The last post...

...of NaBloPoMo 2008 that is. And if you ask me...thank goodness! I'm blog exhausted.

I apologize in advance...it's going to be kind of a lame post. Because I have a test tomorrow. And I didn't really want to study for it over break, so minimal studying has been done. Overall, I feel like I know the material and I'm feeling pretty good about it. Just not good enough to spend more than 10 minutes blogging.

And because I've posted practically every day for the last 30 days, I'm going to take a tiny break. At least a day, but not more than 3. Promise!

Sad Day in Beaver Town

I was planning to have this great blog about the Beavers win, but I can't do that. Losing sucks! Especially when it is to the ducks. I'm a pretty sad chica. The game was so painful to watch. Knife in the heart. Bye-bye roses. Maybe next year.

But at least we still get to go to a bowl game.

The hardest part of losing will probably come at the family reunion when I will have to bow down and grovel to my Uncle Eddie and pay him $5. In front of the whole family. Wearing yellow and green (what an ugly color combination). That will be an embarrassing day.

But in other news...my last blog. If you'll take a look at the comments, you'll notice the author of the book I recommended left a comment! I was shocked this morning when I got the e-mail notifying me of the comment. It was and still is pretty exciting.

...And today is the last day of my fabulous break. At home at least. I am waiting a few more minutes for the game traffic to clear up and then I'm on my way back to Portland. How does 11 days go by so quickly? I want another. I shouldn't complain too much because I have 7 weeks off in 19 days. Wahoo for another countdown!

Christmas Jars

I think I kind of have a Christmas tradition, but I've failed at it the last couple of years. More than a couple of years ago, I read The Christmas Box and decided I was going to read it every year around the holidays. I think I did it 2 years in a row before forgetting, or just running out of time. Those 2 years were probably when I was in high school and had lots of spare time to read. Well, I'm somewhat re-adopting that tradition, except I've found a new book. I received a book called Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright for my birthday and I took a break from my take home test to read it today.

It's a novella (only 122 pages) and took me only a few short hours to read. It's a simple story but a very good one. I really enjoyed it and I plan on reading it every year around Christmas time (and because it is so short, I'm thinking that I'll have enough time to read it every year). And maybe this year I'll also adopt the concept introduced in the book so next year I can give out my very own Christmas Jar.

Stuffed

Turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing! Oh my! Today was a yummy day. And I'm pretty sure I don't need to eat for another week or so. I consumed enough calories today to sustain a small country. Okay...maybe not that much, but right now it feels like a lot. But that's why the diet starts tomorrow, right?

The crowd was a bit smaller this year than in previous ones (we only had 12 this year!), but we still had a good time. However, this year was the first year that our whole immediate family wasn't here. Courtney has to be shared now and Thanksgiving is the big holiday for Jon's family, so she wasn't here. That was a little weird, but "sharing is caring" so whatever. :)

So now it's time for the thankful list - because that's what today is about right? Now understand this is a severely shortened list because I don't want to be here all night.

1) How God has provided for me this year. It's amazing to reflect and see how I've been blessed.

2) The fam and friends, of course! This counts for about 100 points on the list.

3) I'm going to graduate in 185 days! I'm so close to being done.

4) I have a roof over my head and food in my belly.

5) And even though I'm counting down the days until I'm done with school....I'm very much thankful that I am going to have a career I enjoy. (And that I'll have no problem finding a job when I do graduate...)

I hope your T-day was as good as mine! Happy Thanksgiving!

T minus 1

This morning all the cooking reminded me why I love Thanksgiving. The food! (and of course there are several other reasons, but food was on the brain today.) My brother was complaining we don't have any Thanksgiving traditions, like going outside to play football. But we do have traditions...lots of yummy food. And hanging out with the family! I woke up to smells of stuffing, and later smelled the bread dough for the rolls. Of course there was the chore of cleaning too, but that will be made okay by the company tomorrow.

I understand there is another tradition that some people consider important...Charlie Brown's thanksgiving. I saw the commercial for it tonight, and I have to admit I really don't like the Charlie Brown Specials. How un-American of me right? But I just can't make myself watch it. Instead, I will be watching Grey's Anatomy tomorrow night because it is Thursday, and that is a weekly tradition. :)

It's Back!

My new computer was delivered this morning and she's just as pretty as I remember her. Actually she's more pretty because she doesn't make the annoying clicking noise anymore. It turns out the speaker was defective and needed to be replaced.

I love it. This computer is so much faster than my old one. It took forever for the old one to turn on (seriously...about 10 minutes), where as this one takes about 3. It's amazing!

And have I mentioned how pretty it is? All black, and sleek and shiney? :)

In other news...um sorry, there is none. Being home is pretty low key. I should be starting to clean here pretty soon for Thanksgiving, but I'm procrastinating. It's easy to do with the new computer.

What to write...

This is where the NaBloPoMo gets tedious. I really don't have anything to blog about. I'm having a great time at home. This morning I slept in until 7:30 and got a nap this afternoon. It's joyous.

I did go shopping for a dress today. I was rather shocked by the lack of dresses at The Dress Barn. You'd think that with a name like that they would have a plethura of dresses, but it was not true. Lots of sweaters and jackets. I'll have to get a dress when I get back to Portland.

Tomorrow, I'll get to start cleaning for Thanksgiving. Yipee!

**NEWS!**

For the second day in a row I have a reason for a girly squeal!! (

And now that the family knows, I can share with you...

My sister got engaged last night! I love my sister and I love seeing her happy. And Jon is awesome and really good at making my sister happy. I'm so excited to have him as a brother. I'm just excited in general. I'm going to be the maid of honor, which I'm jazzed about.

Now, I must admit, I take a little bit of credit for Courtney and Jon meeting. Last year on my birthday, my sister took me to El Prez. That night, her roommate went along and met a guy who she started dating. Courtney's roommate's boyfriend's roommate (still following?) was Jon. That's how Courtney met him. So...if it weren't for me and my birthday, it might have taken a little longer for Jon and Courtney to have found each other. :)

Oh My Gosh!

**insert very girly squeal here***

(This blog post contains OSU football spoilers, so if you haven't watched the game and don't want to know the results, you should probably stop reading now.)

This is my play-by-play on the last play (because the adrenaline is still pumping and I have to show my excitement somewhere...)

00:04 seconds remaining. Down 16-17 and Kahut comes on to kick the field goal. Honestly, it was hard to have faith in him after he missed the extra point on the last drive, but whatever.

And then the ball is snapped and the kick is made...

...and IT'S GOOD!! BEAVERS WIN! 19-17.

It was way too close for my comfort, but I'll take it. The Rose Bowl dream is still alive! GO BEAVERS!

List of Ninety-Nine

I stole this from Mikaila who stole it from Carrie. I've bolded all the things I have done and put stars next to the things I want to do.

1. Started my own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than I can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sung a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris***

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea ***

14. Taught myself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child***

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty***

18. Grown my own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France***

20. Slept on an overnight train***

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitchhiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping***

27. Run a Marathon*** (2010!)

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice***

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person***

34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught myself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person***

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David***

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant***

44. Visited Africa***

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight***

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had my portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person***

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris***

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling***

52. Kissed in the rain***

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China*** (Summer 2009)

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching***

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving***

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (I visted the National Holocost museum when I was in Washington D.C. and went to another museum when I was in Berlin...but never to an actual concentration camp.)

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square***

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London***

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican***

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem***

84. Had my picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible***

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life***

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby***

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

I've done almost half the things on this list. Maybe one day I'll take a long tour of Europe and go to the Louvre and the the Eiffel Tower and walk along the Champs Elysees in France and the Vatican and the Tower of Pisa and see the works of Michaelangelo in Italy. I want to go to Spain, and see more of Germany, and go up to the Netherlands and to Britain too. I would also like to go to Isreal and walk where Jesus did. That would be a fun trip. And I'll have completed more than half the list by doing it.

Ahhh! (That's a sigh of relief)

I have nothing to post today. I am at home, and I am content. I have 11 days of bliss ahead of me. Well, I do have to study for a test and complete a take home test, but I'm not complaining about those...I'm focusing on the 11 days of bliss.

So because I have nothing better to do...here's a survey about me. (I'm actually kind of surprised I haven't done more of these during NaBloPoMo.)

1) Are you really ready for 79 questions?
For sure.

2) Do you believe in God?
Yeppers

3) Who did you last say "I love you" to?
The Madre

4) Do you regret it?
No! It's true.

5) Have you ever been depressed?
It happens, but never for more than a day.

6) Have a best friend?
A couple of them

7) Are you a boy or girl?
Very much a girl.

8) What is your relationship status?
Single. That probably won't change until after I graduate...I go to an all girls school. What can I say?

9) How do you want to die?
Of old age. With none of the diseases I've been learning about. And with my family around me. Or maybe in my sleep.

10) What did you last eat?
Mexico Lindo! Yum!

11) Played any sports?
Softball in 5th grade, and cross-country and track in high school. Now I'm more of a spectator.

12) Do you bite your nails?
I pick at them when I'm bored, but I don't use my teeth. We did an experiment about the bacteria that lives under fingernails and I can't bite anymore.

13) When was your last physical fight?
My brother's new thing is coming up to me and having me punch him in his abs. So I do. We don't really fight as just punch each other every once in awhile.

14) Do you have an attitude?
Of course! I've spent years developing my 'tude!

15) Twirl or cut your spaghetti?
I'm a twirling girl.

16) Do you tan a lot?
I try to stay away from the tanning. I don't want to get skin cancer. SPF 45 all the way!

17) Have any pets?
Not currently. My family have pets that I'm attached to but they aren't mine.

18) How exactly are you feeling?
Relieved and relaxed

19) Ever made out in a movie theatre?
Nope

20) Are you scared of spiders?
Not really. Other things make my skin crawl...like boxelder bugs or ladybugs. I found out today that turkeys also creep me out.

21) Do you regret anything from your past?
Somedays I wish I could go back and do things differently, but no regrets.

22) What are your plans for this weekend?
Coffee. Hanging out with the Fam. Going to Crista's wedding.

23) Do you want to have kids?
Eventually. Right now I'm satisfied with being an Auntie.

24) Do you type fast?
In the 70 words per minute range.

25) Can you spell well?
W-E-L-L. (Ha! I'm so funny!) But seriously...I think I spell okay. I definitely need the spell check.

26) Ever been to a bonfire party?
Yep

27) Have you ever been on a horse?
Yes.

28) Kissed someone in a pick up truck
Nope

29) Have you ever broken someone's heart?
Not to my knowledge.

30) Would you live with somene without marrying them
I live in a dorm so I'm doing it right now. If you mean that by living someone you mean a guy, then no. Unless it was my brother, and then we'd have separate rooms.

31) What should you be doing?
This survey. Really...

32) Does somebody love you?
Hopefully lots of people

33) What is your favorite color?
Light green

34) Have you ever changed clothes in a vehicle?
Why yes I have.

35) Do you have trust issues?
Not that I know of.

36) Have you ever shaved in the kitchen sink?
Ew...certain activities should never take place in the kitchen. I consider shaving to be one of those.

37) Do you have a good relationship with your parents?
My parents are awesome. I love them.

38) Who was the last person you cried in front of?
Everybody that was at church last week.

39) Do you give out second chances too easily?
Probably

40) Is it easier to forgive or forget?
Easier to forgive.

41) What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?
Turned off the light. And then I ran and hopped in my bed and found a warm spot.

42) Is there anyone you wish was still in your life? Who?
You know, he was never in my life, but I wish I could meet my grandpa.

43) What is bothering you?
Remember...we're focusing on those 11 days of bliss.

44) Have you ever been out of state?
Tons of times.

45) Do you play the Wii?
I've played once, but I rock!

46) Are you listening to music right now?
Nope. I'm listening to the Bengal's/Steeler's football game.

47) Do you like Chinese food?
One of my favorites!

48) Do you know your fathers b- day?
June 18th

49) Are you afraid of the dark?
Not really. If I'm in an unknown place, then yes.

50) Favorite holiday?
Hello? Have you met me? I play Christmas music on November 1st. Take your best guess.

51) Can you keep white shoes clean?
Never. My white nursing shoes are still pretty clean, but they have scuffs on them that make them look dirty.

52) Do you like the outside?
Uh huh! Especially when it is all green and forest-y.

53) Are you currently bored?
No! I'm filling out this totally cool survey.

54) Do you wanna get married?
Yep.

55) Are you hungry?
No...I had a great dinner tonight with Madre and Kate.

56) Do you have a bank account?
For sure! Two infact.

57) Would you change your name?
I plan to change my last name someday.

58) Ever been to Alaska?
No-sir-ee.

59) Do you watch the news?
Yeah...it helps me get to sleep some nights.

60) What's your zodiac sign?
Scorpio

61) Do you like Subway?
I'm a big fan of the $5 footlongs. Good for 2 meals.

62) Do you talk like your friends?
Uh...sure.

63)Listen to rock?
Yeah...it's in the mix of what I listen to.

64)Do you like reading?
I have been devouring books recently. I've finally found the time in college to do some personal reading and I'm remembering how much I love it.

65) Who is the last guy you talked to?
My daddy.

66) Does it matter if your boyfriend/girlfriend smokes?
Yeah. I can't say I'm a big fan of the smoke smell that infiltrates everything. Plus, I'm all about the healthcare thing, and I would make so many snarky comments if I was dating a smoker that they probably wouldn't want to date me anymore.

67) Do you go to church?
I do.

68) Do you enjoy piercings & tattoos?
Enjoy? hmm...I rarely change my earrings, but I like having them. I don't have a tattoo yet, but when I do get one someday I will be sure I enjoy it.

69) What do you wear more: jeans,sweats, pants, or shorts?
I live in Jeans

70) You're a Sharpie marker, what color are you?
Definitely the light green color. It's the best!

71) Do you prefer to shower at night or in the morning?
Showers help me wake up in the morning, but I will take them later in the day if I really want the sleep.

72) Have you ever said you'd never love again?
Negatory

73) Do you want to please everyone?
It's a weakness of mine. I don't like people to be angry with me.

74) Have you heard a song that reminds you of someone today?
Music always reminds me of people. Today I was listening to Il Divo and thought about the girls group from high school...I guess that's more of a musical group reminding me of someone, but I think it counts.

75) Has someone ever made you a promise & broken it?
Has that ever not happened to anyone? I want to meet them.

76) Are you alone?
That would be no.

77) Do you have any older siblings
My awesome Sister.

78) Did you speak to your father today?
Why yes, I did. He's sitting right next to me. We are talking right now. :)

79) How many months until your birthday?
Practically 12 months.

The Black Day

I was talking to my dad about today and he named my blog post. Not on purpose, but that's what he labeled it and I thought it was somewhat fitting.

My day was sad. I didn't go to clinical. Instead, our professors schedule a day to discuss the end of life and what it is like to provide care to patients at the end of life. I think that this day is very important for us as nursing students, but it can be hard and sad and at the end of the time, depressing.

The hardest part, but probably the most meaningful part of the day was a man named Cliff Ellis. Thirteen years ago he lost his daughter Alexandra to cancer. She was 5 and a half years old. He talked about what it was like to go through her treatment and the reoccurrence of cancer and finally her death. The atmosphere of the room was like he lost his daughter months ago rather than years, and he talked about how he still grieves. Cliff said he still has "lemonade stand moments", which started because one day a couple of years after Alex had died he was driving (having a really good day) and passed a lemonade stand. The girl behind it looked a lot like his daughter and he lost it. Hearing who this little girl was and how she died was so impactful. I teared up (and if you know me, you know how little that happens in public). Alex's story wasn't just a time for us to hear about a little girl dying, but her dad had a lot of things to share with us about how as nurses we can make our patients death a "good" one. When all was said and done Cliff remembers the nurses listening and taking time to be with the families. Nursing can get crazy, especially in the hospitals when you have other patients, but what meant the most to them were the little things like when the nurse would introduce herself, or not try to solve things but just be there, be present.

Good things happened because of Alex. Cliff and his wife started the Children's Cancer Association which helps thousands of families all across the United States go through what the Ellis family had to go through. They offer such cool resorces and most importantly, hope.

It was a harder day. Definitely not rainbows and butterflies, but overall a good day. I know I'll appreciate it even more when I have a patient pass away I will have a little bit of something to fall back on.

Sorry to poor this out on all of you. It helps me process and understand what went on today.

To Carina - Just Because

Have I mentioned how awesome my friend Carina is? Yesterday, she came over because my dad's laptop has also been reduced to crap due to a dead mother board. She helped him buy a new computer (and got him a discount). And she also took a better look at my new one. Even though the problem wasn't fixed, I felt like she was more help than the people I talked on the phone with for an hour yesterday.

Yeah, I'd say she is pretty sweet. And it's not just because she help me (and my family with computer issues). She is my Portland friend. We see each other at least once a week, if not more, and we always have a good time. There are countless jokes between us that if we try to explain it just gets bad...it's better just to smile and nod at us. We have a good time and I'm blessed to have such a good friend with me in Portland. I don't think I would be as sane in nursing school without her.

That's about as coherent as I get today. I awoke at 5 and spent most of my day on my feet. So now it is time to curl up with a book and drift off to dreamland.

Computers hate me...part deux

I got my new computer today in the mail. She's a beauty. All black and shiny! I need to name her but I don't have a clue yet as to what it will be. But she is already having problems and I have to send her in. I guess that's just my luck with computers. She runs just fine, but immediately upon turning her on there is this clicking noise that starts and it gets annoying after about 5 seconds. I normally wouldn't mind, but it's loud and I think I would go insane if I had to listen to it all the time. So I called the people in India to talk about my computer and they tried some stuff but to no avail. The clicking continued. So they are shipping me a box and I get to ship my brand new computer to be fixed. Oh well...at least my old one still works (knock on wood).

Otherwise, good day. Just classes.

Almost forgot to post

Short blog for today. I don't have a lot to report. The birthday was good. But note to self: don't have birthday plans on the same day as a home Beaver football game. Especially when they win. It took close to an hour to get through Corvallis yesterday. But I had fun. Weekends are always too short though. I'm counting down until Thursday when my 10 day Thanksgiving break starts.

Tonight I will register for the last time of my undergraduate college career! Hallelujah! 6 months left. I actually only have to register for one class because I was already placed into the upcoming nursing courses. I'm glad I'll have 7 weeks for winter break before I have to start spring semester. If you can't tell, I'm so ready for a break.

November 15th

I've always wondered what other cool stuff has happened on Nov. 15 other than me being born. So this year I found out courtesy of Wikipedia.

Events:
- In 1777, after 16 months of debate the Continental Congress approves the Articles of Confederation.
- In 1854, The Suez Canal, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, is given the necessary royal concession.
- In 1889, Brazil is declared a republic when Emperor Pedro II is deposed in a military coup.
- In 1920, The first assembly of the League of Nations was held in Geneva.
- In 1926, NBC radio network opens with 24 stations.
- In 1971, Intel releases the world's first commercial single-chip microprocessor, the 4004.

(This is the very much shortened list. Lots of other stuff happened but it was a lot of depressing stuff like plane crashes and the unabomber and natural disasters that killed a bunch of people...)

Births:
1929 - Ed Asner, American actor
1940 - Sam Waterson, American actor

(Again...lots of others were born but these are the only 2 I recognize)

Holidays:

- Roman festivals - Festival in honor of Feronia (others say 13 November)
- Austria - Saint Leopold's day -- no school in Vienna, Lower Austria and Upper Austria
- Belgium - King's Feast, not an official holiday, but some state institutions are closed; Day of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, observed only in the German-speaking Community (since 1990), not in the rest of Belgium.
- Brazil - Republic Proclamation Day (1889)
- Palestine - Independence Day (declared 1988)
- Japan - Shichi-Go-San - traditional rite of passage and festival day for three and seven year-old girls and three and five year-old boys
- United States - America Recycles Day (So make sure you recycle today!)

Happy November 15th!

What the?

I just watched this week's Grey's Anatomy, and I'm just confused. How is Deny back?! I'm definitely excited about this season. I haven't been that impressed with the last couple of seasons, but Grey's has just redeemed itself. Also in this episode was Lauren from Alias...or at least the woman who played Lauren in Alias. It is impossible for me to like her. I see her and I immediately passionately dislike her.

The reason I had to watch Grey's Anatomy today as opposed to last night is that I was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International last night. I am now a soroity girl...something I thought I would never be. Not there is anything wrong with soroities...but I just never considered joining one. But this is the Honor Society for nurses. I was invited so I decided to go for it. If nothing else it will look good on a resume.

And now I'm at home! I've been looking forward to this weekend for over a month. And now it's here. It's been a good day. I love the blue skys. I got to take a break from the homework to take Mac on a walk. And I'm hanging out with the fam! Perfect day! (well, except that I don't know what the heck is happening with Deny on Grey's Anatomy. Seriously, it's driving me nuts!)

Because I care

A couple of weeks ago we had women from an ovarian support group come talk to our class. I thought what they shared is important for all women to know. Early detection is so important when it comes to any kind of cancer so I thought I'd pass on the information.

Women with ovarian cancer consistently report the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating
• Urinary urgency
• Pelvic discomfort or pain

The follow are not experienced by every woman but are can also be indicators of ovarian cancer.

• Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate
• Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full
• Increased abdominal girth or clothes fitting tighter around your waist
• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• A persistent lack of energy
• Low back pain
• Changes in menstruation

The most important thing these women told us were to listen to your gut and don't give up. Search for a better answer if you are not satisfied. One woman knew something was off with her body and had to go to 3 different doctors before one diagnosed her with ovarian cancer. So pay attention to your body. You know yourself the best.

200 days and Pictures

Today I have exactly 200 days until graduation! 200 days! WA-HOO!

Clinical was pretty slow today. Most of the doctors were not seeing patients because their residents were in a conference. So not much to share on that front.

But I have pictures from Crista's Bachlorette party on Saturday night. Sorry it took me so long to post them...I was hesitant to put them on my computer because my new one is coming on Friday.

Anyway...We dressed up and took the MAX to several places around Portland.

First stop was the mall to get Crista's make up done. The request was for "dramatic" but I don't think the lady knew what that meant. :) She was nice though, and her colleague took the picture...sorry you can't see everyone. It was a combination of not knowing the digital camera and Crista's veil.

Half the group at The Spagetti Factory...
...the Other Half...

And the whole group!

It was a fun night. Especially on the MAX ride back to Carina's house. First, we were all pretty tired. Second, there was a person on the MAX that started dancing. And it was not pretty...kind of disturbing actually, but also kind of appropriate for a bachlorette party. :) And lastly when Carina literally could not stop laughing. And nothing that funny was going on, but tears were streaming down her cheeks! Good memories.

Happy Veterans Day

I'm a little self-absorbed in that I don't usually recognize holidays unless I get the day off from school. Veterans day is not one of those days but today in radiation oncology I saw a lot of vets. Veterans are a big portion of the patients we see because OHSU works with the VA. It was really nice to be able to say thank you and remember the importance of what men and women have done and continue to do for us and our country.

So...Happy Veterans Day!

Not too bad

I had my first test today for the class that has a screwy teaching method. It wasn't that bad. I won't know until Friday when grades are posted, but I'm feeling pretty confident.

The key for the quiz I was complaining about last week was posted today. Now I'm happy that I didn't have to turn it in. I didn't do so hot. It will be good to have though when I take the first exam. I'm a little scared about this first take home exam, because if it is anything like the quiz, I'm not going to do very well in the class. :(

But the worst of my week is over. Now I just have clinical and class and an induction ceremony and then I get to go home for the first anniversary of my 21st birthday! :)

Youtube = my greatest distraction

I'm not feeling very blog creative today. I think it's a combination of desk duty and being tired from last night. I just don't have anything to share. Well...that's not true, I have pictures, but they are still on my camera and that is upstairs. And that would take energy I just don't have. So maybe later...

I wish there was a way on youtube to see which videos you watch most often. Kind of a tally to see which ones are your favorites. Cause if there was I'd post my top 5 viewed youtube videos. But there isn't...so sorry. I know I've watched a lot of Michael Buble videos and TV show clips. Like this one:


**A little bit of the backstory...it's the Christmas episode from season 2. Izzie (girl character) is into everything Christmas/Holiday related. Alex (boy character) cheated on Izzie a couple episodes before, so Izzie is (obviously) mad at him. But he failed his medical boards and needs help studying. So in the "spirit of Christmas", Izzie decides to help (forgive?) him...

Youtube. It's what I do on desk duty.

Failure!

I really meant to post yesterday, but it still is Saturday night...it's just technically Sunday morning now. :( I'm only a week into NaBloPoMo and I'm already not doing too well.

I went out for Crista's bachlorettte party and I thought I'd be back before midnight. It was lots of fun, with some pretty funny highlights! Pictures and stories will be shared after I get some sleep. As for right now, my feet are tired and so are my eyes so I'm going to go get some shut eye.

Hallelujah it is Friday!

I haven't done a Friday 10 for a long time! And I've been a bit complain-y on my blog recently so I think I'm way past due...

This weeks reasons for why my life rocks!

1) Duh! It's Friday! And I don't have classes, so it makes it even better! In fact, I never have class on Friday. It's a perk of the class I'm in.

2) I get to see Madre, Lani, George and Kate tonight at a worship conference in Canby! I'm super excited.

3) My clinical preceptor is a Linfield graduate and she remembers all the assignments I have to do. She is empathetic and knows how to help me complete them.

4) Even though I have a test on Monday and weekend RA duty, I have a fun weekend ahead of me. As previous mentioned, Canby tonight and Crista's bachlorette party tomorrow night.

5) My friend and I took the nursing course backwards from each other so I am helping her study for the class that I just finished and visa versa. It's nice to have some extra direction for studying this weekend.

6) It's raining and cold. I like opening my window at night and hearing the rain pour down and be all comfy under my big blanket. The weather is a little less fun when I have to stand out in it to catch the streetcar at 6 AM but that's another story...

7) I have really felt God's covering over my life this week. With my computer situation, financially, and school in general God keeps blessing me!

8) Next week I get to go home! And not long after that I get a whole week off for Thanksgiving! And then not long after Thanksgiving will be then end of the semester and my 7 week long winter break! I am so ready for a break!

9) Next weekend is also my 22nd birthday!

10) So this really happened last week, but who cares. The Beavers won, which keeps their Rosebowl eligibility alive! Wouldn't that be awesome to go to the Rosebowl?!

I couldn't stop laughing

Seriously...the first part is funny, but the ending is the best.

Pumpkin Adventures

These are about a week late but...better late than never.

I babysit an 8 year old (Jeremy) on Thursday and last week we carved a pumpkin together. He's a weird one...he doesn't like having his hands in the ooey-gooey pumpkin guts. I had to do that part my self because getting him to stick his hand inside the pumpkin was like torture. But he agreed to a picture.
Then came the carving part. I felt bad because this is the part that he actually wanted to do himself, but I didn't get the special pumpkin carving knives and I wasn't comfortable letting him use my knife without help. But we designed the jack-o-lantern together. I did let him make the first cut by himself.
As you can see he's a pretty expressive kid. He always keeps me on my toes. I'm bummed I didn't get a picture of him with our final product.

This year I got a special surprise with my pumpkin. It involved the pumpkin flat as a pancake on the floor. I set the Jack-O-lantern out in the hallway (indoors) for Halloween, and then I figured I would take it to the dumpster after a couple of days. Well on Sunday night I looked at it, and there was some mold on the inside but I felt the outside and it was still firm, so I decided I would just take it out on Monday morning on my way to class. So I wake up Monday, and I've got 10 minutes to get to class. I walk out my door and see my pumpkin...it is completely soft and gross. I try to pick it up and it totally leaks watery mess all over me! I don't know why but I just dropped it. Ker-splat! And it is now a gross, mushy mess all over the carpet. I wish I had a picture.

I ended up getting the pumpkin to the dumpster on a cookie sheet, but not without some more spill-age of pumpkin liquid. I laugh now, but I was not excited at the time. But I made it to class on time, and the hall doesn't smell like rotten pumpkin!

Computers hate me...

My computer is dying. It's a sad thing. I have the worst luck with computers. The computer I ordered today will be my third computer of my college career. But this story has a good side. #1- My great friend Carina is a computer tech and she was able to tell me how screwed up my computer was for free. I did not have to go spend $70+ at Geek Squad for them to tell me that I needed a new computer. And #2 - I got a great discount on a new computer. Original cost: $800.00, purchase price: $486.13! And most importantly #3 - even though my hard drive failed, my computer still turns on and is somewhat functional. Hopefully it stays that way until my new computer shows up. I was able to back up all my important files, so even if it becomes completely dead (as opposed to mostly dead) I still have the good stuff.

Other than that, and the test that I have on Monday, my life has been pretty good. Unlike yesterday at the Radiation Oncology clinic, my day was really good. I got to do a lot by myself and I felt like I was contributing. I got to see this procedure called a frame. The patient has an inoperable tumor and they put this large contraption around her head...with screws. Okay so the screws were there to hold on the frame with pressure...not actually going into the skull. But it was still a pretty cool procedure to see.

And that's that for today. See you tomorrow!

Radiation Oncology

Today was my first day on the radiation oncology unit. I liked it alright, but it is pretty slow. I learned a lot because I had a lot of time to read. I went in with the impression that patients came in and were on the unit for a long time. But they aren't. Radiation can take up to 45 minutes to complete, but can also be as short as 10 minutes. And nurses don't have very much involvement with the radiation process. There are special techs for that.

Patients are in and out so fast and nurses don't have patient contact unless it is the patient's day to see the physician. And then it is to take a weight and vital signs. Another thing the nurses do is to meet the patients who haven't started treatment yet and answer any questions as well as do some teaching. It feels very much like a clinic rather than a hospital setting. Again, I like it. It's just a lot slower than my last clinical setting and not as much of a challenge.

The Quiz

This last weekend was okay. I got to go shopping for shoes/dress for a bachlorette party I'll be attending next weekend, and church was really good. Oh! and the Beaver game was awesome. But the rest of the weekend I spent with my nose in the books for this take home pathophysiology quiz I had. I'm borderline on take home stuff. It's nice that you can go searching for unknown answers in the book or class notes. It's not-so-nice that the questions are super hard because of it.

The quiz was like a test. Super hard and complicated. The directions went something like this:

• If options 1, 2 and 3 are correct, mark A.
• If only 1 and 3 are correct, mark B
• If only 2 and 4 are correct, mark C
• If only 4 is correct, mark D
• If none are correct, mark E

It wasn't a whole lot of fun, but I spent most of my time finishing the quiz. Then this morning I woke up early with a whole lot of anxiety because I really wasn't sure about my answers on one section that I found particullarly difficult. But I finished it.

School is hard and I've known that for a long time. I should be over it by now. But there is a point to this pity party. Because I have an even bigger reason to complain. I go to class today with my quiz (very proud that I had it all done), and ask my professor if he wants us to fill in the answers on a scantron or just put the answer next to its corresponding question. This is the response I got..."I'm not actually going to have you turn those in. I'm not going to grade them because you are going to have take home exams and those quizzes will just boost your grade."

SERIOUSLY?! Why have us do a quiz that you are not going to collect or grade?! And why is it in the syllabus?

I was so mad! On the positive side, it was a good study tool for the exam, but I probably wouldn't have stressed as much as I did if I had known it wasn't going to be turned in. Luckily, my professor will post the answer key so I'll know what areas I need to study more. Silver lining?

News!

I am so jazzed right now, I almost can't stand it. I might get to do my senior practicum (last clinical experience) in Corvallis! And I wouldn't have to commute at all to Portland for class or anything. I could just be in Corvallis. SUPER EXCITING! And if it all works out, this would increase my chances of getting a job offer there!

Here's how I came to be excited:

We had a meeting today about the clinical experience that we will have next semester and the placement of everyone in clinical sites. They have a lot of options for us around the Portland area, but they also have started a new program. This new program allows students to find senior practicum experiences outside of the Portland area. Last semester people went to Boston, Seattle, and Montana (and a couple of other places) for the last 6 weeks of nursing school and did great. Lecture is done via online streaming video.

So...I'm sitting in this meeting thinking of how fun it would be to go to Corvallis for my senior practicum experience, but how I'll probably just stay here in Portland. But then I thought, "why shouldn't I do this?!" I couldn't really think of a good reason, so I picked up the paper work on my way out.

Actually, there was one thing that could prevent me from doing this, which is the fact that I'm an RA and I would be gone for 6 weeks. I wouldn't be a very good RA from Corvallis.The good news is I have an awesome boss. I went and talked to her and she is all for me doing this! She said we'd be able to work things out and I should apply.

I'm starting the application process. The person that coordinates it all is a past professor of mine so she knows me and is likely to sign off on it. Wahoo! This clinical doesn't start until April, but I'm still super excited at the possibility.

NaBloPoMo 2008

NaBloPoMo = National Blog Posting Month. I first heard about it on Clever Girl Goes Blog and thought it was a pretty cool idea. "What idea?" you may be asking yourself. The goal is to post at least once a day for the entire month of November in honor of national blog posting month. More details here. I realize I've pretty much failed from the beginning because I didn't post yesterday, but I don't really care. I'm starting now...and I've posted twice today. Doesn't that count for something?

I'll try to keep things interesting, but no promises! If you want to, leave comments about things you want me to blog about and I'll see if I can fulfill your requests.

Here's to kicking off NaBloPoMo 2008. Join me if you want to!

Christmas music time is here!

I know, I know...it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I don't care. Thanksgiving doesn't have special music so it's just not that important. Other than the fact that I get to see family and eat some good food (and this year getting a whole week off from school), I could really give a rats tooshie about Thanksgiving. Okay...that's not true. I like Thanksgiving, just not as much as the Christmas season.

I love Christmas music! I would play it in June if I could get away with it. I'm pretty sure my parents gave me a starting point in which it was acceptable to start playing Christmas music when I was growing up. No Christmas music until at least November. It's something that has stuck with me. So I started thinking about it yesterday and today I started listening. Call me weird but whatever. There is something awesome about hearing Bing Crosby sing "O Holy Night."