The disconnect

How do you know?
And, where do you find it?

This shit is real.

As much as nursing school is kicking my ass, the experiences I've had in clinical makes it totally worth all the brutal ass kicking I'm getting.
I finally was able to give my first injection this week! It's all I've been wanting to do. I gave a tetanus shot in the ER. I had a 12 hour shift there on Wednesday and it was incredible. I really loved it. I had a patient who had cyanosis around her mouth, her hands, legs, and toes. I also had a patient with a history of kidney failure and AIDS who was jumping from one emergency room to the next to get some pain meds. It was really sad to see a person with this type of drug-seeking behavior. I also had to opportunity to irrigate a catheter with saline solution on a man that had some serious clotting going on in his bladder. I had a few patients with congestive heart failure and was able to palpate the swelling of their legs and really see pitting occur. I know all this stuff sounds gross or bizarre but it's so interesting to me and I want to help people feel better and have less pain. I was having really bad neck pain today (I'm due for another massage... what can I say...) and thought to myself... I can't imagine how much pain people are in when they are sick. When a person is to the point that they need opioids to relieve them from the pain, it's just so sad to me. I've noticed that my reaction to a lot of the patients that have really terrible illnesses is mostly just feeling bad for them. I really sympathize with the ill. When a person is so sick that they have to be admitted to the hospital, it's not a time of judgment- it's a time of holistic healing and care.
On another note...
I really love Villanova. It's refreshing to have a school really care about and appreciate their students. Especially the BSN Express students. There are so many opportunities to meet with different instructors, resource staff, etc. if you need extra help or have any issues of concern. Besides the whole Catholic crosses on the walls, I actually don't feel like there's too much of a religious presence on campus. Villanova really strives for "diversity," and also has a strong Augustinian value to educate students effectively and charitably.
I had a few guests in town these past few weeks. My friend Emiliya came from Florida, and my sister and her boyfriend Andrew came for a couple days as well. It was so fun and refreshing to have people that I love come and visit. Over my break from school my Grandma and Mom came as well for about a week. We were able to explore Philadelphia- and I could tell they really liked it and will be coming back again soon.
Time for bed! I've got to wake up at 5:30am for clinical! Goodnight!!!!!!!!

Growing Pains

I'm on break from school. OH MAN, was this break needed. Nursing school is the most intense program I've ever been in- and it's only going to get harder. My first clinical rotation will be on an oncology/telemetry floor. I'm really excited to utilize the skills we've learned, but also nervous to be around patients with cancer because it hits so close to home.
It's been really hard being in a new town, alone. I've been having these realizations left and right. As much as I am a "strong" and "independent" woman, these rapid changes I've been going through is constantly sparking this awful anxiety in me. But at the same time, I can just bounce back and be normal (thankfully!). As my sister wrote in my birthday card, "This is my year of growth." She hit the nail on the head. I knew it the second I decided to go to Villanova for nursing school.
Also, I'm dating someone. They are really cute. They have brown hair, brown eyes, and dresses very dapper.
Wanna know who it is?
ME.
I'm dating myself. My friend suggested to do this. I am all about hanging out with myself. Doing things with me. Of course I like the company of others, but this year is about spending time with ME.

I play my enemies like a game of chess

To all you pathetic people that are temperamental toward me:
FUCK YOU. I know that it makes you uncomfortable to have an intense, honest, and self-assured person like myself around. How about you just take a step back and realize that my intentions are only to benefit the parties involved. But, instead you don't want to just agree that I am RIGHT. So, go ahead, cut me out.
You're easily replaceable.
I'M NOT.

NURSING SKEWL.

I decided I would start my day (Sunday) off right by waking up early. Got up at 8:45, ate breakfast and had coffee, and got to work. I finished what I was unable to complete yesterday due to a very important party/hang out session I needed to attend. Said party was at my friend's house (or house he is living at). He lives with this couple that own an old bed and breakfast and rent out the rooms to people. It's a 3-floor Victorian house. I went there last weekend for a mini party, and really enjoyed myself. Yesterday was my friend's 30th birthday and he insisted I come over for dinner. It was great. And, turns out the lady of the house works for a Jewish hospital in Philly, and her boss is orthodox Jewish. It was somewhat refreshing to hear about who are the other Jewish people out here. I mean, this is just one person- but she sounded fantastic, successful, and really motivated. I also was told repeatedly by the man of the house (who is a former marine) that I am family, am welcome anytime, as he kissed me on the hand. Oh- and he nick-named me "bright eyes" and "genius." Told you it was a very important party to attend!
I feel what what I have been waiting for out here is finally slowly coming around. I lived in PA for a month before starting school, and just wanted some friends out here to explore the area. I have had this curiosity about people and location, and how the two of those things combined are very unique based on where you are. It's true- people in the midwest are people from the midwest. People from the east coast are totally a result of their environment and are people from the east coast. Different things are of value to them, and personally, I really like hearing about it. I think location changes people, and in a good way. It makes you feel proud of where you are from, and also makes you excited about where you currently are living.
Nursing school. So far so good. I'm really pleased with the enthusiasm the faculty shows about our class. They also are passionate about the nursing field and really want us to succeed. I also feel like my nurse assistant class and all my health studies classes are helping me right now. Just having the background, and a little experience under my belt is making me feel so much more confident and comfortable with being in this program. I know that it is going to get pretty difficult when clinical begins, but there are a lot of resources for students if they are struggling, so I should be fine!!
The one thing I noticed about my nursing class is that there are a few people that I don't trust. First off, it doesn't even really matter to me. Really. But, since this is MY blog I'm gonna talk about it because I do observe people, judge them, and make my conclusion about them!
There's a few people that really truly believe that this job is something glamorous. That we aren't going to be wiping asses, seeing and smelling all sorts of bodily excretions, or dealing with crazy/upset/frustrated people. I'm almost worried for these people because they are going to have such an eye opening and shocking experience in the hospitals, and I don't want to be there to witness their reaction! I've put nursing on such a high pedestal because I've wanted to do this for over five years now. And, when I see people that don't really know much about it in the same fucking program as me, I get frustrated. They really don't know what they are getting themselves into, do they? Well, good luck, assholes.
Secondly, people skills. There are a few people that are selfish and/or really awkward.
When I started working back when I was in my teens, my Mom said this really good phrase that sticks with me to this day. "People are at their worst when they are hungry, and when they are sick." I have worked as a hostess and waitress since I was 16, and now am working toward being a registered nurse. I thrive to make people feel better. If it's not me that is going to be empathetic, then I don't know who else. I've already got my eye on a few people in class that are so phony, they have it written across their forehead. I don't trust them. I don't understand why of all fields, they are going into nursing. And, it makes me realize why there are so many shitty nurses. If you can get through the school, then you can be a nurse. They can teach you over and over again how to have good communication skills, but if you aren't willing to listen, then your patients are out of luck. I just feel sorry for these people's future patients.
This is about as much time I can give to you, my dear blog. I need to get back to studying so I can run some errands. I will be heading to New York this weekend to attend a real, live, orthodox Jewish wedding with Amy. I got a pretty sweet dress and am searching for one for Amy because my consignment shops out here are AWESOME.
Peace! Wish me luck on my head-to-toe physical assessment final this Friday.

Melancholy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrwiD1mTUAc

"You want the young American" -D.B.

I've been living in Ardmore for almost a month now. First off, I'd like to say, that we have REALLY DAMN GOOD THRIFT STORES. Second, everything is walking distance. And, third, the public transportation is really great. I wanted to move a little early to get situated with the area and have time to explore. I've been to the Villanova campus numerous times, and checked out the other towns on the Main Line. So far I really like (besides Ardmore) Bryn Mawr and Wayne. They have these really cute downtown areas with plenty of stores ranging from boutiques to commercial, and lots of restaurants that I still have yet to check out. The area is pretty suburban as I've stated before, but it's kind of nice not necessarily living in a "college town." I think my next move may be actually TO Philadelphia. Come on nursing school... let's get you over with and find me a good job in Philly...
I spent a few days in Philadelphia. I really like Rittenhouse Square. The park is lovely. While downtown, I also saw the liberty bell (it had to happen... I can't live here and not see the historical sites), and did some thrift store shopping.
Back up a few weeks... my trip to New York was fun. I got to see some friends (saw Whitest Boy Alive!), family, do some good shopping, and spend time with Amy. I can honestly say that my favorite part of New York is Brooklyn. And, speaking of New York, I am here again. I'm spending some quality time with my family before I buckle down and start school. I decided to come here and be there for my grandma (Dad's mom) during some medical procedures she needs done. I've been a little concerned about what is going on and figured I could help my aunt out with some of the responsibilities while I still have the time. I'm staying with my cousins this time, and get to play with their kids all weekend because IT'S FUN.
I recently joined "Yelp" and really like it. It's very stimulating and makes me excited to check out more places. I don't know how much time I will have while in nursing school, but it will motivate me to do stuff when I have the chance rather then hide out at home and be lazy. There's a lot going on out here! Speaking of that- I went to the Barbary with Jon and it was just OK. I think it was a night that lots of younger people come so I'll give it a second chance another day. I DO like Milkboy cafe, which is just a few doors down from my apartment. I spent a whole afternoon there and I got a really good vibe from the place. I'll probably do some studying there once school starts. I've always liked studying in cafes. I know of a few good ones in Philadelphia that I will eventually want to check out. It's worth the drive to get some good studying done! Or train ride! Change of scene, man.
Other than that, I miss my grandma, Babulya, a lot. I can't wait until she comes here.

The Real Beginning

PHEW.
The countdown to nursing school has officially begun. Today I attended a welcome reception held by my nursing school to meet current students and incoming students that will be in my class. I haven't felt so excited and anxious in a while. These emotions are a little different then usual, though. I have been waiting for this moment for over four years. I met a really awesome girl, Mona, who will be attending the program with me through a nursing website a few months ago. I pretty much spent the day with her (drove her and her sister around to check out apartments, had lunch, chatted like us ladies do, etc.) and went to the reception together. It's nice to know someone else in the program, and from what I observed, everyone else seemed friendly and excited to meet one-another.
I'm heading to New York tomorrow to visit Amy, family, see a concert, and meet up with some friends. I want to just enjoy the city, have time to read, of course pamper my sister's every need while she is studying for finals, and do some good shopping. Turns out I still have some closet space, so I've gotta fill it with some good stuff! RIGHT?!
Back to school... I'm starting to try to get mentally prepared for the next 14 months to be a huge challenge and yet the biggest learning experience of my professional life. I'm more nervous about the workload then the intimidation of clinical or the material. I'm really organized and manage time well, but at this point I really don't know what to expect and how hard this program is going to hit me. However, the good thing is that I completely have freed myself from working and other obligations, so school will be my first and only priority these next 14 months.
I caved and bought a TV too. I will just pick up digital channels, but it will be nice to just shut out my brain whenever necessary. I can only sit in front of the computer and read so much. I would love to just lay and bed and enjoy a good movie after a huge test (and before I have to start studying for my next one).
I love my apartment. It's very cozy. The town is very "village" style, and I live in the heart of downtown Ardmore. It's pretty suburban out here, like exclusive. Philadelphia is pretty close, so I can get out there easily. It just depends on how much time I will actually have to "play." I have been checking out the thrift stores out here and so far have been finding some gems and am happy! I haven't even hit the Philadelphia thrift stores... or boutiques... maybe when I'm done with school and land a kick ass job for some hospital in Philly... a girl can dream, yeah????
Time to pack for tomorrow. I can't wait to see Amy again. It's like this rediscovered love because we were always seeing each other for a short period and then not for months at a time. Now it's like WHENEVER WE WANT. It's like we renewed our vows. Cuz we iz in luv.
Peace out bishez!

Success!

It has been a little while since I've posted here, mainly because I have been running around and taking care of all sorts of shiz for my big move.
I drove to PA with (my traveling buddy) Rachel and found my perfect apartment. Train right across the street, coffee shop a couple doors down, four miles away from school, etc. etc. I visited Villanova and the nursing school too! I'm moving THIS THURSDAY. I'm excited and nervous. I am really looking forward to living near Amy (two hours!) and discovering all sorts of restaurants, stores, cafes, etc. in my area.
I will post again once I am officially in PA and settled.
YAY!!!!

повторений мать учение

Well, I've got a little less than two weeks left here in Florida. It's been an interesting few months here. I came with the intention that I am going to have a super relaxing and care-free stay here. I didn't really think that I would have a significantly different reaction physically and emotionally to my hiatus. I mean that it was very hard for the first month to just stop thinking about what I need to do. I wasn't used to not having a schedule, nor was I used to not have demands left and right. Finally, I mentally won this battle. I came here to just not do anything. I guess I felt that I was pressuring myself that I need to keep myself busy. And, that's where the physical comes in. My neck was hurting really bad the last couple months. Like, terrible. Stiffness, pain, little range of motion ability, etc. So, I got my massages from a lovely girl out here who actually lives in the building next to us, and I feel a million times better. I know for a fact that all my tension likes to hang out in my neck and upper back, so I've gotta get my massages and back cracks. It's a fact. And, I'm not going to hide it.
The other important physical change I needed to accomplish was getting into better shape. I told myself that these few months were for ME. And, I've been following through. I've toned up and I run 5K every day (on the treadmill because it's still too cold for my ears... boo), and finally signed up for the Ocean Drive 5K run (http://www.oceandriverun.com/2010/), on March 13. I'm excited! I just love the energy of races, and the feeling of completing the run.
I've made a new friend out here. Her name is Emiliya. She is from Russia, and moved to Florida to be with her boyfriend... and possibly future husband. It's a very unique situation. They've had a long distance relationship for a while and she decided to take the chance of starting a new life here. She is 29, and has been here for three months so far. She had a good job for a broker agency in Russia, and explained that before, her life was all work and the office. Now, she has the ability to have her life be her personal life, because she didn't really have one before. I can honestly say that I really enjoy her company. She is such a sweet and loving girl. She is very curious about my life, and about how Americans are. I try not to generalize, but at the same time, want to get her to love it here if she really ends up staying. The great thing about our relationship is that we get to practice speaking Russian and English. We mostly speak in Russian (which has been great for me because I really think it has improved), and I help her with irregular verbs, grammar, and have taught her many words that she hasn't learned quite yet. Practice makes perfect! Tonight we have another dinner date and then get to enjoy the midnight showing of Alice in Wonderland! I know she will be entertained by how people get dressed up for midnight showings.
Now, moving on to stuff for school... I received an email with a ton of information for my program. I have to get all sorts of background checks done, medical tests, etc. I also found out that my program has a laptop initiative program where they give each student their own laptop to use for school and then get to keep when they are done. It was a surprise- I think I'll give it to my Mom after school is done (not sure what the rules are, but I know that I'd rather use my Mac). I also have a list of contacts for apartments. I am excited and nervous. I am willing to be very flexible such as living farther from campus, not having a dishwasher or washer/dryer, etc. etc. because of my price range and decision that I want to live alone!!!!
So, we'll see how everything turns out.
Thanks for reading, pals.

"The city is a million miles away" -Mirah

I came to the resolution lately that this year is about miles. Distance. I've been running many, many miles. And, traveling many, many miles. I've been moving a lot, and soon will be making my big move to PA. More miles. More distance.
I think that this year was already pre-determined for me, I just haven't realized it until now. Previous years haven't felt this way. Who was it? God? Is there really a God? I don't like how many people say he/she works in mysterious ways. Or, he/she has their own way of doing things. I just think that your reactions, actions, and decisions actually determine how your life will be. At least, in my experiences, that seems to be the case. I don't pray. I've prayed before. I've studied the Tanakh. Everything. I think the best religion at this point in my life is believing in myself.
I have also been thinking lately that how absurd life can be. Just the time of events, the way my mind works, and how people are they way they are. I look back at the things I've gone through, and really think that somehow I was created so differently from others that sometimes I surprise myself. In the past, I've followed what was mainstream, but knew something wasn't right. Because, well, I'm not mainstream. I have always been different. I just don't think I knew how to express it without feeling hesitant.
I've missed my friends a lot. It's so odd. It's not like I would see them very often. I just miss the sociability and camaraderie. I'm hoping I'll be able to make a couple good friends in nursing school. That's all I ask!
The Israel Film Festival is in town. Babulya and I have seen three movies so far. And, they have all been really really good! We saw Seven Minutes in Heaven (about a girl's life after being on a bus that was bombed... with a twist), For My Father (about an Arab who comes Israel to get revenge, but in the meantime is treated with compassion by the Jews he meets), and Kirot (a Ukrainian woman that comes to work in Israel gets caught up with the wrong people). I just feel like these films are covering all the bases. Today we are seeing The Green Dumpsters and the Worst Company in the World (a documentary). And, then Jaffa on Thursday.
More to come soon.

Here we go!

I've officially completed my FAFSA and have filled out some of the necessary forms for financial aid through Villanova University. I'm finally at the point where I can really start applying for scholarships, too! I will be driving from Michigan to PA the end of March to find an apartment. It will be an interesting nine+ hour drive. After I've found my amazing wonderful perfect (keep dreaming... right?) apartment, I'm going to go visit my sister who only lives an hour and forty five minutes from my school (not considering traffic). So close, right?
I'm almost out of my funk of my weird feelings. Sometimes it creeps back up, but I'm fighting any wandering thoughts. I think being pulled out of your comfortable world into a totally new existence isn't easy to deal with in general. But, at the same time, I think that I really won't have time to be all boohoo once I move for nursing school because shit, that stuff is going to be demanding! I want to get all my feelings of sadness out and deal with what I can and just move on. Because, well, I am really excited to move. I want to meet interesting people and have a place to call my own.
My aunt and uncle from New York are in town. Last night they came over for tea, wine, and dessert. It was pleasant. Nothing too exciting has been going on here. It's been windy lately. I'm still working out a ton and am pleased with the results I have been seeing.
Ciao.

By the way- Happy Birthday Dedulya. I miss you every day. I won't be able to ever fill the void for Babulya, but I'm damn near close.

So many feelings.

These last few days have been filled with extraordinary emotions. Extraordinary in a very unusual way.
I have been having that jarring, stabbing, aching feeling of loneliness. My sleeping patterns have been bizarre: going to bed at 3:00am and sleeping until whenever because whatever. I have been thinking a lot, like every hour about moving and school. Everyone says that I'll be okay, that I should be excited, blah blah blah. I am so fucking nervous that I wake up at night feeling alone (even though my Babulya is in the other room) and start to get that image in my head of being in a very large, dark room, with no one in sight.
I specifically want to live alone because I know that even though I say I like having people around, I really don't like it when it comes to roommates that are random people. I know how neurotic I get when I am overwhelmed with school, so it is not worth the money a month to having the additional stress. Trust me, I can find SOMETHING that irritates me. It's not a good quality, haha. This doctor that I worked for in Okemos always said that when he was in medical school, one of the best decisions he made was living alone. That was my initial push that I really want that. I have never lived alone. I had my own room when my sister moved out, but then there are your parents that are your roommates. I had my own bathroom in a few apartments back at MSU, but then you share the kitchen and living room and then all those responsibilities involved with that. I just don't want to deal with it! There! Humph!
I think that having my family only a hour away, my boyfriend at that time always mine and near, and my friends always ready to hang out made me content.
I know I will make new friends. I am really excited and hopeful. I have a good friend Jon that already lives in Philly and is excited for my move so we can wine, dine, and so on. I'm just ANXIOUS. I don't know how to shake it off, and it's annoying.
Pfff. Sad post today, guys. On a good note, I'm going to look so in shape by the time I leave Florida it's going to be unreal. I don't have anything else to do! Florida is weird!!! I will be visiting some thrift stores these next few days. Oh, and I want to go to the flea market and check out some other malls.
A special shout out to Leontine and Maia for being so lovely. I love you.

Kind of back to reality, sort of, but not really. Maybe.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand she's back!
In Florida.
I have had quite a bit on my mind lately. Too much to handle. First, I am so jet lag from traveling and my allergies totally went insane that I am physically so exhausted that I can't actually feel tired. Not sure if that quite makes sense.
The rest of my trip was great. Rachel mentioned that she still liked me after our nine days together, so all is good in the world. ;) We were able to travel to Waikiki, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, the north shore (a couple times!), hiked Diamond Head and also at the Hawaiian nature center. We also went whale watching, and went to the Polynesian Cultural Center all day for some Polynesian fun, luau, (got lei'd, finally) and much more. I drank from a pineapple. JEALOUS?
Moving on...
A few interesting things kept happening during our travels:
1) At the north shore we saw a jet ski rescue. We weren't sure if they were practicing because they all high-fived eachother after, but the guy they rescued looked like an ordinary man in about his 50's, balding, wearing average swim shorts.
2) At Diamond Head, a young guy ended up passing out on his way up, and we saw the emergency team air lift him. So, we pretty much came to the conclusion that Hawaii rocks at saving people.
3) There was this reaaaallllyyy obnoxious family that we kept seeing the first few days. The dad was really rude to the bus driver on one of our buses (where we first noticed the family) when the bus driver repeatedly told him that the front seats were for the elderly and disabled. Then, we also saw them at Diamond Head. And then, we saw them at the north shore. It was horrible. They were wearing stupid white sneakers and long white socks and dumb collared shirts that were obviously not fit for the 80 degree weather at the beach... so that was bizarre.
4) Weird people enjoyed talking to us. Rachel had mentioned that this would occur often when she was out and about, but with the two of us, it was like EVERYWHERE. This one guy even insisted that we were on another bus with him and were carrying a very large bag (not true). He was so excited about this that he decided to tap me on the shoulder and tell me how he remembers this occasion, that never really happened. Oh yes, one bus ride a lady was laughing hysterically and talking to herself. It was quite the eerie entertainment.
A few interesting things about Hawaii:
1) Spam. Everywhere. It's like their favorite thing. I don't care how expensive imports are, because SICK. They even have Spam sushi.
2) ABC stores. It's like everything you'd ever want and need from Hawaii. Sunscreen, food, towels, postcards, candy, Hawaiian shirts, etc. etc.
3) They love IHOP, McDonalds, Jack in the Box, KFC, and not actually having a dollar menu at any fast food joint or five dollar foot longs at Subway, because, well, someone has to pay for all the importing!
4) Cars. They love them. All kinds. It's like a melting pot of all the cars ever made. Once again, yay for imports!
5) You can take a plane to the other islands. I want to do that next time.
6) People actually wear Hawaiian shirts. Natives and tourists. It's the bus driver's uniform.

That's about all that I can think of at the moment. But in all honesty, Hawaii was wonderful. I am so thankful for having this opportunity to go. The scenery was breathtaking every day, and hard to get used to because it was so unique. You'd see flowers and palm trees, and then mountains and the ocean in the background. Unfortunately, the flights were brutal only because of my sensitive ears (thank the higher power for ear plugs), and for annoying people in general. I could never ever ever be a flight attendant!

Here is a link to my pictures: http://www5.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=993207026/a=2083123026_2083123026/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
(Courtesy of Rachel and her sister Michelle. I didn't actually take them.)

On another topic...
To my fellow readers: Please, please send me any information you have on loans or scholarship opportunities. I am trying to get this shit taken care of as much as possible while I am doing nothing in Florida.
Also, my tummy has been a-hurtin a lot lately, and I've been a-craving some new eats, so I would love some food/cooking suggestions!

Lastly, I finished "The Wild Things" by Dave Eggars, based off of Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are." And, on one of my plane rides, they happened to offer the recently released movie. I would say that the movie was pretty good, and made me appreciate the details in the book more. Now, I need to go back and read the illustrated version...

Little miss wahini in Hawaii

Aloha! I officially arrived to Hawaii two days ago. I am staying with Rachel and her sister Michelle in a little town called Aiea, the only city in U.S. without consonants, mind you. Rachel and I went to Waikiki yesterday and walked around the downtown area. Oh man, this place is gorgeous. I can honestly say that I am really impressed with the scenery, cleanliness, and friendliness of people.
Rachel says "Aloha!"
Today we went to the north shore. We stopped at Shark's cove, where there were huge waves. Then, we walked about a quarter of a mile to the next beach and it was A-FRIGGEN-MAZING. There were like maybe three other pairs of people, at the most. The waves were also so strong and intense. I played in the water for like a half hour and then the waves kicked my ass (Rachel was able to witness this) and I wiped out about three times. We also walked up shore a bit and saw a bunch of surfers, which was kewl, dude! Har har har!
Tomorrow we'll be going to Pearl Harbor, and then the Polynesian cultural center for tours, food, and a luau. The rest of the week we'll be climbing volcanoes, enjoying more beaches, watching wales, etc....
Mahalo for reading!

Smells amazing.

It's raining today. The mix of the smell of the ocean and the rain is wonderful. Everything (windows, the floors, etc) has that perspiration effect because of the warm temperature. And, the strong, quick raindrops make it difficult to know what is rain and what is transpiration.
I ran two miles today. Yay! While I was running I came to the conclusion that I am going to find a 5K to run in Florida! That will be my goal. I haven't ran one since last summer. Gotta get my self into it!

Updates on happenings!

I am currently typing this from my new computer! It's oh-so-fabulous. I am very happy. I am also very happy because... excuse me for bragging...but not really... I am booked for HAWAII! I will be going January 19-28. I am constantly told that the flight is very long, but I don't think I mind because I have tons of books I want to read and music I want to listen to. And, it will be interesting to see all the freaks (kidding! well, half kidding) in the Atlanta and Los Angeles airports.
My cousin Michelle was here for a few days. It was nice, we pretty much laid around, got pampered, went shopping, and ate good food. On the shitty side, the weather has been cold. This whole time. Well, actually it finally was in the high 70's today, but really windy.
I'm on to my next book, "The Wild Things" by Dave Eggers. It's alright so far. Not something I would usually pick, but I felt that I might as well try it. I'm also starting "Killing Yourself To Live" by Chuck Klosterman, who is also the author of "Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs," which I have heard wasn't bad and I have yet to read one day.
My cousin Alex and his wife Ella are in town at the moment. They are staying at my aunt and uncle's condo. It's a bit of a walk to the beach from their condo... and the beach is kind of weird because it's really narrow. Our condo is actually on the beach, and it's more private and there's a lot of room. But regardless, it has been really nice hanging out with them. Hah, I almost wrote "gout." That would have been entertaining to read. They've been very interested in what's going on with me, and for the first time I feel really confident in my future endeavors. I mean, I'll be going to Villanova University for nursing school! That's pretty ASUM (awesome).
It's also been nice being with Babulya, my grandma. Last year, Michelle, Nikki, Amy, and myself got together and bought her a gym membership at the JCC. It was the best thing we could have done for her. It has made her stronger, more confident, and has boosted her energy and health. We workout together all the time at our gym at the condo, and cook healthy and tasty meals together. She is very receptive to fitness suggestions I give her, and I can tell she really enjoys exercising. At the same time, it can be difficult when we both are stubborn with the ways we like things done, organized, etc. Oh yeah, one last thing, I feel like I am in contact with my immediate family more than I ever have been! Phone calls like woah.
Laaaaastly... Mom and my aunt Laurachka are coming tomorrow. I can't wait to see my Mom. I've missed her a lot and I really want her to be able to relax. I'm not sure how much that is going to happen since they have to work this week (and I'll be out of town so I won't be able to be with her this week). The real exciting thing is that Mom will be staying an extra few days after I come back from Hawaii so we'll be able to enjoy each other's company. =) The last time we were able to spend time with each other was when we drove from Michigan to Florida to be here to get the condo set up and leave the car down here. It was so much fun. Man, I wouldn't mind going on a road trip with her again. She's like a driving machine, and I'm the dj.
Anyway, wish me a safe flight to Hawaii!!!

Florida... fake paradise

I've been wanting to update this for days, but really did not feel like I had enough time with all the traveling, getting settled, going to the grocery store a millions times, etc. My new laptop was ordered today. I CAN'T WAIT. I've held onto my iBook G4 for 4.5 years, and will be getting the new Macbook (yeah... the pretty silver one... with a camera... and lots of hard drive space... oh man I'm tingling just thinking about it......).
Florida is okay. The beach is really pretty and comforting. The bad thing is there are SO MANY PEOPLE. And, not just any kind of people, but a mix of snotty old farts, snotty people in general (people are so rude out here! They act like they are entitled to act this way because it's their vacation spot. Well, you know what? It's mine too! So, fuck you!) foreigners (I rarely hear English. It's Russian, Spanish, or something else I can't even recognize), and people that have just let themselves go (aka really fat, sloppy looking, etc.). I don't think I've seen any attractive people. It's kind of a disappointment. And, I'm afraid if I go down to South Beach it will be douchebag central.
On a lighter note, I am thinking (and hoping) that the majority of these people will be leaving after this holiday season. I don't mind just the old people that live here. I usually make small talk or secretly giggle to myself when I see them wearing Member's Only jackets or other brands that I see at the thrift store all the time.
I am really really really really really hoping I can schedule a trip to visit Rachel Solomon in Hawaii. I hope I can make it out there sometime in February. In that case, I will have to rename this blog! Not really, but wouldn't that be SO AWESOME?!?!? I found tickets for $615-$640 and above for a round trip!!!
I'll try to take some pictures and put them on here so you get an idea of what it looks like here. It's very tranquil sitting on the beach. I do really enjoy it. However, it's been in the 60s lately, so I haven't had more than a day of enjoying the sun.
New Years Eve to New Years was also okay. Not nearly comparable to what my family (extended and all) usually does. January 1 is my mom's birthday, so we usually have a huge dinner at my aunt's house, watch the ball drop, and open presents. We all buy presents for each other, and really good ones too. This year, my mom and aunt had to work, and we officially got the condo in Florida in order, so we decided to have Babulya (my grandma), Amy, her boyfriend Andrew, my cousin Nicole, and myself down in Florida for our mini New Years. I liked it. We made a tasty dinner. I thought our little party was nice, but obviously could not be as good as the big family party. It's like how each family has their own holiday that they all really love. For some it's Christmas, or a birthday, or Hanukah, or whatever. But for us, it's New Years. I felt a little sad after talking to my sister and how she was missing everyone. At this point though, I think I have just been feeling numb because of all the emotions I've gone through in the last month. It's hard to move a million times, say goodbye to people I have spent years with, and then plan for my future. Like really! I've got to start figuring out where I'll be living for nursing school, and I know it is not an easy process.
Anyway, that's about enough for now. I think Nikki and I might go to downtown Miami tonight.