Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Ooooo, my password still works!
One day shy of eight months since I last updated. eeks! But fear not, in 24 days I'm graduating, returning to civilization, getting my life back, getting a haircut, going to the dentist, picking up clothes that have been at the dry cleaner for 7 months, cleaning out my closet, returning to cooking, training for a marathon, and oh yeah and returning to the blog world. See ya then. :)
Monday, October 12, 2009
I have not fallen of the face of the earth (yet)
Phew, I managed to post befre a month passed. I don't know where to begin, but I guess I'll start at the most logical place...
where did September go? Furthermore, how are we already halfway through October?
I've given up any semblance of a normal life. Here's a recap of the previous week:
Monday- class 12-2;
Tuesday- class9-1:30, work the night shift
NO SLEEP
Wednesday- class, and meeting with my advisor, get home at 5pm and go to sleep after being awake for 36 hours.
Thursday- class ALL DAY till 9pm; biostatistics project due
Friday- class in the afternoon, work the night shift
NO SLEEP
Saturday- class 1-5; in bed at 6:30pm
Sunday- class 9-1, study for midterm on Monday
Ah yes, this is my life.
Today I took my first midterm, not too bad. Three hours towrite type four essays; technology is so awesome.
I was't going to write about this, but I think it's important. Everyone is asking me if I like school; I tell them this: I'm still waiting for that "ah-ha!" moment when I realize how and when I will be able to use all of this information. Don't get me wrong, I like most of my class (Health Policy and Management Seminar, Policy Analysis, Epidemiology), with a few exceptions (Biostastics and Economics) but I don't find the administration very helpful or organized. Actually, they are so UN-organized. It's a 180 from PENN who was so organized that they sometimes anticipated my problems before I did....yeah, that was freaky.
However, one thing I must credit Columbia with is their impeccably clean bathrooms. I'm not kidding. Even at the end of the day, trash barrels are emptied, toilet paper is stocked and there is never any "tinkle sprinkle" on the seats. I know you know what I am talking about! So if nothing else, for my $55,000 a year, I am gaurenteed a clean bathroom.
But in all seriousness, life isn't that bad. I cannot compare my experience in graduate school to my experience undergrad. Back then, I lived on/near campus and school was my job. My weekends and weeknights were full of friends, going out, class board meetings, sorority events, drinking (sometimes too much), andmaking bad decisions gaining life experiences. Now, I'm a working professional, a real grown up. I have a beautiful apartment in a great neighborhood, brand new furniture, a fantastic employer, amazing friends (even if I never see them), things are shaping up. It will be pretty great to be 26 years old with two Ivy League degrees.
I can do this. I can do anything for 16 months. One day, one class, one paper, one test at a time.
where did September go? Furthermore, how are we already halfway through October?
I've given up any semblance of a normal life. Here's a recap of the previous week:
Monday- class 12-2;
Tuesday- class9-1:30, work the night shift
NO SLEEP
Wednesday- class, and meeting with my advisor, get home at 5pm and go to sleep after being awake for 36 hours.
Thursday- class ALL DAY till 9pm; biostatistics project due
Friday- class in the afternoon, work the night shift
NO SLEEP
Saturday- class 1-5; in bed at 6:30pm
Sunday- class 9-1, study for midterm on Monday
Ah yes, this is my life.
Today I took my first midterm, not too bad. Three hours to
I was't going to write about this, but I think it's important. Everyone is asking me if I like school; I tell them this: I'm still waiting for that "ah-ha!" moment when I realize how and when I will be able to use all of this information. Don't get me wrong, I like most of my class (Health Policy and Management Seminar, Policy Analysis, Epidemiology), with a few exceptions (Biostastics and Economics) but I don't find the administration very helpful or organized. Actually, they are so UN-organized. It's a 180 from PENN who was so organized that they sometimes anticipated my problems before I did....yeah, that was freaky.
However, one thing I must credit Columbia with is their impeccably clean bathrooms. I'm not kidding. Even at the end of the day, trash barrels are emptied, toilet paper is stocked and there is never any "tinkle sprinkle" on the seats. I know you know what I am talking about! So if nothing else, for my $55,000 a year, I am gaurenteed a clean bathroom.
But in all seriousness, life isn't that bad. I cannot compare my experience in graduate school to my experience undergrad. Back then, I lived on/near campus and school was my job. My weekends and weeknights were full of friends, going out, class board meetings, sorority events, drinking (sometimes too much), and
I can do this. I can do anything for 16 months. One day, one class, one paper, one test at a time.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
because I've got nothing but time
Friday:Class 2-5,
Saturday: class 2-5,
Sunday: class 9-1, work 7:30p-8a
Monday: off work at 8a, class from 12-2.
That was my weekend. To top it all off, that night that I worked was horrible. I was in charge, plus had an intubated ICU patient, plus another patient coded and died (that's what happens when you have necrotizing fasciatis on 65% of your body), plus another patient who was crazy. And by crazy I mean, screaming at the top of his lungs that we should call him MARY and then screaming that he wanted to leave despite just having had a fasciotomy to one of his extremities. Psych had to come up to the floor and declare him incompetent and then every-time the patient threatened the nursing staff and/or tried to leave we had to call security. They came to the unit 7 times in 12 hours. By the time the morning rolled around, I couldn't wait to leave. I surely miss my night shift coworkers, but I DO NOT miss the insanity.
Now, I'm sitting on my couch watching Live with R & K waiting for my new furniture to arrive. No, not another new living room set, but a new bedroom set. You see, given the amount of school work that I have and the lack of table space I have (we don't even have a kitchen table) I needed to get a desk for my room. Problem: Where to put it? Solution: Thanks to a fabulous suggestion from O I purchased a loft bed for my bedroom. It comes with a built in desk underneath, so I maximize my space. Thankfully I have very high ceilings in my bedroom, so I can sit up without hitting my head on the ceiling.
I'm trying to think of more stuff to type, as I really don't want to start my economics homework, but I'm running out of ideas. Guess it's time to hit the books.
Saturday: class 2-5,
Sunday: class 9-1, work 7:30p-8a
Monday: off work at 8a, class from 12-2.
That was my weekend. To top it all off, that night that I worked was horrible. I was in charge, plus had an intubated ICU patient, plus another patient coded and died (that's what happens when you have necrotizing fasciatis on 65% of your body), plus another patient who was crazy. And by crazy I mean, screaming at the top of his lungs that we should call him MARY and then screaming that he wanted to leave despite just having had a fasciotomy to one of his extremities. Psych had to come up to the floor and declare him incompetent and then every-time the patient threatened the nursing staff and/or tried to leave we had to call security. They came to the unit 7 times in 12 hours. By the time the morning rolled around, I couldn't wait to leave. I surely miss my night shift coworkers, but I DO NOT miss the insanity.
Now, I'm sitting on my couch watching Live with R & K waiting for my new furniture to arrive. No, not another new living room set, but a new bedroom set. You see, given the amount of school work that I have and the lack of table space I have (we don't even have a kitchen table) I needed to get a desk for my room. Problem: Where to put it? Solution: Thanks to a fabulous suggestion from O I purchased a loft bed for my bedroom. It comes with a built in desk underneath, so I maximize my space. Thankfully I have very high ceilings in my bedroom, so I can sit up without hitting my head on the ceiling.
I'm trying to think of more stuff to type, as I really don't want to start my economics homework, but I'm running out of ideas. Guess it's time to hit the books.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Day At the Ball Park
I got this email last week:
Kelly,
I'm writing to see if you would like to join me at a Yankee Game next Saturday July 18 at 1:05.
You were picked because the staff identified you as someone who embodies our values at NYP .
I can't guarantee how the Yankees will play, but I can guarantee wonderful seats and refreshments in the luxury box that we have for this game.
Please let me know by Monday end of the day.
Thanks.
Laura
I read the email. I reread the email. I read the email for a third time. Yes, this was an email from the Vice President, Chief Medical Officer of the hospital. I was shocked and (obviously) flattered. Before I could write back, I realized that I was scheduled to work that Saturday. I called my bosses, who were thrilled to hear the news, and without hesitation they gave me the day off. I knew this must have been a big deal because staffing for Saturday was real crappy and to simply take me off without as much a hesitation meant a great deal.
As Saturday approached, I got nervous. What do I talk about? Is it going to be awkward? Who else will be there? I had to pick my ticket up at her office on Friday; I'd never been to the "executive offices" before. I received the ticket from her secretary and did a double take. It was twice the size of a normal ticket with shiny gold embossing. I felt like a kid who just found a Willy Wonka goledn ticket.
I took the 6 train to the Bronx on Saturday afternoon. It was a day I will not soon forget. Not only was it my first time at the new Yankee Stadium and my first time at a Yankee's game,
When I finally made m way into the stadium I was lost. I had no idea how to find my way to the luxury box...thats so not how I'm used to experiencing baseball games. However, after what seemed like an endless walk down carpeted, air conditioned hallways lined with plaques and giant mahogany doors, I arrived at luxury box 156. I opened the door.......fully stocked bar( beer, wine, hard liquor, soda, water), salads, paninis, hot dogs, hamburgers, chocolate covered fruit, popcorn, cookies, peanuts, pork chops, steak, grilled chicken, giant soft pretzels, a gastronomes delight! Once I got over the shock of it all, I realized that it was a rather intimate gathering. Maybe 20 or so people, a minute fraction of the ten thousand employees currently employed by NYP. I was greeted warmly by L (Dr. F). We chatted and I continued to mingle and meet the other people. There were a total of three nurses, myself included. The other two nurses were male- one worked in the PACU and the other in the Neuro ICU.
Although the game was rather slow, the Yankee's did pull out a 2:1 win over the Tigers. After the game, some people left,others lingered and chatted. Knowing that the train would be a zoo, I was in no rush to leave. I sat and talked to L some more. I was telling her about starting school at Columbia in the fall. She asked what nursing program I was doing; I told her that I wasn't enrolled in the school of nursing, but rather in the school of public health with a degree in policy and management. She stopped, put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Kelly! That's the program I did. You will love it, it's an amazing place and a fabulous credential." I smiled. We chatted a bit more, I thanked her, and then I left.
I couldn't stop grinning on the way home. I'd been quite nervous with my decision to go back to school, but suddenly I felt at ease. I realized that I'm not only happy and secure with my job, but also my future holds so much potential.
Who would have thought that a day at the ball park was all I needed to ease my mind.
Kelly,
I'm writing to see if you would like to join me at a Yankee Game next Saturday July 18 at 1:05.
You were picked because the staff identified you as someone who embodies our values at NYP .
I can't guarantee how the Yankees will play, but I can guarantee wonderful seats and refreshments in the luxury box that we have for this game.
Please let me know by Monday end of the day.
Thanks.
Laura
I read the email. I reread the email. I read the email for a third time. Yes, this was an email from the Vice President, Chief Medical Officer of the hospital. I was shocked and (obviously) flattered. Before I could write back, I realized that I was scheduled to work that Saturday. I called my bosses, who were thrilled to hear the news, and without hesitation they gave me the day off. I knew this must have been a big deal because staffing for Saturday was real crappy and to simply take me off without as much a hesitation meant a great deal.
As Saturday approached, I got nervous. What do I talk about? Is it going to be awkward? Who else will be there? I had to pick my ticket up at her office on Friday; I'd never been to the "executive offices" before. I received the ticket from her secretary and did a double take. It was twice the size of a normal ticket with shiny gold embossing. I felt like a kid who just found a Willy Wonka goledn ticket.
I took the 6 train to the Bronx on Saturday afternoon. It was a day I will not soon forget. Not only was it my first time at the new Yankee Stadium and my first time at a Yankee's game,
When I finally made m way into the stadium I was lost. I had no idea how to find my way to the luxury box...thats so not how I'm used to experiencing baseball games. However, after what seemed like an endless walk down carpeted, air conditioned hallways lined with plaques and giant mahogany doors, I arrived at luxury box 156. I opened the door....
Although the game was rather slow, the Yankee's did pull out a 2:1 win over the Tigers. After the game, some people left,others lingered and chatted. Knowing that the train would be a zoo, I was in no rush to leave. I sat and talked to L some more. I was telling her about starting school at Columbia in the fall. She asked what nursing program I was doing; I told her that I wasn't enrolled in the school of nursing, but rather in the school of public health with a degree in policy and management. She stopped, put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Kelly! That's the program I did. You will love it, it's an amazing place and a fabulous credential." I smiled. We chatted a bit more, I thanked her, and then I left.
I couldn't stop grinning on the way home. I'd been quite nervous with my decision to go back to school, but suddenly I felt at ease. I realized that I'm not only happy and secure with my job, but also my future holds so much potential.
Who would have thought that a day at the ball park was all I needed to ease my mind.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Good Life
After a wonderful tropical vacation, I worked a four day stretch, had one day off, then worked another four days. Had these been night shifts, I would have been exhausted and slept away of days off; however, now that my vampire days are over, I've been living the good life.
I can go out after work becuase other people are home! Have you ever tried to find a group of people who work M-F (9-5) who are free on a random weekday morning fordinner breakfast? Let me save you the trouble, it's impossible. Plus there's the whole issue of I'm craving a glass of wine to calm my nerves when the're focusing of a cup of caffeinated delight to perk them up!
I'm running. Long and steady, I'm thrilled!
I have plans to see my family more often than every six months!
I'm doing thing that I otherwise wouldnt do, just becuase I can!
Having picnics in the Park for breakfast! Good book + coffee + sunshine= bliss
Seeing the Philharmonic orchestra with my coworkers on a random weekday night.
I'm doing things that I love to do, but just didn't jive with my schedule before!
Cooking.
Baking.
Blogging.
Talking to people on the phone versus having to send them an email. No one appreciated a phone call at 3am just becuase it was convenient for me.
See....life is good.
Continnuing on with things that fit back into my life....
I finally made it back to Philadelphia this weekend, and boy was it a long overdue trip! I got to see the L's. R and J are getting SO big. I can't believe it has been six months since I'd see them. It was the longest stretch of time I'd gone without seeing them. Highlights of my 24 hour visit were: eating with a group of people around a table, baking with the boys, playing flashlight tag, snuggling up in the big cumfy chair to read books before bed, coming downstaris in the morning to: "Good morning Nurse Miss Kelly. Did you have a nice sweep?", pancake breakfasts, and spending a lovey afternoon at the pool. My trip was over much too soon, but I already feel revived.
When I was living in Philadelphia, I escaped the city at least once a week and spent time in the suburbs; my longing for greenery and quiet was always fulfilled. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed my urban escapes.
I've got six more weeks of bliss, beforelife gets crazy, (again) school starts. I realize two things. First, I need to enjoy the rest of the summer and do whatever it is that makes me happy. Second, I simply cannot go another six months without seeing my family and without seeing the L's!
I can go out after work becuase other people are home! Have you ever tried to find a group of people who work M-F (9-5) who are free on a random weekday morning for
I'm running. Long and steady, I'm thrilled!
I have plans to see my family more often than every six months!
I'm doing thing that I otherwise wouldnt do, just becuase I can!
Having picnics in the Park for breakfast! Good book + coffee + sunshine= bliss
Seeing the Philharmonic orchestra with my coworkers on a random weekday night.
I'm doing things that I love to do, but just didn't jive with my schedule before!
Cooking.
Baking.
Blogging.
Talking to people on the phone versus having to send them an email. No one appreciated a phone call at 3am just becuase it was convenient for me.
See....life is good.
Continnuing on with things that fit back into my life....
I finally made it back to Philadelphia this weekend, and boy was it a long overdue trip! I got to see the L's. R and J are getting SO big. I can't believe it has been six months since I'd see them. It was the longest stretch of time I'd gone without seeing them. Highlights of my 24 hour visit were: eating with a group of people around a table, baking with the boys, playing flashlight tag, snuggling up in the big cumfy chair to read books before bed, coming downstaris in the morning to: "Good morning Nurse Miss Kelly. Did you have a nice sweep?", pancake breakfasts, and spending a lovey afternoon at the pool. My trip was over much too soon, but I already feel revived.
When I was living in Philadelphia, I escaped the city at least once a week and spent time in the suburbs; my longing for greenery and quiet was always fulfilled. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed my urban escapes.
I've got six more weeks of bliss, before
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Where are all my posts? I wrote a bunch of short posts to autopublish over the last few weeks, but it looks as though they never published and now they are gone. Hmmm....guess I'll try and recap:
1. NO MORE NIGHT SHIFTS! I'm officially working full time days.
2. My Aruba vacation was amazing! It was so great to see my family after six months.
3. It's been 13 months since I fractured my pelvis and I'm finally back in action.
4. The Pink Panther sofa is GONE. The new furniture is beautiful and I am very satisfied.
As I get my life back in order, I'll write more. Please be patient. =)
1. NO MORE NIGHT SHIFTS! I'm officially working full time days.
2. My Aruba vacation was amazing! It was so great to see my family after six months.
3. It's been 13 months since I fractured my pelvis and I'm finally back in action.
4. The Pink Panther sofa is GONE. The new furniture is beautiful and I am very satisfied.
As I get my life back in order, I'll write more. Please be patient. =)
Friday, May 29, 2009
A Bond Unbroken
We are both female.
We both have blue eyes and brown hair.
We have the same parents.
We grew up under the same roof.
We went to the same high school.
We both love dogs.
The similarities end there.
I'm the serene intellectual; she's the social know-it-all.
She's the jock; I'm the recreational athlete.
I'm a planner, she's spontaneous.
She thrives on chaos;I like cleanliness and order.
I'm an endorphin junkie; she likes her sleep.
She'll hold her ground and never back down;I hate conflict.
I've always been fascinated at the differences between my sister and I. Same sex siblings tend to fall into one of two categories: best friends or arch enemies. My sister and I are neither. We grew up differently, and we have a unique relationship.
I'm seven years older than her. I was in first grade when she was born. By the time she was in first grade, I was in Junior High. When my college friends hosted their siblings for the weekend, I stood by and watched- my heart aching that my sister couldn't be there too. Twelve year old + fraternity party+ alcohol+ boys= lawsuit waiting to happen.
My friends would always ask what it was like to have a sister so much younger than myself, but I never knew anything different. We didn't have much in common; we weren't into the same things. We existed in different worlds. She was playing dress up and I was going to formals. Don't get me wrong, I love her to death, but I always felt more like a mom than a sister to her. But then something happened- I didn't come home from college in between my junior and Senior year. And suddenly, our relationship changed.
She called me one Thursday afternoon in late June. She was giddy with excitement. "Kel. I think he likes me! He told J, who told A, who told me! Isn't that cool?" My heart melted. Her first crush. And she called me. Instantly, she grew up. She was no longer that little girl, she was a teenager. Despite our separation that summer, our relationship grew. We talked on the phone, she became my friend on facebook (yeah, that was weird), she asked me advice, etc.
That September she started high school. I vividly remember talking to her on the phone the night before school started and telling her that it would all work out. She wouldn't be late to class, she wouldn't get shoved into a locker, and she wouldn't sit alone in the cafeteria. I recalled my first day of high school and I remembered her sitting in the living room bay window waving as I walked down the driveway. Suddenly, my heart ached and I realized that I wouldn't be there to see her off.
When I was in high school, I used to go to all her soccer games. I enjoyed spending a few hours each weekend at the soccer fields watching her evolve from a amateur to jock; however, I only made one of her JV soccer games freshman year. The weekend that I graduated was the weekend of her Freshman Dinner Dance. She skipped the after party so my family could dive down to Philly fr my graduation festivities.
She turned sixteen that September. I had to work. I missed Christmas that December. I had to work. She called to tell me that it didn't feel Christmas without me. I wasn't there to hold her hand as we walked the steps to see what "Santa" left us. I wasn't there to sit next to her at church and giggle as the cantor reached a note that would break glass. I started to cry. Although I made it home the next day to celebrate, it wasn't the same. I thought she would be okay without me on a holiday (I hadn't been home for Easter in four years), but I was wrong.
Over the next two years, we grew closer and closer. The age gap seemed to narrow and although i still harbored motherly feelings, I felt more and more like a sister. I gave advice, I spoke from experience, I didn't judge. The first time she came to visit me in New York, without my parents, I showed her city life. She told me that she felt "so grown up", I told her, "Because you are."
Tonight is her first prom and no I won't be there. The date was changed, no one informed me, and I couldn't get the night off. I want her to know that I don't value my job more than my relationship with her. I want her to know that there's a piece of my heart there with her tonight, as always. We may be separated by distance, but the love is there and stronger than ever.
Colleen- You've become such a smart, wonderful, loving young woman...I'm so proud to call you my sister. I love you.
We both have blue eyes and brown hair.
We have the same parents.
We grew up under the same roof.
We went to the same high school.
We both love dogs.
The similarities end there.
I'm the serene intellectual; she's the social know-it-all.
She's the jock; I'm the recreational athlete.
I'm a planner, she's spontaneous.
She thrives on chaos;I like cleanliness and order.
I'm an endorphin junkie; she likes her sleep.
She'll hold her ground and never back down;I hate conflict.
I've always been fascinated at the differences between my sister and I. Same sex siblings tend to fall into one of two categories: best friends or arch enemies. My sister and I are neither. We grew up differently, and we have a unique relationship.
I'm seven years older than her. I was in first grade when she was born. By the time she was in first grade, I was in Junior High. When my college friends hosted their siblings for the weekend, I stood by and watched- my heart aching that my sister couldn't be there too. Twelve year old + fraternity party+ alcohol+ boys= lawsuit waiting to happen.
My friends would always ask what it was like to have a sister so much younger than myself, but I never knew anything different. We didn't have much in common; we weren't into the same things. We existed in different worlds. She was playing dress up and I was going to formals. Don't get me wrong, I love her to death, but I always felt more like a mom than a sister to her. But then something happened- I didn't come home from college in between my junior and Senior year. And suddenly, our relationship changed.
She called me one Thursday afternoon in late June. She was giddy with excitement. "Kel. I think he likes me! He told J, who told A, who told me! Isn't that cool?" My heart melted. Her first crush. And she called me. Instantly, she grew up. She was no longer that little girl, she was a teenager. Despite our separation that summer, our relationship grew. We talked on the phone, she became my friend on facebook (yeah, that was weird), she asked me advice, etc.
That September she started high school. I vividly remember talking to her on the phone the night before school started and telling her that it would all work out. She wouldn't be late to class, she wouldn't get shoved into a locker, and she wouldn't sit alone in the cafeteria. I recalled my first day of high school and I remembered her sitting in the living room bay window waving as I walked down the driveway. Suddenly, my heart ached and I realized that I wouldn't be there to see her off.
When I was in high school, I used to go to all her soccer games. I enjoyed spending a few hours each weekend at the soccer fields watching her evolve from a amateur to jock; however, I only made one of her JV soccer games freshman year. The weekend that I graduated was the weekend of her Freshman Dinner Dance. She skipped the after party so my family could dive down to Philly fr my graduation festivities.
She turned sixteen that September. I had to work. I missed Christmas that December. I had to work. She called to tell me that it didn't feel Christmas without me. I wasn't there to hold her hand as we walked the steps to see what "Santa" left us. I wasn't there to sit next to her at church and giggle as the cantor reached a note that would break glass. I started to cry. Although I made it home the next day to celebrate, it wasn't the same. I thought she would be okay without me on a holiday (I hadn't been home for Easter in four years), but I was wrong.
Over the next two years, we grew closer and closer. The age gap seemed to narrow and although i still harbored motherly feelings, I felt more and more like a sister. I gave advice, I spoke from experience, I didn't judge. The first time she came to visit me in New York, without my parents, I showed her city life. She told me that she felt "so grown up", I told her, "Because you are."
Tonight is her first prom and no I won't be there. The date was changed, no one informed me, and I couldn't get the night off. I want her to know that I don't value my job more than my relationship with her. I want her to know that there's a piece of my heart there with her tonight, as always. We may be separated by distance, but the love is there and stronger than ever.
Colleen- You've become such a smart, wonderful, loving young woman...I'm so proud to call you my sister. I love you.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Out With The Old
I've got spring fever. I'm cleaning out closets, organizing cabinets, and rearranging, obsessively. You all know about the ugly couch, aka "The Pink Panther" .... And yes, unfortunately, it's still with us.
Despite numerous hours spent searching for the perfect chocolate leather sofa and matching love seat, I haven't found "the one." I'm skeptical to buy something online, because I want to be give it the "but test" before purchasing. Also, because my roommate and I are both short, we don't want any furniture that when we sit down , our feet won't touch the floor.
This past weekend, Memorial Day sales GALORE, would have been the perfect time to purchase furniture; however, A was out of town andshe didn't trust me I didn't want to make the decision myself. So what did I do instead? I redid our bathroom. It went from a sleek and modern black and white powder room to a page out of the Pottery Barn catalog. Yes, I know that store is overpriced and I could buy knock offs at Tarzhay, but the Manhattanite in me took over. I bought a shower curtain, towels, rugs, baskets, and decorative soaps. Yes, you read that correctly- decorative soaps. Ahh, what was I thinking?
Although redoing the bathroom was fun, if not a drain on my wallet, I just need to buy a couch. It will be much cheaper than redoing every other room in the aparment to compensate for the ugly "Pink Panther."
Any suggestions on buying furniture??
Despite numerous hours spent searching for the perfect chocolate leather sofa and matching love seat, I haven't found "the one." I'm skeptical to buy something online, because I want to be give it the "but test" before purchasing. Also, because my roommate and I are both short, we don't want any furniture that when we sit down , our feet won't touch the floor.
This past weekend, Memorial Day sales GALORE, would have been the perfect time to purchase furniture; however, A was out of town and
Although redoing the bathroom was fun, if not a drain on my wallet, I just need to buy a couch. It will be much cheaper than redoing every other room in the aparment to compensate for the ugly "Pink Panther."
Any suggestions on buying furniture??
Monday, May 18, 2009
Changes
Dear loyal readers few people who follow this blog-
Please excuse the lack of posts lately, life's been happening. Guess I'll catch you up on what's been going on.
1. Grad School
I'm going to Columbia! Classes start the end of August.
2. Work
I'm going to full time days starting June 21st! Two years ofhell, holy hell nights will finally be over.
I'm going to stay working full time while I go to school. I'm banking all my vacation and holiday time to use September through December. It works out that I'll get paid for a full time work week, but only actually working part-time. The way I see it, my life won't suck any more than it has the past two years.
3. Vacations
I'm joining the family in Aruba for six days. Because I have no vacation time to use, I will be working the four days prior and three days after. Oh well, it will be worth it to get rid f this pasty white goodness otherwise known as my skin.
4. Dating
I'm still single. Dating still sucks in NYC. Please send anyintellectual, tall, dark, and handsome men with a great sense of humor remotely good looking men my way.
5. Health
I'm still chronically exhausted but I found out that I'm quite anemic. My TIBC (total iron binding capacity) is very elevated compared to my actual iron level indicating that my body isn't properly utilizing/absorbing the iron. Now I'm taking iron pills. Hello constipation! Sorry if thats TMI. But it's all worth it, if it will boost my energy.
Regarding my fractured pelvis, I've had no further complications (knock on wood). I won't have another bone scan until next year, but I've finally gotten back to running just about year since my injury. After a five month wait, I saw the endocrinologist and found out that my vitamin D level is low. Now I'm taking additional vitamin D pills.
Yes, I've turned into the vitamin popping princess.
I'm sure that a lot more has transpired over the last month, but those are the highlights.
Thanks for checking in!!!
Please excuse the lack of posts lately, life's been happening. Guess I'll catch you up on what's been going on.
1. Grad School
I'm going to Columbia! Classes start the end of August.
2. Work
I'm going to full time days starting June 21st! Two years of
I'm going to stay working full time while I go to school. I'm banking all my vacation and holiday time to use September through December. It works out that I'll get paid for a full time work week, but only actually working part-time. The way I see it, my life won't suck any more than it has the past two years.
3. Vacations
I'm joining the family in Aruba for six days. Because I have no vacation time to use, I will be working the four days prior and three days after. Oh well, it will be worth it to get rid f this pasty white goodness otherwise known as my skin.
4. Dating
I'm still single. Dating still sucks in NYC. Please send any
5. Health
I'm still chronically exhausted but I found out that I'm quite anemic. My TIBC (total iron binding capacity) is very elevated compared to my actual iron level indicating that my body isn't properly utilizing/absorbing the iron. Now I'm taking iron pills. Hello constipation! Sorry if thats TMI. But it's all worth it, if it will boost my energy.
Regarding my fractured pelvis, I've had no further complications (knock on wood). I won't have another bone scan until next year, but I've finally gotten back to running just about year since my injury. After a five month wait, I saw the endocrinologist and found out that my vitamin D level is low. Now I'm taking additional vitamin D pills.
Yes, I've turned into the vitamin popping princess.
I'm sure that a lot more has transpired over the last month, but those are the highlights.
Thanks for checking in!!!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
I Dream Of....
School?
I had the strangest dream last night. I found myself running across the junior high school parking lot frantic that I'd be late for the first day of my senior year,, only to reach the sidewalk as the homeroom bell rang. I walked into the school, up to the office window and said, "I'm sorry I'm late, I was picking up my parents at the airport. Can they send in a note later?" I think the office clerk mumbled something about needing it now. Next thing I know I'm wandering the hall of the junior high looking for room 3005. When I finally find it, its filled with kids from my graduating class, and they are starring at me. Matt came up to me and said, "Yeah, you freaked us out in high school and that's why we wanted to ruin your prom." Before I could open my mouth, our elementary school librarian was handing out locks and schedules telling us that our lockers would be located here in the Junior high, but that all of our classes would be at the actual high school. Right because that makes so much sense..... Before I could retort such an insane proposal, I found myself amidst w whirlwind of people in a multilevel maze trying to navigate my way to my classes. I walked into the library and cut through to the gym only to find that I had no gym clothes. Then I was sitting in math class realizing that I hadn't been to a math class in over a semester and I freaked out. I asked to be transferred to another class, but my teacher only spanked my hand with a ruler and said get out and go back to community college. Then I was sitting in the principals office and he told me that he was disappointed in my choice to be fifth in my graduating class, he said I'd never go anywhere in life...
And then I woke up.
I think the anxiety of waiting for schools is killing me.
I had the strangest dream last night. I found myself running across the junior high school parking lot frantic that I'd be late for the first day of my senior year,, only to reach the sidewalk as the homeroom bell rang. I walked into the school, up to the office window and said, "I'm sorry I'm late, I was picking up my parents at the airport. Can they send in a note later?" I think the office clerk mumbled something about needing it now. Next thing I know I'm wandering the hall of the junior high looking for room 3005. When I finally find it, its filled with kids from my graduating class, and they are starring at me. Matt came up to me and said, "Yeah, you freaked us out in high school and that's why we wanted to ruin your prom." Before I could open my mouth, our elementary school librarian was handing out locks and schedules telling us that our lockers would be located here in the Junior high, but that all of our classes would be at the actual high school. Right because that makes so much sense..... Before I could retort such an insane proposal, I found myself amidst w whirlwind of people in a multilevel maze trying to navigate my way to my classes. I walked into the library and cut through to the gym only to find that I had no gym clothes. Then I was sitting in math class realizing that I hadn't been to a math class in over a semester and I freaked out. I asked to be transferred to another class, but my teacher only spanked my hand with a ruler and said get out and go back to community college. Then I was sitting in the principals office and he told me that he was disappointed in my choice to be fifth in my graduating class, he said I'd never go anywhere in life...
And then I woke up.
I think the anxiety of waiting for schools is killing me.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Dear Nurse Miss Kelly
If you aren't in the mood to read a rant, than I suggest you file this post under "to be read at a later date."
I work in healthcare. I'm going to graduate school for public health. I understand the healthcare crisis. I have money taken out of my paycheck every cycle to pay for my health insurance. I don't have complex medical issues. SO WHY CAN'T I GET A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT?!?!?!?!
Last year I found a GREAT internist/gynecologist. I also found a great dermatologist. After much angst I did find a dentist, but after my visit, I decided that I wouldn't be going back there ever again. In December, amongst holiday cards and holiday bills, I get a letter from the dermatologist:
Dear Nurse Miss Kelly,
It is with deep regret that we tell you that as of Jan. 1, 2009 Dr. N will no longer be with the practice. She has decided to relocate to Florida. Please call xxx-xxx-xxxx to book an appointment with the doctor who will be taking over her patient load.
Noted. Due for my annual checkup at the end of January, I called to book an appointment "with the doctor who will be taking over her patient load." What does the secretary tell me? Our conversation went something like this:
"Hi. This is Nurse Miss Kelly. I'm a patient of Dr. N's. I'm aware that she has left the practice, so I was hoping to book an appointment with whoever took over her patient load."
"Oh, well you see, you are going to have to wait. It's a four month wait to be seen as a new patient."
"But I'm not a new patient, I've been to the office before! I have records there. I just need to change doctors."
"Yes. But you are new to the replacement doctor and she will need to do a workup. What do you need an appointment for?"
"Just my annual skin check. I'm sorry, I'm confused. All patients of a doctor who left must now wait to be seen as new patients?"
"Correct. You can be seen in four months. How does April 29th sound?"
I concluded our call with, "Let me check my schedule and I'll call you back."
I was pissed. Not only did that not make any sense, but also this lady was clearly very misinformed. What did I do? First I looked to see the names of the other physicians in the practice to book an appointment with them. Then I called back, spoke with a muffled voice, what if the same wacko picked up, and booked an appointment with another doctor. Yes the wait was two months, but that was much more reasonable.
Crisis averted.
Not even two days later, I get another letter in the mail.
Dear Nurse Miss Kelly:
As of January 1, 2009, Dr. JW will be leaving WCIMA and joining a private practice. She will continue to admit her patients to xx hospital. Dr. PC will join WCIMA in February 2009 and will be responsible for your care. It is expected that she will participate in the same insurance plans that Dr. JW has participated in. Please contact us at xxx-xxx-xxxx to arrange to see our new physician.
If you wish to continue your care with Dr. JW here information is listed below..
Great, I'll call and book an appointment with her new practice. I mean, I never thought that she wouldn't take my insurance, after al it's expensive to be in private practice, so the more patients the merrier, right? WRONG.
Since I fractured my pelvis last summer, my lifestyle has been chaotic, at best. I broke up with a boyfriend, was studying for the GRE's, worked ALL the holidays, had a fight with my best friend, applied to grad school, etc. Through it all, I continue to work nights, sleeping less than four hours a night. My energy levels have bottomed out. It takes all my will power to get out of bed. I have no stamina and my workouts, once my sanity saver and favorite pastime, are awful and I hate the thought of the gym. My runs have dwindled down to nothing. I haven't run in over three weeks.
I've continued to eat my vegetarian, almost vegan diet and be very conscious of what and how much food I put in my body. So I was concerned that I started gaining weight and more and some more. I don't weigh myself, I go by how my clothes fit, but I'd estimate that I've gained 15 pounds since I graduated from college. And that freaks me the hell out!
Recently, I've began having some other symptoms:
-dry scalp and skin
-swelling of the hands and face
-gas and bloating
-thinning hair
-increased exhaustion
When I woke up the other morning and my hands were so swollen I couldn't get my rings off, and I also didn’t fit into any of my pants, I knew I had to go to the doctor. Something isn't right.
I pulled the letter out of my files and dialed the number of my old doctors new private practice. After explaining that I had been a former patient of Dr. JW's, I asked the secretary if she was taking my insurance plan.
"Um, No. I'm sorry. She's not accepting any managed care. But she will gladly see you for a physical. Would you like to come in today?"
"Hmm, well. How much is a physical? I would like to continue my care with her if possible."
"A physical would be $1000. And lab work is about $400."
I cough and scoop my jaw off the floor
"I think I'll pass. Thanks though."
No way in hell was I going to pay $1400 out-of-pocket when I have insurance! Guess I'll call the old office. After being hung up on twice, transferred twice, and then on hold for 15 minutes I finally managed to speak with someone. I told her that I needed to make an appointment with Dr. PC. And then, like something out of a sitcom, she tells me, "Well. Right now we don't have a doctor covering. Dr. PC's joining the practice has been delayed, twice. In the meantime you can be seen by a resident until we get an attending on staff."
A resident? A resident?!?! No way, lady. I get that this is a teaching hospital, and I'm all about higher learning, but this is serious. It's my health we are talking about and I want an attending!
Frustrated beyond belief, I agreed to see a resident at 2:30 that day; nevertheless, I did insist on the name of the resident's attending to have for reference.
Two hours and four vials of blood later, I walked out.
Hopefully they can figure out what's wrong with me.
Hopefully I can figure out what's wrong with our healthcare system.
I work in healthcare. I'm going to graduate school for public health. I understand the healthcare crisis. I have money taken out of my paycheck every cycle to pay for my health insurance. I don't have complex medical issues. SO WHY CAN'T I GET A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT?!?!?!?!
Last year I found a GREAT internist/gynecologist. I also found a great dermatologist. After much angst I did find a dentist, but after my visit, I decided that I wouldn't be going back there ever again. In December, amongst holiday cards and holiday bills, I get a letter from the dermatologist:
Dear Nurse Miss Kelly,
It is with deep regret that we tell you that as of Jan. 1, 2009 Dr. N will no longer be with the practice. She has decided to relocate to Florida. Please call xxx-xxx-xxxx to book an appointment with the doctor who will be taking over her patient load.
Noted. Due for my annual checkup at the end of January, I called to book an appointment "with the doctor who will be taking over her patient load." What does the secretary tell me? Our conversation went something like this:
"Hi. This is Nurse Miss Kelly. I'm a patient of Dr. N's. I'm aware that she has left the practice, so I was hoping to book an appointment with whoever took over her patient load."
"Oh, well you see, you are going to have to wait. It's a four month wait to be seen as a new patient."
"But I'm not a new patient, I've been to the office before! I have records there. I just need to change doctors."
"Yes. But you are new to the replacement doctor and she will need to do a workup. What do you need an appointment for?"
"Just my annual skin check. I'm sorry, I'm confused. All patients of a doctor who left must now wait to be seen as new patients?"
"Correct. You can be seen in four months. How does April 29th sound?"
I concluded our call with, "Let me check my schedule and I'll call you back."
I was pissed. Not only did that not make any sense, but also this lady was clearly very misinformed. What did I do? First I looked to see the names of the other physicians in the practice to book an appointment with them. Then I called back, spoke with a muffled voice, what if the same wacko picked up, and booked an appointment with another doctor. Yes the wait was two months, but that was much more reasonable.
Crisis averted.
Not even two days later, I get another letter in the mail.
Dear Nurse Miss Kelly:
As of January 1, 2009, Dr. JW will be leaving WCIMA and joining a private practice. She will continue to admit her patients to xx hospital. Dr. PC will join WCIMA in February 2009 and will be responsible for your care. It is expected that she will participate in the same insurance plans that Dr. JW has participated in. Please contact us at xxx-xxx-xxxx to arrange to see our new physician.
If you wish to continue your care with Dr. JW here information is listed below..
Great, I'll call and book an appointment with her new practice. I mean, I never thought that she wouldn't take my insurance, after al it's expensive to be in private practice, so the more patients the merrier, right? WRONG.
Since I fractured my pelvis last summer, my lifestyle has been chaotic, at best. I broke up with a boyfriend, was studying for the GRE's, worked ALL the holidays, had a fight with my best friend, applied to grad school, etc. Through it all, I continue to work nights, sleeping less than four hours a night. My energy levels have bottomed out. It takes all my will power to get out of bed. I have no stamina and my workouts, once my sanity saver and favorite pastime, are awful and I hate the thought of the gym. My runs have dwindled down to nothing. I haven't run in over three weeks.
I've continued to eat my vegetarian, almost vegan diet and be very conscious of what and how much food I put in my body. So I was concerned that I started gaining weight and more and some more. I don't weigh myself, I go by how my clothes fit, but I'd estimate that I've gained 15 pounds since I graduated from college. And that freaks me the hell out!
Recently, I've began having some other symptoms:
-dry scalp and skin
-swelling of the hands and face
-gas and bloating
-thinning hair
-increased exhaustion
When I woke up the other morning and my hands were so swollen I couldn't get my rings off, and I also didn’t fit into any of my pants, I knew I had to go to the doctor. Something isn't right.
I pulled the letter out of my files and dialed the number of my old doctors new private practice. After explaining that I had been a former patient of Dr. JW's, I asked the secretary if she was taking my insurance plan.
"Um, No. I'm sorry. She's not accepting any managed care. But she will gladly see you for a physical. Would you like to come in today?"
"Hmm, well. How much is a physical? I would like to continue my care with her if possible."
"A physical would be $1000. And lab work is about $400."
I cough and scoop my jaw off the floor
"I think I'll pass. Thanks though."
No way in hell was I going to pay $1400 out-of-pocket when I have insurance! Guess I'll call the old office. After being hung up on twice, transferred twice, and then on hold for 15 minutes I finally managed to speak with someone. I told her that I needed to make an appointment with Dr. PC. And then, like something out of a sitcom, she tells me, "Well. Right now we don't have a doctor covering. Dr. PC's joining the practice has been delayed, twice. In the meantime you can be seen by a resident until we get an attending on staff."
A resident? A resident?!?! No way, lady. I get that this is a teaching hospital, and I'm all about higher learning, but this is serious. It's my health we are talking about and I want an attending!
Frustrated beyond belief, I agreed to see a resident at 2:30 that day; nevertheless, I did insist on the name of the resident's attending to have for reference.
Two hours and four vials of blood later, I walked out.
Hopefully they can figure out what's wrong with me.
Hopefully I can figure out what's wrong with our healthcare system.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Oops
I must admit, I enjoyed a glorious four days/nights off. I did laundry, polished china, cleaned out my closet, filed for financial aid for grad school, caught up on t.v. (oh how I <3 DVR!), and slept. However, yesterday was a blah weather day. Gray skies, cold and windy, with bouts of sleetish (sleetesque?) precipitation and I had a headache. I took a power nap before leaving for work, but my head was still a pounding.
I'm not one to take much medicine, so my "medicine" cabinet is mostly hairproducts, toothpaste, and only two bottles of pills-Tylenol and Tylenol PM. After my powernap, I rushed into the bathroom to grab something to kick my headache before what was sure to be a busy night at work.
I popped open the bottle, grabbed two pills and swallowed them with my water. As I was putting the bottle back in the cabinet I froze... "Tylenol PM". Uh, oh.
Not really sure what to do (I've never been very good at making myself throw up), I sighed, walked out of my apartment, and walked into the first coffee shop I passed on my way to work
6:45 pm......triple shot of espresso
I'm going to tell you all something now, a valuable lesson if you will, espresso does not negate the effects of Tylenol PM.
8:30pm.....cup of coffee from the overpriced starbucks in the hospital lobby
9:30pm.....2 cups of green tea
10:30pm....bottle of diet pepsi (uck, I haven't drank soda in over 2 years!)
11:30pm....diet red bull (man, that stuff is gross)
12:30pm....at this point in the night, my bladder is ready to explode, my heart is racing, and my eyes are so heavy that I need life preservers to keep them open!
With each hour that passed at work, my eyes got heavier and heavier. Thank God my patient was sick and VERY busy becuse if I had one moment to sit down, I would have been out cold.
I'm not one to take much medicine, so my "medicine" cabinet is mostly hairproducts, toothpaste, and only two bottles of pills-Tylenol and Tylenol PM. After my powernap, I rushed into the bathroom to grab something to kick my headache before what was sure to be a busy night at work.
I popped open the bottle, grabbed two pills and swallowed them with my water. As I was putting the bottle back in the cabinet I froze... "Tylenol PM". Uh, oh.
Not really sure what to do (I've never been very good at making myself throw up), I sighed, walked out of my apartment, and walked into the first coffee shop I passed on my way to work
6:45 pm......triple shot of espresso
I'm going to tell you all something now, a valuable lesson if you will, espresso does not negate the effects of Tylenol PM.
8:30pm.....cup of coffee from the overpriced starbucks in the hospital lobby
9:30pm.....2 cups of green tea
10:30pm....bottle of diet pepsi (uck, I haven't drank soda in over 2 years!)
11:30pm....diet red bull (man, that stuff is gross)
12:30pm....at this point in the night, my bladder is ready to explode, my heart is racing, and my eyes are so heavy that I need life preservers to keep them open!
With each hour that passed at work, my eyes got heavier and heavier. Thank God my patient was sick and VERY busy becuse if I had one moment to sit down, I would have been out cold.
Friday, January 23, 2009
"I got no strings to hold me down"
Two weeks ago I got an email from Columbia…
Dear Kelly,
Happy New Year. I hope this email finds you well. The admissions committee is in the process of reviewing your application file and I was asked to see if you would be willing to take the biostatistics placement exam. It will help the committee in their decision-making process…
I nearly shat myself. My heart started racing. Biostatistics? Test? Now? Are you kidding me? It didn’t help that I read this email at 8 in the morning after a four night stretch at work. As tempted as I was to just shoot back and email saying, “NO!.” I knew that was essentially writing my own rejection letter. I did the next best thing and called the woman who sent me this email. Of course she wasn’t in the office, so I left a voicemail. Boy do I wish that she had the option to delete and re-record because I rambled and babbled and stumbled. I managed to leave her my number and the best times to reach me, but I hung up with a pit in my stomach.
Thankfully, I managed to fall asleep for a few hours that morning. I got up and went about my day (gym, grocery shopping, post office, shower, date with the firefighter). After a late night, I didn’t wake up until the 11 the next day. What’s waiting for me? A voicemail from the admissions woman. I had only missed her by twenty minutes; I quickly called her back. She picked right up. She sounded so happy and perky; I, on the other hand, sounded like a hoarse, stuffy nosed sick person. I apologized for my rambling message and she said, “ Well after reading your application it sounds like you have a very intense and exhausting job. No excuses necessary.” Phew! That made me feel better. I told her that I was glad we were able to speak in person. I had a few questions and felt that speaking was much more personal than email (bonus points?)
But onto the real issue at hand. What I wanted to know was if they wanted me to take the test because of a shortcoming on my transcript/performance, or if it was something they were asking all candidates to take? She quickly summarized why she had contacted me. She was a member of the admissions committee and they were in the middle of reviewing my application. They were very impressed with my undergraduate transcript (Ivy League, Magna Cum Laude), my letters of recommendation (two PhD’s well known researchers & the worlds best nurse- BSN, CCRN, MSW, NC, Reverend –I forget all of his other credentials), and my personal statement. However, what they were rather concerned about was my quantitative GRE score. My scores just didn’t match up with my other credentials. That being the case, they felt that they needed me to take a placement test to determine my quantitative (math) capabilities.
I took in a deep breath and said, “Sure. When would you like me to take the exam.” She said, “Great! Here’s the name of the woman you need to contact about the test. Best of luck, Kelly.”
I hung up and sat motionless in my bed. I hadn’t taken a statistics class since my sophomore year of college, but I did get an (A). When I contacted the exam woman in the afternoon, she said that the sooner the better. I looked at my calendar. This was a Wednesday, that Friday I was beginning a 5 night stretch. I told her that due to my work schedule the earliest I could take the exam was the following Thursday. And that was that. Thursday at 10am. I no sooner hung up from her and ran out to the store to buy a review book.
Over the next week I did nothing but work (and study), work-out (and study. I’m sure the other gym members were like who’s the nut on the treadmill reading a statistics book?), and “sleep”/have nightmares of linear regression models, T-scores, and Z-scores.
Before I knew it, Thursday had arrived. I got up early that morning and was at the gym by 5 (sans review book). After a good sweat and steamy shower I set out for 168th and Riverside Drive. Oh yeah, WAYYYY up there across town. Knowing that public transportation would take almost an hour, I opted for the cab (gasp!). What I didn’t account for was morning rush hour traffic. I left my apartment at 8:50. I caught a cab at 9:20. Absurd! My stomach was in knots, my heart racing. The cab driver asked me if I was okay- I guess my voice was shaking as I told him where I needed to go. He was sweet and dropped me off right at the door, wishing me good luck as pulled away. I made my way to the sixth floor, knocked on the door, and then- test time!
The woman’s chipper personality made me more at ease. She led me to a barren room, I said a quick Our Father and Hail Mary and began. Forty minutes later I emerged and handed in my exam. She asked me to sit outside as she graded it. I could hear her turning the pages, it seemed like an eternity. She emerged from her office, paused, then said, “Congratulations, Kelly! 20 out of 21.” My stomach flopped, my head buzzed, I felt all warm and tingly. It may have been just a test, but it was a sweet victory for me.
And now all I have to do is wait for their decision….
Thursday, January 01, 2009
2k9 MEME
I got this MEME from O, who got it from All & Sundry. It's my last day off for the next five, so I figured what the hell-let's waste some time on the computer.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
took the GRE's
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Is it a bad sign that I can't remember if I made one last year?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
two of the nurses that I work with, two of the girls I went to highschool with, and Anjali
4. Did anyone close to you die?
yes, one of my coworkers. RIP Tara. Miss you.
5. What countries did you visit?
St. Martin, St. Barts
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Sleep and a social life; weird combination I know.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December 19th- best Christmas party ever!
December 1st- I dischared the first pediatric trauma that I ever admitted
June 14th- I fractured my pelvis
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Staying healthy
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not staying in touch with my friends becuase of my crazy schedule
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Fractured Pelvis
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My blackberry
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Amy: new job as a VP= all grown up
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The parents of my patient who pressed their child's face against the radiator. It made my blood boil.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, rent, rent. Did I say rent?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The prospect of getting a permenant day position (too bad it was only a prospect).
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
I don't know.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? neither, I'm content
b) thinner or fatter? fatter and it's really stressing me out
c) richer or poorer?Richer. That's what happens when all you do is work and have no time to play!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Stayed in touch with my friends, gone to church, slept (in no particular order)
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Stressing over the future
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At work. Hospitals never close.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Someone won my heart over, but then broke it.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Biggest Looser (a guilty pleasure, I know).
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
Quantum Wellness
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Our tiny little bathroom has great acoustics for shower singining
26. What did you want and get?
a complement
27. What did you want and not get?
a permenant day position
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Rachel at the Wedding
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I worked, but at least Dr. MAtt was there *cue the dreamy music*! I turned 24.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Working days so I could see more of my friends and family, sleep more, and make dating easier
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Hospital issued 50/50 Cotton, Poly scrubs; gym clothes; a conglommerate of J.Crew, Gap, and Bloomingdales
32. What kept you sane?
Escapes to the suburbs to see the L's or my family, late night talks with Natasha or AMy, and Wednesday Night Dinner Club
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I can't decide if the numerous adoptions and procreations of Jolie-Pitts is admirable or insane
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The shit show otherwise known as our health care system
35. Who did you miss?
My family, my sorority sisters, Sarah, Memegrl and family, Shestartedit and family
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Cheryl. I'd be lost without her friendship
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Life is best lived with a little spontaneity.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Don't get all worried but if you remember this post, I'd say these lyrics just about sum it up:
What's wrong with me?
Why do I feel like this?
I'm going crazy now
No more gas, in the red, can't even get it started
Nothing heard, nothing said, can't even speak about it
On my life, on my head, don't wanna think about it
Feels like I'm going insane, yeah
-Rihanna, Disturbia
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
took the GRE's
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Is it a bad sign that I can't remember if I made one last year?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
two of the nurses that I work with, two of the girls I went to highschool with, and Anjali
4. Did anyone close to you die?
yes, one of my coworkers. RIP Tara. Miss you.
5. What countries did you visit?
St. Martin, St. Barts
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Sleep and a social life; weird combination I know.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December 19th- best Christmas party ever!
December 1st- I dischared the first pediatric trauma that I ever admitted
June 14th- I fractured my pelvis
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Staying healthy
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not staying in touch with my friends becuase of my crazy schedule
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Fractured Pelvis
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My blackberry
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Amy: new job as a VP= all grown up
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The parents of my patient who pressed their child's face against the radiator. It made my blood boil.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, rent, rent. Did I say rent?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The prospect of getting a permenant day position (too bad it was only a prospect).
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
I don't know.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? neither, I'm content
b) thinner or fatter? fatter and it's really stressing me out
c) richer or poorer?Richer. That's what happens when all you do is work and have no time to play!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Stayed in touch with my friends, gone to church, slept (in no particular order)
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Stressing over the future
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At work. Hospitals never close.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Someone won my heart over, but then broke it.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Biggest Looser (a guilty pleasure, I know).
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
Quantum Wellness
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Our tiny little bathroom has great acoustics for shower singining
26. What did you want and get?
a complement
27. What did you want and not get?
a permenant day position
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Rachel at the Wedding
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I worked, but at least Dr. MAtt was there *cue the dreamy music*! I turned 24.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Working days so I could see more of my friends and family, sleep more, and make dating easier
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Hospital issued 50/50 Cotton, Poly scrubs; gym clothes; a conglommerate of J.Crew, Gap, and Bloomingdales
32. What kept you sane?
Escapes to the suburbs to see the L's or my family, late night talks with Natasha or AMy, and Wednesday Night Dinner Club
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I can't decide if the numerous adoptions and procreations of Jolie-Pitts is admirable or insane
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The shit show otherwise known as our health care system
35. Who did you miss?
My family, my sorority sisters, Sarah, Memegrl and family, Shestartedit and family
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Cheryl. I'd be lost without her friendship
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Life is best lived with a little spontaneity.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Don't get all worried but if you remember this post, I'd say these lyrics just about sum it up:
What's wrong with me?
Why do I feel like this?
I'm going crazy now
No more gas, in the red, can't even get it started
Nothing heard, nothing said, can't even speak about it
On my life, on my head, don't wanna think about it
Feels like I'm going insane, yeah
-Rihanna, Disturbia
9 things About Me for 2009
1. I like green grapes but red wine
2. I can't fall asleep with dirty dishes in the sink
3. I can wiggle my ears
4. I don't play any musical instruments
5. I haven't eaten meat in 8 1/2 years
6. When applying to college I was torn between architecture and nursing
7. I floss after I brush
8. I prefer flats to heels
9. I'd rather go to bed at 10pm and be up at 5am, than go to bed at 1am and sleep till noon.
2. I can't fall asleep with dirty dishes in the sink
3. I can wiggle my ears
4. I don't play any musical instruments
5. I haven't eaten meat in 8 1/2 years
6. When applying to college I was torn between architecture and nursing
7. I floss after I brush
8. I prefer flats to heels
9. I'd rather go to bed at 10pm and be up at 5am, than go to bed at 1am and sleep till noon.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Restless
Do I have it in me? Can I do this? Will this make me happy? Oh the debt?!?!
I've been very hush hush about this, but I figure it's time to let the cat out of the bag. I'm going back to school. Actually, currently, I'm applying to programs. I spent most of September and October prepping for the GRE-not fun, took the GRE today-temerity, pure temerity, and now I'm polishing my essays. It's a wee bit stressful, all of this waiting and prepping, but I'm excited for the future. After much debate about what degree I wanted-MSN?, MBA?, MPH?- I decided on the MPH. Careful research lead me to schools with excellent programs and the option of a joint degree...just in case I'm bored and want to really have no life.
When I moved to New York, I had a two year commitment. Hard to believe that it's been over a year, time sure does fly. As luck may have it, when the 2009 fall semester begins, my commitment will be fulfilled. It's not that I want to leave the bedside, who wouldn't want the glamour of bedpans and bodily fluids, but I'm frustrated with my job. I feel stifled. I show up to work, do my job, learn as much as possible, but then I think about my patients and the plights that brought us together. I'm sitting there, taking patient histories, speaking with the fire and police departments, ruminating over what could have been done differently. Was there access to healthcare? Was there a language barrier or a knowledge deficit? Did socioeconimic status play a part in the accidnet? Regarding a MPH degree, I hope to focus on injury prevention while working to not only expand health care but also increase the ease of accesibility. Sure it's easy to grant someone the right to health care, but what if they don't have a car to get to and from, or if they work 3 minimum jobs to make ends meet and can't take time off? These are all things that you and I take for granted.
So where am I applying?
Columbia, Harvard, Yale, and Emory. Columbia, Yale, and Emory all have the options for a MSN/MPH or MPH/MBA dual degree, and although Harvard only offers the latter....I figure it would be cool to at least say, "I got into Haaaaavaad." (Maybe my Boston accent will return?)
All of the schools have unique opportunities-
Columbia- uh, location? I won't have to move! Dual degree with a great nursing program, opportunity to work with a professor who currently has a NIH grant in exactly what I want to focus on.
Yale- a super unique MPH with a concentration in health management. 1/2 business classes, 1/2 MPH classes. It's like a 2 -for-1 degree! Plus, I'm still only an hour and a half ouside New York, and I'm also only an hour and half from my family in Boston.
Harvard- my hometown ad my family! Opportunity do do research with their prestigious Medical school. Plus, to quote one of Memegrl's friends, "Going to Harvard is like getting "SMART" tattooed on your forehead
Emory- warm climate! Slighty cheaper tuition than the above mentioned schools. Uh, best of all the CDC is like righ tin their backyard! And for someone getting a degree in public health, the CDC is not an amazing resource but also incredible opportunity for making conection. Plus, I'd be close(er) to SheStartedIt's family and I sure do miss them!
A recurring theme, if you hadn't already noticed, was the issue of location. Although living in New York is great-where else can you get a whopping 400 square feet for $1700 a month?!?!?!-I'm not sure if it's worth staying and foregoing a amazing education opportunity. Tons of my friends from college live here now, but many of them are either in schoool or going back to school, so everyone is living in limbo. LC, MD (2nd years) and LR (1st year) are currently in law school, EM is starting law school in the fall, but hasn't decided where yet. Three of my friends from work are in grad school at Columbia and only working part time, but aren't sure if they will stay here after graduation. I have a friend in Dental school at Columbia, one in medical school at NYU, and another one at NYU's nursing school. See how complicated this is? I know most of you are probably thinking, quit whining, but true to my Type A-ness, I want to plan everything out and have it go smoothly.
Late one night at work, my friend K gave me some great advice. He told me that although many of the schools don't require it, to reqeust a personal interview. That way, I can get a better sense of them and they will get a better sense of me. It's easy to forget someone on paper, but when you have face to put with all that paperwork....
This is just the beginning of my journey, and I'll be sure to keep you updated. Any suggestions, advice, comments are welcome.
*Look out people, some day you are going to see Nurse Kelly changing the face of healthcare.* Now there's a bombastic comment.
I've been very hush hush about this, but I figure it's time to let the cat out of the bag. I'm going back to school. Actually, currently, I'm applying to programs. I spent most of September and October prepping for the GRE-not fun, took the GRE today-temerity, pure temerity, and now I'm polishing my essays. It's a wee bit stressful, all of this waiting and prepping, but I'm excited for the future. After much debate about what degree I wanted-MSN?, MBA?, MPH?- I decided on the MPH. Careful research lead me to schools with excellent programs and the option of a joint degree...just in case I'm bored and want to really have no life.
When I moved to New York, I had a two year commitment. Hard to believe that it's been over a year, time sure does fly. As luck may have it, when the 2009 fall semester begins, my commitment will be fulfilled. It's not that I want to leave the bedside, who wouldn't want the glamour of bedpans and bodily fluids, but I'm frustrated with my job. I feel stifled. I show up to work, do my job, learn as much as possible, but then I think about my patients and the plights that brought us together. I'm sitting there, taking patient histories, speaking with the fire and police departments, ruminating over what could have been done differently. Was there access to healthcare? Was there a language barrier or a knowledge deficit? Did socioeconimic status play a part in the accidnet? Regarding a MPH degree, I hope to focus on injury prevention while working to not only expand health care but also increase the ease of accesibility. Sure it's easy to grant someone the right to health care, but what if they don't have a car to get to and from, or if they work 3 minimum jobs to make ends meet and can't take time off? These are all things that you and I take for granted.
So where am I applying?
Columbia, Harvard, Yale, and Emory. Columbia, Yale, and Emory all have the options for a MSN/MPH or MPH/MBA dual degree, and although Harvard only offers the latter....I figure it would be cool to at least say, "I got into Haaaaavaad." (Maybe my Boston accent will return?)
All of the schools have unique opportunities-
Columbia- uh, location? I won't have to move! Dual degree with a great nursing program, opportunity to work with a professor who currently has a NIH grant in exactly what I want to focus on.
Yale- a super unique MPH with a concentration in health management. 1/2 business classes, 1/2 MPH classes. It's like a 2 -for-1 degree! Plus, I'm still only an hour and a half ouside New York, and I'm also only an hour and half from my family in Boston.
Harvard- my hometown ad my family! Opportunity do do research with their prestigious Medical school. Plus, to quote one of Memegrl's friends, "Going to Harvard is like getting "SMART" tattooed on your forehead
Emory- warm climate! Slighty cheaper tuition than the above mentioned schools. Uh, best of all the CDC is like righ tin their backyard! And for someone getting a degree in public health, the CDC is not an amazing resource but also incredible opportunity for making conection. Plus, I'd be close(er) to SheStartedIt's family and I sure do miss them!
A recurring theme, if you hadn't already noticed, was the issue of location. Although living in New York is great-where else can you get a whopping 400 square feet for $1700 a month?!?!?!-I'm not sure if it's worth staying and foregoing a amazing education opportunity. Tons of my friends from college live here now, but many of them are either in schoool or going back to school, so everyone is living in limbo. LC, MD (2nd years) and LR (1st year) are currently in law school, EM is starting law school in the fall, but hasn't decided where yet. Three of my friends from work are in grad school at Columbia and only working part time, but aren't sure if they will stay here after graduation. I have a friend in Dental school at Columbia, one in medical school at NYU, and another one at NYU's nursing school. See how complicated this is? I know most of you are probably thinking, quit whining, but true to my Type A-ness, I want to plan everything out and have it go smoothly.
Late one night at work, my friend K gave me some great advice. He told me that although many of the schools don't require it, to reqeust a personal interview. That way, I can get a better sense of them and they will get a better sense of me. It's easy to forget someone on paper, but when you have face to put with all that paperwork....
This is just the beginning of my journey, and I'll be sure to keep you updated. Any suggestions, advice, comments are welcome.
*Look out people, some day you are going to see Nurse Kelly changing the face of healthcare.* Now there's a bombastic comment.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Things 1 through 13
A letter to my patients:
To all of you who managed to burn yourself, be it by tragedy or plain self stupidity, I'm giving your fair warning Nurse Kelly may not be her usual cheery self this weekend. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and I'm usually pretty OK with getting shafted and workingthe shitiest hours weekends, but this weekend is the one weekend that I wanted off. Not only are all of my sorority sisters venturing back to Philly for a ChiO reunion, it's Penn's homecoming football game, but also by some miracle of God, the Phillies won the world series this week and there is a huge victory parade tomorrow. It's torture that I'm stuck here in New York with all that fun stuff going on. Here's a quick run down of what I'm going to be missing, in chronological order, except for maybe a few additional stops at Allegros for 40's..
1. Phillies Victory Parade
2.ChiOmega reunion
3. Happy Hour at Mad4Mex
4. Halloween Party @ Bone's apartment
5. Drunken Spectacle at the Blarney Stone
6. 7 am Mimosas at SMOKES
7. CHiO Homecoming brunch
8. Keg stands, 40's, and bottles of Andre in "the lot" @ 4047 Spruce
9. Stumbling to Franklin Field to throw toast on the field at PENN's homecoming football game
10. Power nap before going out again with the girls
11. Allegros and/or Greek Lady at 2am
12. Waking up wondering why my feet are black then remembering that I spent most of the night singing, dancing, and playing
beirut and flip in the Pike basement
13. Eating brunch at Izzy and Zoes
Sigh....I guess there is always next year.
To all of you who managed to burn yourself, be it by tragedy or plain self stupidity, I'm giving your fair warning Nurse Kelly may not be her usual cheery self this weekend. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and I'm usually pretty OK with getting shafted and working
1. Phillies Victory Parade
2.ChiOmega reunion
3. Happy Hour at Mad4Mex
4. Halloween Party @ Bone's apartment
5. Drunken Spectacle at the Blarney Stone
6. 7 am Mimosas at SMOKES
7. CHiO Homecoming brunch
8. Keg stands, 40's, and bottles of Andre in "the lot" @ 4047 Spruce
9. Stumbling to Franklin Field to throw toast on the field at PENN's homecoming football game
10. Power nap before going out again with the girls
11. Allegros and/or Greek Lady at 2am
12. Waking up wondering why my feet are black then remembering that I spent most of the night singing, dancing, and playing
beirut and flip in the Pike basement
13. Eating brunch at Izzy and Zoes
Sigh....I guess there is always next year.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Take A Step Back
The following is a link to a blog- the blog of a fellow nurse, an alumna of my alma matter, a mother, and a victim to scleroderma. In one of her final blog entries, now published in the Washington Post, she captures something I've yet to put into words.
Diary of a Dying Mom
Please check it out.
Although I didn't personally know Michelle, her touching story and heartfelt words will forever linger in my heart. Both she and her family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Diary of a Dying Mom
Please check it out.
Although I didn't personally know Michelle, her touching story and heartfelt words will forever linger in my heart. Both she and her family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
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