Saturday, February 27, 2010

Flu

Sigh.

I caught the flu somehow. I just filled my sick quota for the next 2 years. I just got over a cold two weeks ago. So here I am on a Saturday night, planted firmly on the couch, missing a Silver Sun Pickups & Muse concert. Sigh. Not only do I have the flu, but also my period. It's really soooo much fun.

Anyway, nothing much else to say, just wanted everyone to pity me. Hah. At least I haven't lost my sense of humor. The nyquil is kicking in, and there's the final 2 heats of the 4 man bobsledding. Later gators.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

tweedle dee...

That's right folks... It's another Tuesday morning, and dinosaur is down for her morning nap. I have approximately 30 more minutes before she starts raaaarhing (yes I made that word up, but it's seriously what she sounds like).

Yawn. I could have SWORN I got 9 hours of sleep last night, and yet I'm still tired (even after a cup of coffee). I just don't know what to do, other than hope that when the next quarter starts I'll have figured it out. Which reminds me... 34 more days until that madness starts.

I came to a very nice conclusion this weekend. I have about a month left until my life changes drastically for about a year. Once I start my classes on March 29th, I will no longer have much free time. No more sleeping in during the week, and definitely no more drinking to excess on the week days. My conclusion is this... I do have one month left, so why not go crazy and have a fabulous time partying with friends while I still can. This past weekend was what it was all about. Oysterfest is deadly to my hepatocytes, but I survived!!

Well, and update on the whole student loans shit. I am not getting my stafford loans for this quarter due to misinformation from the financial aid office. They specifically told me that I would still get aid while taking 2 online classes this quarter, and they were WRONG. So now, I have a 2,500$ shortfall in my budget for this year, and I had a small freak out on one nice lady in financial aid. It sucks really bad, but I think I'll be ok. I might have to borrow some monies from my parents for testing material and health insurance, but the money I've saved up from babysitting is going to cover tuition/living expenses (hopefully) for the next two months. Le sigh.

I am kind of debating whether I want to continue on with getting stafford loans w/ the school. My other option is to take out a loan with my parents. There are pros and cons to both choices, but in the end it might be a smarter choice to go with my parents because they won't charge me interest on the money. Of course it still has it's drawbacks, mainly that my mom could use the loan as leverage against me for any reason (which I doubt that she would do, but you never know when you are dealing with Crackheadcrazypants). Anywho. I still have to figure out the mess that stupid financial aid brought upon me. Laaame.

Dinosaur is awake, and singing in her room. I think I'll just let her hang out for a while in her cage, I mean crib.

The boyfriend mentioned the big E word again on Friday night. I was a lot tipsy, and he was a lot drunk... which is why he doesn't remember the conversation and I do. He spoke about how he wanted the engagement to be special, and not to fret, that eventually it will happen. tee hee hee, silly boy. The thing about all of this is that I just wanted confirmation that it was going to happen eventually, and I needed a general time frame. I had a talk with him about that about a month ago. It's been brought up since then due to friends/parents/acquaintances ruffling my feathers by asking when it's going to happen. He thinks that I'm stressing out that it hasn't happened, and to some extent I was before (when I had no idea when he was going to do it etc. etc.). Now that I know it's going to happen sometime around May of next year, my mind is at rest about it, BUT when he keeps bringing it up it makes me antsy and keeps it on my mind longer. The whole saying of "out of sight, out of mind," well the same goes for "out of conversation, out of mind."

Since I'm already breaching the topic on this blog, I'll speak about one slight issue in regards to the engagement ring. To me, the engagement ring should be a knock out. I do have specifics as well. Here's my ideal ring: An emerald cut solitaire of at least one carat (my fingers are pudgy and awkward, even though I'm not fat in the slightest), so I need a larger diamond especially since it won't have any side diamonds to back it up. I want the engagement band to be a pretty antique scroll or filigree, but still be a fairly thin band (I don't like bulk on rings). The thing about emerald cut diamonds is that they cannot have a lot of inclusions, because of the way that the diamond is cut (it's easier to see, and therefore needs to be a lot more clean than say a round cut diamond). Anyway. The ring that I just described runs about 7-8k easily, and probably even more than that because boyfriends said he would only considered getting a diamond that is COMPLETELY conflict free (and not just by the Kimberly process). I found a nice website called brilliantearth.com, that certifies each diamond and most of their diamonds come from Canada. But this process also makes the diamond more expensive. I just don't know how boyfriend will handle hearing that I want that sort of ring. I know I shouldn't care about the specifics of the ring, and the engagement is more meaningful than the ring itself, but dammit, I want a nice heirloom ring to give to my offspring one day. Anyway, I should probably just give up this one desire and be happy that I get to marry one very lovely man.


Ok, Dinosaur is in full commotion now, so I must go fetch her. I'll write again probably tomorrow.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

It's Tuuuesday

Hellooooooo

I went crazy in a fit of boredom and added a new template to the blog to make it more pretty. I just noticed a lot of other 'novice' bloggers with the same color scheme, so I spent somewhere in the neighborhood of 3 hours looking for the background I liked, and then another hour figuring out how to unzip the file so it would upload appropriately. Man, sometimes I really get a reality check with computers. I'm decent, for the most part, with technology as long as I sit down and spend some time learning the in's and out's of the machines. Hopefully I'll be proficient enough to handle the ventilators when that time comes.


So. Since I still have 41 more days until the program starts, I will continue to talk about various personal dalliances, and tv shows that have been taking up my time.

First off, my student loans. I guess it does somewhat have to do with school, so I'll start there. Yesterday my school was supposed to put my stafford loans on my debit card that was provided by the government to disperse my loans. Normally, I forget when they put the money on, and I'll realize a week after it's done that I just got 2,500$ to spend on classes. But this time, I need the money fairly soon. I need to buy my plane ticket to France within the next week, so that I can balance my budget for the first quarter in the program. That's basically it, I'm just mad at the school for delaying my stafford loans.

I was sick last week due to the dinosaur and her little cold. It wasn't terribly awful like the last cold I had, but it did fuck up some plans this past weekend. I'm always a little whiney when I get a cold and prefer to suffer in the comfort of my own bed. Anywho. It was an ok weekend, which also included about 4 inches of snow in Atlanta. Crazy eh?

On a regular basis I watch: LOST, American Idol, The Bachelor, Greek, Project Runway (but I think I'm going to discontinue this one), Community, Survivor, Anthony Bourdain, and currently the winter olympics.Ok, so I'll go down the list and give a run through of what I think about each show. I know this is kind of lame, but I thinking about the shows even though they are all smoke and mirrors.

Currently Lost makes me want to cry every time I see it. I could spend about 4 hours discussing the theories and questions answered with questions, but today i'll just keep it brief. There are two things about this last season that have me scratching my head. First, the split realities. Ok, that's cool and all... they are using the parallel-universe-time-travel-theory but then you remember that Jack and all the others still think that anything they do now (in the past) can change the future of the island. It's just a mess, really. A very expensive, creative, dramatic, and sexy show though. It's sci-fiesque, so I'll let it off the hook. The second thing that's got me questioning is the locke-smokey-facade thing. I REALLY hope that gets explained by the end. That's all I will say about that.

American Idol is getting older, and more boring. It's still better than watching the nightly local news, but only by a few hairs. I'm so far not impressed with Ellen's judging style (even though she is funny), and I miss Paula's generally positive feedback to the contestants. I don't really like Kara too much; she just tries a little to hard. None of the contestants are really stand out omg they are going to win yet, but it's all staged anyway.

Sigh. The Bachelor. I love to hate that show. My sentimental romantic side really does want to like this show, but the cliche invested verbiage that spews out of all the contestants mouths make me want to gag. The only people to ever really get married on that show were Trista and Ryan, and it's hard to top those guys. Anyway, Jake cut out Gia last night. Both boyfriend and I called that one. He was just not as into her as Tenley and Vienna. What's up with those weird names anyway? Ok, so the obvious choice for a wife goes to Tenley... but Vienna is all playful and highly sexual. I really think that it could go to either on of them, even though in the end it won't work anyway. Hehehe. 2 weeks until the finale.

I'll skip Greek and Project Runway since I'll probably drop watching those shows soon.

Survivor is doing another past cast reunions with a different twist (yeah right), called Heros v. Villains. Lets put all the fame whores back on the island for another go around and see who can play the most mind games and blindsides. I personally think Russell should have won last season, but he's back for another attempt regardless. I want to see Amanda FINALLY succeed, but she's soo... I don't know, bland? She hardly ever plays really dirty. Coach is back, BLEh. Anyway, enough rambling about that.

Anthony Bourdain has lost all of my interest. He's just a boring old man that used to be fun, crazy, and full of witty comments. Now he is close to being lumped in with Samantha Brown's pathetic travel show. Come on Tony, step it up. The Hudson River Valley is NOT exciting, and neither is inviting Bill Murray for a dinner guest. It just dates you horribly.

Ahhh, the Winter Olympics. Sigh again. I know all I'm doing is griping about tv right now, but that's what blogs are for right? I love watching the summer olympics, but honestly the only real thing I care about in the winter olympics is ice skating, and come to find out on the news it's probably fixed anyway. Lame. Vancouver has been doing a shiiiiitty job with the olympics and i'll leave it at that. I'll still watch it though...

Poor dinosaur, she's really scared of the leaf blower right now. I'm gonna go pick her up so she will stop being scared. Leaf blowers are scary to a 15 month old.

OOOk. Au Revoir for now.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Rainy day ramblings

Another day closer, but not quite there. It seems like spring and the program can't get here fast enough. I do think it's slightly absurd that I have a 6 month break in between finishing my pre-req's and starting the Respiratory Therapy program. I can moan and complain all I want, but I know in two months I'll be wishing I was bored like I am right now. The sooner the program starts, the sooner I can graduate and start working.

Today is just a wet, cold, miserable day here in Atlanta. Not cold enough for snow, but not warm enough to enjoy outside. The grey I see outside right now reminds me that not everything in my life is always going to be rosy, and happy. It's ok. I'm just bored, really.

This past weekend was very relaxing for 2/3 of it. Friday and Saturday I spent with my lovelyface cousin that I can kick back with, and Sunday was filled with the future IL's birthday-party-McCrazypants-drinking-too-much-wine-and-talking-extremely-too-loudness. Granted, I'm usually in better spirits at the Bacchus events, but on Sunday I was super tired from waking up at 7:30 a.m. so I could make it back to Atlanta in time to be at said event. I found solace in hanging out with the dinosaur because she wasn't arguing over what's more important: money or happiness.

I don't want to speak ill of boy's family, but there are a lot of differences between our families. The differences are neutral for the most part. I just grew up in a family where everyone was comfortably close, and the only time we got hammered was a the traditional tequila parties that no longer take place.(A side note on drinking for me: I like to drink, but in moderation. I try not to use alcohol as an escape, but rather as something to enjoy in social settings and when I need to unwind a bit from the day. My family shares this sentiment, so getting plastered at Christmas is kind of a no-no). No one argues at my family gatherings, and the topic of conversations always stay in the polite/non controversial areas to avoid any feelings getting hurt. That's not the case with boy's family. I know they operate differently, so I am getting more used to it. They do ask more probing questions that can make me uncomfortable, and raised voices at the dinner table, I learned, does not mean that they are angry at me. Anyway, it's a work in progress.

Just as a side note, I absolutely adore the boy's sister and brother in law. Their creation, the dinosaur, is a constant source of happiness for me. They are the cornerstones that holds the family together, and I'm grateful for all that they do.

Today I went to google to do a search on Aspire to Respire. My blog did come up on the first page, but it was basically at the bottom. That's ok, because right now this blog is mainly just personal stuff. I think there are about 3 or 4 people that read it right now, and all of them are friends of mine. I'm not going to link my blogs to other RT blogs until I'm more involved with the program and clinicals. I'll probably edit out some of the longer, more abstract personal blog entries when I do that. I'd like to keep this blog anonymous, and a few of the things I've written have the potential of letting the cat out of the bag. Anyway, that'll happen down the road.

Tomorrow I'll be registering for classes :)

But today I'm still stuck in a world of grey. It's supposed to rain for the rest of the day. I do have the option of going out tonight for an acquaintance's birthday, but that interferes with Ellen's debut on AI, and new episode of Lost. I do have to watch the dinosaur again tomorrow, so staying up late isn't really an option for me.

Anyway. dinosaur is awake and growling for some attention. Later Gators :)

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Babies

Hi. It's Tuesday morning, and that means coffee and toddler time. I really like watching the boy's niece (dinosaur). Sometimes she really is a handful (especially when her teeth are erupting), but then she does something really cute, and all is forgiven. When I was younger I never questioned whether or not I would have kids; it was just assumed that I would. Now I'm 24 years old, and have experienced my fair share of crazy babies, and seen the effects that they have on their poor parents, I'm really not sure whether I want to have kids or not.

The thing is that I live in the city with the boyfriend, and we aren't planning on moving out of the city, like, ever. Which means that we will eventually have to buy an over-priced house in a neighborhood that might not have the best inner city schools, thus making private school the only option. Add all that up and you're looking at a ridiculous price tag. It's not just the money, but it's the loss of free time that I'll probably mourn the most. I love sleeping, and waking up at 3 a.m. and then 5 a.m. doesn't sound like much fun. I know that it only lasts for 4-6 months, but still.

I love boyfriend very much, but he's not been around kids at all. Every time he's around the dinosaur niece he just stares at her, with a half smile that seems forced because he doesn't know what to do or say to her. I know it would be different if it was our child, but it if ever does happen, it's gonna be a wake up call. I have plenty of time to make up my mind. I'll probably be about 30-32 years old when it happens, and hopefully not any sooner :)

Ok, so change of subjects.... I get to register for my first 2 classes in the RT program next week. I'll be taking Pharmacology and Cardiopulm A&P. I want to go ahead a buy my books for the quarter, but I'm not sure what editions we are using. I will just have to wait. I still haven't heard if Cynthia got into the program, but I should hope that she finds out sooner rather than later.

Yesterday I spent a good amount of time just researching allied health jobs and messing around on the colleges websites. I'm really interested in getting my B.S. for RT after I graduate and start working. There are a few schools here in Georgia that do the bridge for A.S. to B.S., and some of them are even online. I know a lot of people say that I don't need a Bachelors to be an RT, and that they make the same amount of money etc. etc. I would just like to have the option of going to grad school if I want to, or maybe even move up in management with RT.

There's another option I've been considering. I've always had a thing for both the heart and lungs working together. The system is just ridiculously complex and so interesting. I would definitely consider going to perfusion school, but there are only about 21 schools, and none of them are in Georgia. The closest one to me is in Charleston. We shall see. I might want a good challenge later on in life.

I cannot believe that the dinosaur is still asleep. There are construction guys banging away at a new fence in the backyard and she's not phased at all. Sleeping right through it. Niiice.

Anyway. I'm going to pull out a book and catch up on my reading. I'll write more when there are actually things going on in my life.