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.