU do!

For the record, we don't worship Mary. Does she not deserve some credit though? We don't believe Saints are God. They have all been phenomenal, great, living the Word of God people. Why not ask them for guidance as well? Someone asked me if I could just pray?! Like w/out having a structured prayer, I guess, like the Act of Contrition & Hail Mary. Well don't all ppl say the Lord's Prayer? Ignorance. Of course we can pray!!! I talk to God alllll day. Actually after having that conversation, I was saying the Hail Mary, & wondered why anyone would ever question why we pray to her.

Clarke is getting spayed today!! She went into HEAT!! Oh my. It's the most disturbing, disgusting, ridiculous thing. She's just a little BABY!!! She was going sooo crazy that she would wake me up w/ her meow/crazy mating call maybe? I don't even know if I can look at her the same. My mom took her to the vet; I had to get rid of her for the wknd!!!! Does that make me a bad mom that I didn't bid her farewell before surgery? Crap. Yes.

Happy Saturday! The weather is beautiful! Go outside!!

Twenty Eleven

2011-01-18T14:36:00.000-08:00

Hello!

We had another "Blizzard of '93" so to speak in Bamaville. I braved snow, ice, & sleet for the 1st time driving, experienced my 1st potential lockdown at work for inclement weather...oh, & best of all, missed the National Championship! Hahah. I had switched days Mon & Tues so that I could come home to watch the game w/ everyone. Luckily for the sake of being off, I didn't have to stay at the hospital hours on end, not getting paid. I only was there for about 4hrs w/out pay, but some of my poooooor coworkers had to stay Sun-Tues!!! God Bless those dedicated workers!! I missed the game b/c I don't have cable & was pretty much stranded at my apt. Hahah. We won though, so good! hahah

It's always funny that Wal-Mart runs out of bread & milk. Is that the 1st thing you crave when it's supposed to come a blizzard? Buy me some chips, chocolate, & beer!

Ready for summer like no other! This dreary weather has been no fun, except for getting use out of the 900 ankle boots that I've purchased.

You know how I usually only read nonfiction books, but I watched A Time to Kill the other day. It really spiked my interest. I enjoy all of John Grisham's movies, so maybe I'll branch out to try the books!

This whole Arizona deal is crazy! I read that "they" were trying to blame the college b/c the crazy man had been suspended until he sought a psych eval. My understanding of colleges is that they really don't give a damn what you do as long as you $pay$. During my school years, I never even became close enough for any authoritative figure or teacher to know anything about my life; much less if I needed to see a psychiatrist. No, it's not the university's fault. They could not have aided in this not happening. Stop pointing blame. We know who did it. Last time I checked, I make my own decisions. So does everyone else.

On a lighter note, what a wonderful birthday!!! I went to Mobile to see some sorority sisters & old coworkers. Probably the best birthday in a longggg time! My theme was "24 & still hardcore"! Hahah, yes, I'm a nerd. Met a guy who looked like Ellen. I managed to not spend a dime, so, I guess the mission was accomplished!

Now that I'm 24, I feel like I need to be a lot more adult like. Like, I should increase my 401K, start cooking more, blah blah. Hahah. I have noticed my body is slowing BUT surely changing. Things are settling, & by things, I mean body parts. Hahah! I need this to notttttt happen. I never really knew that weight does shift w/out doing anything!

Does it freak anyone else out when ppl you don't know try to add you on Facebook? No, I do not need to be friends w/ you just b/c we have mutual friends. That's a little creepy. Also, if you have a girl/boyfriend, you don't need to be adding ppl you dont know, esp of the opposite sex! Only asking for trouble, kiddos.

All for now, talk to you soon!

'Tis the Season!

2010-12-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

Merrrrrrryyyy Christmas to all! It's the best time of the year! Holiday cheer, family time, & good food! Not to mention, my birthday is in 8 days! Whoop Whoop!!!

I have so many funny stories to share, so here goes:

1st things 1st, WAR EAGLE!!!! SEC Champs & on our way to Glendale! Couldn't ask for anything better! (Who cares about the Cam Scam?!?! No one is perfect; families sale each other out a lot. This hoopla does not take away his talent, & nothing can!! It's eating those Bama fans up! Just be happy your state is being represented for the 2nd yr in a row!)

I had the chance to attend both AU vs SC games this season. Fun times! Atlanta is a fun place. You know I didn't leave that town w/out making 17 new friends. Sunday, we had parked our car in valet. Well, when it came closing time for the parking lot, RSD & I had to go get the car, but we weren't ready to leave this underground restaurant. It was was sooo cold!!! I was trying to hurry back in the heat. I hurried allllllright; busted my tail down a flight of stairs! Hahah! In my embarrassed stupor, I sat by a man named Frank to tell him the whole story. He didn't care, but I pretended he did. This one guy asked me why I was a Bears fan b/c I had a southern accent! I said, "Excuse me, Grandma Peg is from Chicago, & I am not that southern!" They don't know who Gma Peg, & there's no denying a Southern accent!!! That's me being ridiculous. P.S. Yay Bears!! Come on playoffs!

I also went to the LSU/Bama game (& I did not cheer for LSU, even though I wanted to!!) We stayed in the Big Easy, but drove to Baton Rouge for the game. That city knows how to do it, & do it big!! Almost frightening the way those guys know how to throw down! We had hit up Bourbon St. that Fri & returned on Sat p.m. RSD must have made an impression the 1st p.m b/c at the Funky Pirate, the bartender said, "Mr. D, back again??" Hahha! She continued, "Pretty impressive when a bartender on Bourbon St. can remember your name!!" I love my life! We stayed at a MOTEL (Yes, motel!) that one of their friends fixed up after Katrina. I was a little nervous to say the least when the tenants were walking around w/ Busch Gold 40's! We tried & tried to get a taxi, but no one ever came through. Finally, we hop in one, & we ask why it's so hard to get a taxi over there. Mind you, the New Orleans taxi driver, says, "b/c you're in the ghetto!!!" My life wasn't in jeopardy, nah. Hahah!

Halloween at work, a coworker & I dressed up as the Super Mario brothers. Well, the only costumes we could find were 'Boys Huskies'. She's about 4'11'' & myself being 5'7''. She was Luigi & me, Mario! Hahah it was funny b/c her pants were dragging the ground & mine looked like pedal pushers! Halloween was on a Sat, along w/ the Magic City Classic in Bham. Not a good idea to go get take out, but she & I did. We called our order in for all our coworkers & ran to get it. Formaggios was PACKED out w/ costumes & ppl from the game. She & I were the cleanest as in hygiene & our costume choice. Well, of course, they didn't have my order. He asked what I wanted. I said, "Spaghetti & meatballs." This drunkard passed me & said, "Imagine that: Mario ordering spaghetti & meatballs!" Hahah punk! To top it off, the girl I was w/ ran into an ex that she hadn't seen in about 6yrs!!! We had on mustaches for crying out loud! What a night!

Every year at work, we're required to go to simulation labs. There's a group of ppl (MDs, respiratory therapists, nurses, pharmacists, etc), & you're given a scenario to handle. It's as real as it can get w/ manequins that have pulses, can turn blue, & moving anatomical parts. If it's a code scenario, you open the crash cart as if it were real life. Of course we have 9days left in the year of 2010, & I have procrastinated. I finally finished my last one Thursday. Usually I go w/ nurses from my unit so I'm more comfortable. You can only imagine the anxiety I harbor during those activities! haha! Well, I rounded up another nurse who has been a nurse a little over a yr, like me. I thought that's okay b/c there will be more nurses. WRONG! There were like 6 doctors, & 3 nurses! We were divided into 2 rooms! I was sooo nervous! One of the MD's acted like an EMT worker for the scenario & during 'saving the patient', he fakes a seizure! I was like, "Really??" Hahha! You would know it was the 1st time for them to do that scenario too. Hahah. I survived, however, it wasn't easy! Hahah

Happy Holidays!

Consider it Done.

2010-10-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

I'm over it. Wow, that was a lot easier said, typed, thought, ect. than expected. I've had my little revelation. And while you probably could have hospitalized me 2mos ago, I feel amazing and have for a week now. C wasn't "the one", my "true love", my soul mate, perfect, meant to be, blah blah. He passed the time...what I like to call a passer-byer. That's what he'll remain if he keeps treating girls the way he does. Judging by his track record, yep, a passer-byer,. C got me over T & that's the only reason he was in my life. My oldest sister kept saying, "Megan, I think you're struggling with this b/c you've never been rejected." (Screwed over, definitely, but never dropped like a bad habit.) I said, "No, no, you're wrong. I really am upset b/c...well blah blah blah." She was right. Plus, I happen to always catch the eyes of BOYS who have more of an ALLOWANCE than my pay check. What winners!!!!

WORK- amazing! I'm afraid I've grown to attached to too many of my patients!! I can't help it...working 7days in a row, you learn to love them!!! Being a nurse has definitely made me completely inappropriate. As if I wasn't inappropriate before, but my career has worsened me!!! Like I said, I laugh at the wrong time...ALWAYS!!

I would like to tell you a story about a fax machine. I began faxing at age 13 when I was an office aide in Junior High, hah. So almost 11yrs later, I'm sending a fax via copy machine, & I ask for help from a colleague. She walks over & asks me if I hit the 'facsimile' button. I asked, "What did you call it??" She says, "Facsimilie." I said, "No way! That's how you pronounce it?? I've always thought it was facsimile (Fash-a-meal)!!" Bahahah!! That doesn't even make sense!!! I haven't told my dad b/c he will embarrassed I'm his daughter, so surprise, Dad, when you read this!!! hahahh!!

You know, reading my Bob O'Reilly book, I've decided I'm the Bob O'Reilly of my little world. At work, nothing is open the hours I'm there except the Go Store, which has candy, chips, hot dogs, (No, I don't work at a baseball field), & sandwiches. The ladies who make them could possibly be the MEANEST women ALIVE!!!!!! It's like the Seinfeld episode "No soup for you!!". You can't order too fast or too slow. They will bite your head off either way. They're like black widows, evil. (Side story: At a young age, I watched a documentary w/ my mom on black widows being in shoes. To this day, I check my shoes for spiders!!!! What? Why? So they can bite my hand? Isn't logical, I know.) Anyway, I happen to ask for my sandwich toasted, which REALLY ticks them off, b/c they say w/ the worst attitude possible, "WE CAN'T TOAST. WE HAVE A GRILL!" It's a panini presser basically, get over yourself. So, my fellow colleagues don't go to the Go Store w/ me b/c they don't want to be associated w/ me since I always get in trouble my the Sandwich Maker. I get it; you don't like making grilled cheeses at 0430, but I don't enjoy wiping butt either at that hour...it's all apart of the job description! I get rude w/ them b/c they treat ppl soooooo horribly!!!!

To end this entry, I'd like to tell you things I do/don't believe it. I know I can be obnoxious w/ my opinions (like O'Reilly, himself), & I do believe there can be exceptions to every rule, so don't cast me out yet. Here goes:

Don't believe in:

ADHD/ADD: Kids, who wants to do homework?? I'd much rather watch TV too, but turn off the Play Station, & do your damn homework. While you're at it, play outside until the street lights come on, may do you some justice.

Fibromyalgia: Definition= Chronic pain (chronic mean lasting >6 mos). Really? Whose back doesn't hurt after working all day or eyeballs from staring at a computer screen? I'd like to cut my legs off half the time after I run, but I don't....& I don't take pain medicine. Man up!

Brazilian Butt Lift/P90x/diet pills: Umm, get your lazy butt off the couch, take away the potato chips, & do some lunges!!! Run, walk, lift weights, whatever. You don't need to get a booty boot after spending your life savings on Ally & Jillian Michael's tapes. Try exercising.

Any reality show about New Jersey: Real winners. They are darker than my Mexican relatives in TX. Stop w/ the orange spray tans. 'The Situation' came out w/ a book. Who knew he could read & write?? Can't wait to read about his 6pack & nasty girls he takes home every night. I may be from Alabama, but yeah, New Jersey, you look real cool.

SPCA/PETA: Really??? What about the children who get beat or live in orphanages? Enough said.

What I believe in:

Confession: Half my life in this Bible Belt state, I've been criticized for going to confession. You try admitting your faults/sins to someone, & tell me how it goes. It's embarrassing & afterwards, you decide that maybe you shouldn't do that again b/c you don't want to have to confess to another human being.

Music: Well, ppl that write their own music goes a lot farther. Music is probably one of my saving graces. I love to apply every lyric to my life, whether it's about a country singer who lost their dog or a rap song about losing yourself. Hahah. I could be retarded.

Paying it Forward: No good deed goes unnoticed.

Karma: It may contradict my religious beliefs, but I honestly believe you will be reimbursed for the good & bad things you do. When I screw up, it's not a day later, something bad happens to me. Look at my flat tire record, okay?

Mexican workers: I may be bias b/c my Grandma's name is Dora, but what else 74yr old do you know that works 40hrs/wk. She loves her job; she loves to work. They are verrrrry hard workers.

Enough is enough!! Bye Bye!!!! :)

Doing it & Doing it BIG

2010-09-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

Hi!!
Get ready for some good stories:)

One more day before I start my 7 nights of work! The weather is fading into fall!!! Yes!

I went to my beloved AU this past wknd!!! If you recall, last time I went I kinda felt out of place, being an old graduate. Did I feel too old to be there this time? Yes, but I didn't care!! WDE! It was a phenom time- great food, friends, tailgating, & we won! My cousin T is neighbors w/ 4 of the football players. As we were rolling in after the game, so was one of her neighbors. Of course we run over there to congratulate, sing, & chant to him. We invite him over to eat with us. Poor guy had just worked his butt off & was hungry!

Sometimes, I open my mouth, words come out, & I look back & think "WHY would I say that???" I told this sweet football player that we had brownies! Then, I said, "...but there's nothing special in them."...only to find out he got suspended the 1st 2 games for marijuana!! AHHHH!! Like, I've never even had those type of brownies, so why would I say that?!?!!? It's okay though, I think b/c I made up for it by making sure he had enough to eat...& also telling him to remember me if/when he goes Pro. hahah...Doubt he'll want to remember me!

While in AU, I went running up T's street & back. It's funny to see all of the "college'd out cars"...souped up trucks w/ more stickers than Lisa Frank ever imagined & girls' cars w/ their sorority letters. When I purchased my new car, I retired the sorority stickers. Here I am, prob looking 30yrs old compared to them, only to come home to a car w/ a GOP sticker. Hah! I'll admit it's nice to have entered the career world though.

You know, this breakup has kinda been good for me. I've scored some free meals & drinks:) All I have to do is tell my sob story, & people say, "Oh, that asshole! Let me get you a drink!!" Hahha. Now, I would never take advantage of my sad, pitiful life (I'm so dramatic!) to get ahead, but I don't mind the benefits!!! Hahah. Kidding.

Music is my sanity. I like to think every song can be applied to my life. I only wish I could be so clever & talented to write those lines myself.

A few wks ago, I stopped by Auto Zone after wrestling toddlers for 12hrs & driving 2 hrs. Needless to say, I wasn't looking my best. I needed some Rain-X & Amorall (sp?). I enter the store & the cashier says, "Hello, hi, how are you??" I smile, "Good, thanks." As I'm walking through the isles, he speaks to me again. "Good morning to you too." I'm like dude, I'm trying to stay outta dodge b/c I saw someone from high school & was too tired to shoot the bull. I get in line. He asks aggggaiinnn how I am. I still smile b/c I hate to be rude. He takes my debit card, looks at the back, & asks to see my license. I'm thinking surely he doesn't think I'm trying to steal Rain-X. He goes, "Myyyy, that is a realllly good picture." Turning beet red, "Haha, thanks." "I mean, sorry, I just had to comment b/c usually they aren't good pics." "Hahah, yeah." Really? I leave after saying goodbye about 4x!

I get to my mom's & tell her the funny story. She's like, "Megan, he wanted to see your name or age or something...he didn't think you were committing credit card fraud." Hahahhah. I love my life.

Can I please say, I do not care about Justin Bieber!!! What is so great about this tween?? (It's not preteen anymore haha) I mean, go to school, hit puberty, & then try to sing! Every time I hear his songs, I think, "Oh, who's this new girl singer?" Ugh!! I'm so aggravated by him!!!

I watched Biggest Loser last p.m for the 1st time. Wow. I never knew it was so sad!! I got choked up several times. I also watched Keeping up with the Kardashians the other day. I usually just stick to shows like Law & Order: SVU, Shark Week, & Seinfeld. I'm a dork, yes. Back to my story, I don't know how I feel about the Kardashians. They're all pretty, but I don't understand whats so special.

See ya guys!!!!

My, How the Tables Have Turned.

2010-08-31T10:06:00.000-07:00

"Nobody ever had a rainbow, baby, before they had the rain." Good quote Jim Croce..."Tomorrow's gonna be a brighter day, there's gonna be some changes."

Here I am 3wks later, back to being my independent, proud, single white female. Is my life in shambles? Sure it is. Will I get by & survive? Sure, I will. I always do. And Jim Croce, I've had more rain storms than the Amazon during monsoon season. This to shall pass.

Being the female that I am, I tried to take all blame for this breakup. I took blame for things I didn't even do just to try & work things out. I am VERY aware of my imperfections, & when I forget them, someone in my family quickly & firmly reminds me:) I was good as gold to that boy. Was it all my fault? No way, Jose!! I was dating a 22yr old! HELLO...which really means w/ an 18yr old's mentality. Ha. I'm bitter, no doubt. I deserve to be. When you don't get an answer to why your heart is being broken, what do you expect? Typical BOYS.

As funny as it is, Bill O'Reilly's Bold, Fresh Piece of Humanity is getting me through this. I love how arrogant he is b/c he's right. A quote, "Except---and accept nothing from anyone else. Do it yourself...and after you've succeeded, share some of what you've achieved with those not as strong as you will become...Taking stuff makes you weaker. Earning stuff makes you stronger." Although those statements are simple, they mean A LOT. In 2010, we are way weaker than in the 50's as far as working/earning goes. So many ppl are accepting help from parents, grandparents, the government. I'm here to tell you I don't make a killing, but I'll be damned if I get assistance. I've worked really hard to be where I am. Did it on my own, & I'ma keep doing it on my own.

Go ahead & call me Carry Bradshaw b/c this is my Sex & the City column. Hhaha. I write this personal info to you b/c I love expressing my feelings, as you've all learned. It helps me. I've been damaged throughout the years, & like Bill O'Reilly says, I will share my success with anyone who's willing to listen. My family has been so amazing. I've spent much needed time w/ them. 'Ole Daddio & I have kicked back w/ our brewskies & resolved a lot of past issues.

My mom is amazing. We didn't really have much of a relationship from my freshman yr in high school to my sophomore yr in college. It's hard for me at times b/c I easily build up animosity & resentment. I'm learning though, slowly but surely, that's not the way of life. I've forgiven. I may not have forgotten, but I'm realizing holding grudges to my loved ones only ends in pain for all of us. I'm the person I am today for all of this. Mama Kim has been there this past month w/ bells on. Rubbing my belly like I'm a sick 6yr old.

Not to mention the rest of my clan...they're all amazing. I'm soooo lucky to have the strong, foundation my grandparents set years ago. Grandpa Fred passed away 9yrs ago Aug 26. Still miss him daily. I was 14, & I didn't know you could miss grandparents so much, as bad as that may sound. God bless him.

Also, Ben Trussell's birthday was yesterday. RIP. We celebrated his life & surrounded ourselves around friends & music. Miss that kid too, bad. It was great to see his mom & hug & squeeze her so tight. Love & miss you buddy!!!!

As I looked at my patient who is terminal on Sunday, I thought, "Gah, we so easily take advantage of how great our lives are". We take for granted our smart phones, pedicures, pizza & beer, our luxurious cars, etc. When ppl may never get the chance to even get a driver's license, you know? Thank you, God, so much for letting me have loved ones, a job, a car, and my health. We all should sit back & thank him. Another thing about O'Reilly, he's a strong, faithful Catholic. He speaks of his spirituality which no one can ever take from us.

...Til next time.

Summer Time & the Livin's Easy

2010-06-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Have no fear, the embarrassing stories have not ended; it's just summer time, & I've been on the go.

The Altima has a little more personality to it now after ordering a GOP sticker online to put in Rt rear corner!! She feels more confident now zipping in and out of those Blue Dots on the I-65. My sister says I shouldn't put things like that on my car b/c 'people have different views/opinions" Blah Blah, Ry! What's new. I've got to sport my Republican pride. (Not that they've stopped the Oil Spill or anything, but I'm still for 'em). Dad says I shouldn't put that on my car b/c I live in the "city". hhaha. Don't worry, Pops, I can hold my own. Next time I blog, I will have tried and named her.

I did successfully hit my first curb, & God must have been on my side b/c I left with not a scratch. It's weird going on road trips not having to turn the radio down every 2min to check & see if I have a flat tire....you know it's still in the back of my head, though.

Work is great! Loving the kids. I still feel like a novice nurse, but that will come in time. It's comforting to know nurses that have worked 30yrs still ask Q's & get 2nd opinions. I can tell that the depressing aspect will never get any better as I can see on my charge nurse's face when we get a sad case. It's all worth it though, in the end.

C and I doing fineeeeeeeee. He drove me to the 'ole annual OHIO checkup. I've never taken a boyfriend to see Dr. K, so it was kind of serious. We had a great time, eating at places of Man vs. Food (i.e. gaining 10lbs), walking 5.1 miles in sandals downtown only to find out the Brewery we were headed to had moved, & trekking through the Flash Flood warning of N. High St. Hahah. In all honesty, it was a great little getaway, even when the nurse asked me about my bowel habits & if I had a weight problem. Of course, I HAVE a WEIGHT PROBLEM; I'm a 23y/o female, & it's almost bathing suit weather!!!! C knows me well, though, b/c when I came out of the gas station, he had placed a pack of Pepto on my pillow in the front seat:) hahah.

We were in IKEA the other day...P.S...have you ever been there?!? The place is crazy & has everything you can imagine. They have rooms on display that you can pretty much say I want this, and they install everything from the bed & mattress to dishwashers & and shower curtains to potted plants. They have every style, color, pattern, female/male choices you could ever want/need. My sandal broke once we hit the bottom level (there are 3 or 4 & a lunch room!) , so I had to walk like I had a limp the next 1.5hrs. I tried to talk to myself to calm me until I realized I then looked like a crazy w/ a limp. hahaha.The thing is, that I usually have about 11 extra pairs of shoes including running shoes, comfy, everyday flip flops, dressier flip flops, sandals, & even stillettos...I had just cleaned my car out the day before. Speaks volume.

Alright guys, going to enjoy the rest of my day off. Will return soon, promise! Love!

2 months later.

2010-04-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Heyo! The weather has been sooo beautiful, minus the 4in film of pollen on everything! It's been a busy 2 months. Been to the beach 2x, purchased a car, my cousin's getting married this wknd, etc! So much to share w/ you guys.

Still working up a storm. Kind of missing school. Not like the college experience, but the actual learning part. Whoa, I'm a nerd. Plus I don't like paying $250/mo in loans! hah. I' want to travel nurse, rake in the bucks, gain a ton of experience, & see some more of our great country. Looks like I better get it in before this "health care plan" passes since my paycheck is will go to crap. You need a yr or more of experience, so I'm just waiting until Oct. I need to get back into school too, though, so I just don't know what do w/ my life. UAB is the #1 nursing grad school in the US, but I would love to live in TN, too. The STRESS.

Speaking of this preposterous health care plan...the GOP has made several amendments (thank Heavens)...one which includes: Sex offenders will not be eligible for erectile dysfunction drugs. How ridic is it that that even needs to be stated?...but I love it. Makes perfect, logical sense!

I've been seeing a guy whom I met at our late beloved, Ben Trussell's tribute. Funny how things work out. He was a close friend to Ben too, so it's peculiar how we never met until the night of the tribute, Feb 14. It's different than anything before, so I'm soaking it all in. 2 months has seemed like 6 in a good way.

Car shopping has been a job. The '99 Honda has needed daily interventions, soo I thought it may be time to throw the towel in. I've been doing car research since Jan...wasn't going to let those car salesman get the best of me!! haha. I even asked to look under the hood!! Really the only things I knew to look for were where the oil dipstick is, where to add antifreeze/H2O, and if it had 4cylinders. haha. Saturday, I bought a new Altima (prob devalued about 4grand when I drove off the lot, but whatev) We were there from 1030-330!! C came w/ me b/c he's great (goodness knows I wouldn't want to sit through all that!). Well, wait a minute, it was about the hottest day of the yr, & during a test drive, he turned my heat warmer on. Punk. I was already profusely sweating from 'the Anxiety'. hahha.

We hadn't eaten all day. We were about to close up shop, doing a few housekeeping things like going over the inside of the car, ANDDDD the lady says, "Oh, hold on one minute, I've got to run to the restroom." WHATTTT? hahahha. I mean I didn't know if she suffered from IBS or overactive bladder, but come on! My stomach's eating my gallbladder, lady! hah. I love my new car, but she just doesn't have any personality yet. Hmm. Maybe w/ time? Then again, the Honda has too much personality...banged up on each side from curbs, buggies, cars, etc.

Remember the Aunt Mary's pants story? Well, that night MG, some buds of ours, and I went to play trivia. Funny enough that our team name was, "I didn't know I was playing trivia w/ the Situation"...mocking the announcer who looked like that Guido from Jersey shore. Needless to say, we started out on a bad foot. It's packed in there. They ask 3 questions, you score accordingly to the confidence of your answer 2-6pts. We never win, but hell, we give her a try! J is walking back from the bathroom. The Q is something about Jimi Hendrix's first guitar/song/something. J yells "SEATTTTLE!" Just guuuureat. "The Situation" yells back at him, "Thatta way, deusch." Uh oh. hahhahaha. So we weren't making friends, to say the least.

Alright, I'll be back soon! Love!

The Last Song

2010-02-26T16:15:00.000-08:00

There are 3 types of overdose. Some ppl OD for attention, some OD in hopes to really end their life, & some OD b/c they think just one more hit will help them reach the ultimate high. Well, in this case, ultimate=death.

In my short 23yrs, I feel like I have been exposed to many different situations. The first 2 types of ODing, I have witnessed. I did the whole cancer thing as a child, both of my parents could have been on Intervention at one time, & I have a sister whom society might classify as handicapped. I don't usually play this card, but my parents divorced & I've dealt w/ stepparents, half-siblings. Not that these things have been bad, but when you go through that kind of stuff, you can relate to more ppl & you see things in a different light. Times have been rough before, & I'm still here. Life consists of trials & tribulations; you just deal w/ it. Even little things like growing up Catholic in the Southern of Southern Bible belt. Everything you encounter, you take something from it, whether it be -/+. Don't get me wrong, I've been negative about a lot of things, but I still have this mentality that whatever it is, you can get through it. I expect everyone to come out on top. The thing I most often forget is that not everyone has the support system I have. My family is the greatest in the world, & my parents instilled such great values in us. Everyone's got a little dys in their function.

What I'm getting at is that I hate to see someone fall when they could have been saved. Even when times hit rock bottom, there is still light ahead. Of all the experiences I've had, nothing could have prepared me for February 7, 2010 11:38am. The world lost a very special person that day. This is my story, how I see it.

At 10:57, I was driving my cousin's car to retrieve some things from my car from the Docks. My cousin A knew I would be out & about, yet he didn't know when, if I had left yet, or not. Pulling out of the parking lot where my car was, I get a phone call. "Can you go pick up V, they took Ben to the hospital." I was just about to pass the cabins that they were at, coincidence? Ben, a glorious spirit, talented musician, & humble 25y/o was one of our great friends from out of town, even though at times he seemed to be an original Scottsborian. He's been around since 2008. Throughout those 2 yrs, he had managed to play for my Aunt's wedding, my graduation party, my cousin's parties, & every few wknds at the Docks (Restaurant/ Night life). We would drive to Huntsville just to see Ben, even if we had just heard him the day before. He did a lot of covers, but he also shared many originals w/ us. The melodies he could create were unbelievable. Words would flow from his mouth like an angel above. To top it off, he had an amazing personality, cracking jokes, and being sweet when necessary. He became apart of our little family, & he brought his family around us, too. He was very family oriented. Not living in my hometown, my family & friends grew closer to him than I did, but it didn't take long to fall in love w/ him. Canoe trips, being on the lake, eating at Hooter's, having heart to hearts about our families, watching AU football, going to A & M's house to see Ben living on the couch for the past 3 days. He had a little bit of a gypsy soul.

So when I received that phone call about him, I quickly assumed drug overdose, pump the stomach w/ charcoal, & call it a day. Not that I should think so lightly of the it all, but w/ my experiences of OD & working at a hospital where I see about 6-15 ingestions/month, that's what I assume. Not sure if you guys remember but in a previous entry, I mentioned how the greatest musicians died early, esp from drugs. He falls into that category...more potential, talent, love than most. Addiction is a dirty disease, & if ppl could only reach out for help before it's too late.

When I got to the cabin, I realized it was way more serious than I thought. The firetruck was pulling out & there were a few police cars remaining. I've known Ben's family since this summer, but not well enough to be there at that time. Taking my nurse role, I assessed the situation, tried to calm everyone, & plan what we needed to do. His mom was still there, so I offered to take her to the ER. We get in the car, not sure if I should put on my flashers & get there ASAP, drive normal, what. V & his mom are about to hyperventilate in the car. I start saying Hail Mary's. It is 11:21am as we drive to the ER. We get there, I hop out ready to run in the hospital. His mom stops & says, "I'm scared." I grab her, doing my best to console in this intense situation.

My grandma has lost 2 of her baby boys, one who was 13 & the other around 44. Even though she is the strongest woman a lot of ppl know, all my life she has broken down about her Billy. Then at Uncle Andy's funeral, I witnessed her squeal harder than I could ever imagine at the loss of a son. No parent should outlive their children. I'm scared too as we walked in, in fear for his mom.

V, his mom, & I walk into the consultation room. I wasn't sure if I should go or not, but she didn't have any family there, so I knew V & I would have to be for now. This doesn't look good. The EMT's come in then a nurse asking about health problems & what not. I txt my cousin A, get here now, he didnt' have a pulse the whole way to the ER. Then the MD walks in & tells us. It's over.

We hold her. Some other friends walk in. The ER waiting room fills w/in minutes of his Scottsboro friends. His older brother gets there. His dad is on the way to town. We stay there for about 2 1/2 hrs just standing outside of the consultation room where his family is. Seeing a grown man cry that day was nothing surprising. The hold that Ben had on us was like no other. For him to leave us, really hit the group hard. This is the worst thing we've ever experienced. Nobody knew what to say, so we shared funny stories of him & cried & cried & cried.

February 6, 2010- E & T's Stock the Bar Shower...Ben played. After the shower, we all went to the Docks, where he also played. Anytime he was playing, you know we were all up dancing, singing out hearts out. He had to have hated us trying to out-sing him & dancing like we knew how. It came to the point where we wanted to hear more of his originals than covers. (Even though he DOES sing "Into the Mystic" better than Van Morrison, himself.) I never realized how precious he was until that day. He came up to me, told me he hadn't drank in a few wks, was eating right, & exercising. I cheered him on. It really was a phenomenal p.m. Half of my cousins were there, Aunt M & Uncle C, & all of my friends. Ben knew how to draw a crowd. The last time I never knew I'd see Ben was around 0230a Feb 7, 2010.

We are just a small portion of his friends. Ben played w/ many other talented musicians & acquired many fans, regulars, & admirers.

Here I am today still dreaming about him, reminiscing, mourning, & listening to his music every time I drive. I am mad he's gone for many reasons: he was too young to die, he should't have died that way, he had much more to accomplish & would have musically, he needs to be here this summer strumming his guitar when we're all on the boat. One thing about Ben is that if you ever asked him to play, he never said "Nah, I don't feel like it...Later." He didn't play guitar to look cool or get girls (which came w/ it anyway:) ), or to say I'm a musician, blah blah. He was the epitome of a humble man. You usually don't find that in a 25y/o. He is w/ God now though, which is the sweetest gift he'll ever receive.

We miss you, Ben... and in his own words: "There's people we lost, ohh people love, yeah. Some call it irony, but I call it signs from above."

Is your nose running? Better go catch it!!!

2010-01-30T15:28:00.000-08:00

Back again. On this frigid 30th of Jan, I'm sitting here engaging in "Tough Love" (Vh1 Season 2. Kind of your He's just not that into You but w/ a we're going to tell you how to get a man so stop caking on your makeup & gold digging twist) & drinking coffee at 0532p. My roommate is gone so I have even more time to dwell on the embarrassing moments of my life.

I probably picked the wrong profession being the most awkward person ever. Every single job I've had, I've had to put myself out there, creating chances upon chances to be embarrassed. Should have been a telemarketer. Back in my vet tech days, I had dogs lose bowels on me in front of attractive guys or one time, a German Shepard rip my "smock" top from the waist to shoulder seam. Then the lady asked me to hold her BABY while she put the dog in the car. NO MA'AM! So he can go Cujo on me??! To top it off, all I could do was laugh b/c I was shaking uncontrollably after the mouth of JAWS came towards my flesh!

In the restaurant business, I began as a hostess. Not too shabby of a job for me b/c I love to smile and carry on w/ ppl. HOWEVER, not everyone wants to carry on w/ me. Can't see why?!? Then as a server, you have ppl jumping down your throat b/c they've chugged 47 Dr. Pepper's in 4 min, & you don't have time to refill or their food is late. You don't need all that sugar/caffeine anyway!I hate confrontation or anything that could possibly make me sweat, get flushed (which is about everything).

As a nurse, I do encounter extremely awkward moments on average- daily. They didn't tell us in nursing school that you also had to be an engineer. The cap never comes off the IV tubing after you've already prepped everything. Inserting catheters are A LOT different than practicing on mannequins. Wires tangle worse than Weeping willow on a windy day. Not too mention, I'm clumsy, ungraceful, and as hard as I try to not be, unladylike. What do you do?

Helping a nurse 2 nights ago drawing blood. X-Ray guy is at the bedside too. The team of MD's to my right. I'm leaned over the bed. (P.S. my nose runs nonstop once I enter the Hospital. It's clear though (sorry, super gross), so it's not an infection. Not sure why?) As I'm leaning over I can see what appears to be my nose running...Not sure b/c it's clear. Then I do see it hanging from my nose pass recovery. The other nurse says "Ohhhh." I said, 'Oh Gosh!" as I turn around trying to clean up w/out touching anything. FAILURE. I have to walk off, fix myself, wash my hands, & return. Redder than a cherry tomato, I attempt to make light of the situation & say, "Sorry guys, looks like I have the RSV!" NOT A SOUND. No one laughs, no one says 'oh, no prob', no one even says gross!!!!! MORTIFIED.

The 1st word of OCD is obsessive. That's what I do. I wasn't really close enough w/ the nurses to be like, "Whoa, listened to what happened to me. Say something to make me feel better", so I sit there for the next 11 HOURS laughing, almost crying, obsessing. Hahah. I really am such an odd bird. Probably should be on the OCD show on A&E. I pretty much have a complex about every inch of my body. I'm proportional but I do have my Dad's hands/feet. Size 9 1/2 isn't always the prettiest. I like to have my nails painted/manicured at all times b/c it makes me feel more feminine. Oh wait, I entered a profession where nail polish/jewelry is prohibited. To reveal my craziness, when I'm driving for a long time or making frequent stops, I get so anxious that ppl are looking at how big my hands are gripping the steering wheel, esp since my wrists are small, making the illusion worse. I ponder should I drive 10 & 2, one hand on the bottom, one on the top. It becomes an issue. Then when they don't see a ring on my finger, they're thinking no wonder- MAN HANDS (like the Seinfeld episode). In reality, no one probably notices, but I'm sure there's that one person. hahah.

It's been that way since I day one. I've always been so stinking obsessive-compulsive! For some reason wearing open toe shoes in elementary was a big deal. Not sure why, but I would not wear sandals unless my toes were painted, which wasn't on a regular basis. I can remember one night staying up so late (prob around 0930 ha) trying to get that damn iridescent purple just right! I probably went through an entire bottle of nail polish remover & cotton balls. I was convinced that their were alligators under my bed, probably a lot longer than I should have. I would never put my feet under my bed or hang them off the side, & I'm still that way TODAY as a 23y/o!!! Vampires? Don't even get me started. I slept w/ my covers tucked tight around my neck for my entire 3rd grad yr just from seeing Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Oh The Lost Boys. It came on last wk, & I still couldn't watch it!!!) I begged Mom to please let me have the garlic at Grandma's house. That is not healthy! hhaha.

Embarrassing story #2. Aunt Mary & my cousin Erin came to visit Tues. We had the best of time! Wed, we went shopping. I had finished trying on so I was sitting w/ E waiting on Mary. She came out of the room & asked us how we liked her shirt. We both loved it. I told her how cute it was, & then it went sour. I said, "Buy the shirt for sure, but I'm not soooo sure about those pants." My dearest Aunt says, "These pants are the pants I wore in!" hahahahhahahah UH OH. I said, "just kidding." Didn't work. hahahha. Dangit. Who am I? I have got to stop talking!!!!!

Luckily, she took it lightly, & honestly, w/ her shirt the pants looked just fine, according to myself, the fine fashion critic I am. ha.

Have a good wknd!!! Love!

You Can't Have your Cake & Eat it Too.

2010-01-18T07:08:00.001-08:00

Here I am! There's so much to cover in this entry! We've had a the holidays, MY BIRTHDAY, & clearly, I'm a working woman now (haha). I'm now 23 with a full time job, health insurance in my own name, and putting a % of my check into a 401k. Whoa, that was a little much for me to say. In reality, though, I LOVE IT! As cheesy or trite this may seem, it really is amazing to have the job you've dreamed of for yrs & actually enjoy it. I'm now on the graveyard shift; sleep is tough, money is good. I'm young & might as well do it now! I worked in the burn unit yesterday. It was very upsetting & depressing. I respect anyone who can work in that environment. That's where my wonderful Grandma Dora started out at John Sealy in Galveston, TX!!

I'm kind of stuck in a place in my life wondering where to go. I know what I need & want, but I don't always do the things needed to get there. Most of my friends are still in college, so I'm still in that mentality. At least I was. I went to visit T in Auburn this past Friday. Auburn really is the most gorgeous college campus/town in AL. We make an appearance at a get together. We walk in & mingle like the little butterflies we are. For some reason, I decide to stand back & look around. I'm the only brunette, for one, & I realize everyone there is living up their Fridays b/c they were in class all day. There are freshman to 5yr seniors all around. No doubt that I had fun w/ my friends, but I was a little bummed. I mean I'm only 23, but I'm too old to be around those youngins. Hhaha. LIFE.

Story: getting put in my place. My birthday, which my mom & I think is the most important day of the yr was Dec. 30. I know I seem a bit obnoxious, but growing up, my mom made the biggest deals out of every one's bdays. Anddddd, actually you should. It's the only day you have to yourself. It need be celebrated & appreciated to have made it one more yr!!!!! I celebrate w/ my friends on the 29th. Being the loud & somewhat too intense person that I am, I let everyone know it's my bday starting on Dec 26-Jan 4. (Extreme.) On my actual bday my family (42+) go out for dinner. My family really is the limelight of my life. We're all so much stinking alike, there are plenty of us to go around, & we sure all enjoy a little R&R to maybe some wine, PBR, or Busch Gold. Yep, that's us. Well my cousin A & I make our way around town on this glorious day of mine. There's live music, phenomenal, but the crowd- what a dud. I decide to be my normal self esp a few brewskies later & announce to the crowd that it, in fact, is my birthday during a song break. Let's just say, it was so quiet I could hear the faucet drip in the bathroom. I become ever so offended, look around, & say, "WHO ARE YOU PPL?! REALLY?" Needless to say, I wasn't the coolest person of the p.m.

Can you have your cake & eat it too? Do you feel like that saying is a contradiction? If I have some cake, you better be sure I'm going to eat it. Probably all of it to be exact. However, it is a saying I throw out all the time in arguments or when I realize I'm being selfish. It's like not wanting a boy anymore, but you don't want him to be with anyone else either. I totally see how it applies to that, b/c as a female, I know we always feel that way. In literal translation, I don't think you would have a cake & let it sit there. It would mold, & then the icing will get hard & crusty. Hmm, maybe that's what would happen to the boys if you didn't let anyone else have them? By golly, I think I just figured it out!! hahahahha

I'm reading Liberty & Tyranny. Quite a delight it is. It's very informative & quotes the Founders/Framers of this country with what the Constitution stands for. I was reading it at work (400am), & being the nerd I am, I was highlighting & underlining. Some nurses asked what I was reading. When told, they were like, "OH, sure sounds good." Sorry, I only read non-fictional books, & I'm learning a hell of a lot!

I'll be back soon, promise! There are a few more funny/embarrassing stories up my sleeve! LOVE!

Can You Transfer me to Security?

2009-10-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

Oh, how my memory failed me these last few blogs. I haven't even begun to enlighten you about all my car luck.

Labor Day Wknd. Friday- 332p, just got off work, still in scrubs & all. Just me & my poor 1999 little Honda on the road again. Make it 26 miles on the interstate, take my exit (I take the little highway- more scenic). After fillin' her up, I drive away. Temperature gauge is off the charts!! Hot as Hades. Grey smoke everywhere. I pull over into some sketch factory w/ buses and huge tanks. What do I do? I'm just a little 'ole girl? Start dialing numbers to alleviate some of the anxiety. Mom says to pop the hood. NOO, that's international sign for I need help. Seems weird that I say that, but could someone really do to help me? (I had had a mild incident w/ the temp gauge that Monday, & my gracious roommate gave me some Antifreeze.) I drove 1/2 mile down the road, had to pull over for 30+ min, try again, pull over, try again. I finally make it to a post office. It's kind of like I don't want be around anyone b/c I don't want them to offer to help me, & me just say no. Yet, I don't want them to drive by & not offer! I'm thinking, PHEW, I'm okay it's about 5p on Fri, the post office is closed. No sir. Ppl were flying in and outta there! I'm talking to MG on the phone, actively pouring antifreeze into my car, sweating in my purple scrubs. A lady pulls up like she's late for dinner w/ the Pres., throws that Benz into park in a HANDICAP spot (You can prob guess she wasn't handicap.) She approaches me. I begin to think, either she's really late in sending a letter or naturally concerned about her fellow (wo)man. She's on her cell phone too..."Excuse me, excuse me miss, I know you're busy, but can you tell me how to get back to I65?" A little appalled, I tell her how to get there as I'm wiping sweat from my brow. REALLY? I mean really, lady? Just by judging my 1st appearance, do you think I know what I'm doing & you want to ask me for DIRECTIONS?! Hahah. Oh, my life.

Eventually made it to a fire station- it was VOLUNTEEEERR so no one was there!!!!!! What? No one at the fire station? Ludacris! Every guy who stops to help me, I can't help but think they are Ted Bundy. My ride finally shows up 3 1/2 hrs later. I was about 400ft & a curve away from a car garage. Ha. I could have put her in neutral & pushed her there! Wait, who am I kidding? I'd die of a panic attack before that.

Yesterday, walking up the stairs in the parking garage that I lose my car in daily, I pass my car. Turn around, embarrassed, approach that little Racy Honda. Keys in the ignition, but nothing happens when I turn it...sounds like eeeeeeeesssdddeeraa. Oh no. People are walking by & OF COURSE they're looking at me...haha. I toss the anxiety aside & lift the hood. "Operator, can you transfer me to security? My car won't start." "Um, I mean, I can, but he's on another call. It'll be a while."..."That's fine! Thanks." Ummm, so you don't want him to come help me? Should I just walk home? Catch a Grey Hound? Who are these ppl?!!? He drives by w/ these crazy NEON GREEN flashers pointing at me, like is it you that is having trouble? Nooo, I'm just hanging out/soliciting in the Children's Hospital parking garage. Bless him, he really was sweet. Telling me how to get corrosion off my battery. The car starts! Time to hit up Auto Zone. I only know of 1 Auto Zone, happens to not be in the best part of town. I pull up, grab my wallet, LOCK THE DOORS, & walk in. I have just entered the most inner-racial group of ppl per ca pita in the US. (Not that's it's a problem, but there's so many different languages being spoken, & after wiping baby bottoms all day, I was still the cleanest person.) A cute little Mexican helps me. The battery is shot. Dead. No mas.

We go back into the store. I purchase a battery & ask him to install it. That's out of my league. I can check/add antifreeze, oil, water, butttt I really don't need to touch anything else. You remember that I'm pretty much a cluster? As he's working on my car, I can't help but think that he may be illegal, working well over 40hrs/wk to provide for his family, while all in the mix of getting caught up in a gang. (Too much Tru TV for me.) He asks me where I work since I was wearing scrubs. "Children's Hospital." "Ohh, so you work w/ children?" (Hhaah, aw.) "Yeah, I can tell b/c you know ppl who work w/ children are just happy."...I chuckle. He proceeds, "Which I guess is good b/c you don't want angry ppl working w/ children." "This is true." He has to go inside to get scissors b/c his tool bag did not have any. He looks at me, "Will you make sure no one steals my tools?" WHATTTTTTT? STEAL? You better make sure no one steals me!!!!!! I mean, he was serious as can be! Where am I?, I think to myself. Being observant of my surroundings, I'm like freaking radar, catching every little movement!

He also tells me my tires are low. Always something. I added air today, but think I may have put too much. Guess we'll find out tom, if my tires pop while driving down the interstate. haha.

It's probably about time to turn her in for a new one. This time, it would be wise on my part to invest in a SVU, something w/ tires of steel, & taller than most curbs. A dark color in case buggies randomly run into my door. Maybe a Humvee. Buttt w/ a depth perception problem like mine, I need it to comfortably fit in parking spots of all sizes & make sharp curves just fine. We'll see.

You need to see my license? Which one?! Driver's or Nursing?!

2009-10-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

I have credentials now!!!! My initials are... M.H., RN, BSN! Yes! As I awaited to take my boards, I developed a few more stomach ulcers and added 10 yrs of stress to my life. I went in on a Monday a.m. Not sure what to expect. I pretty much went through security clearance. I had to take a picture. I wasn't sure if I should smile or not, until I did and the man laughed at me. Typical. So my pic is repulsive in the middle of a look of fret and half-smile. I decided it may be wise to no ask him to retake it. (Remember, Dora is my grandmother, so vanity is an issue).

For the NCLEX, you can have a minimum of 75 - 265 Q's. Everyone I have talked to in my nursing class had 75 Q's. I set myself up for about 90-100 Q's to attempt & decrease my anxiety (Anx- Nursing Abbreviation!). Well, 90 gets there, 100 comes, OH CRAP 200 Q's. I'm too scared to take a break b/c I can't waste 1 second! They wouldn't let me take anything in- no gum, water, tissue. Excuse me!? My nose was running like a freight train, my palms were getting sweaty, and my stomach was SCREAMING at me! 4 1/2 hrs later...I walk out. I just want to crawl out so that I don't have to make eye contact w/ other ppl. I knew they weren't thinking "FOUR HRS? Oh you failed!" Buttttt w/ the bldg being freaking CIA-Pentagon clearance, I had to fingerprint before I left.

2 days of agony; I knew I didn't pass. Everyone was saying, "Sure you did, Megan, you just have bad luck, so that's prob why you had the MAXIMUM amt of Q's" DUH, I have bad luck; that's why I have this blog! I was going to find out at 8a Wed by checking the AL Board of Nursing website. My name isn't up. TIME TO THROW UP. My friend txt me, The system is DOWN!!!!!!!" Not sure when results will be up. Really? I just think that maybe God is just waiting b/c he doesn't want me to be sad yet. 1112 rolls around. I PASSSSSSSSSED!!!!! I did a double take. I kept refreshing the screen to make sure that they hadn't made a mistake! haha!
Yesssssssssssssss!!!! Yipee! Can't believe it. (For the record, just b/c I had 265 Q's, I know I'm going to be a good nurse, so no worries!)

In orientation this week, there are only 3 newly hired nurses. Stinking budget. For those who have never heard my voice, wellll, it's a little on the raspy side. ESP in the a.m. Whoa. I range from sounding like Mini Mouse to a 60 y/o smoker. I start to clear up around noon. The nurse orienting us says, "Megan, do you sing?" Choking on my coffee, "Excuse me? I'm sorrrrrry." "Do you sing?" "OHHH NO." "Really? You sound like you have a voice of a singer." Hhahah. I crack up. I turn to another new nurse and explain I don't really know why I've sounded so hoarse all wk. She replies, 'Oh, you don't always sound like that?" -Murphy's Law.

In gunshot hearing, thief-filled Wal-Mart, MG & I decide to go shopping. There are cops, ambulances, handcuffs. Not surprised anymore. We're in the fancy bread section. I see what appears to be a big tortilla, so I state that exactly. Of course MG has already walked off, so I'm left talking to myself....I thought. This girl corrects me saying that it is "Taaiiiaia bread." (no offense, she was Asian. I could not understand.) "Excuse me?" "It's so-in-so bread. I know. My roommate is Indian" (Coulda guessed that). Oh no, missy, I have some ethnicity to me too! "Oh, it looks my Gma's tortillas." "No, it's so-in-so bread!" Whatever girl! You don't correct me! I don't know you!

Is it bad that I'm blogging to you guys listening to Cher? BABY IT'S ALL OR NOTHING NOWWWW! Just a little greatest hits, mostly from the 80's. When they sent my license to me- they also sent the picture!!!!!! Pretty goofy looking but I don't know if I can throw it away!? And by throw it away, I mean SHRED it! Ha.

Okay, enough is enough! I'm a working girl now, so I need to go pack my lunch for tomorrow. Hahha. Love!

2009-09-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys! I know I have abandoned you, but I really have been thinking about you! Every time something embarrassing or funny happens to me (daily), I think about how I need to blog that story! I couldn't even go to sleep last night because of all the things I was trying to remember to blog! Some would say I'm kind of a nerd, but I blame it on OCD.

First things first, I graduated!!!!!!! No more undergraduate nursing school! Hallelujah! Now, just by the Grace of God, I will pass my boards (NCLEX) and have my nursing license. I will be working at Children's Hospital, the only one in Alabama! I consider it a gift to love to work with children AND adults because so many nursing pick one or another. I did my preceptorship (internship) on a Surgical ICU at UAB, working with primarily adults. I loved it, all 225hrs of it in 11 wks.

I won't lie. I struggled in my last class of nursing school- Leadership & Management, partly b/c I was so over school and also because, well just because. I had a ridic teacher. You think that's what they all say. For the past 2yrs, all of my tests have been online, except this class. There were 3 exams, and for the first 2, she didn't have enough copies. She entered the classroom w/ 30 copies, knowing there were 84 students. Of course, with Murphy's Law, I was the last to get an exam both times, heightening my test anxiety. I met with her and approached the topic. She said, "Now, Megan, when your first patient codes, you will get stressed out." OH, how I love UAB. I said, "Correct, but you can control how many copies of the test you print, so really, that has nothing to do with a code."

Anyhow, thank goodness, it's over with! For the first time, I feel pretty accomplished and confident in my knowledge (medical wise, that is). However, the train ride isn't over yet. I have that test still before me. Cross your fingers.

Last Tuesday, after a scrumptious dinner at my sister's and soon to be brother-in-law (YAY!), the guys were picking guitar for my Grandma and I. They were playing the infamous "Last Dance with Mary Jane". My 74 y/o Grandma Dora looks at me and says, "You know 'Mary Jane' is?" I said "Yes ma'am (chuckled)...OHHH that's what this song is about??!" Yep, that was me. BUT, in my defense, in the music video, there is a girl in it, who I always thought was Mary Jane!! HHahha.

Mary Merlot, you remember, my cat, has become quite the Miss Kitty. Beautiful as ever, may be a few lbs heavier, but she'll lose it. She stays inside. Never goes outside. She used to escape, but not anymore. She knows better. Do you think it's bad to keep a cat inside? I've debated the issue. We were sleeping the other day, and every little creek, sound, movement, she got freaked out. Now, you tell me, she's not too much of a scaredy cat to live outside. Eh?

Getting my nails done before a wedding, I notice, my manicurist staring at me. Everyone always tells me that ppl really aren't looking at me as much as I think they are, but this story proves that I am right. First of all, she poured something into her bottled water that resembled what the big black guy from Green Mile expels from his mouth to cure people. Ew. So they speak their language, which is already kind of rude b/c I may not comprehend it, but I pick up on when you're talking about me!! She gets loud talking to another lady- the lady replies laughing- the owner replies with a smile- and someone in the BACK yells back. My lady starts cracking up...hysterically. I look at my mom and mouth they're talking about me! "No, no, they're not" Yeah, she doesn't know anything. The owner man comes to me and asks, "You have your nose fixed?" I look at him in disgust. He asks again. My mom says, "No, she was born that way?" I'm like, "No, this is my real nose." He says, "She just tink it so pritty. Wonder if it fixed? Come up so high." I said, "No, this is my nose, OKAY?" Mom says, "Oh, Megan, she's complimenting you on how high your nose comes up." (Really, Mom?) He says, "Everybaudy get they nose fixed. Like Michael Jackson." Seriously, now? Everyone gets a nose job, and you compare me to MJ? (Rest his soul wherever he may be). In the past 22yrs, no one has ever said I've had a pretty snauze!! Not happy about it, no sir.

A few weeks later, it's time for another pedi and mani before my graduation party. My beautiful family is in from TX (the Hispanic side. I'll tell you Grandma Dora & Grandpa Bill knew what they were doing to create such great offspring). The same lady does my nails. Oh great. At least this time, she didn't have that freaky water that made me think we were about to enter the Matrix. Another lady approaches me with a phone and her ATT phone bill. "You know what tese $7 are for?" (No lady, I don't even know your plan, let alone your name.) She asked me translate for her on a 1-800 call! What a mess my life is. I was not even able to enjoy my pedicure b/c I was too busy translating a stinking ATT phone bill & the Deer Hunting game her son downloaded. Not to sound ill-cultured, but I didn't think Asians hunted deer?? Just saying. She didn't even give me a discount!

Well, I must pack for the weekend. Labor Day! Yipee! Going on an overnight canoe trip! Will return soon since school is over. Enjoy your weekend!

Love!

May 2009!

2009-05-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

Hello all! It's been far too long since my last post! I finished up exams, passed my classes (haha), and went to the beach for a few days! I begin my 5th semester of nursing school tomorrow, and will ever so anxiously be counting down the days until August 8!!!!

It's always so hard to get back into the swing of things and master your routine after a few days off. After going through 117+ emails, I was quite shocked at one my dad sent. It was a link to CNN politics. Summary: The National Institutes of Health are paying researchers to cruise bars in Buenos Aires to find out why gay men engage in risky sexual behavior while drunk. Whoa! Really? The researchers are getting paid $400, 000!! So much for the bad economy, eh? I think there are more pertinent things we could be 'researching'. I can tell you what information they're going to get out of that: Gay men tend to be more promiscuous and alcohol consumption makes you lose your inhibition. What happens when more people engage in sexual activity: rise in STDs. The end NIH. They should have hired me!!!

I went home a few weekends ago. Had a great time, of course. We had a family get-together for a cousin's 2nd birthday. This get-together was a little more peculiar though because my mom and dad were there at the same time in the same place. Long overdue. Both sides of my family were there. We all had such a terrific time! Even with drinking involved, mom & dad got along GUREEEEAT! What a pleasant surprise that left me totally content.

On the beautiful beach of Destin, FL, us 5 girls encountered a lot!! I was so excited for J from Philly to get to see the gorgeous water of Destin! One little problem- we were there during a full moon, and doesn't something happen with the gravitational pull and full moon with the ocean?! If not, I definitely like to think so. The first 2 days were stunning...then our 3rd, we walked up to a toothbrush, plastic fork, an onion. plastic containers w/ crustateans, etc. To top things off, some kids beside us that were about our age, pull a box out of the ocean. I'm not sure if it was a box-box, or like a coral-ameoba kind of thing. One guy pulled out an OCTUPUS!!!!!!!!! Yes. I try to uninitiate my gag reflex by seeing this slimy, squidy creature with 8 legs. We all gather around like we're zoology majors. This kid thew it back in the ocean!!! The thing was practically dead, and I was about to get back in that water. Goofball.

B & I walk down to escape the 'ocean fill' (not a land fill, since we were in water). We sipping on a few, playing on the sandbar, getting a tan. Of course, we get approached by an older man. We start to shoot the bull. I tell him about the octupus. He asks if it was still alive, so quick-witted me, I say, "Well, it was definitely on it's last leg." HAHHAHAH. He laughed pretty hard as well! Allllllrrrrrrriiiiight!

The ride down there was a little insane, as well. MG took her last final, and we hopped on the road. Right as we lock our apartment door, a monsoon comes and the bottom falls out. We contemplate running, but then a gravity wave force of wind comes through with thunder/lightning, everything else. 30 minutes later, we get in the car, go to the gas station- the rain stops!!!! Of course. We had to drive 40mph the whole way past Montgomery. I thought it was Armageddon. Two men (65+) pass us on a 2-lane road, neither of them with license plates. Hha. We stop at the gas station before reaching Destin and buy some beer. Well, ole' Tom Thumb likes to scan your ID any and every which way! The machine wasn't reading mine, so he's reluctantly gave it back and sold the beer to me. I said, "Look, it's legit!!" The Tom Tom got us a lost, but eventually, we made it, as frazzled as can be.

To be continued...

We All Put on Our Shoes the Same Way.

2009-04-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hello again. I'm limited time b/c Saving Grace comes on next!!

If you are unaware, the Top 100 One Hit Wonders came on VH1 for like 3 dys in a row. J & I were watching it singing our little hearts out. "Don't worry, be happy" came on. I exclaim how much I love Bob Marley! Bob Marley doesn't sing that song :(

Saturday clinical 7-7- ew. Pediatric Rotation. I guess I'm spoiled by my unit because it's more acute care and 1-on-1. I'm not impressed by the floor I'm on for 12 hrs! You know, I'm about to graduate come August (HOPEFULLY!), & everyday I'm asked if I know how to make a bed or something ridiculous like that. It was just a annoying day, & I way to easily became cranky. I had to use my nursing judgment and turn the suction from Full Vacuum to Low-Medium. After doing so, the nurse I was with said it was okay for the suctioning to be on the HIGHEST! No, as a matter of fact, it is not okay. I double checked my resources & knowledge of other nurses. Then, after shift change, I have the nurse send me in a room to do all the IV settings/changes. Excuse me, I do not have a license & am not able to change any settings on my own. I hated to be such a Negative Nancy, but I was ready to throw the towel in. I did realize that it's much more difficult to change a dressing using sterile procedure on a baby much more than an adult, though.

It's 2009, & we're all different trying to test our limits. Who can stand out the most? Who can defy others? Reality is history repeats itself, so don't think you're doing anything new (for the most part!) I heard someone say the other day that "Everyone who goes to church is a hypocrite". I see where this is coming from- we all sin, we all do things we're not supposed to, & come together in this religious setting. Again, reality is that we all sin, & God is aware of this; otherwise there wouldn't be as much pain, suffering, & tests in this world in which we live in. This person went on to give an example: "She says she can do anything through Christ, but she still gets beaten by her alcoholic husband." Call me crazy, but from my perspective, this abused wife goes to church & prays. For all we know, she's praying to have the strength to leave. In no way does her getting abused & going to church make her a hypocrite. I've never been in the experience of being beaten, but I know that praying is a key. I'm not trying to be all "Our God & you should go to church." However, I do know that I would not be alive right now without a God & finding my cancer in the nick of time. My parents would not be alive from stupid attempts. My sister wouldn't be able to do all the things she does. I don't attend mass every Sunday, but I'm more spiritual than most.

What else can we be serious about?? Ahhh, I'll save it for another day. Would hate to overload you guys! Have a greaaaaaaat week!

29 Days until my 5th semester of Nursing school!!! YAYAY!

Volume II

2009-03-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, Philly, City of Brotherly Love, Home of the Cheese steak, etc. Things I loved- the houses. We have the beautiful antebellum/plantation-like homes, but most of theirs are made of stone/rock. Thinking of the city's historical past, it's just exciting to think about some of the 1st Americans living in the area, creating the foundation we have today! I am also fond of the 'ristorantes & pizzeria's'. So italiano :).

Let me introduce you to one of the greatest places ever- WaWa. Yes, WaWa. Kind of a weird name; comes from WaWa, PA. It's basically a little mini-mart (a little redundant, I know.) Some have gas, but others are just a convenient store w/ any & everything you need. They serve yummy bagels, flatbreads, hoagies, etc. They even have seafood salad in the cold section. I don't know why they haven't expanded throughout the US. Definitely would be an investment. Then again, they probably want to keep them all for themselves! Rita's -ice*custard*happiness- (slogan). They serve water ice (even more redundant.) Reminds me of shaved ice that we have down here. Soft pretzels- very good. I'm not a fan of mustard on my pretzels, so I ate them plain. I love marina/red sauce, so I loved the pizza.

We toured the city up & down. Went to Comcast- the tallest building in PA. I'm not too impressed w/ skyscrapers, but the view was awesome. You could see all these apartment complexes w/ pools & tennis courts on top. Pretty neat. However, I would be afraid that one intense gust of wind, & I'm a goner. Experienced my first train ride. The first train was an 'ole double decker w/ nice seats. The other one, not so much. Old wood vinyl or whatever that stuff is that old vans used to have in them. hah. I don't know if my anxiety would allow me to commute to & fro on a train by myself.

The Liberty Bell was a bit of a let down. I could have sworn it was a lot bigger than it is. We're at Independence Hall, and I'm looking all over. "Jackie, where's the Bell?!?" "Behind you." "That's a glass shed." "I know, it's in there." Pahhhh. What a misconception.

Listening to some jams headed to the NJ shore, we all sing along to "My prerogative"...I say "Galee, I love Prince!" "Well, that's cool, but Bobby Brown sings this." hahah.

Erin Express- one of the best experiences of my life. It was a St. Patty's celebration in which school buses took you from pub to pub at no cost! The city was drenched in green!!! (Only my favorite color!) We hop on the train to get there...it's packed!! The seats were full & the isles. Ppl were drinking cocktails, beers, & even out of pitchers! I score a seat w/ the 1 guy who's actually going to a real place. I've got a few brewskies myself in my purse. He looks at me, & assures me he won't tell. Plus, there were so many ppl on there that they weren't even taking up money. We engage in what seems to be quite the convo. I learned everything about him. For putting up w/ all of us so graciously, I give him a beer. He tries to return the favor w/ some illegal grass. I get really scared, & say, "No thanks!! I don't smoke!!" Awkward! It was a good thing to get off the train after that.

The Irish-Italian culture is significant! I LOVE IT! It's so much fun to be around ppl who grew up they way I did! In that, I mean, having the same values based on your ethnicity. That sounds weird, complicated, maybe even dumb. I can't explain it really. It just reminds me of every story I've ever heard from my dad's side (Connecticut/Chicago bred!) Every little thing reminded me of my grandparents & supplied my heart w/ a content feeling. Just like my TX trip in November. The culture there is so different, but made me feel right at home, as well. I totally embrace Irish-Mexican Catholic thing I have going on.

Don't get me wrong. I love where I come from. I appreciate Alabama w/ every little piece of my heart. You have the mountains/lakes, flat land, sand, beaches/bays. Variety. I will say it's difficult being Catholic here though. Spend half your days explaining to ppl that you do not worship statues or think that Mary is God. (Brief story: learning about dying in class, my ignorant teacher discusses religions/cultures, that she obviously knew nothing about. Says to a class of 120+, that "the child had been sprinkled Catholic". OH, this got me. I said, "WHAT did YOU just SAY? You mean Christened??" Sprinkled? You freaking sprinkle a cupcake, not a religion.)

Back to Philly. J has 3 brothers, a little different from my 3 sisters. Interesting to see the interaction. All I can say is thank goodness I didn't have brothers, I would have severe complexes. I'm too much of a scaredy cat girl. Her family was great, especially her Grandpop.

I've planned my next visit- Irish weekend on the last wknd in Sept! Yeauh!!

I also find it crazy that Rocky is all over the city, especially considering he's not real. But hey, it's the eye of the tiger...Hahha. I'm a nerd.

Have a good one! Love!

My Last Spring Break!

2009-03-18T13:12:00.001-07:00

It is true that school/work consume my life, except for the ridiculously phenomenal VACAY I just got back from! Indeed, I did survive the north. Thank goodness I'm a female because I may not had made it as a guy. I scratched off 3 states on my list last week- NY, NJ, & PA.

I'll brief you on a few things & try not to ramble too much.

Packing was a disaster because ever since I forgot to pack undies on a 5th grade school trip, I over pack!! (Embarrassing, yes.) I had forgotten my suitcases at my dad's house, so J & I shared a big one and two large carry-ons. Mind you, I'm going to buy lots of things during this trip, esp in NYC. After sitting on suitcases to zip them, we head to the airport. I have a slight fear of planes, so I was already jumbled up. One happy pill later & an iPOD, I'm good to go.

It wouldn't be real if things didn't go wrong, hence, Murphy's Law, and unfortunately for my friends, my luck rubbed off. Hopping onto the next plane from Memphis, we don't get to sit together. I cannot have that. I ask a nice man to switch w/ me bc I know I'll have to clutch on to someone I know during ANY little turbulence. He so graciously gives up his seat. Thank you, thank you...wait NO! My freaking seat belt was broken! Then, the stewardess tells me she can "fix" it because it's just a burden to call maintenance. Losing a few more years off my life, I guess she fixed it??? I'm still here.

I cannot remember if I've told you the book I'm reading - I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell. Pretty much the most disgusting, crude, derogatory, repulsive book w/ the foulest language about a young guy's luxurious life of alcohol and babes via journal entries. It's funny though. For some reason, I like it. I would typically be offended. Well, I'm snickering at the book during the whole flight. The older man who had switched seats w/ me leans over to say he's read that book too. A-W-K-W-A-R-D.

We go to NYC..yes! Already have a room booked....and by room, I mean, laundry room. Undoubtedly, it used to be an ANCIENT apt. complex! We had to walk/climb through 2 fire escape doors to get to it! You couldn't even fit a bedside table in b/w the beds! The bathroom was moldy, and the duck-taped furniture had to have been found in an alley. The girl who booked it thinks we can fit 5 GIRLS in there. No ma'am. Three of us walk back down, luggage & all, w/ our heads held high. I am, in fact, better than this. (Not better than much, but definitely that!). We haul our luggage throughout the city, & happily enjoy our stay in a Hampton Inn. One problem- paper thin walls.

After God throwing a fireball at J's head (AKA- fire expelling from her hairdryer), the other hairdryer's coils turn lava red. Reminded me of Home Alone & the way the furnace always lit up in the basement. 3 girls w/ 2 minor explosions, we regress to our 12y/o days- screaming bloody murder. Knock, Knock- noise complaint! Of course, the one w/ the most severe anxiety answers the door. I apologized sincerely & whispered using hand motions the rest of the night!!!

Go to the bars...made lots of friends. Everyone I met, 'surprisingly' had a CEO-like job, had been to Alabama, won the Nobel Prize. They bought us drinks, which were &15/piece, so I didn't care b/c I'm a poor Mexican.

In the cab ride, a girl INSULTS & BELITTLES J & I. Not a fan, not a freaking fan of this broad. I did my best to be congenial & put her in her place w/ her David Yurman on that we all know she's didn't buy. I don't associate w/ ppl like her. They've never really experienced life, worked for anything, much less no anything of any intellect. She had a condo in NYC; she obviously was much better than my Alabamian self.

3:30a.m. approaches, we head back to the room...livid as ever. Now, regressing to our high school yrs, we're yapping like crazy! Ring Ring..."Girls...it's 3:30. Some of us our trying to sleep, or were sleeping." "Ohhh, yes ma'am, sooo sorry! We just got in. Hope you go back to sleep!!" Once again, who answered? ME!!!! We hit up a 24hr diner to finish our high school fest.

In reality, we had the best time ever!! The trip was much needed, & I took it all in. I'll be back soon to tell the rest about Philly!!

Hope everyone had a great St. Patty's Day!!!

1027p

2009-02-17T20:05:00.000-08:00

Good evening fellow followers, AKA, Dad..hahah.

I should be reading about Algorithms, Tachycardia, and Nasopharyngeal Adjunct Airways, but I've been wanting to share my stories.

As you recall, Mary Merlot is my beloved cat w/ multiple cognitive impairments, bladder dysfunction, & basically anything else that you would like to diagnose her with. Well, she's going home to Grandma, my mom, for a few weeks. I need to de-fur my house. Plus, I've had to pretty much confine her to my room after she broke MG's deceased Poppy's plant and pot. God rest his soul & my stupid cat. Luckily, MG has got quite the green thumb, and brought it back to life. Phew! So basically, I'm pawning her off on mom until I can't any longer. I will miss her deeply though, dang it.

It has been quite the week for it only being Tuesday. Yesterday, I hopped in the shower at approx 5:51a. As I put my Lt leg in the tub, I slipped. It was an obnoxious slip, indeed. My foot went to the opposite side of the tub, my Rt shin banged on the tub (in which, I do have a bruise today!). I reached for everything as I was going down, stark naked...yes. I wanted to grab the curtain, but I didn't want it to fall down on me, so I reached for the soap holder...didn't make that either. Finally, after doing a 180, I fell onto rim to regain my composure. Then I giggled during my whole shower.

Well, this a.m. in the shower, I squirted Dove conditioner on my wash cloth & proceeded to wash my body. It was a good 28seconds later that I realized I was using conditioner. Being a Mexican, the last thing I need is a little extra grease to my body. Hahha. I kid. I kid.

I went to Wal-Mart last Tues, Fri, Mon, & today. What could I possibly need? You tell me. Yesterday was the best trip though. 50% off ALL Valentine's Day goodies!!! I bought some unneeded candy, a candle, pink napkins, etc. I have a disease. I cannot help but buy when I see 50% off, Buy 1 get 1 free, or like the little trinkets they keep in the check-isles, just for ppl like me. I wandered through the whole store today asking myself, "Do I need this? What could I do with this? Where could I put those?" Bad, I know.

However, I'm the same way about my belongings. When I'm on a Goodwill kick, I will search high & low for things that I can get rid of. It ends up being an all day affair bc I have to question myself 45x before deciding that I really don't need to keep that pack of stationary. I organized my socks, bathing suits, running/swimming accessories, purses, sweat pants, & Tee's today. I feel like a load of bricks has been loaded off my shoulders. I could almost just stare into my closet appreciating the organization right now. Hahhah OCD nut.

Lent is approaching- Feb. 24th. I'm trying to decide what to give up/ do more of. I always try to make it to church every Sunday during Lent, along with the Holy Days of Obligation. During Lent, I will be going to Philadelphia & NYC, so it kind of puts a damper on my annual giving up dessert. :( ...BUT I've come up with something better...giving up cussing/cursing. Not that I'm a sailor or anything, but I feel like it'll be a good thing to give up & something that will actually take working at. In addition, I'm going to not eat fast food, which won't be too bad. Usually, I only eat Taco Bell every now & again. (I know, prob the worst chains of the pick, haha).

Not sure if you're aware of this or not, but I GRADUATE soon...from college!! Oh my. Scared, I am. A recruiter talked to my class today. It's so stressful. I love everything for the most part: kids & adults, oncology, OR, OBGYN, renal, cardio. I do know that I do not want to work on a Med-Surg floor or a pulmonary/respiratory floor. I like more acute settings like a step down unit from an ICU, except for the Hematology-Oncology floor. I really enjoy my clinical rotation on the Hem-Onc floor. I know that the great thing about nursing is that you can work in a lot of areas, but I need to build up some solid experience first. I just don't know where!

More of my Life!

2009-02-04T15:19:00.001-08:00

There is much to say in little time. Please follow closely and take notes:

It is very unfortunate that my beautiful cat, Mary Merlot, suffers from a medical condition. A few weeks ago, I noticed her always going into my closet. I have 2 purple baskets on the ground- w/ socks, undies, the whole shebang. I happen to see her take "stance" in the one in which my undergarments reside. You know, "the stance"...to PEE! That cat peed on 85+ undies!!!!! Ug. Beating her w/ 1/2 an inch of her life, I think I've taught her a lesson. Yesterday, she assumed position, once more, on some laundry on my floor. (Look, I pulled 40+ hrs over the wknd...no time for chores) I grab her up & turn her on her belly---she is dribbling!!!! Yes, dribbling urine! Taking it back a few steps, she has been spending A LOT of time in the litter box. She jumps in, tries to go, or does go, and jumps back out. Well before putting 2 and 2 together, I become a little frustrated w/ her infatuation w/ her litter box. I try to teach her not to hang out where she eliminates. So, I covered her litter box. MG and I are in the room when we saw her dribble, but we couldn't get to the litter box b/c it was covered!!! Ah! Then, MG notices more 'dribble' on the rug by the bathtub. Damn cat. Using my critical nursing skills- she has to have a bladder problem. I google the American Vet Association or something, & low & behold if I didn't get the 1 out 150th cat w/ FLUTD. FLUTD, you ask? Yes. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. Of course, as a nurse, I shouldn't diagnose, but frequent urination & dribbles can only mean one thing. I've stopped giving her as much H2O, but it hasn't helped. What am I going to do? I'm going to call the vet tom!

Just to further elaborate on my OCD:

One summer home from school, I was staying the night at my Grandma Dora's. My mom was there too. I'll brief you on Grandma's house. It's a typical granny home- crap cluttered everywhere, the most random knick-knacks ever, a myriad of Sanctuaries, and probably hasn't been renovated in about 10yrs. In one of the bathrooms, there is wallpaper that is peeling off. Stressing out before I take a shower, I decided to pull it all off, birthday suit & all. 45min later, I'm sweating like a pig pulling off wallpaper! What an accomplishment. I can shower in peace now at Grandma's!!

As human beings, we should take most (not all) experiences to advantage to learn & take something away from it. In many instances, we have the choice to make ourselves happy or miserable. It's our responsibility to work towards happiness. It doesn't always come right to you. Towards the end of my 2nd yr in Mobile, I became pessimistic & unhappy. I was so b/c I was away from my family & needed a change of scenery. Looking back at it now, I totally regret not making the best of those last few months instead of dragging them out. I have wonderful friends down there, & should have been taking every minute for granted.

If you haven't heard about Michael Phelps, well, he's in big trouble. Some indecent human being sold a picture to British tabloids depicting Phelps 'smoking from a bong'. He is going to lose all of his medals & endorsements. I don't condone marijuana, but come on! He's worked his butt off to be the 'Champion' w/out use of steroids. If anything, it'll just make him eat more, which the poor kid needs. It's illegal, yes, and he does have a DUI on his track record. I don't know though; I just feel like the person who sold that picture is a worthless human being. They wanted the glory of Phelps going down & the bookoo's of $$$ for the selling the picture. What goes around comes around though.

Long Overdue

2009-01-21T18:58:00.000-08:00

Today, a car was driving SUPER SLOW in front of me, and I had already had road rage b/c it was 5o'clock traffic! Well, as my frustration builds, I notice that their tire is flat. Having had a good 20 flat tires in my life, my condolences go out to this person. I ponder...should I stop and help? No, Megan, you're not strong enough to get the lug nuts off. Dang. Not my day to shine as a good Samaritan. Well, I notice it's a lady. Poor lady. However, there were plenty of places for this goober to turn off and get help. 4 stop signs later, she brakes, I pass her. Mind you, I can see tire debris flying from her what is left of a tire and rim. As I pass, I notice this lady does not just have a flat tire, but also half of her bumper is missing. Hm. Where could it have gone? What if she was a hit and run and taking the back roads so no one would know? The point is, it was freaking hilarious!

It's been a while since I've shared to world the stories of my life. Just like always, there have been plenty of awkward, foot in mouth, illogical, ridiculous moments.

Let me begin:
This past Monday, my roommate was gone babysitting, so it was me by my lonesome with Mary Merlot, of course! (P.S. I got a kitty cat for Christmas. I'll explain her greatness later:) Well, it's about 20 below outside, and I hear "KNOCK KNOCK"..."KNOCK KNOCK". Looking at Mary Merlot and wanting to depend on her if needed for safety reasons, obviously. She doesn't look to promising. I approach the peep hole, look out..and it appears to be a maintenance man. Should I answer? Well, if I don't, he'll come in anyway because they have keys. I answer. "Hey, I work for the newspaper.......blah blah blah...will you sign here...profits go to my schooling." Never judge a book by its cover his clothing does look creditable. (So did Ted Bundy's! AH!) Before I realize it, I'm back in my apartment writing a check for $27.70 to receive the newspaper EVERY SINGLE DAY for the next 3mos. I'm in nursing school...I don't have time to read. Okay, whatev, did a good deed for the city. I wanted to make sure he was legit, so I got a phone number and his full name. Way to think ahead, Meg. He did give me a carbon copy receipt to give me. So, the best part is he asks me if I'm looking for a job. "Well, no." "OH REALLY, you've got the BEST personality for this! If you ever need a part time job, give me a call." Oh, me. Yes, this is my life.

Back to Mary Merlot, the love of my life. All I wanted for Christmas was a kitten..& money for a plane ticket for my trip to Philadelphia (You remember, Jackie, the girl who fell, from Philly) ...& ink cartridges for my printer. Sad. Considering my mom just had her 2nd hip replacement, she was unable to find a kitty for me. Speaks volume. You want to get things done in life, you have to do them yourself. I go to the vet in which I worked a good 3yrs. They happen to have 2 felines- 1 CRAZY kitten & 1 somewhat grown kitty. I take the somewhat grown kitty, and proceeded to name her Mary Merlot.

She's phenomenal. A little crazy at times. And by times, I mean every a.m. when we wake, sometimes in the mid-afternoon & one more spell before bed. She loves to lie on you and any part of your body possible. When I'm lying on my side, she hangs on my hips, my head, my knees, whatever she pleases. Any time my cell phone makes a noise, she rushes to it. She's my own little Lassy! Actually, she's just the nosiest thing ever! She LOVES toys...and the top shelf of my closet. Mind you, I like to keep all my shoes in order by style, color, and texture. Well for Merlot to be able to reach the top shelf, she must topple all of my precious, strategically placed shoes. Damn cat.

I begin my adult clinicals tomorrow...Hematology/Oncology floor! I'm so excited! My instructor is a Oncology Nurse Practitioner, which is so admiring. I would love to learn more about that avenue for my nursing career. It's neat too, because the floor that I will be working on is the same floor where I had 3 of my radiation treatments some time ago. Crazy.

'Til next time.

I know I'm rare, You stop & stare.

2008-12-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

Finished with classes, off work for a day, & finally able to blog. Here I am with my pumpkin flavored coffee & coffee creamer. My obsession is getting a little ridiculous. I had to stock up on pumpkin things since they're are only seasonal. I've been thinking about how I have abandoned you all; not sure how you function properly without my blog:) Believe you me (what does that even mean?), there is so much I've wanted to share. However, I've been a little Van Gough, Picasso, DaVinci, if I may, these past few weeks! Ha. Getting ready for Christmas time & presents! It seems as if I am still in the 3rd grade homemaking gifts. Hah. One problem is that I paint a canvas, then I grow to it, and don't want to give them up! In addition, I've been a working machine with all the beautiful babies & tots! OMG, I love them so much. Someone left a newborn, barely a wk old, in a bag on the street. Thank the Lord up above, someone found it, & took it to the hospital. It just so happened to be on our unit!! Yayay! A horrible situation, but a beautiful baby boy, who a week later, is already in loving, adoring hands of a foster family. It's shocking how many patients we have with broken homes, or not even having a home. There's no doubt that they get enough love on our unit. All the nurses, doctors, assistants I work with are AMAZING.

MY BIRTHDAY IS IN 14dys!!! Yipppee dooo dahhh day!

Grades should be released today. Hmm. I'm no shining star this time- B's & a C that I "earned". My classes weren't even really hard, but there was ZERO effective communication throughout the whole semester. My old people class, whom the Geriatric, herself, teaches was beyond ridic. I read all the chapters, PowerPoint's, & kind of went to class. You're thinking- there's your problem. No sir. She scurries along like a little mouse with a low voice. She makes no sense, & probably could be diagnosed with dementia. Aw, JK. These teachers are stuck in 1989. They probably still use an ENIAC, nah, that was invented in 1946. They at least use a:

Hahhahahahha. Well the last class I missed, they put on gloves & glasses with yellow lenses to see what it's like to be an elder. Really? I pay my own $tuition$ for that? Peace out. See ya old lady! (Sorry for being insensitive to the elder population, it's just her that I don't like). I went to the next class in which we watched "A Trip to Bountiful", a movie we could all go on living a wonderful life without ever seeing. 25Q's on our final came from those 2 classes. Ug. In the middle of the movie, she puts out 50 study guides for the final. I sit in the middle & never saw her lay them down. I checked when I walked in for notes, but there weren't any. She doesn't post them on the net like every other professor. I asked her about them at the end of the class. She informs me that only 50ppl come to class every Mon., so that's all she brought. Also, she would not be posting it on the net. I send her a respectful email letting her know in no way is it fair to only pass out 50 guides when an easy 80 people were at class, and then not post it? No ma'am. She replies find one & make a copy. Puhhhhhhh.

As a child, my sister Ry, taught me the necessities...how to tie my shoes, ride a bike, braid hair (hahahha, braid!). Before you read this story, keep in mind that I was premature, in which I like to blame for all my ill-logicalness (not a word, I know) & slow to catch on jokes. Hey, it can impair your cognitive ability. I was a good 9yrs old when I learned how to ride a 2wheel bike. I didn't even have stinking training wheels- it was straight up red tricycle. Spring break 1994ish, my older sister is babysitting Ry & I. By that I mean, letting us do anything we want. Until age 12, we were only allowed to ride our bikes in the yard...OH HOW FUN, Dad! The little devils we were, we're cruising up & down Snow Dr. Alriggggggggght! Then............see a blinker, a car, oh a car we recognize, oh no, it 's Dad & my 2 uncles arriving WAY early from work. We have done it now! I'm in the middle of road pedaling my chipped red tricycle like a son of a gun! Ry's on some Huffy 12 or something, haha. "Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go to your room. CLEAN IT! I'll be in there in five." One huge hand print later on the bum, I am crying my eyes out. "Stop crying. I'll do it again." Hahhaha. Dang, Dad. You weren't in the military, eh? That was the only time we really couldn't sit down after a spanking. He used to threaten it, & I tell you what, OUCH!

'Tis the season...for nosebleeds. This stupid hot/cold/humid/dry weather has me all out of wack. Nosebleed here, nosebleed there, nosebleed everywhere! Man o man. Hope no one thinks I have a recreational drug problem. Hah. Yes, I would be worried about that. My recycling habit has become a little obsessive. It consumes my life. I've got to stop. "My name is Megan, & I'm addicted to recycling."

I hit a car last Friday. No biggie. Around 612a, I defrosting my car for work. After it all clears up, I reverse. Pladunk (that's the sound of me hitting a truck). The little punk made his own parking space. I'm not sure if I couldn't see it b/c it was navy or if I just wasn't paying attention. Ha. He already had a dent, I think, so I drove away. Now my car...another 'ole bumper mark! Dang it!

Last story, promise....This past summer I was at a coffee shop doing a little studying, just enjoying my scone & amaretto expresso something. I walk out, hop in the car. As a buckle, I see a note on my windshield. That's really the most embarrassing part. I hate having to get things off the windshield after I've already hopped in. It's a little note explaining that someone side swiped my car!!! Embarrassing moment #2- having to look at my car in front of everyone. Well, you sure did, missy. Really, I think the only reason she even left a note is b/c she saw my lab coat for nursing school, which resembles the med students, & she herself was a med student. Leaves a number for me to call. 4 anxiety attacks later, I muster up the courage to call her. 'Hey, this is Megan. I think you hit my car?!" hahha. She doesn't want to claim it on her insurance; she'll just pay out of pocket. I have it appraised. With $798 worth of damage, I'm too embarrassed to ask someone for that kind of mulah, so I never called back. Six months later, I'm thinking that was a dumb decision. It's my car with red scratches. My freaking car is white!!! Just pray Little Honda makes it another yr or so! I'll still get out of her with my head held high with scratches, dents, scrapes from buggies. hhahahah.

Okay, I'm done! Be back soon!

Do's & Don'ts

2008-12-02T15:06:00.001-08:00

Oh my word, all the things I need to share with you! It has been quite the adventure, my life. Don't act surprised.

My 18hr ride with Mom, Grandma, & Aunt to TX went surprisingly great! (I didn't doubt it would, but you never know.) It was the complete Adventures of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood! Fun, drinking, feuding, old ladies, ..haha. Seven long yrs have passed since my last road trip to the cowboy state, but I remembered everything like it was yesterday. The 25 mile bridge with swampy, alligator infested waters, the city of Houston with it's roller coaster of freeways, overpasses, & interstate, the outrageous #s of Whataburger's. As an 'adult', I'm still just as scared as I was as a tot of the architecture in Houston. Agoraphobic, that's me. Just another noun to add to my labels.

Scared and excited at the same time, I was anxious about joining in with the cousins, worrying about if I would fit in and such.My sister backed out at the last minute. Hey, what are they for? They took me in as if I were their own & as if we had hung out last wk. We surely missed out during our childhood/teenage yrs. We could have caused some damage! Rockport, TX is a gorgeous place! It's a small town like my own hometown, but there is so much to offer. The water & views are priceless. Tourism is a big hit, but they still keep their small town mentality. One grocery store & a Wal-Mart with lots of condos!!! Kind of peculiar.

You should recall how wonderful my Grandma is. She comes into town, and it's amazing just to see how much love she has for everyone. Cousins, neices, nephews, siblings all come together. Mind you Grandma is 74, kicking it like she's 34. I learned more about family history on the road. She worked in a burn unit for 7yrs! I just can't help but admire her more & more everyday. A burn unit? I'm afraid my Special Care Unit will be the highest acuity in which I'll attempt to work. It takes a certain personality to be able to work in a burn unit, especially in a huge hospital in Galveston. All of my life she has worked in the OR and L&D, which is also highly respectable. I feel like we have our special bond since I will, hopefully, follow in her footsteps with our careers. I've been aware of her humongous, extremely forgiving, family-bound heart for yrs, but her work on a burn unit just opened a whole new doorway. Seems silly, but since she is older (sorry!), it's easy to forget that she too once was young bouncing around a hospital, elbow deep in IVs, meds, poop. (hah, it's true.)

Off track, surprise. The wedding was absolutely stunning! Beautiful bride, handsome groom, great wedding party! I looked at my grandma in the food line, dancing already! The champagne effects didn't take too long to kick in. Of course, I don't think it took too long for any of us. We were all Dancing in the Moonlight before long. My cousin sang "Ava Maria" & "At Last" Yes, she's phenomenal. American Idol, can I get a vote?

Basically, my family is beautiful and always has the best time. Duh! If you couldn't tell that by now, you need not read any further! JK!

Time to depart came all too soon :( 18hrs away back to Alabama, we go. This was the turning point-where we all kind of stopped liking each other. Mom was being unpleasant. We got lost. My iPOD had low battery. Grandma wanted kid's meal from Krystals, after I proceeded to tell her they do not sell those, but that I would get exactly what she wanted. "Just get me a kid's meal", she would say. Finally, I said, "OKAY Grandma." We had to stop at every specialy meat place there was. Gurosss! I don't even like jerky, weird sausage, dried up meat products. Aggravated just a little, I say just take me to McDonald's, one of the biggest mistakes of my life. Not a fan. Never really have been, and DEFINITELY never will be. 24hrs later, somebody' got a case of freaking Shigella. Not really, but some severe food poisoning.

Very unpleasant. I couldn't even keep ice chips down. We made the wise decision to admit me into the hospital...ON THANKSGIVING! It's my favorite holiday! Are you kidding me? Please, say you're kidding. It's even worse being in nursing school because I'm watching everyone like a hawk, every move, every breath. Hah..stalker. I had to give every kind of 'sample' in the book. "OH, you are sick..I've never seen this before...I showed it to the other nurses...They've never seen it either...blah blah." Please, spare my dignity. A girl I graduated with had to wheel me down to XRay. I'm pretty stubborn too, so that was the last on my To-Do List. Mom & Dad saw each other. AWKWARD. My sister & ex-boyfriend had to be cordial. You could smell the awkwardness. The whole family visited, which was very nice!!..even though they had just stuffed their faces with turkey dinner while I forced jello down my throat. Bitterness? Nah. I shed a few lbs. over this, & that's enough to satisfy me.

Bed time. "I'll take the Phenergan, now." Knock, knock, the nurse enters, walks closer & closer, reaches for my IV. "Oh, I forgot to dilute it. I'll be right back." WHAT!!! Great, send me into a code and burn all my veins out; I don't need them. Then, of course, story of my life, I have an adverse reaction- dystonia movements. It's kind of like dyskinesia, uncontrolled moving of the muscles, especially in the limbs. Patients with Parkinson's experience this or it's caused by antipsychotics. For an hour, I looked like I was doing the Thriller dance. It was one of the most horrible times of my life. The phenergan was trying to knock me out, but the muscle contracting wouldn't let me. One of the nurses says it's probably your potassium. Had I been in my right mind, I would have said, no, you're wrong. I just took a medicine that causes extreme drowsiness, but all of a sudden, my muscles are contracting from low K+? Who are these people taking care of me? Eventually, I passed out. My doc said I should have asked for an order of Benadryl to immediately reverse those effects. Dang! I feel like the nurse should have used her critical thinking skills to solve the problem. 4 cans of chicken broth later, here I am, wondering how to make a pumpkin pie! Ha. I am grateful for the 5 bags of Lactated Ringer's within 24hrs, & the nurses really did do a good job in aiding with my recovery.

I must warn you: I've only had 2 cases of food poisoning, which were both severe enough to be hospitalized, and both were from MCDONALD's. Yeah, think twice about driving in for that $1 menu at Mickey D's. Two different states, two different items in two years. DONE! I'm done. No mas para mí. Nunca!

I hope I didn't overwhelm you all! I'll be back soon!
Love!

Somebody's Got a Case of the Monnnndays!

2008-11-17T19:29:00.002-08:00

Thanksgiving is almost here! Yippee do da day! Everyone tends to forget about this glorious holiday! They go from Oct 31 to Dec 25 in one day. Give it a rest. Let's enjoy turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce before we start jingling bells. I'm enjoying my Pumpkin Spice coffee right now from Starbucks. Yum! My fav. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie coffee creamer, egg nog, etc. I love it all, even pumpkin seeds.

Last week, I put in a good 56 hours of work, clinical, & school-estimating, of course. What will I ever do as a nurse? Either 3 12s or 7 8s. So I could work 3 days and be off for 4 or work 7, off 7. Both have their pros/cons. I'm still loving my job- probably attaching myself too much to the children, especially the ones that have been there for a long time.

Clinical last Friday consisted of little 'ole me in the back of a rescue truck for the fire department. The first call we received ended up being a code!!! I actually assisted in saving a life, which is rewarding! I was in control of the ambu bag for 20+ minutes! (Silly that I'm so excited!) I was so scared, but couldn't really show my nerves in front all these medics/firemen. It was an intense moment, I tell you. I accidentally let the four letter s word slip! It was under my breath, but the ambu bag came unhooked from the tube! I freaked out for a mini-second...then had to freak out that my language was inappropriate. Only one guy heard me, and he was a Donny Wahlberg look-a-like (meaning I didn't feel too bad b/c I just thought of New Kids on the Block!) He laughed as I apologized 32x, telling him not to tell anyone I said that! Hahha. The patient revived, thank goodness!

Pun Pun Pun. Oh, how I love thee. I thrive off of getting a pun in whenever I can during conversation. It's so gratifying that my brain can think of things so fast because I've never been that girl with the good comebacks. Growing up, I was probably more like the 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me ...blah blah"- knowing I over analyzed anything that could be the least bit critical! We were talking about 'boils' the other day. In the medical setting, mind you, no dignity, pride, shame is allowed. Words that would humiliate you to say become frequent vocabulary. Well, questions were being asked about the 'boil', so I spat off with, "Well, what it all boils down to..." Hahahahhahahah. Please laugh because that pun, my dear, is HILARIOUS!

GRACE is a word never used to describe me. No one has ever said I was graceful, nor have I ever thought of myself as graceful. You know, you dress all up, look like the classy lady you are, and then...you get toothpaste on your dress or deodorant on the side of your sweater. However, I will say that I never get spinach in my teeth, which is the 'ideal' embarrassment, right? Garbage sometimes flows from my mouth, and I want to shove it all back in instantly. Foot in mouth is a big problem of mine. Here goes:

In the wonderful world of Facebook, we all become a little overzealous, I shall say. We start finalizing relationships by our relationship status, comparing pictures from the weekend, and find out the latest gossip. I can recall a time of not knowing a girl that well, but we were looking at some Facebook pictures. There were a few of us joining in. She wants to show me the guy she likes and his new 'girl'. She shows me a picture, and I reassure her not to worry, that she's way prettier. Before I can get a full respiration in, she says, "That is me. I've just dyed my hair." Perfect, just perfect. Really, Megan? I was just playing by the rules. # 1- always make the girl feel better about herself! I try to say "OHHH, yeah, sorry, I couldn't really see the picture that well! You look good with brown hair."!!!! Hahah.

My roommate and I are going GREEN! Yay! We recycle all cardboard! (And I do mean all cardboard!) Some examples of boxes we recycle come from: Dt. Coke, Hot pockets, Dove bar soap, crackers, shoe boxes, cereal, Velveeta cheese, paper towel rolls an occasional brand of beer:), etc. MG even put a Milk Dud from our Halloween candy box in the pile! Hahah. We're a little overboard, but that's basically how I am in everything. We tried cans and plastic, but that's just kind of gross to have sitting in your apt. We'll try though. I hope all you guys are trying to recycle too!

I'm off to the state where everything is bigger! Texas here I come for 5 days! I cannot wait! I'm going for a wedding with my mom and grandma. Thank goodness I just updated my iPOD because 18hrs is a looooooong ride with the relatives! JK, but really. My grandma refuses to fly, which I respect because I'm not a huge fan either.

Did I ever tell you guys about the time I left my keys in ATL, and they had to be FedExed to me? It took 5 days, when it should have only taken 2. I noticed half way through our ride home. For some quirky reason, I took them out of my purse because we were going to a concert, and put them in a drawer. First of all, my car wasn't even there. Second, why would someone want to steal my keys? Third, of course, I forgot them. One time, I ordered some clothes from Forever21, my beloved. Being the bargain shopper that I am, I ended up w/ 5 dresses, sunglasses, & a cute shirt for $70!! Tell me that's not a deal! So much of a deal that the package never made it into my hands!! I waited on this package a.m. & p.m. so thrilled of my deal and all the weddings/showers/graduations coming up! Two wks after it's supposed to be arrival date, I track it with UPS. Oh, it's arrived at my apartment, and ended in some one's hands. You recall the roommate disaster, I hope. Needless to say, I never saw the dresses, and it took 2 months to get the money back. Some person or people are walking around in my clothes! AH! What thieves! I was devastated because I looking so forward to my purchase! Another hideous mail story: when I began my job, my first pay check was supposed to be a live check, meaning it was not direct deposit. Well, somehow, I get thrown in the handful of checks that get mailed out for some odd reason that month. A week later, no check, no mulah for me. I call pay roll, they tell me they can't cut me a check because it's a off week. Off week? Cut me a check-I'm in college!! The check was never received in the mail! Does the US Postal Service have it out for me or what?!?! To top it off, I had actually already received my 2nd check by the time they gave me my 1st check!!! I had to become a little testy with the pay roll lady. It being the 5th of the month, and my rent was due! I'm working on being more assertive though because that kind of stuff does not need to happen!

I need to hit the sack! Night!

Somebody

2008-11-17T19:29:00.001-08:00

Is it 855 or Is it 955?

2008-11-11T19:55:00.001-08:00

This whole time change has got me all messed up! I can't decide what time it is or what time I want it to be. I feel really bad for people with seasonal depression or Sundowner's Syndrome. I don't like for it to be dark and gloomy; I can only imagine how they feel. Fall is a time in which I wish I lived in Maine or Massachusetts or Maryland...well, just any M-state in the northeast because of the leaf changing. North Alabama is a pretty ride, but I want to visit wherever they filmed Stepmom with Julia Roberts & Susan Sarandon. Wow...beautiful scenery. I sure bet Arizona feels out not gaining an extra hour of sleep for Daylight savings. Even more so because McCain isn't president. Ha. Dang! I keep trying to forget about it!

I'm in love with the kids I work with. If I wasn't so germophobic-obsessive-compulsive, I could start up a home for these little sick kids. I love them! I may be a little too attached, but that's better than being detached, you know? I'm learning/seeing a lot. I got excited today about moving a patient in a neck brace. I know it's silly and simple, but doing something in lab is so different than the real thing, especially when it's such a little human being.

Naturally we all have a soft spot for sick children. Most would say you need that special touch. Call me ethnocentric, but battling cancer from age 10-16ish, myself, shows me that kids are way more resilient. Preparing a 10 year old for surgery can go over much better than a 45yr old man stuck in his ways. I survived because I rolled with the punches and did what I was told. I would have taken the pain in my family's eyes in a heartbeat because their expressions were far worse than mine. I see that in so many of the brave little soldiers at the hospital. We know no different as children. I had experienced 8 years of life. I wasn't looking back saying, "I remember when..." As far as I knew, this was normal. By no means am I dusting off a child's illness. Just don't forget that they are resilient, much more than I could ever be now.

Fears. Phobias. Some genetic. Some acquired. My fear of vampires=acquired. I caught the scary parts of Interview with the Vampire, and that was all she wrote. Even Buffy and the Vampire did me in. AH! I slept on my back for three years in the middle of my twin bed with the covers wrapped as snugly as possible around my neck. Those vampires weren't getting me! I can remember even considering snatching up my Grandma's garlic gloves from her carport to hang on my bedpost. That's severe! Werewolves...even worse! Don't ever let your children watch Silver Bullet. A Priest at day, werewolf by night. Who thinks of these sick things?! I would watch my blinds at night praying that the werewolf would not jump through. What would praying do? The werewolf was a Priest!! hahah! Just kidding!!!!

I'll have nightmares tonight from reliving these horrid memories via my blog.

You know, when I don't look at the keyboard, I can type like a maniac. My GWAM is like 652 wpm (words per minute!!) However, as soon I even glance at my fingers I hit the backspace 112x out of that 652. Curazzzzzzzzy.

I'm tired. I'm living the life as a real adult this week...pulling 8 hour shifts all week between work, clinical, and class. Please, don't applaud.

The Lamp of Learning...

2008-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hello again.
Here I am, my first Friday off in a while. I attempted sleeping in, but my circadian rhythm is set at about 522-636a.m., so I woke up at 723a. I haven't really been sleeping well, though. The other night I woke up at 1159p in a frantic thinking I was late, then again at 155a and 400a. I will admit my bed feels more comfortable than it ever has before! OMG- I crawled in on Sunday night after a long week, and the comfortableness was so surreal. It's not like I haven't been sleeping on this bed for months now, but I've grown a new appreciation for it this week!

Politics-Smolitics. Yeah, yeah. Barack Obama is our President. Okay. May the 361+/- Electoral College votes prove me wrong. As we all know, politics is a sensitive subject, and it's iffy to bring it up. Well, if someone else brings it up to me, I will rebuttal, exercising my 1st Amendment. You know why? ...because I have not been given one legitimate reason for voting for Obama. All I've heard is, "It's time for a change." HELLO-any new president will be a change.

I went home to vote because I was worried my absentee ballot wouldn't come in time. Plus, I hadn't been home in 2+ months and was missing my roots. It was my first go at this voting thing since I was a month shy of 18 for Bush-Kerry, and the whole mix up of being registered in 2 places at once. I went in there, standing tall, praying everyone was voting for McCain. We have the paper ballots where you complete the arrow. (If you watched the news, you saw that West Palm Beach were having discrepancies with those arrows. They weren't sure how to feel them out. IDIOTS. There's an example at the top!! Go FL!!) Anyway, I stared at my ballot for which seemed like eternity, just frightened that my hand would somehow fill in the arrow for Obama-Biden, and that they wouldn't give me another ballot! After rechecking it 47 times, I completed my first ballot!!!!!!

Then, I run to Verizon to pick up a car charger. I run into the biggest jock football player from high school. Small talk...blah blah. Then, he asks who I voted for. Why dude? It was none of his business, but spreading my McCain-Palin love, I told him.

"McCain!?" (as if in shock) "Why not Barack Obama?"
"Because I'm not a democrat."
"OH, you must have that money, then?"
"No, that's a common misconception."
"Look at you writing that check."
Really, guy? I'm writing a check because I don't even have 20 bucks in cash. That doesn't indicate wealth.
"Actually, I just don't want to live in a socialist country."
"Aw naw, I'm not mad at you."

I'm thinking I don't care what you think. You're ignorant. Republicans are not full of all this money. Like we're running down the street throwing it in the air yelling "I've got money!!" We believe in working hard to get where we do, and come by it honestly.

This is why I can't keep my mouth shut anymore. People are SOOO mislead. I'm doing my part by trying to teach/advocate/persuade (hah...jk!)

At clinical the other day, I had a man who was a combat medic. He was laughing at us for using gloves for cholesterol checks because they never used them in Iraq. Granted, he was in the heat of the moment and didn't have time to don gloves, but I'm watching out for me! You would amazed at the grown men who were afraid of lancets. "I hate needles. Please don't hurt me." (I'm not mocking them, just surprised.) Needless to say, most of them told me they couldn't even feel it! Yeauh! Anyway, I thanked this militant for serving for our country. He asked if I vote yesterday. "Yes, of course, but it didn't do me that good." (Sorry, I was a little bitter!)

He comments back, "At least you're exercising the right that I fight to give you." Aw, it gives me chills thinking about it. That's what people forget. Thanks to these men & women of all ages that fight for us and the good of humankind. We look after another because we care, as we should. I thanked him again.

I would like for you guys to always thank anyone in uniform or who serves our country.

The time I learned to take the initiative:

One weekend as a little squirt, my dad decided to teach my sister and I initiative. That, or he was just too lazy to pick up the garbage! Jk Dad.

In the living room, there was a piece of garbage on the floor. I'm wondering where my mom was because she would not have allowed it to sit there. I'm pretty positive it sat there from Saturday to Sunday. We all walked past it a million times. Who finally picked it up?! Me. Duh. So then dad goes off on this tangent on how he was testing us to take the initiative. Whether he really was or not, I've always picked garbage off the floor from then on. At work, I constantly pick up things to throw away. I would be fantastic at community service! Hahha...let's hope that never happens!

Last Friday was not my night...as if any night is.
I wasn't completely dressed in my Halloween costume, so I asked my friend to run in the gas station for me. After about 2.6 minutes, my credit card is lost. Oh great! We search high and low. I have to rush home, cancel my card. ...And if you've ever tried to report a card/cancel one, they always ask for the card #! Really?! How can I give you the card # w/out the card! After 40+ minutes, I cancel it. We drive to my friends house for a Halloween party. I lock my keys, purse, cell phone in my car. Luckily she had Triple A. 2 hrs later, we go downtown. My friend says we don't have to pay to park because it's night time even though we see people paying. A few hours later, we return to the car with a BOOT on it! AH! Somebody break a piece off the Kit Kat bar! Cut me a break! They didn't take checks, so my friend had to pay. Actually, he kind of deserved to pay because he lost my card! Hahha..

Anyway, I should end this novel. I have much more to say! I'll try to write some more this week!
Love!

Like an Elephant, eh?

2008-10-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

I have so much to say!

My blogs have become too far and few between! The PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION is 1 week away! OH NO! Pray, cross your fingers, whatever that McCain-Palin win!

It's also Halloween this week! Yay! I finally figured out what I'm going to be, or who I'm going to be, rather. Olivia Newton John from "Let's get Physical!" I'm going to do the leggings, leotard, cut off T, and EVEN the bangs! I'm going to pull out the big curling iron and the AquaNet hairspray. Hah.

My Philly friend and I were laughing about being little squirts. How/when we learned how to ride a bike, wanting to fit in and NEEDING our parents to buy us this and that. I must say my parents did bend over backwards to give us what we wanted. I should probably thank them...

However, not for this:
My first memory ever...you may not even believe me, but I can see this so vividly. As a little kid, my mom would always say I have the memory of an elephant. How anyone has accurately measured the memory of an elephant, I do not know.

Anyway, I remebmer standing in my crib. I could not have been over 2 or so. I can see it now. Crying, bawling my eyes out, yelling for "Dada, Mama, Baba, anything!!" I figure my parents were trying to wing me off the bottle- AKA baba. Or, in an unfortunate case, they were too lazy to get up! JK! It felt like eternity, but 20+ years later, it may have only been a few minutes. I was hysterical. THEN, sweet father of mine begins to walk down the hall towards my room! ALLELUIAH! Thank you Daddy! Saved..he's bringing me a baba!! Slam..there goes my bedroom door! What! Seriously Pops? Do you know what that does to a little child? Thank you Erik Erickson and your stages because my parents just ruined my identity vs autonomy vs initiative, whatev! Hahahhaha...the first memory I have is of my parents shunning me!

Now, birthdays were always superb. My mom did a great job with making us feel number one! Except, when they would go spend the weekend at the Hilton to celebrate New Year's Eve. My bday is Dec 30. I remember going bowling one time with a pink sweater on. This woman walks up to me complementing my dimples and how cute they were! I freaked out and ran to Mom! Hahah! I always been a messed up kid! Jk! One year, my mom made a snowman cake with 2 round cakes, cupcakes as the scarf, and candy for the facial features! I loved it! Everyone always asks if it sucks having a birthday so close to Christmas. Actually, no, because it's after Christmas. Every thing's on sale. Now, if my birthday was before Christmas, it's likely I may have gotten shafted. Hahh..

Got to run! I'll be back!

I'll be Grace, You be Will.

2008-10-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to call the court house for a long time just to double check that I am registered to vote. What would I be if I talked all this smack and wasn't even registered to vote!?! While in Mobile, I somehow registered there, even though I was already registered back home, so it messed everything up. Yesterday, the system was down, and they told me to try again. I called this a.m, and the same man answered, then transferred me to someone else. Two or three minutes into the conversation, the receptionist asks me a question. "Yes sir", I answer. "I'm a ma'am." "Okay, yes, that's my middle name." Hahah. I could not even retract my statement or say I'm sorry. I was so caught off guard because I was sure I was speaking to a male. I hung up, sat there for a minute, collected my thoughts, and finally, broke into laughter! How horrible do I feel, especially since she has my full name, home address, etc. Hahahah. This isn't my first rodeo with confusing girls for guys. Maybe I should stop being polite. Jk!

I never went into detail about my roommates last year. Let's just say it started like this:

I didn't look for an apartment until June-July, and I needed to move by August!! I know, not responsible, but I was scared since I was moving to a new place. I worked with a girl at this restaurant who was about to move to go to Culinary School. She asked about rooming together. She found a place and was most economical. I signed my lease before looking at the actual apartment. Not smart. Turns out I would be moving in a few months before her because her classes didn't start until October. Tyler helped me move in and as we walked in, we see a gallon of milk on the counter. OH NO! Who is here? Apparently the girl living there before us hadn't moved out yet and didn't tell the office. I go to the office and say, "Hey, there's someone in my room." Well, this girl was supposed to move downstairs because she was about to pop with 9months on her. Tyler helped her move all of her heavy stuff and then my belongings! It was a crazy day. Being OCD, I had to set up my whole room before we made our way to the kitchen. Surprise, surprise: the cabinets were full of food, junk, garbage, etc. There was a economy size hamburger patty box in the freezer! I was so repulsed! Bless our hearts, we didn't have any cable or anything, so we just drank beer and hooked up the iPOD! Hah.

To be frank, I didn't live in the best area. The apartments were so cute from the outside- pastel little townhouses. Don't judge a book by its cover. I spent a good month with a hammer right beside me.

Well, my roommate finally moves in, and I begin to feel a little safer/homier. There were 3 bedrooms, so there was a possibility we could get another roommate; it was rent by room and everything was included. Luck was actually on my side, until March. 'Knock, knock'. New roommate. After about a week, she moves her boyfriend in. No ma'am! Not allowed! We had to have an intervention. We go back and forth for an hour about why her boyfriend should be able to stay, while my roommate and I are like, "He's gotta go." ...DUN DUN DUN...The new edition to our 'home' says, "Well, I'm not racist or anything, but I didn't want to move in with y'all." OH NO. "RACE has nothing to do with this!!! You are being disrespectful by moving your boyfriend in here. You didn't ask us if he could visit, much less shack here everyday." Blah Blah. Needless to say, nothing changed because the office went through new managers monthly. I stayed cooped up in my room pretty much the whole time. Around May, my original roommate says she's moving to Mobile to do an internship, and that she has subleased her room to the other roommate's friend. Gureeeeeeeat!

I try to be civil, friendly, put myself out there, until it all hits the fan. They use my food, don't contribute to the cable, put pans full of macaroni in the dishwasher, etc. I'm woken up @ 3am three nights in a row. These people are night owls! (No alcohol was even involved!) I would wake up to intense yelling, cussing, laughing. I wasn't sure if they were fighting or not! It was crazy! A few times, I'd muster up the courage to tell them to quieten down. It was sweet relief to get out of that place!

Point is, my new best roommate ever, pulled a 'Will & Grace' last night. We heard yelling below us, very similar to the yelling I had once experienced. So, we get on my bathroom floor, put our ears to the ground, and listen to the altercation. You're thinking- this OCD freak put her face on the floor? I washed my face afterwards, and MG had just cleaned our floors! Plus, we were curious---or just nosy! This couple was fed up with one another going on and on. We even got our stethoscopes out to enhance the sounds. (We cleaned those too.) It was one of those arguments, like most, that could have done without the swearing, high pitch, nonsense.

It's amazing how a better living arrangement can change EVERYTHING! I sleep now. I eat now in the kitchen, instead of hiding everything under my bed. I can enjoy my couch and TV. Speaking of television, I watched way too much of it this weekend. My freshman year of college I didn't have a TV, and my 2nd year, I never watched it. I just listened to music and Facebooked it. Now, I realize just what I've been missing- HOUSE, LIPSTICK JUNGLE, SNAPPED. It's great! My favorite commercial is that Hillshire Farms bratwurst or something. All of the neighbors are grilling out. They all chime in to a chant about meat. Hahhaha. I laugh every time, and of course, sing along.

My roommate and I made quite the feast the other night. We looked into our cupboard (Ha.), and discovered we had limited ingredients. We come up with a vegetable medley, tuna salad, and 3-cheese biscuits. Random, yes, but we ate it all! Mmm Mmm.

Google, my love. Google is probably the best thing ever. I google everything and everybody. Ha. Kind of freaky, yes, but it tells you anything you need to know!

I have just been Chatty Cathy lately! Have a good one!

10 Days!

2008-10-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

10 days between blogs is UNACCEPTABLE! The audacity. Ha.

Yes, I am being very lame tonight...a Friday night, and I've already accomplished 2 episodes of House, copying down an artichoke casserole recipe, and taking the dog out. The dog? Correct; we're dogsitting. She's a Welsh corgi, which basically means she has no legs. She's got a beautiful coat and cute little body with the shortest legs I've ever seen. It's actually disturbing. I told MG that I would let her sleep in my bed if she had longer legs, ha. Her name is CJ. CJ has a new found love for the bathroom floor. She loves me, which comes as no surprise :). She's actually my roommate's mom's dog. We've had her for 2 wks. CJ doesn't do much to annoy you, except she suffers from halitosis. Being an overweight, almost legless creature, she takes meds, but she will only take them in these little 'pill pocket' things. Any time MG and I leave together, we come back to see CJ has broken into the pill pocket (they look like huge black olives. Guross!) bag, and poof, no more! She's eaten two bags worth and a box of treats. MG was livid to say the least. Believing in harsh punishment, I say to CJ in a soft little puppy voice, "CJ, you want a treat?!" No matter what, a dog knows the word treat. Her ears perked up very fast. So I say, "NO! YOU ATE THEM ALL!!" hahahhahahahahahah. Is that wrong? She is cute, really, and I will miss her.

I've begun orienting/training at my new job! I worked 3 dys this week. My title is CA- Clinical Assistant, which is basically the equivalent of a PCT or CNA. I work on a special care unit, and I'm in love already! It just feels like I'm at clinicals. I am honestly surprised at my love for the children. I always wondered how I would interact/react with working with them. I still don't know what I want to specialize in or even where I'll work come August. My 3 favorites- Psych, OR, Peds. Guess we'll see.

Once again, I spoke up. I just had to straighten out a colleague about Obama. UG. Will it ever end? This all falls back to this damn Community health class I'm taking. If you remember from my very first blogs, we had the controversy with the Preacher and 200+ students discussing homelessness. We had another seminar with all types of speakers- Hospice workers, Chaplains, School Nurses, and a very Eco-friendly Nurse. Her specialty-global issues. "I do not call them developing countries-we're all developing. I don't call them 3rd world countries- we're all one world," she said. Hopefully some of you have heard of Healthy People 2010. It was apart of the Clinton administration in decreasing health problems, especially the ones that can be avoided- OBESITY, DIABETES TYPE 2, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & CHOLESTEROL! Indeed, some of these conditions are inevitable,but for the most part, they can be highly prevented. So, obviously there is some Millennium Project 2015. There were 8 objectives- maternal health care, gender inequalities, nutrition, education, etc. At the end of the presentation, the speaker went around seeing what propositions we had to help these topics.

Surprise, surprise, someone speaks out before thinking. I really looked into how we could increase gender empowerment awareness. I've taken Gender & Society, and I have a love for it. I'm thinking, 'Okay, we could have Palin, Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, any other woman of high stance visit these 'Limited Resource' countries to say, 'Hey this can be done. We are proof.'

The speaker decides to call out on random people in the crowd. WHY? What possesses teachers/speakers to call on people in a room of 200+! I'm going to make a statistic, and say 1/2 of them have anxiety or don't have answer. I'm keeping my head down too because I not dare make eye contact and her call on me! Three rows above me, a lady who appears around 30ish, raises her hand. Keep in mind, we're discussing how we can teach countries across the world how to diminish gender inequalities. This imbecile says, "This may be controversial, but we could all vote for BARACK OBAMA" OH NO, did she really? You know that I was ready to jump out of my seat. Some one yells, "Wrong place!" Some people boo; some applaud. I just cannot resist, so I speak very loudly and say "OR we could elect a female politician to speak to those countries." Just to let you know the power of my voice at that time: during lunch, 3 people came up to me who were sitting 7 rows in front of me, say "OH, Megan, I heard you!...You were mad...I knew I should look to see how you would react..." Ha. Maybe, I'm a little too much, but if other people are going to make stupid comments, I can't look any worse with a rebuttal. The woman who said that was only 3 rows in head of me. If she was so certain in her feelings, she should have turned around. I wanted to discuss matters with her after class, but I couldn't get to her. No biggie. It's just ignorant to make a political statement in a huge room of diverse people, especially when it doesn't pertain whatsoever to the question!

I see that Obama has some good points, and it's likely he could be our next president. I'll respect him because that's what you do as an American. I can only pray that the best candidate wins, and if it's Obama, then everyone can tell me I was wrong. One thing I do guarantee, he will not go to other countries to speak about gender inequalities. I haven't heard anything in any platform from either candidate about women empowerment. BUT...if anything, picking Sarah Palin as the VP nominee is pretty high up there in saying who cares about gender. That would make much more sense than that lady saying vote for Obama...the one who has a male VP nominee.

It's official- I'm a heartbreaker. The first heart I broke, I didn't consider it a label for myself. Well a few hearts later, here I am...a heartbreaker. Nothing to be proud of by no means. It doesn't make it any easier on me. I have to be stern in my actions though because you can only stretch Gumby out for so long. After a while, nothing budges. It's a vicious cycle. I'm trying to do the right thing and cut off all ties. It's the mature thing, I think. It has to be because if there is such the uncertainty that there is, than it's right. The biggest fear is never talking to him again or seeing him or laughing. Too too much for me. Another way I know it's right is that I'm perfectly content with not having anyone to call/answer on this lazy Friday night of mine. Usually, I would prefer calling to chit chat, probably because I was bored. Love doesn't happen just when you're bored. The past is another obstacle. "Oh, remember that time we....Oh, he used to always do that...Yeah, he's said that before...Yeah, he bought this for me...Yeah, he put this dresser together...We used to laugh so hard...This one time..." When will those thoughts stop their daily occurrence?

On a brighter note, I'm very excited to make this artichoke casserole..you use spinach, rice, cheese, tomatoes, onions, etc. You're supposed to use Mortadella ham, but I'm not a big fan of ham or substitute. My roommate and I had turkey burgers the other night...Mmm, Mmm. I would take a turkey burger over 'angus' any day. I also made sweet potato "papas". We sliced them up, used olive oil, cinnamon and threw them in the skillet.

It smells like Fall outside! Yes! I love this weather!

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I guess I should end this entry- it's a little long winded.

MMR

2008-10-07T19:59:00.001-07:00

Procrastination should be the name of this blog because I'm not doing anyyyyyything! I tried to read an article on Global Warming (Blah), caught the end of the debate, & raided the kitchen (ending up with Pringles. I'm not even hungry-just bored). When I go to school from 8-5, I'm worthless afterwards. Sad, eh? By the time I check my personal & school email, my online classes, and Facebook, I'm ready to hit the sack. I would be more productive had my computer not crashed a month ago. Now, all of the Microsoft Office programs are gone, and I cannot find the codes for them since I've moved. This cuts out 3/4 of the work I should be doing. I'm getting up early and heading to the computer lab tomorrow to get busy!

For my new job, I've had to do the typical protocols- TB skin tests and titers to see if your antibodies are still immune to Hep B, MMR, Varicella zoster (chkn pox), etc. Well, having started nursing school last January, I've already had all of this blood work done, in which, I did need a Hepatitis B booster. I received that series of shots over 10yrs ago. I figured this was probably normal. Also, with all of the hospitalizations I've had with thyroid complications, I figured it probably took a toll on my immune system. The results came in, and my Rubella needs boosting!! AH!

I wouldn't be alarmed, but MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) are back on the rise. Why? Primarily because of parents who do not agree or are too scared to get their children vaccinated. This may be just my crazy brain coming up with some concoction, but that is very idiotic to me! Why not prevent something before it happens?! It's called Primary Prevention and can be utilized for so many great things. I guess it upsets me because I would be livid had I gotten Rubella from some little kid. I did my part by getting my vaccine, and I expect everyone else should too. Another topic- Gardasil. EVERY YOUNG GIRL NEEDS IT! In no way does this promote sexual behavior. If anything, it should make these little girls afraid! As scary as the world is, give your contribution by trying to save it; even if it's just a little bit. If there was a vaccine for lung cancer, everyone would get it. The top risk factor for lung cancer- smoking -. Would these parents who don't want to vaccinate their children to prevent cervical cancer willingly receive the lung cancer vaccine? It's all about perspective. Step out of the box, so that you can peep back in. It's a whole new ball field looking in. It wouldn't hurt for me to do the same.

I know I come across as hot headed and opinionated, which I can be sometimes. However, I really am a happy go lucky, upbeat person. I enjoy smiling at people and saying, "Hello, how are you?". (depending on the situation...remember the anxiety!). I love to laugh and spend 88% of my day doing so. Just wanted to apologize if I seem kind of mean! -It's just a little edge I have about myself! Ha:)

Germans, Love, and Purses

2008-10-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Many thoughts have passed my mind within the past few days. My brain is like the energizer bunny...just keeeeeeps going. Sometimes I wish it would stop to let me at least rest!

I visited an old friend this weekend. It was fantastic to see her and definitely filled that void that had been empty for a while. We go out on the town for a little bit, and of course, I get myself caught up in talking to someone. I must just have a friendly face . I am usually all smiles, so that probably doesn't help! I don't mind because I will talk to a wall, but sometimes too much is toooo much. It appears this man in German- I couldn't understand everything he said. He sat up at the bar all night, so I ran into him a few times. He begins to talk about the US and give his 2 cents. He chimes in on Alabama, describing how it's different than the other states. NEWS FLASH- duh! He couldn't have been talking about the typical 'Deliverance' type people or the rednecks that are portrayed on the news or any documentary A&E chooses to play. (Thanks a lot A&E!) We were in Tuscaloosa, so at least it is a city with a big university. Plus, all of the students come from all over to praise Lord Bear Bryant..or now Nick Saben, you would think! That's another soap box...He says the people are different. Agree, we are. We usually a lot more nice with that Southern Hospitality we thrive off. He kind of strikes me as insulting the US- Alabama a little, so I tell him"We are a unique country, and if you think Alabama is different, maybe you should try Utah, Nevada, New Jersey. We're all different, and that's what makes this free country of ours so marvelous." He reassures me that he is not being cross about the US, but that the country may fail within November's election. Being the opinionated woman that I am, I agree...under the ruling of Obama. This man expresses he doesn't like any of the candidates and cannot stand Palin. OHHH, he's done it now! I say, "I love Palin!!!!!"He gives me a look as if I'm crazy. "YOU DOOOOO?" By this point, I am done with this foreigner who cannot vote anyway. "Yes, I am a BIG Palin fan. What's it to you anyway, sir? You cannot vote in this country...so maybe you should return to your homeland in which you can vote."...Stomp, stomp, stomp as I walk away.

Love. OH love. I need advice. I receive it, then don't know what to do with it. As a young adult, I'm unsure, no doubt. I am very fickle (not as in a promiscuous fickle, but long term fickle) You date someone for so long, invest so much time...and then SPLAT...it's over. You decide to move on, and you're okay as long as you're busy. You listen to the radio, a song comes on, reminds you of him, you see a shirt that he owns, smell his cologne, you don't have the guts to take his pictures down in your room. You feel like you can identify with any other girl who is struggling with a breakup. The question arises: When is enough, enough? When do you stop forgiving for the bad things he does? When do the hurtful words stop causing pain? ...I'll tell you when- when your heart becomes cold and mean. Then, what are you left with? Resentment. I'm so torn. Do I miss him because I truly want to be with him? OR do I miss him because I miss the security and the good times we have together. Should you open your heart back up for him, even though no one thinks you should?! Your mother knows best, unfortunately when it comes to this. Some days, I yearn to be back together, then when we talk everyday, I pull back. Is this a result of lack of age? I'll figure it out one day...hopefully, it won't be too late.

You all know I have to share my political opinion per blog, so here goes:

The economy needs improvement, yes. If it didn't, then we would all have good jobs with adequate insurance, and proper taxes. I don't want to hear people going on and on about the economy. It makes me sick. If our economy was soooo bad- people would not be able to buy $899 purses, live lavish lifestyles, or travel to & fro. Being a college student, I'm poor. It's all apart of the experience. I work and go to class...and low and behold--pay my bills! We are all getting by for the most part. Granted, a lot needs to change, but everything can always be bigger and better. We'll see!

Text messages.

2008-09-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

As if we haven't made our world convenient enough, we add txting. It really is quite intriguing-being able to communicate via text messages. You don't even have to call people anymore. You can arrange your plans, find out when to meet, say you're running late, save me a seat all without TALKING! You can send pic messages of what you're wearing to see if it looks okay. Definitely Makes life a lot easier; a little more impersonal though. Relationships nowadays are based on txt messages. There are pros & cons to this. First off, as a girl, you're like, "Um, excuse me, you can't even CALL me!?" Secondly, you think, "Phew. It's so much easier not really having to talk to him." I consider the ability of being able to text, kind of like a savior. Having OCD and anxiety (Thanks, Dad & Grandma Peg!), I get nervous being early or waiting on people to arrive. I don't even like for people to see me waiting in my car because I feel like it's awkward when I see someone just sitting in their car. Naturally, I expect them to react the same way. Txt messages take my mind off being nervous because I look like I'm doing something. I'm not the only one; my cousin is a freshman in college, and she txts me all the time on her way to class. Seeing the homestretch of my college career, you'd think I wouldn't care what these little 'kids' thought about me. Oops. I haven't jumped that hurdle yet.

You know, even my Grandma Dora and I txt (the Hispanic one), so we communicate using my second language-Spanish. I'm not really sure how old she is because she's been 65 for about 8 years now. Ha. She is in her 70s, working 40+ hrs a week in the hospital. She's transferred from her scrub nurse position to central sterile (where the autoclaves are to clean instruments). To this day, she is getting phone calls every week with job offers as an interpreter. AMAZING- the one word I use to describe her. I do joke a lot about the Mexican thing and us always eating tortillas and papas, but she sincerely is the best woman I know. A little bit of an enabler, but she means well. She made her way through nursing school in TX with six children and a husband who was a no call, no show a lot of the time. Working keeps her sane. She's feisty, no doubt. I remember doing rotations during school at the hospital in the OR and spending time with her. One of the doctors commented on how she used to be the most beautiful woman around (HELLO, a señorita!) She fires back with, "I still am!!"

I helped some Hispanics translate in line at Wal-Mart today. It wasn't much, but still made me excited. Actually, no, the cashier was just being lazy. They were buying a big bag of limes, in which the cashier could have easily opened the bag to look. Instead, she tries to speak English to this couple who obviously does not comprehend. After the 5 semesters of Spanish, I only get to say ¿Limones, no?...As expected, there were limes in the bag. So, I didn't save the world or anything, but I'm working on it:)

A Lot of Garb

2008-09-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hello again. I have a bit of information to share with you today, so just bear with me. It's Friday, such a beautiful Friday, it is. Fall weather is slowly moving in, and I want to spend every waking second outside. My week has been eventful, like every other week.

I went to a total body conditioning class twice this week and a reps and sets once. Well having been a runner most of my life and coming from good genes, I keep my leg muscle pretty well. Almost too well- like I'm close to looking like an American Gladiator minus the manly haircut. Haha, Jk. At any rate, my calf muscles are insanely tight (not in a cocky way, rather painful)...I've had RLS (restless leg syndrome) all week. It hurts to walk, sleep, sit in a chair, etc. Having the nursing frame of mind, I begin to think I probably have compartment syndrome, resulting from lack of arterial perfusion, ischemia (tissue that is dying from lack of O2), and muscle tightness. This can kill you, indeed. Most think 'what a hypochondriac'. My theory on this is not that I'm a hypochondriac, rather I'm just an inquisitive nursing student. I know more about more diseases and how they develop as opposed to the Average Jane. I don't really think I have compartment syndrome, but I do in fact feel that at any minute, my calves will spontaneously combust. Is that a little out of line?!

This semester I do not have to wear my scrubs, partly because it stresses out the psych patients, and my other clinicals are around the community. I do wear my lab coat, however. Quite the professional, I look. If you've ever worn a white lab coat with name tags and university emblems, you may have the same problem I do- everyone automatically assumes I know directions. Walking through the hospital or getting stopped at crosswalks, people ask everything! Sometimes I try to give directions, which anyone who knows me knows not trust my directional skills. I think I'm going to either start speaking Spanish or say I work in the primate lab as a researcher, so I don't get out much.

If I had a GPS (They didn't really make those in 1999, the yr of Honda I sport), I would program it to always say, "Megan, don't forget to get your keys out of the ignition." As you should know from previous blogs, I seem to lock my keys in my car & get a flat tire once a month. It will be a good day when I get on the interstate & don't have to think, "Oh no, is my tire going flat?" I have this fear for 2 reasons- I'm prone to flat tires, & the interstate sucks. You constantly hear 'thump, bump, lump, hump'. Twice this week while driving on the interstate with my windows down, something has flown in my window & hit me in the face!!!!! What? Does that really happen?! Yes.

Breaking up is full of many steps and milestones. When you break up, it's not really finished. Emotions go array, and you need answers, want closure. Is it for better or worse? Should we live by the lyrics from the Tonic song, "You gotta take a little dirt to keep what you love"?? Are you making a mistake? Is he making a mistake? Will he ever grow up? Will you ever stop resenting him and forget about the past? When you continue to talk after a break up, you're just creating more baggage. I may be young, but I have been screwed over a time or two. Who am I kidding? Almost every time! Jk. From my family/friend experiences, it seems to be the someone is always getting hurt. I wish we could go back to my grandparent's day, and be married for 50+ yrs in complete, true love. As you can probably tell, I am very opinionated and want to get my point across into that thick skull. Argument=immaturity in my life, it seems to be. I would never make up something to hurt someone in the heat of the moment. Why would you feel the need to hurt the person even more by lying and making things worse. Don't say "It's over. I've already found someone else. I'm done with you" IF don't MEAN it. Why? Because minutes/hours/a day later, they're calling back with "I can't live without you. I'll never do it again. I promise". Well, I'm hear to say: NEVER MAKE PROMISES. I owe it to my mom for letting me realize promises are rarely kept. (I made a positive from a negative!!) When will couples (guys/girls) reach the maturity level to where they don't say hateful things just to spite you? GROW UP!!! I've heard it all before, and quite frankly, I'm done.

It's an invigorating feeling to be single again. The WORLD is at my hands. As much as breakups hurt and keep you down in the dumps, I will prevail. If it's meant to be, it will. I cannot decide my fate at this age. I can't even come to the conclusion of what type of bread to buy, much less, pick out my husband. Ha. My dad should have just arranged me a marriage. Yeah right. I think as a young adult you become overwhelmed to the fact of growing up, paying mortgage, investing, dating, etc. I mean graduation is near, and marriage is supposed to be next. Is that true in 2008, though? I want to travel with my career, which I could not do with a boyfriend from my hometown questioning/accusing me every day & night.

Tough love, huh?

Zodiac or Superstition?!

2008-09-23T11:44:00.001-07:00

Every time I get a hair cut (well I get them all cut, not just one!), it always grows back super fast. As a girl, you know that your hair reaches a certain spot and then stops growing, or so it seems. You repeat the cycle: cutting it so it will grow, then you're stumped again. I like to cut my own hair. I'm no cosmetologist, but I've been getting rid of those split ends and cutting bangs for a long time. There's one minor problem, I can't see the back of my head, so I just guesstimate. Words of the wise-don't ever cut the back of your hair when you can't see it. Six years later, and I'm still doing it! I tell my roommate I'm going to make a hair appointment since I look like Edward Scissor Hands came in my room while I was sleeping. After procrastinating like always, I ran out of time to call the lady who cuts my hair. Later that envening, MG and I are looking at horoscopes. We were talking about how we don't know if we really believe the day to day horoscopes, but how our zodiac signs fit us to a "T". She fit mostly everything under the Taurus, and if you read my blog, you can tell I'm a Capricorn. Capricorns are realistic Diligent, conscientious, hardworking, ambitious, cautious, etc.

As usual, I'm off track. Okay, so we wanted to see what our horoscopes said for the day. I start to read mine, and it's all about paying bills, blah blah. At the end, it says, "so dodge that salon trip this week". OMG! I call my sister because she's a little more rational than me when it comes to this stuff. I didn't know if this was just superstition or a sign. She even says she wouldn't get her hair cut if it was her. Great! I really want a hair cut. I share my experience with a few other friends, and they laugh it off. Now, I'm stuck in between a rock and hard place. This may seem a little overdramatic, but you guys know how my life is-Murphy's Law- and I don't want to chance anything!

Picture time!

2008-09-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

One of my close friends in nursing school is from Philly! Yeah! That's really cool because I loveeeeeee Philly Cheese Steaks. Did you know, though, that you do not call them Philly Cheese Steaks when you live there? You just ask for a Cheese Steak...I don't really like that because it takes away the full affect. Then again, if you were raised in Philly, I guess you would always know them as cheese steaks. She went to Temple, which is also really cool because Bill Cosby and Hall & Oats went there. Oh, and my psych clinical instructor is a Temple alumni. What a small world because as ignorant as it sounds, I had never heard of Temple before. I've done my research now though. Well, in our near past, Jackie and I were walking to meet up with some friends and listen to a band. (They were great, may I add.) With my phenomenal directional skills, I tell her I know where it's at and we walk way out of our way. We turn around a few times, but both of us are too embarrassed to ask anyone. By this time, we're needing to use the restroom, so we're desperate to find this place. I ask an employee from another place, which made me feel awkward because I didn't want it to be a slap in the face that we weren't going to that place. Actually, that girl probably didn't care that we weren't going to spend our money at her workplace. She probably just wanted to go home. Anyway, man, this story is dragging out! Ha. My point...we approach the parking lot with many people and cars. (Speaks volume) Well, I see Jackie through through my peripheral vision slowly falling to the ground. She was moving so slow that this fall could have been way prevented. As she falls to her knees, she face plants in slow motion, and does a 007 roll landing on her back. If you recall from previous blogs, I love when people fall. Don't worry, she wasn't hurt!. She fell so slow that she could pick and choose how she wanted this fall to end. She yells, "Help me up!" likes she's an old lady off the commercials- "I've fallen, and I can't get up!" (Not funny, I know, but kind of!) Well, needless to say, we're still laughing our butts off. Hahhahahahahah. I decided to draw a picture just to depict this hilarious, oh so dramatic fall.

Matt Damon needs to keep his mouth about Sarah Palin. Celebrities really don't have any room to talk about these platforms. These guys have more money than they know what to do with. They spend thousands of $dollars$ for a a golf club or purse. Their houses are outrageous along with the rest of their lavish lifestyles. They may have forgotten where their roots are, back in the day when they were the average Joe. I sincerely believe Palin wants to help the blue collar workers. Damon made a comment that he wanted to know if she believed in dinosaurs and how scared he was have a 'hockey mom' in Office. Is it really so bad? What's so wrong with having a mother of 5 who grew up with a father who was a teacher and track coach? So what she didn't attend Yale, Colombia, blah blah. She knows what it's like to be a REAL American. Matt Damon doesn't live a REAL life. You know what a real life is? Working your ass to make it through college, working a peon job, balancing your check book and budgeting.

Another thing for Mr. Biden. I am very patriotic, but I do not feel raising my taxes for the RED WHITE & BLUE will make me a better citizen. I would just love and dance for joy to pay more taxes just to be patriotic. He definitely didn't rehearse that line because it's completely idiotic. ..and for his charity donations!? Pah! In the past year, I have donated half of what he has. I believe he gave $200-300 to charitable causes. I'm in college and worked at a restaurant all last year. I was still able to donate to American Cancer Society and other programs. If he wants to be patriotic, he may need consider how helping the 3yr olds who are dying of cancer, and their parents can't afford to foot the bills. Pay it forward. It's patriotic to have men & women voluntarily fight for this country. Many people think we should pull out of Iraq. I do think we're dragging out our welcome, but Al Qaeda still hates us. They wil still do what they can to hurt our country.

The end.

7 O'clock Already?!

2008-09-18T15:34:00.001-07:00

After my previous blog today, I dozed off for about an hour. I crashed on my bed sideways just hoping for at least a 20 minute power nap. At 7 o'clock, I woke up, looked at my watch, and panicked. I ran into my roommate's room and said, "Oh no! I have to be at school at 730!" I ran into the bathroom turned on the shower and a thought hit my brain like a lightening strike- it's 7 pm!!! Ha. I guess that power nap really did me some good! When I was making dinner (a can of green beans and wheat thins), I started to think...I wasn't even under my covers, my blinds were open, and my roommate was up on her computer with the overhead light. All of these things would not be occurring at 7am. Ha.

To get to this next funny story, I have to fill you in on some background information. Like every family, mine has it's fair share x5 of problems. Growing up, this can be something you resent. It's very easy to become angry at the unknown and 'abnormal'. My mom has bipolar disorder. It is a difficult illness, but can be treated with medicine for you to carry on a 'normal' life. The biggest problem with bipolar's is medication compliance. It's really not a funny situation, but it's takes me to my next topic. Last night, my roommate and I went for some Mexican. Typical. Remember, I'm Hispanic:) Like always, we were sharing everything that had happened that day. My mom and I didn't see eye to eye last week and had a heated discussion which I had already told MG about. Well, yesterday, she was totally on my side. She did a 180. MG begins to chime in. She says, "I'm not calling her bipolar, but why/how did she change her mind so quickly?" I laugh, and say "well she is bipolar, but...." MG expresses that she didn't mean it like that, she was just using the expression very loosely. I didn't mind at all, but it was funny and kind of befitting!!

What is normal? In the medical setting, the word normal should never be used. Within normal limits (WNL) is acceptable, but good and normal are just words you don't use to describe a patient. The definition of normal is- conforming to a certain type or standard, regular, average (Thank you Webster). There are many different types/standards in the world. I don't really like the word normal. Scenario- I'm the grocery store line in between 2 people. I'm wearing a bubble dress, flats, dangly earrings, and makeup. The girl behind me is wearing khakis, tennis shoes, a cardigan with a cross necklace. The girl in front of me has dyed black hair, black nails, fish net on her arms, black pants, and a pink shirt. I'm buying avocados, wine, deodorant. The girl behind me is purchasing a cookbook, socks, envelopes. As for the girl in front of me, she has beer, a fishing rod, sleeping bag. Which of us is the normal? We all are. We're all buying normal things and wearing normal clothes. What I'm getting at is that the definition of normal is way too broad. You can buy fish net in stores, so does that make it normal!? Just some food for thought.

Thursday

2008-09-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

Today, being my graceful self, I ran into a huge sign in the middle of the hallway. I was at the hospital and had just finished lunch. I was talking to a friend looking to the left. I hear "Watch out!"...then I feel "BAM!" Yes, that was me: the girl who ran into a huge 6 ft sign in the hallway with tons of people walking by. It was just ever so nice to be embarrassed once again.

Casey Anthony needs to be put on death row. How on Earth can a MOTHER not know where her daughter is for a month and not report it!?! That poor, poor child. I read in PEOPLE magazine that Casey was afraid to tell her parents and policemen because of "FEAR". What ever happened to the fear of never seeing her beautiful daughter again? Is that fear not a little greater than being afraid of the police...if you're innocent? GUILTY is written all over this more so than OJ Simpson. Neglect, pure neglect. Not mentioning, "Oh, I haven't seen my child in a month. She's three years old and can't survive without a mother, but I'll wait until someone finds out." I'm sick to my stomach with this so called parent. I want to see her in prison with a death sentence. I do believe in the death sentence; sorry if that upsets anyone. The point is that if someone truly kidnapped little Caylee, her life more than likely could have been spared from the help of Police/FBI/the public. No, she's to damn selfish. The US is crowded enough and paying too many taxes with all of the inmates to be taking up space. There were 2 million prisoners in 2003. Not everyone deserves to be on death row, but really, why is Charles Manson still alive?! ...because he technically didn't kill anyone himself? Can we as people let a horrible, ruthless, heartless man kill several people and think it's okay. His life compared to all the innocent lives lost doesn't matter to me. It's not a religious issue, it's justice. The bad thing is we're too worried about people not wearing their seatbelts or smoking marijuana. Those are against the law, but I find it a lot more imperative to find a 3yr old girl and sentence the mother. She probably won't have a full blown trial for months, if ever.

I had more to say, but I've forgotten. Casey Anthony got me all torn up. Ug. I'll be back.

No Sleeping Tonight

2008-09-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

This Monday has been an eventful evening, but it didn't start out that way. After being in class/taking tests/doing the school thing 'til 5pm, I came home to relax. For dinner, I prepared some Spanish rice in the microwave and as a snack, I fixed a can of tuna. How appetizing. After watching 3 shows of Intervention and attempting to read about schizophrenia & hemorrhagic strokes, I got a wild hair and rearranged my shoes in my closet. Do not be jealous. I realize this a Monday night dream every girl has. As I'm trying to figure out which shoes should go on which shelf and how to place them strategically, my roommate runs out of her bathroom into my room, jumps on my bed with a toothbrush in hand an toothpaste flooding from her mouth. She is hysterical and yelling like crazy. Then I get scared, hop up, and freak out. THERE'S A ROACH IN THE BATHROOM, which just happens to be her phobia...roachaphobia! (Ha) Well, I'm not keen on any little arthropod or large brown bullet look-a-like w/ wings! I grab my flip flops and some Lysol. (We don't have any Raid.) Well, this happy-go-lucky insect is having the time of it's life- crawling all over the lotion bottles, make up bags, in and out of the sink like at a water amusement park. I'm too scared to look at it, thinking that if it sees me, it's definitely coming for me. An hour passes, and I have managed to lose the cockroach to under the sink. We have a Jack & Jill bathroom so I'm standing at my door on my vanity stool aiming the Lysol like I'm Clint Eastwood in the cowboy movie. My roommate is standing on the other side in the hallway with a Bissel portable trying to hit the countertops to rid ourselves of this infested animal. We live on the 3rd floor, so how the hell did this thing get in here?! To my knowledge about plumbing/ventilation connections, I'm wondering if he could have crawled under the sink back down to the 2nd floor. At least, that's what I told myself. Needless to say, I'm sitting here in my computer chair knees to my chin, praying the roach left our apartment. You would think after all of the screaming, jumping up and down, convulsing we did that someone would have called the cops. I wish they would have...they would have gotten the roach.

I just realized that there is SPELLCHECK on here! Ha. Disregard my blog earlier about if you happened to see any errors! I guess I'm just too excited to get everything out that I have to say that I haven't noticed all the applications when you're posting.

I lost my car the other day. Indeed, I did. Debating all day if I should go to the mall, I finally got up enough nerve to go by myself. My friends had been shopping the day before in ATL, but I didn't get to go because my computer crashed- different story, different day. Bad idea-Saturday afternoon, you can only imagine all the teeny-boppers and love birds. I'm not too familiar with this particular mall, which only increased my anxiety, but it has the one store that I wanted to go to. Around 4:46pm, I began to head back to my car. One minor problem- I can't remember which door I came in. You're thinking, "Why would you not note your surroundings?". Oh, I did. I just couldn't find that certain surrounding. I see Belk which I know my little Honda is near. Walking outside, I see the Interstate. That's not where I parked. I travel the sidewalk trying to look like I know what I'm doing. I see a parking garage. That's not where I parked. After aimlessly walking around in the mall for about 25 minutes trying to find the dang Ruby Tuesday that I know I walked in beside, I look at a directory. No help. If you can't read a map, than what good does it do you!!? Hahah JK, sort of. I walk to where I believe is my parking lot for real this time...WRONG AGAIN! By this time, I'm sweating. Sorry, girls, I know we glisten, not sweat, but I was! Then, all of a sudden, a light shines like St. Peter waiting for me, and there is the Ruby Tuesday! At 5:12, I arrived at my car!

I really wonder how I get by sometimes. If you would like for me to go in great detail on how to test each cranial nerve or the scientific in depth process of a baby being born, go ahead- shoot. BUT if you need me to drive you from point A to B or logically put together a book case, you're probably better off not asking me. They're is a positive side to this, you see, everyday becomes another funny story for me to share:)

Seven

2008-09-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

Being Catholic, I attend confession twice a year...probably should more, but it's really only an obligation before Christmas/Easter. Expressing your sins and faults is very difficult, especially when you're telling them to a Priest who typically doesn't do anything wrong. Some people find that confessing your sins is silly and stupid. Well, my view is that God sees/knows when you commit a sin. There's just something different about actually admitting it out loud for someone else to hear. No one wants to tell another person the things they do wrong. Before confession, I am almost a basket case- scared half to death, even though my sins are probably along the lines of the everyday Jane Doe. One time, I walked in, kneeled down, and proceeded to list my sins. Running short on things to say since my memory was so jumbled, I say, "and I've committed gluttony". You learn of gluttony from the 7 Deadly Sins (Lust, Vanity, Jealousy??, etc). You all remember the movie with Brad Pitt and Gwenyth Paltrow. The following morning when I was eating with my mom and grandma, they began poking fun since I always eat so much. First off, I can't resist homemade tortillas, rice, etc from my grandma. I fire back, "Just so you know, I confessed gluttony last night." They look at each other and break into laughter. I guess I really shouldn't have confessed that because my BMI is appropriate, and I exercise often. To be gluttonous, I probably would need to be around 450lbs and feel no guilt about the things I eat. Then, I became pretty embarrassed thinking about what the Priest thought when I said I had committed gluttony. Hahahha. Sometimes my thoughts are way illogical.

Many people think that every sin is equal. I do not believe that. I do believe in Purgatory ( where you go when you die to make your way up to Heaven). I don't feel that I have earned the right to go straight to Heaven. I'm sorry I just don't see how using the Lord's name in vein or yelling at your parents is the same as being Ted Bundy. Missing church is not a mortal sin, in my opinion. There are a lot worse things that people do. Think about it: if you went into confession and said you cussed a lot, had a negative attitude, and missed church a few Sundays, as opposed to I have had thoughts about killing someone, I committed adultery, and I stole lots of money from my sister- the penance would be different.

The first time I ever got pulled over was the end of my freshmen year at college in the dorm parking lot!!! (Knock on wood, it's my only time to be pulled over too...I'll probably get a ticket on my way home for saying that). Anyway, I lived in the freshmen dorms and was headed to the sorority house on a Thursday night. I like to act like Jeff Gordon sometimes, so I'll probably was a little speedy gonzalez. As soon as I pull in, I see blue lights! In a huge panic, I unbuckle my seat belt off (Why you ask? I DON'T KNOW!) My next ridiculous thought was, "He'll think I wasn't wearing my seat belt", so I hop out of the car!! Over the microphone or whatever that thing is, the policeman says "Get back in the car!!" HAHAH...He walks up to my car saying I was driving too fast. (I had barely even driven a mile!) He says he's surprised I haven't been pulled over before. As natural protocol, he checks my VIN #. Upon his return, he says your car is not showing up. Did you get a paint job? JUST GREAT-I'm about to get falsely charged with grand auto theft. "No sir, my car has been white since I bought it"...he goes back to the car...by this time, another officer has arrived and his shining that huge magnum light in my backseat! WHAT! Turns out, my car used to be black, but I didn't know that. (I should have used CAR FAX!) He lets me go with a warning, and drives on. To top that, the fraternity house right beside my sorority house is having a huge party. When I finally get out of my car, everyone yells "MEGAN! What happened?!" Hahah....OH LIFE!

Foot in mouth x 3

2008-09-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

Several years back, I was living with my aunt & uncle. I believe it was around my birthday, so we were having the family over. I called my younger cousin to talk to her about that night. To my surprise, someone answered trying to play a joke on me. Her voice was distorted and sounded pretty comical. I begin laughing, "Saying who is this? Stop playing a joke on me, Tess!" She then says, "I'm not. You have the wrong number." Thanks to handy dandy screens on the phone, I look at the number I dialed, which indeed was Tess's. I said "Oh okay, sure, I'm sorry" in a jokingly manner thinking to myself, they're not getting me this time. So, I took matters into my own hands and kept calling until I reached Tess. There was no telling who was over there trying to pull my leg. Finally, the person on the other end says, "This is Margaret". Trying to be coy, I say "Why, Margaret, you sure have a manly voice." CLICK is the response I received. I was in the room with my aunt, and she says, "Megan, Margaret is Tess's neighbor. Yes, I recall Margaret- she smokes about 6 packs a day...and oh noooooooooo! It was the neighbor!!! Tess calls later saying, "Hey, our phone lines have been switched. We've been getting the neighbor's calls." Foot in mouth, yes, that was me making fun of a lady who probably is emphysematic!! I avoided Tess's house for a few months after that encounter!!!!

I transferred schools last year, so I'm a little closer to home. I was near the beach and as far as I could get away from my family. I was in heaven, at least for two years. Suddenly, I realized I miss home, the mountains, the lake, my family! A few months ago my car was getting fixed (you remember my luck with automobiles), so another cousin of mine let me borrow hers. Murphy's Law struck once again; she left her books in her car. We made an arrangement where we could meet each other half way. Like the illogical person I am, I never put her spare key on my key chain, even though I would be driving her car for a few days. Knowing my luck with losing stuff, I should have thought more. I was walking to the parking deck telling her I was about to be to the car and on my way. I unlocked the doors, threw my books in, got in, and proceeded to turn on the car...but OH NO- Where is the key!? In a mini frantic, I hop out of the car seeing if I left the key in the door or if it had fallen underneath the car. Five minutes pass, and I notice some university workers talking near my car. My first irrational thought is, "What if they think I'm stealing this car because I've been standing here for 8 minutes walking all around, throwing things back and forth?" I even checked the trunk, even though I never opened it!! HAHAH! I call my cousin and say, "Oh I'll be there in a few, traffic is bad!" I couldn't tell her I lost her key!!! Twenty minutes later, the two men come over to help me. Ten more minutes pass. They search the car like a policeman with a warrant helping me find this stupid key. A friend comes over, asking if maybe I could have dropped it. I look down and see something shiny in my pants cuff- THE KEY!!!!! I had rolled my jeans up like the 50's Greaser style, and low and behold, that damn key fell in there!!! How much of a peon do I feel like, saying, "Thank you gentlemen for your help. It appears I have dropped my key in my pants cuff. Sorry to have taken 30 worthless minutes from your lives." With the little bit of pride that I have left, I shake their hands. One of the men reaches into his pockets, pulls out a business card, hands it to me. He was the director of transportation, and told me to call if I ever needed help again! Oh me.

Spelling is very important to me, so if you see any errors, it's because my mind is racing so fast. It's like an ocean. I have one idea building up more and more, and then near the end, here comes another wave of information trying to be bigger and better than the one before!

"You Can't Win for Losing"

2008-09-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I had to participate in a health fair. My group's topic was bullying, so we made huge posters/flyers/etc. As the kids walked booth to booth, we would ask them if there was bullying at their school. I was amazed to how many children actually said yes! We asked them if they knew what to do when they witnessed it, which most said tell the teacher. Nobody wants to be a tattle tail, but this day and age, bullying leads to GUNS and DEATH. One boy came with his older brother. The older brother said under his breath, "Snitch". I said, "Now you know violence is not the answer." Way to be a good role model Big Bro. Then a lady came by and talked to us for a good bit. She stated that she did not have any of her own children, but she had 13 at home. Evidently, she has a foster care or at least a secure home for these troubled adolescents to come to. She was going on and on how the teachers/authoritative figures don't do anything, and what was she to do. I told her it is the teachers/principal's responsibility to take care of matters, and if they weren't, for her to go to the school board and superintendent. One of the problems is that these schools are lower privileged. She tells us that 3 of her 13 kids took pistols to school because they didn't know how to react to getting bullying. I said, "First of all, where are they getting the pistol?" She had 'no clue'. What in the world would possess a teenager to pick up a gun to take to school to resolve a conflict. Oh, he'll resolve a conflict all right, and end up in jail for a very long time. People like that are the reason that the 2nd amendment is being looked up to be taken away, and honestly, I can't blame the government for considering it. I know that may make a lot of people mad because a lot of smart/safe people have guns. As a girl, I should probably have one myself, but I don't like guns. In the small town which I'm from, everyone hunts, so there would be an uproar if fire arms were revoked. You can't win for losing. That seems to be the case for a lot of things.

My psychiatric nursing professor is a hoot! He's probably in his late 60's, smokes, drinks, cusses (or curses for you northerners)- basically all the things we nurses 'should not' do! Ha! I told my classmates that working on a Psych unit would drive me to smoke/drink all the time! We were discussing how to assess a patient- which is way different than a patient getting admitted for heart failure/broken bone. Circumstance is the key. He had one patient and was asking the similarities between an orange and banana. Well, as most, they would say they're both fruits, have peels, etc. I thought to myself similar in color, but that may make me crazy because no one else thought that! Ha. Anyway, this geriatric lady mumbled under her breath, "They're both high in potassium." Our teacher says, "I thought to myself: Where the hell did that come from?" Hahah...See everyone has a different perspective. Turns out, she was a retired nutritionist from Auburn University suffering from depression.

It is none of our business that Bristol Palin is pregnant. She may have made a mistake, and should have known better, but by no means, should she, nor her family be attacked for it. As I recall, Jamie Lyn Spears had a baby at 16 out of wedlock. Then she was praised on a Women's magazine for being an incredible mother (which she may be, but we should not condone it). Many young adults make mistakes, but it does not make them a bad person. I wish the US cared more about REAL issues instead of looking at Levi's Myspace and tearing them apart. Get over yourself! Sarah Palin may believe in abstinence, and that's fine. You cannot control your kids, as much as you think you can. Palin is not a hypocrite. She probably did preach abstinence to her children. People will do what they want to-that goes back all the way to Adam & Eve.

"Price check on Isle 6"

2008-09-05T17:39:00.001-07:00

SARAH PALIN is a phenomenal woman & speaker! I do believe in the glass ceiling effect (also called escalator effect) in that it's hard for women to achieve, ans be promoted only to a certain level. I don't believe in affirmative action, though. I believe anyone hired should be the person w/ the best credentials. As most, I am a little skepital on a woman running office, but it is 2008. In addition, she has a rocking resume! I am extremely patriotic, and I feel that John McCain would do almost anything for his country. It is difficult though, in any election, because nominees always say, "I'll do this, I'll do that...I'll even cure this"...In the realistic world where I live, not everything can be fixed especially in 4 years, but look what Guiliani did. As mayor of NYC, he decreased the crime rate tremendously & stepped up to his plate- above & beyond during 9/11. I sure do wish my grandparents were alive to see this election. I get my patriotism from them. Then again, they may have a heart attack wondering how the world could be so corrupt.

The embarrassing story for this blog is...
I was at Target the other day. I'm a girl, so of course it took me a few hours in there. Taking my sweet time to just get a few things, I also picked up some earrings to treat myself. Well, when it came time to check out, there was only one isle opened in about a 15 mile radius with a male cashier. I wouldn't have minded but I had some "toiletries". So here I am with all of this female stuff with a guy about my age bagging all of my purchased items. Well my last item he picks up in his hands, holding it up high, and says are these yours too? No matter how old you are, as a female, you still get embarrassed about those monthly items you have to purchase. I don't even like going on the feminine product isle! WHY would that guy say that? OF COURSE THEY'RE MINE I wanted to yell. Being reserve, though, I held my head down and said yes, thanks. What a little punk! He might has well just got on the intercom announcing it! He should not have said that because I turned about beet red and skidattled right out of there! It's a funny story...but I would have rather it happen to someone else:)

Music is a priority in my life- not singing, playing, or writing as a career, but in general. If I didn't have an iPOD, I would be 300lbs because I would never exercise. With music, I can go on forever in the gym. It is so bad that if I forgot my iPOD at the gym, I would just have to leave & attempt crunches at my apt! Ha. Running on a treadmill can be awkward with people on each side of you. One could be running 8 miles while the other is not running at all. I guess it doesn't really matter, but it still makes me nervous. I'm am a fanatic with musical lyrics. I like to see how they apply to my own life. I find it perculiar how most of the greatest music has come from musicians that have overdosed or died at a young age from crashes/murders.

Drugs- Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Elvis, Members of Sublime, Alice & Chains, Blind Melon, Smashing Pumpkins, Grateful Dead, Tempations, AC/DC, Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Airplane/Car crashes- Led Zepplin, John Denver, Jim Croce, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Duane Allman. -Mudered- Sam Cooke & John Lennon. Suicide- Kurt Cobain, Richard Manuel from The Band...Galee, that's ridiculous and horrible...I even looked up a statistic:

Avg Death of Rock Stars- 36.39 yrs
Avg Death of Americans- 75.8 yrs
It is a shame that their lives were cut so short, or anyone's period.

One Mad Minivan

2008-09-02T07:43:00.001-07:00

A couple years ago I was drving back to school. On a 5 hr ride, you can only imagine all the little bugs that smash into your windshield, and me having OCD, I cannot stand a dirty windshield. Plus, bird poo and bug remains take your mind off the road because you can't help but stare at the big splatter in front of your eyes. Like any other individual (or so I thought), I sprayed my windshield with the fluid and wipers. Well, just minding my business probably jamming out to Foreigner, a minivan speeds up and cuts me off. THEN, has the audacity to turn on his windshield wipers/fluid so it would spray me. This man was so outraged that I had unintentionally sprayed him with windshield wiper fluid- it's like Windex!! My gosh, what damage could I have done. To top things off, the van had a wiper on the back door, so it was like a double whammy!!! At first, I thought what an idiot. Here I am a girl driving back to school not trying to make anyone mad. Then I just laughed, I mean, I didn't mind if he wanted to help clean my windshield even more.

I am a huge fan of Intervention, the show that comes on A&E to help all kinds of addicts get help and recover. Addiction hits home in my family. Before choosing nursing, I was torn between psychology as well. This semester I am in my psych clinical though, so that is great! I really enjoy hearing people opening up to me and explaining what's going on in their head. Well, there were 2 people on the show- a crystal meth & heroin addict and a man with severe OCD. OCD can really ruin a person's life without intervening with medicine and therapy. After the show, my roommated and I started talking about all the quirky things we do. For instance, it's hard for me to leave my house without checking everything from my hair straightener to the toaster to make sure they're unplugged. I can't walk out of the bathroom w/out the shower curtain being shut. Actually, if I'm at someone else's house, I will shut the curtain. Oops, I cannot help it! haha. I can't go to sleep if I can see through the blinds. They must be closed all the way, however, in the day, they must be open. I shut every drawer when I'm done. Pictures must be hung straight. I always put the toilet seat down immediately after using it. Don't worry, my roommate had some pet peeves of hers too, so I wasn't the only crazy one! I like to believe that all of this stems from Freud/Erikson's theories of personality. Trust vs Mistrust, Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt, Initiative vs Guilt. (I told you I was in my psych rotation, ha)

Anyway, I'm off to work on some school work. ...'til again

Dancing with 2 left feet

2008-08-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry about all of the serious business last night....booooooo.

You know, I went a wedding this past weekend, and at the reception there was a jazzy/Motown band. They were great! You should have heard the lead singer doing "R-E-S-P-E-C-T". OOOO We. So, you know after some liquid confidence, I was cutting a rug the best I know how Motown style. Everyone was dancing so we were getting into it, or I was. Well, a girl walks by on the dance floor and says "You're doing good!!"...I looked at her like Whaaaaaaaaaat? Do I sense sarcasm or are you just feeling so good that you think I look like an exceptional dancer? I'll be honest, I'm not real coordinated. I don't' have good eye-ball coordination, so I never played sports with balls. I can't carry a tune. As a matter of fact, I don't even know what a tune is. Count the beats? What beats. I can't hear the beats. I consider myself a little better dancer than a person w/ 2 left feet, but they definitely wouldn't allow me on Dancing with the Stars. (let me get off track real quick; what about Mario Lopez practically owning that show, and the animal show where they do tricks!!-Man o Man, Saved by the Bell did Slater some good)....Back to me, I do love to sing though. It makes you feel so much better when you're having a great, sucky, or crazy day!

You know, I wash my hands at least 42x a day, and I say that almost honestly! Seems a little crazy, I know. Call me Monk or Jack Nicholson in that movie where he's scared of germs. I have to have a fan on at night. I don't like complete silence. I believe every girl should apply lotion after getting out of the shower. It will keep you youthful and soft. I love to sleep- I really do. I get really nervous when I'm ordering a restaurant, hell, even at fast food. Indecisive should be my middle name. Unsweet tea, water, or diet coke...Oh NO! I just don't know! I don't mind doing laundry because I enjoy the way the smell when they come out of the dryer. My closet is organized by summer-fall-winter-spring clothes, then style, pattern, color. I keep my black shoes on one side and my brown ones on other. I never wear brown and black together, however, I'll sport black with my wallabees every now and again. My favorite color is blue-green, aka turquoise. I would be robin's egg blue, though, if I was in the Crayola crayon box.

Throughout my education, I've taken 7 semesters of el espanol. It's very befitting since I'm 1/4 Mexi. I love to exercise my skills at any time or place. I stopped some Mexicans in the gas station because they were wearing soccer uniforms, which is sweet, so I asked them all about it. "Ohhh, el futbol, si?" I said. "Bueno suerte" I said. (Good luck!). I spoke to a Mexican at a restaurant one time, and after margaritas, I was ready to go on all night. At the end, I asked him if he could understand me. He said, Oh, I'm from Honduras. Everyone makes fun of me in the kitchen bc I don't speak their Spanish. I think to myself, you really just let me go on for 30 minutes, and you DIDN'T even understand me??!? HAHAH! Anyway, I do love to speak Spanish.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

OHHH Life

2008-08-27T15:35:00.001-07:00

Squirrels are wayyyyy overpopulated and too domesticated. GROSS! I hate squirrels. You know, I saw one in the middle of parking lot not too long ago just a cruising around. There were no trees, aka acorns, around...What was he looking for? They are not scared to come around humans or even run in front of cars. I don't hit them intentionally because I hate the way it feels when your tire runs over something, especially an animal (HA! JK I've only hit one squirrel in my entire life- remember, I just like to hit the curbs). I wouldn't mind if they became endangered though. (Sorry SPCA or PETA (sp?) Also, if you're ever on a walking trail, they just seem to fly from tree to tree...and one day they may take your head over a tree. Granted, we are tapping into their environment, but there's no reason for a squirrel to be in the middle of the city just enjoying itself sitting on the parking lot curb.

Okay, back to reality. Today, I listened to 3 speakers- a Nurse of Ministry of Wellness & Health, and 2 reverends who incorporate their church and doings with helping the less educated and homeless. I felt proud to see that a nurse had taken so much initiative within her congregation to create events such as blood glucose/cholesterol checks/nutrition checks/ and even prostate/depression checks which would usually be taboo in a church setting. Now, one of the reverends spoke of the homeless and filled us with tons of statistics. Since, I'm a future nurse, I do have great compassion for people, especially the population that wants to get/make better for themselves. Well, in a classroom of 200+, you can see how things would get a little heated. We discussed the percentage of the homeless that were addicts/non-addicts. I was surprised to see that they were very close in number. I believe addiction is a disease-it can be overcome-but it takes hard work & determination. One man spoke out saying he's willing to help another man get on his feet, but not if the odds were that this person was going back to using. I agree. This Reverend becomes offended, saying homeless is not a choice...nobody wants to be homeless...if they attend rehab, odds are when they're finished, they'll be back on the street due to lack of housing. By this time, other classmates are chiming in, saying they want their colleagues to be more sympathetic & not so self righteous. I realize this is not a topic for nursing school, nor 200+ people to be discussing with a man before us wanting to preach the word of Jesus Christ. As you know, I'm a believer, however, I do not feel comfortable pushing my religious beliefs on others unless asked....but back to the homeless convo- I felt like why should so many people be w/out a home and not an addict. Is it laziness? Did their credit go bad? Are they without family? I'm trying to see both sides, but I'm blinded with thinking laziness/bad credit are the attributes to leaving them homeless. In life, there are 2 paths- when we face that fork in the road, some of us don't know where to go, I accept that. However, if you fall off the bandwagon, get right back up. Americans don't go homeless overnight. Are they too proud to work at a less lavish job just to save their house, etc. Bicycles are great these days, considering gas is the price it is. Also, Americans are crazily overweight; we should probably all switch to bikes. It was just crazy discussion, and everyone was ready to put their 2cents in. Not me, I saved it for my blog:) HA! I'm a new blogger, as you see.

Sorry for rambling; this has just been stewing all day!

The Beginning:)

2008-08-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

My life is the epidomy of Murphy's Law- if it can go wrong, it will. In my short life, luck has not been a friend of mine, unfortunately. In a nutshell, here is a little about me. I'm 3/4 Irish & 1/4 Hispanic with 3 sisters. I have a huge Catholic family!!! It's a little hard in the Biblebet so to speak. My grandma and grandpa met in the Marines during WWII. My other grandma is a nusre and fisty as anything. Her grandmother crossed the border from Mexico to Texas. I'm in nursing school-one more year!! YEAUH! I'm pretty opinionated and vocal about things. I'm not pessimistic, however, I am realistic. I love funny people. My 3 favorite comedians are Jerry Seinfeld, George Lopez, and Mitch Hedberg.

I suffer from a little bit of the popular OCD. I hate for pens to be clicked on when no one is using them. My bed always have to be made, unless I'm in it, of course. I can't stand when my flip flops get wet. I like for markers to be top down otherwise all the ink runs the opposite way. I always wear earrings, whether I'm at the gym or out on the town. I'm pretty much scared of everthing---big fish, rodents, squirrels, bugs, spiders, heights, thunder storms, big open water, flying, the interstate, the dark. My socks usually don't match which is peculiar since I am a little OCD. I'd like to learn how to surf, but with my luck, a shark would probably eat me. I've had 8 flat tires in 6 years...whoa! That's ridiculous..I kinda have a depth perception problem I think, so I hit curbs...especially at the freaking bank! Why do they put those so close to each other! I lock my keys in my car about once a month. Actually last week, I left my keys in a hotel in ATL and had to have them fedexed to me! Can you believe that? I've lost the my digital camera three times for months on end. Also, my cell phone always gets wet! I really am organized, but I guess I pay too much attention on other things, that I do foolish things.

I don't like when people drink coke...I mean really, get a coke zero. You don't need all the sugar and crap. I drink dark liquids out of straws only bc I don't want my teeth to turn yellow. Ha. And on the days I drink coffee, I always brush my teeth right after. Something I don't get...how come guys yell at girls. I mean you'll be walking out of Wal-Mart, and you've got a posse of guys doing cat calls and yelling HEY GIRRRRRRRL. Do you really think a girl is going to answer to that, you strike up a conversation, and live a happy little life together!? NO! Be realistic. Not to mention, love fests usually don't begin at Wal-Mart or K-Mart or Burger King. Not for me, anyhow.

I'm a pretty perky, happy gal. I like to talk to anyone/everyone, except homeless people who need money. I used to feel really bad and get upset to see them, but since I'm so realistic now, I know that these people probably are not going to really do anything good with my money. I mean people will come up to you with signs that say "I need change for a dollar". You really need change for a dollar? Come on, why not just a dollar? I just think that's kind of funny. I was downtown last week and a man came up to me bc he needed money for a beer. He said I've had 3 P.I.'s this month, so I'm walking and I need to make it over the hill. I just need a beer. I said you really need a beer? HA! I do respect the honesty though; people usually say they need money to fly to Nevada or some crap.

Technology is faulty. It's great, don't get me wrong. I wouldn't be able to survive without it, but the internet always cuts out, DVDs skip, my iPOD gets frozen, cell phones get wet to easy, my Palm Pilot always gets fatal alerts. All of the my tests are online, but if the system's down, we can't take our tests. It is just crazy! My mom doesn't know ANYTHING about computers! It is 2008- we have crossed over to the computer world, but she hasn't.

I believe in people like the Bounty Hunter. It's a really good idea. About time we take justice into our own hands. I do believe in harsher punishment. Sorry if you guys don't. I am a Republican. I don't care about sexual orientation. It's not my business who dates who.

I don't like guys who drink Smirnoff....Grow some, you know...that's such a girly drink. Actually, it's a high school girl drink. I don't understand why people wear hoodies/sweatshirts in the dead heat of the summer. I mean, I know you're hot, and if you're not, you will be walking on the blazing sidewalk with a long sleeves. I get really embarrassed to go across crosswalks. You know people are looking at you- you're right in front of them. I think it's funny though when you're waiting on them to walk by, and they realize that you're waiting, so they run! hahahah! It's not a real run, but Oh no, I'm trying to hurry, but the energy I'm using to start running is really not worth it...just speed up walking.

I do like when people fall...well, I don't like it, but it makes me laugh. I wouldn't care if you lauged at me if I fell. One time, I fell down four rows of bleachers at a football game. I had on heels, but it was so cold, I think my feet froze. When I tried to walk, I went tumbling! HAHAHA! It was pretty hilarious. Another time, I saw a guy fall. The sidewalk was wet, so I was a little embarrassed for him. I said, "Oh don't worry, I almost fell there yesterday". He said I didn't fall. Really?? You didn't fall even though I just saw you bust? A few weeks ago, some friends and I were going swimming at The Blue Hole, which like a freshwater creek. It's real rocky, and I don't really know if we were even allowed to be there. Well, my point is I fell in a huge bush of bryers. Not pretty. I was pretty beat up. Funny though.

Alright, that's enough. I'll be back when I think of more stuff to say!