I got this meme quite awhile ago from Spring, and I’m using it not because I necessarily need some blog fodder, but because I so enjoyed reading her entry that I thought it would be fun. It’s taken me awhile to complete. Don’t get your expectations up, though, that doesn’t mean this is going to be good or anything.
A: Attached or Single? I am very happily engaged. See that picture in my header? That’s David, my fiance.
B: Best Friend? Becca Hoelscher. That’s her married name. I met her my freshman year of high school and followed her to Tabor College. We went to church together and also played soccer together both places. She lives in Wichita now, and I miss her all the time. Here we are together at the beginning of August, pre-baby:
And now she has new little boy, Elijah James, born September 6. No pictures yet.
C: Cake or pie? Cake, especially of the chocolate variety. I don’t really like pie, but I can tolerate a few bites. I don’t like the crust.
D: Day of choice? By all accounts it should be Saturday, which has for a long time been my only day to sleep in. On Saturday there is still one more day off to look forward to. But oddly, I think I enjoy Sundays more. I love my church, and it just seems like more of a day to relax and be with family than to get errands done.
F: Favorite color? I love blues: Carolina blue, steel blue, Air Force blue, cobalt. I’m also really into sage green these days. At the hospital on Fridays we are allowed to wear any color of scrubs that we want, so I bought a pair that are light pink. I have had many people (all female!) tell me that it’s my color.
G: Gummy bears or worms? I’m not a fruity candy eater, but given the choice I’d take the bears, because they’re cute.
H: Hometown? Houston, and I will remain here indefinitely. (Side note: Please don’t talk bad about my city in my presence. I will take it personally, no matter how irrational that is.)
I: Favorite Indulgence? Pedicures, or Dutch Chocolate Blue Bell ice cream, or maybe just letting Cleo lick my feet.
J: January or July? July, because I hate being cold.
K: Kids? Definitely, in ten months we’ll be expecting our first one. Just kidding, David!
L: Life isn’t complete without? Jesus, love, family, and all that good stuff.
M: Marriage date? October 3, 2008. Wow, that’s close. Deep breaths.
N: Number of brothers and sisters? Two younger (and cooler) brothers.
O: Oranges or apples? A good orange, I think. Or sliced red apples with caramel. But bananas top them all.
P: Phobias? Live shrimp and roaches.
Q: Quotes? Here are a few that I like.
“We are prisoners of hope.” -Archbishop Desmond Tutu
“At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door. We discern the freshness and purity of morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure. We cannot mingle with the splendours we see. But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so. Some day, God willing, we shall get in.” -C.S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory”
“The Mississippi’s mighty; it starts in Minnesota at a place that you can walk across with five steps down. I guess that’s how you started; like a pinprick to my heart. But at this point you rush right through me and I start to drown.” -Indigo Girls, “Ghost”
R: Reasons to smile? I have the day off tomorrow. I’m getting married in a couple weeks to the man I love. My entire, wonderful family will be there. And also: “He who did not spare his own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32
S: Season of choice? Summer! I love the warmth and the laid-back atmosphere. But I like all the seasons, really, in their own way. Even winter, because of the cute clothes and my birthday.
T: Tag 5 people? Anyone, but I’ll call out a few people for fun: MagsMac - I want to see more personal posts from you! David - Because that would just be awesome. Tabaitha - I think you’d have fun with this. Sarahthe - You always have something interesting to say. Megan Kline - Something has to tone down all that seriousness going down on your blog!
U: Unknown fact? This is a tough one. Between my parents, my brothers, and my fiance, most things about me are known. But here is one: I like to sleep with my fingers stuck in my eyes. Kind of in the corners. I have no idea why, but it is comforting.
V: Vegetable? I dislike them. Do potatos count? Alright fine, broccoli. With lots of cheese.
W: Worst habit? It’s STILL texting and reading while I drive. That New Year’s resolution didn’t last, so I’ll probably re-resolve it next year.
X: X-ray or ultrasound? Never had an ultrasound, so I guess I can’t answer this question. Clinically, they view very different things.
Y: Your favorite food? That’s so hard because I love food. I’ll go ahead and say cereal, or quesadillas, or fried rice, or chicken cordon bleu. Is it cheating to pick more than one?
Z: Zodiac sign? Aquarius. I didn’t know anything about it so I looked it up on astrology.com. Apparently I’m a humanitarian, self-directed, organized, mentally active, loyal, and appear “aloof and detached [but] inwardly sensitive and caring.” I’m with them on those…but I’m also supposed to have a “cheeky attitude,” be a vigorous, zesty individual, thriving on the unexpected, harmlessly “mad,” and I also have “rigid opinions.” Well, so much for astrology.
If you have gotten married recently, or if you’re just really good with makeup, I’d like your help please. I’m not sure what to do about makeup for my wedding.
First, let me tell you what I do now:
Face: after washing my face and moisturizing, I apply a translucent powder and light foundation to my T-zone, just to even out my complexion. I have this blush by Nars in the shade of “Madly,” but I usually only put it on for special occasions.
Eyes: I use a primer by Benefit called F.Y. Eye, then use this duo eyeshadow by Nars in the shade of “All About Eve.” It’s very natural looking. I apply the matte shade all over the lid, and the shimmery one to the corners. Then I add mascara.
Lips: Mary Kay’s Satin Lips, or just chapstick.
The whole look is very natural and subtle. Take this recent conversation between David and me:
David: You look different today. What is it? Me: I’m not wearing makeup. David: Oh yeah, that’s it. Me: I’m going to look like this sometimes. You know that, right? Do you still think I’m pretty? David: I couldn’t even tell what it was that was missing! You always look the prettiest. Me: OK, thank you.
David hasn’t asked for many things regarding the wedding, but one thing he has mentioned several times regarding my appearance is that he wants me to look like myself. The other week I went in to the spa and had a facial (because I’ve always wanted one and figured this was a good time to treat myself - and yes, it was very nice but I’d take a pedicure any day over another one of these) and while I was there I had a cosmetic application to see what I would look like if I had my makeup professionally done. Outcome: I looked fake. Did not like it at all. So, I’ll be doing my own makeup thank you very much.
Any recommendations? If you’re married, what did you do for your wedding?
So, I’m finished with school now. For real this time, I think. Of course, I do still have to pass the board exam, but no matter what, I will have my bachelor’s of science in nursing! Most of my classmates were going to Rice Village to celebrate, but me? Nah. I had a brownie, cleaned my room, read a magazine, and I plan to use the rest of the day writing to my pen pal, researching new cars, and of course watching “Dancing with the Stars.” I like my way of celebrating much better.
So to keep it light, because this is how I’m feeling right now, I have decided to share with you some snapshots of phrases people have used in search engines that have led them to this website. Probably my posts for the rest of the week will be similarly mindless because hello? I have been in college for eight years and I’m NOT anymore! I need at least a week to recover.
So here you go:
“My brother is hot” - Mine are too! Especially here and here.
“Cracked and injured toenail coming off” - It has been over a year since I wrote about my toenail coming off, and I am still getting constant hits from that post. Maybe I should start a support group.
“i am broke and i can’t pay my bills and i can’t eat” - I know how you feel, friend. My suggestion? Find yourself some clinical trials for healthy volunteers to participate in.
“would breathing in bad smell harm unborn baby” - I don’t know but if so, be sure not to come anywhere close to the house where I pet-sit because those dogs have some serious intestinal hyperactivity.
Last night I came home a little late after a soccer game, and I was in the room I’m staying in getting ready to shower. I called out loud, “If there are any roaches in the bathroom, you had better get out now. If you don’t, just look in the trash can and see what will happen to you!”
Imagine my disgust when I turned on the bathroom light and there was ANOTHER huge one just sitting there in the middle of the floor, looking around. I could hardly believe it. Are they out to get me? Was this a reconnoissance mission to look for the one I killed yesterday? Tomorrow night, will there be an army awaiting me? Ugh.
Anyway, I was actually more angry than scared with this one, so I didn’t allow myself time to think about it. I hesitated only for a second, shook the bad thoughts out of my mind, then went and got a shoe and smashed it. Twice for good measure. And then it joined its friend in the trash, just as I warned.
There was a roach in the bathroom last night, at least I’m pretty sure it was a roach. I wasn’t sure at first because its wings were sticking out from its body AS IF IT HAD JUST FINISHED FLYING. The fact that roaches can fly is something that I have tried desperately to suppress deep inside my brain. Recalling it brings to mind nothing but visions of hideous things flying directly toward my face. I shudder just thinking about it. Actually just the word roach grosses me out. Ew. I will not be using it again.
So when I saw it, the first thing I did was run to the kitchen to search for some Raid. Raid is pretty much one of my favorite inventions of all time. But I am house-sitting, and alas, there was none. I knew that I had to kill it or I wouldn’t be able to sleep, so I was faced with the prospect of getting close enough to squish it. It took me a couple of tries and a good ten minutes to face it, but squish it I did. Then it took me another ten minutes to get up the nerve to move it into the trash can, but move it I did. I think this particular bug was on its last legs anyway, because it mercifully didn’t put up much of a fight. Another reason I love David: he promises that when I live with him I won’t ever have to worry about bugs again.
This episode doesn’t sound like much, but it is the first time I have ever seen a roach in this house, a place that I have stayed many, many nights, and now I will always be worried about it. Any slight movement on the ground will make me jump. I think I’ve become more afraid of crawly things the older I’ve gotten. It’s pretty ridiculous because they can’t hurt me, but there it is: I’m afraid.
Just wanted to share with you a few random images from the past week.
Here is the bulletin board at my school:
This is where I discover new clinical trials to take part in. Currently I’m involved in a 7-month bird flu vaccine study, and I’m also scheduled to go play some computer games while having an MRI done on Wednesday.
Here is Cleo playing with Riley, one of the dogs I pet-sit:
They got along great, and as you can see Cleo was not intimidated by Riley’s size. But unfortunately the two of them together caused a little more trouble than either of them on their own. The victims were two wooden chess pieces and a portion of a very nice floor rug.
Here is David and I on our Good Friday fishing trip:
We had a great time, and David caught 5 trout, but I came away with a sunburn on my thighs and some very chapped lips.
Well, I’m off to work a clinical shift. Happy Tuesday, everyone.
Apparently it pays to make barely any money. Last year, since I was a full-time student with only a part-time job, I made about $6,000 and I paid about $1 in federal taxes. I hadn’t done my taxes because I figured there was no way I was getting a refund. But I just decided to do them tonight, using one of the free online services, and wouldn’t you know it? I’m getting a $429 refund due to the Earned Income Credit. This seems crazy to me, and I really hope I’m not doing anything wrong. All I did was follow the instructions. I didn’t make anything up. Does anyone know anything about this?
I’ve had a problem for as long as I can remember with falling asleep when I shouldn’t. It happens basically anytime I’m not actively engaged in an activity. For example: in class, at work, while driving. It’s not that I stay up late or don’t get enough sleep. I get at least 6-7 hours of sleep a night, and I start getting very tired around 8:30 or 9 p.m. In fact, I am pretty much starting to shut down right now. This drives Boyfriend David crazy because he is a night person.
Obviously the falling asleep while driving thing is dangerous, and I’ve gotten better at handling that by calling someone or pulling over when it starts to happen. Falling asleep in class isn’t the end of the world to me. It’s not good when it happens at work, though, and I really hope no one catches me.
But today my clinical group of 8, plus my instructor, met for pre-conference. A man from APS came and showed us a video and then talked to us about the services they provide. We were in a small room with only ten people present, and I was sitting right next to the guy. I wasn’t bored–he was interesting–but the sleep came over me and although I fought it with all of my willpower I could not overcome it.
I thought that I was concealing it, but after the presentation was over and the man left, my instructor pulled me aside. “Are you getting enough rest?” she asked me. In a very polite and concerned manner she proceeded to tell me that she has noticed me sleeping on multiple occasions and at different times of day. She said that it was embarrassing when I was sleeping during the presentation. She told me that I should talk to a doctor about this issue because people will perceive me to be rude or lazy when that’s not the case.
I was so embarrassed. I seriously doubt that I have any kind of medical issue that makes me especially tired because I don’t have any other symptoms. David says I just do too much and that I need to take in more caffeine if I want to continue my current lifestyle.
Do any of you struggle with something similar? I don’t understand why I’m tired all the time. It is extremely frustrating.
In the weeks leading up to “Super Tuesday”, whenever I heard the day spoken of in such a way I would smile to myself because the day happened also to be my birthday. I liked to think that that was the real reason it was super.
As I mentioned before, I’ve decided to give up sweets for Lent, which starts today. That made Super Tuesday Fat Tuesday as well. My plan was to basically wallow in chocolate the entire day. I figured that would be a good way to celebrate.
Unfortunately I needed to take advantage of the opportunity to work a clinical shift yesterday, so instead I spent the day in the ICU sucking out churned-up stomach contents through a tube and then putting it back into the patient.
I also had a headache the entire day that I was barely keeping at bay by gobbling ibuprofen, but when I got home it came at me in full force. Boyfriend David had done so many sweet things for me that I couldn’t even appreciate fully because I was just so out of it. What made me the most sad was that he had bought me a piece of chocolate cake and ice cream, and I couldn’t even eat it.
