Changing?

There is a lot of change going on!

First, my blog changed layouts randomly on me, and I was unable to sign in despite being able to sign into my gmail. Seriously? Is someone that desperately bored that they change blog schemes but leave everything else alone?

Second, it is going to be a year later since my quarter life crisis. I am now officially entering my late twenties! I feel like just yesterday I was 16, thinking how absolutely old I would be when I was 26. Now that it's here, I'm really not upset about it. In fact, I feel more comfortable being 26 than I did being 24 or 25. Acceptance is a wonderful thing.

Third, my countdown to freedom, aka graduating grad school, is only 95 calendar days away! I can almost taste the victory (whether I mean the song or the beer, you decide).

Fourth, only two more weeks till I start remodeling my bathrooms! You know you're old when the idea of white on white counter tops really excite you. But I'm okay with that. :)

Another year. Cheers!

Home-nyasium

It's that time again: it's almost time for me to re-new my gym membership that I invariably never use.

But this year is different. This year, I actually have still exercised despite not going to the gym. For example, I've rode my bike every day for the past week, I trade off on doing my medicine ball or my toning ball, and I make sure I do at minimum 10 push-up's a day.

I can't emphasize enough how much the medicine ball has changed my life. My friend Shannon recently saw me and asked if I was okay- just because my stomach looked that flat! I suggest using this medicine ball and this toning ball if you're interested:






I started with the 4 lbs., but it was too light and should have started at 6 lbs. Now I'm on the 8 lbs. and that gives me a good work-out. Both come with posters that give you exercise ideas. Try it out!

The End of Gen Y?

“You’re that Generation Y,” my mother told me. “I saw it on TV.” Well then...it must be true.

After doing some research, I read that “Generation Y” was first meant as a label for those born after “Generation X” as a pejorative term. Now it is simply “Gen Y” and the years it includes is under debate- on average, the years included are 1978-1989.

The distinguishing features of Gen Y include financial smarts, work-life balance, and frequently changing jobs.

However, I can’t help but wonder- in this state of economic distress, will the description of Gen Y change? Can Gen Y’ers really demand a work-life balance and frequently change jobs when they are scared about securing a job at all? And are they smartly managing their money by contributing to their 401k’s, or is this now a plan for disaster?

I am curious to see how this plays out. In the mean time, I’ll just be happy I’m not considered part of the “Millennials” or the “Net Generation.”

PS- I found the pic online on many different sites and do not know who to give credit it to.

Becoming Ageless

No, I don’t mean becoming a diamond or Dick Clark. With 26 right around the corner, I figured that it’s time to start investing early in anti-aging products. After spending too much money and having too many break outs, here is what I found.

1. Aveeno Positively Ageless Night Cream



This stuff is great- it is light, smells very feminine, and doesn’t clog my pores. And after using it for two weeks, I swear my crows feet look better.

2. Listerine Whitening Pen



Did you know that having your teeth look brighter makes you look younger? And I guess it makes sense- when you’re young you didn’t do all that damage yet. I love this pen- it is easy, tastes great, and makes a difference within one day. And it’s a lot safer and cheaper than traditional whitening products.

3. Neutrogena Anti-Oxidant Age Reverse Day Lotion SP



We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen, and this formula is light enough to wear every day and provide SPF protection. Just great.

Things that made me happy today

1. Sunshine! Windows open! Spring!
2. Greek lady platter... yum
3. Getting some homework done
4. Seeing my favorite nephew!
5. Cherry blossom festival
6. Starting off ice cream season with Philly Flavors
7. Boyfriend rejoining facebook
8. Tater tots from Urban Saloon
9. Having only one patient at work on saturday
10. Checking in on Shannon :)

City v. Suburb

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!

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!