Hooray for the President!

I should first preface by saying that I do not follow politics very closely. I do have my own opinions about certain topics and will offer them up should they be requested, but I tend to stay out of deep political discussions, because, put simply, I have no clue what is going on. But I did just finish watching the State of the Union and I agreed with 100% of the things President Bush said. I was a big fan of the Competitive Initiatory, which emphasizes math and science in our school to help our children become intelligent and get higher paying jobs. And I was all for the proposition to stop all human and animal cloning. I believe that act of creation does not belong to us, but to God. To try and assume that responsibility is beyond our scope, and will only lead to bad things. Unfortunately, our society has become so knowledge based and individualistic, that we are afraid to leave things to faith--to the "unknown". It is seen as weak. I think the primary problem our society faces is lack of role models. Especially our youth. With working parents, distanced grandparents, and teachers who are forbidden to even touch students, our youth have no one to turn to. Except each other. And the media. And you don't have to be a genius to figure out those are NOT very reliable sources. While I am not implying that we should revert back to the 50s, where the wife stays at home and has dinner on the table promptly at 5:30, perfectly groomed, I think more family time together and more communication within our familes could solve 95% of our problems. I honestly do.

I'm pretty pumped for the Olympics this year. It's all about American pride!! Of course, it does mean many (hopefully) American Gold Medal ceremonies where I will cry hearing the National Anthem. Which reminds me...need to buy more tissues...But I can't believe that it has already been 4 years since the last Winter Olympics!! It seems like just yesterday that I was walking through downtown Salt Lake City, freezing cold on like my 3rd date with Derrick, listening to Cheryl Crow at the Medals Plaza. 4 years!!! The Olympics just bring about good memories. And they're like the only sporting events that I can watch day in and day out.

Speaking of American Pride, last night we flipped to this movie about United Airlines Flight 93, the plane that crashed in PA on 9-11. It was sooo heartwrenching. But it is the men and women on that plane that are heroes for us. They sacrificed their lives so that others may be spared. Man, I cannot handle those kinds of shows!!!! What a wreck!!

School is still going well. I got a sweet pink stethoscope. And just a warning, if I see you in the near future, I will take your pulse. It's only 30 seconds long, deal with it, and know that you're helping me a lot. :)

I love you, Constantine!

"Back to school, back to school, to prove to dad that I'm not a fool!"

If you can tell me what movie that is from, I'll send you a candy bar. :)

So, today is the second day of school. So far it's not too bad. Lots of readings to do, but I think I'm going to really enjoy it. I've already learned some cool things about physical exams and stuff like that. The one class that sucks already is Patho--not the material or anything, but the fact that the teacher puts up written transparencies as our notes, when we have a typed copy in a packet. It's just really weird. I mean, who uses an overhead projector anymore?? Granted, she is pretty old...and oddly enough, she looks like a female version of Harrison Ford. So, I'm feeling pretty good about school right now. I'm super organized, I'm on top of everything, and I'm way more confident than I was at orientation. But ask me in a couple weeks how I'm doing. It could be way different!

In dreamy news, I won tickets to see Constantine and Pray for the Soul of Betty last night at the Rave. It was fantabulous. I'm not quite sure why I love him so much. He's not drop dead gorgeous or anything...perhaps it's just his rockstar aura. Anyway, I went with my friend Miranda and we were on the side of the stage and had a front row view of him and he was awesome. I even touched him!! He came over and I grabbed his hand and I didn't let go-but neither did he!! It was a magical moment. lol. He totally wanted me. He kept looking over at us and singing to us. Oh, and he winked. Could it be my imagination? Maybe. But I'm pretending he was singing just to me.....The music was OK...I think I was more entertained just watching him than hearing him. Plus, none of the speakers were pointed towards us on the side so we couldn't hear well to begin with.




Well, I got a lab in 15. I think we're going to practice handwashing. Oooooh!!

Peace out, girl scout.

Gah!!

On the up side, I got everything done that I needed to do today. On the down side, it cost me a truckload of money. Books ALONE cost....drum roll, please.....$770!!!!!! Is that ridiculous or what????? I almost passed out. Must have messed up my math estimations!!! After that, it was straight to the mall to get the uniform. The nice people at the uniform shop gave me 10% off b/c I'm a student (at least SOME people have pity on the student...) and I got my top and lab coat there. I found shoes at Payless--although Derrick is worried they won't be comfy, and would rather pay more for good shoes than to have me hurt. I won't complain!! And how sweet is that, anyway?! And after much searching, I finally found a pair of navy pants/jeans at Wet Seal. Gee, why didn't I think to look there to begin with?? Oh, b/c I'm not 17 anymore!!! Oh, and just for kicks, I got a UW-Milwaukee School of Nursing decal for my car. Hey, why not?

Honestly, I don't know how this whole full-time student gig is going to fit into my TV schedule. I mean, the Bachelor started last week, American Idol started last night. It's only a matter of weeks before Survivor and The Amazing Race are back. Le Sigh. I have a feeling I will be out of the reality TV circuit. And pop culture circuit for that matter. At least I'll be in my car in the mornings to hear Ally's Junk Drawer gossip. You'll have to fill me in, people!!

Today I was told I am a boring person. By a 6 year old. Ouch. Why? Because I was reading People magazine (my attempt to squeeze in as much celeb gossip as possible before monday) instead of watching this little kid bring her pet to "show-and-tell". Sheesh. #1--not a dog fan. #2--It was the double issue!!!! So, now I have to be extra careful to be "not boring". Great, one more thing to think about.

I made honey butter the other night. It's reeeaaallly good. If you're good, I'll share the recipe with you. I put it on everything. It's not a healthy food, either. oh well. The recipe comes from this yummy restaurant in Salt Lake. Behold:

1 stick butter, softened
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 egg yolk
1 c honey

Whip butter and vanilla together. Add egg yolk. Slowly add honey until light and fluffy and delicious. I don't need to tell you to keep it in the fridge.

With that, I shall make some toast and slather it with said nectar, and go to sleep. Eat that, Oprah!

Poor penniless me....

So yesterday was my orientation meeting for nursing. I can't believe classes start on Monday!!! Ack!!! After everything they told us yesterday, I'm pretty much terrified. I'm scared I'm going to kill someone. I'm scared I'm going to suck at it. I'm scared I'm not going to know the answer when someone asks me "why are you doing that?" or "how do you know it will work?" The problem is, I did just a crappy job learning during my undergrad, that it's now all coming back to haunt me. I guess we'll see what happens. On the plus side, books are only $687. Wait...that's not a plus. Are there any good things happening here??????? I did look online and Amazon.com had all of them for $550. That's good! But alas, nary a one was in stock. Half.com had some, but wouldn't be here in time. And well, I already have massive amounts of reading to do before the first class. And a paper. Delightful!! My life is pretty much over as I know it. See you in May!! Oh, and I have to get this oh-so-stylish uniform to wear at clinicals. Good luck finding navy blue pants. Do you know not one store I have been to carries navy pants??? If you find some, let me know!!

Over Christmas Derrick threw out his back bending over. (What a stud) So after spine doctor visits and an MRI, we find out he's herniated his L5-S1. Fabulous. So now he has regular PT visits. United Health Care must looooove us!!

Listen to this dream I had: I was pregnant, and getting an ultrasound, and the doctor said it was a girl, and then all of a sudden another baby popped up onto the screen, and it was a girl, and then another one showed up, and that one was a boy!!! Well, I had them like 2 weeks later (geez, wouldn't that be nice!) and I had to run some errands so I took the boy with me. And I left the others at home!!! They were in the coldest room of our house (which I'm currently in, freezing) and they had peed through their clothes and were wet and cold and shivering and hungry and I was the worst mom ever. The whole time I was out looking for 3 high chairs and 3 changing tables and carrying this baby boy over my shoulder. Like a sack of potatoes. I can't be a mom!!! I'll suck!!!

Well, I really should go. I have a major shopping spree to do. In just a few hours time. Did I mention that I'm a nanny for 3 kids now? Now I don't feel completely worthless and a drain on our savings. It's for this lady Derrick works with. They are super cute kids, and behave pretty decently. I guess they have 4 other babysitters--which is sorta sad to me. But oh well. They seem well adjusted at least.

Ok--I'll be back with a grand total later!

Happy Nude Year!

Apparently, people read this thing. No less than 3 people have commented on my lack of updates. Well, my beloved audience, the wait is over!! I shall give you what you want!! (Well, I give you something, at least)

Where to start....

Christmas was good. We went to CT--stayed with the fam. Christmas day was generally uneventful, if not anti-climatic. It's just not the same when everyone's over 18, and Mom is throwing presents at you at warp speed so you can finish before the rolls are done.

Day after Christmas was The Day. The Day of Confrontation. Mom, Dad, Derrick and I hashed it all out at the table. I don't know what exactly they were waiting to hear, but I guess they heard it because after that, everything was fine. Back to normal. Poof. So that was a big plus. She took us shopping, they bought us dinners. You know, things normal families do. We've even talked on the phone lots since then and she's even sent a package!! Amazing!!

We went to Sharon, VT--a church history site. It was really beautiful, although ass-cold. We stopped off at the place where they make Yankee Candles and shopped at the World's Largest Candle Store. (oooh...ahhhh...) We were going to go to Boston on Friday, but on Thursday Derrick threw out his back and was immobile. So, scrach that plan. I knew he wasn't faking it--he was passing up a tour of Fenway!!!

So...back to the real world, back to Wisconsin. I quit my job before Christmas, which was actually pretty sad for me. It was almost like I was moving. I was packing up stuff, saying goodbyes. Driving away, I actually cried for a minute. I mean, I spent all day everyday with these people--how could you not get attached! They were practically my social life! But I have to say--while I miss the people, I do NOT miss the work!!!! Staying at home has been nice. I've been able to get a lot of stuff done--organizing, throwing stuff out. Running errands. Watching the Price is Right. Sleeping in....

Since it is the new year--gosh, 2006!!!! I guess it's the thing to do to say what your resolutions are. So here goes:

1)Get straight A's in school. Shouldn't be too hard, right??
2)Stop procrastinating. Should help with #1.
3)Lose the 2" I've gained on my butt. Fit into the pants I wore when I moved here.
4)Be less gossipy. Who likes a gossip? No one. Unless, of course, it's celebrity gossip. It shall continue to flow freely.
5)Make my brother a graduation afghan.

That's good for now. Don't want to overdo it. There's more I want to say, but I'll get to that tomorrow. ;)