I have now lived in the city for over four years. If you count my college years, I've lived in it over eight. As one can imagine, after a while, the city gets old. Today, I am especially on an "anti-city" kick. Here are some reasons why I will be super excited to get move to the suburbs within the next 3-5 years.
-less bus exhaust in my face... every two blocks.
-no scary guys telling me to smile or “shake that thing, girl”
-more trees, especially ones without gum on them
-easier parking, no $2/hr meters
-cleaner
-more selection/easier to get to stores
-no feeling like I’m going to be killed on my bike!
-less rude people
-grass
-less traffic, less cars, more space
-not being afraid to walk around at night
-neighborhood-y, not as anonymous
-not carrying groceries up >84 steps
I'm sure in two days I'll probably change my mind again and can't imagine leaving the city. We'll have to see!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Twenty Six? Here I come!
With a little over a month to my next birthday, the dreaded 26 and entry into “late twenties,” I decided it was time for an update! I know that no one reads this anymore, but there’s still something nice about having a public journal. So let’s have a few updates:
School: I am getting there! I officially have 135 days left (including breaks/weekends/etc.) and am very excited for it! I will be finishing up my gensurg clinical at Pennsy at the end of April, and start at Abington for a med rotation at the end of May. I am getting so close I can taste it!
Work: We recently got a new manager, and all the drama that comes with a new person being in charge. That being said, the transition has been pretty smooth. With my school schedule, I’ve also been forced to work almost every Saturday- which has been surprisingly fun. It is nice to just work with one other nurse, and leave the busy week behind.
Housing: I just ordered new, custom vanities today! I am so excited about this!! Yes, they are going to cost an arm and a leg, but really, it’ll be worth it in the long run for my re-sale value. I won’t be getting them installed until the endish of May just because of my school schedule, but it should work out better that way.
Family: My nephew recently turned one, and is just too adorable. I am excited to see everyone for Easter.
Relationship: Poor Boyfriend has too much on his plate between firehouse, school, and work. But I know he’ll get through it. And we’ll get through it together. In the meantime, the fire banquet is in two or three weeks from now, and I got the cutest dress for it! Swoon! Oh, and also, I’m trying to arrange for my family to meet Boy’s family at my (fake) graduation dinner—I graduate in August, but graduate in May. Go figure.
Friends: I’ve recently been trying to reach out to some people, but all of us seem busy. I am lucky to have a few of my close friends so geographically close. It is esp. nice to hang out people who enjoy colorful conversation, or bring their boyfriends along after the art museum
Economy: Okay, so I finally stopped freaking out. Everything is going to be fine. I’ve cut my credit card bill IN HALF for the past three months and you know what? My life really isn’t that different.
Vacations: VA trip in May! Shore all summer! Ireland next year with Boyfriend!
Career Plans: I’ve had a really long thought process and lots of talks to decide what I want to do with my life. At this moment, I plan to start looking for a new outpatient specialty job in January 2010. After securing a job, I plan to start applying for PhD. programs in either Education or Nursing- haven’t quite decided yet. If I get in, I’m thinking that I’ll defer for a year or so. In the meantime, I want to get a second job teaching to make sure that I want to teach.
Life Plans: None on the table at the moment, and probably none for the next three years. I do plan on doing something fun and interesting when I graduate though. Some ideas that I have:
-training for a bike race/taking a bicycle fixing class
-taking a cooking class
-piano lessons
-more belly dancing classes? Maybe a hiphop or pilates class?
On turning 26: I’ve totally stopped freaking out. When I started this blog last year, I was a wreck- how could I be in the middle of my twenties already?! But now that I’m going to be 26, I’m just excited and feel proud- I’m only going to be 26 and I have already accomplished so much. Now if only I could get my PhD. by 32 and I’ll be set ;)
Until next time!
School: I am getting there! I officially have 135 days left (including breaks/weekends/etc.) and am very excited for it! I will be finishing up my gensurg clinical at Pennsy at the end of April, and start at Abington for a med rotation at the end of May. I am getting so close I can taste it!
Work: We recently got a new manager, and all the drama that comes with a new person being in charge. That being said, the transition has been pretty smooth. With my school schedule, I’ve also been forced to work almost every Saturday- which has been surprisingly fun. It is nice to just work with one other nurse, and leave the busy week behind.
Housing: I just ordered new, custom vanities today! I am so excited about this!! Yes, they are going to cost an arm and a leg, but really, it’ll be worth it in the long run for my re-sale value. I won’t be getting them installed until the endish of May just because of my school schedule, but it should work out better that way.
Family: My nephew recently turned one, and is just too adorable. I am excited to see everyone for Easter.
Relationship: Poor Boyfriend has too much on his plate between firehouse, school, and work. But I know he’ll get through it. And we’ll get through it together. In the meantime, the fire banquet is in two or three weeks from now, and I got the cutest dress for it! Swoon! Oh, and also, I’m trying to arrange for my family to meet Boy’s family at my (fake) graduation dinner—I graduate in August, but graduate in May. Go figure.
Friends: I’ve recently been trying to reach out to some people, but all of us seem busy. I am lucky to have a few of my close friends so geographically close. It is esp. nice to hang out people who enjoy colorful conversation, or bring their boyfriends along after the art museum
Economy: Okay, so I finally stopped freaking out. Everything is going to be fine. I’ve cut my credit card bill IN HALF for the past three months and you know what? My life really isn’t that different.
Vacations: VA trip in May! Shore all summer! Ireland next year with Boyfriend!
Career Plans: I’ve had a really long thought process and lots of talks to decide what I want to do with my life. At this moment, I plan to start looking for a new outpatient specialty job in January 2010. After securing a job, I plan to start applying for PhD. programs in either Education or Nursing- haven’t quite decided yet. If I get in, I’m thinking that I’ll defer for a year or so. In the meantime, I want to get a second job teaching to make sure that I want to teach.
Life Plans: None on the table at the moment, and probably none for the next three years. I do plan on doing something fun and interesting when I graduate though. Some ideas that I have:
-training for a bike race/taking a bicycle fixing class
-taking a cooking class
-piano lessons
-more belly dancing classes? Maybe a hiphop or pilates class?
On turning 26: I’ve totally stopped freaking out. When I started this blog last year, I was a wreck- how could I be in the middle of my twenties already?! But now that I’m going to be 26, I’m just excited and feel proud- I’m only going to be 26 and I have already accomplished so much. Now if only I could get my PhD. by 32 and I’ll be set ;)
Until next time!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Long Overdue Update
I really haven't updated this in for-ev-er, so I figured today is a day good as any other to do so!
The holidays went by pretty uneventfully, but yet very comfortable. It's nice that, the older I get, it seems the more traditions are formed. It was nice to know that I'd spend Christmas Eve with my immediate family, the way it has been for a few years. And now that a baby is thrown into the mix (a baby!), it makes the family time that more special.
NYE was also relaxing and fun. This year was different than my past few (okay, last SEVEN) NYE's. Instead of enjoying small house parties that I could walk to from my Philly home, I ventured up to Staten Island to hang out with friends of a friend. All in all, it was a wonderfully Mama Mia, Italian filled time. My belly was especially full of it, and now my thighs are, too. Thanks, Mrs. D.
It seems like the holidays came faster than usual this year, and I'm not really surprised that they were over so quickly either. In a way, it was a relief to get back to the daily grind.
But oh baby, the daily grind is now in full force! Grad school starts again this week, and I am already dreading the workload. There are two very hard things about this semester: 1. I am so close to being done in August that I am burnt out after the last 2.5 years, and 2. I really, really, really do not want to be an NP anymore. I do not regret the education or my program up to this point; I feel like I have learned a lot, and that all of my classes have made me a better nurse. And in the end, being a better nurse (being as good a nurse as I can be) is really my end goal.
That being said, it now seems pointless that I started a degree that I do not want to use, something that has cost me so much time, money and effort expended during the prime of my twenties. And because I have no drive to use the degree, I am never going to make that time back or get a payoff from it.
So this leaves me with two options: to finish the degree or not to finish the degree. It seems so silly not to finish it at this point; it is really only 28 weeks until I am finished. And saying it like that, rather than saying that I have 36 papers due and that I have to work six 12 hour shifts a week from now till August, makes it a lot easier to think about and get through.
In the end, I know that I am going to finish. I know that my life is going to suck for the next 28 weeks. And I know that, at the end of this all on August 6th, I am going to be so happy that I am done and unable to remember a time when I did not want to finish. Because I know this, I know that I can and will finish my degree.
My plans for after the degree? Take the exam, pass, and then finally relax. Faith willing.
So, my dear friends, I am off. Let's hope these 72 hour work weeks aren't as bad as I'm making them out to be!
The holidays went by pretty uneventfully, but yet very comfortable. It's nice that, the older I get, it seems the more traditions are formed. It was nice to know that I'd spend Christmas Eve with my immediate family, the way it has been for a few years. And now that a baby is thrown into the mix (a baby!), it makes the family time that more special.
NYE was also relaxing and fun. This year was different than my past few (okay, last SEVEN) NYE's. Instead of enjoying small house parties that I could walk to from my Philly home, I ventured up to Staten Island to hang out with friends of a friend. All in all, it was a wonderfully Mama Mia, Italian filled time. My belly was especially full of it, and now my thighs are, too. Thanks, Mrs. D.
It seems like the holidays came faster than usual this year, and I'm not really surprised that they were over so quickly either. In a way, it was a relief to get back to the daily grind.
But oh baby, the daily grind is now in full force! Grad school starts again this week, and I am already dreading the workload. There are two very hard things about this semester: 1. I am so close to being done in August that I am burnt out after the last 2.5 years, and 2. I really, really, really do not want to be an NP anymore. I do not regret the education or my program up to this point; I feel like I have learned a lot, and that all of my classes have made me a better nurse. And in the end, being a better nurse (being as good a nurse as I can be) is really my end goal.
That being said, it now seems pointless that I started a degree that I do not want to use, something that has cost me so much time, money and effort expended during the prime of my twenties. And because I have no drive to use the degree, I am never going to make that time back or get a payoff from it.
So this leaves me with two options: to finish the degree or not to finish the degree. It seems so silly not to finish it at this point; it is really only 28 weeks until I am finished. And saying it like that, rather than saying that I have 36 papers due and that I have to work six 12 hour shifts a week from now till August, makes it a lot easier to think about and get through.
In the end, I know that I am going to finish. I know that my life is going to suck for the next 28 weeks. And I know that, at the end of this all on August 6th, I am going to be so happy that I am done and unable to remember a time when I did not want to finish. Because I know this, I know that I can and will finish my degree.
My plans for after the degree? Take the exam, pass, and then finally relax. Faith willing.
So, my dear friends, I am off. Let's hope these 72 hour work weeks aren't as bad as I'm making them out to be!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Weekend Update
In an attempt to avoid studying at any cost, let’s have a weekend update!
Last Friday I had the pleasure of being my cousin’s confirmation sponsor. It was really an honor, and the ceremony was very nice. My aunt (Cioci) hosted an awesome after-party with great food and fun- we had a bunch of sacrilegious but entertaining religious-related games. Honestly, my relatives are so creative: throwing coins into a poor box, bursting balloons with a flame pin to get out of “Hell”, rice bowl races, playing "Name That Hymn". Fun, relaxing, and nice to see family I haven’t seen in a while.
Just as nice was spending the day in Princeton showing MT around before the ceremony. I had forgotten what a connection I have to this other Ivy town. Not only do my parents still work and own land there, I went to grade school there for nine years.
Because MT still lives where he grew up, I think he takes for granted how familiar everything is to him. By showing him Princeton from my point of view (aka, all my childhood memories), it helps us understand each other better. Plus, as we talk about the future (the 5 years away future), it helps him realize what a sacrifice I’ll be making moving to a suburb near him (he needs a volunteer fire dept, but that means I have to leave my center city condo and will be taken out of the familiar -- again).
Saturday/Sunday was spent meandering around Center City. After a delicious breakfast in Fairmount (French Toast with nutella and bananas, almost orgasmic), we visited MT’s aunt and uncle who live near Rittenhouse. They’re very interesting, traveling people, and their stories were a riot. The night was capped off my a Korean place, which was honestly my first Korean food. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan- so to wipe that taste out, we got a Whole Foods cake. Amazing!
I’m getting really excited for the upcoming holidays. I can’t wait to see everyone I’ve been missing! And moreso, I can't wait for everyone to meet the love of my life, Sligo, at some point!
Last Friday I had the pleasure of being my cousin’s confirmation sponsor. It was really an honor, and the ceremony was very nice. My aunt (Cioci) hosted an awesome after-party with great food and fun- we had a bunch of sacrilegious but entertaining religious-related games. Honestly, my relatives are so creative: throwing coins into a poor box, bursting balloons with a flame pin to get out of “Hell”, rice bowl races, playing "Name That Hymn". Fun, relaxing, and nice to see family I haven’t seen in a while.
Just as nice was spending the day in Princeton showing MT around before the ceremony. I had forgotten what a connection I have to this other Ivy town. Not only do my parents still work and own land there, I went to grade school there for nine years.
Because MT still lives where he grew up, I think he takes for granted how familiar everything is to him. By showing him Princeton from my point of view (aka, all my childhood memories), it helps us understand each other better. Plus, as we talk about the future (the 5 years away future), it helps him realize what a sacrifice I’ll be making moving to a suburb near him (he needs a volunteer fire dept, but that means I have to leave my center city condo and will be taken out of the familiar -- again).
Saturday/Sunday was spent meandering around Center City. After a delicious breakfast in Fairmount (French Toast with nutella and bananas, almost orgasmic), we visited MT’s aunt and uncle who live near Rittenhouse. They’re very interesting, traveling people, and their stories were a riot. The night was capped off my a Korean place, which was honestly my first Korean food. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan- so to wipe that taste out, we got a Whole Foods cake. Amazing!
I’m getting really excited for the upcoming holidays. I can’t wait to see everyone I’ve been missing! And moreso, I can't wait for everyone to meet the love of my life, Sligo, at some point!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Winter Blues
Winter is here, and now, everything that comes with it. Ugh! I know that it's partially genetic and physiologic (and probably psychological, too) but every time it gets cold a couple things happen.
First, I start fuh-reeezing. Freezing leads to over eating. Over eating leads to getting fat. Getting fat gets me depressed and despondent. And that gets me no where, other than more of all those things.
Second, this is the first time that my hands have actually started to really, really hurt with the cold weather. It seems silly, but it's so true. The worst is when I have to bike to work... I keep hot packs in my gloves, but it really doesn't do that much. I'm starting to have trouble texting, typing, and piano-ing now- which really, really scares me.
Third, I start to spend crazy amounts of money that I don't have on useless things that I totally don't need. I blame it on being the Christmas promotions. I guess they work! Also on a money note, I have to turn my heat on to stop from shivering (honestly? my heat is on 68 degrees and I'm still wearing a coat, hat, and gloves).
But I am tired of always being a negative nellie. Seriously- please start calling me out on it! It has gotten out of hand! So here are some positive things about it being winter:
-I get to wear scarves again, and I love scarves!
-my cat is not shedding nearly as much
-getting dark earlier means I go to bed at a reasonable time
-cute hats (esp. my new kanga one- note above, spending money on things I don't need)
-good excuse to have more coffee/hot cocoa (delicious)
-winter means that the next season is spring!
-Christmas/New Years/MLK Jr. Day
-Speaking of Christmas, dressing my cat up in Santa hats
...and off to Target!
First, I start fuh-reeezing. Freezing leads to over eating. Over eating leads to getting fat. Getting fat gets me depressed and despondent. And that gets me no where, other than more of all those things.
Second, this is the first time that my hands have actually started to really, really hurt with the cold weather. It seems silly, but it's so true. The worst is when I have to bike to work... I keep hot packs in my gloves, but it really doesn't do that much. I'm starting to have trouble texting, typing, and piano-ing now- which really, really scares me.
Third, I start to spend crazy amounts of money that I don't have on useless things that I totally don't need. I blame it on being the Christmas promotions. I guess they work! Also on a money note, I have to turn my heat on to stop from shivering (honestly? my heat is on 68 degrees and I'm still wearing a coat, hat, and gloves).
But I am tired of always being a negative nellie. Seriously- please start calling me out on it! It has gotten out of hand! So here are some positive things about it being winter:
-I get to wear scarves again, and I love scarves!
-my cat is not shedding nearly as much
-getting dark earlier means I go to bed at a reasonable time
-cute hats (esp. my new kanga one- note above, spending money on things I don't need)
-good excuse to have more coffee/hot cocoa (delicious)
-winter means that the next season is spring!
-Christmas/New Years/MLK Jr. Day
-Speaking of Christmas, dressing my cat up in Santa hats
...and off to Target!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Halloween Weekend
Halloween was a complete disaster. I feel totally guilty for making my friends come downtown from the NE/DelCo/SoJo, but I thought it’d be worth it. I banked on them having a good time at the bar I went to the year for Halloween. Well, when we get to the bar, we’re not allowed in because it’s a private party. And this is after I called the day before and asked about their Halloween specials! Why didn’t they just tell me when I called?! Anyway, I did enjoy dressing up in my Amish bonnet and hanging out with the girls, but I do feel terribly guilty that the night ended up being so quiet. (Although I personally blame the Phillies Parade- it kind of wore everyone out, and most people were still in Phillies gear at the bar instead of costumes. But I guess I shouldn’t complain, the parade was awesome!)
The weekend got a little better after Friday, and I celebrated my anniversary. We went to a Moroccan restaurant and it was delicious- baba ganoush and all. Spent the night just walking around downtown with some gelato as a night-cap. All in all, a nice night.
It’s funny to me that one year later, sure, MT and I still go on dates, but the dates are so different. We used to go to movies, and now we go to Home Depot. We used to go out to nice restaurants, and now we get excited about Taco Bell (probably a little too excited… volcano taco, anyone?). But the nice thing is that I wouldn’t want to change a thing. Even though we won’t live together for another three years, it still feels like we’re a real, grown up couple.
In other news, I’m just hanging on in grad school. I need to get B’s for my job to pay for my classes, and for the first time ever, I am nervous about the rule. If I don’t get B’s, I will be out $8000 that I totally can’t afford/don’t even have/never planned for. I am also slightly nervous about my clinical sites. I find out the week before Christmas where I will have to go for the following nine months of my life- I just hope they are not to far away. I can’t imagine driving 2 hours three times a week for nine months!
The weekend got a little better after Friday, and I celebrated my anniversary. We went to a Moroccan restaurant and it was delicious- baba ganoush and all. Spent the night just walking around downtown with some gelato as a night-cap. All in all, a nice night.
It’s funny to me that one year later, sure, MT and I still go on dates, but the dates are so different. We used to go to movies, and now we go to Home Depot. We used to go out to nice restaurants, and now we get excited about Taco Bell (probably a little too excited… volcano taco, anyone?). But the nice thing is that I wouldn’t want to change a thing. Even though we won’t live together for another three years, it still feels like we’re a real, grown up couple.
In other news, I’m just hanging on in grad school. I need to get B’s for my job to pay for my classes, and for the first time ever, I am nervous about the rule. If I don’t get B’s, I will be out $8000 that I totally can’t afford/don’t even have/never planned for. I am also slightly nervous about my clinical sites. I find out the week before Christmas where I will have to go for the following nine months of my life- I just hope they are not to far away. I can’t imagine driving 2 hours three times a week for nine months!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Tampa! Awesome
YESS! TAMPA BAY! Now we might have a phighting chance! (Terrible joke, sorry...)
Wow, I totally haven’t updated in a long time. What a good time to update…such a good weekend, and now it is finally coming to a close!…tear.
Started off with celebrating Eliza’s birthday, at a trendy Mexican restaurant- after getting out of work 4 hours early!- with some delicious deserts and people.
Next day I get to actually see MT for the entire day! We go to a wedding for one of his friends, but luckily some of my friends are there too. The wedding was in the top five that I’ve ever been to: it was a big wedding, and by the end of the night, there was no one sitting down- and there was no room left on the dance floor! It was so classy, pretty, fun, yet relaxing and entertaining. Overall, just a great time. It was nice going out after the wedding, too. I have to admit- it was the most fun that I ever had as a designated driver, haha.
Sunday was also a good day. Even though MT and I were supposed to study for 50% of the day, we actually didn’t study at all…oops. But it was so nice out, and it was great to enjoy the nice weather before it gets too cold. Went to a new brick oven pizza place, and had delicious wings/pizza. Got to see my cutest-baby-ever nephew. Watched TV, played with the cat. Just a nice relaxing day overall. How often does this happen now?
And holy crap, when did it get so cold out?!
Wow, I totally haven’t updated in a long time. What a good time to update…such a good weekend, and now it is finally coming to a close!…tear.
Started off with celebrating Eliza’s birthday, at a trendy Mexican restaurant- after getting out of work 4 hours early!- with some delicious deserts and people.
Next day I get to actually see MT for the entire day! We go to a wedding for one of his friends, but luckily some of my friends are there too. The wedding was in the top five that I’ve ever been to: it was a big wedding, and by the end of the night, there was no one sitting down- and there was no room left on the dance floor! It was so classy, pretty, fun, yet relaxing and entertaining. Overall, just a great time. It was nice going out after the wedding, too. I have to admit- it was the most fun that I ever had as a designated driver, haha.
Sunday was also a good day. Even though MT and I were supposed to study for 50% of the day, we actually didn’t study at all…oops. But it was so nice out, and it was great to enjoy the nice weather before it gets too cold. Went to a new brick oven pizza place, and had delicious wings/pizza. Got to see my cutest-baby-ever nephew. Watched TV, played with the cat. Just a nice relaxing day overall. How often does this happen now?
And holy crap, when did it get so cold out?!
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