The nice side to being sick...snuggling with the other sick person in the house. It totally stinks that the bf and I are both sick, but on the bright side, we snuggle more. On the down side, we're both drugged up when we go to sleep and end up hitting one another. On Monday night I almost elbowed the bf...last night, the bf hit me on top of the head and lightly punched my face. But we were still snuggly when we went to bed, and being silly (again due to the cold meds). He's such a sweetheart though.
Good mixture (in small dosages)
-Neti pot - morning & night
-Allergies meds (with pseduoepenephrine) - morning
-Allergies meds (nose spray) - morning
- Small peppermint schnapps with whiskey/bourbon - evening
- NyQuil - night
I don't know why, but I felt a bit better before feeling worse again. This morning I felt great when I woke up and lying down...then things got moved around and I needed to start the meds over again. Doubt that I'll have the schnapps tonight, but a small one of those does help clean out the sinuses!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Stockings/Pantyhose
Ok, I'm a girl, and I understand that I need to wear stockings/pantyhose. It's a fall day outside, I decided to wear a skirt and put on my stockings. These have been washed once before so I've worn them once before.
For me, I'm lucky to get more than one use out of my pantyhose, and I don't understand why. I mean, I don't know how to wear them I guess since I always get runs in them.
Today, it's 10:30 am, these have been on me for 3 hours, and now they have a hole & a run in them. How? I moved too quickly in my chair and I felt the rip.
How is a person supposed to wear these things? And at $4 a pop, are they really supposed to be this disposable? This is why I buy the $4 ones and not that $20 because I'm only going to get one good use out of them!
How do women do it? I mean, I remember this girl in high school would wear stockings everyday, and she NEVER had a run. Was I not taken into the secret classroom that explained the proper way of getting pantyhose to stay on with ripping?
So pantyhose today with me = fail
For me, I'm lucky to get more than one use out of my pantyhose, and I don't understand why. I mean, I don't know how to wear them I guess since I always get runs in them.
Today, it's 10:30 am, these have been on me for 3 hours, and now they have a hole & a run in them. How? I moved too quickly in my chair and I felt the rip.
How is a person supposed to wear these things? And at $4 a pop, are they really supposed to be this disposable? This is why I buy the $4 ones and not that $20 because I'm only going to get one good use out of them!
How do women do it? I mean, I remember this girl in high school would wear stockings everyday, and she NEVER had a run. Was I not taken into the secret classroom that explained the proper way of getting pantyhose to stay on with ripping?
So pantyhose today with me = fail
Monday, September 28, 2009
First fall feeling day
There were some strong storms last night in Chicago, bringing a cold front with it. I woke up, reluctantly, this morning and felt the cool air. We had left the windows open a crack so that we clean the "sick air" out of the apartment.
I did my yoga this morning and enjoyed the cool breeze that was coming in.
Though it was a bit windy (and will be all day) and a bit cool, it was quite refreshing. I don't like the cold, but I do enjoy the cool fall weather...of course coming into work and hearing people complain about it doesn't help my enjoyment, but I'm trying to realize that people complain about everything...so no reason to have them ruin my enjoyment!
I did my yoga this morning and enjoyed the cool breeze that was coming in.
Though it was a bit windy (and will be all day) and a bit cool, it was quite refreshing. I don't like the cold, but I do enjoy the cool fall weather...of course coming into work and hearing people complain about it doesn't help my enjoyment, but I'm trying to realize that people complain about everything...so no reason to have them ruin my enjoyment!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Lazy Sunday?
I thought I was going to have a nice lazy Sunday today...instead I had a fun filled Sunday! I woke up early, well for a day I planned on sleeping in I woke up around 8. I checked on the bf (who was sick last night) and took the dog for a walk. I was all ready to go for a ride (something that doesn't happen very often since I was hit in April) and my back tire has a flat. So I make some breakfast, drive to do my errands (including getting a new tube and new patch kit) come home and fix the tire.
The accomplishment of fixing a flat was huge. I was missing my flat tire tool (which allows me to take the tire off of the wheel easily) so I used a flat head screw driver and a beer opener (my tigger one to be exact). I was frustrated at first, but I did it...changed it all by myself! So very proud of myself for that.
After fixing the tire, I needed to go for a ride...even if it was later than I planned. I am trying to build up the courage to bike commute again so I decided to ride down to work. Sunday's the traffic in the loop is not bad, my thought process is to desensitize myself to riding in the loop with little to no traffic, then build up to riding to work that way. Rode to work and wanted to ride more, so over to the lakefront. It was about 70 degrees, a light breeze, blue sky & sunshine. TONS of sailboats out, lots of people out enjoying the day, I was glad to be one of them. Rode around the museum campus (including this awesome new underpass!) and then back up on the lakefront trail.
Riding in River North & Streeterville on a Sunday afternoon is not a calm experience, so I was able to get some stressful riding in today as well, but nothing too bad.
12 miles all-in-all, not a huge distance, but the furthest I've gone by myself since April. When I returned home, I wanted to keep working out, so I did some weight training...now I plan to do some homework.
Funny, I have very little time for myself, and I thought I'd use it to relax more...but I love to ride and run and things so I can't really be surprised (I did run 3.4 miles last night too!)
OK, Bears are on, (Giants already won!)
The accomplishment of fixing a flat was huge. I was missing my flat tire tool (which allows me to take the tire off of the wheel easily) so I used a flat head screw driver and a beer opener (my tigger one to be exact). I was frustrated at first, but I did it...changed it all by myself! So very proud of myself for that.
After fixing the tire, I needed to go for a ride...even if it was later than I planned. I am trying to build up the courage to bike commute again so I decided to ride down to work. Sunday's the traffic in the loop is not bad, my thought process is to desensitize myself to riding in the loop with little to no traffic, then build up to riding to work that way. Rode to work and wanted to ride more, so over to the lakefront. It was about 70 degrees, a light breeze, blue sky & sunshine. TONS of sailboats out, lots of people out enjoying the day, I was glad to be one of them. Rode around the museum campus (including this awesome new underpass!) and then back up on the lakefront trail.
Riding in River North & Streeterville on a Sunday afternoon is not a calm experience, so I was able to get some stressful riding in today as well, but nothing too bad.
12 miles all-in-all, not a huge distance, but the furthest I've gone by myself since April. When I returned home, I wanted to keep working out, so I did some weight training...now I plan to do some homework.
Funny, I have very little time for myself, and I thought I'd use it to relax more...but I love to ride and run and things so I can't really be surprised (I did run 3.4 miles last night too!)
OK, Bears are on, (Giants already won!)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Fall memories
Each year I become homesick. I'm homesick for my childhood home...well not exactly. I miss Vermont at this time of year. I was lucky enough to go to Vermont in September last year, but was unable to this year. I hope that in 2010 I'll be able to, but that all depends on if I run away to Europe after graduating grad school.
Vermont is a very special place, especially in the fall. One morning you wake up and the color is green, the next morning you start to notice a change, a few mornings later and the entire color wheel is all around you. I remember watching the mountains, the colors change in different layers. I miss the yummy smells and fresh apples that you just go and pick. I miss pumpkin picking (though I will do that next month in the suburbs of Chicago, Long Grove is a nice town that reminds me of home). I miss the cool mornings & evenings, with a nice temperature during the day. I miss frolicking around in the fall.
Hopefully I can go for a hike soon...but I'll wait until I hear about color's changing in the burbs :)
Vermont is a very special place, especially in the fall. One morning you wake up and the color is green, the next morning you start to notice a change, a few mornings later and the entire color wheel is all around you. I remember watching the mountains, the colors change in different layers. I miss the yummy smells and fresh apples that you just go and pick. I miss pumpkin picking (though I will do that next month in the suburbs of Chicago, Long Grove is a nice town that reminds me of home). I miss the cool mornings & evenings, with a nice temperature during the day. I miss frolicking around in the fall.
Hopefully I can go for a hike soon...but I'll wait until I hear about color's changing in the burbs :)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Just dive right in
So I am on my semi-annual diet spree...I typically start really watching what I eat and up my exercise right before the holiday's and then again right after. Sometimes I add a third before summer if I don't maintain the post holiday spree...but usually that one is just an huge increase in working out due to nice weather.
After getting sick last week and having a bit left over this week, I opted to still try for it. Plus I haven't really smoked much since I got sick. Yes over the weekend, while drinking, I smoked, but that was it...I haven't had a cigarette since Sunday night and it's Thursday night, no desire either...well at my shitty work day I did want one, but not to the point of actually really wanting one.
Anyway...I've done really well with keeping track of everything I've eaten this week (sparkpeople.com makes that easy). I've also done a great job at working out this week (Tuesday ran & abs, Wednesday yoga in the morning, Jillian Michaels 30 day shred in the evening, Thursday Yoga/Bellydance in the morning, ran in the evening, tomorrow yoga or the yoga/bellydance thing again). I was lucky because class ended up cancelled this week and tonight my internship is homebased (no one will be at the hospital) so I have some stuff to do here...that's allowed me to workout more.
I just get proud of myself for the little things...sticking with a routine for a week and not smoking and eating right...it all makes me feel pretty damn good. So tonight, we're indulging and getting Pockets for dinner!
Working out really does help with my stress level...this whole full time job with an internship and school doesn't leave much time for working out, but I must find the time...I'm a much happier person this way. Oh and the eating right thing helps too :)
After getting sick last week and having a bit left over this week, I opted to still try for it. Plus I haven't really smoked much since I got sick. Yes over the weekend, while drinking, I smoked, but that was it...I haven't had a cigarette since Sunday night and it's Thursday night, no desire either...well at my shitty work day I did want one, but not to the point of actually really wanting one.
Anyway...I've done really well with keeping track of everything I've eaten this week (sparkpeople.com makes that easy). I've also done a great job at working out this week (Tuesday ran & abs, Wednesday yoga in the morning, Jillian Michaels 30 day shred in the evening, Thursday Yoga/Bellydance in the morning, ran in the evening, tomorrow yoga or the yoga/bellydance thing again). I was lucky because class ended up cancelled this week and tonight my internship is homebased (no one will be at the hospital) so I have some stuff to do here...that's allowed me to workout more.
I just get proud of myself for the little things...sticking with a routine for a week and not smoking and eating right...it all makes me feel pretty damn good. So tonight, we're indulging and getting Pockets for dinner!
Working out really does help with my stress level...this whole full time job with an internship and school doesn't leave much time for working out, but I must find the time...I'm a much happier person this way. Oh and the eating right thing helps too :)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Rules of morning commuting
Rule number one - in order to not feel totally squished, one must arrive on the train a good 10 minutes before or after the hour or half hour. 7:50, room on the el, 8:00, SQUEEZE in, 8:10, room on the el.
Rule number two - if a seat becomes available and you do not want to use it, be sure to ask those around you so more room is available to stand.
Rule number three - whenever possible, get off the train to let others off and then get back on as quickly as possible as new people will try to steal your place on the train.
Rule number four - at the mass exit stops (Clark & Lake for example) stay off the train at least 15 seconds to let people off, don't try to get back on while hundreds of people are getting off of the train.
Rule number five - if you can't deal with people potentially touching you or your bag while on the morning commute, find a different time to take the train.
This morning I had a woman next to me all pissed off that her personal space was being invaded. Actually, the more that I think about it, a few women were that way. One woman who got on before me was trying to keep a good square foot of space around her. It's the blueline, you're 3 stops from downtown, you need to squeeze in.
Oh and one more rule...
Rule number six - it's allergy, cold & flu season, if you hear someone cough and they are covering their mouth, please do not give them a dirty look! I'm guessing they feel bad enough already.
Rule number two - if a seat becomes available and you do not want to use it, be sure to ask those around you so more room is available to stand.
Rule number three - whenever possible, get off the train to let others off and then get back on as quickly as possible as new people will try to steal your place on the train.
Rule number four - at the mass exit stops (Clark & Lake for example) stay off the train at least 15 seconds to let people off, don't try to get back on while hundreds of people are getting off of the train.
Rule number five - if you can't deal with people potentially touching you or your bag while on the morning commute, find a different time to take the train.
This morning I had a woman next to me all pissed off that her personal space was being invaded. Actually, the more that I think about it, a few women were that way. One woman who got on before me was trying to keep a good square foot of space around her. It's the blueline, you're 3 stops from downtown, you need to squeeze in.
Oh and one more rule...
Rule number six - it's allergy, cold & flu season, if you hear someone cough and they are covering their mouth, please do not give them a dirty look! I'm guessing they feel bad enough already.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Blessed Solstice
It's autumn!
Oh yes, my allergies have arrived.
But it's autumn! That means baking, and stew, and coffee, and tea, and color, and crisp breezes, and fond memories, and apple cider donuts, and apple cider, and pumpkins...and me being home sick for Vermont.
We do get some color changes in Illinois...maybe JW and I can run down to Starved Rock on a Sunday and hike :) Or up to Wisconsin to do some trails...I bet we could. I miss hiking in the fall...only problem is I would need to go hiking on a Sunday, and that's football...anyone else care to join me for a fall day hike on a Sunday? I have a race next Sunday but another one in October would be peachy :)
Oh yes, my allergies have arrived.
But it's autumn! That means baking, and stew, and coffee, and tea, and color, and crisp breezes, and fond memories, and apple cider donuts, and apple cider, and pumpkins...and me being home sick for Vermont.
We do get some color changes in Illinois...maybe JW and I can run down to Starved Rock on a Sunday and hike :) Or up to Wisconsin to do some trails...I bet we could. I miss hiking in the fall...only problem is I would need to go hiking on a Sunday, and that's football...anyone else care to join me for a fall day hike on a Sunday? I have a race next Sunday but another one in October would be peachy :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Suckage
Colds, suck, they just suck.
Allergies, they suck too.
Colds & Allergies together, omg it SUCKS.
Very observant of me, I am aware.
In regards to other observations...I went to Oyster Fest this weekend. The problem was the lack of oysters. Yes there were lots of pearls for sale (Oysters make/grow inside of them pearls for those of you younger than 2nd grade reading my blog). We walked almost the entire way through the fest before spotting any oysters...and was there variety? Nope.
The only oysters available to be consumed were Italian baked oysters...6 for $20, 12 for $30. That's right kids, totally stupid right? I had expected to see oysters on the half shell, maybe Oysters Rockefeller, Oyster stew, Oyster chowder, something...but just 6 for $20 and it didn't look like there was a lot of oysters in there.
Oh well...we stayed, had a few beers, and enjoyed Soul Asylum playing (yes, it's 2009 and I loved them in 1993-1995, but still, Soul Asylum!). But no oysters :(
Allergies, they suck too.
Colds & Allergies together, omg it SUCKS.
Very observant of me, I am aware.
In regards to other observations...I went to Oyster Fest this weekend. The problem was the lack of oysters. Yes there were lots of pearls for sale (Oysters make/grow inside of them pearls for those of you younger than 2nd grade reading my blog). We walked almost the entire way through the fest before spotting any oysters...and was there variety? Nope.
The only oysters available to be consumed were Italian baked oysters...6 for $20, 12 for $30. That's right kids, totally stupid right? I had expected to see oysters on the half shell, maybe Oysters Rockefeller, Oyster stew, Oyster chowder, something...but just 6 for $20 and it didn't look like there was a lot of oysters in there.
Oh well...we stayed, had a few beers, and enjoyed Soul Asylum playing (yes, it's 2009 and I loved them in 1993-1995, but still, Soul Asylum!). But no oysters :(
Friday, September 18, 2009
Random meetings & internship observations
On my way to my internship last night, I ran into an old friend (Hi Dave!) and found out he's reading my blog (huzzah) as his way of keeping in touch. It doesn't surprise me that I would randomly run into him on the train platform of a train line I no longer live on...that's just the way Chicago is but especially how Dave & I are.
We met via a runners blog years ago...we both were going to run a race and decided to try and find each other, which happened way too easily. We became virtual & real life friends which was made cool. I helped him find a neighborhood in the city he and his girlfriend would like...and even found him a job at my old company (when we had our rockin' awesome boss!) We always seemed to run into each other in random places, so seeing him at the Belmont stop was nothing out of the ordinary. It was great seeing you Dave!
So headed to the internship we had a short visit to an open house and then returned to the hospital. This open house was much nicer than last weeks since it was not for the psych population. My observation here is that it's really sad how the psych population has to live and is almost forgotten about. The amount of money available to individuals who are in rehab due to stroke, injury (hip replacement or knee replacement) and need a place to stay and have treatment is insane. This place we went to was beautiful, state of the art facility, nice large rooms for patients, and staff that knew their art. There were beautiful paintings on the walls, flat screen TVs in every room, just very nice. The psych open house last week was quite different. Funding comes and goes, there can't be nice things on the wall (individuals in a psychotic aggressive rage could too easily take it down and use it as a weapon). The problem to me is that there is no attempt to make it look nicer. I understand that the psych population is forgotten about, put them in a home and let "them" deal with it. I don't understand why we can't create a nicer environment though. Why have the walls be so bare? Put up art therapy pictures or something. Why are the walls all so white? Add some calming colors.
I don't know, I just feel as though the psych population is either forgotten about or people just do not want to deal with them...but they are people too, they just need some extra time and care.
We met via a runners blog years ago...we both were going to run a race and decided to try and find each other, which happened way too easily. We became virtual & real life friends which was made cool. I helped him find a neighborhood in the city he and his girlfriend would like...and even found him a job at my old company (when we had our rockin' awesome boss!) We always seemed to run into each other in random places, so seeing him at the Belmont stop was nothing out of the ordinary. It was great seeing you Dave!
So headed to the internship we had a short visit to an open house and then returned to the hospital. This open house was much nicer than last weeks since it was not for the psych population. My observation here is that it's really sad how the psych population has to live and is almost forgotten about. The amount of money available to individuals who are in rehab due to stroke, injury (hip replacement or knee replacement) and need a place to stay and have treatment is insane. This place we went to was beautiful, state of the art facility, nice large rooms for patients, and staff that knew their art. There were beautiful paintings on the walls, flat screen TVs in every room, just very nice. The psych open house last week was quite different. Funding comes and goes, there can't be nice things on the wall (individuals in a psychotic aggressive rage could too easily take it down and use it as a weapon). The problem to me is that there is no attempt to make it look nicer. I understand that the psych population is forgotten about, put them in a home and let "them" deal with it. I don't understand why we can't create a nicer environment though. Why have the walls be so bare? Put up art therapy pictures or something. Why are the walls all so white? Add some calming colors.
I don't know, I just feel as though the psych population is either forgotten about or people just do not want to deal with them...but they are people too, they just need some extra time and care.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Ick, sick
I hate getting sick. Once I am sick it's not much better, but it's the getting that I really hate. For example, I am getting sick right now. Yesterday I woke up and did not feel 100% but I felt well enough to put in the 18 hour day I had ahead of me (ok maybe it was 16 hours, but still). By the time I got home last night I was getting the chills. I know that when I get the chills I really should stay home and sleep so that it doesn't get any worse.
This morning, the alarm goes off at 6:17 so I can go for a run...except I don't hear the alarm until 7:17 or so. I suppose I needed the sleep but still, not good. In the shower I have a hard time breathing, another not good sign, but I don't feel very stuffy. As I sit here writing this though, I think I should have stayed home today.
Current symptoms
Eyes hurt
Chest pain
Body Aches
Chills
Slight headache
No appetite
I suppose that is enough to stay home with...oh well...I'll tough it out until my eye doctor appointment and if I still don't feel better, I'll go home. The no appetite thing always worries me. I brought fruit with me to work and have been nibbling on that and drinking tea...but my yogurt and granola that I was going to eat with the fruit, ick. And really it was only the 15 grapes that I ate that I wanted, everything else is making my tummy turn.
Crap, I really am sick. F.
This morning, the alarm goes off at 6:17 so I can go for a run...except I don't hear the alarm until 7:17 or so. I suppose I needed the sleep but still, not good. In the shower I have a hard time breathing, another not good sign, but I don't feel very stuffy. As I sit here writing this though, I think I should have stayed home today.
Current symptoms
Eyes hurt
Chest pain
Body Aches
Chills
Slight headache
No appetite
I suppose that is enough to stay home with...oh well...I'll tough it out until my eye doctor appointment and if I still don't feel better, I'll go home. The no appetite thing always worries me. I brought fruit with me to work and have been nibbling on that and drinking tea...but my yogurt and granola that I was going to eat with the fruit, ick. And really it was only the 15 grapes that I ate that I wanted, everything else is making my tummy turn.
Crap, I really am sick. F.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wedding weekend spectaular
This was a long weekend...and quite fun though busy. Friday I took the day off for a ladies day for my friend Rani. Her wedding was Saturday (13th) so on Friday I met up with her, the other attendant (Dee) and the brides Mom (Mum). We had on these t-shirts that showed we were all in a wedding together, and we had lots of people paying attention to us because of it. It was fun to see Rani getting this attention, though when people kept telling her congratulations she didn't always know what to say. So after a nice light lunch, we went to get our nails done. We had fun, we really did, lots of chatting and planning, and relaxing too. After nails off to get some chocolate and then relax with some tea. We headed up to the bride's apartment for the rehearsal and I was able to meet her family. We went over as much as we could for the next day, and I'm really glad that we did.
Observation - it is best to go over all the big and little things the day beforehand. The actual day of the wedding goes much smoother when your wedding party knows your expectations.
After going over everything we headed to dinner and that was very lovely as well. Then home!
Saturday I went and get my hair done for the wedding. One of my gifts to the bride was to dye my hair. She likes me better as a brunette, and so I went brunette for her.
After my hair was done, I met up with Dee and Rani at Rani's salon. She was really, really relaxed.
Observation - a relaxed bride who gives herself extra time, really freaking cool.
After hair and makeup was done, we went to Wolfy's for a hotdog. That was fun. Rani ended up getting a free T-shirt and bottled water since she came in half ready for her wedding. It really was hillarious and delicious.
Observation - food is good, water is good, free shit is good
Then it was 2pm, and photos were being done at 3...and no one was dressed and the two attendents didn't have their makeup done. That was a big hectic, but we managed to get everything done and the bride dressed by 3:15.
Observation - remember that it takes the attendents/bridesmaids some time to get ready too!
Photos went ok, though I felt that the main photographer (a friend of the bride & groom) had no idea what she was doing. Whatever, things were taken care of and I'm sure they will be happy.
Observation - speak up and tell the photographer to do what you want them to do and not just be oh, ok, I guess. Especially when you love taking photographs!
Next was getting everyone over to the venue. I really think that this was one of the areas we could have better prepared and I understand now why limo's are used so frequently for weddings, it's just easier not to have to worry about it.
At the venue, things were not all 100% like they should have been, but because we had reviewed what the bride and groom wanted the night before, everything was easily fixed...except the one guest that I didn't want to deal with was her normal self. Oh well, only pissed me off two or three times at the wedding.
Lots and lots of dancing, good food (canolli cake), and a good time.
Observation - if you pick the music you like, people will dance. If you pick the food you like, people will eat. If you have an open bar, everyone is happy.
Observation - it is best to go over all the big and little things the day beforehand. The actual day of the wedding goes much smoother when your wedding party knows your expectations.
After going over everything we headed to dinner and that was very lovely as well. Then home!
Saturday I went and get my hair done for the wedding. One of my gifts to the bride was to dye my hair. She likes me better as a brunette, and so I went brunette for her.
After my hair was done, I met up with Dee and Rani at Rani's salon. She was really, really relaxed.
Observation - a relaxed bride who gives herself extra time, really freaking cool.
After hair and makeup was done, we went to Wolfy's for a hotdog. That was fun. Rani ended up getting a free T-shirt and bottled water since she came in half ready for her wedding. It really was hillarious and delicious.
Observation - food is good, water is good, free shit is good
Then it was 2pm, and photos were being done at 3...and no one was dressed and the two attendents didn't have their makeup done. That was a big hectic, but we managed to get everything done and the bride dressed by 3:15.
Observation - remember that it takes the attendents/bridesmaids some time to get ready too!
Photos went ok, though I felt that the main photographer (a friend of the bride & groom) had no idea what she was doing. Whatever, things were taken care of and I'm sure they will be happy.
Observation - speak up and tell the photographer to do what you want them to do and not just be oh, ok, I guess. Especially when you love taking photographs!
Next was getting everyone over to the venue. I really think that this was one of the areas we could have better prepared and I understand now why limo's are used so frequently for weddings, it's just easier not to have to worry about it.
At the venue, things were not all 100% like they should have been, but because we had reviewed what the bride and groom wanted the night before, everything was easily fixed...except the one guest that I didn't want to deal with was her normal self. Oh well, only pissed me off two or three times at the wedding.
Lots and lots of dancing, good food (canolli cake), and a good time.
Observation - if you pick the music you like, people will dance. If you pick the food you like, people will eat. If you have an open bar, everyone is happy.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Stupid allergies
I do not understand allergies, nor do I understand why they last so long, not do I understand how each year they get worse, nor do I understand how a fever can come with allergies making me think I don' t have allergies I have something else, but the fever seems to go away in the late morning which makes me think I'm over-reacting to things and look it's the biggest run-on sentence you've ever seen which just makes me laugh, though I'm sure it's hard to read.
It's Wednesday, 090909, I have a friend doing the paperwork to be married today, though the wedding is the 12th which is when they will celebrate their anniversary, though taxation wise they start today. Funny thing.
Also, I am in a terrible spaztic mood and I cannot seem to control it. I'm in 50 directions, cannot enjoy where I am currently at so I am looking forward into the future way too far. The adorkable one told me to wait to think about that until I have double digits left of the internship (still in the 680+ hours to go range). He's so smart :)
It's Wednesday, 090909, I have a friend doing the paperwork to be married today, though the wedding is the 12th which is when they will celebrate their anniversary, though taxation wise they start today. Funny thing.
Also, I am in a terrible spaztic mood and I cannot seem to control it. I'm in 50 directions, cannot enjoy where I am currently at so I am looking forward into the future way too far. The adorkable one told me to wait to think about that until I have double digits left of the internship (still in the 680+ hours to go range). He's so smart :)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Day after holiday's
Sometimes I wonder if three day weekends really help or hurt productivity. I mean for me this morning, I woke up feeling sick. I'm starting to feel better, but I really felt ill this morning. I wanted to go for a run, but was worried I'd get sick...so instead I plan to run home from work tonight.
I wasn't alone, other people called out sick today (which at my previous company you could not do, interesting). Other people just look tired and like they might get ill. Maybe they partied too much and didn't relax...maybe they just got exposed to sick kids, I dunno.
I do find it funny that I had to go clothes shopping yesterday because it's the first day of school for the city kids, and I love back to school shopping. I bought 2 pants, a sweater and a jacket...plus a new pair of shoes. I'm cute, I know.
I am happy that I am only working 3 days this week, but tonight is my only early night. Tomorrow I have school after work and Thursday is internship. Friday I should be able to either sleep in or do laundry, which will be needed for the wedding on Saturday.
Ok, focusing on work now.
I wasn't alone, other people called out sick today (which at my previous company you could not do, interesting). Other people just look tired and like they might get ill. Maybe they partied too much and didn't relax...maybe they just got exposed to sick kids, I dunno.
I do find it funny that I had to go clothes shopping yesterday because it's the first day of school for the city kids, and I love back to school shopping. I bought 2 pants, a sweater and a jacket...plus a new pair of shoes. I'm cute, I know.
I am happy that I am only working 3 days this week, but tonight is my only early night. Tomorrow I have school after work and Thursday is internship. Friday I should be able to either sleep in or do laundry, which will be needed for the wedding on Saturday.
Ok, focusing on work now.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Planning a party for someone else
I've planned lots of parties, and I'm usually happy with the results. This party was different, this was a bachelorette party for my friend. A while back I had asked her what she wanted...then asked her for her dream party. I tried doing a combo of the two.
Plan
Adult "tea"
Mixed with a small bridal shower
Bride's place 6-8:45
Meeting up with the bachelor party at 9
Actual
Close to an adult "tea"
Presents that resembled a naughty shower
Bride's place 7-9
Met up with the bachelor party at 9:15
It went well, a few small things here and there that bothered me but went ok. The bride seemed happy, and that's what matters to me most.
Menu
I went on a cheese & sausage tasting spree last weekend (since those were two things the bride wanted).
CHEESE
Vermont extra sharp cheddar (Cabot Hunter's, my fav)
Vermont raw milk cheddar (Grafton)
British aged cheddar (don't recall the name)
California goat cheddar (delicious)
Italian swiss (again can't remember the name)
SAUSAGE
Elk summer sausage (thanks to Sean for bringing this back from Montana!)
Italian soprasata (I can't spell)
Californian salt cured sausage
Italian hot dry sausage
CRACKERS
Rice crackers (for the vegan)
Pumpkin seed cheddar crackers (Doctor Cracker)
Wheat crackers
Water crackers
French bread
VEGGIES
Orange Pepper
Cucumber
Carrots
Celery
DIPS
Hummus
Onion dip
Home made bruschetta
OTHER HOME MADE STUFF
Crostini with bruschetta
Mac and cheese bites (OMG yum)
Cupcakes with vanilla frosting
Cupcakes with chocolate frosting
Brownies
2 Boob Cakes (for the joint party)
"Rum" punch (Mailbu, Absolute, Tequilla, Triple Sec, Pineapple Soda, OJ, maraschino cherry juice)
Yup, I prepped after I did my internship, plus decorated the brides house. Luckily I had made the sweets the night before (and the mac and cheese, just needed to turn them into bites). I did not ice the cupcakes, thankfully Beth & Nancy arrived and iced those for me. For 8 ladies, we ate most of what I had put out on the table. I made sure there were also some nuts for the Vegan guest...she seemed ok about it, but I did warn her about the food I swear!
I had asked the ladies to bring Hard Cider for the bride, she has quite a bit left over and she seemed pleased about that. We chatted it up, the bride opened presents and showed them all, then we jumped in a car and a cab and headed to Delilah's to meet up with the boys.
I love Delilah's and had never gone up to the party room before. Now I love it more. It's AWESOME up there, it's perfect for a small party. I had a shot of whiskey right away then enjoyed some beer the rest of the night. We took some pictures, played some games, and just had a nice couple of hours there. The bride and groom left and headed over to NEO while I stayed at Delilah's for a bit.
There were two things that upset me.
1 - the person who said they were going to drive from the bride's place to Delilah's (when I ordered a cab) changed her mind about driving to Delilah's and decided to go home...but never told me so I never ordered a second cab. It worked out ok because someone else was debating about driving, so it worked out.
2 - I had spent a lot of time perfecting the boob cake. I had made 3 in total and brought 2 of them to the party. They were destroyed by the groom. He did apologize to me in the morning, but I was still quite upset about it. Yes, I made the cake for he and the bride (per the bride's request). But I was a bit hurt when I saw boob cake number one on the floor and boob cake number two all over the groom's hands...especially when the bride was trying to feed some to her groom. He told me he thought it was a novelty cake and he could do what he wanted with it. I'm mostly over it.
Considering the variety of people we had at this party, I think it went really well. Plus, the bride was happy...that's what matters most.
This week I have only one more day of internship, a full day with the bride on Friday, and then Saturday is the wedding (so two full days). Sunday starts football, so I hope to be doing NOTHING.
After that party, we did go the next day to Taste of Polonia, one of my favorite fests...we didn't stay long which was sad, but we had some good beer, food and liquour plus listed to a great Cover Band sing in Polish.
Lots of fun things to observe at the fest, but for now I'm going to go and relax a bit more before heading into work in the morning
Plan
Adult "tea"
Mixed with a small bridal shower
Bride's place 6-8:45
Meeting up with the bachelor party at 9
Actual
Close to an adult "tea"
Presents that resembled a naughty shower
Bride's place 7-9
Met up with the bachelor party at 9:15
It went well, a few small things here and there that bothered me but went ok. The bride seemed happy, and that's what matters to me most.
Menu
I went on a cheese & sausage tasting spree last weekend (since those were two things the bride wanted).
CHEESE
Vermont extra sharp cheddar (Cabot Hunter's, my fav)
Vermont raw milk cheddar (Grafton)
British aged cheddar (don't recall the name)
California goat cheddar (delicious)
Italian swiss (again can't remember the name)
SAUSAGE
Elk summer sausage (thanks to Sean for bringing this back from Montana!)
Italian soprasata (I can't spell)
Californian salt cured sausage
Italian hot dry sausage
CRACKERS
Rice crackers (for the vegan)
Pumpkin seed cheddar crackers (Doctor Cracker)
Wheat crackers
Water crackers
French bread
VEGGIES
Orange Pepper
Cucumber
Carrots
Celery
DIPS
Hummus
Onion dip
Home made bruschetta
OTHER HOME MADE STUFF
Crostini with bruschetta
Mac and cheese bites (OMG yum)
Cupcakes with vanilla frosting
Cupcakes with chocolate frosting
Brownies
2 Boob Cakes (for the joint party)
"Rum" punch (Mailbu, Absolute, Tequilla, Triple Sec, Pineapple Soda, OJ, maraschino cherry juice)
Yup, I prepped after I did my internship, plus decorated the brides house. Luckily I had made the sweets the night before (and the mac and cheese, just needed to turn them into bites). I did not ice the cupcakes, thankfully Beth & Nancy arrived and iced those for me. For 8 ladies, we ate most of what I had put out on the table. I made sure there were also some nuts for the Vegan guest...she seemed ok about it, but I did warn her about the food I swear!
I had asked the ladies to bring Hard Cider for the bride, she has quite a bit left over and she seemed pleased about that. We chatted it up, the bride opened presents and showed them all, then we jumped in a car and a cab and headed to Delilah's to meet up with the boys.
I love Delilah's and had never gone up to the party room before. Now I love it more. It's AWESOME up there, it's perfect for a small party. I had a shot of whiskey right away then enjoyed some beer the rest of the night. We took some pictures, played some games, and just had a nice couple of hours there. The bride and groom left and headed over to NEO while I stayed at Delilah's for a bit.
There were two things that upset me.
1 - the person who said they were going to drive from the bride's place to Delilah's (when I ordered a cab) changed her mind about driving to Delilah's and decided to go home...but never told me so I never ordered a second cab. It worked out ok because someone else was debating about driving, so it worked out.
2 - I had spent a lot of time perfecting the boob cake. I had made 3 in total and brought 2 of them to the party. They were destroyed by the groom. He did apologize to me in the morning, but I was still quite upset about it. Yes, I made the cake for he and the bride (per the bride's request). But I was a bit hurt when I saw boob cake number one on the floor and boob cake number two all over the groom's hands...especially when the bride was trying to feed some to her groom. He told me he thought it was a novelty cake and he could do what he wanted with it. I'm mostly over it.
Considering the variety of people we had at this party, I think it went really well. Plus, the bride was happy...that's what matters most.
This week I have only one more day of internship, a full day with the bride on Friday, and then Saturday is the wedding (so two full days). Sunday starts football, so I hope to be doing NOTHING.
After that party, we did go the next day to Taste of Polonia, one of my favorite fests...we didn't stay long which was sad, but we had some good beer, food and liquour plus listed to a great Cover Band sing in Polish.
Lots of fun things to observe at the fest, but for now I'm going to go and relax a bit more before heading into work in the morning
Friday, September 4, 2009
What a difference a day makes
I swear this will not turn into a constantly talking about my internship blog. I just had a great night last night and I think things are going to go lots better than I originally was thinking.
Back to the reason for this blog, observation. On the way to the el this morning we passed by some construction and what did we find?
So we of course starting singing a "Danger Hole" theme song. Perhaps we can start a TV show based on Danger Hole going out and saving the world by creating holes to stop criminals by making them fall into a black hole or something. I don' t know. For some reason though, this is one of the highlights of my day. So LOOK OUT! here comes the Danger Hole
Back to the reason for this blog, observation. On the way to the el this morning we passed by some construction and what did we find?
So we of course starting singing a "Danger Hole" theme song. Perhaps we can start a TV show based on Danger Hole going out and saving the world by creating holes to stop criminals by making them fall into a black hole or something. I don' t know. For some reason though, this is one of the highlights of my day. So LOOK OUT! here comes the Danger Hole
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Truth behind my stress
I tend to think of myself as an optimist, except at the beginning of a challenge. I enjoy taking on challenges, but sometimes it becomes too much.
Starting graduate school in August/September 2007, August 2010 didn't seem that far away and the courseload seemed doable. In November, 2008 I discovered there isn't much assistance for the practicum & internship that I would need to find and complete. The site I am interning at really is a great opportunity for me, but I worry if it was the best choice.
I had my first night at the site on Tuesday and my first night of class last night. It all sort of hit me hard last night.
700 hours
I need 700 hours in order to graduate, and I need to complete these 700 hours before August 2010. So let's just say I have a full 11 months for this task, that is 48 weeks. That's 14.58 hours per week. In class last night my advisor suggested working 7 hours a week and building up to 10 since the requirement for the first semester is 100 hours.
That's right kids, my school recommends 100 hours for the first 16 weeks and then 600 hours for the next 28 weeks (provided you only intern while school is in session). So lets say I follow the 100 and 600 rule, that means the winter/spring & summer sessions I'd be putting in 21.4 hours a week? HELL to the NO.
After the first two weeks, I'm just going to work 14 hours a week and not take a break until I'm done (with the possible exception of Christmas). Worst case is, next summer if I'm short a few hours, I take a day off of my paid job and intern for 8 additional hours. Any paid holiday I could do this too (not Thanksgiving, but maybe the day after Thanksgiving!)
In addition to these 700 hours, there are requirements and assignments of recording & transcribing, plus reading a book on ethics and teaching the class about the chapter...oh and meeting with the internship supervisor weekly as well as the school advisor 4 times a semester.
Hello...I work FULL TIME and am going to be interning 14 hours a week, plus the 3 hours a week I'm in class, and now you want me there another 4 hours? So 17 hours a week for 16 weeks, plus 4 additional hours at school is 276 hours, plus my homework time and commuting time...oh and a case study and all sorts of other fun.
I told JW last night that I'm going to need a routine and not stress about it...I also told him I'm either going to lose a lot of weight, or gain a little. If I can get my running in before work I should be on the losing side (since I know I'm not going to have time to eat much). I don't know, I'll make it through, but needed to vent a bit. At least I was able to go for a run this morning, but I found out that you are supposed to wait 48-72 hours before exercising after donating blood (which I did at 3pm yesterday)...was faint after a mile and a half, but at least I went out there and ran, then walked :) I'll make it through :)
Starting graduate school in August/September 2007, August 2010 didn't seem that far away and the courseload seemed doable. In November, 2008 I discovered there isn't much assistance for the practicum & internship that I would need to find and complete. The site I am interning at really is a great opportunity for me, but I worry if it was the best choice.
I had my first night at the site on Tuesday and my first night of class last night. It all sort of hit me hard last night.
700 hours
I need 700 hours in order to graduate, and I need to complete these 700 hours before August 2010. So let's just say I have a full 11 months for this task, that is 48 weeks. That's 14.58 hours per week. In class last night my advisor suggested working 7 hours a week and building up to 10 since the requirement for the first semester is 100 hours.
That's right kids, my school recommends 100 hours for the first 16 weeks and then 600 hours for the next 28 weeks (provided you only intern while school is in session). So lets say I follow the 100 and 600 rule, that means the winter/spring & summer sessions I'd be putting in 21.4 hours a week? HELL to the NO.
After the first two weeks, I'm just going to work 14 hours a week and not take a break until I'm done (with the possible exception of Christmas). Worst case is, next summer if I'm short a few hours, I take a day off of my paid job and intern for 8 additional hours. Any paid holiday I could do this too (not Thanksgiving, but maybe the day after Thanksgiving!)
In addition to these 700 hours, there are requirements and assignments of recording & transcribing, plus reading a book on ethics and teaching the class about the chapter...oh and meeting with the internship supervisor weekly as well as the school advisor 4 times a semester.
Hello...I work FULL TIME and am going to be interning 14 hours a week, plus the 3 hours a week I'm in class, and now you want me there another 4 hours? So 17 hours a week for 16 weeks, plus 4 additional hours at school is 276 hours, plus my homework time and commuting time...oh and a case study and all sorts of other fun.
I told JW last night that I'm going to need a routine and not stress about it...I also told him I'm either going to lose a lot of weight, or gain a little. If I can get my running in before work I should be on the losing side (since I know I'm not going to have time to eat much). I don't know, I'll make it through, but needed to vent a bit. At least I was able to go for a run this morning, but I found out that you are supposed to wait 48-72 hours before exercising after donating blood (which I did at 3pm yesterday)...was faint after a mile and a half, but at least I went out there and ran, then walked :) I'll make it through :)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
First day of my internship
I have been known to bite off more than I can chew. My Mother has told me for years that I burn the candle at both ends and in the middle, I just don't know how to do nothing. With that in mind, my internship starts tonight. What internship? I am in my final year of graduate school to become a counselor/therapist and I need to have a practicum & internship that equals 720 hours of so (10 hours a week in the fall, 15 in the spring & summer). I start tonight at a hospital where I have no idea what I will be doing. I know that I will be there from 7-10 or 11 tonight after working my normal job from 9-6...I have a sammich to eat on the el so I can have dinner.
Anyway, this is more emotional than I thought it was going to be. I tried grad school in 2002 and didn't make it a semester (due to many, many factors). I've now been in grad school for 2 years (wow really, two years?) and tonight I start to really use that knowledge to become a therapist. I'm nervous, excited, scared, happy, all sorts of emotions together.
I feel like it's the first day of school more so than the first day at a new job. The population I'm going to be working with is extreme (I'm interning in a hospital) and it's short term (they can only be there 21 days max). I'll be doing this 10 hours a week for the next 16 weeks, get a break, then the following 28 weeks I'll be doing this 15 hours a week. I also have to go to class once a week this fall, and then weird times in the spring and summer, but I'll be done.
In February and in April I have exams to take (Feb is for school, April is to get my certification to actually BE a licensed therapist!)
I can't believe it's finally happening.
Anyway, this is more emotional than I thought it was going to be. I tried grad school in 2002 and didn't make it a semester (due to many, many factors). I've now been in grad school for 2 years (wow really, two years?) and tonight I start to really use that knowledge to become a therapist. I'm nervous, excited, scared, happy, all sorts of emotions together.
I feel like it's the first day of school more so than the first day at a new job. The population I'm going to be working with is extreme (I'm interning in a hospital) and it's short term (they can only be there 21 days max). I'll be doing this 10 hours a week for the next 16 weeks, get a break, then the following 28 weeks I'll be doing this 15 hours a week. I also have to go to class once a week this fall, and then weird times in the spring and summer, but I'll be done.
In February and in April I have exams to take (Feb is for school, April is to get my certification to actually BE a licensed therapist!)
I can't believe it's finally happening.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
