Aim for a star! Never be satisfied
With a life that is less than the best,
Failure lies only in not having tried -
In keeping the soul suppressed.
Aim for a star! Look up and away,
And follow its beckoning beam.
Make each Tomorrow a better Today -
And don't be afraid to dream.
Aim for a star, and keep your sights high!
With a heartful of faith within,
Your feet on the ground, and your eyes on the sky,
Some day you are bound to win!
- Helen Lowrie Marshall
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Eenie Meenie
Everyone always hears about the nursing shortage in the US and isn't it ironic that many new grads from nursing schools are having such a hard time landing a job? Beside not passing the NCLEX, my second greatest fear as a new grad was not getting a job. Unfortunately the state of the economy has effected everyone. Even though hospitals need nurse and nursing schools are churning out new graduates every semester, hospital budgets either do not allow for more positions to be created or a lack of educators hinders managers from hiring new grads. Hospitals can't hire you if you lack solid experience and they don't have anyone or the money to train you.
I have heard from my classmates who have been LUCKy enough to get jobs that people from everywhere in the US are having to relocate because this particular hospital was the only one that would hire them.
I have truly been blessed to be among the few in my graduating class to have been given not just one, but a few job offers. Well, I've only officially been offered one job for a night-time position on a telemetry unit, but I recently had an interview for a position on a CCU/ICU (Coronary Critical Care Unit/Intensive Care Unit) floor and have another interview for an L&D (Labor and Delivery) position. I was offered an interview for a position on an Oncology unit, but I had enough oncology exposure during nursing school. I greatly admire oncology nurses, but I just don't have the heart for it.
I pray in the end that I get the job in the CCU/ICU department. The hospital is a level II trauma hospital, so I'll get exposure to a lot of neurological conditions and head traumas. They also do open heart surgery at the hospital as well. I think it would be an amazing learning opportunity and in the end I just want to experience it all. Not that the telemetry (heart monitoring) unit wouldn't be a good experience as well, but it is in a small hospital so I would be limited in the different cases that I could be exposed to. I'm not going to take the L&D job just because I'm not really passionate about the field. I mean, I find it interesting and there is always the "miracle of life" concept, but I'm really indifferent to the subject. I think it's my lack of experience in being pregnant that makes it hard for me to relate to the patients. Plus, there are soooo many nurses out there who go into nursing because they want to work in the L&D, that I would feel bad taking that opportunity away from them. Honestly, I took the interview because it would give me something to do during the day. It's hard to be home-alone and jobless... navy hubby is out-to-sea for two weeks.
Well, here's to prayers and keeping my fingers crossed. Unfortunately (damn I hate this economy sh*t), it will come down to $$$. With my husband getting out of the military in a few months and going to school, I will be taking over the majority of our expense and I need a job that will rival the salary that he is currently making if not exceed it. I hate money. I mean, I love what you can buy with, but the physical currency itself doesn't make one truly happy. I find that it can make life more stressful and complicated. Oh, to be a child without the concept of money and it's unfortunate, but vital necessity in our culture.
I have heard from my classmates who have been LUCKy enough to get jobs that people from everywhere in the US are having to relocate because this particular hospital was the only one that would hire them.
I have truly been blessed to be among the few in my graduating class to have been given not just one, but a few job offers. Well, I've only officially been offered one job for a night-time position on a telemetry unit, but I recently had an interview for a position on a CCU/ICU (Coronary Critical Care Unit/Intensive Care Unit) floor and have another interview for an L&D (Labor and Delivery) position. I was offered an interview for a position on an Oncology unit, but I had enough oncology exposure during nursing school. I greatly admire oncology nurses, but I just don't have the heart for it.
I pray in the end that I get the job in the CCU/ICU department. The hospital is a level II trauma hospital, so I'll get exposure to a lot of neurological conditions and head traumas. They also do open heart surgery at the hospital as well. I think it would be an amazing learning opportunity and in the end I just want to experience it all. Not that the telemetry (heart monitoring) unit wouldn't be a good experience as well, but it is in a small hospital so I would be limited in the different cases that I could be exposed to. I'm not going to take the L&D job just because I'm not really passionate about the field. I mean, I find it interesting and there is always the "miracle of life" concept, but I'm really indifferent to the subject. I think it's my lack of experience in being pregnant that makes it hard for me to relate to the patients. Plus, there are soooo many nurses out there who go into nursing because they want to work in the L&D, that I would feel bad taking that opportunity away from them. Honestly, I took the interview because it would give me something to do during the day. It's hard to be home-alone and jobless... navy hubby is out-to-sea for two weeks.
Well, here's to prayers and keeping my fingers crossed. Unfortunately (damn I hate this economy sh*t), it will come down to $$$. With my husband getting out of the military in a few months and going to school, I will be taking over the majority of our expense and I need a job that will rival the salary that he is currently making if not exceed it. I hate money. I mean, I love what you can buy with, but the physical currency itself doesn't make one truly happy. I find that it can make life more stressful and complicated. Oh, to be a child without the concept of money and it's unfortunate, but vital necessity in our culture.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Best Day Ever!
"All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them" - Walt Disney
If yesterday was the worst/scariest/most stressful day of my life, then today is definitely one of the top 10 best in my life! But a little background first....
I recently graduated from nursing school in May 2010 and yesterday I sat for the national boards licensure examination (NCLEX) for nursing so that I could obtain my state RN license. Even though I know I could have studied sooo much more than I did in preparation, I went into the test feeling good. I graduated from a college program with a 98% passing rate (first time testers) and had used Kaplan's strategy book and endless questions on Kaplan's Qbank to study. Many people have stated that they felt Kaplan's was a lot harder than the actual NCLEX, so I thought the test was going to be a breeze... boy, was I wrong! Maybe I was just off my game, but the NCLEX was sooo much harder than I thought... my own personal nightmare. I got to question 100 and I literally started to have a panic attack. Tachycardia, tachypnea, papitations, and everything went blurry in my head. By question 150, I asked to go to the bathroom for a break. I had to find some way to calm down, at least enough to finish the exam to whatever ends. I told myself that I just had to finish, even if I didn't pass. Well, the computer FINALLY cut me off at question 160-something... I had stopped counting. I walked out of the testing center relieved that I was done, but devastated with the belief that I had failed. I didn't want to let my family and friends down (everyone had been praying for my success), I didn't want to be the only person from my nursing program to have failed, but more importantly I didn't want to EVER have to relive the nightmare of taking the NCLEX again.
Well, I knew that Virginia board of nursing posts licenses the day after the exam, which is nice since some state BON's like California torture their nursing students by making them wait 6-7 WEEKS for results! So today I got the surprise of my life and the best news ever... I PASSED! There on the tiny screen of my smartphone was the VA BON's license verification website with MY name and license information!!! I'm offically an RN :)
Thanks to my husband, family, friends, and fellow RN-classmates for your love, support, and prayers! I am truly blessed to have such an amazing support system!
If yesterday was the worst/scariest/most stressful day of my life, then today is definitely one of the top 10 best in my life! But a little background first....
I recently graduated from nursing school in May 2010 and yesterday I sat for the national boards licensure examination (NCLEX) for nursing so that I could obtain my state RN license. Even though I know I could have studied sooo much more than I did in preparation, I went into the test feeling good. I graduated from a college program with a 98% passing rate (first time testers) and had used Kaplan's strategy book and endless questions on Kaplan's Qbank to study. Many people have stated that they felt Kaplan's was a lot harder than the actual NCLEX, so I thought the test was going to be a breeze... boy, was I wrong! Maybe I was just off my game, but the NCLEX was sooo much harder than I thought... my own personal nightmare. I got to question 100 and I literally started to have a panic attack. Tachycardia, tachypnea, papitations, and everything went blurry in my head. By question 150, I asked to go to the bathroom for a break. I had to find some way to calm down, at least enough to finish the exam to whatever ends. I told myself that I just had to finish, even if I didn't pass. Well, the computer FINALLY cut me off at question 160-something... I had stopped counting. I walked out of the testing center relieved that I was done, but devastated with the belief that I had failed. I didn't want to let my family and friends down (everyone had been praying for my success), I didn't want to be the only person from my nursing program to have failed, but more importantly I didn't want to EVER have to relive the nightmare of taking the NCLEX again.
Well, I knew that Virginia board of nursing posts licenses the day after the exam, which is nice since some state BON's like California torture their nursing students by making them wait 6-7 WEEKS for results! So today I got the surprise of my life and the best news ever... I PASSED! There on the tiny screen of my smartphone was the VA BON's license verification website with MY name and license information!!! I'm offically an RN :)
Thanks to my husband, family, friends, and fellow RN-classmates for your love, support, and prayers! I am truly blessed to have such an amazing support system!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
If at first you don't succeed... try, try again.
"One fails forward toward success" ~ Charles F. Kettering
I believe someone once said "Tomorrow is another day for opportunity". And my wise husband always tells me not to dwell on things that I cannot control or situations that I cannot change.
During the past year my husband and I have started a new business venture along side our daily jobs. I really wasn't supportive or sold on the idea at first, but soon I learned that it was not only a great opportunity to make some extra money, but to also meet amazing people. To put things simply, our business deals with selling products via an internet supplier. In order to get the products sold, you need customers. A sales strategy that we've been training to execute is making sales pitch to people via "grand openings"... you get a bunch of people together (or just one person) and show them some of the products, let them sample a few, etc. Kinda like the tupperware parties moms like to throw.
So I invited a few friends over and about 6 said that they would be available to come for an hour or so. I was sooo excited! I went shopping, bought food, cleaned the house in preparation for having guests. Two of our friends and mentors in the business were also coming to assist and support me. I really thought this was going to be successful.
Well, life happens unfortunately. Two of my friends bailed out on me and another had a family emergency (aka their kid was sick). So, as it turns out only two of my guests showed in the end and even my mentors couldn't make it because they were stuck in traffic. I felt bad that they were driving all the way from Virginia. It seemed like everything that could go wrong went wrong. I did the best I could trying to pitch the products with what I had (thankfully my husband gave me a little kit of stuff to give out). I felt mediocre and unprepared. It was embarrassing and upsetting. To make things worst, I was still upset about people apparently semi-committing so it was hard for me to keep a smile on my face. I just wanted to curl in a corner and die.
Sales and promotion is really not my level of expertise. I feel like I blunder when I speak and that I'm never prepared when people ask me questions. I don't want people to feel like I'm pushing them to buy from me or that they feel obligated to because we're family/friends/acquaintances. It's not where my confidence lies, but mainly because I lack the experience. I can put in a foley and clean out a patient's tracheostomy, but getting you to buy something is not easy for me. At least my two guests that came (my husband's cousin and her mom who is now his ex-aunt I guess) are family and I believe were genuinely interested in what I had to offer. I was touched and appreciative that they actually stood by their word and came out to support me. Even if they don't buy anything, it meant a lot to me that they came.
I hate the feeling of failure and it's hard for me to not dig myself into a ditch of self-pity and grief. But I am learning to stay positive and not beat myself up over it. If there is one thing starting this business and training has taught me is to not let your failures stop you or bring you down. You will go through many failures before you reach success, but at least you tried!
"The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed" ~ Lloyd Jones
How true those words are to me now and I wouldn't have appreciated such advise had I not experienced this day. I always thought that failing was the end. You're done. You suck. Try something else. It wasn't until today that the light-bulb lit up in my head... all those words people kept telling me finally made sense!
"There is no failure except in no longer trying. "
~ Elbert Hubbard
Tomorrow is always another day for opportunity!!!!
I believe someone once said "Tomorrow is another day for opportunity". And my wise husband always tells me not to dwell on things that I cannot control or situations that I cannot change.
During the past year my husband and I have started a new business venture along side our daily jobs. I really wasn't supportive or sold on the idea at first, but soon I learned that it was not only a great opportunity to make some extra money, but to also meet amazing people. To put things simply, our business deals with selling products via an internet supplier. In order to get the products sold, you need customers. A sales strategy that we've been training to execute is making sales pitch to people via "grand openings"... you get a bunch of people together (or just one person) and show them some of the products, let them sample a few, etc. Kinda like the tupperware parties moms like to throw.
So I invited a few friends over and about 6 said that they would be available to come for an hour or so. I was sooo excited! I went shopping, bought food, cleaned the house in preparation for having guests. Two of our friends and mentors in the business were also coming to assist and support me. I really thought this was going to be successful.
Well, life happens unfortunately. Two of my friends bailed out on me and another had a family emergency (aka their kid was sick). So, as it turns out only two of my guests showed in the end and even my mentors couldn't make it because they were stuck in traffic. I felt bad that they were driving all the way from Virginia. It seemed like everything that could go wrong went wrong. I did the best I could trying to pitch the products with what I had (thankfully my husband gave me a little kit of stuff to give out). I felt mediocre and unprepared. It was embarrassing and upsetting. To make things worst, I was still upset about people apparently semi-committing so it was hard for me to keep a smile on my face. I just wanted to curl in a corner and die.
Sales and promotion is really not my level of expertise. I feel like I blunder when I speak and that I'm never prepared when people ask me questions. I don't want people to feel like I'm pushing them to buy from me or that they feel obligated to because we're family/friends/acquaintances. It's not where my confidence lies, but mainly because I lack the experience. I can put in a foley and clean out a patient's tracheostomy, but getting you to buy something is not easy for me. At least my two guests that came (my husband's cousin and her mom who is now his ex-aunt I guess) are family and I believe were genuinely interested in what I had to offer. I was touched and appreciative that they actually stood by their word and came out to support me. Even if they don't buy anything, it meant a lot to me that they came.
I hate the feeling of failure and it's hard for me to not dig myself into a ditch of self-pity and grief. But I am learning to stay positive and not beat myself up over it. If there is one thing starting this business and training has taught me is to not let your failures stop you or bring you down. You will go through many failures before you reach success, but at least you tried!
"The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed" ~ Lloyd Jones
How true those words are to me now and I wouldn't have appreciated such advise had I not experienced this day. I always thought that failing was the end. You're done. You suck. Try something else. It wasn't until today that the light-bulb lit up in my head... all those words people kept telling me finally made sense!
"There is no failure except in no longer trying. "
~ Elbert Hubbard
Tomorrow is always another day for opportunity!!!!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Longchamp
Money may not be able to buy you happiness, but it can buy you handbags and handbags make me happy!
Every since I was old enough to appreciate the longevity and variety of designer handbags (early college years) I've been hooked. Maybe it was because I could finally afford some of the lower-end designer bags, but I also realized the great investment a few more dollars (okay a lot more dollars) could buy. Purchasing a good handbag can last you many years, if not a lifetime. Of course there are the seasonal trends in style and design, but then there are the classics like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, and Prada that endure the decades.
My first expensive, or overpriced as my husband would say, handbags was Dooney and Burke. I have only one at the moment, having donated my first one when it became worn from years of use. Next, I moved on to Coach and do I have a LOT of Coach purses, totes, and wristlets! I also currently own a Juicy Couture tote and a few Vera Bradley bags. I have yet to expand into the LV, Burberry, and Prada bracket as my income does not allow me to spend $800-$1000+ on a handbag... yet :)
Which brings me to my most recent purchase... Initially, I was not a fan of Longchamp. It's a french brand and not as common as some other designer brands. I thought they were aesthetically boring in design. However, I recently began to admire a LC bag of one of my co-workers. It was a vibrant hue of pink/red and we all know how I love PINK. I'm trying to grow out of it and expand to different colors (besides black too), but it's hard. Anyways, after some researching I realized how surprising affordable, durable, and multipurpose these bags can be. There are very classic in design, but with an elegant understatement, which logo-driven buyers will overlook. From the reviews and comments of other LC owners, it seems that they are very pleased with the products and own multiple styles and color... and boy do they come in a variety of colors!!!
So, I finally caved and bought 2 (yes TWO) handbags from Nordstrom.com. There was a sale on some last season colors, which was also available on the Longchamp.com website, but Nordstrom was a few dollars cheaper. Here's what I got:
Longchamp Le Pliage mini tote with short handles in "Rosalie"
Longchamp Le Pliage medium tote with long handles in "Garance"
Can't wait for them to come in the mail!!!!!
Every since I was old enough to appreciate the longevity and variety of designer handbags (early college years) I've been hooked. Maybe it was because I could finally afford some of the lower-end designer bags, but I also realized the great investment a few more dollars (okay a lot more dollars) could buy. Purchasing a good handbag can last you many years, if not a lifetime. Of course there are the seasonal trends in style and design, but then there are the classics like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, and Prada that endure the decades.
My first expensive, or overpriced as my husband would say, handbags was Dooney and Burke. I have only one at the moment, having donated my first one when it became worn from years of use. Next, I moved on to Coach and do I have a LOT of Coach purses, totes, and wristlets! I also currently own a Juicy Couture tote and a few Vera Bradley bags. I have yet to expand into the LV, Burberry, and Prada bracket as my income does not allow me to spend $800-$1000+ on a handbag... yet :)
Which brings me to my most recent purchase... Initially, I was not a fan of Longchamp. It's a french brand and not as common as some other designer brands. I thought they were aesthetically boring in design. However, I recently began to admire a LC bag of one of my co-workers. It was a vibrant hue of pink/red and we all know how I love PINK. I'm trying to grow out of it and expand to different colors (besides black too), but it's hard. Anyways, after some researching I realized how surprising affordable, durable, and multipurpose these bags can be. There are very classic in design, but with an elegant understatement, which logo-driven buyers will overlook. From the reviews and comments of other LC owners, it seems that they are very pleased with the products and own multiple styles and color... and boy do they come in a variety of colors!!!
So, I finally caved and bought 2 (yes TWO) handbags from Nordstrom.com. There was a sale on some last season colors, which was also available on the Longchamp.com website, but Nordstrom was a few dollars cheaper. Here's what I got:
Longchamp Le Pliage mini tote with short handles in "Rosalie"
Longchamp Le Pliage medium tote with long handles in "Garance"
Can't wait for them to come in the mail!!!!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Time to Grow Up
Sometimes I forget how old I am. Not that I think I'm a teenager again or suddenly believe I'm in my forties, but sometimes I'll step forward or back a year or so. Today I remembered that I'm 25 years old, not 24 or 26. Have I finally gotten to that point in life where age is just a number? Remember when you where little and you couldn't wait until you were 15 because you could get your learner's permit or 16 because you could drive on your own with a license. 21 is the big milestone because kids (yea, I still felt like a kid when I was that age) can purchase and drink alcohol legally in the States. So at 25, I can rent a car without paying premium... woo hoo.
As we get older, milestones are no longer determined by age, but by events that occur in our lives... getting engaged, purchasing your own place, marriage, having a baby, etc. Well, soon I will be officially moving out of my parents' house and into one of my own with my husband. Even though we've been married for over a year and have had the house since last October, I still don't feels as if it's my own or that I'm truly living life as a grown up. I've been living mostly in my parents' residence for the past two years due to nursing school, which is located in Maryland and not in Virginia. Since nursing school is over I will hopefully take my boards sooner rather than later and start looking for a job down in Virgina closer to my own house. I will start paying bills which I have never had to pay in my youth and young adult life. Sometimes I will have to spend weeks alone during times when my husband ship goes out to sea (at least until November when he gets out of the Navy). In the near future I want to start thinking about having kids and starting my own family.
As we get older we crave independence. I recall wishing that my parents would treat me more like an adult. Now that they do and now that complete independence from them is becoming a reality... I'm kinda scared. I know this is normal and that everyone feels this way when they set off on their own. I'm lucky in that I've found my partner and never have to truly spend my life alone, but the notion is scary none the less. I've spent 25 years of my life surrounded by the same people and seeing them on a daily bases. I've slept in the same room for the past 20 years. Even though I am excited for the change and welcome it, there is always the level of fear towards the unknown and unfamiliar.
I've been blessed with a great childhood. Not too many kids had it as easy and as wonderful as me and my brother. We never wanted for anything, our parents were always there for us, we never were exposed to pain and suffering some people experience early in life. We never really had to struggle. That's not to say life was always easy and we were given everything, but I had a happy childhood. Even my teenage and college years were fulled with great memories. I actually liked my high school years. I finally realized what it means to be nostalgic towards something. I'm going to miss living at home with my family. I do miss those younger years, but I'm glad that the memories I have to remember are happy and wonderful ones!
As we get older, milestones are no longer determined by age, but by events that occur in our lives... getting engaged, purchasing your own place, marriage, having a baby, etc. Well, soon I will be officially moving out of my parents' house and into one of my own with my husband. Even though we've been married for over a year and have had the house since last October, I still don't feels as if it's my own or that I'm truly living life as a grown up. I've been living mostly in my parents' residence for the past two years due to nursing school, which is located in Maryland and not in Virginia. Since nursing school is over I will hopefully take my boards sooner rather than later and start looking for a job down in Virgina closer to my own house. I will start paying bills which I have never had to pay in my youth and young adult life. Sometimes I will have to spend weeks alone during times when my husband ship goes out to sea (at least until November when he gets out of the Navy). In the near future I want to start thinking about having kids and starting my own family.
As we get older we crave independence. I recall wishing that my parents would treat me more like an adult. Now that they do and now that complete independence from them is becoming a reality... I'm kinda scared. I know this is normal and that everyone feels this way when they set off on their own. I'm lucky in that I've found my partner and never have to truly spend my life alone, but the notion is scary none the less. I've spent 25 years of my life surrounded by the same people and seeing them on a daily bases. I've slept in the same room for the past 20 years. Even though I am excited for the change and welcome it, there is always the level of fear towards the unknown and unfamiliar.
I've been blessed with a great childhood. Not too many kids had it as easy and as wonderful as me and my brother. We never wanted for anything, our parents were always there for us, we never were exposed to pain and suffering some people experience early in life. We never really had to struggle. That's not to say life was always easy and we were given everything, but I had a happy childhood. Even my teenage and college years were fulled with great memories. I actually liked my high school years. I finally realized what it means to be nostalgic towards something. I'm going to miss living at home with my family. I do miss those younger years, but I'm glad that the memories I have to remember are happy and wonderful ones!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Circle Lens:::My Collection:: Part Deux
Okay, here are my FAV circle lenses. I've had some for almost a year now and I will be sadly tossing them out. Others I've purchased over the winter, so they still have some life left in them :)
*The lenses on the right I pitched as mentioned in "Part Un" of this post//
EOS Adult Green:
~With my niece Frankie. The lenses look more blue than green~
Geo Nudy Brown:
Geo Tri-Color Grey:
~These are pretty much identical to my old FreshLook ColorBlend Grey~
EOS DollyEye Grey:
~These will definitely get you noticed! Kinda freaky a first, but they grew on me. Not a pair that I would recommend for daily, casual use... though sometimes I do :)~
Geo Nudy Blue:
Geo Nudy Grey:
So, those are my most recent circle lens. Currently, I just have Geo and EOS brands. There are many styles within the brands, as you can see. I don't know if I will venture out beyond Geo and EOS in the future... maybe next year. I'm fairly happy with these lenses and will replace some when the time comes to throw them out. I'm UBER excited for my batch of new lenses to come in!! Stay tune for my next circle lens update!
ps. Please feel free to comment if you have any questions concerning Circle Lens and I will try to answer they to the best of my ability :)
*The lenses on the right I pitched as mentioned in "Part Un" of this post//
EOS Adult Green:
~With my niece Frankie. The lenses look more blue than green~
Geo Nudy Brown:
Geo Tri-Color Grey:
~These are pretty much identical to my old FreshLook ColorBlend Grey~
EOS DollyEye Grey:
~These will definitely get you noticed! Kinda freaky a first, but they grew on me. Not a pair that I would recommend for daily, casual use... though sometimes I do :)~
Geo Nudy Blue:
Geo Nudy Grey:
So, those are my most recent circle lens. Currently, I just have Geo and EOS brands. There are many styles within the brands, as you can see. I don't know if I will venture out beyond Geo and EOS in the future... maybe next year. I'm fairly happy with these lenses and will replace some when the time comes to throw them out. I'm UBER excited for my batch of new lenses to come in!! Stay tune for my next circle lens update!
ps. Please feel free to comment if you have any questions concerning Circle Lens and I will try to answer they to the best of my ability :)
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Circle Lens:::My Collection:: Part Un
So, here are some pics of my most recent circle lenses. I'll be tossing a few when my next purchase comes in!! My first pair was Geo Honey Wings, which I lost and can't find a pic of me in them. Sorry :(
I didn't like the look of the Honey Wing on me personally. The color was not great, my eyes still looked dark, and it maybe because my eyes are darker in pigmentation. All in all, my eyes did not look like the image above.
Here are my Angel Grey by Geo. They have a slight enlargement effect and a thick limbal ring (the dark outer ring around the iris), but my eyes still look dark in them. I don't wear this much, if at all recently, and have already tossed them.
As you can see, they're noticeable with a flash, but unfortunately I don't walk around in a state of camera flash upon my face ;)
Along with the Angel Grey, I'm also pitching the following lenses. They didn't really do much for my eyes. Obviously, with the camera flash you can tell the difference, but not much in regular or dim lighting. All three are Geo styles...
Geo Ash Wing:
Geo Angel Blue:
I didn't like the look of the Honey Wing on me personally. The color was not great, my eyes still looked dark, and it maybe because my eyes are darker in pigmentation. All in all, my eyes did not look like the image above.
Here are my Angel Grey by Geo. They have a slight enlargement effect and a thick limbal ring (the dark outer ring around the iris), but my eyes still look dark in them. I don't wear this much, if at all recently, and have already tossed them.
As you can see, they're noticeable with a flash, but unfortunately I don't walk around in a state of camera flash upon my face ;)
Along with the Angel Grey, I'm also pitching the following lenses. They didn't really do much for my eyes. Obviously, with the camera flash you can tell the difference, but not much in regular or dim lighting. All three are Geo styles...
Geo Ash Wing:
Geo Angel Blue:
Circle Lens... Continued...
How did I discover circle lenses? I randomly came across a video on YouTube about someone reviewing the circle lens they had just purchased. I recall them mentioning how the lenses lasted for a year and that they ranged from $20-$30+ per pair depending on who you bought them from. That fact alone sold me. They're also a HUGH craze in Asian countries such as Korea and Japan. Honestly, I was just simply tired of having to pay $100+ for a package of bi-weekly lenses that only lasted me 6 months.
I'm not going to go into more detail about what circle lenses are and how to purchase them. There are a bunch of videos on YouTube explaining this. Here's a few that I've found uber informative...
http://www.youtube.com/user/ahanhbarbie34
http://www.youtube.com/user/mellove5
http://www.youtube.com/user/MizValeer
There are a bunch of places where you can purchase circle lens and many people who sell them online. The first pair that I owned (I've been wearing circle lens for a year now) I purchased from LensCircle.com, which I believe only sell Geo Medical brand lenses. They were soooo OVERPRICED and I never bought from them again. My next purchase from from http://geoeyecandy.blogspot.com. At the time, they only sold Geo lenses, but I believe they now have EOS styles available. Overall, much cheaper lenses, great customer service, and Annie is awesome! When I wanted to try other brands besides Geo, I purchases some lenses from http://prettyandcute.com/. Janie is really sweet, but as expected, brands other than Geo such as EOS, Dueba, and T-Top are more expensive. Unfortunately, Pretty&Cute no longer supplies circle lenses :( :( :(
Here are the most recent places I would recommend for purchasing circle lenses:
- http://www.pinkyparadise.com/index.asp
- http://www.tokioshine.com/Default.asp ---> I've recently bought 6 circle lenses from them. Excellent prices and good variety. I can't wait for them to come in the mail :)
I'm not going to go into more detail about what circle lenses are and how to purchase them. There are a bunch of videos on YouTube explaining this. Here's a few that I've found uber informative...
http://www.youtube.com/user/ahanhbarbie34
http://www.youtube.com/user/mellove5
http://www.youtube.com/user/MizValeer
There are a bunch of places where you can purchase circle lens and many people who sell them online. The first pair that I owned (I've been wearing circle lens for a year now) I purchased from LensCircle.com, which I believe only sell Geo Medical brand lenses. They were soooo OVERPRICED and I never bought from them again. My next purchase from from http://geoeyecandy.blogspot.com. At the time, they only sold Geo lenses, but I believe they now have EOS styles available. Overall, much cheaper lenses, great customer service, and Annie is awesome! When I wanted to try other brands besides Geo, I purchases some lenses from http://prettyandcute.com/. Janie is really sweet, but as expected, brands other than Geo such as EOS, Dueba, and T-Top are more expensive. Unfortunately, Pretty&Cute no longer supplies circle lenses :( :( :(
Here are the most recent places I would recommend for purchasing circle lenses:
- http://www.pinkyparadise.com/index.asp
- http://www.tokioshine.com/Default.asp ---> I've recently bought 6 circle lenses from them. Excellent prices and good variety. I can't wait for them to come in the mail :)
Circle Lens... In the beginning...
I remember the moment I realized my bad eyesight as if it was yesterday... I had just gotten my braces taken off and I was on all-time high. Sitting in the lobby of my orthodontist's office, my dad pointed out the doctor's PhD diploma hanging in the office across the room. I had to squint to read out the university from which he had graduated. My dad asked me in a state of shock, "You can't read that?!". Thus, I went from the bane of wearing braces to glasses in a day.
I was in 7th grade and therefore only 12 years old. Luckily, I had many friends who wore glasses at the time, so I never felt out of place or stigmatized. However, I hadn't discovered the wide variety of "stylish" glasses nor contact lenses at that point in the late 90's. My first pair of glasses were "grand-motherish" and I'm thankful that I don't have any pictures of me wearing them at the time. This was also BDC (before digital cameras). I still have them tucked away somewhere *I think*. My next pair of glasses were more modern and befitting a teenager girl going into high school. I also got my first pair on contact lens during the time. **I currently own a lovely pair of Juicy Couture frames <3 <3 <3
Before circle lens, I have worn only FreshLook ColorBlends in all of the available colors. My favorite color, and therefore being the one I wore most, was Grey. I've also worn a pair of FreshLook Radiance in Moonlight, which weren't as appealing to me as the ColorBlends. I found that the Radiance collection served to enhance one's eye color rather than change it.
~FreshLook ColorBlends in Grey~
~With my little brother (who's not so little anymore) during a vacay trip to the Philippines~
~FreshLook Radiance in Moonlight~
So, why colored contact lenses? I love to shop. I love fashion. I love change. I have way too many clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories for a single person to ever need. Therefore, I naturally like to wear a variety of contact lenses. Not only do they allow me to SEE, but having different contact lenses allows me ACCESSORIZE :) Don't get me wrong, I DO wear my glasses (I mean, the frames alone were $200+), but I don't like how the clarity of your vision is limited to the size of the frames. And trust me, if I could have multiple styles of frames, I would. But frames are more expensive individually and you still need to purchase the lenses for the frames :P
I was in 7th grade and therefore only 12 years old. Luckily, I had many friends who wore glasses at the time, so I never felt out of place or stigmatized. However, I hadn't discovered the wide variety of "stylish" glasses nor contact lenses at that point in the late 90's. My first pair of glasses were "grand-motherish" and I'm thankful that I don't have any pictures of me wearing them at the time. This was also BDC (before digital cameras). I still have them tucked away somewhere *I think*. My next pair of glasses were more modern and befitting a teenager girl going into high school. I also got my first pair on contact lens during the time. **I currently own a lovely pair of Juicy Couture frames <3 <3 <3
Before circle lens, I have worn only FreshLook ColorBlends in all of the available colors. My favorite color, and therefore being the one I wore most, was Grey. I've also worn a pair of FreshLook Radiance in Moonlight, which weren't as appealing to me as the ColorBlends. I found that the Radiance collection served to enhance one's eye color rather than change it.
~FreshLook ColorBlends in Grey~
~With my little brother (who's not so little anymore) during a vacay trip to the Philippines~
~FreshLook Radiance in Moonlight~
So, why colored contact lenses? I love to shop. I love fashion. I love change. I have way too many clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories for a single person to ever need. Therefore, I naturally like to wear a variety of contact lenses. Not only do they allow me to SEE, but having different contact lenses allows me ACCESSORIZE :) Don't get me wrong, I DO wear my glasses (I mean, the frames alone were $200+), but I don't like how the clarity of your vision is limited to the size of the frames. And trust me, if I could have multiple styles of frames, I would. But frames are more expensive individually and you still need to purchase the lenses for the frames :P
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
DWTS
This season was the first and LAST time I will ever watch Dancing with The Stars. Honestly, I started watching the show because Kate Gosselin was a celebrity (if you can call her a celeb) and I heard how badly she was preforming. So, I wanted to see just how bad was bad? It was bad. But Kate and my dislike for her aside... I REALLY got into the show because Evan Lysacek was also a competitor. I developed mad respect and admiration for Evan after he won the gold in Men's Ice Skating at the 2010 Winter Olympics. I was eager to see how he would fair on DWTS.
I grew to love the show, especially seeing some of the great dance routines. Obviously, I am partial to Evan winning with his pro partner Anna Trebunskya. Now there have been many who will complain that Evan's scores aren't fair because his ice skating history denotes "dancing experience", but it's the same for the other top contestants; Nicole Scherzinger and Erin Andrews. I would go as far as to say that it's unfair to have NICOLE of the show because she is part of the PUSSYCAT DOLLS! I know that Nicole has mentioned on the show that ballroom is new to her, but she DOES dance for a living and obviously choreography is easier for her to master than for others.
Ugh. Rant aside. I couldn't bring myself to watch the results of the finale. I would be devastated is Evan and Anna lost, but more so if they lost to Nicole and Derek. Well, according to the DWTS blogs, Evan and Anna got second place and the mirrorball trophy went to Nicole.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Never watching the show again. It's rigged. My heart is sad today.
To Evan and Anna.... You were the really winners!!
I grew to love the show, especially seeing some of the great dance routines. Obviously, I am partial to Evan winning with his pro partner Anna Trebunskya. Now there have been many who will complain that Evan's scores aren't fair because his ice skating history denotes "dancing experience", but it's the same for the other top contestants; Nicole Scherzinger and Erin Andrews. I would go as far as to say that it's unfair to have NICOLE of the show because she is part of the PUSSYCAT DOLLS! I know that Nicole has mentioned on the show that ballroom is new to her, but she DOES dance for a living and obviously choreography is easier for her to master than for others.
Ugh. Rant aside. I couldn't bring myself to watch the results of the finale. I would be devastated is Evan and Anna lost, but more so if they lost to Nicole and Derek. Well, according to the DWTS blogs, Evan and Anna got second place and the mirrorball trophy went to Nicole.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Never watching the show again. It's rigged. My heart is sad today.
To Evan and Anna.... You were the really winners!!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Schizophrenic Weather
I love living in Maryland. I love that we get all 4 seasons and that the summers are never too hot, nor the winters too cold. Except of course, this past winter with the blizzard aka Snowmaggedon 2010. Oh, and there is the crappy humidity during the summer that can suck too.
Anyways, it's May and summer is around the corner. Unfortunately, May has been a very bipolar month with the temperature ranging from the low 50's to the high 80's. The past few days have been wet, rainy, and cold. Currently, the weather has shifted to being wonderfully warm, sunny, and in the 80's. I PRAY that someone medicates the weatherman with some Lithium because my health and sanity cannot tolerate another shift in the weather. I know it's not summer yet, but don't start a warm trend and then fall back into the colder temps. I thought I was finally done with wearing sweaters and my Ugg boots?!
Dear weatherman, if the weather is going to be in the 70's and 80's then please keep it that way. I don't mind cloudy, rainy days, but please save the COLD, cloudy, rainy days for September or October. Thanks.
So, why the upset over the weather? Because this constant change in the temperature and precipitation HAS MADE ME SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND I DON'T LIKE BEING SICK :(
Impeding sore throat, ear infections, runny nose = DEATH!!!!!!
I'm off to the Giant tomorrow for some orange juice STAT!
Anyways, it's May and summer is around the corner. Unfortunately, May has been a very bipolar month with the temperature ranging from the low 50's to the high 80's. The past few days have been wet, rainy, and cold. Currently, the weather has shifted to being wonderfully warm, sunny, and in the 80's. I PRAY that someone medicates the weatherman with some Lithium because my health and sanity cannot tolerate another shift in the weather. I know it's not summer yet, but don't start a warm trend and then fall back into the colder temps. I thought I was finally done with wearing sweaters and my Ugg boots?!
Dear weatherman, if the weather is going to be in the 70's and 80's then please keep it that way. I don't mind cloudy, rainy days, but please save the COLD, cloudy, rainy days for September or October. Thanks.
So, why the upset over the weather? Because this constant change in the temperature and precipitation HAS MADE ME SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND I DON'T LIKE BEING SICK :(
Impeding sore throat, ear infections, runny nose = DEATH!!!!!!
I'm off to the Giant tomorrow for some orange juice STAT!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Post script
I GRADUATED NURSING SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ---> blogging about the experience and the pinning ceremony to come soon :)
The Cancellation of Mercy
Within that past year I have discovered the awesomeness that is hulu.com. It is a website that allows you to watch certain continuous segments of current tv shows for those of us who are not constantly glued to the television nor have TiVo. Some of the shows have delayed airings dues to the regulations of the networks and some are only allowed to air 5 to x-amount of shows at a time. While this set-up may not work for everyone, especially those who need the regular instant gratification of watching tv shows as they air, it has been a godsend to me! Thanks to hulu, I have been able to catch up on some my fav shows such as House, The Office, Dancing with the Stars, etc. *Oh, side note: they also play some older movies/documentaries.
Well, today I was pleasantly able to catch the most recent airings of both House and Mercy; my two favorite "medical" dramas. House was awesome as always and while there is always the scare of cancellation for any show, I think the series has enough fans and Emmy nominations to hold it's ground. Unfortunately, I may be among the few, yet devoted viewers of Mercy. It is more of a nursing-oriented show, with it's main character (Veronica Flanagan) being a nurse.
This week hulu posted the season finale of Mercy's first season. It was such as good episode and had a really good cliff hanger, but to my great dismay... the network has canceled the show.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This saddens me because out of the outcropping of "nursing focused" tv series (Nurse Jackie and HawthoRNe - which was also canceled), I thoroughly enjoyed Mercy. Actually, I never saw an episode of HawthroRNe and I think Nurse Jackie is just a cop-out of House with the pill popping. Does this mean that Veronica's alcohol abuse is any better? No. But as my brother mentioned today, "Nurses are human. We all have our vices". Regardless of what method these nurse characters chose as a means of self-destruction, I liked how the health care team camaraderie was portrayed in this show (putting aside the love triangle between Veronica, her husband/childhood sweetheart, and the doctor who she had a brief, yet passionate affair with while in Iraq). The characters made me laugh and cry, and portrayed emotions that both scared and excited me about my future in the health care.
Already-long story short, I will miss seeing Mercy go. It was a great show while it lasted and I'm sad that the network didn't do more to promote it. I absolutely loved Michelle Trachtenberg as Chloe, the green RN who eventually develops into an awesome nurse. I hope I can be as awesome as the character she portrayed. It was also a nice flash from the past to see James Van Der Beek again in a tv series. I always liked his smile :)
Well, today I was pleasantly able to catch the most recent airings of both House and Mercy; my two favorite "medical" dramas. House was awesome as always and while there is always the scare of cancellation for any show, I think the series has enough fans and Emmy nominations to hold it's ground. Unfortunately, I may be among the few, yet devoted viewers of Mercy. It is more of a nursing-oriented show, with it's main character (Veronica Flanagan) being a nurse.
This week hulu posted the season finale of Mercy's first season. It was such as good episode and had a really good cliff hanger, but to my great dismay... the network has canceled the show.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This saddens me because out of the outcropping of "nursing focused" tv series (Nurse Jackie and HawthoRNe - which was also canceled), I thoroughly enjoyed Mercy. Actually, I never saw an episode of HawthroRNe and I think Nurse Jackie is just a cop-out of House with the pill popping. Does this mean that Veronica's alcohol abuse is any better? No. But as my brother mentioned today, "Nurses are human. We all have our vices". Regardless of what method these nurse characters chose as a means of self-destruction, I liked how the health care team camaraderie was portrayed in this show (putting aside the love triangle between Veronica, her husband/childhood sweetheart, and the doctor who she had a brief, yet passionate affair with while in Iraq). The characters made me laugh and cry, and portrayed emotions that both scared and excited me about my future in the health care.
Already-long story short, I will miss seeing Mercy go. It was a great show while it lasted and I'm sad that the network didn't do more to promote it. I absolutely loved Michelle Trachtenberg as Chloe, the green RN who eventually develops into an awesome nurse. I hope I can be as awesome as the character she portrayed. It was also a nice flash from the past to see James Van Der Beek again in a tv series. I always liked his smile :)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
I am destined to define my life with nursing diagnoses?
My most recent nursing diagnosis:
Acute pain r/t brain overstimulated from studying aeb current dx of "final semesteritis"; constant headaches (7/10); student states "my brain hurts!"; trying to cram 1/2 a semester's worth of OB material in to brain; hx of anxiety during exam days; final exam in T-2 days!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
T-minus 2 weeks
For the first time in this long journey called nursing school, I can begin to see the end of the tunnel... and it looks awesome! I can't believe it will soon be coming to an end. No more clinical days doing patient care for free, no more instructors hovering over my shoulders expecting me to recite every single step needed to change a foley catheter, no more silly weekly write-ups of self-evaluation because someone thought that it would make for a better nurse...
I read in another nursing blog recently "I didn't chose nursing. It chose me", and this quote I could really relate to. I always remember growing up wanting to be a doctor, but in hindsight I think it was more because my parents kept telling not to be a nurse; to be something more. But what if being a nurse is all I was ever meant to be? My family could contribute to proof that nursing runs in families. I don't think it's a lack of ambition, but that our personalities and work ethics make for a good nurse. Not that doctors don't "care" about their patients, but not everyone can sit beside a dying person and hold their hand or clean an elderly lady after a "code brown" without shriveling up their face from the stench.
Working as a nursing assistant in a busy hospital, I constantly hear nurses complain about their jobs. Yes most are over-worked and sure most probably consider themselves underpaid, but in reality, nurses make good money. Better than most entry-level jobs. But money aside because satisfaction in paychecks is different for each individual and then lifestyle, there is always the constant complaint about the job in general, which worries me about my future occupation. I've been so excited to graduate and finally join the workforce that this ever-present complaining is killing my happy-buzz. Am I really in for a rude awakening when I start working as an RN?
Well, I guess only experience will reveal the truth. I know there are a lot of people who go into nursing for all the wrong reasons and maybe these are the unhappy folk. And there are a lot of elderly nurses who really just need to retire because the job has lost that special meaning to them. I'm hoping that I don't become burnt out in my first year and that 20+ years from now I still love my job, provided that I don't advance in my career. Either way, I still have 2 more weeks of hurdles to jump over before I can breathe the fresh air and take a sigh of relief. The end is soo close, but still seems so far away...
I read in another nursing blog recently "I didn't chose nursing. It chose me", and this quote I could really relate to. I always remember growing up wanting to be a doctor, but in hindsight I think it was more because my parents kept telling not to be a nurse; to be something more. But what if being a nurse is all I was ever meant to be? My family could contribute to proof that nursing runs in families. I don't think it's a lack of ambition, but that our personalities and work ethics make for a good nurse. Not that doctors don't "care" about their patients, but not everyone can sit beside a dying person and hold their hand or clean an elderly lady after a "code brown" without shriveling up their face from the stench.
Working as a nursing assistant in a busy hospital, I constantly hear nurses complain about their jobs. Yes most are over-worked and sure most probably consider themselves underpaid, but in reality, nurses make good money. Better than most entry-level jobs. But money aside because satisfaction in paychecks is different for each individual and then lifestyle, there is always the constant complaint about the job in general, which worries me about my future occupation. I've been so excited to graduate and finally join the workforce that this ever-present complaining is killing my happy-buzz. Am I really in for a rude awakening when I start working as an RN?
Well, I guess only experience will reveal the truth. I know there are a lot of people who go into nursing for all the wrong reasons and maybe these are the unhappy folk. And there are a lot of elderly nurses who really just need to retire because the job has lost that special meaning to them. I'm hoping that I don't become burnt out in my first year and that 20+ years from now I still love my job, provided that I don't advance in my career. Either way, I still have 2 more weeks of hurdles to jump over before I can breathe the fresh air and take a sigh of relief. The end is soo close, but still seems so far away...
Friday, April 2, 2010
Spring is Here!
Unfortunately, I am stuck inside with a cold and miserable disposition... nasal congestion, fatigue, chills, headache. Hate it. Even though I slept in today, I still just want to roll back under the covers and go back to sleep. I want to be productive today, so I will try to get most of my assigned reading accomplished in prep for next week's quiz on labor & delivery.
The approaching weekend appear to be quite boring and uneventful. No plans for Saturday and Sunday is Easter weekend, which means long, crowded mass at church. We'll probably go out for lunch, but nothing really exciting beyond that. It would have been a great weekend to spend outdoors with Brandon, but unfortunately he's out to sea again on the ship. Stupid navy always ruins my plans.
Well, I did get to spend a brief moment outside walking Pierre, but along with my cold (which I am attributing to the fluctuation in temperature), the explosion of plant life has exacerbated my allergies. I wonder if a combination of Claritin and Sudafed is contraindicated?
I think after some time dedicated to reading, I shall finally reward myself by watching the New Moon blue-ray DVD I got from Amazon.com :)
The approaching weekend appear to be quite boring and uneventful. No plans for Saturday and Sunday is Easter weekend, which means long, crowded mass at church. We'll probably go out for lunch, but nothing really exciting beyond that. It would have been a great weekend to spend outdoors with Brandon, but unfortunately he's out to sea again on the ship. Stupid navy always ruins my plans.
Well, I did get to spend a brief moment outside walking Pierre, but along with my cold (which I am attributing to the fluctuation in temperature), the explosion of plant life has exacerbated my allergies. I wonder if a combination of Claritin and Sudafed is contraindicated?
I think after some time dedicated to reading, I shall finally reward myself by watching the New Moon blue-ray DVD I got from Amazon.com :)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Conception
Today in nursing school (I am currently in my OB rotation), we learned about how to estimate a pregnant woman's due date from the date of her LMP (last menstrual cycle). So the formula is to take the first day of your last menstrual cycle (when you first started bleeding... sorry, is that TMI?), add 7 days, and then subtract 3 months or add 9 months. This is called Nagele's rule and is less accurate for reasons such as irregular periods, conceiving while breastfeeding another child, after stopping oral contraceptives, etc. Doctors in clinics or the hospital will actually use a little wheel device with the same concept called a "birth wheel"...
We actually got to play around with a birth wheel today and out of curiosity, I discovered that I was actually conceived the day before my parent's wedding anniversary. hahaha. Certain birth wheels can also indicate the day of conception, which appears to be 14 days/2 weeks after one's LMP. So either my parents were actively trying to have a baby or I was the product of a some wedding anniversary "celebrating" :)
So in applying the formula, I was theoretically conceived on May 24th 1984 (my parent's wedding anniversary is May 25th). Therefore my mom's LMP must have been around May 10th, 1984. By adding 7 days and subtracting 3 months to this date, my birthday should be (and is) February 17, 1985!
We actually got to play around with a birth wheel today and out of curiosity, I discovered that I was actually conceived the day before my parent's wedding anniversary. hahaha. Certain birth wheels can also indicate the day of conception, which appears to be 14 days/2 weeks after one's LMP. So either my parents were actively trying to have a baby or I was the product of a some wedding anniversary "celebrating" :)
So in applying the formula, I was theoretically conceived on May 24th 1984 (my parent's wedding anniversary is May 25th). Therefore my mom's LMP must have been around May 10th, 1984. By adding 7 days and subtracting 3 months to this date, my birthday should be (and is) February 17, 1985!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Real Domestic Housewife
I have a house in Virginia with my husband, which I reside in when I am not in nursing school. During school days I live with my parents because my school's campus is in Maryland. I am currently in my VA house since spring break is in session. I've been enhancing and expanding my domestic skills ever since I got married. Today's agenda, laundry and dinner. I really should clean more often, but I hate "scrubbing" the counter tops and surfaces with a passion. I am always amazed at how often my house needs cleaning, especially when there is only two of us currently living in it, and occasionally we aren't both always home. I'm actually in Maryland for most of the year during the fall and spring semesters and my husband (who is in the Navy) goes out to sea a lot. Anyways, I don't know how housewives/families keep their house spotless. I think the secret is = cleaning services ;)
Well, since am I still a "poor nursing student" and therefore cannot hire someone to clean up after me, I am left to do it myself or hope my hubby will beat me to it. Actually, I don't mind cleaning, but I hate addressing the toilets and the stove which has a grill top. I wish I had an electric stove-top (easier) to clean, but my husband insisted on the grill/gas stove top.
Sorry for the tangent, back to day's agenda. For today's meal plan I decided to try my hand at homemade chili, corn bread, and potato wedges. I'm finally using the opportunity break in the crock pot and Kitchen Aid professional stand mixer. Everything turned out absolutely yummy! I made the chili with ground turkey, onions, garlic, kidney and pinto beans, green and red bell peppers, a jalapeno, tomato/basil pasta sauce, chili mix, cinnamon, oregano, basil, parsley, and thyme. All into the crock pot everything went after the ground turkey was browned and the beans prepped. The corn bread consisted on cornmeal, flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, melting butter, a can of creamed corn, and one egg. And finally, I sliced two red potatoes into large sticks and mixed them with extra-virgin olive oil, rosemary, and garlic. This was baked in the oven. Yummy yummy yummy! I'm delighted at how yummy everything turned out, but more happy that I have yet to induce any food poisoning *knock on wood*
And the finished product... Voila!
Well, since am I still a "poor nursing student" and therefore cannot hire someone to clean up after me, I am left to do it myself or hope my hubby will beat me to it. Actually, I don't mind cleaning, but I hate addressing the toilets and the stove which has a grill top. I wish I had an electric stove-top (easier) to clean, but my husband insisted on the grill/gas stove top.
Sorry for the tangent, back to day's agenda. For today's meal plan I decided to try my hand at homemade chili, corn bread, and potato wedges. I'm finally using the opportunity break in the crock pot and Kitchen Aid professional stand mixer. Everything turned out absolutely yummy! I made the chili with ground turkey, onions, garlic, kidney and pinto beans, green and red bell peppers, a jalapeno, tomato/basil pasta sauce, chili mix, cinnamon, oregano, basil, parsley, and thyme. All into the crock pot everything went after the ground turkey was browned and the beans prepped. The corn bread consisted on cornmeal, flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, melting butter, a can of creamed corn, and one egg. And finally, I sliced two red potatoes into large sticks and mixed them with extra-virgin olive oil, rosemary, and garlic. This was baked in the oven. Yummy yummy yummy! I'm delighted at how yummy everything turned out, but more happy that I have yet to induce any food poisoning *knock on wood*
And the finished product... Voila!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Foodie Adventures
I tried Burmese food today for the first time! Delish! My aunt and uncle treated me to dinner the Burma Road Restaurant (http://www.burmaroad.biz/index.aspx) for my birthday present. My favorite dishes were ginger salad and pickled tea leaf salad. I would go back there just for those two dishes! But we also ordered the coconut noodle soup, braised whole rockfish, and chicken with basil and chili stir fried. The latter was actually a Chinese dish, as they have some Chinese cuisine on the menu. The fish was okay, but I wasn't too keen on the sauce it was braised in. The coconut soup and chicken dish were also very good. It was definitely a large meal for three, so there was a lot to take home. For dessert we had this milk/jelly/ice cream concoction which reminded me of halo-halo (a filipino dessert). Overall, I was very happy to discover this new restaurant. It was a great dining experience, which reminded me very much of Thai food, but with better salads :)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Something to smile about on a cold, dreary day
In case you haven't gone as far as to read my profile, I must admit that I am a Twilight-fanatic. No, I do not stalk Robert Pattinson on the side and have "Team Cullen" t-shirts, but I have read/re-read the books on numerous occasions and brave the throngs of pre-pubescent girls to see the movies at the theater. Okay, I guess I am more of a "fan" than a "fanatic", and being thus, am beyond excited for the release of the Eclipse trailer!! I'm so happy that as the succession of books are turned into movies that the quality has improved. The first movie (Twilight) was abysmal... hippie music and bad special effects! I know they were on a budget, but come on! What was up with all the hippie/emo music? And the budget couldn't afford better make-up and contact lenses? Well, like I said the second movie (New Moon) was a lot better - they got a new director :) And Eclipse, being my favorite book out of the four, looks awesome! June 30, 2010 can't come any sooner!!!
Why god created earplugs
the good = the HOA is finally clearing the fallen branches from Snowmageddon 2010
the bad = using loud-a$$ tree shredder
the ugly = i'm trying to go back to sleep!!!!
the bad = using loud-a$$ tree shredder
the ugly = i'm trying to go back to sleep!!!!
Hello world!
So I guess I am getting my b-card "blog card" swiped! Here's my entrance into the blogging world. I'm actually not really a blogging virgin, as I used to have Livejournal account, which encompassed my college life. But here I am, a 25 year old about to graduate from nursing school, with way too many thoughts going through my mind. So I figured, "Why let them go to waste?" and as a result, here I am sharing my random thoughts and daily adventures with you!
So where do I begin? I am not usually a morning person, but my life in the health care field demands that you either live your life working in the early mornings or late at night. I was suppose to work this morning, but got canceled as I am only a PRN (as needed) position. I wasn't needed today nor would the "budget allow for it". Don't you just love our health care system... millions of dollars go towards insurance companies, pharmaceutical drugs, fancy computerized programs, expensive equipment, and yet everyone always complains of nursing and staff shortages because there's just not enough money to pay them. ugh. But I didn't want to talk about my gripes on the health care system. Sorry for the tangent... we can save that for another post.
Were was I? Oh! No work. No school (I'm on spring break). Yet, here I am unable to sleep in. My thought this morning was actually how annoyed I am becoming of people trying to sell their wares on Facebook. I have been tagged numerous times in the past few months with people trying to get my attend on things they are trying to sell. Now, it just so happens that these are people from my "motherland" the Philippines. I understand that in our current economical state, everyone is trying to make a buck and I guess good for them that they've found an outlet through FB, but really? How much money can you possibly make tagging others in the hopes that they buy your used clothes and/or jewelry? Please correct me if I am just totally out of the loop and this is a reputable business venture! In my opinion, however, it seems like these people are making others more annoyed rather than making any $$$. When I signed onto FB years ago (back when it was strictly a college network) I couldn't have imagined what it would become. Don't get me wrong, I was once an addict of Farmtown and I can be a serial FB stalker, but this whole tag-to-sell aspect is one of the more annoying innovations to come out of FB. As I posted on my profile "new pet peeve: people who tag others trying to sell stuff. I didn't sign onto FB to go online shopping"... there are websites designed specifically for this... ebay.com, etsy.com! Create an account with them, post your wares, and spread the word amongst your clients *cough* friends. Or make your own website like other reputable small business owners. There's nothing wrong with trying to make a buck, but when you inconvenience others (yes, it's an inconvenience to have to untag myself from all these posts) then it's a problem. I just hope it's another FB phase as people realize that no one is going to buy from them and/or they get tired to taking tons of pictures, posting tons of pictures, tagging tons of people with very little result.
Okay. That was my little vent. Time for breakfast I think. Something that I don't have as often as people say you should. Some oatmeal sounds quite delight at the moment, or I could just go back to sleep :)
So where do I begin? I am not usually a morning person, but my life in the health care field demands that you either live your life working in the early mornings or late at night. I was suppose to work this morning, but got canceled as I am only a PRN (as needed) position. I wasn't needed today nor would the "budget allow for it". Don't you just love our health care system... millions of dollars go towards insurance companies, pharmaceutical drugs, fancy computerized programs, expensive equipment, and yet everyone always complains of nursing and staff shortages because there's just not enough money to pay them. ugh. But I didn't want to talk about my gripes on the health care system. Sorry for the tangent... we can save that for another post.
Were was I? Oh! No work. No school (I'm on spring break). Yet, here I am unable to sleep in. My thought this morning was actually how annoyed I am becoming of people trying to sell their wares on Facebook. I have been tagged numerous times in the past few months with people trying to get my attend on things they are trying to sell. Now, it just so happens that these are people from my "motherland" the Philippines. I understand that in our current economical state, everyone is trying to make a buck and I guess good for them that they've found an outlet through FB, but really? How much money can you possibly make tagging others in the hopes that they buy your used clothes and/or jewelry? Please correct me if I am just totally out of the loop and this is a reputable business venture! In my opinion, however, it seems like these people are making others more annoyed rather than making any $$$. When I signed onto FB years ago (back when it was strictly a college network) I couldn't have imagined what it would become. Don't get me wrong, I was once an addict of Farmtown and I can be a serial FB stalker, but this whole tag-to-sell aspect is one of the more annoying innovations to come out of FB. As I posted on my profile "new pet peeve: people who tag others trying to sell stuff. I didn't sign onto FB to go online shopping"... there are websites designed specifically for this... ebay.com, etsy.com! Create an account with them, post your wares, and spread the word amongst your clients *cough* friends. Or make your own website like other reputable small business owners. There's nothing wrong with trying to make a buck, but when you inconvenience others (yes, it's an inconvenience to have to untag myself from all these posts) then it's a problem. I just hope it's another FB phase as people realize that no one is going to buy from them and/or they get tired to taking tons of pictures, posting tons of pictures, tagging tons of people with very little result.
Okay. That was my little vent. Time for breakfast I think. Something that I don't have as often as people say you should. Some oatmeal sounds quite delight at the moment, or I could just go back to sleep :)
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