Sarah's Daily Dramatics

So far, a year of firsts.....

2010-01-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

To start things off, at midnight, on December 31st of 2009, I got my first New Years kiss from a very special man. We are still dating, and it's going pretty good. He is a pretty private person, so I won't disclose too many details... Except he is absolutely wonderful to me, and I have a hard time trying to not ask "what did I do to deserve this guy?". The reason is this: I DO deserve this guy! I have spent a lifetime doing things for others without ever asking anything in return, and unfortunately became a doormat for being walked over and taken advantage of... And I am finally being repaid with the care and affection of someone who almost seems to be a dream.

Enough gushy stuff.... I am now part of a hospital committee that is in charge of what goes into our intranet system for patient education. It's a nice sense of empowerment to know I am in charge of something important, since I am lower ranking on the totem pole since I am an LPN....

There has been plenty of drama too, but right now, some of it is so private, I was instructed to tell no one, and as part of my New Year's resolution, if someone asks not to say it, I will follow through and keep my lips zipped.

I have decided to begin my prerequisites for the nursing program up here that starts next year. As of now, I think I have 12 credits to obtain before then, and I think I can do it. They are only accepting 4 nursing students, and I have a leg up since I am already an LPN who has 10 years of nursing under my belt. Plus, I work for the only hospital in the region, PLUS I have great letters of recommendation! I am pretty excited about this and I hope with patience and prayer and support I can accomplish something I have been dreaming about for nearly a decade.

More to come, but that was my quick brief on catching you guys up! Hopefully I will be better at making more frequent posts! God Bless!!

Merry Christmas! I give the gift of blog...

2009-12-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

Wow, I haven't blogged in a looooong time! Alot has happened since August, so I will try to give the shortest synopsis I can.

June- At the end of the month, Brian broke up with me. I was devastated, and became very depressed. I couldn't eat for weeks and ended up losing 30 pounds. I am ok now, and am no longer depressed about it. We have both moved along. I have no animosity towards him whatsoever, and I am happy for him. He is with someone now who is 10 times better a match for him than me. They both seem very happy, and that is wonderful.

July- I still wasn't doing very well with the eating, and to be honest, really don't remember much, as it all became a haze. I did however start going to church, which was exactly what my shattered heart needed.

August- I went to Anchorage for 2 weeks to learn labor and delivery.

September- Went home to visit for 2 weeks on my birthday and had a great time. Was really nice to get away from Nome...

October- Halloween was the pinnacle.

November- Made some new friends, got to go to California and visit some old ones, and had a spiritual awakening and received the gift of a cleansed and whole-filled inner spirit.

December- Started to get a little home sick, but I was blessed to spend some good quality time with my Nome family.

Christmas, and there you have it!

Anchorage Update

2009-08-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I was going to be updating daily on here with my trip so far, but the weariness of the night shift got to me, and I said 'screw blogging' as soon as I got back to my hotel room each morning.

I am going in for my 7th shift tonight, and will be done Wednesday night. So far, out of 6 shifts, I have delivered 5 babies. It hasn't been as hopping as I had hoped it to be, but nonetheless, I have learned alot in the passed week and a half.

The night shift has worn me out and I look back in reflection wondering how the heck I did it for so many years. Yep, I think I will stick to day shift.

I have had lots of fun as well. I was able to meet up with my good friends Mary Beth and Carmen a few times, and had lunch with some friends from Nome who were in Anchorage for a few days. Not to mention see a few of my hospital friends from Nome at ANMC who medevaced patients to Anchorage.

There is a small 5% part of me that misses Nome, for I have fallen in LOVE LOVE LOVE with Anchorage! I am however happy to return to Nome and use my new skills that I have learned while here in Anchorage, as well as see my awesome friends again.

I am happy to say, I bought everything I needed for my Nome home whilst here in Anchorage, which saved me some money considering they don't have a tax on anything in the city limits. I got a bookcase, end tables, a nice double shoe rack, a new alarm clock, a new DVD player, got a few little souvenirs, and of course a new cell phone. ANd the grand daddy of them all is my new laptop, which I had been looking for for a while.

I however am not happy to return to Nome and have to pay the other half of my rent and my utilities, and phone/cable bills :( But I guess that is all part of being a grown up I guess. I can't wait to dig in my new boxes and make my new furniture!

Ok, well I am in need of a shower and to get into high gear for there are things I need to get done before I leave for work in a Little bit.

Hope you all have a Blessed day!

ANCHORAGE!

2009-07-27T00:58:00.000-07:00

I will give you guys a real posting tomorrow...
As for now, I safely arrived in Anchorage this morning, had very full day of fun and not-so-fun, got to spend time with 2 very good friends, met people at the pool at the hotel I am at that proves this is a small, small world, (will explain later)and now I need to go to bed so I can make it to work on time in the morning....
Good night and God Bless!

I have learned...

2009-07-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

That you cannot change yesterday, or even plan out the next day. But I can live for today.

*I will not now, nor EVER burn any bridges.

*I will be the best friend I can to any whom seek me, even those who do not wish for it.

*My business or anyone elses will remain private, and the only person who will know otherwise is God.

I am here in Nome for a reason. A reason I have no idea yet. A reason other than getting my finances and education in order. A bigger reason than all of that.

I have learned that I really DO believe in God. And I beg anyone of who has fallen away from Him, or have never accepted His grace, to bargain with him. Miracles happen every day, even in the smallest of forms. If you ask, you will receive, and if you challenge God for the things you want, you will be rewarded, for He wants you to know Him.

I am putting all my faith in God now, and I am going to live each day to the fullest I can. I am not trying to sound all Bible-thumpy, as that absolutely drives me crazy. Everyone needs to think for themselves and shoving things like that in peoples' faces is a turn off. So, I will not do that to anyone else. Each one of us has to know and meet Him on their own.

Everything works out in the end. A friend said to me, "Everything is good in the end. If it isn't good yet, it's not the end." And I believe it.

Have a blessed day.

student loan woes

2009-07-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

I talked with a bill collection agency on Friday that handled my student loans 2 years ago to get me out of default. Turns out, I am in default again :(
Ironically, I was planning on calling MOHELA (loan company) Friday to see what I could do to work on paying my loans back.

I am trying to get out of default so I can get another loan so I can get my RN online. It strikes me as ruthless that in today's economy we cannot ask for a hardship. We'll see. I plan on calling MOHELA tomorrow, to try and sort this all out. I want to start school soon so that I can better my life with an extended education and the title of RN behind my name.

I have been doing quite well with my finances since I have moved to Nome. I am saving quite a bit of money, and I managed to buy my plane ticket home and not flinch too much at the cost. ($909!) Ok so I flinched, but I am glad it's officially official that I am leaving for St. Louis on August 24th! Only a few weeks away!

And a week from today, I will be on a plane to Anchorage to work for 2 weeks at ANMC and learn labor and delivery. I am excited for the chance and happy to learn the art of bringing babies into this world. I get to stay at the Spring Hill Suites (my favorite hotel ever) and have 2 weeks of gorgeous sleep on their awesome mattresses. I have had to stay there before coming to and from Nome, and I have to say, Marriott hotels take the cake in comfort.

Not to mention I am going to rake up quite a bit of Alaska Air miles for the trip. I earn miles for the flight, the hotel stay, and the rental car! Woot! Plus I earned a lot of them for purchasing my ticket to go home next month. So hopefully, I should have an adequate amount of miles to get a free round trip home for my next trip, or God forbid, an emergency. Having less to worry about is good.

All right. Well, gotta go and get ready for my day, and spend it wisely as I have to take a nap later to work the night shift.

God Bless your day.

rot gut

2009-07-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

I have been suffering from a stomach malady for the passed week and a half. I have had the typical symptoms of things coming out both ends and also tacked on the inability to eat. I finally had to go to the clinic on Thursday and get treated. I got an IV put in and they gave me a liter and a half of fluids. Not fun.

I am feeling slightly better. I was so proud of myself yesterday that I was able to eat solid foods. Amazing the things you are proud of after you are sick for that long. I never thought eating solid foods would be on a priority list of things to do....

I am a little queasy today, but I will definitely make it I think I will make it through the day.

I am happy to announce to all of my family and friends in the St. Louis area that I will be coming home for 2 weeks at the end of August, 1st week of September. I think I may have posted this in the previous entry, but there is no harm in repeating myself :)

I will be leaving 2 weeks from today to go to Anchorage for 2 weeks and train at Alaska Native Medical Center to learn the art of labor and delivery. I'm pretty happy to go, as I love to learn new things, and I will be able to see some of my friends who live there. In addition, I will finally be able to go shopping for some furniture for my apartment! I am desperately in need of a real bed as I have been sleeping on an air mattress for the passed 2.5 months. It got old about 2 weeks after I got back in April...

Well, I must go, things to do.

Hope all is well with every single one of you, and may the Lord smile on you through your day.

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

I am sorry I have not posted in a month, but things have been a little tumultuous over here for me.

I have been working alot, and trying to get enough money saved for the at least $1,000 plane ticket ride home to St. Louis. I was originally planning to come home in October with a group of friends, but they unfortunately cannot make it. So I am going to try to get my leave time in the end of August and 1st week of September so I can be home for my dad's 60th birthday, and my 30th.

I started going to church last week, and it feels really good. I have bee wanting to go for a while, but had either put it off, or felt ill that morning and didn't go. But the day I did go, I needed it the most. And it's usually so that particular day is the day you needed to be there, and what is preached pertains to what is going on in your life RIGHT NOW.

I am a tad homesick as well. I miss my family and friends. And of course it doesn't help that everyone seems to be crying that I am not at home. It is hard to explain why Nome is so fantastic to me. Of course as a nurse at the hospital, I see the worst of it all, and I have to be reminded of the beauty this place holds at the end of the day. The unfortunate thing is that I do not have a vehicle at this time. I would love to have a 4 wheeler so I can get up and go whenever I please. Get out into the country/tundra...Go berry picking, fishing, hiking, etc... So on top of the homesickness, I am feeling claustrophobic.

Hopefully today will be good for that. A friend of mine is picking me up around 11ish to go out to the country in a camping town called Cottonwood today. I was hoping to get out with some friends yesterday to Council, but there wasn't any room. But nonetheless, I am getting out of town, if just for one night, and I am glad to be free of the cabin fever I have been suffering from.

I hope everyone who reads this has a happy and safe holiday, and remembers that this is the birth of our great nation. Remember what our forefathers went through just to make it ours. Although it can be crappy at times, we are still on a beautiful piece of land that we call America, and I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

Happy Independence Day, and God Bless.

the weather report

2009-06-05T11:34:00.001-07:00

Well, Nome finally had it's official first nice day yesterday. It got up to 60 degrees, and the sun was out in full motion. Unfortunately, it was very windy, and I had errands to run. Whilst in the midst of my errands, I collected quite a bit of dust and dirt in my mouth in the process. Not fun.

So I also picked up 2 boxes at the post office from my mother. I had a ball of a time taking it all out and trying to stuff it in my bookbag. Of course it all did not fit, so I had to walk down Front Street with one of those white carry boxes from the post office.

So the day was so nice all the drunks were out, and this of course is a true testament that summer is commencing. Yay, oh joy.

But of course, the day became a little gray, and it started to rain around 9:30 last night. And it's wet today, and it's supposed to be rainy all week. Booooo. I just hope this means a great yield for berries and fireweed this summer.

More to come, but today is my day off, and I have plenty of housework to do.

Until then......

long overdue update

2009-05-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

I have been happily in Nome now for the last month, settling in, and getting back to the working grind. I really haven't been out much since I have been back. Mainly this is due to the fact that I have been tired the whole month, as I had predicted.

The hospital is the same, everyone is the same, it's business as usual. Things seem a little different since I am now paying rent and utilities, other bills, and now having to watch what I spend my money on. I have been doing well so far, and I actually have already been putting money in my savings. Feels good to be amongst the realm of grown ups again. This is good considering I will be turning 30 in a mere 3 months! Yowza!

Anyhow, nothing really exciting to report other than the ocean has finally broken up and you can see a big mass of beautiful blue open water, new birds and animals out of hiding from winter, and the ability to wear less layers. Except for the passed few days, because it has been insanely colder than the norm.

Now that summer is approaching, there will probably be more to report on, but until then....

This is Swartzie, signing off...

settling in

2009-05-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

I moved in Friday, and I am now feeling like my apartment is now my home. My cable is set up, I finally got a tv. I am just waiting now for the rest of my boxes to come in so I can finally be done with unpacking.

I am also anxiously awaiting the arrival of my blackout curtains, as the time is now 9:30 AM, and one could not tell if it was am or pm due to the light outside. Pretty soon it will be daytime 24/7 and hopefully summer will actually come. It better! I have lots of outdoorsy plans!

As for now, it's bedtime as I have a 4 day streak at work, with one day off afterwards, then work 2 more days, then off for 4. Ew. Good night all.

4 days and a wake up!

2009-04-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

I am leaving in a few hours for Memphis, and I am pretty happy that I will be able to finish up the mess I left in my room there.

I am ready to just get on the plane already, as the long flight to get there is a pain in the you know what...

Ok, it's shower and get ready time.

bliss

2009-04-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

So, I visited home in St. Louis, and I plan on leaving tomorrow around noon or so, after I take care of a few things...

I need to go to my car insurance agent and figure out what I am going to do about my car insurance, since I won't be driving it. I really don't feel like paying for it if I'm not driving. I don't think I will be finding any arguments here.

I need to vacuum out said vehicle, as it's got lots of cigarette ashes and such everywhere. Even though I won't be driving it, the fact that it's dirty still bugs me.

I still have a bit of work to do when I get back to TN tomorrow, and I feel like I am down to the wire...

I still do not have a flight yet to Nome, but I just got off the phone with my boss, and I will hopefully have some sort of itinerary tomorrow....

Regarding the title: I am blissful to have spent quality time with my family and friends. I am blissful that I got to see my wonderful city, St. Louis in all of it's Spring beauty. I am blissful that I am ALMOST done with affairs at my home in TN. I am blissful that I will be back in my official new home in Nome in less than a week. I am blissful that even though I have no family by blood in Nome, I have a family made up of the best friends anyone can ask for, and the world's greatest boyfriend to be the first to greet me at the airport when I finally arrive.

I am truly grateful for the passed few months, as they have put my life in perspective, and in turn, put it in order.

being home, truly

2009-04-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

I am HOME in St. Louis! I got here around 5on Thursday, and I have already seen so many of my loved ones and had good times already! It's amazing how fast the time has gone by since I have been here compared to the time I have spent in TN thus far.

I am pretty tired, as I for some reason cannot sleep in here! I have no idea. Maybe it's the Universe telling me I should enjoy every last minute. Well, OK!

I have already been out and about and the weather is spectacular! I have been reading my friends profiles' status on Facebook, and seeing they are sad lately that last week there was no sun...I must say, it has been sunny and gorgeous and the birds are singing, lalalalalalalalalalalala.

I was a little weirded out that I wore a tshirt and jeans and flip flops last night to go out and meet up with my friend! It will be a sad adjustment to go back to 30 degree weather, still knowing I have to wear boots and a coat...

But nonetheless, I am happy to be here, and I am relishing every nano-second!

going home, truly

2009-04-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Going home means several things for me.

Since December 2005, I have been officially living in Collierville, TN.

I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, and lived there until I was 26.

I am moving to Nome, Alaska in 10 days, and I have been 'living' there on and off for the passed 2 and a half years.

So, when I say I am going home, it could be to any of those 3 places. My new home is Nome, where I have been trying hard to call it 'home' since I have been in my current home, here in Collierville.

But today, I am going HOME. Home to St. Louis, where my heart is and will always be until the day I die.

I am going to leave by 11 hopefully, after I have a marathon cleaning session in my room.

I cannot wait to see my family and friends, since I know it will be a long time before I get to see them again, as I don't have any immediate plans for coming back until the fall with Brian, Missy, and Doug.

Alas, I am going home today. Before I go back home to my current home in TN, and following going to my new home of residence in Alaska.

No wonder I am always confused!

work almost done...

2009-04-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

Yay! 13 boxes total in the mail! One is a little care package I sent to my boyfriend Brian, as I have a hard time holding onto presents and can't wait to give them to the people I bought them for. The total cost of shipping $214.30, including $100 of insurance and delivery confirmation. I am very happy about this, as I still have a few more boxes to go. I thought the cost to ship all those items was going to be ALOT more than that, so like I said, I am pleased...

Last night I sucked the air out of 3 Space Saver bags full of clothes, and one Space Saver storage box (a new item on the market) full of towels and blankets. The last to go with me will just be in my luggage. I am grateful to my mother for not making me move every single possession of mine up there. That has made all of this a little easier, since I was misunderstood in thinking that was what I had to do when I got back here last week.

Tomorrow, I will be headed to St. Louis for a few days of family and friend crunch time before I head back here to Memphis and finish up some last minute details before I fly back to Alaska. Hopefully I will be able to get a hold of my boss today and find out if they have made flight arrangements for me yet.

I am still a little paranoid about the slim to none possibility that I am not going back. Not to long ago before I cam home, a rumor was going around that there was someone/persons attempting to petition that I don't get the permanent job in the hospital. Of course it is silly, but in a small town, the way that rumors fly, you somehow have to be a little more aware of things just in case any of the rumors hold any water. That situation has been laid to rest, (I'm pretty sure) but it has left me paranoid about my coworkers, and I am at a point where I feel I have to start all over again for any of them to gain my trust. This is a hard situation to be in, as I am a very trusting person. The culprit to this particular rumor has been narrowed down to one person in question, of whom I had absolutely no trust in whatsoever before I even heard that ridiculous rumor.

Also ahead of me today: I must get in contact with my doctor here in Memphis, as I would like to be seen for these constant leg cramps/pains I have been having in my right calf for the passed 2 months or so. Of course, the nurse in me is being a hypochondriac and my worst fear is a blood clot, and knowing I have a long 18 hours of flying ahead of me back to AK, and that contributes to some ridiculous 'phenomenon' of developing clots on long flights. That's the last thing I need, and like I said, nurses can be the worst hypochondriacs, thinking the worst.

I have to get to the pharmacy and pick up some prescriptions, and head back home to finish up with some last minute cleaning before I head out to St. Louis in the morning. I just hope I can get an early start, since I will be going to BUNCO again tonight...and there will be drinking...I just have to make sure I cool it and don't drink too much like I did last week! BUNCO sure is fun, and I am sad to leave my BUNCO friends behind here in Memphis, but hope to start a BUNCO circle up in Nome after I get back.

Well, I should get off this computer and get started! Have a great and blessed day. Thanks for reading.

OMFG! Will it ever end???

2009-04-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

So I am taking a break right now since my butt is cramping from sitting on the floor of my closet sifting through memorabilia and photos. I found the ex-boyfriend memory box! How crazy is that? After a long debate with my conscience, I decided it would be best to throw all of it away. I shouldn't dwell on my crappy dating past, and even crappier ex's. I have a wonderful man right now who is all that matters. I still am baffled why us women/girls keep things like that.

Beyond me!

I posted pics on Facebook of the madness that is my room, and so far, I have wreaked havoc on my closet and plan on having that complete first so I can store the non-needed-to-be-moved-items. So far, there is TONS left to figure out what to throw away, store, pack, etc...

Hopefully by tomorrow I will have made some good headway. I am still trying to figure out the logistics of boxing things, as I want to make this as cost efficient as possible for me.

I am hoping by tomorrow I will have empty boxes lined up neatly on my bedroom floor awaiting items to be placed away for the nice long trip to Nome. ALl the while, I am also hoping I don't pack too much, for I really don't need anything more than my bathroom things, bed linens, towels, some nick-knacks and clothes.

OK! Back to the grind!

back in the Lower 48...not for long...

2009-04-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it home to Memphis yesterday in one piece after travelling for over 24 hours. I can't remember a time where I was more exhausted. My ears still hurt a little from all the altitude popping. Not to mention, Mary Beth and I both went to a tattoo parlor Monday night and we both got our tragus pierced. (still a little tender)

So, already today I spent over $800 on things I will need for my new apartment. I am super nerdy-excited about some of the things I got on super sale at Target and Wal-Mart: like my rice cooker, fry-daddy, toaster oven, bathroom scale, and a mini crock pot. I also got some decorations for the place and not to mention I stocked up on mascara that doesn't cost $15 a tube like it does in Nome... (no, I am not kidding)

Next order of business is to haul ass packing all my things and ship them up to my PO box. I have been inventorying my kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living rooms items, and I am overwhelmed at how much crap I have! I am enduring a heated internal struggle with what I should do with all the stuff I don't want or need. I usually donate to AmVets, but Mom wants to try to have another garage sale...We'll see how that goes.

I was under the impression I was going to have to pack up EVERYTHING I owned and ship it to Nome, but by the grace of my mother, I can keep some things here while I spend the next 2+ years up in Alaska. It just really sucks knowing there are things I would like to have up there that I know I won't need 100% of the time.

I have so much work ahead of me, and I am not feeling to good about how much this is all going to cost me in shipping costs. Ew.

Well, I am off to do more sorting and inventory. More updates as they come. Next big shopping trip is Costco!

I GOT AN APARTMENT!

2009-03-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

So, first person to call me back, and first apartment I was shown, I fell in love!
I will be moving into a spacious one bedroom with a huge kitchen kind of away from town-ish, but not to far from anything.

The layout is super cute, my landlords are super laid back and cool, and I will move in about 2.5 weeks after I return back to Nome. It's a true relief to know I will have a place to hang my hat when I get back.

I have decoration ideas in my head already and I am plotting out furniture arrangements, and what I will do with all the storage space I will have. Did I mention I have a HUGE closet???? What more can a girl ask for? Pics will come up soon I hope, as I work with the guy who will be moving out of the unit I will be moving into.

Life is great!

leftover pics from Iditarod :)

2009-03-25T18:30:00.001-07:00

aaahhhhhhh

2009-03-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was f'n murder. I am so happy I have today and tomorrow off to recoup from Iditarod shenanigans and a 4 day streak at work. It was nice to wake up late and know I didn't have to be in today.

I am still trying to decide what I should be doing for my 2 days off. I know laundry is on the list since it is in desperate need of being done. I have so much to think about, since I only have 2 more weeks in Nome before I go back home to the Lower 48 to collect and ship my things.

I have to go to the post office for sure, and maybe later I can start packing things fir my 3 weeks at home.

I am a little sad to be saying goodbye to the Lower 48 for the next 2 years, as I know visits there will not be long, and they will be few. I just hope my friends and family understand that I need to do this to get ahead in my life.

I hope all of you have a blessed week.

dead, but breathing

2009-03-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Today is my 4th shift in a row. I am the walking dead I think. In 11 hours, I will be leaving work, going home, changing clothes, and going to Brian's house, where I will be able to sleep in and have a nice evening.

So far, I will have 2 days off to recoup, and I wish I had one more...

Another posting later...

MUSH!!!

2009-03-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

I would like to give my congrats to all the mushers who have finished their journey to Nome from Anchorage!

I would especially like to say CONGRATS to Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore, my friend Bridgett's parents, who both made their finish yesterday.

Good Job to DeeDee Jonrowe, whom I personally admire for her struggle and defeat of breast cancer and her drive to do the Iditarod year after year.

rough...

2009-03-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Well, my sister Jessica has come and gone to Alaska, and has made it home to the central time zone. We had a great time, despite the fact that any efforts to try and ease here travelling were all thwarted for several different reasons.... I don't feel like getting into it.

For anyone interested, feel free to look at my Picasa Web Album link to the right of my page, and check out the pics! More will actually be uploaded soon, but as of right now, I am at work, so my options to do so are none.

I am happy Jessica made it on the plane safely, but sad that when she called me after arriving in Anchorage, I was looking at Lance Mackey's winning dog sled team and that the window of opportunity to see the finish of the Iditarod was closed.

Monday we were lucky enough to be judges for the Wet Buns Contest at the Polaris, and Tuesday we were spectators for the Wet Tshirt Contest. I must say, that there was an over consumption of alcohol, and even though I have metabolized it all, some of the after effects are still hitting me....LIke lack of sleep, and I am now back at work wishing I could be in bed.

For all of that, I am going to do my best to be in bed tonight between the hours of 9 and 10. I know, old lady bedtime, but let me just say this.... Come and party for Iditarod, and tell me how you feel after a week of sheer debauchery...

It was all fun, I must say.

urgh!

2009-03-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

Another blizzard today. That makes around 16 or 17 now, and it's only March! Hopefully when April hits this snow business can go away. The storm going on right now isn't predicted to dissipate until 1 AM. No taxis are running, no police are patrolling either.

If you were here, you would understand all the frustration that everyone in Nome is feeling. I am secretly freaking out that weather won't allow my sister to come in on Wednesday, but I am hoping and praying for flyable weather.

Wind is blowing up to 60 MPH (not exaggerating) and snow won't stop blowing. It's hard to believe that only 4 inches will fall altogether, since the snow is drifting up high enough to cover the windows in the hospital.

Hopefully, this will all stop and tomorrow will be a 'normal' day...

the sun is out!

2009-03-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

And it's below zero degrees, and you know what that means????

NO SNOW!!!

Yes, I am excited that it's cold. We have been having blizzard and snow storm one after the other back to back over the passed few weeks, and us Nomeites are going nuts!

I am only concerned that my sister will have issues getting into town since flights have been getting cancelled due to weather. So everyone pray and cross your fingers!

I am off today, but have to work tomorrow through Tuesday, and then I have a solid week off for Iditarod festivities!

The Iditarod ceremonial start commenced today, and tomorrow the official start begins in Willow, Alaska. So that means in 8-10 days from tomorrow, the winner will mush to Nome and fun fun fun!!!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!

happy thoughts

2009-03-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

My sister will be here Wednesday, weather permitting...There has been storms after storms, blizzard after blizzard these passed few weeks and it has become quite annoying, and as much as I like snow, I am sick of it.

I am also excited about my move to Nome in May. I am making my preparations for my move, and figuring out the best routes and directions to take. I am still on the fence about selling my car. My mother says it would be best if I kept it just in case I need to move back home before I expect to, but I don't want to think that way, since I am signing a 2 year contract to stay here. I could sell it and use the money to pay her back what I owe her, and still have plenty left over to buy a 'new' car when I get back up to Nome.

Option 2: I could pack up my car, drive to Seattle, have my car shipped up here with all my things at a flat rate and have my car. That would be great, but really to live up here you need to have a vehicle that has 4 wheel drive, and my Honda sedan isn't that. Not to mention, I really would not be interested in driving across the country. That would shave off 4-5 days from my vacation and move-prep time.

There is so much to do! My head is swimming! BUT- I am so happy! I will have a job with good benefits, get my student loans paid off, go to school for my RN online, experience more of Alaska that I haven't had a chance to do yet, get awesome training FOR FREE that I wouldn't get in the Lower 48, build up my resume, and become a member of the community. Not to mention spend time with my friends and 'family' here in Nome and my awesome boyfriend Brian I wish you could all meet.

If you are feeling blue that I am leaving the Lower 48 for AK, DON'T! I will still be able to make trips home to see everyone, and at least this time, I will be getting paid vacation to do so.

More ponderings soon.... Gotta get back to work :)

permanent

2009-02-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

I decided yesterday to fill out an application for here at Norton Sound. My life flashed before my eyes the other day when I realized if I didn't stay here I would have to move back to Memphis and be absolutely miserable.

I haven't received an offer letter yet for hire, but it's pretty much a done deal. They have to do a background check on me, which I know will come out fine since I am an upstanding pillar of any community I so choose to join...

So, after 2 and a half years of travelling I have finally made the decision to lay down a few roots here in Nome for a few years.

I am very happy with the choice that I have made. I will be getting paid a great wage, I will get a relocation fund, a sign on bonus, and the difference in what I get paid now versus when I return as a permanent will cover what I would pay in rent every month. It all works out quite well.

Tomorrow while I am off work (finally! It has been a long hellacious week) I am going to take care of some business around town in preparation. I will go to the post office and get a PO Box, since there are no mail boxes in Nome. I will have to open a bank account at Wells Fargo, and I will have to start shopping around for apartments to rent and things I will need for here.

I will need a TV to start. I will die without one :) And most p[laces up here are furnished with furniture, etc...but I have issues with sleeping on a used mattress so I think I will splurge on a really fancy air mattress.

I am swimming with all the things I need to do! Any suggestions from anyone for a permanent move from the Lower 48 to the great big state of Alaska where shipping costs are through the roof? I am already aware of parcel posting for which I will be doing, just need more suggestions...

I'm excited!

future?

2009-02-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I have reported before that there aren't any travel jobs down south in the lower 48, nor are there any good jobs for permanent nursing either due to the economy.

I talked to my nurse manager at the hospital on Friday, to request a possible long extension. It seems promising, and I will be getting an answer by the end of the week. SOOOOOOOOO, every one pray for me!

I am only 18 days away from the arrival of my sister for a whole week here in Nome for the Iditarod! I am super happy and excited! I think my friends aren't annoyed anymore that I am counting down, and excited to meet her.

We may even be judges for the Wet Buns Contest :)

kissing is good for you!

2009-02-15T03:45:00.000-08:00

news article I just read, pretty neat :)

"Chemistry look what you've done to me," Donna Summer crooned in Science of Love, and so, it seems, she was right. Just in time for Valentine's Day, a panel of scientists examined the mystery of what happens when hearts throb and lips lock. Kissing, it turns out, unleashes chemicals that ease stress hormones in both sexes and encourage bonding in men, though not so much in women.

Chemicals in the saliva may be a way to assess a mate, Wendy Hill, dean of the faculty and a professor of neuroscience at Lafayette College, told a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science on Friday.

In an experiment, Hill explained, pairs of heterosexual college students who kissed for 15 minutes while listening to music experienced significant changes in their levels of the chemicals oxytocin, which affects pair bonding, and cortisol, which is associated with stress. Their blood and saliva levels of the chemicals were compared before and after the kiss.

Both men and women had a decline in cortisol after smooching, an indication their stress levels declined.

For men, oxytocin levels increased, indicating more interest in bonding, while oxytocin levels went down in women. "This was a surprise," Hill said.

In a test group that merely held hands, chemical changes were similar, but much less pronounced, she said.

The experiment was conducted in a student health center, Hill noted. She plans a repeat "in a more romantic setting."

Hill spoke at the session on the Science of Kissing, along with Helen Fisher of Rutgers University and Donald Lateiner of Ohio Wesleyan University.

Fisher noted that more than 90 percent of human societies practice kissing, which she believes has three components — the sex drive, romantic love and attachment.

The sex drive pushes individuals to assess a variety of partners, then romantic love causes them to focus on an individual, she said. Attachment then allows them to tolerate this person long enough to raise a child.

Men tend to think of kissing as a prelude to copulation, Fisher said. She noted that men prefer "sloppy" kisses, in which chemicals including testosterone can be passed on to the women in saliva. Testosterone increases the sex drive in both males and females.

"When you kiss an enormous part of your brain becomes active," she added. Romantic love can last a long time, "if you kiss the right person."

Lateiner, a classical scholar, observed that kissing appears infrequently in Greek and Roman art, but was widely practiced, despite the spread of skin disease at that time by facial kissing. And there was a potential for social faux pas by kissing the wrong person at the wrong time.

Overall, the science of kissing — philematology — is under-researcherd, Hill concluded.

Singles' Awareness Day

2009-02-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

For those of us, like myself, who are single this Valentine's Day, a friend of mine cleverly renamed it to the title of this post.

I worked last night, and I am now at my friend Bridgett's house, dog sitting their black lab and husky who both seem to have a raging case of gas. And for anyone who has ever smelled a dog fart, well, you know how I am suffering.

So, last year, my fellow blogging friend Steve placed the following quote on his blog:

"With sighs too deep for these pitiful words: God, let there be love enough for all who desire it."

I also posted it as part of my blog as a final footnote that appears at the bottom of my page. I am a dreadfully sad hopeless romantic, so of course the words almost sing to me.

I may only get love from 2 gassy dogs today, but that's alright. I wish all of you a little romance this Singles' Awareness Day. Maybe some will come back to me...

free entertainment lies in stupid people

2009-02-13T05:51:00.000-08:00

So, I am staying up as late as I can since I have to work the next 2 nights midnight shift. As I do such a thing, I have a lovely view of 5th Street from my 2nd story living room/kitchen windows for which I spend time peering out when bored just to be nosey and see what's going on about my little neck of the tundra.

This evening/morning, I have witnessed 5 different motor vehicles get stuck in the snow secondary to the blizzard that is still going strong from yesterday. I even got a good view from my bedroom window of the Nome PD attempting to shove a minivan from its stuck position in front of the Rec Center.

So, "Why do you spend so much time looking out your window, Sarah?"

That's a good question. Simple. If you were snowed in from a blizzard and bored with tv and books, trying to stay awake because you have to work the next 2 midnights, you would too.

I also look out because I hate smoking on the front porch with my neighbors. I don't like any of them that I share a hallway with. The people below me smoke out on weed to where I can smell it in my apartment, and then fry up 9 lbs of bacon from the munchies making it smell worse. Now I am a bacon lover, and the smell that emits from that place makes me sick to my stomach. I severely fear that it will ruin my love for bacon. This has happened 4 times in the passed 2 weeks, and I am about to go nuts if I have to deal with it any longer.

The people who live across from them run Twin Dragon, one of 2 Chinese restaurants in town. They say hi and stuff, but then they talk in Chinese, so of course, I feel uncomfortable not knowing Chinese.

But I do have to say, I am still smiling at the idiots who chose to try and drive in the snow that got stuck. It makes me wonder what the hell was so important that they had the need to leave the house in the middle of a snow storm. Free entertainment :)

the odds

2009-02-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

The odds are not in my favor as far as staying in the travelling game. There appears to be not be any jobs for travelling in the Lower 48.

I am now starting to wonder what my options are. I was hoping to go to Maryland as soon as this assignment was over, but I am now starting to think maybe I should stay in AK for a while until the travel market picks up again.

The only issue at hand now is the fact that there are more nurses coming in, so my chances at getting a slot to stay here in Nome are not the greatest. I am hoping that because I am an LPN and cheaper, and the fact that my boss here loves me and knows I am a valuable asset...The hitch is, I can't pitch my case until my boss gets back on Tuesday.

The waiting is killing me. I am petrified that I may not be able to either stay, or have a job to go to when this assignment is over.

Hopefully I will have something to post by Tuesday that is happy....

because I am at work playing secretary and I don't have a patient to take care of for another hour...

2009-02-07T23:00:00.000-08:00

Do you think you’ve really lived so far? This is a list of 100 activities–some I have experienced (bold), some I have not(regular).

1)Started your own blog
2)Slept under the stars
3)Played in a band (been asked to be a lead singer a few times)
4)Visited Hawaii (soon I hope to change this status)
5)Watched a meteor shower
6)Bathed in a river(I can be country like that)
7)Been to the Taj Mahal
8)Walked on a glacier in Alaska(booya, I live here :)
9)Caught and held a snake
10)Spoke in front of a big crowd(haha, daily!)
11)Bungee jumped
12)Had a whirlwind love affair that broke your heart
13)Found an arrowhead or fossil
14)Taught yourself an art from scratch (crochet)
15)Rescued an animal
16)Ate sweet breads, glands or tripe (walrus, seal, moose, whale blubber, musk ox, to name a few...)
17)Seen Mount Rushmore in person
18)Grown your own vegetables
19)Seen the Mona Lisa in France (I hope to on my 30th birthday :)
20)Slept on an overnight train
21)Had a pillow fight
22)Hiked to base camp on Mt. Everest
23)Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (hungover doesn't count as legitimately ill)
24)Built a snow fort
25)Watched an animal being born
26)Gone skinny dipping
27)Learned a foreign language (francais)
28)Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29)Seen a total eclipse
30)Stayed up for more than 24 hours (haha, night nurse...)
31)Trained a dog to do cool tricks
32)Been on a cruise (see # 12)
33)Seen Niagara Falls in person
34)Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35)Seen an Amish community
36)Can drive a stick shift
37)Won over $1000 in a raffle or lottery
38)Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39)Gone rock climbing
40)Seen Michelangelo’s David
41)Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
42)Been serenaded
43)Visited Africa
44)Walked on a beach by moonlight(again, see #12)
45)Broken a bone
46)Started your own business
47)Quit a job because you were totally unhappy
48)Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
49)Been to the Eiffel Tower (will do after I see the Mona Lisa)
50)Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
51Kissed in the rain passionately
52)Played in the mud
53)Gone to a drive-in
54)Been in a movie (still one of my lifelong dreams)
55)Visited the Great Wall of China
56)Joined a prayer group
57)Taken a martial arts class
58)Visited Russia
59)Served at a soup kitchen
60)Gone whale watching
61)Received flowers for no reason
62)Donated blood, platelets or plasma
63)Gone sky diving
64)Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
65)Bounced a check
66)Flown in a helicopter
67)Saved a favorite childhood toy (My stuffed Koala, Buddy)
68)Visited the Lincoln Memorial
69)Eaten caviar
70)Pieced a quilt
71)Stood in Times Square
72)Toured the Everglades
73)Been fired from a job
74)Seen the changing of the guards in London
75)Broken something extremely expensive
76)Been on a speeding motorcycle
77)Seen the Grand Canyon in person
78)Published a book (am working on my first novel right now!)
79)Visited the Vatican
80)Got a tattoo (I have 7 already)
81)Been to a coffee shop in Amsterdam
82)Seen the aurora borealis in person (again, I live in Alaska!)
83)Read the entire Bible
84)Visited the White House
85)Killed and prepared an animal for eating
86)Had chickenpox
87)Saved someone’s life (I'm a nurse for crying out loud!)
88)Sat on a jury
89)Met someone famous
90)Joined a book club
91)Lost a loved one
92)Toured the UN
93)Hiked to Machu Picchu
94)Swam in the Indian Ocean
95)Conversed with someone when neither of you spoke each others language
96)Dirty danced
97)Been stung by a bee
98)Acted in a play
99)Had more than 5 surgeries
100)Threw a surprise party for someone

So, I am not very worldly yet... Someday soon I hope!!! (Thanks Kasey, this was fun!)

nothing to report today

2009-02-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

Except the fact that I love Nome and there are times I wish I didn't know I had to leave...

Have a great weekend everyone.

did I ever mention how much I hate psychiatry?

2009-02-03T03:44:00.000-08:00

Patients, that is. They literally drive me crazy. They never sleep when it's bedtime and for some reason they always want coffee or juice.

I know this sounds terrible, but I am usually not nice to them. They tend to be manipulative, and I don't play that game. I don't accept attitude, and when you give it to me, I give it back tenfold with their tails between their legs. I know, again, I sound mean, but if you were a psych nurse, you would understand.

I, myself am not a psych nurse, but I am however one from time to time here at Norton Sound. There are no sick babies for me to take care of anymore, so the title of peds nurse has been temporarily relinquished.

Ok, I vented, I am good now. I am working my first night shift in forever, and I am trying to keep myself awake at the moment. I heard the coffee pot singing to me...

are we there yet?

2009-01-31T18:10:00.000-08:00

Work work work, sleep sleep sleep, sick baby, sick baby, sick baby...This has been my week.

I usually get the pediatric patients because they are a challenge. Everyone at work knows I love the babies anyways. They can't tell you where it hurts or why they don't feel good, so I get to use that good old critical thinking they taught me in nursing school oh so many years ago...

Tomorrow is Super Bowl! WOOT! Monday is Groundhog Day! 2 weeks from now is Valentine's Day (not that I have a Valentine...yet...) Lincoln's Birthday, Black History Month. February is where it's at. (please note sarcasm...)

5 weeks from now my sister is coming to visit me and I am out of my gourd in excitement!

I am off after this shift until Monday night for 2 weeks of night shift. I am going out tonight and hoping I have enough in me to hang out for the Super Bowl.

Have a good weekend and GO CARDINALS!!!

vitamins and 3 days a week at the gym

2009-01-27T21:46:00.000-08:00

I go through spells of time where I am really good about taking my vitamins. I just restarted a new period where I am doing just that. I am one of the lucky people who get sick from standard swallowable multivitamins, as I am very nauseous, and want to throw up half an hour afterward. (sometimes I do throw up) So, I am that cool person who gets to eat 5 gummy bear vitamins and chewable vitamin c's. I hope I can remember to do this again tomorrow...

I haven't been to the gym in 5 days, and I am feeling the effects. I took a strength training class today, which was my favorite class at the rec center I took while I was here most of 2007. I kicked my ass, and put it into more shape. I haven't been able to take it since I have been back this time around since I work day shift now, and class is at 4:15. I hope I can take it as often as I can. I am feeling better about myself now that I have been going to work out 3 times and more a week. I have already lost 4 pounds in the past 3 weeks, and I hope I can only get slimmer and feel better. I stopped measuring my results in pounds lost, since I tend to just store it in muscle.

If anyone out there has any ideas on how to melt pounds by now turning into muscle, let me know. I have changed my diet and I am eating as healthy as I can with the limited amounts and types of produce there is available here in Nome.

Well, that's what I have been up to, aside from working 4 12 hour shifts a week. Fun will come soon in one form or another. I know it will come for sure in 6 weeks when my sister Jessica arrives in Nome for her first trip to Alaska. I cannot wait as she will be here for the Iditarod, and debauchery abound will be afoot! Alaska will never be the same!

hmph..

2009-01-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

What to do on your day off when it happens to be in the middle of the week? I will probably spend all day trying to figure it out. It's windy outside and I'm sure the windchill is not a positive number.

I am pretty happy to know that in 7 weeks, my sister Jessica will be stepping off the plane here in Nome, and we will have a week of playtime here during the Iditarod. I have been lucky enough to have m friend Corky lend me her car during that time so we can go out and play. I'm just pretty happy I won't have to take a cab to and from the airport. I told Corky I would pay a daily rate and fill up the gas tank, but she said she would have nothing of it. I need to figure out what she likes, because she should get a gift for her hospitality.

I am still on the hunt for a coat to buy for my sister so she won't freeze to death while she's here, as she's never been to Alaska before. I have no idea what the weather will be like in March, as it is as unpredictable as it is in St. Louis. It could be 25 degrees one day and drop down to 15 below zero the next. I know she'll be fine, I am just having that sense of trying to take care of her while she's here. She's been my big sister all my life, and here's a chance for me to switch roles.

I am pretty excited. This will be fun. I am also glad that when I leave here, I will not have to wait for the looooooooooooooooong winter thaw of Nome and I can go right into Spring when I fly back home to Memphis.

I still dunno what I will do today other than go to the gym, which I have been doing 2 to 3 days a week there since I have returned from my Christmas break. I am losing some weight, and an inch or two here and there. I will hopefully be able to meet my goal of running 2 miles under 18 minutes without stopping. I have been on the treadmill, walking and running in spurts, and I am happy with my progress.

Ok, enough. I am going to find something to do now, since I don't have to be at the gym until 4 for class. I hope all of you have a great day!

CONGRATS PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!

2009-01-21T01:54:00.000-08:00

I would just like to say that I am one of the people suckered in by Obama's promises of hope. I believe it, I feel it, I know it. I am excited about the next 4 years and how great this country will become now that we have a real and true person running it. I will however, be sad that President Bush is probably no longer in danger of being the target of any more shoes...

another week goes by

2009-01-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

Well, Monday. Hello. I have a new roommate. We get along great so far, so that is the cherry on top of the fact that she only is in my place for 4 weeks tops and then I have the place to myself when my sister gets here in 7 weeks. Not that I'm counting or anything :)

I have ran into a serious case of writers' block, which is making me extremely frustrated. Since I have the story in my head, trying to get it onto paper has become a quite the task. I will succeed, I am giving myself a whole other week before I must lock myself to the computer and get cracking.

To answer the most common questions: yes, it's cold, yes I am ok, yes I am coming back to the lower 48 after this assignment, and I plan to stay away from Alaska as long as I can so I can appreciate it when I return in a few years or so.

I hope all of you are having a great MLK Day and enjoy the Inauguration festivities tomorrow. Toodloo!!

Sunday Reflection

2009-01-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

Week one of thirteen down. Twelve weeks to go. I love it here in Nome, and my friends here are awesome. But I really cannot wait for march when my assignment will draw to an end so I can start looking for a new place to travel to.

Coming back to work after 5 weeks off was like getting back on the bike... Fun in the Sound never sleeps...

I am hoping to got to Maryland, so I can indulge in my love of museums and explore DC. I have friends there, so I would have good company and assistance with the touristy stuff.

I get paid in 2 weeks with a full paycheck and I will be commencing the school process. I am excited, because I am hoping to be finished by the end of the year. I'll keep you all posted. I am just ready to tackle 2009 with as much punch as I can.

I haven't received the call yet, but my friends Missy and Doug (also neighbors) are switching apartments here in the 14 Plex, and I am going to help them today. There is a small shed of hope tat I can move into the apartment across from them and out of the one I am in now. That would make the rest of of my time here alot better. So, we'll see.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend, and also i wish you all a great week!

Sunday at work...

2009-01-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

Well, day two, back at Norton Sound Regional Hospital. I have a darling baby girl in my arms, who at present is quite gassy. SO, I am using my 'touch' with babies to fix her.

She's fixed, and her mom just took her from me. Luckily for all of us, overnight there were no new admissions, and we are still the maternity ward, and we still have 3 cute little Eskimo babies.

Right now, Ron in the lab is torturing them for PKU testing. If you don't know what that is, it's a blood test with a large cut to the heel that makes babies very mad. This isn't as bad as it sounds, but when it's being done, the babies hate us.

I could say something about circumcisions for the little boys, but I will spare you the details. The kid screams bloody murder, and everyone is happy when it's done.

Hopefully, today will be an easier day at work, as (knock on wood) it has started out. I am with my adopted work Mother Corky and Todd, and we 3 nurses are a great team. This job here can be the best or the worst day. There is usually on in between. I don't mind working weekends, as they are usually quiet because all the ancillary staff is gone, and only the meat and potatoes of the hospital (NURSES!) are here to run the joint. I like it better that way. That's another reason I like nights so much. No one to bug you about PT,or rehab, or discharges, or the patients feelings, blah blah blah...Just us nurses. That's enough, because if you know a nurse besides me, you know wee can do just about anything :)

Have a great Sunday everyone, I am off to have some more fun at work!

back in the saddle

2009-01-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

Well, I am working my first shift back at Norton Sound, and we are SWINGING! One patient went home and we are now filling up room with newborns and their moms.

It's an odd position to be in, since I am not an OB nurse. I am certified in neonatal resuscitation, but God willing, I will never have to use those skills. Also, we are used to having other patients for medical or cardiac reasons, but now, like I said, we are the maternity ward. This does not hurt my feelings at all since I love love love love love new babies!

I have no training on how to take care of a post-partum mothers, which I need to learn a little bit more. I have been in the delivery room more times than I can count, and seen many babies be born. But for the most part, I am usually assigned to help with baby care, which I would rather do anyways. Massaging funduses just isn't my bag.

I haven't even been back 24 hours, and I am happy to feel like I never missed a step. I am glad to be here, finally doing something productive, instead of sitting at home with my finger up my nose...

Hope everyone had a great New Year, and you are all fully recovered. More new from the blogosphere as it comes. I hope to be able to make more posts this time around here in Nome since I only did around 5 times in 8 weeks. I am sorry for that folks, that is unacceptable!

Anyways, I have charts to put together for I think we are going to be joined by a new person very soon....

Hello '09!

2008-12-31T22:26:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the New Year. AMEN!!!!

I am going to bed soon, as I will be getting up early to make it to the airport on time tomorrow. (now today...)

I hope everyone is enjoying themselves, and ringing in the new year the best way they know how.

I know how to do it with wine....

Happy New Years! I'll report later to you from Alaska :)

2009 IS COMING!!! 2009 IS COMING!!!

2008-12-31T09:03:00.000-08:00

I am pretty happy it's New Year's Eve, but today, I will not be doing anything fun. I have a small mess that needs to be cleaned up in the house, and I need to calculate my packing for my trip back to AK tomorrow. I only have a few things to do, but it still stresses me just the same.

I don't believe that what you are doing as the clock strikes midnight dictates the direction of the year to come. I will just be happy to say goodbye to 2008 like alot of other people.

I welcome 2009 to be a good year for me, and that we all get what we hope for and are able to accomplish what we propose for our new year's resolutions.
I firstly, resolve to keep my resolutions to myself ;)

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.

If I don't blog tomorrow, it's because I have a plane to catch at noon, an d I will be running around the house getting last minute things done.

See you all next year :)

bon soir...

2008-12-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

Bonjour mes amis! I am spending my last evening here in St. Louis, and I am very exhausted. I have been in between here and Memphis for the past 4 weeks and I am ready to go back to Nome and work.

For those of you saying 'a month off and yo want to go back to work? You're crazy', well, you may be correct. But after a month of no incoming money, no productivity, lounging, eating, drinking beau coup alcohol, and sleeping in....well, it gets old.

I am very happy to have been able to see my friends and family while I was here, and I am sorry for those I did not have the pleasure of seeing. I wish you all a very merry New Year, etc...

I will be spending my New Year's Eve at home in Memphis, with my mom and step-dad, packing and preparing for my trip back to Alaska. I leave on the 1st, will overnight in Anchorage, and triumphantly return to Nome on the 152 flight on the second of January.

I am excited that I will be seeing my friends back in AK, and getting back to work at the hospital. In addition to all this hooplah, I will begin classes online to get my RN degree, and still attempt to finish my novel.

My hopes for 2009 are not any different than they were at New Years last year. I want to be productive, financially stable, successful, and most of all happy.

2008 was not the year of years for me. I have had many shortcomings which have assisted me in actually beginning to look in the right direction. Hopefully, after learning from my mistakes, I will be able to turn them all around like we all hope we can do.

So, all I can say is come on 2009! I am ready for you!

let the countdown begin...

2008-12-27T08:05:00.000-08:00

So, Christmas is over, and I am now feeling like I normally do when I come home between assignments on 2 week stints.

On today's menu is a lunch with my girlfriends Nisar and Kelly. We are a diabolical yet unusually matched trio of friends that met at St. Mary's Health Center when we all worked there. That's what you do when you want to meet up with people these days as an adult. Have lunch. Or late dinners. I feel old. I shouldn't feel this old. I am only 29!

Anyways, next on the agenda is a wedding reception of sorts for my friend Jeremy.

And this evening, some possible debauchery with my friend Holly, and perhaps some other girls.

Tomorrow, I am going to Scott AFB for a joint birthday party for my friend Jason and his twin boys, and Monday, I am back on my way to Memphis to pack and clean and get ready for the next 3 months I will spend in Nome.

So far, I have a flight arranged, but I still haven't a reservation for my overnight stay in Anchorage. This worries me a little...

But again, I hope all of you enjoyed Xmas, are enjoying Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, and have a safe and happy new year.

Time to start getting ready to be that busy lady I made plans to be!

Have a great day, all!

"Holidays on Ice"

2008-12-25T20:08:00.001-08:00

This is a short book written by David Sedaris. I found it on the front table at Barnes and Noble for 8 bucks or so. It was the perfect antidote for the infection of holiday cheer involuntarily shoved down my throat.

I recommend anyone read it, as it's only 130 pages or so, and worth a true laugh.

I reserved the book to read for today, and it was the best Christmas gift I've ever given myself.

Now that the holiday is almost over, I am more relieved and less stressed.

I hope you all had a good holiday and spent it with the ones you love. I did get to do such a thing, as my favorite family tradition is the whole Swartz Mafia meets at my Uncle Joe's the day after Christmas, where we eat our faces off, and tell embarrassing stories about every one.

My favorite subjects are as follows:

4) At Grandma Swartz's, around the age of 2, I shoved a bar of soap down the toilet, and my dad spent over 2 hours trying to get the soap to wear down before it could be evacuated from the drain.

3) We were on out way to my Aunt Judy Potter's house for a visit, just my parents and myself. I was around 12 years old. I don't recall if my sister Jessica was with us, but I'll confirm that tomorrow. Anyhow, I had wretched abdominal pain to the point where I was in tears, writhing in pain in the backseat of the car. As soon as we get inside, Aunt Judy knows exactly what's wrong with me. She lays some bulky pillows on the floor, has me assume a prone position with the pillows directly applying pressure to my belly, and for the next 2 hours I spend it regaining comfort after passing serious gas that filled the basement.

2) Also at the age of 12, my Grampa Blankenship died. At his funeral, I was bored to tears, as any 12 year old child would be. I decided to follow my cousin Andrea around the casket, observing the beautiful flowers adorning it. Unfortunately, I did not know I was supposed to gauge my distance from the casket when my left foot slipped underneath, allowing me to fall underneath Grampa. I did not fall completely in, as I sprained my ankle attempting to stay 6 feet up. I pulled on the handlebar at the end of the casket to stay 'afloat', and the thing tipped slightly as the inertia of my 75 pound body and Grampa's 100 pounds threw it off balance. This scared the living shit out of me. I screamed as loud as I could, and before I knew it, my cousin Eric had scooped me up and sat me down in the only car without an unlocked door-the hurse. Don't believe this story? Well my girl scout troop didn't either. We couldn't afford crutches for me, so I arrived at my troop meeting with a cane, and for the first time I was telling a true story, (as I was known to tell very tall tales) I was presumed to have 'cried wolf' as they didn't believe me. Still don't believe me? Ask my parents. Although this is a horrible thing to happen as a child, I laugh my ass off to this day, as I am the only person I know that this could have happened to.

1) I was about 2 years old again, at a gas station with the Swartz clan. I had to pee. (I potty trained early as most girls do) No one had time to take me to the bathroom, so I rolled down the window, pulled my britches down, and peed down the side of the car. I was a defiant child, and to this day, again, I think I am the only person capable of such a feat.

This is what I am looking forward to tomorrow at Uncle Joe's.

Merry Christmas.

Happy Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

I will be spending today with my father. I am hoping to do something fun today, but most likely, any traffic would kill any of that joy.

For anyone near or far, here or there, I wish you all a happy holiday.

I know I am pretty bah humbug during the season, but maybe one day that'll change.

You wanna know my favorite part of the Christmas season?

When it's over.

Sure I really enjoy giving gifts to people. I enjoy receiving gifts. I just severely dislike being forced to do it at a certain time of year. It's way to stressful.

Being the child of divorce makes it more difficult. I really dislike having to shoot off here and there, spending too much time in my car rather than with family.

I would just rather spend it with family.

Enough of the glum. Happy Holidays everyone. Hugs from me, and see you soon, somehow or another.

Happy Christmas Eve Eve

2008-12-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

Where is everyone? I have been trying to get a hold of out of towners now in town, and I can't seem to find one of them who is available.

Well, if you read this, I am drinking beau coup vino, so join me.

I hope everyone has fun plans for the holiday. Tomorrow, my boring self will be at home with my dad unless something neat-o comes along. If not, I plan to spend the day working on my ultra cool novella.

I say novella now, since it has not reached novel lentgh. I know it will become a longer story, it just needs to be typed.

If there is anyone that reads this that went to Rockwood Summit or Rockwood South and remembers Mary Hay, the English teacher, holler. I need that woman with her monumentally super human typing skills. Does anyone remember that? Or am I the only retard who does?

Anyhow, I must get along to m ultra lame evening seulement.

Have a Merry Christmas Eve, and for all my Jews, Happy Hanukkah.

fa-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra

2008-12-22T19:26:00.001-08:00

The only thing I am looking forward to this year is the 24 hour marathon of A Christmas Story on TBS...

Ready to get rid of the gifts I purchased, to their rightful new owners.

Humph...

Any ways, I am pretty sure all my Xmas shopping is finished, dear God, I hope so.

I wish you all a great Hanukkah and Christmas.

-OR-

Happy Christmahanakwanzikuh :)

I expect nothing less than getting my a*s kissed...

2008-12-19T20:21:00.000-08:00

So, today, I had to call Overstock.com to complain that I hadn't received my reimbursement from the return of an order that never found its way to my hands. First, I tracked the order all the way to Anchorage, where it was deemed 'undeliverable'. This was the first in many things that did not make me happy.

I then tracked it via USPS, where it stated it was returned. This was the second thing that set me off. The third was an email stating that 20 bucks of my refund was going towards a non-restocking fee, since one of the items in my order was damaged somehow in the return process.

I called them to complain since they were not giving me full refund on a damaged item I never even received. The customer service agent I talked to was very rude to me and agreed to refund the full amount to his chagrin. As of this morning, I still did not see said refund in my bank account. So I had to call again.

This time I got a different guy, I complained to him about the last guy I talked to, and the new guy did everything he could to make me happy.

All you have to do is make a threat to never shop somewhere again and boy, here come the freebies. Not only did I get my full reimbursement, but I also got my 'restocking' fee doubled back to me in addition to a $10 credit line.

Now, let me make this clear. I did in fact intend to not use Overstock in the future, as I was very upset that 2 items I wanted very badly never made their way to me. Luckily, I got a person on the other line today that persuaded me otherwise.

Now, to the second part of my woes. I went to the movies tonight to see Twilight with my step-dad. Th mean age of the audience was around 14-15, so the obvious maturity level was very low. A group of about 20 kids made so much racket and noise through the thing that I was about ready to get up and yell at them. They were rude, and still continued their banter after several people asked them to be quiet. I finally lost it and yelled SHUT UP as loud as I could. This was shortly followed by ushers coming in and asking them to cork it.

That worked for 20 minutes as they waited to test the nerves of everyone else and start up with the disruptions again. Ushers were distracting me, walking up and down the ailes. They looked at everyone to make sure none of us talked, yadda yadda. It did not make me feel any better.

It just pisses me off to no end that I paid money to see a movie, and these kids weren't even asked to leave, nor did anyone apologize to the people who were being respectfully quiet during the film.

So, I wrote a mature, yet nasty email to Malco Theatres in hopes that someone will finally rectify the situation.

Ok, I vented. Much better.

I am off now to pack to leave for St. Louis tomorrow, and to type a little more of my little novel. I am already at 60 pages and 25,000 words. I can't believe I started this little project just a week ago! I'll keep you all updated on my progress.

Take care and good evening to all.

Mother Nature Knows Things

2008-12-18T08:01:00.000-08:00

Well, if I couldn't split town yesterday because of ice, I am definitely not leaving today because of the heavy downpour happening right now.

What is it about the rain that makes you tired and lazy? Does is contain triptophan, like in turkey or what?

It didn't rain yesterday, so I have no excuse why I couldn't finish my room. I spent all day on Pogo.com earning badges, playing games, and winning tokens I cannot spend. If you haven't heard of Pogo, beware, it's highly addictive. I'm upset with myself that I knew I could've played the games later, but when you don't have any commitments, what do you do?

Plus, I was not feeling well yesterday either.

Today is a new day. I shall try to take it on with all I got.

The Christmas tree is up, and I am going to do whatever I can to not have to decorate. It's the kind where you have to put every single branch in. This was highly irritating, since those fake branches raked off my cuticle causing me to bleed heavily. Evil tree.

Well, Happy Thursday to all! The highlight for my day is knowing I can watch Private Practice followed by Grey's Anatomy. Whoopee! Id this what adulthood is all about? Waiting for 7 or 8 o'clock to watch tv?

In some other news, I found a neat little gizmo on Microsoft Word that counts letters, characters and words. So far my 'novel'has roughly 19,000 words and 45 pages since last Thursday. I am quite proud of my self. I am keeping the wheels turning in my head for ideas and plots and such. It's quite exhilarating to read your own words and actually like them.

SO, I am off to do the personal hygiene thing now, and this time, some cleaning before I head out to St. Louis on Saturday.

Wednesday Woes

2008-12-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

Where does motivation go when you lose it?

Why does your CD always have to skip during your favorite song?

How come no one has invented a teleporter that works yet?

Ok, so I feel a little bit better now. I have about an hours work of cleaning in my room today. I lost momentum somewhere around dinner time, and barely accomplished much after wards. I am happy to say that I have completed purchasing anything in preparation for my next 3 months in Alaska.

I had to seriously think hard about the things I should take up with me. Items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, shaving needs, etc, are decent percent higher to purchase up there to make up for the cost of shipping. The good thing is I will be leaving with less than I came from for once.

As far as I know I still do not have a roommate up there, which is kind of nice. It would be great to get back up there and have the place to myself again. After what will be a whole month away from Nome, it would great to not have someone around, as it has been staying here with my mom and my sister and dad in St. Louis.

Like I said, this will have to be my last time in Nome. I could extend a month or so, but I cannot fathom committing myself to the same place again.

It seemed I stayed in Nome too long, since I was itching to go to California. I stayed in California too long, and was itching to be home. I was in Memphis too long, and I head to Nome, and the time wasn't enough. Now I am going back and I know I will be antsy to search for new places to venture off to.

I still need to get on track with school. I have sworn to myself that I am going to save every penny I can while there, just in case it will be needed for any form of occupational vacation... I hope that will not be the case.

I also decided that by this time next year, or shortly after, I should be moved back to St. Louis. I have spent enough time making my permanent residence here in TN. There are times when you have to wave of your white flag and admit that you failed. I did not fail in some monumental way. It's just that the whole reason I came here in the first place was to live easier and go back to school. So far, I haven't had a book to crack open to further my education.

I could find a small studio to rent, or find someone wit a 2 bedroom apartment or something and rent with them. It has been a hard thing after these last 3 years to come home to where you live and not really feel like the place was my own.

I feel good about all my new realizations and discoveries. It is all a journey in life to take, the steps that get you to where you need to be. Of course, I may change my mind and go another direction, but that happens to everyone every day.

Happy Holidays. I am off to clean the house and put up a Christmas tree...

All Hail to the Gods of Ice Storms

2008-12-16T11:08:00.000-08:00

So, I have safely decided that a trip to STL tomorrow would not be good, since there is ice everywhere. I will most likely depart Thursday afternoon. This really doesn't hurt my feelings, since I have work to do around the house, and I will be St. Louis for well over a week and a half.

I have a feeling Christmas will wipe me out this year. Luckily, I have found a few things that I have had for a while that were meant to give out as gifts that were never given. A little serendipity if you will. Shh, don't tell anyone ;)

Anyhow, I plan to spend my day cleaning happily, brainstorming for my writings, and helping Mom get the tree up and decorations hung. I do have to admit that I absolutely hate Xmas decorations and fixing up the tree, but if it will make my mother happy, well so be it.

I guess that means I have to wrap gifts sometime before I go as well, if my mother can bring them up later when she comes into STL for the holiday.

I am sad to say that I will not be getting a new laptop. I had hoped my step-dad could spring for a new one, and I could pay him back later, but I think we're just going to take it to Best Buy for an evaluation.

Of course I am blogging and writing more since I have been home secondary to the free time I have, but second to that is the fact that my PC still works at an excusable rate, and I don't get frustrated. Maybe there will be a little Christmas miracle where my laptop turns out like new....

Again, I wish you all a good holiday season. I have never been ready to go back to work so much in my life! I thought a month off would be the ticket to my sanity, but it's slowly crossing the bridge to the other direction of crazy town.

guess I'll never know

2008-12-14T19:31:00.000-08:00

So, my anonymous readers have not showed themselves. Sorry to hear that.

But I have been SO busy, yet not.

I finally finished the Twilight series, complete with the 12 chapter rough draft on the internet called Midnight Sun. I actually have Stephanie Meyer's book, The Host, but I think I need a break from the supernatural right now. I have 4 other books so far that I have purchased just in the passed 2 weeks. I will save the 700 or so pages of The Host for my long plane ride back to Alaska I think.

But since then, I have completed around 5 chapters or so of my own book, that I hope to finish with in the next 45 days. No reason for the deadline, just a goal. SO far, I am really liking it. They say you should write what you know, so I have sort of gone in that direction. No worries, my friends, I have changed all your names ;)
I really am quite proud of myself. I have been having this feeling, or maybe more of an urge over the last 4 months or so to start writing again, and I am very happy, I snapped out of my apprehension and begun to do what I have been thinking about.

I still have around 2 and half more weeks left here in the lower 48, and I already terribly bored. I would go back right now if I hadn't promised my family and friends I would be here for the holidays. Which by the way, I cannot understand how anyone can not be affected by the annoying Xmas music, decor, etc. It's driving me mad. Not that I don't like Christmas, I just prefer it not get shoved down my throat in overdoses.

Any how, now that I have got my bah humbug out of the way, I still do wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. I urge every one of you to remember the meaning behind it. It's not about presents, although they are nice bonus, it's about love for family and friends. I hope I can exercises the words I just typed. Christmas means something a little different to everyone, and maybe some day I can see it ion a whole new light.

I wish you all the best, and blog to you soon!

(in the future, I will be typing- BTYS :)

I'm a writer?

2008-12-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

So, I have been doing this blog thing for a while. I hope I have made you laugh and have a secure sense of what I have been up to.

I had been tinkering with the idea of writing again, since I have those creative mental juices. Sometimes. Yesterday, I had an idea in my head after I got off the phone with a friend. It was a plot I had in my head for a while, and I just up and went to my computer and started word document. So far, I am at the end of the first chapter, and being held mental hostage as I am on my way soon to visit a friend here in Memphis, and I still have 200 pages of so of Breaking Dawn to read. Yes, that's right, I am already on book 4 of the Twilight series! I have accelerated my status to a bonafide nerd.

So, about the reading and writing. I will be spending more time on Shelfari.com I hope, in order to review books and such, and find new ones of interest to read. I already have about 5 to crack into after I am finished with my current read. This gets me pretty excited. Like I said, nerd. The writing will continue later on this evening I suspect. I hope it turns into something everyone can read, and that anyone can guess that, yes, it's me writing. We'll see. Maybe one day I can use it to get out of debt. Who knows?

Welly-o, off to shower and such. Have a great weekend everyone!

Curiosities....

2008-12-08T18:56:00.000-08:00

From time to time I check the Feedjit widget on my page to see where people are reading my blog from. I have noticed some new locales that have drifted along my page, and I have asked who you are and what sparked interest into my blog. So...

Albany, New York, it's your turn! Same for YOU, San Diego! Who are you? Say hi and tell me who you are! I am just curious. I like a little correspondence with my readers. I find it fascinating, well, that I am fascinating. So, if you don't say hi again, thanks for reading.

Anyhow. I am in St. Louis right now at my dad's house, killing some time while my laundry finishes up. I have a had a great time so far seeing family and friends. I am headed back to Memphis on Wednesday so I can attend a Christmas party for my BUNCO league. Not exactly too thrilled, but I know they are wishing to see me, so I must fulfill my vacation destiny of seeing people who missed me. Maybe we'll actually get around to throwing some dice and I can walk out with some cash.

Moving on. I am now into book 3 of the Twilight series, Eclipse, and I just can't stop! I am actually pretty happy with the fact that I am reading more than just lying around and watching TV or playing on YouTube. It still makes for a comparative antisocial behavior, but in the least, I am triggering neurons that needed to wake up a little bit. Not to mention expand my vocabulary a bit.

So, my friends. I'll fill in more later. Not too much going on a Monday night except football. Take care, and TTYS...........

today I depart for the colder midwest

2008-12-04T10:59:00.001-08:00

I leave for St. Louis fairly soon, as I promised my Mom I would go to her orthodontist appointment with her and then on to Costco so I can pick up my contacts. Then last but not least I have to go get an oil change, and then I am on the road.

I probably would have left earlier, but I got sucked into New Moon, book 2 of the Twilight series until 4 this morning. I just got out of the shower and I am dressed, and essentially have everything I need packed up and ready to go for St. Louis. I have been packed since Tuesday, if that gives any of you some sense as to how much I am ready to get out of Collierville, TN.

See you soon in a St. Louis establishment near you!

so it begins....

2008-12-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

I went and saw Twilight last night. It was ok. I think for adults who have read the book, it could be appreciated more, just a little, as opposed to those whom haven't read the book. It's definitely geared towards the young adult, high school crowd. Either way, it was fairly enjoyable, and pretty true to the book including several noted quotes. Always a bonus.

Added bonus was Robert Pattinson. Yummy. And British. Again, yummy. I see a trip to England in my future, just kidding.

Anyhow, I am off to meet a friend for lunch. We will catch up on the passed 2 months I missed here in Collierville, as if I missed much. Then I might sneak back to Barnes and Noble to see if they have the rest of series to pick up. Crossing my fingers.

After I get home, cleaning and straightening up. Yay.

Maybe more blogging.

this week so far...

2008-12-02T16:22:00.001-08:00

I have returned from Nashville, in a semi-hypnotic state since the Jason Mraz concert. For those of you who don't know his music, think of your favorite musician, and how their music affects you, and there you have it. That's what he does to me :)

So, anyways, I woke at 1PM today, I think as a result of overcoming my jet lag. Hopefully, missing half my day today will be it, and I can commence to enjoying my month long break.

I am very excited to be home, and to see friends here in Memphis and St. Louis. I wasn't able to pit stop there before I left for my 8 weeks in Nome, so I am glad I have some overtime that I can catch up.

And going back to my post eons ago about how I despise Facebook, well I still do, but at least I am connecting with people there that aren't on Myspace. To think about it, I should put the link up. Will do after I am complete with this posting. Go Sarah.

I have finished book one in the Twilight series. I can already say, ADDICTED! Good stuff, as I am a hopeless romantic, and vampires are my favorite little monsters. Of course, I realized, I didn't have book 2, or 3, or 4....so I went on a little hunt last night to get them. Apparently I am not the only person who caught up on this bandwagon at this point in time either. No books at Target, Walmart, and even Barnes and Noble was sold out. I am going to go on another hunt this evening, after I finish some other things up. I have weird periods where all I do is read, and I am glad I am back into it, as it keeps me away from TV and playing on the internet, my 2 deadliest vices. I have already given up on trying to make it to the theatre to see the film tonight, and will have to hold on til tomorrow after I have lunch with my friend Beth. I am an impatient person, and this is trying me to the core.

I actually feel better now that I am bloggin more. I think I only put up 3 or 4 postings while I was in Nome. Bad, bad blogger! Hopefully, when I get back I will have a brand new laptop to take along and blog blog blog away. I also plan to get started on my yet unfinished writing projects. I have half a dozen or so, and I am feeling the bug, and not missing my writers block at all.

Well, anyways, go to do some chores and such. To all of you, have a great evening.

home again, for a while...

2008-11-29T22:36:00.000-08:00

I made it back to Memphis, in one solid, smelly, grimy piece. In lieu of showering, which is what I wanted to do most, I immediately changed into pj's and brushed my teeth. Feeling much better now.

Gotta get up in the morning, color my hair, put it up in rollers, head to the store to buy the book I lost at the airport, and hit the road with Mom for Jason Mraz in Nashville. Can't wait. I know this is the 2nd concert I will go to of his in the same year, but you have to go to one to understand the magnitude of awesomeness that goes on. You really feel the love in the room, and it's the closest thing I will ever admit to being near a description of some form of tree-hugger.

Well, now it's off to bed, in a real bed, one that I like, and dreaming of waking up to a pain-free rear end which I managed to wipe out on in the ice in Nome yesterday morning at the airport. I thought the coast was clear, but much to my dismay, my major slippage was witnessed by many, and a cab driver had to help me get back up since my backpack had magnetized me to the ice.

Goodnight my friends, see you soon.

finger update

2008-11-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

As suspected, my finger is fine. I had my doctor here look at it and we are all good. It's a little swollen, but no bruising noticed yet. It's also still a little tender as well, but I have had it splinted all day. I know this posting is kind of silly, but hey. Have a good one.

A Balmy 3 Degrees in Beautiful Downton Nome, Alaska

2008-11-21T22:13:00.000-08:00

So, it's been awhile, I am sorry. So, let me keep you all up to speed.

I have been asked to come back to Nome for 13 more weeks. So, I will. I am going to be home for a whole month for the holidays, and then I am back to my chilly little nook here in the North.

That being said, I am in the midst of trying to pack up for home travels, get my sister a plane ticket to join me up here for the Iditarod, and debate whether or not I need to go to the hospital for maybe breaking my finger just now.

Then why am I typing? I am trying to convince myself that I am invincible, and despite the throbbing in my left middle finger, I will be ok. Not to mention that my medical insurance hasn't kicked in yet and that I can mooch some free medical care off the doctor that will be on call tomorrow.

In case you were wondering, I was walking up the stairs after smoking to go into my apartment, and I slipped. The fall was broken with my right hand, but ultimately stopped by a slamming juxtaposition of my left middle finger. Won't be flipping anyone off with that soon....Hopefully the wine will kick in soon.

Oy, alas I must end my 4th day out of 4 days off now, since I have to be at work early in the morning. Hopefully I will be better at keeping all of you up to snuff.

G'nite!

hello from the tundra

2008-10-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since I have posted. I have been working non stop, and the pace on the day shift is definitely more involving of my time on nights from what I remember. So, the free time I was hoping for has been spent doing my job :)
I just looked over my time card, and I worked over 100 hours the last 2 weeks. No wonder I am so worn down.

I am loving Nome, loving the cold, and loving the snow. I have a strong feeling I wont be able to come back after I leave this time. At least not as an LPN. I can as an RN! Hopefully, I ill be one in a years time.

I am looking towards the great American southwest or my next travel assignment. Maybe even somewhere in Tennessee. We shall see. I'll know more after I get back home in 5 weeks.

Sorry this is such a lame posting, but I just felt I should break the silence after 2 weeks. I will post more later. Have a good week!

Back in my Nome Home!

2008-10-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Been back since around 1 PM Sunday, but really have been so busy, now I am finally writing! It's great to be back. I have seen several of my friends, and I am lucky to have my first weekend off for rest and FUN! I of course am trying to kill myself because I also volunteered to work the health fair Friday and Saturday as well, giving flu shots, taking blood and blood pressures. Yay.....

So, I read this article of a guy from LA who came to visit Nome over the late summer. Here's the link to the article. Enjoy. I got a kick out of it.

Anyhow, I am going to commence my lunch break. A walk a few blocks to the Tesoro (gas station) for $2 20oz diet Pepsi, and a $1.50 bag of 99 cent healthy chips :)

More to come of my work and play adventures here in bush Alaska. Take care folks!

today is the day!

2008-10-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

Well, sort of. I won't see Nome til around noon tomorrow, but I will at least be in Alaska tonight. My friend Mary Beth is taking me to breakfast in the morning, and perhaps I may be able to meet up with my friend Neal who is in Anchorage for the weekend. We'll see.

Still have some work to do, but I know I will be out like a light on the plane to LA.

I woke up at 8:30 as planned, and I am showered. I am felling a little frisky, and I feel like putting my hair up in rollers today. I know, not part of the conversation, but that's what I am going to do today.

Well kids, I think it's that time to put the rollers in, get ready, clean and repack!

Next post will be from 40 degrees in Nome!

blitz break

2008-10-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

So, Mom and I have had quite the busy day today. First the Verizon store for rebate stuff, then to Eye Masters for me 2 new pairs of glasses. Tres chic, I must say :)

I am 90% packed. Still need to get some last things from the car, laundry, etc... Also having an issue as whether or not to unpack and repack to condense what I am bringing. At this point, I am thinking no, since that is one of my weaknesses trying to make everything perfect.

I must say my room is looking spectacular, and all I need to finish touches now is to put clean linens back on the bed, and straighten up my closet. I promised my step dad I would straighten up my things in the garage before I ran away. At this rate, I have a feeling I won't be able to sleep tonight, so I will probably be up early in the morning to get that out of the way. Cross your fingers for me folks. These next 2 days are going to be pure, unadulterated, logistic hell. As I am excited to get back to AK, the trip up and back to the lower 48 is a nightmare.

If I hadn't mentioned it before, I finally got a flight booked, but not to my liking. I was really hoping to leave tonight and be in by tomorrow afternoon, but of course, my luck doesn't work that way. Anyhow, I leave tomorrow at around 2:30 for a pit stop in LA, then Seattle, then Anchorage for a nights stay and then off to Nome for the 152 to arrive around noon.

BLOG BREAK:-------------------------------------------------------

Ok, so the bed is made, and only a few things to put away now in my room. Select boxes have been placed in the attic, and I have picked out what last minute things need to be out still so I can use them in the morning. I still have things I need to get out of my car, and I am afraid that a pack/unpack is unavoidable at this point, as I see I need to add towels and make sure I have room for my 'tomorrow things'. Yay.

But for now, I am getting ready to go to Red Robin with the folks for a farewell dinner, and then back to the grind as soon as I get back. God forbid I forget anything tomorrow, or I will be beyond peeved.

The thing I am looking forward to the least is having to pay the airlines to check my bags. I call bullshit on that til the day I die. I am pretty close to calling the airline and seeing if I can get my bags checked all the way to Nome. We'll see....

Anyhow, I need to focus here, so I will bid you all a good night.

down to the wire

2008-10-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

I am leaving Saturday afternoon on my way back to Nome and I cannot be more excited. I severely miss my friends up there and I miss being a nurse. I realize now, after working the last 2 months in the restaurant, that I should have just gotten a nursing job here and said sayonara when the travel op came along. But that's what I do. I make sure I make the monumental wrong decision, learn from it, and never do it again. Check.

I still have my packing to do, and I am having a hard time staying focused on the fact that I will only be gone for 2 months this time, instead of almost a whole year. But with any hope, I will come home in December, spend a few weeks here and there, and turn right back around to Alaska. So, I am slowly whittling down what to bring, what not to bring, etc, trying to remember the things I brought up there that were never used, etc...

I cleaned my room yesterday to epic proportions, and I am quite proud of myself. I still have a few things to put away yet, but I have faith in myself that when it comes to crunch time, I will get it done.

And crunch time starts now!

CONGRATS KELLY AND TJ!!!

2008-10-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Baby Brooke Danielle Vonder Harr was born on Friday, September 26th via c-section. She was 7#6oz, and 21 inches long. I just saw the pics on the Web Nursery, and she looks just like Mommy!

Congrats guys, I can't wait to holod and love her when I get back from AK!

My last Monday in Memphis!

2008-09-29T06:26:00.000-07:00

My second to last day of work at the Bird as well. I am utterly exhausted. I got the day off yesterday on a fluke, and it was well needed. I did minimal house work, but alas, some was completed. AKA- laundry.

My only problem at hand is this: I still do not have flight arrangements. I called the travel coordinator at Norton Sound on Friday, and he was supposed to email it to me. Didn't happen. So I called Alaska Airlines to try and see if they could tell me. Apparently it seems my flight still has not been booked!

Something like this happened before in February of last year. I was packed and ready to go and at the airport. I went up to the counter to check in and get my tickets, only to find that I did not have a flight booked at all back to Nome.

We went back to the house, I got in contact with the hospital, a flight was booked, and I was on my way back to the airport a few hours later. That day was a mess since my flight was cancelled to Chicago due to ice. I didn't get there until the the next day, and travelling over night just isn't fun.

So, when I have my break today from my double shift, I am going to have to try and remember that I need to call my boss in Nome today and get the ball rolling.

Everything else on my end is done. I have made faxes of documents, peed in a cup, done a background screen. I am done. Now I wait.

9 days and a wake up!

2008-09-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know what this phrase means, it'd a term used in the Service for how many days until you leave to go somewhere. And in this instance, well, that means Alaska again.

I am far from prepared, packed and ready. My room is a mess, I need to take care of things I have that are in the other upstairs bedrooms, we are having a garage sale on Saturday, and I will have 3 days off from my last day of work to actually get a bulk of it done. I am a little over whelmed.

I am off work this morning for the first time in I don't know how long. Unfortunately, I have to be back at work tonight at 5:30, and I am wasting some time by blogging. But, I just woke up, and I am trying to get in 'awake' mode. So, blogging is my coffee.

Technically, I haven't had a day off since the 11th, and today is the 23rd, do the math. I will have all of Saturday off to help with the garage sale. Hopefully, I can make a decent amount of change, so I don't have to dip into my bank account when I get to AK. I have sufficient funds there now, but it's only a matter of going to the grocery store up there once to break the pig. (piggy bank, you get it...) I will hopefully get an instant refund from my company for the AK license I had to pay $215 for to get renewed, and that would help out as well. Money money money. It's evil I say.

I only have one more week at the Bird. This makes me happy. Waiting tables is not what I am supposed to be, and hopefully by this time next year, I will be in Albany, NY graduating from school with my RN degree, and I will no longer be in the financial clutches of having to have a 2nd job.

That's all I got for now. I need to take a shower and get busy making a dent into this housework I need to get done.

2 more Mondays left...

2008-09-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

My sister Jessica is in the shower, and I am going to post while I wait for my turn. She's going back to St. Louis soon, and I still need to get ready for work.

I am sad she's leaving so soon, but it was nice to see her before I leave for Alaska. We had fun this weekend. We went and saw Burn After Reading last night, HILARIOUS! Whodathunk Brad Pitt was such a funny guy? After we came home I forced her to watch Atonement with me. Not really the movie she watches, but she liked it. It made me cry, again, although she didn't. I was quite surprised since she called me right after she saw 27 Dresses sobbing uncontrollably.

Anyhow, I still haven't made a decision yet as to when my last day at the "Bird" will be. I am thinking the 1st, since that will give me a few days to rest, pack, and clean. Mom and I plan on having a garage sale on the 27th, so hopefully I can make some decent cash for my departure so I won't be bleeding broke when I get to AK like I was the last time. At least this time around I know what I am getting into as far as food prices, etc... I just read that a new store opened up in town, maybe their prices are a little lower, although I doubt it. There's always hope...

My little still shining light is that I won't have to buy gasoline for 2 months. Money saved, calories burned :)

Who is my Arlington, Texas reader??

2008-09-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

Tell me who you are! I am fascinated by the people and places that stumble upon my blog.

If I never find out who you are, thanks for reading.

And even if I don't know you, please send comments!

Again, thanks to all my readers!

Nome incites to come in 3 weeks!!!!!

Happy Birthday!

2008-09-11T06:12:00.001-07:00

To a few people.

My sister Jodi, and my friends Jamie and Kelsi.

After 9/11, even though it put our country on defensive and such terrible things occurred that day, I still have more concern for those whose birthday this day in history falls upon.

We all know what we were doing when the planes hit. I was stuck on I-270 on my way to Ellisville for work, hearing play by play on the radio, only to witness the first tower collapse 5 minutes after I finally got there.

I know my sister was waking up from anesthesia from back surgery, and I can only imagine what was running through her mind. I know she told me she thought it was the drugs. Funny, but not funny.

A year later, as I was getting ready to celebrate my 23rd birthday, my sister Jessica and I went to eat at Lone Star where I was working. There was this quiet, and sort of weird, yet cute bartender who worked there, who didn't look like he was having a good day. Me being the happy-go-lucky, "no-one-is-sad-around-me" person I was at the time, I dug out of him what was making him down, and truth be told, I think it was the longest conversation he had with anyone at that restaurant since he had worked there. I told him I was celebrating my birthday on Saturday, since my birthday was that following Monday, Labor Day, and it was my scheduled holiday to work. He informed me of his birthday being on 9/11. As sympathetic as I get, I told him in his gloomy state that I would get him a card, even though he didn't hold me to it. Poor thing had to work on his birthday too. I got him that card, lifted his spirits, and after that, Jamie had become one of my closest friends. Good things do come from tragedy.

I will always remember 9/11 as most people will. I am just going to encourage others to reach out to those who are stuck with the tie between their birthday and this terrible tragedy that our nation had suffered. Every one gets one day a year that belongs to them, their birthday. They deserve to have it despite what happened.

Happy Birthday Wishes to all 9/11 kids! You get your day!

24 days and a wake up!

2008-09-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

So, I will be in Nome in a little over 3 weeks and I have a fair amount of ants in my pants. While I help my mom prepare for Bunco at the house tomorrow, I am still amidst the black hole that is my room in preparation for my big move.

I am still having a hard time deciding what I want to take as far as clothes, gadgets, towels, personal hygiene items, entertainment, etc. And what I want to mail to Nome, all that kind of stuff. This is a crazy house right now, and I will be so happy when the whole little 'storm' is over.

I just found out my sister is coming to Memphis for a visit this weekend, and I am really excited to see her again. This is great, because I am highly doubtful I will be able to trek up to St. Louis to see family and Friends before I embark to Nome next month.

Well, I am off to work what I am sure will be an uneventful lunch shift at the 'Bird', and then off to do a drug screen for my nursing job. I just did it a month ago for Nursefinders. What pisses me off is those hussies never called me for any shifts. I am sure I can get some when I come back I hope. We shall see, for that is all but 3 months away.

my hero

2008-09-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

My dearest friend Jamie has been deployed for the last few months in the Air Force to provide force protection for Iraqi soldiers, and I couldn't be more proud of him. I am so happy to know someone who is helping make a difference in a country so in need of our help. Please pray for his safety and that of his colleagues.

Back to Nome!

2008-09-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

So, after a separation of 369 days, I will be returning to Nome as of the 4th f next month. ONE MONTH FROM TODAY!!!!!!!!!!

I got the call on Tuesday evening from my boss in Nome that they were desperate for help and I agreed to an 8 week assignment. I am nonetheless thrilled as I can be to go back, as I miss my friends, the people, the bars, the hospital and coworkers, the snow, and of course the Northern Lights.

So, after the passed few days, a few things have occurred to me. I have been reminded of things from a year ago that I had forgotten about. Here are some examples...

1)Remembering phone numbers is easy. You need some one's number? Only need the last 4 digits, as there is only one prefix in town. If it's a home number, that'll be 443. Cell? No prob. It's 304.

2)Airport Pizza! Not only is it the best eatery in town, it's pretty much the best pizza I have ever had in my life. P'izza Chicago in Silicon Valley rates a close second with it's Great Chicago Fire pizza. Yummy, I miss both.

3)Sushi at Milano's! An Italian restaurant that serves pizza, pasta, sushi and other Japanese fare, run by Koreans...

4)Waiting for what movies are coming out that week.... 2 movies, both showing at the same 2 time slots, to be viewed via the back door of the Subway, and always listed on the 3rd page of the Nome Nugget when it comes out on Wednesdays.

5)The Nome Nugget. The town paper. Published every day except Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and the last week of the year. I shit you not, it's printed every week in the paper. Look it up online. In town, it'll cost you 50 cents. And more than likely, after you looked at the movie listings, you are reading the Seawall, Trooper Beat, and Legals section to see if anyone you know got busted from the Nome PD. Nurses always look to see who we are going to get a break from seeing at the hospital that week since we know they were booked into AMMC. (the prison)

6)Sadly, there will be no 3 o'clock runs to the Glue Pot, as it has been closed down. No more fried mushrooms or pretzels before driving out to the Dexter Roadhouse for more drinking until 5 AM.

7)My friends pretty much live next door! Missy, Doug, Carmen and Jerry all inhabit the 14 plex (where I pray they let me stay again), and I am eager to hear window tapping from Carmen to ask me outside for smoke breaks. Not to mention Bridgett and Scotty live across the street! And Remmington, their kick-ass black lab.

8)Carmen and Jerry still have my cooler and my RED ab machine. Need to get those back.

9)The ANB and Breakers Bar. ANB meaning the Arctic Native Brotherhood, for which I am a member. Always the first stop or the night out before heading to Breakers. If not Breakers, it the Bearing Sea Saloon for karaoke, then of course after they close, it's off to the BOT (aka, Board of Trade, or bottom of the toilet, depends on who you ask....)

10)Parties at Neal's house. I need not say anything more. Anyone who has ever been knows what's up. Fun had by all. Can't wait for the Halloween party :)

11)The sun. It doesn't hang around much in the winter, but the rise and set will knock any one's socks off, not to mention the Northern Lights. The snow, the chilly crisp clean air...

12)Shopping at Maruskya's. More money I plan to spend....

13)The beach! Yeah, so the water will be cold and unswimmable. No biggie. At least I can go, collect shells and beach glass, and chill out listening to the waves. I can't wait.

There are a few things however, that I never got the chance to do,even though I was there last time for almost a year.

*Train to Nowhere. Was a good idea, but they just quit. It's pretty neat, look it up on the net. I went, but I didn't get pics as my camera battery died :(
*Need to go to Council at least once. It's a camping 'town' about 70 miles away, and I never went. I'm gonna try real hard to go this time around.
*Teller. It's the only village accessible by car to got to from Nome. Would like to say that I have been to one of the villages at least once before the Nome-Teller HWY gets closed for the winter.
*Snow machining and dog sledding. 2 things I never got to do the first time. Self explanatory.

Repeats of things I would like to do again are definitely going atop Anvil Mountain to get the awesome view of all of Nome and the Bering Sea. Gotta get back to Salmon Lake and maybe Pilgrim Hot Springs again too.

I cannot contain myself for all the excitement I am trying to keep under control. I am really happy I will be seeing all of my friends again, and making new ones as well.

Until then, I am taxed with trying to save $215 for my AK license renewal, and some CEU's for my license as well. Yay.

I only get up early if it's important....

2008-08-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

This morning I got up at 7:30, against my religion, especially for a Saturday to see a very good friend at the Memphis International Airport. My friend Bridgett was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Nome, Alaska in 06. She had recently come back to Arkansas for a family visit for the birth of her brand new nephew, Jacob. Although I only got to visit with her for about 1/2 an hour this morning, it was all worth it.

She filled me in on what's going on in town, and that if I play my cards right, I can probably get a ticket back to Nome for another travel assignment. I am hoping and praying as hard as I can. Nome was like home for me, and I miss it severely. It will never be St. Louis, but in my heart of hearts, there will always be room for Nome and I cannot wait for the day I get to return. Whether it be work or pleasure.

Thanks Bridgett, love and miss you buddy!

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY got my refund on my pet deposit from my apartment in California! I am no longer negative in my bank account! I can now deposit my work check, my cash, and whatever I make today into my bank account and be at ease.

I am a potential candidate for a new travel position in Nashville, TN. I hope I can get the job, since I currently don't have health insurance, and the money I am making at the restaurant just isn't cutting it right now.

Now, again, why did I not get a nursing job in Memphis? The pay sucks. As an LPN the biggest offer I can get is around $14.50/hur. Yeah, I know. Even with 8 years experience, that's all I could make. It would be a world of difference if I was an RN, but the reason I am in the situation that I am in is to remedy my education.

ANd a short thank you to Sherry E., Mike C.,and Neal F., all friends of mine who have wished me a Happy Birthday. (so far ;)

I need to grow up....

2008-08-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

I would like to place a personal disclaimer for this posting, but I have no idea where on earth I would start.

So, I have been working at Firebird's for nearly 4 weeks now, and am almost settled in affairs as far as knowing the menu, knowing who is who (mostly servers, managers, and 25% of the cooks)... For me, it doesn't take me long to figure out who is going to be a friend/teammate, who will not like me, whom I will not like, and who I need to make sure I stray away from.

So far, I have let someone make me cry. I am in the midst of a juvenile argument with one of the cooks, and I am also the instigator of a now embarrassing and slightly guilty feeling coup against a certain server.

Let me explain...

If you have never worked in a restaurant, or have been a server, I highly recommend the movie Waiting as a reference. To be honest, is is pretty much all true in every restaurant I have worked in. I will give examples here.

1)Yes, there is always the stud-like cute snarky guy who makes all the money by bullshitting people into better tips. Most people worship him because he's funny, he gets the girls, throws good parties, etc. There are 2 whom I work with, and luckily, they are both actually sweethearts, but again, they are cute and charming, therefore, ahead in the pecking order.

2)Cute underage hostesses that drink and hook up with older guys. Enough said, except, they are all sweet girls, and I shake my head frequently at the things teenagers do. It's hard to believe I was one once. I wasn't anything like these kids, and it freaks me out that if I have any of my own some day, they might end up like the ones I work with. Yikes.

3)The new guy that people pull pranks on/'forget' things essential of mentioning. IE- yes, I was this person, and thank God there are new people to have this honor. When there is a new person coming in to a eating establishment, the 'veterans' of said place tend to have an internal battle of why these people are invading their turf. I have been that veteran, but I am also the same person to introduce myself so they don;t feel like a total outcast. I have to admit, I am pretty much new to the area for a second time, and I don't really have any friends per se that I hang out with. I do have friends in the area, but I don't see them as often as I would like to.

4)The cooks with the bad attitudes, bad language, and stupid pranks they pull on everyone.

So let me begin with the gossip which I am shamefully a part of.

I started with 5 other servers, and out of the 5, I only like 4 and half. One has become my mature partner in crime and safety net. 2 guys have become sweet little friends whom I tell jokes with and conference with the bullshit that occurs daily in the biz. The 1/2 person I like is a girl that is very nice and sweet, and who is actually a good person. I only half like her because I know she is friends with one of the managers and she gets almost an unfair advantage and a few extra privileges and preferences that make a few of us new people uneasy. Other than that, she's cool. I guess I am a little resentful in the matter. But, hey, I'm human.

The other person in question that is pretty much on every one's shit list is a person whom I will call, "the Pilot". Mr Pilot seems to be what one would call, a "bullshit artist". He is cocky, arrogant, a brown nosing kiss-ass, and not to mention, he has stepped on one too many toes. He claims to be a pilot, which I believe to a degree. I believe he has a pilots license. I know for a fact through the findings of the 'small world' phenomenon that he actually is. Other than that, no one has a clue what truths after that have actually escaped his mouth. He owns a 4 bedroom house in Miami. He is going back to school, and he decided to come back to Memphis for such things, and he is now renting out said house to people who in turn, the payments are helping pay the mortgage. Ok, somewhat believable. He is an uber successful person. He can drink 2 pints of beer faster than a person can drink 2 shots of water. He can walk on water, etc.... He has ordered food and not paid for it, he has eaten on the clock without asking, he has skated out on doing side work, and admitted his ways about doing so. But...

He has actually been very nice to me, and I can see that he is an actually nice person, and actually may have good intentions. I also see these little gestures of his as a mask for some sort or sort of insecurity/ies he may have. But for what? Why do you boast about being a pilot and grand bartender if you are waiting tables at a chain restaurant. To me it sounds reminiscent of a waiter in Hollywood claiming, "no, but really I'm an actor"....

So let me tell you this. He desperately wants to be a bartender, since he claims that is his forte. After 2 weeks of boasting around about his greatness, he finally admits he has never been a server. Ok, admissions are good for the soul. Then he states to me that he can't wait to get behind the bar because there are 2 very weak bartenders that he needs to outshine. Wrong thing to do. Yesterday I have to say, my hope in him had all but diminished. He cock blocked 2 servers during lunch by stealing their tables without asking and essentially pissing them off. Me being one of them. And after I pull my phone out of my car last night, I find out from a coworker he did the same to her, via a very long message on my voicemail. Not cool.

Well, today he was not having a good day. He found himself in the weeds. (or actually, I noticed) I later heard him tell the GM that if it hadn't been for the soups of the day being messed up, things would have worked out better for him as far as getting better tips. Um, last time I checked, people don't expect waiters to be chefs and cook soup. The fault was your own, buddy, own up to it.

So, after being fed up with him, I decided to divulge my info that I had received earlier this week unto my friend whom I will call "L" who is a bartender, and a damn good one at that. Not to mention a nice person, and someone I see becoming a decent friend at the work place. Anyhow, I had noticed she was having a bad day today and that she needed something to be said to her about the remark by Mr. Pilot. So I told her and the flames flared up. After about a half an hour, a few people had come up to me wanting to know what Mr. Pilot had said about them. In all honesty, nothing. He made the comment, I made the choice to relay it.

Now this is where this gets a little bad for me. During all the hubbub of it all, I was chattering with coworkers, obviously in a notion of secrecy and such. In all of this, one of the tables in my section got sat, and I paid no attention, and they sat there for 10 minutes before they were greeted by the district manager of all people. Needless to say, my GM, Mike found me and told me of what happened. Needless to say he was pissed off to no end, and the only thing I could say to own up to it was that I had not an excuse nor apology great enough to remedy the situation.

So, after 10 minutes of beating myself up over the matter, I decided to discuss this occurrence with a fellow coworker. Of course, Mike over heard me and asked if I had a problem with his authority/management of the situation. Of course I didn't, and he was 110% right, I was just trying to get over how terrible I feel about the situation, because it had dropped my appearance of maturity down to a new all time low. Of course I apologized again to him. This is not getting any better at this point.

Tomorrow when I go in and if he is there, I will talk to him about the situation, and try to reassert that I am a mature individual, and that from now on, I will do the very best to be a star employee. Now, should I really care? Actually, yes. I know I am just waiting tables in a restaurant, but the fact is, I have no other job options at the moment, and I need to make sure that whatever job I do, I do it with pride, and do it to the best of my abilities, and for what best for the company.

If you read it, tell me what you think!

2008-08-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

I see my live feed and I have noticed by far my 2 most popular postings are "DaWei is a Crock" and "How to Eat Prawns". Not really the posts I thought would be the most popular, but hey. I sometimes think FEEDJIT randomly does it so I think people are really reading my blog. But still, if you read my blog, leave a comment! I would like your feedback!

Anyways, I worked on my own at Firebird's yesterday at lunch and made a whopping $30. Ten of that is gone courtesy of Taco Bell since it was the only thing I could fancy eating after really not eating anything but Slim Fast Shakes for the last 2 or 3 days. Not to mention my exceedingly high amount of fatigue from waiting tables since I am very very very out of shape, and definitely over weight. But so far, since I have been home, I have lost 5 pounds. I still have a ways to go, but hopefully this week is the only hard one since I am still pretty green at waiting tables all over again.

Did I mention the fact that that place is HOTTTTT? I have never sweat more in my life I don't think. I felt atrociously nasty as I left yesterday, and had no umph to get my fanny in the shower. Anyhow, I am trying to see if I can work tonight to get a little extra cash for this weekend when I come to St. Louis.

Well, gotta get ready for work! TTFN, have an awesome Friday people!

Who is my blog reader from Kenner, Louisiana?

2008-08-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

I have a widget that shows the traffic on my blog, and I see Kenner, Louisiana from time to time. Who are you? Leave me a comment! Because if I know you in real life, there is no need to not say hello!

In a sick way, I am very glad today is Monday. This means that the week of hell I inflicted upon myself is now over, and I can start fresh anew. I have my food test tomorrow at Firebird's and I am fairly certain that I may possibly fail. This is something that the managers have emphasized may happy to most new servers, so this makes me feel a little better.

I have a full schedule today including cleaning the bathroom, washing my bed linens, straightening up my room, and finishing up with some study time for my test tomorrow.

Wish me luck, y'all!

don't know how I'll do it, but...

2008-08-09T07:51:00.001-07:00

Working a training shift this morning, and this afternoon at 5 going to do food runs for the restaurant. Hopefully working today will help me out a little more. I am still struggling with my menu items. Wish me luck.

The Week of My Worst Nightmares

2008-08-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

So, Monday approached, and I was still a little skeptical that I may not be starting at Firebird's. I called, and they said of course, so I was ready to show up the following day.

Tuesday, I walk in at 3, and see no one. I am told to go to the back of the restaurant and have a seat. By the looks of everyone there, minus the management and one other person already seated, I looked like the oldest person there. 3 kids went to Collieville High, 3 more went to University of Memphis. The other 'older seeming' new person, and myself. It was just paperwork, W-4 forms, I-9, payroll, lalalalala, etc... etc...Tomorrow at 11:00 I will finally begin my training!

Wednesday. I start. I wake up to my mom calling my name.
"What time is it?"
"10 minutes to Eleven."
"ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?!?!?!" I screamed as I had the most panic stricken voice.
"Yes. I thought you were awake already."

I had snoozed my alarm to the max, and I never got up on time. Not to mention I was so excited to work the next day I didn't go to bed until 4 am. I called them from my car at 11:05 and stated that I was stuck behind an accident near my house and I was on my way. I think I stepped in the doors at 11:20. I did my make up in the car and my hair looked like shit considering I had no time to wash it.

I hadn't waited tables in a little over 2 years, so I had really forgotten how much running around there is. I remembered, but there was some element of not, that made me exhausted after a a busy lunch shift. I didn't eat anything, so obviously I was starving. I was cut at 1:30, and I went home. I washed up a little bit, fixed my hair and had a slim fast because I had to be back by 3 for food class with my service manager.

Food class was awesome. We all new trainees got to taste some of the entrees and appetizers so we could get an understanding of the food and what it tastes like. Pretty cool perk I think. So the food was all good, training class was over, show up tomorrow at 11:00 for more training.

Thursday. Luckily, I did wake up on time, took a shower and got ready, went to work, arrived on time. Of course I get there and I have no idea who I am supposed to be training with. I find out after 10 minutes of strolling around like an idiot. My trainer was a 'kid' of about maybe 21-22, who at first glance, I could tell he did not want to be at work today. When asked, he gave the typical speech I used to give at that age, of "I'm just really tired". For anyone that doesn't know, that is code for 3 things: 1)I am hungover from partying the previous evening, 2)I was up late with my significant other doing things that God would rather me not, or 3)I am in a bad mood and I will just say I am tired.

I pretty much suspected all three, and over the course of the shift, I found that I was right. He did not want to train today, and I could tell that something was going on with him out side of work. Not my business. BUT- it was weighing in on how he 'trained' me, and I was not happy to be there as I didn't feel he was trying to train, nor cared to do so. When all the trainees were cut, I dashed out of there like there was no tomorrow, went home for lunch and came back to the restaurant at 3 again for food class. We ate our faces off again with all the good food they have there, and were dismissed again at 5. I talked to Jenny, my manager about what the day was like with my trainer, and she apologized and assured me I would get someone different on Saturday. I don't want to be a shit disturber, I just want to be properly trained.

Today, Friday. I did not have to get up and go to work. I was pretty happy, since I had become quite exhausted from this week, not being up to snuff from not being a waitress in so long. It was about 1, and I wasn't feeling well,so I went downstairs and watched TV on the couch. Next thing I know, it's 7:30, and I am awake and sweating. I go upstairs to clean my room and get ready to do laundry, and I see my phone had a voicemail. It's Firebird's.

I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THERE AT 3 TODAY FOR MY LAST FOOD CLASS!

How could this happen? I knew i had to go, I was going to take a shower and be there by 3 and have my last food class and then be back tomorrow for a follow shift and a food running shift.

So, at this point, I screamed about what just happened, freaked out and cried, and called work. Of course it's dinner rush, and the wrong time to call, but the earlier the better. I talked to my manager, and she seemed pretty cool with it. I just have to be there tomorrow at 11, and I will go over some things with her when she gets in at 2. I am hoping I am not in trouble. As I am a very responsible person, and the thing I hate the most is to be late for work.

Like I said, a week of my worst nightmares. I am looking forward to Monday for the first time in a long time.

Hello Friday!

2008-08-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Well, my Jason Mraz tickets came in the mail yesterday, WOOT! So excited. They are being displayed proudly for all eyes to see on the refrigerator.

I started my job at Firebird's on Tuesday, and I think I am going to like it there. The menu is ridiculous, and I have been studying it for my food test next Tuesday that I have to pass in order to start having my own sections and tables, etc. When I am finally settled and comfy with the restaurant, I will be doing one nursing shift a week to keep up with my skills while I go back to school. I haven't run around like that in forever, so of course I am wiped out after only 3 days of work. Hopefully I will get back into the groove of things and not be so tired.

I finally get to head back home next weekend for my friend's baby shower. I will be staying at my Aunt Louise's house with my mom and have a good time hanging out with just the girls. Something fun to look forward to.

The only thing I am waiting on now is the refund on my pet deposit from CA, so I can have some money to pay my bills. They have up to 90 days to pay me back, and I am highly annoyed that they seem to be taking their sweet time to rattle my nerves. $400 is alot of money to someone who doesn't have any, so I would like it back asap!

Have a good weekend everyone!

I'm newly single!

2008-08-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

At least for now.

NO, I was not dating anyone. You would have heard of that by now! But I have ended a 6 year relationship with Sprint. The longest relationship I have ever been in. After being haggled, swindled and pretty much bent over by them over the last few years, I have cut them off and they can, as my Kathy Griffin would say, "suck it".

I will be on my mom and step-dad's plan as of tomorrow when I get a new phone, etc...

I am just really glad I am finally no longer with Sprint. Over the last few years they have really given me a run for my money, and I have had it.

Hello Verizon.

Hope you all have a great weekend and stay cool in this insane heat!

TWO TIMES IN THE SAME YEAR!!!

2008-07-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

I got presale tickets this morning to see Jason Mraz play in Nashville! Mom and I are going to go on a road trip to see him play at the Ryman Auditorium!

Tickets are main floor, center right, 12th row! I cannot believe it!

I got to see him in April while I was in California, but I was by myself. But this time I will be with Mom, who loves him too, and we are going to have the best time, I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

Here's a preview of what I get to see!

This week so far...

2008-07-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I had gotten a little ill over the weekend, and it went away overnight. But, I am starting to cough a little with that little taste in the back of my throat that warns me I may be coming down with a sinus infection. Currently in defense I am chewing lots of Vitamin C.

I am complete with paperwork and such as far as the job at Nursefinders. I am just waiting for my background checks, references, and urine drug screen to come back so I can at least get one shift in by the end of the week so I can have a little cash flow.

I am starting Firebird's next Tuesday at 3 for orientation. As far as the rest of my schedule there, I have no clue what to expect. Honest to goodness, I am more comfortable starting a new job as a waitress than going into a hospital and taking care of people. It has been quite a while since I have done bedside care, and I know I am a little rusty. I know it'll be like riding a bike, but the nerves will be there all in the same.

As soon as I can get a steady paycheck, I am going to make my first payment to The College Network so I can begin my prerequisites for my degree. The sooner I knock them out, the sooner I transfer over to Excelsior Online and start the nursing part of the course, and I can actually feel like I making some progress to attaining my degree.

That's the Tuesday report, have a great day!

I got my miles!

2008-07-25T10:58:00.001-07:00

So, after living in Alaska for almost a year, I have really missed it over the last few months. I really miss my friends, and Nome itself.

Since I had moved there, I got me a Safeway card, which is a membership for a grocery store chain, which they have in Nome. You get discounts and can also earn miles for Alaska Airlines. I also got the Bank of America Alaska Airlines card to earn miles too. SO, I earned lots of miles by shopping at Safeway in California, in adjunct with using my debit card....

So, after a year, I have finally accrued enough miles to get my free round trip ticket back to Alaska! Now, I have no idea when I will be able to go visit again. BUT, if I get to go back and work in Alaska, I can use my ticket to go somewhere a little more warm and exotic, like Mexico or Hawaii!

I am just thrilled that I now have the options! Yay!

friend seeks advice from other friends via internet blog in assistance with online dating...

2008-07-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

So, this is the 'about me and what I'm interested in' segment from my profile on Match.com. I would like if you guys could sit through and read and send any criticisms, advice, etc, about what I have written.

Thanks.
--------------------------
I'm 28 and originally from ST. Louis, MO. I moved to the Memphis area in '05 to pursue furthering my education while living comfortably with my mother and step-father. Needless to say, the living situation at the time and the difficulties I faced while trying to get back into school to obtain my degree were too stressful at the time, so I decided to pursue travel nursing. I have been a nurse (LPN) for over 8 years now. I first moved as far away as possible, literally, to a small town in rural Alaska called Nome. I loved it so much I stayed there for 10 months before I headed out to California, and stayed there for 8 months. I am finally back to 'reality' here in TN, and I am currently in the preliminary phases of returning to focus on my education by obtaining my degree as an RN. I am again living with my parents, but only temporarily until I finish my degree online and have the means afterward to finally move out and be on my own again.

I am your typical Virgo, where I am an exceedingly picky person, and I usually know what I want, and I tend to be quite the perfectionist. I seek logic in everything, and I can tend to be cynical and skeptical on many levels. But on the other hand, I don't need to know the meaning of life and the universe. I classify myself as Christian, but I do not belong to, or attend a church here in the area. Some might call my beliefs a little scattered, but I know what I feel, and I am a very content person in my faith. I am very independent, (despite current living situations) I am very affectionate and caring towards others, I have my head on straight, and I am pretty much drama free. I don't like to be told what to do, so I will usually find my own way to do it. Sometimes I fail miserably, but it only takes one failure for me to learn the right way to do things. I can also be classified as your typical, run of the mill, stubborn redhead. I have the attitude, but not the temper, contrary to popular belief ;) I am fairly outgoing, as well as loud-mouthed and outspoken. I still consider myself new to the area, since I just moved back after being gone for almost a year and a half, and am learning my way around again. So, as far as knowing where 'hot spots' are, I really have no clue other than Midtown and Beale Street.

At one time, I was really into fitness, and have somewhat fallen off the wagon, so to speak. I would like to get back on, as I like to be as active as I can.

In my spare time I like to watch tv, listen to music, go see live music perform wherever possible, go to the movies, comedy clubs, etc. I like to go on hikes and out for walks and read the occasional book. I swear I am a lot more fun than I sound! It's just pretty hard for me to try and describe myself in type :)

I am pretty much looking for someone who I am physically attracted to, has a good sense of humor and likes to make people laugh, outgoing, has a steady job, is educated in his field, does not live at home (can accept that I do at the moment), loves animals, likes to be outdoors, has no problem with girls with tattoos (they are all tasteful), has a good relationship with his family, never married and no children.
I don't do drugs, nor am I interested in anyone who does any that are not prescribed by a doctor. I am not interested in someone I feel needs to 'grow up' or anyone that I may think needs to change. I have been in way too many relationships in the past where I stayed too long because I waited for the guy to meet my expectations in the relationship. I know I am far from perfect, and I know that there are things about me that I am sure need to be changed. I am willing to compromise in a relationship, but not willing to ever lose my true sense of self as I have in the past. So, that being said, I am pretty locked in on the things that I want and don't want in a relationship. I just hope that the right guy for me is out there.

Ick, Monday

2008-07-21T10:04:00.001-07:00

Well I said I was going to see about doing the agency thing today, but I pretty much just woke up. The room is completely done! Yay! Photos to come soon. A little bit of this and a little bit of that still need to be done yet.

I will have to get up and do the agency thing tomorrow. People would LOVE to not have to go to work, and for me, I'm dying to go! Not having an income is a really good motivator. Again, I will update later about the happenings with that. I shall call my friend today about it and see what she thinks I should do. (doing now, leaving a voicemail) Well, that answers that portion of today's quiz!

I have also been dabbling into the world of online dating. I know, right? Well anyways, the retarded part is I can't even pay to subscribe, so I keep getting emails back from these sites and I can't even get started. I did however get winked at today. Kind of juvenile, I know. We'll see how that goes... I'll figure out which site I like best, although I have heard from dome friends that they are all on the 3 major ones, eHarmony, Match.com, and Chemistry. Is it really that hard to find a date? I have been single so long I have no idea how a relationship works, let alone gets started. Wish me luck, Masses.

what happened to my day?

2008-07-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

SO, I woke up at around noon time yesterday, and didn't really feel that hot all day. I will spare you the details, but many meds were taken yesterday. And despite the fact that I was very successful in almost finishing the cleaning of my room, I still managed to not be 100% up to par.

I woke up today at 3PM! So, I have had some food in the tummy and in a few minutes, the room will be finished and the furniture rearrangement can commence!

I hope this week coming up can be a little more productive. Mom and I are hoping to put together a garage sale, since I have so many things I need to get rid of. We usually make donations to AMVETS, but his time around, I'm almost drowning in discarded items here. May as well try and make a few dollars out of it. With this ridiculous weather lately in Memphis being in the high 90's, I am hoping this dream of a garage sale can be a reality with some cooler temperatures coming SOON!

Anyways, I am off the be productive, as I have to rearrange the furniture, do laundry and cook dinner tonight.

I hope you all have had a great weekend and have a great week!

happy birthday to me....

2008-07-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Well, not yet. My bday is September 1st, and I will be turning *GASP* 29! My mom and step-dad just bought tickets for us to go see Kathy Griffin at the Orpheum in Memphis!

I f'n love her! She's vulgar, she's offensive, she doesn't care, and she's a hilarious comic. Some of you may not know that I am obsessed with the BRAVO channel. They have all these reality competitions on, reality shows, and Kathy Griffin's Life on the D-List.

AT first, and mind you this was just a few months ago, I could not stand her. But I watched one of her BRAVO specials, and fell in love with her act. In fact, I just bought her new CD (LOVE IT!!!) and my mother couldn't stand her, and is now really liking her.

So yesterday, Mom and I were going to get dinner from Lenny's and I was flipping through the pages of the Memphis Flyer, which is the St. Louis version of the RFT or San Francisco's version of the Guardian, or for all of you other Masses, a free, weekly news publication found in most major cities....I digress. So, any how, I saw that she was going to perform at the Orpheum (like the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis) on September the 6th! I lost it!

Mom and Dave splurged this morning on orchestra seats for the venue, and I can't WAIT to go! Anyways, just thought I would tell the Masses. You guys are great. This birthday gift to come has surely lifted the dark weight that has been clouding over me lately.

OH, I almost forgot!!! I am starting school in two months to get my degree! I met with and advisor from the College Network, and I will be starting my prerequisites with them for a few months and then on to Excelsior College Online to complete my associates degree. They do have an LPN to BSN program, but the state of Tennessee does not recognize it, so I will take the next step to being an RN. I will have my associates, and I hope to pace it so I can have it completed by May. I am quite ambitious about this, as I am tired of being a lowly LPN, treated and paid like a lower class citizen for the last 8 years.

So, I am quite proud of myself that I am taking some big steps to help me with my future!

Happy Saturday, Masses! I am going to help the rents bathe the dogs and clip toenails, YIKES! Maybe later tonight we might go to the movies, who knows. Again, have a great day, and a wonderful weekend!

how long have I said I've been cleaning?

2008-07-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

I did a pretty good job yesterday, and if I keep it up I can be done in only a dew hours. I don't think any of you have a clue as to how big of a project this is. After almost 2 years of travel nursing, I would only spend about a good week in my home in Memphis, whilst spending time in St. Louis, and after all the fun break time, would shove things here, and pile things there.

I have this huge cumbersome couch in my room that does nothing except provide for me a place to throw things on. I tried to bargain with the rents to get rid of it, but Dave doesn't want to sack it. So, hopefully we can arrange my furniture this weekend to help me keep up with a more manageable aesthetic to my room.

Ok, so I'll start in a little bit, I am just waking up after playing on the computer all night to realize I didn't go to bed until 5 AM! I will be going to bed early tonight, I think.

So, I still haven't heard of any new travel assignments, and they still haven't hastened the date for me to start at Firebirds. I have no job as of yet, hence my self esteem right now is in the can as far as feeling like an adult who has her self together.

My step-dad works for a company that manages nursing homes and assisted living. For a long time now, he has been trying to help my out by getting me a job at the one closest to us in Germantown. I have been quite apprehensive of this since I have quite a few reservations about the nursing home. Here's a few.

*there is not alot of range to practice medical-surgical skills, so I am afraid I will lose alot of them
*there tends to be grade school politics in every nursing home, like who's popular or who is the teacher's pet, that kind of thing, even worse....and I am just too grown for that kind of thing
*I always have believed that as a travel nurse, my career would get killed by a stint in the NH, since again, I would be away for the meat and potatoes that is med-surg, and not have the recent 'skills' to be accepted to a regular nursing floor
*I love the type of care the nursing home provides, it's just not for me

I am having a hard time with the lack of job offers. I will tell you right now that the only positions they have posted at the agency are ones for Homeland Security, which the facility is a correctional center for illegal aliens. I REFUSE to take one of these jobs. Here's a few cons:

*it's a prison, whatever way you slice it, and I don't want to deal with people who don't speak English, as I am not mentally equipped to learn all the languages on the planet
*I don't want to deal with people who are angry with getting deported either. I am a really nice person, and I know my nice personality just won't be enough.
*I have personal issues about illegal immigration, so there fore there's automatically a conflict of interest.
*I don't do jails. No way, no how, not ever.
*The money isn't even that great, and I wouldn't be directly under the management of my travel company.
*HONORABLE MENTION* the 'lodging' they provide is an extended stay hotel. Been there, done that, it sucked ass, never a-freaking-gain.

Pros:
*having Homeland Security on my resume, therefore having the open door to any federal position I want for the rest of my life.

That's the only upside I could think of, and I am not prepared to go the jail route to get it on my resume.

My other options are other nursing homes across the country, but as of right now, I have no fiances to live off of, let alone, get me to a new destination, survive for 2-3 weeks without pay, and be able to live comfy with a savings. SO here I am, feeling I have made a fatal decision by coming home to stay for the summer.

I am however going to contact my friend Janet, who is doing agency work, to see what it is like for her and consider maybe doing that for a little bit. It will suck, but at least it will keep me away from the nursing homes and get me paid until I can start work at Firebird's.

We'll see, I will keep you all updated. As of now, off to cleaning my room for a while.

my friend Stacey's ad for a new room mate, she's funny

2008-07-16T23:46:00.000-07:00

my roommate ad. please fwd to non d-bags
Body: About me and my place
Both my roommate and I are pretty much the raddest people ever. I love music and skating and giggles. My roommate loves to give me a hard time. We aren't home very often and have lived together for 5 months without any issues whatsoever. The apartment is huge. It's about 1400 square foot. I know! The available room is the front bedroom and is the biggest of the three. The only issue with the room is there is not closet in it. But it has a gigantic window with amazing light.

We are above blueberry hill so we are in the best apartment on the best street with the best neighbors in the best neighborhood in the entire world. And I am so serious about this. We are friends with all of the people in the surrounding apartments and with the people that work in the loop.

Parking is on street but has never ever ever been an issue for either my roommate or myself. There is only one bathroom but I get ready for work at around 7:30-8:00 mon-fri and my roommate gets ready around 6:00 mon-fri. So we will need somebody who can get ready for work at a different time than that. Wow. That's all I've got.

Oh and please don't contact me if you are boring and geeky. You won't like living here. You don't have to be a partier and I would appreciate it if you weren't but seriously. No geeks. Oh but you can be a cool geek. But not a isolated geek. I'm talking Weezer geek= ok. Star Wars geek= not ok. One more thing.

We both smoke but smoke outdoors. And no drugs. And don't lie about not having a coke problem it's totally not cool and so 1984. Get over it and don't try to move in here. I forgot to mention the rent includes utilities and we don't currently have cable/internet but will get it once we get a 3rd roommate. We just aren't ever home to utilize it. And I'm done. I think.

I get up 6am - 8am.I go to bed 10pm - 12am. I eat vegetarian. My level of cleanliness is best described as clean. I rarely have overnight guests. I party occasionally.

I live in a 2 person co-ed household. Age 21 - 30. My work schedule is best described as "professional (9-5)". My professional occupation is education/ training. Children do not live with me. I do not have any pets.

The apartment building (1-10 units) is located at u city loop. The residence features air conditioning, wood floors, carpet. Your room is unfurnished.

I am looking for
A rad person that is not geeky (see above for definition) and someone to pay their rent on time. $125 per week rent is negotiable. If you are never home I will lower the rent. Like if you are a pilot and are in other cities or in a band and always on tour I will lower the weekly rent. And if you would like a monthly rent rather than weekly let me know. Oh and if you don't want cable or internet we can lower the rent as well.

My roommate preferences
I am looking for a roommate between the ages of 23 and 35. Preferably male. I don't mind if my roommates smoke outside only. No pets.

My interests
I enjoy skating, music, golden tee, giggles. I listen to punk, rock, ska, accoustic. My favorite books are world according to garp, dogs of babel, she"s e undone, how to be good. If I am in front of a TV, I usually watch arrested development, mal in the middle. Movies I enjoy the most are petes dragon is the best movie ever made.

one more reason my blog has it's title

2008-07-15T09:26:00.001-07:00

So, let me just say, that I was very excited to wake up this morning. I was to call my new employer, and find out what day this week I was to report to duty. I miss waiting tables. I love the interaction with people, the food, the atmosphere. There are the ups and downs, and if you have ever seen WAITING, and never been an employee at a restaurant, that movie pretty much has it down to the T in accuracy.

So I call. Twice. The first time I was put on hold for five minutes, so I decided to hang up, walk around a bit and call back. So when I did call back and talk to the manager, he tells me some news that I thought was going to make me puke.

"We're going to have orientation on August 5th".

That's 4 weeks away.
I have $40 in my bank account.
I owe $170 to my car insurance in a week.
I am already over due on my student loans this month. (NOTE: I JUST got out of default)
I owe my dad $350 for car repairs gone bad (that's another post)
I owe my cell phone bill $100 by the end of the week.
I STILL haven't gotten back my $400 pet deposit from California.
I am living with my mom and step-dad (only supposed to be temporary, now what?)
I went out last night and bought my uniform clothing for this place that I was supposed to start this week.
I can't get a travel position closer than Pennsylvania.
For this so-called nursing shortage, I can't find a decent job in my area worth a grain of salt. Travel or otherwise.
I am actually considering going to one of my step-dad's nursing homes in the area and applying.

What am I to do now? In a million years, after being a nurse with a KILLER resume for 8 of them, I am unemployed. I am lost without any hope at this moment. (p[lease forgive the melodrama, but I am quite upset right now)

So, I called 20 minutes ago and left a sob-filled message to my recruiter, Olivia. If I do not get a response in another 40 minutes, I am going to call back repeatedly until I get a hold of her. I am officially FREAKING OUT. And for you Masses out there, be glad a computer is what separates us, for I would be crying and snotting on your shoulder right now.

So, my Masses, I really need you to all give me a comment, whether you know me or not. I would like for you all to give me your opinion on what am I to do in this situation. I need to work, I am going crazy knowing I have bills to pay, and no money to pay them. Help. Thanks in advance. I will update as soon as I find anything out.

sad repost from my other blog :( R.I.P. Anheuser-Busch

2008-07-14T10:42:00.001-07:00

AB was bought out. I am speechless, as I can't think of anything to say.
Read this ARTICLE.

AB IS St. Louis. It has been for over 140 years. No more. I feel right now like someone just killed my dog. I know it sounds immature to say such a thing about a beer company buy-out, but I am a St. Louisan. I may not have my address there permanently for the meantime, but I will always be a St. Louisan until the day I die. Anheuser-Busch has been such a HUGE part of the St. Louis economy, and a staple of the culture, that now that it no longer belongs to my city, yes, MY CITY, I feel like someone just killed my dog.

St. Louis is probably the most proud city I have ever known. Our free attractions, the Arch, our sports teams, our parks, our community. They are all something to boast about, and now, our most likely biggest asset, has been ripped away from us.

R.I.P. Anheuser-Busch.

goin' toobin'!

2008-07-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I am off to go floating (toobin') in a few hours with my sister, and some friends, and some people I don't know. All girls float trip! Yay! No boys!

Before I go today, and leave you Masses without any updates, I will fill you in on yesterday's events.

I could not donate platelets, as my hematocrit, or iron level was too low. They tell me I just need to bulk up on the leafy greens and I should be ok. I still want to donate, I think it's very noble. I worked on an oncology floor for 4 years and administered several units to patients with low platelets, blood products, etc....and they really do save lives. So, I will try again in 2 weeks.

I did not get a job at Longhorn. They were fully staffed and had no positions. So, I went down to the mall on Houston Levee (a street here in Collierville) and got hired on the spot at FIREBIRDS! Much better restaurant with superior food and higher end clientele. It looks like I will have some fun there. The managers that I talked to that hired me yesterday seemed really nice, and they weren't shy about telling me they were glad they could hire me with my "higher level of maturity and extensive steakhouse experience". Of course, being me, I chuckled on the inside about the maturity, just because the kid in me wanted to. I have a feeling I can make some good money there, as price per plate is from $30-$40 a person.

Well, then I was off to dinner with my Memphis friends Dinah and Janet. Plus 2 of Dinah's friends from work, and Mr. Freeman himself. (Dinah's husband) We went to BONEFISH, a very high quality and high end seafood restaurant. (right across the street from my new job...) Needless to say, my food was delicious. If any of you Masses have a chance to go to one, I suggest the Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer as well as the crab cakes. YUMMMMMMMMY!

So, 2 hours later, 2 margaritas later, it's 7:15PM and Mom is calling me because I am late for BUNCO! I was at a neighbors house with 11 other women playing this game that I had never played before. Pretty fun, I hope I get to do it again!

Busy day, eh? Well, after yesterday's many things on the to-do list, I am now going on a relaxing trip to Steelville, MO for a float trip involving more estrogen than I can handle, but at least I will be with friends.

See you Monday!