out of my head

long time, no blog

2006-05-25T21:42:00.000-05:00

It's been quite awhile since I've blogged. Work has been really busy. I did get to go to the Kentucky Derby again this year with several friends from med school. I think it was one of the best weekends I've had this year.
Last Friday night, we had a girls night. All the girl residents barbequed, planted yard gnomes at selected attending doctor's houses, then had a sleepover and watched the cartoon movie "The Last Unicorn".
I'm working nights again right now. I've spent some quality time with Carlton and Will, as "Fresh Prince" is on tv at all hours of the night.
Happy Memorial Day weekend!

revive

2006-05-03T23:08:00.000-05:00

A couple weekends ago I was able to meet up with a few of my friends from high school, and my friend Claire happened to be drinking vitamin water. I bought one the other day when I was at Target, just because the label is hilarious. So I'm going to share it with you.

"everyone loves going out, downing cocktails and partying like a b-list celebrity. but, with the glory comes the pain - body aches, cotton mouth and a splitting headache the next morning that would even bring the mighty superman to his knees.

with that said, we loaded this product with b vitamins and potassium to help your body recover. so now you can party like it's 1999 and still wake up feeling like a million bucks... $750K if you woke up on the bathroom floor."

not for those easily offended

2006-04-17T18:30:00.000-05:00

One of the patients I admitted to the hospital this weekend had a tatoo on his side of a rib with blood dripping off of it and above this it read: "give me back my rib, bitch."

Coke Black

2006-04-11T22:08:00.000-05:00

No, it's not a bomb threat. (that's code black-from Grey's Anatomy after the superbowl!) It's not a drug, although it may be my new addiction. It's the new "carbonated fusion beverage" from Coca-Cola. If you like coffee and diet coke, you'll like this. It's delicious. But don't just take my word for it.

Speaking of coffee, last night I decided to have a cup of decaf around 9pm. Then, as I laid in the call room, wide awake, my heart racing, trying to catch a few hours of sleep while on call, I realized I poured my coffee from the pot with the RED lid, which unfortunately is not decaffeinated.

Livin' on Tulsa Time

2006-04-10T17:39:00.000-05:00

For part of last week, I was in Tulsa for an Evidence-Based Medicine conference (yes, it was as boring as it sounds) with Jamie, another resident in my program. Our friend Matt is from Tulsa, and although he couldn't attend the conference, he arranged for his friend Aaron to take us to dinner on Thursday night. We went to Hideaway Pizza, an Oklahoma original, then he took us to see the statue of the praying hands and took us on a small tour. Later that night my friend Jon called to wish me a belated happy birthday and I told him I was in Tulsa and had gone to see the praying hands. He said, "Oh, at Oral Roberts University?" Am I the only one who hadn't heard of this statue?

I love mail

2006-03-21T14:47:00.000-06:00

even when it makes me cry. I received two pieces of mail today, both from dear friends of mine. One was from my friend Nicole, who I know from home. I've been friends with Nicole for a long time, and she knows my whole family. The other piece of mail I received was a two-for-one from my friend Chrissy. Our friendship is special because we both lost our moms around the same time and went through a lot of grieving and healing together.
I cried because I miss my mom, especially around this time of year, and haven't really let myself express my feelings lately. But I also cried because I am thankful for my friends, and these expressions of caring and encouragement when I needed them.

Pretty Warm for a Winter Solstice

2006-03-04T14:26:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday, my class of first-year residents had our "Winter Solstice", which is the one day per year we get to leave work at lunchtime and just hang out as a class the rest of the day. It was much needed, and it was far from winter weather! We went out for pizza for lunch and then went to the park. We went on a short hike, explored a small cave, and then played a great game of Ultimate Frisbee. After that, we went to Andy's for frozen custard (Springfield's version of Sheridan's) and then briefly separated to shower and change before meeting at Larisa's house for dinner. Her husband grilled steaks and chicken for us, and we played Catch Phrase and Taboo.
It really was "the best solstice ever."

on night float

2006-02-15T03:34:00.000-06:00

I am currently on my night float rotation, which means for two weeks, Sunday through Thursday, I work from 8:30pm to 9 or 10am, noon on Fridays. I am only on my third night, but I can already tell you it is an exhausting and lonely experience.
I heard on the radio on my way home this morning that it was going to be a sunny and warm Valentine's Day, but did I get to enjoy it? No, because I was sleeping.

Signs that it's been a pretty good week

2006-02-10T17:48:00.000-06:00

1. Not being on call any night this week
2. Chili and Scrubs on Tuesday
3. Witnessing an almost fight at step aerobics class
4. Discussing our common dream of hearing Donald Miller speak with a new friend at Bible study
5. Hanging out with friends from work every other night since Sunday
6. Finishing two good books
7. Hanging out with my sister
8. Preparing for the arrival of Cindillarina (as my friend Jon P called them) (actually it's just Hillary and Christina, because Cindy can't come), for a small group reunion

"You want dirty? Let me find you dirty."

2006-02-05T14:33:00.000-06:00

That's a quote from the martini party I attended Friday night. I tried my first ever dirty martini. It's a salty contrast to the other sweet martinis I had, but I still prefer my triple chocolate martini!
I stayed up way too late for being on call the next day. When I was in the nursery rounding yesterday, one of the pediatricians, who I don't even know, said to me, "Rachelle, do you know how to smile?" (excuse me, but Rachel is NOT pronounced Rachelle) I halfway smiled and said yes. He replied, "Well, you forgot to tell your face" and laughed. I did not find this particularly amusing.

birthday parties at 3am for prostitutes

2006-01-31T23:01:00.000-06:00

I've noticed that when God is trying to make a point or teach me something, it's usually not an isolated thing. I'll receive the same message from multiple sources, whether it be a sermon, a quiet time, a book, a conversation, a song, etc. I guess He wants to make sure it sinks in for me.
Earlier tonight I was listening, via podcast, to Isaac's talk from The Gathering on persevering hope. Then, I decided to pick up reading where I left off weeks ago from the book Love Beyond Reason by John Ortberg. The first thing I read was the story about Tony Campolo that Isaac told in his sermon. I don't think it was a coincidence.

Lunch

2006-01-30T14:09:00.000-06:00

Today, we had a presentation by a drug rep that we were supposed to evaluate. We decided he was using the tactics of appeal to pity, appeal to curiosity, and relationship building as he sat in the back and told us this story:
"I stopped at a gas station on my way here, and a woman dressed up as a cat came over to me, put her hand on my shoulder, and purred."

clever

2006-01-30T14:04:00.000-06:00

Matt, on the fact that he is scheduled to take the third step of his boards on 2-14-06: "Well, that's appropriate. I'll be spending Valentine's Day with my biggest relationship."

Remember that one time at Fazoli's...?

2006-01-29T16:50:00.000-06:00

I'm not directly involved in this story, but I think it's too funny not to post about.
One Friday night Jill was on call, and Rachel was her senior (the third-year resident who we check out patients to and is available for questions, emergencies, procedures, etc.). Rachel had already been in once, and then left to go pick up some dinner for Jill. Jill went back downstairs to the resident's room and realized Maria was still there and hadn't yet eaten dinner. Jill felt this was an emergency and paged Rachel *911 to make sure she also picked up dinner for Maria. When Rachel got the page, she was in the drive-through line at Fazoli's and without a functioning cell phone. Thinking there was a code, she tried to leave the drive-through line, but instead got her jeep stuck on a bush. So, she had to get back in line, and when she got to the window asked to use a phone. Since the Fazoli's phone apparently was not portable, Rachel had to use the cell phone of the teeny-bopper Fazoli's employee. When Jill told her why she was calling, her response was classic Rachel: "Are you KIDDING me?"

It's a small world after all

2006-01-15T18:41:00.000-06:00

Last night I went to the symphony with my friend Holly, and I recognized one of the violinists, Liz, as a girl our friend Larisa had tried to set up with our friend Matt. Liz teaches violin to Larisa's 4-year-old son, and she came to a game night Larisa hosted. It didn't work out that Matt and Liz ever dated, but she seemed like a sweet girl.
That got Holly and I talking about what types of guys we are interested in. There are the usual characteristics: tall, dark, handsome, funny, smart, Christian, but I realized I have a few very specific qualifications as well: can't be a picky eater, not too gushy, can't take longer than me to get ready, can't drink girly drinks. Hmmm..maybe I'm more picky than I thought.
Anyway, after the symphony we met Matt, Erin, and Chris at the Bodega Bar. There we saw a different Matt, who used to go to UMKC, then moved to Columbia, who Julia lived with for a time.
Holly and I also realized we share the same favorite childhood books: The Giving Tree and The Velveteen Rabbit, and the same favorite movie from high school: Empire Records.
Also this weekend, Matt lent me the first season of Arrested Development on DVD, since he's been raving about this show all year. It's pretty hilarious.
Matt, Holly and I also watched the movie Bottle Rocket this weekend. Luke and Owen Wilson are in the movie, and they both look so young! One of the funny lines is "How did an asshole like Bob get such a great kitchen?" but you have to listen closely for it.
So, if you're in the mood for a laugh I recommend you check out Arrested Development or Bottle Rocket. Or, of course, The Office, which provided a much needed laugh for me after a Debbie Downer of a day on Thursday. More on that later.

Ahhh, Paris

2006-01-10T19:47:00.000-06:00

The new season of The Bachelor started last night. The new bachelor is an ER doctor from Nashville, and the medical cliches were a bit much. "He's literally held hundreds of hearts in his hands, and now he holds the hearts of 25 women..." "I may have gone to medical school, but there is no textbook for dating multiple women at the same time..." "My prescription for a full life is good friends, loving your job, and spending the rest of your life with someone.." He actually seems like a nice guy, as much as you can tell from television. There was of course, the token crazy woman, who said her eggs were rotting and she was at the reproduction stage in her life.
However entertaining the show was, though, it just wasn't the same. You see, it was a tradition of our small group to watch The Bachelor, usually after we met to discuss whatever book or study we were doing. I know it's just a silly tv show, but I'm sad I can't watch it with them every week. I miss doing life with them in the same city as them.

Happy 2006

2006-01-01T14:38:00.000-06:00

I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. It's been a year of big changes for me. At this time last year, I felt completely lost without any direction. I had no idea that in June I'd be moving away to start residency. It was a huge lesson in patience and trust that God knew what He was doing all along. I like what I'm doing for the most part and I love the people I work with. I like living alone and actually receiving a paycheck. I like living down the street from my sister. I have been able to reconnect with my friend Lindsey from high school who lives in Springfield. I finally found a church here and have started going to the 20s/30s singles group.
There have been hard times as well. I moved away from my main support system and I'm still learning how to better stay in touch with those friends. My dad got married and sold the house I grew up in. This brought back a lot of feelings of grief over the loss of my mom and the way our family used to be. Then my grandmother passed away over Christmas.
But, like my cousin Anna read at my grandma's funeral:
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace."
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8.

I hope 2006 will be a time for healing, building, laughing, dancing, embracing, loving and peace for all of you. Cheers!

Grandma Auner

2005-12-26T10:23:00.000-06:00

My grandmother, Margaret Ailene Auner, passed away on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. It wasn't a huge surprise, as she had kidney failure and had recently decided to stop dialysis. I had been to visit her when she was in the hospital a couple weeks ago, before she stopped dialysis, and she was very weak at that time, but was still able to talk and was aware of what was going on. I am so thankful I went to visit then. My aunts were saying she waited until everyone was able to come visit her, and then she waited until it was only my grandpa in the room with her, before she died.
She had four daughters, Becky (my mom) was the oldest, Janet, Julie and Gretchen, and one son, Michael, who was actually her nephew that they adopted after her sister died.
I am her oldest grandchild, and I feel blessed she was in good health for most of my childhood. Every spring and fall, she took my sister and I shopping for new clothes for school. She and my grandpa used to take my sister and I on educational trips during the summer. She taught us all manners. She was six-feet tall and thin and graceful. I have the same middle name as her.
During the funeral, there will be six long-stemmed flowers for my grandpa and each of her children to put in the casket. Together my sister and I will put in the flower for my mom.
Although the holidays seemed sad and stressful for our family, my grandma was able to spend Christmas with my mom in heaven, and for that I should celebrate.

It's Snowing!

2005-12-08T00:02:00.000-06:00

Tonight I had to work until about 10:00p.m. and when I left, I went out to meet some of the other residents. I half-jokingly said we shouldn't leave the Fox and Hound until it started snowing, since I'd seen on the hourly forecast that light snow was predicted to start around 11:00 p.m. Several people left until it was just Holly, Matt and I hanging out, and around 11:45p.m., we stood up to get our coats on and leave since we all have to work early in the morning. As we were starting to head towards the door, I looked out and noticed it had just started snowing, and I was completely giddy. I love snow, even driving in it, when the flakes come right at you. The excitement of the first real snow of the season just seemed to erase all the frustations of the day. How amazing is that?!

Joy

2005-12-02T22:43:00.000-06:00

Every two months or so, we dedicate our didactic half day (our structured learning time) to a topic regarding Meaning in Medicine. It is a time when we are supposed to share our feelings about things and bond with each other. Our topic today was Joy. I shared briefly about a sermon I'd heard at Heartland about the difference between joy and happiness, happiness being circumstantial, and true joy persisting in all circumstances and from God. I also shared how when I went to Jamaica and worked in a clinic there as part of a mission trip, how obvious it was that almost all the people there possessed joy, despite the fact they had "nothing" as far as our American standards go.
Other residents shared similar things about joy and we talked about how the long, cold winter as interns is difficult and we need to rely on each other and encourage each other. We also talked about how certain patients and patient interactions bring us joy. All this made me realize how poor my attitude has been the last couple months and how cynical I've become. I really believe so much of this has to do with the fact that I've hardly spent any time with God, reading the Bible or praying or journaling lately. I am not acting like Jesus at all in the way I am viewing many patients and I don't want it to be that way. I hope my attitude will shift to a much more positive one and my priorities will be realigned.

You can call me Amy

2005-11-28T21:28:00.000-06:00

Today I went out to lunch with a girl who is interviewing at our residency program and another resident. I didn't take my coat, because this morning when I left, it wasn't really that cold outside. But when we left the restaurant, the wind was blowing and the temperature had dropped dramatically. I had driven myself, and since it was so cold, I took off running for my car. Well, I don't know exactly what happened, but the next thing I knew, I was flat on face, and my keys were all the way on the other side of the street. My hands were scraped and bleeding and my knee is now swollen and bruised. I've limped around the rest of the day. I think I was more embarassed than anything. I'm not really sure if anyone saw what happened. I hope not. I came back to work afterward and had to ask for some bandaids. Charlie saw me when I came back and when he left work tonight, he said to me "You better watch out for those curbs, Hankins."
I thought of you, Amy and I wasn't even there for your incident! Thanks for the comments on my blog, Amy and Jordanne and Becca. I love and miss you all!

My Thanksgiving

2005-11-27T19:17:00.000-06:00

I feel like I should be more thankful than I am, especially considering the holiday that just passed. Everything just feels so bittersweet. I went home Wednesday night, and carpooled with my sister and brother-in-law, and we listened to Christmas music. That night we hung out with some of our best friends from high school. We sat around our kitchen table and talked and drank wine and listened to music and it was like we'd never been away from each other. But I found myself sad that I didn't have more time with them, and I was exhausted after working a 12 hour day. I was even more sad about the fact that may be the last time we'll hang out in that house, since my dad is selling it. I know it's just a house, but it's where I grew up and has so many reminders of my mom.
On Thanksgiving day we went out to my grandma's house and ate lots of good food and played games and took a nap. Then I had to come back to Springfield because I was on call Friday. I worked 30+ hours, and hardly had a chance to sit down, let alone lay down, so I came home Saturday and crashed. I woke up at 8pm and went back to bed at midnight.
I went to church this morning, and I feel like I've finally found a church I want to keep going to, but have yet to really meet anyone there or get involved. I put up my Christmas tree today (thanks for the tree Amy!). I talked on the phone to a couple friends who I hadn't talked to in months, which was nice.
It's almost time for one of my favorite nights on television-Desperate Housewives and Gray's Anatomy, so I'll sign off for now.

"Hey, isn't that...?"

2005-11-18T17:12:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I went to the piano bar in town with a group of residents. There were tornado sirens going off around town, which we found out about by friends calling, but that didn't keep us from staying out. At one point, I thought I saw Shelby, one of the other residents, stopped outside in front of the bar, looking in. I mentioned this, but Beau said to me, "No, I think you've had a few drinks and just think you saw Shelby." Then, throughout the night, he would point to random people and say, "Hey, isn't that Shelby over there?" and laugh.
Well, I was on call for OB on Wednesday night, and Shelby came in for the delivery of one of his clinic patients. We were hanging out in our lounge and he asked if I had gone to the piano bar so I told him how I thought I saw him and how Beau made fun of me about it. Then he told me it actually WAS him that stopped in front of the piano bar. He happened to be downtown with his wife and some of their friends and knew we were there that night. So, I'm not crazy!

Speaking of OB, today was my last day of this OB block, which is a great feeling. OB makes me nervous in general, and since it's not at our main hospital we feel a bit out of touch from everyone down there. Plus, our lounge (aka our learning center) has fluorescent lights and no windows, so it's a little bit like a dungeon.

Curses

2005-11-14T22:09:00.000-06:00

Our monthly residency social was tonight, and it was a fish fry at the Browns' house. After dinner, a group of us played the game, Curses, which I highly recommend. My stomach hurt from laughing so hard. At one point, Jason had his hands on his chest (because his arms were only 1-inch long), was talking like a ventriloquist, and getting "shocked" any time someone touched him. Matt had to say a commercial jingle before every turn, strum a fake guitar whenever he talked, and scratch and yell out a different lunchmeat anytime someone made a farm animal noise. Another Matt, one of our attendings on faculty, had to use only a high-pitched falsetto voice, while scratching under his arms like a gorilla AND talking like a pirate.

"Well, once I've met you, all formality is gone. Just get naked."

2005-11-07T18:37:00.000-06:00

This was one of the lines used in our skit on Friday night, taken directly from our resident quote board. The skit was the reason I had to steal the infamous "box" I referred to in a previous post. Each residency class, and the faculty, had to put on a skit for our recruitment kickoff party. Our theme was "In the Seventies", but had to relate to recruiting. So we did an Austin Powers theme, but basically it was a chance to poke fun at some of the other residents and faculty. None of this may be funny to you at all, but here are some examples. One of our attendings just had her seventh child, so Jen played her and just had babies falling out of her while she was interviewing my character. We also had a scene set in the Serenity Room, which is an actual room in the hospital that has soothing music playing, etc. In that scene, Matt played a pimp surrounded by a bunch of girl residents and we passed around a bong fashioned out of a model vagina and a coke bottle. We also made fun the fact that Charlie is always quoting random journal articles. In our skit, one of his lines was "I don't know if you read in the September article of JAMA, it didn't actually appear in the final copy, but an original handwritten article commented that some people are just inherently full of crap, so this patients diarrhea is probably a psychosomatic issue and probably related to her initial complaint." Since we see an unusually large amount of overdose patients, our model patient in our skit was a woman who "overdosed on 3 extra-strength Tylenol and an ENTIRE roll of tums. She denies headache or stomach upset."
Unfortunately, we got third place out of four, but it was fun, and it forced us to spend time together as a class to prepare, which doesn't happen very often, since we all have different schedules.

It's a Beautiful Day

2005-11-06T16:31:00.000-06:00

I have to admit, I have a little bit of house envy anytime I go to another resident's house for the first time, because they're all so nice. But most of them are in new developments on the outskirts of town, which makes me thankful I have the most beautiful bright orange tree right outside my apartment windows.

Mission Accomplished

2005-10-30T10:32:00.000-06:00

I bet you've never done this before:
Last night I snuck a box of vaginas out of the hospital and put it in the trunk of my car. More on why I did that later. I was thinking if it wasn't property of the residency program, it could be used for a pretty hilarious prank.

at the skateland south

2005-10-27T18:33:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to a surprise 80's-themed roller skating party for the other Rachel in my program. A good number of us went to the wrong skating rink, and after paying to get in a a few rounds of foosball, we came to that realization. We missed the surprise, but were still able to participate in the 80's skating. There was 80's attire for us to choose from, so I wore a hot pink poofy jacket with a partial side ponytail and purple lipstick. There was a My Little Pony cake and a suicide to drink. Other things people wore: a mesh shirt with Umbro's, french-rolled jeans, a denim vest, a one-piece terrycloth soccer outfit, a hyper-color shirt. Gnarly!

flame

2005-10-25T21:29:00.000-05:00

Tonight I went with a couple other residents, Erin and Matt, to a pharmaceutical company sponsored dinner/lecture at a nice steakhouse in town. There was an open bar, appetizers, salad, a steak AND salmon dinner with a twice-baked potato, and cheesecake for dessert, all while listening to a lecture on emphysema. As we were leaving, Erin, Matt and I were discussing how surreal it is that anyone would drop $50+ for us for no reason except that we have a couple letters behind our name.

the Heartland Connection

2005-10-15T13:51:00.000-05:00

Thursday night I went to the Mudlounge with a few other girls from my residency program in an effort to introduce Erin, one of the residents, to Chris, who is a drug rep. Chris brought along several of his friends, who are also drug reps, and we all had a great time hanging out. I haven't laughed that much in a while. One of the guys who came, David, was very entertaining. At one point we were going around the table telling our church backgrounds and I found out David used to go to Heartland and was saved there. He said when he came to Springfield, he spent a long time trying to find a "Heartland" here, but had no luck. So, as we were sitting there talking about how great Heartland is, and how much we miss it, Brett Stockton walked in, and is apparently good friends with Chris. I don't think he knew me, but I reminded him that I'm friends with several people he did the internship with at Heartland. He said to tell them hi, so "Hi Jordanne" from Brett, because you're probably the only intern from that summer who ever reads my blog! He also said he thought about moving to KC at one point, just because he missed Heartland so much.
Doesn't that just speak volumes about Heartland?
I finally went to a church here last week that I liked enough to go again, so that's encouraging.
We've made tentative plans to go to a haunted corn maze in the near future with our new drug rep friends. Apparently the last time they went, Chris screamed like a girl and David took off running straight into a fence when they heard a chain saw. It should be a good time.

Just Call Me "The H"

2005-10-06T10:53:00.000-05:00

There are two Rachels in our residency program, so that necessitates new nicknames to decrease the confusion. I am often called by my last name, or versions of my last name, such as "Hanky" or "Hanky-Panky". My friend, Matt, one of the other residents, refers to me as "The H". He also called me "Gangsta H" one day, and this is why:
I was in the residents room, calling up to the floor to talk to a nurse. I was put on hold, and started laughing because the hold music sounded like the beginning of the song, "Changes" by Tupac. When I explained why I was laughing to some of the residents around me, NO ONE knew what that song was. I don't own any Tupac albums, but I am familiar with a couple of his songs, and happen to like them.

homecoming

2005-09-30T23:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight I went to a high school football game in Miller, MO, population 700 something. My sister, Sarah, teaches there and is the cheerleading coach, so I wanted to go to a game this season to support her. It really wasn't all that different from football games at my high school. It cracks me up how everything in high school is so dramatic. Sarah also teaches drama and is in charge of the school play, so she pointed out some of the students who tried out for parts. "The student band leader has the male leading role." "That girl was really good at try-outs but can't be in the play because she is going to a Clay Aiken concert the night of the performance."
One of the other teacher's sons, who was approximately six years old, kept coming over and asking my sister (Mrs. Price, it's so weird she's Mrs. Price) for the little plastic footballs. One time he told her some other kid REALLy wanted one, and his dad said, "I think you're making that up." After they left, Sarah said he probably was making it up, because he is always coming into her classroom telling her made-up stories. Her example was, when he found out she was a drama teacher, he said, "I was in a play once. You know the movie, 'Pirates of the Caribbean?' The part where they're on the ship and in the moonlight they all turn to skeletons. That really happened in our play. There was a big moon and everyone could only see our skeletons."
Anyway, they lost the game, so I'm sure everyone was sad at the homecoming dance. I'm just glad I'm not it high school anymore.

For All The Dips 'n' Dogs Fans Out There

2005-09-28T17:46:00.000-05:00

Oh my gosh, I just saw a commercial for a gourmet hotdoggery in Springfield named What a Weenie. I have to go there. Anyone want to join me?

back to reality

2005-09-27T16:24:00.000-05:00

I was on vacation all last week, which was nice. I split my time between Kansas City and Chicago, visiting friends. I was definitely ready for the vacation, but I don't think it lived up to my expectations. For one thing, it is weird to go back and stay in a city where you used to live but no longer do. Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful to see and spend time with old friends, and everyone I stayed with was more than hospitable, but I still just felt like I was imposing. By the end of the week I was ready to come back to my own apartment and sleep in my own bed. Maybe that's just a side effect of living by myself.
I've always thought I want to live in a big city at some point in my life, maybe just for a few years. Chicago is cool, and my friend Nicole who I stayed with lives on a pretty busy street just a couple of blocks from Wrigley Field. She lives in what I would consider a typical city apartment, with tall ceilings and big windows that overlook her street. I liked that we could walk or take public transportation everywhere we went. Unfortunately I am not accustomed to walking that much, and my flip-flops gave me blisters. Nicole's roommate does improv, so we went to one of her shows. I also went shopping on Michigan Avenue, and we walked around Navy Pier and Lincoln Park. We ate chicago style pizza, of course. We had cocktails at the Signature Lounge in the Hancock Building. FYI, the ladies restroom there has the best view of the city.
Flying there was so easy, too. Ticketless confirmation is a good thing.
Speaking of good things, did anyone see Martha's version of "The Apprentice." I have to say, I thought it was a little dull. She needs to change her signature line to, "You're not a good thing."
Back to the Signature Lounge: the view was amazing, but everything was overpriced. We ordered a molten chocolate cake to split between three of us, thinking it would be like Chili's, but it was probably 1/4 of the size and double the price.
So, now I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. I have some extremely boring reading I need to do, but all I feel like doing is watching Felicity reruns and Gilmore Girls tonight.
Well that's all for now. I promise to post again soon.

What a catch!

2005-09-01T18:59:00.000-05:00

This post may be a bit scatterbrained, but I have been feeling that way lately, so it fits.
So last night I went with my friend Lindsey,her fiance, and her sister to eat at Trolley's and to the Springfield Cardinals game, all thanks to Aaron Buerge. I still haven't met him, but Lindsey's sister works with him and he had given her a gift certificate to his restaurant and his seats to the game, which were 2nd row by the dugout. I am not really even much of a sports fan, and I know this team is only minor league, but it was cool. It's much more exciting to watch a game when you're that close.
Lindsey really wants to set me up with a friend of hers and she is not subtle about it at all. I don't know much about this guy except that she says he is nice and funny and easy to talk to. I guess we are going to go out as a group next Friday (a week from tomorrow). I warned Lindsey that I am totally awkward in those types of situations and can't seem to carry on a normal conversation, so she said she and I can have a few drinks first. I'll let you know how it goes.
The other day one of the residents asked me why I am so quiet. It reminded me of a letter I found that my mom wrote in college that said something like, "I wish everyone would stop making me feel like being quiet is such a character flaw." I think I take after her in that way quite a bit.
Today in clinic I saw two students from Drury. Apparently our clinic has a contract with them. It was a nice change, because I'm used to seeing patients with a problem list two pages long. I think it would be fun to work in a student health center. Also, it reminded me to look seriously into preventive medicine after I finish here.
Tomorrow night I am probably going to the art walk in Springfield. I've heard it's not as big as the one in Kansas City, and they only change displays every few months, but I'm excited.
I bought plane tickets to Chicago today. I have a vacation in a few weeks, so I am going to visit my friend Nicole who lives there.
Well that's about it. Have a happy labor day, everyone.

today was one of those days when all i wanted to do was throw my pager against the wall so it would shatter

2005-08-22T20:18:00.000-05:00

This last week has really not been my week. In addition to family issues, I was publicly lectured and humiliated at work last Friday during a presentation for no good reason. Today I didn't get home until 8pm, and I wasn't even on call. But, that's not what I want to talk about. I want to talk about things that make me happy.
-one of my celebrity boyfriends is going to have his own tv show! Jason Lee is going to be in "my name is earl."
-one of my other celebrity boyfriends has his own blog. Justin McRoberts is on myspace. This reinforces the fact that blogs are way cool.
-I went out for cowboy night on Friday for one of the other resident's birthday. There was this guy there (not with our group) who repeatedly rode the mechanical bull, and kicked it like it was real. Then, he'd get off grabbing his leg and limping.
-I also went to Trolley's this weekend. No Aaron Buerge sightings, but I found out the next season of the Bachelor will be set in Paris. Paris is one of my top cities I want to visit in my lifetime. hmmm...
-I watched a movie on ABCfamily based on a book by Britney Spears...that only made me happy because I made fun of it. Virginia Madsen was in it. I don't know what she was thinking really.
-I've been listening to nothing but the new Ben Folds cd. He just makes me smile.

I'm it!

2005-08-07T20:44:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the tag CJ! Here are the top ten songs I've been listening to lately:

1. Postal Service-"Brand New Colony"
2. Dashboard Confessional-"Carve Your Heart Out Yourself"
3. Switchfoot-"24" - I have Becca B to thank for several of these songs, because her taste in music rocks, and she makes the best mixed cd's!
4. Ben Folds-"Fired" - in preparation for the concert I will be attending with Becca next Saturday. I can't wait!
5. Ben Lee-"Catch My Disease" - also in preparation for the upcoming concert.
6. Justin McRoberts-"Standing in his place" - because, well, Justin's my favorite.
7. Sandra McCracken-"Springtime Indiana" - I have Chrissy to thank for introducing me to Sandra, who is married to Derek Webb, fyi.
8. Nickel Creek-"This Side"
9. Charlie Hall-"Marvelous Light"
10. Lifehouse-"Somewhere in Between"

Telefonanruf

2005-07-30T15:29:00.000-05:00

I received the best drunk dial phone call last night. I didn't recognize the phone number, so I figured it was probably someone from work, but he said his name was Daniel. I said, "..okay.." and was slightly confused. Then he said, "I think you know me from two years ago. I'm from Germany." Aha-it was THE GERMAN, who I remember very well, it just took me a minute! My friend Jon and his cousin are there visiting right now, and it was 3am there when they called. They just wanted me to know what a great country Germany is. I also spoke to Jon's cousin, who asked me in advance to dance with him at Jon's alien party. He told me he's a model, and he plans to go to law school, so he promises to be successful. He asked if I would remember him at the party, and I said I probably would, seeing as how I was not the one who was drunk.
That phone call totally made my night.

Ozarkian English

2005-07-28T21:10:00.000-05:00

I realized the other day that I've started talkin' more like a hick now that I've moved to Springfield. I've stopped sayin' the g's at the end of words, and I think I've developed a bit of a drawl. My grammar has gone down the tubes, too. And I've only been down here a month!
This month has flown by though. Lately I've been getting frustated with some things. At work, I feel like I still have no clue what I'm doing. I still like all the people I work with, and we do things outside the hospital occasionally, but I feel like I'm not really completely myself with them. I've been praying God would give me at least one REALLY good friend in the residency program, but I know I need to be patient. Also, this finding a church business is taking much longer than I had anticipated. On Sunday night I had planned to attend a young adult evening service at a church, but when I got there, the building where it was supposed to be held was locked. Some guy that got there at the same time I did said something like, "it's probably at the top", and even though he probably meant it was in the main church building, I chickened out and went to Walmart instead. I've heard it said by Alissa Vanderloo, now Shirley, that Walmart is the antichrist, and I have to say I now think that may be true. I was upset and frustrated anyway about not having a church home here and people kept bumping in to me because it was so crowded. Everytime I turned around there was another young couple holding hands. Usually I am totally fine with being single at this stage in my life, but that night I wasn't.
Anyway, I'm sorry to unload on you all (y'all), but I think it's just been a long week, and it's really easy for me to lose sight of the big picture. I still believe God called me here, to Springfield, to this residency, and even though it's hard and I don't know the exact purpose of being here, He has a purpose.

I'll drink to that!

2005-07-25T20:26:00.000-05:00

Two of my friends had birthdays last Thursday, Jordanne and Becca. Becca's was extra special because she turned 21 AND it was her golden birthday. I wish I would have been able to celebrate with them, but all I did was leave them lousy phone messages. Darn this residency! I hope they both had wonderful birthdays and I hope to celebrate with them sometime soon. I love you girls!

Grumpy Old Men

2005-07-14T20:23:00.000-05:00

This may be a HIPAA violation, but at the risk of being dooced, I'm going to tell you anyway. As a residency requirement, we are assigned to a nursing home patient that we visit monthly. The first time I met my patient I asked him what brought him to Springfield. He very plainly stated that he moved here because it was the only city left in America with a population of about 150,000 in a temperate climate with 95% white people. I think I said, "Oh, so you like the weather here?"
Tuesday I went to see him again and I noticed that he had moved rooms. He said it was much better now. I asked why, and he said, "Before I was living with a dwarf with a bad cough."

Oooh, a long line. Try again later.

2005-07-09T22:41:00.000-05:00

How is it that I spent $85 on a single pair of pants today, at an outlet store?

TGI Saturday

2005-07-09T11:36:00.000-05:00

I am so glad it's Saturday, and that I don't have to work this weekend. I figured up my hours for this week, and in four days I worked 50 hours. But I will say part of that was my fault, because I accidentally deleted the entire patient list and it took me over an hour to redo it. Oops.
Last night I hung out with my friend Lindsey, her fiance Tom, and some of his friends. Actually, everyone there went to my high school, but most of them were a few years behind me. It was really nice to sit out in their backyard by their pool and have a couple drinks and reminisce. One of Tom's friends had more than a couple drinks, and was on the verge of passing out. I asked him if he was going to get sick, and he said, "not with you around." My friend Lindsey then said, "Yeah, she'd go all ER on your ass."

my tip for your next drink: okay, we all know how peanut butter can make great things even better, like s'mores. well, the same goes for mudslides. that was tom's concoction. yummy!

Why I miss Heartland and why I don't like call

2005-07-06T21:11:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I was in Kansas City and was able to go to Heartland's Sunday morning service and the Gathering. Since I've moved, I'm now aware of how much I took Heartland for granted. I have tried a couple churches here in Springfield, but I find I compare them to Heartland, and they of course do not measure up. A couple weeks ago I attended a church that at first reminded me of a smaller version of Heartland. It had a little coffee bar and a casual atmosphere. We even sang some of the same songs, but the music was not quite the same quality. They are teaching through all of Matthew, bit by bit, which I think is a cool idea, but the message seemed too simplified. I don't say that at all as if I am too intellectual or anything, but I've always felt that even though Heartland's Sunday morning service is targeted for the unchurched, it never seems "dumbed down." Maybe I am just being too critical. People from the church seemed nice enough. Two guys actually came by my apartment to bring me a bag of microwave popcorn to thank me for "popping in" to their church, even though it was "corny." I actually might give this church another chance, after I try out a few others. I never realized this process would be so difficult. I came to Heartland after one recommendation from a girl I met in a Bible study, and that was it. I was hooked.
After an extended holiday weekend, it made it hard to come back to work, and I had to be on call last night. Because my residency program has a night float system, weeknight calls are from 4:30 until 9pm. I wanted to cry after about five minutes. My pager was going off constantly with the ER paging me with patients to admit to the hospital, nurses calling me about patients in the hospital, and worst of all, the phone call pager, on which patients can call to talk to a doctor about practically anything. You would not believe what some of these people call about. I finally got all my work done around 9:45, but then it took me about 20 minutes to get out of the building. The doors I normally use have an alarm that sounds after hours, and the door I needed to exit from was locked, and I hadn't been given my master key yet. But I made it out, and I survived my first call as a resident. I hope that once I get the hang of things, it won't seem quite so overwhelming.

2005-06-29T22:19:00.000-05:00

running while completely out of shape, on the hottest day of the year thus far, after eating way more than one serving of cheez-its equals not a good idea

okay...enough bonding over car troubles

2005-06-29T19:17:00.000-05:00

Today I was leaving the nursing home, where we had gone to to meet our patients who we will see monthly for the next three years, and my car wouldn't start. There were still a few other residents in the parking lot, so one of them was able to jump start my car. I was almost back to the hospital when my car died at an intersection. Jenny, who was riding with me called the residency office, and they sent one of the third-year residents, who is graduating tomorrow from residency, to come jump my car, which he did. I made it back to the hospital, where Jenny waited with me until I found an auto shop where I could take my car. Then, my sister came, and we had to jump start my car yet again, and she followed me to the mechanic so I could drop my car off. So, now I am without a car, which is a really terrible feeling. Luckily, my sister lives down the street and has offered to give me a ride to work in the morning, but then I'll have to find a ride home. I really hate asking for favors from people, but it's pretty unavoidable in this situation. I am praying my car will be fixed by this weekend so I can come to Kansas City as I had planned.

On a more positive note, we were given our pocket PC's today. It's amazing all you can do on those things. I will probably need some remedial training to use it, since I am not so technologically advanced. I can't even figure out links on my blog! My sister was a little jealous, and said all she'll get as a new teacher is a desk from the 1960's and a metal filing cabinet!

tick check

2005-06-28T18:43:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I did a ropes course yesterday, and when I came home to shower, I found no less than five ticks on me. So, I had my sister check my head for ticks when she came over last night. She asked if it reminded me of when our mom used to check us for lice, and then she made fun of me for actually having lice more than once as a child. Then, she told me a story about when she was at G.A.'s camp and one of the girls had lice that were obvious and jumping from her head. Apparently the sponsors noticed, and planned to take action, but decided to wait until the next activity was over. It just so happened the next activity was a get-to-know-you activity that involved people trying on hats and passing them around.

bonding time

2005-06-27T22:39:00.000-05:00

This weekend Hillary came to visit, and it was so great to see her. We ended up hanging out with some of the residents in my class, Matt, Charity and Erin on Saturday night. We all went to dinner and then to Firefall, which is a big festival with fireworks (I called it an Olde Glory Days in a field, but unless you're from Clinton, you wouldn't understand that either!). My sister and brother-in-law and some of their friends met up with us there to see the fireworks show, which was probably the best I've ever seen. It was a really great night until we got into a car accident on the way home. Matt was driving, and the cars in front of us stopped suddenly and he couldn't avoid missing them, even though he tried. It didn't seem like we were going that fast, but we hit pretty hard, and the airbags deployed. Luckily, we were all wearing our seatbelts and no one was seriously injured, although my neck is a little stiff and I have a big knot on my leg. Hillary and I both felt a little funny in the head on Sunday, but apparently no one else did, so we decided maybe that's just us! I feel terrible for Matt, though, because his car is totaled, and it's just bad timing. But, I guess we can count this as another bonding experience. We did a ropes course today as part of our orientation to promote bonding, but I think the car crash did more for that than today.

live from library station

2005-06-24T19:39:00.000-05:00

I had every intention of telling a funny story about my first real day of orientation on my blog, and I will get to that, but first I have to tell you about my drive here to the library. I was listening to one of the Christian radio stations, 88.3 The Wind, and a young girl (I would guess high school age) called in and asked to be prayed for because her mom had died and the one-year anniversary of her death is drawing near. So, the dj (do you call them dj's on christian radio?) prayed for her and then played the song "Redeemer", which happens to be the song our church choir sang at my mom's funeral. Music has a way of triggering very strong emotions in me, so I had a good cry in my car before coming in.

Now I will get to my funny story. Our first morning of actual orientation, we had a short break between lectures. About six of the eight of us (the new residents) went to find the doctor's lounge so we could get some free beverages. After walking in a circle, we finally figured out the direction we were supposed to go. We were walking down a rather empty hallway, and suddenly this woman burst out of a room and vomited all over the floor right in front of us. We all just stopped and said, "oh". She told someone she know to call janitorial services, so we tiptoed through the mess on the ground and made our way to the lounge. We couldn't help but laugh at the situation later. Welcome to Residency!

so far, so good

2005-06-22T18:26:00.000-05:00

I don't have long, because I'm at the library, and I'm actually going to try out a church here tonight at 7 with one of the girls in my residency class. Everyone that I've met seems really nice. The last two days we've had ACLS class(Advanced Cardiac Life Support- you know, CPR times 10), and the most interesting thing I learned was that everyone has one nostril that is bigger than the other, and it's usually the right. You should check this out.
It's been great already being just a block away from my sister. Last night she came over and was my "helper" (that's what the instructions called her) putting together a bookshelf. The grocery store near my apartment is cheap, and I love having cable, even though I haven't had much time to watch tv. I think we get our first paycheck July 1st, which is sooner that I had expected.
I do miss my friends, but they've been great with calls, emails, cards, and comments on my blog. :)

not in kansas anymore

2005-06-20T16:02:00.000-05:00

I moved yesterday, and let me tell you, it is a weird feeling. After we unloaded all my stuff, my dad, sister and brother-in-law went to eat, so my dad could buy us a father's day dinner. Then we went to get ice cream, and that's when I realized, "Hey, I live here now."
My apartment actually seems bigger than I remembered, and the new carpet is great. I'm still getting things organized, but it's coming along. I start orientation tomorrow, and I'll meet the other residents in my class, most of them for the first time. I hope I can refrain from doing or saying anything too weird or annoying, or from hitting any of them. (Some of you may recall, one time at the Women's Journey I got really excited that the girl sitting next to me had the same birthday as me. I said, "That's my birthday, too" and smacked her on the leg as a reflex. Everyone, including her, acted a little surprised that I did that, and she never came to Women's Journey again.) I'll let you know how it goes.

On a completely different topic, on Saturday night I went to the Piano Room with Hillary and Mitch for a little bit. Blake (also known as Brooke to some!!) was there with his roommate Jay. He said Jay was an anesthesia resident. I again became really excited and asked, "Does he do Tae Kwon Do?" He does. My roommate is actually pretty good friends with Jay and he goes to her Tae Kwon Do studio. I had heard Lekeisha talk about Jay for quite awhile, and only just met him randomly my last night in Kansas City before I moved.

Keep on bloggin'

2005-06-18T13:58:00.000-05:00

I intend to do this, however I just want to let you know it may be a little sporadic over the next few weeks. Not only will I be busy, with moving and starting orientation/work, but I may not have access to a computer as often as I'd like. See, my apartment has free internet, but I haven't had my own computer since mine was power-surged in the ice storm of 2002. I think I'll have to wait until I get a few paychecks in my account before I can purchase a new one.
I hope all those whose blogs I read will keep posting as well. I think it will be a fantastic way for me to stay in the loop. Oh, and please tell me if I am posting too many boring medical stories.

SHPS

2005-06-17T09:32:00.000-05:00

A recent topic of discussion has been the origin of my nickname, Spankin Hankins, short for Spankin Hankins Porn Star. I can't actually remember how that name came about. Julia speculated it may have come from a group of guy friends I used to hang out with, Erik, Samir, Warren, and Kanthi. She knew this is what Warren called me. This is entirely possible, however they had another nickname for me. DB, which stands for Drunk Boxer. Apparently I get overly excited when I have a few drinks in me and tend to hit or shove people. It was always in a friendly manner, but I guess I don't know my own strength. :) I'm pretty sure this nickname originated when I lived in the dorm, my first year at UMKC. Notice I said THE dorm. That's right, there was only one dorm, and it wasn't even that big. A lot of people complain about living in the dorm, with the community bathrooms and the small living space. But I think it was one of the best times of my life. Most of my really good friends that first year were girls who lived on 4-North with me.
Anyway, back to my nickname. I remember hanging out in my room one day with some other girls on my floor, Mary Ann, Laura, Lana, and Alicia, and discussing our porn star names. I think you put together the name of your street and the name of your first pet. Mine was Strawberry Abby. So, I thought maybe somehow that translated into SHPS. I was hoping Mary Ann would have an answer, but she couldn't remember either. I guess, for now, it will remain a mystery.

the party didn't start til I walked in, and I probably won't leave before the thing ends...

2005-06-16T11:44:00.000-05:00

That's a line from a song on the "Can't Hardly Wait" soundtrack, and it was pretty much true last night, as I was the first to arrive and the last to leave at my going away party at Amy's house. It was a wonderful evening with a wonderful mix of friends. I have to say sometimes I find it stressful to mix groups of friends (my world's are colliding!), but last night wasn't like that at all. I'm not sure the fact that this was my GOING AWAY party sunk in, because if it had I think I would have been a sobbing mess. I feel so blessed and so thankful to have the friends that I have. So, Amy G, Christina, Darrell, Stephanie & Andrew, Jason H, Amy C, Claire, Susan, Jami, Dawn, Carl, Kyla, Michelle, Jon & Chrissy, Kim, Jordanne, JD, Billy, Jake, Jason C, Dan, Cari, CJ, Rhett, Cindy & Brian, Gina, Cassie, Hillary & Mitch, Evan, and Julia, thanks for coming last night and celebrating with me. I am honored and will miss all of you.

Chili's? Again?

2005-06-15T09:04:00.000-05:00

I just have to start out by saying that Charlie Hall rocks! He led worship at church last night, and it was amazing! Afterward, I went with a group of friends to eat at Chili's. My reaction when Chili's is suggested is usually something like my post title. I feel like Chili's is way overdone. I know it's close, they have a variety of food, and they're accomodating, but still, sometimes I just get sick of that place. Last night, though, I realized the beauty of Chili's is the sense of community there. We walked in and first saw our friends Rhett and Kris and talked to them until our table was set up. Then, I saw a girl, Erin, who I went to school with at UMKC who will be in my residency class in Springfield. Because I didn't go through the traditional match process and was a "late addition" to my residency class, I have had this fear that for some reason I won't be included or accepted by the other residents. But, last night when I saw Erin, she gave me a big hug and told me how happy she was to hear that I will be starting with her next week. She has already moved down there, but was in town to see Charlie Hall. We talked about where we're living and churches in Springfield. How great is that? Then, we saw CJ (btw-do you prefer CJ or Christina?), who I feel like I know even though we haven't spoken in person a whole lot. I know if we had gone somewhere else to eat, I wouldn't have been blessed by all these interactions. Maybe next time I'll be the one suggesting we go to Chili's.

Last Supper

2005-06-14T09:59:00.000-05:00

I have been in a small group for over three years now with Christina, Hillary, and Cindy. We've had a few others join us for short periods of time, but this has been the core group since we started meeting in February of 2002. It's amazing to me to think back over the years and see how much we've grown and how close we've become. This small group has been such a blessing in my life. I always looked forward to meeting with these girls; it was almost always a highlight of my week. We were really "doing life" together, and we've been through a lot. I lost my mother, Christina and Cindy changed jobs, Hillary and I graduated, Hillary and Cindy both got married, and we all moved at least once. These girls have been a tremendous source of encouragement to me, especially in the process of deciding to start residency. I can't imagine my life without them, which is why it is so hard for me to move away. I know they'll still be in my life because I believe our friendships are permanent, but the dynamics will change and that's hard for me to accept. I think I've cried at least five times since Sunday. We met together last night for a "last supper" before I move. I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of this group, and I will miss it so much.

Also, in case you were wondering, blueberry picking this year was just as wonderful as last year, if not better. Patty and I again swam in the pond with all our clothes on, just as the storm was beginning to roll in. It was magical! We ended up having a little slumber party at Jordanne and Patty's, and in the morning we watched a movie as Jordanne made us a brunch of blueberry pancakes and eggs and bacon. I will miss nights like that as well. Oh, how I'm going to miss all my friends!

It's berry time!

2005-06-10T15:08:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite memories from last summer is when Patty and I went, on the spur of the moment, to The Berry Patch to pick blueberries. We spent a good hour or so picking the biggest and bluest berries to put in our baskets for us to take home. Let me tell you, it is so much cheaper than buying blueberries already packaged at the grocery store, and they're delicious. After we picked our berries, we decided to go for a swim (fully clothed) in the little pond near the blueberry patches. A couple kids came up to us and asked us if we were allowed to be swimming in the pond. We said we didn't know, so they went and asked inside the little store for us. We were allowed. Then, the little boy told us he heard there were alligators in the pond. At first we just laughed it off, but the longer we were in the pond, the more we believed him. We screamed when saw bubbles, and swam our fastest to get out of there. Then, we went inside, soaking wet, and purchased our blueberries, and sampled some blueberry lemonade. Yum!
Today, Patty and I are going for another visit to The Berry Patch. I'm not sure if it can top our visit last year, but with this unpredictable weather, we could be in for another adventure!

In Today's News

2005-06-09T09:31:00.000-05:00

I prefer to get my news from a source that I have control over what is let into my little brain, say for instance, the newspaper. I generally don't like to watch the local news, because it's usually story after depressing story about a shooting or kidnapping or something of the like. However, sometimes I end up watching the news because my roommate has it on, or because I've been watching Oprah and I'm too lazy to get up after it's over and do something other than continue to watch the television. I usually end up laughing hysterically at the news, especially at the dramatic way the newscasters phrase things, or the really classy witnesses they find to comment on a story. This may be a defense mechanism, so I don't get too depressed by the state of affairs in our world. In any case, here are some examples from last night's ten o'clock news:
First, they did a story on a high school track star who was out running and got run over by a van. The comment was something like this: "So-and-so is one of the top cross-country and track stars on our team, one of the fastest runners we have, but today, however, she was not fast enough."
Next, they did a story on a stroller that got hit by a van. (Note to self, stay out of the way of moving vehicles.) They started out saying, "Oh, baby..."
Then, they did a story on a firefighter for the KCFD, who is training for the world championship title in women's boxing. Her trainer commented that "she is the most serious trainer in any sport in the entire Kansas City area." I thought that was quite a bold comment, considering the professional teams we have in the area.
They ended with a story on a beer-delivery guy turned professional golfer, and showed his workout routine. He was bench-pressing a golf club.
I gotta get my laughs somewhere.

Little Ditty, about Brad and Diane

2005-06-08T09:23:00.000-05:00

I caught the last few minutes of THE interview of Brad Pitt by Diane Sawyer last night on Primetime. From what I saw, I gathered that since Brad has been on a mission to improve the lives of the people in Africa he has realized the excesses of our culture, Hollywood in particular. I think it's great when celebrities use their status and money for helping others. I also respect his desire to keep parts of his life private.
Whenever I hear anything about Brad Pitt, I mention the fact that I've met his brother. He was the MC one year at the Missouri FCA annual banquet. They definitely resemble each other. Since I'm moving to his hometown, maybe I'll run into Brad one of these days.

Another Wedding Story

2005-06-06T09:54:00.000-05:00

I went to a wedding this weekend (for the third straight weekend in a row) of one of my sorority sisters. I think I had more fun at this wedding than I've had in awhile. I went with Hillary and Mitch to the wedding, and our friend Mary Ann and her husband came in late. It just so happened that Mary Ann and Hillary were wearing the same dress, which I thought was hilarious, but not a big deal. However, some of the people at the wedding were people we knew from school, you know, private school types who actually had debutante balls and wear only designer clothes, etc. We overheard this said in their conversation: "I can't believe they're wearing the same dress." Someone actually asked Hillary if they planned to wear the same dress, so in response to such a ridiculous question she said yes. There were several hours between the ceremony and the reception, so Hillary changed. The same person then asked her at the reception why she changed. Hillary responded, "Well, I had two new dresses, so I wanted to wear them both."
The reception was at the Hilton by the airport, and in the next room the Royal Order of the Jesters were gathered. In the middle of the reception, they DJ stopped the music and dancing, so several of those men dressed in kilts could play the bagpipes for us. Then, he told us they were going to perform a dance for us, a Scottish dance that had been perfected over hundreds of years. They proceeded to dance the cha-cha slide. It was so random. Some of the jesters even stayed to dance with the bride during the dollar dance.
Several of the kids at the reception were really cutting a rug out on the dance floor. We decided they had too many shirley temples.

Spring Break on the Elk River

2005-06-03T08:58:00.000-05:00

I was down in Arkansas over Memorial Day weekend for a wedding of two of my very good friends, Brian and Cindy. Although the weekend was a little chaotic at times, it all turned out beautifully. They got married in the chapel made mostly of glass, surrounded by the greenest trees you've ever seen. The house the girls stayed in over the weekend overlooked a lake, which made our deck a place for some great quiet times.
On the way back from Arkansas, four of us, Jon, Billy, Chrissy, and I, stopped to take a 4-hour canoe trip down the Elk River. The weather was perfect, but the river was way too crowded for my taste. It was like bumper canoes. There was no way to avoid running into people. The beaches were packed with people, playing music and getting drunk. Guys had beads to throw at girls who flashed them. (Chrissy and I just pretended not to hear their requests.) This was not really my idea of a relaxing canoe trip. Plus, I think I pulled a muscle, because for the past two days, I've had a spasm in my upper back.

Dissonance

2005-05-26T09:02:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I went apartment hunting in Springfield, and I had it narrowed down to two apartments. Those of you who know me at all should know that I don't like to make decisions. This was no exception, but I eventually signed a lease with the apartment that is down the street from my sister's apartment (definitely within walking distance) and has free internet. But ever since I signed the lease, I can't stop thinking about the other apartment, with its bay window, track lighting, oak cabinets, and new carpet. This can't be healthy. Plus, where are my priorities? Shouldn't I be willing to sacrifice new carpet for the chance to see my sister more? I'm hoping once I move in and make the place my own, I will stop questioning my decision.

Sarah and Stephen, sittin in a tree...

2005-05-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

This weekend, my 8-year-old cousin Amanda asked my sister, "When you got married, was it gross to kiss a boy?" Sarah said, no, it wasn't. I said, "When you're older and about to get married, it's not gross to kiss a boy, but NOT UNTIL THEN!"

I'm no Superman

2005-05-20T09:36:00.000-05:00

Not that I have the money to be buying presents for myself, but lately I have anyway. I bought the new Weezer cd: Make Believe. I also bought the Passion Worship album: How Great is Our God. And I bought the first season of Scrubs on DVD. I decided I could relate to this show since I will be starting residency a month from tomorrow. Yikes!
On the topic of medical tv shows, I actually think Scrubs, although slightly exagerrated, is probably the most true to life. The rift between Medicine and Surgery, the "sorority" of the ob/gyn residents, the drug reps that look like models, these all exist.
Although I haven't been watching ER the last few years, I watched last night's episode, the one when Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) left. At the end of the show, he summarized a letter he wrote to himself at the beginning of his residency. He said, "I'm scared. I have a lot to learn. I hope I learn it quickly, and I pray to God I don't kill anyone." My sentiments exactly.

2005-05-19T09:58:00.000-05:00

My new favorite author is Donald Miller. He may even be my new celebrity boyfriend. He was recently asked in an interview: "What do you do with all the women who fall at your feet now that you're famous?" He responded, "Well, they don't exactly fall at my feet, but if they did, I suppose I would help them up or something. God knows I have fallen down in public, and that's just embarassing."
How can you not love this guy?

Adventures in Babysitting

2005-05-17T13:28:00.000-05:00

I babysit during the week for an Asian family. Today I took a walk with the baby to the library, and as I was checking out a book, I was asked how old my little one was. I clarified I just babysat for him, and when I told my roommate, she said I could pass as Asian. Right, maybe if I was a foot shorter and a hundred pounds lighter.

Update on the bee situation

2005-05-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

I got another call about the "flying stingy things" from my roommate this weekend. I was on my way home from Kentucky and she called to tell me her family was coming over to check out the bee situation. Her mom thought they were probably carpenter bees infesting our front stoop, and based on the sawdust on the ground and holes bored into the deck above, I agreed. But my roommate had looked the bees up on the internet and was convinced they were African Killing bees and we were going to die. So she sprayed them and collected a bee specimen which she stored in our freezer. She has finally conceded that they are indeed carpenter bees, which don't sting, but she still runs when she sees them.

Question: Which is better?

2005-05-10T09:36:00.000-05:00

Fishing with one Baptist or two Baptists?

Answer: Two. If you take one, you'll have to share your beer. If you take two, you'll have the beer to yourself, because Baptists won't drink in front of each other.

I read this joke in a Relevant magazine article online, and I identified with it. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church, and so when my sister got married this past New Year's Eve, there were many people in attendance from our church. There was wine served at the reception and the bartender told us she knew who all the Baptists were because they would bring coffee cups to her for refills on their wine instead of using the clear wine glasses.

I don't want to bash the church I grew up in, because it is full of wonderful people and really was a church family for us, but sometimes I can't handle the legalism. I agree with the closing of the article I read, so I will close with these statements as well:
Too much drinking does bad things to people. So does too much judgement.

Kentucky Derby

2005-05-09T09:09:00.000-05:00

Race 10, $2 across the board on the #13 horse

My bet on the big race (the one that's televised). Everyone else I was with bet on Bellamy Road: George Steinbrenner's horse who was favored to win. But I bet on a horse with 50:1 odds, Spanish Chestnut. To my surprise, my horse was in first place for most of the race, until the last corner when he dropped out of place altogether. If he won, I would have been paid out over $100. So close. It was quite an adrenaline rush.

Mint Julep

The official drink of the Kentucky Derby, which I took two sips of and gave away to the guys from New York who were seated next to us in the infield. The drink is basically whisky and sugar water with a sprig of mint.

Paula Abdul
Friends with Privileges
Talk Derby to Me

Funny t-shirts I saw people wearing.

12 hours

How long it took us to get to Louisville. There was a tire debacle, and of course we had to stop for Mexican food in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

Huggies wipes

An essential item for the derby. We used them to wash our hands and feet, and to remove gum from our blanket. We also used them to clean a wound of Joe, a really drunk guy who fell on and broke his camping chair, and injured himself in the process.

Loo.a.vull

How to pronouce the city of the Derby.

4 C's

2005-05-04T08:59:00.000-05:00

I went to a Catholic wedding last weekend, and the priest focused the message portion of the wedding on the 4 C's: change, children, charity, and church. He started out talking about how he and everyone in the church are hypocrites, and then I missed a lot of what he said because the children behind me were screaming AT THE TOP OF THEIR LUNGS. Seriously, parents, when your children start screaming during a wedding, please take them outside IMMEDIATELY. I'm sorry if you don't want to miss anything, but you should have thought of that earlier and arranged for a babysitter. Don't let them scream through the entire ceremony completely distracting everyone else from what they should be focusing on: the bride and groom.
Anyhow, when the priest was talking about children, he made a comment like: "We all have those wonderful things we call children. Well, you all do, I don't." I think someone's a little bitter he's confined to a life of celibacy.

Chi-town

2005-05-03T13:48:00.000-05:00

I have to admit I am a little jealous of my friend Nicole who lives in Chicago. Weezer and Ben Folds are both in concert there this week, and she is going. Also, Lollapalooza is there this summer at which Weezer, Cake, Dashboard, and Death Cab will be on stage, just to name a few. Unfortunately, my schedule and my lack of resources will not allow for me to attend these events.

Everyday Miracles

2005-05-02T09:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I returned to my hometown for a welcome home party for one of my high school classmates. You see, this classmate of mine was involved in a really serious car accident last December. He was in the ICU for over a month, on a ventilator, with pretty severe brain damage. He dropped down to 130 pounds (imagine this on a 6'2"/6'3" football player frame). When he finally woke up, he couldn't really recognize anyone, and the entire left side of his body was paralyzed. He was eventually transferred to a rehabilitation center and improved by leaps and bounds. People there referred to him as a miracle patient.
He is now living at home with his family, and some of my other classmates threw this welcome home party for him. It was so moving to go to this barbeque and see him up walking around, and pretty much looking just what he looked like in high school. He recognized everyone who came and had smiles and hugs for everyone. I had a hard time figuring out what to say to him, except that it was so good to see him and that he looked really good. He still has trouble recalling some things, like his phone number, and he moved around slower, but I was amazed by his progress. At one point, his mom was wiping off makeup from his shirt, which she thought was from hugging someone, but he said he had used some makeup to cover up his trach scar. It broke my heart.
He was always one of my favorite guys in my class, because even though he played football and hung out with the popular crowd, he was friendly to everyone. I am thankful for his life and that he essentially has been given this second chance.
I'm not sure where he is spiritually, but I know he had a lot of people praying for him and his family through this whole ordeal. I know sometimes experiences like this have to happen to shake people up and realize what is really important in life.

Da Royals

2005-04-29T09:53:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I went to a Royals game with some friends to celebrate Hillary's birthday. We tailgated, I almost got lost on the way back from the Johnny-on-the-spot (I promise I wasn't drunk), and we made up stories about the lives of others in attendance. But I think the funniest part was this:
I looked over and happened to see my friend J.D. in the section to our right just a few rows up. So, I decided to call him. I watched as he proceeded to take his cell phone out of his pocket, look at it, and PUT IT BACK in his pocket. Then, he happened to notice us a few minutes later, and immediately came down to apologize for outright rejecting me. I think I made him feel really bad about it, because he keeps apologizing every time he sees me.

new favorite song: Beverly Hills by Weezer
book that has rocked my world: Seizing Your Divine Moment by Erwin McManus

Baby on Board

2005-04-22T14:37:00.000-05:00

A girl in my high school who had three babies before we graduated used to wear a shirt with the above saying on it.
This is also the title of an article I just read online about Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams. Yes, my former celebrity boyfriend and my former costar are having a baby... that is, if you consider an extra who appeared for a split second in an episode (me) and one of the lead characters, Jen (Michelle), on Dawson's Creek costars, which I do. Well, good for them. I hope they're happy.

Attack of the Killer [Wasps? Bees? Hornets?]

2005-04-22T13:09:00.000-05:00

The other day I was at home and got a call from my roommate who shall be referred to as LT.
LT: "Hey, can you unlock the door for me? There are some big stingy things flying around the front door, so I'm going to try to make a run for it."
Me: "Sure, hang on."
She starts to come in, but backs away, and calls back about 5 minutes later.
LT: "Uh, can you turn on the outside light? Maybe they'll be scared of it."
So, I turned on the light, but that didn't work either.
Phone call #3:
LT: "Maybe I'll come around that back. Could you unlock the back door?"
Me: "You do realize you'll have to climb over a wooden railing, don't you?"
LT: "Yes, but it's better than getting stung."
So, I unlocked the back door, but unfortunately whatever is swarming by our front door has also nested near the back of the house.
Needless to say, LT made it in the house nearly 20 minutes after she arrived home. I was briefly worried we might never be able to leave the house again, but the rain has temporarily driven away the flying insects that we are unable to get a close enough look at to determine was they are. It's probably about time to call an exterminator.

Belated Birthday Wishes

2005-04-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

AmyCat-
I wanted to ode you on your birthday, but I didn't have access to a computer all day, and I went home and crashed after your party. I hope your day was extraordinary, because you deserve it! You make 30 look good!
Love,
Rachel

You can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose.

2005-04-16T11:05:00.000-05:00

Ah, the wisdom I received from my dad as a child!
I was watching Seinfeld last night, and it was the episode in which Elaine sends out Christmas cards exposing her nipple to her rabbi, her 10-year-old nephew, her co-workers, and about 100 other people. I hadn't seen that episode in awhile, and it made me laugh really hard.
Funny quote-
George: "Moses was definitely a picker. He spent 40 years wandering around in a desert. All that dust and dry air, don't tell me he didn't have an occasional pick."

Expect More. Pay Less.

2005-04-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

I stopped by Target last night on the way to church to pick up a few things, and I had to pull myself out of there so I wouldn't miss church. I could seriously spend hours in Target on any given day. I love their home stuff, their shoes, their clothes and assessories, and don't even get me started on the 1-spot. Who founded Target? I should have invested stock in that place.

What a great day

2005-04-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

I'm talking about yesterday. It was a pretty perfect day. I went to church in the morning, to hear Isaac "kill it", and then I spent the afternoon enjoying the beautiful weather. I attended an intermural softball game, went to Costco, went for a walk, went to dinner, and ate ice cream outside, all in the company of good friends. Then I went to church in the evening, which rocked as well. I got 20 cents off per gallon of gas with my HyVee receipt. I love days like that.

Lost and Found

2005-04-04T19:25:00.000-05:00

I finally found my Cake "Prolonging the Magic" cd, which has been missing almost a year. Hallelujah! It's been hard to live without some of my favorite Cake songs like "Guitar" and "Let Me Go."
My sister thinks all I listen to is Cake, but she also thinks the only shirt I wear is my long sleeve red Beta Sigma Phi shirt that says "She's a scholar, and and athlete, and a leader. Superwoman? No, the average woman." I love that shirt.
Sadly, finding that cd has been the highlight of my day.

You and me, we're through

2005-04-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

Almost. I had to take a break from posting on my blog, because otherwise I was going to go postal and delete it. But I couldn't do that, because I DON'T KNOW HOW. Yes, I'm a little slow when it comes to blogger, and I was getting frustrated that every time I posted a comment, it didn't seem to be working, and then I tried again until I ended up leaving about a million of the exact same comment. Sorry about that.
Okay, new topic. I've never thought alarm systems in houses were all that useful, and I don't feel particularly safer because we now have one. My roommate had one installed because of an increased number of break-ins in our neighborhood, and since she owns the place, that's her choice. But today I discovered why I find them so annoying. I guess when my roommate left this morning, and I was still sound asleep, she forgot to press motion off button. So, when exited my room and walked through the basement, it set the alarm off. The alarm keypad said the alarm went off because of bsmt motion, so I figured I was safe. It must have left me spooked though, because when my roommate's Fruit Loops fell off the shelf in the pantry, I nearly had a heart attack.

I Heart Justin

2005-03-30T11:46:00.000-06:00

McRoberts, that is. He is going to be at Heartland this weekend, and I encourage everyone to check him out. He and his music have a great message, and he is super funny. I can't wait!

Knock, Knock

2005-03-28T10:02:00.000-06:00

Who's there?
Buster.
Buster who?
Buster turtle!

My cousin Jacob made up this joke. He's three. He sang Happy Birthday to me yesterday. Well, he sang "...Happy Birthday, dear Sarah, Happy Birthday to you." But he meant me. He get's me confused with my sister Sarah. At least I hope it's my sister he confuses me with, and not Sarah the dog.

Anyway, today is my birthday, and I am the big 2-5. I think I've been in a quarter-life crisis all year, but now it can be official!

So far it's been a good birthday: Lamb-cake, Dodgeball, a new watch, marzipan carrots, a blog post and nalgene toast. What great friends I have!

Just another reason why I don't want to be a resident

2005-03-24T10:01:00.000-06:00

Last night I went to dinner with four of my med school classmates, which means they're all currently doing their residencies. I sat at the table as they proceeded to spend thirty minutes or so discussing CIRCUMCISION. Yeah, nothing like talk of foreskin to work up an appetite.

Half-Baked

2005-03-23T09:58:00.000-06:00

Last night I watched "Harold and Kumar go to White Castle," and it reminded me of a few things:
a) Ethan Embry is one of my celebrity boyfriends.
b) I heard about a wedding reception that was very formal/black tie with a catered multi-course meal, but later in the evening the wait staff brought out silver platters stacked high with White Castle burgers. I hope I'm not wrong in assuming this was probably the groom's single request in terms of planning the wedding.
c) The scene in which Harold and Kumar belt out "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips is not unlike my experience as a memeber of Hillary and Mitch's wedding party when we belted out that song in the limo traveling from the ceremony to the reception.
d) I have a little bit of a thing for Indian guys. My cousin tried to tell me this when she was trying to find me a date on an internet matchmaker site, and I denied it at the time, but I think she may be right.

By the way, the movie is kinda gross and pretty crude, but funny anyway.

Can I prescribe some jeans for you?

2005-03-21T10:14:00.000-06:00

Sorry it's been a week since I've posted. Here's a brief recap my week:

-Last Sunday, saw apples as decorations at church for a talk on temptation, and thought it was somehow related to Snow White.

-Had small group on Wednesday, which is always a highlight of my week. Went out for ice cream.

-On Thursday, went to a post-match celebration and saw a bunch of people I went to school with that I hadn't seen in awhile. Got asked if I was still working at The Gap. Also saw Finding Neverland for the first time, cried a lot and fell in love with it.

-Friday, went to the home show to support my friend Rhett and his new business venture. Then went to private party at Mi Cocina predominantly attended by gay men.

-Saturday, went home, and spent quality time with my wonderful sister. Then went to dinner with chance to win $10,000, but didn't even take home a door prize.

-Sunday, went to church and to Hawaiian Honeymoon themed wedding shower. Learned to hula and hula-hoop.

-Today, watching daytime television and taking it easy, because I seem to have come down with a virus.

Who the heck is Jack Handey?

2005-03-14T10:30:00.000-06:00

I couldn't really think of anything to post about, but I didn't want people to get tired of seeing the same title OVER and OVER and OVER, so I decided I couldn't go wrong with a few ripped off deep thoughts.

-Instead of having "answers" on a math test, they should just call them "impressions," and if you got a different "impression," so what, can't we all be brothers?

-Instead of studying for finals, what about just going to the Bahamas and catching some rays? Maybe you'll flunk, but you might have flunked anyway; that's my point.

-To me, it's always a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if somebody says, "Hey, can you give me a hand?" you can say, "Sorry, got these sacks."

-If you want to be the popular one at a party, here's a good thing to do: Go up to some people who are talking and laughing and say, "Well, technically that's illegal." It might fit it with what somebody just said. And even if it doesn't, so what, I hate this stupid party.

-Here's a good trick: Get a job as a judge at the Olympics. Then, if some guy sets a world record, pretend that you didn't see it and go, "Okay, is everybody ready to start now?"

-Whenever I see an old lady slip and fall on a wet sidewalk, my first instinct is to laugh. But then I think, what if I was an ant, and she fell on me, then it wouldn't seem quite so funny.

-I wish I would have a real tragic love affair and get so bummed out that I'd just quit my job and become a bum for a few years, because I was thinking about doing that anyway.

Venting is good

2005-03-08T13:44:00.000-06:00

Today I am going to use my blog as an opportunity to voice my frustrations.
Why does EVERYONE think they have the right to tell me how to live me life? My family, both immediate and extended, friends of the family, my dad's customers, my grandma's doctor, and just about anyone else I encounter who asks what I am doing with my life. People I barely know say things like "Oh, that's a shame, wasting your education like that." If I wanted your advice, I'd ask for it.
As Jonya told me the other day, I am the peanut butter. I am necessary to hold the pieces of bread together that are the phases of my life. From now on when people ask me what I do, that will be my reply. Then they'll think I'm crazy and tell their friends how they met this crazy girl who thinks she's peanut butter.

SHOPLIFTER!

2005-03-02T17:08:00.000-06:00

As I was entering my friendly, neighborhood Hy-Vee last night, a young man was being escorted out in handcuffs. I have to admit, this made me smile. Do you all remember from "Empire Records" when Warren (Warren, his name isn't f***ing Warren) had sticky fingers and was later confronted about his shoplifted items. Rap, metal, rap, metal, Whitney Houston. This is how I imagine questioning of the theft I encountered last night went: cookies, chips, cookies, chips, brussel sprouts. He should claim he was influenced by Martha Stewart- he just wanted to become thinner and more successful like she did behind bars.

Not So Deep Thoughts

2005-03-01T16:26:00.000-06:00

I think a fun game to play is to have everyone say what their first concert was. I think it can tell you a lot about people.
Mine was Everclear, when I was a senior in high school. My parents didn't want me to go, but they were finally convinced after I threw a tantrum and said "When I go to college, I am going to go to a concert every night." Which practically came true.
Now it's your turn...

And the Rachel goes to.....

2005-02-27T23:52:00.000-06:00

Will Ferrell, for best superpower (throw-up and speed-reading).

Barbara Walters, for best new dance move.

Josh Groban, for being a good sport even though Beyonce totally tried to steal from his shining Oscar musical performance.

And finally, Oprah Winfrey, for best gesture during someone else's acceptance speech.

Forgive me...

2005-02-16T13:48:00.000-06:00

Since it's the time for confessions, I have a few things I need to get off my chest.

1. I cried during the series finale of Beverly Hills, 90210. What got me was when they played a slow version of the theme song at the end of the episode as everyone was dancing at David and Donna's wedding. My sister was cracking up and turned around surprised to find me actually crying. She won't let me live that down.

2. I actually like the Olsen twins. Now, before you write me off on this one, tell me, have you see their show "Two of a Kind"? It's a clever and heartwarming sit-com, if you ask me.

3. I have a celebrity crush on David Letterman.

Well, I better stop now before I lose too many friends.

Peace and love,
Rachel

P.S. Zach Braff for President

Yeah Cotton, I don't think he's going to be able to see very well

2005-02-15T13:50:00.000-06:00

Today on "The View" one of the ladies made the comment that these days it is easier to get out of a marriage than a gym contract. Which, from the stories I've heard, is quite true. This is one of the reasons I am reluctant to join 24-Hour Fitness. Another reason is that place is a little too much like Globo Gym for my taste. I think I prefer a place more like Average Joe's.
But, seriously, back to the marriage issue. It seems 'tis the season to get married/engaged. In the last nine months I have been a bridesmaid four times. Every time I turn around now, some new couple is engaged. You would think because I'm single this would be depressing, but it actually inspires me and fills me with hope. The day of my sister's wedding, one of her friends stated that this world needs to see good marriages. I agree and believe in the marriages I have and will take part in.

Be Mine?

2005-02-14T10:19:00.000-06:00

So, it's Valentine's Day, a day to reflect on how pathetic my life really is. Here's an example:
Saturday morning, I had nothing better to do, so I watched a Valentine's episode of "That's So Raven." The really pathetic part is that I'd actually seen that episode before, yet I continued to watch it. I think the phrase "that is SO raven" can be used in instances when something is definitely NOT severe.
Another example of my patheticness (is that a word?):
Tonight, on this holiday created by Hallmard (no offense, Amy), I have a date with.... Everwood.

Everybody Dance Now

2005-02-13T16:05:00.000-06:00

Last night I went to see the movie "Hitch" with Becca and her brother. We laughed, we laughed some more, so I would recommend it. I especially liked the new dance moves we learned from the movie. Now, in addition to other stellar dance moves like the sprinkler, the school bus, the shopping cart, and the lawnmower, we can add the q-tip. Bring on the dance party!

The Great Imitators: Syphilis and Kelly Clarkson

2005-02-10T20:25:00.000-06:00

If there was one thing I learned in medical school, it was that syphilis can mimic just about anything.
What I apparently did not learn, however, was to differentiate Kelly Clarkson from other female artists. For example, the last time I went to Chili's after the Gathering, Hillary got out of her car and said, "I like Kelly Clarkson's new song." And I was like, "What song is that?" And she was like, "Since You've Been Gone." And I was like, "Oops, I thought Avril sang that song." (The song is actually titled, "Since U Been Gone"- um, hello, that's not even grammatically correct, plus I don't really like it when people replace words with letters like that, but whatever.) Also, for weeks this summer, I mistakenly thought Beyonce sang "Miss Independent", until I was told Kelly Clarkson actually sang that song.
I did know it was Kelly who sang "A Moment Like This". That song happened to be playing on one of the corners in downtown Falmouth, Jamaica (where they sell CDs, most of which are bootlegged) so five other white girls and I belted it out. I'm sure that was quite a sight, and sound!

Lather, rinse, and repeat if necessary

2005-02-01T21:52:00.000-06:00

People often ask me what shampoo I use. My most recent shampoo purchase was Suave Citrus Smoothie shampoo. I chose Suave because I am unemployed and have to watch my spending carefully. I opted for the Citrus Smoothie so that maybe one day my slightly goofy, socially awkward neighbor (who is desperately in love with me but I don't know it) while standing next to me at the World Happiness Dance (as if by dancing we could actually make the world happier, I mean, really, come on) will think to himself-

"Her hair smelled incredible. Her hair smelled like this orange grove we passed when I was eight on the way to see my grandmother. But I guess that's just, like, her shampoo, or whatever."

Sometimes the line between tv and reality is a little blurry for me. This is one of my favorite lines from the BEST SHOW EVER, "My So-Called Life", in my humble opinion, or whatever.

Smile, Mon!

2005-01-30T15:17:00.000-06:00

I love the snow. I really do. I love it as much as Lorelai at the beginning of last week's fresh episode of Gilmore Girls. However, lately I've found myself wishing I was back in Jamaica, sitting on the veranda of the church dormitory where we stayed, wearing capri pants and a tank top, listening to Sam's dry wit and Trevor's guitar playing, the night air thick with the smell of ganja.
It makes me smile to think of Francis, the 82 year-old member of our mission team, who was solicited by some locals to purchase Jamaican Gold (or as my dad likes to call it, marijahoopie). Or, to remember our game of Empire with our Jamaican bus driver. He was instructed to choose someone American (so it wouldn't be too obvious- Fernando, are you Bob Marley?), so he went with Jimmy Swaggart!
The best part of the trip was witnessing the gratitude and joy the Jamaican people have despite their poverty. It is my hope that this experience will stay with me, and that I will learn to be more grateful for all that I have been blessed with.

Celebrity Sighting

2005-01-28T11:13:00.000-06:00

So, last night I went to dinner with Susan, my sister's best friend from college, who just moved to Kansas City which I'm so excited about because she is the sweetest. Anyway, we went to Cupini's, which was de-LISH as always. We had house salads and split a hot chicken pesto panini. For dessert, we had decaf coffee infused with cinnamon (from the shaker) and we split tiramisu, which was simply divine. Thinking it couldn't get much better than a great meal with great conversation, as we were leaving we happened to run into meteorologist Gary Lezak, who is surprisingly tall.
Back at Susan's, she told me I was looking "hip" (which I greatly appreciated, because 'Words of Affirmation' IS my primary love language; and FYI I was wearing capri pants with black flats and knee-highs.) This is how the rest of the conversation played out:

susan- "you know, I have also seen people wearing flat boots with their pants cuffed, and looks really cute"
me- "yeah, I've seen people do that. I like it"
susan- "actually, cari..."
me- "that's who I was picturing!"
susan- "she was here last saturday when my roommate moved in"
me- "that's when I saw her, at game night"

Then we marveled at what a small world it is. So, Cari is "people" and we dig her style.
After leaving Susan's, I went to Christina's to celebrate her the fact she made salary with her company and her brand new title. Way to go, Christina!

Did I mention we saw Gary Lezak?

It's no crime to be weird

2005-01-27T14:55:00.000-06:00

I have decided to enter the blog world for several reasons: 1)I have a lot of time on my hands 2)now I can post comments on my friends' hilarious blogs 3)"blog" is such a fun word and 4)if I ever meet Zach Braff, we'll have something in common.
If you choose to read my future blogs, I just want you to keep in mind the title of this entry.
Here's to happy blogging!