Oh Hurricane Sandy...

10/28/12 6:38 PM Windy Weather & Dark Grey Clouds

As a Cali girl, I have never experienced a hurricane before and just don't know what to expect. School has shut down for Monday October 29th, 2012, the subway is to be shut down, and although some parts of NYC are being asked to evacuate, the dorms are not. I'm not sure if the news and government are just trying to overly freak people out just to force us to prepare for the storm. I've come across a wide array of people this past weekend, all who have different opinions about the upcoming "perfect storm." Most of the people I've talked to aren't very worried about the storm and even laugh that I'm prepping for the storm. I almost feel like I'm on the higher end of the spectrum of freaking out. I've got some supplies... my flashlight, batteries, water, and food...anything else I need? I even pre-downloaded material for me to study for my exam on Tuesday in case the power goes out. Even though the people I've talked to aren't freaking out, I've noticed that as I was gathering my supplies that the grocery markets are filled with people and the lines are incredibly long. I'm used to earthquakes, but not hurricanes...any advice is appreciated!

10/29/2012 11:17 AM Episodes of Wind & Sprinkling Here n There

So I've been keeping up with the weather updates through the Weather Channel's live feed on YouTube. Apparently Hurricane Sandy is strengthening and approaching faster than expected. I'm definitely staying in today. No stopping by Bath & Body Works for their 2/$20 sale for me. There's so much I have to do before the storm gets here! I still have to shower in case the water is compromised, prepare coffee to store in my thermos, complete my online assignment before 6:00 PM in case the internet goes out....haha I know first world problems. From what I can tell, the only thing that has really changed since last night is that the wind has strengthened when it does hit. At times, I can see the small plotted tree on the roof of the building across the street swaying viciously. When I look down at the street, I can see that cars are still driving on the road but there are very little people walking about.

10/29/2012 1:17 PM Raining Harder

Just got notice that school is cancelled for tomorrow (10/30/2012) as well! News says Hurricane Sandy is going to hit around 5:00 PM EDT with 90 mph winds. O.O Oh my...

I started following a bunch of people on Twitter to keep myself updated: 

@weatherchannel

@MikeBloomberg

@twc_hurricane (Hurricane Central)

@NotifyNYC

10/29/2012 4:00 PM Much, Much Windier

There's no point in me posting a picture because outside it looks the same as it was 3 hours ago. The thing is...it's definitely windier! I can see the trees flailing and debris flying about horizontally. Of course the wind comes in episodes. I'm glad that my dorm building walls are muffling the sounds of the wind or else I'd probably be freaking out more. A notice was just sent to us to prepare for a possible power outage and to prepare a "go-bag" in case we need to move buildings. Woohoo for being a worry wart cause my bag is already packed. If I can get the chance, I'll try shooting a video clip with my phone, but of course I'm not guaranteeing the quality.

10/29/2012 6:41 PM Scary Wind and Sirens Sounding

I hear the wind outside and its kind of scaring me. It sounds like debris and/or objects is hitting the outside of my dorm building. I hear sirens from far away and passing by every 5-10 minutes. I'm wondering what is going outside out there. They say the worst of the storm is going to be 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. I've set up shop on the other side of my dorm room, just in case my window does for some reason gets knocked out. I doubt if my window did break, that my effort would help. I've got my stuff together in case I for some reason need to move locations. I'm starting to wonder if I should move into the hallway where there aren't any windows. Uhh...as I type this update it sounds like a tree was just uprooted outside...I guess the plus side is that I still have power and internet access.

10/29/2012 7:04 PM I Don't Give A F***

Ok seriously hearing the wind outside, I just kept imagining my window shattering and glass piercing my face. I moved my computer and "go-bag" to the dorm halls and I'm just going to camp here until the worst of the storm is over. I don't care if I look a little crazy!

10/31/2012 05:12 PM Wow...A Lot Has Changed

The power went out at my dorm around 9:00 PM on Monday. Luckily, my dorm has a generator so our hallways stayed lit, a couple outlets scattered throughout the building worked, and I was able to access water. We didn't have warm water to take a shower with until this morning, so yesterday I took a cold shower because I just felt gross from sitting around all day. Everyone clusters around the one outlet that works on our floor to charge their phones/laptops, and go down to the lower levels for internet access. I've heard a lot happened when Sandy came and I'm not sure if what I've heard are rumors. Apparently a crane dangled from atop a skyscraper, a transformer blew up at Con Edison and most of lower Manhattan has no power, ground zero turned into a waterfall, hospital generators failed so patients had to be evacuated, and the subways are out of commission until who knows when.

NOTD: Butter London Disco Biscuit

Nail Color: Butter London Disco Biscuit (3 Coats)

Butter London - 3-Free Nail Lacquer - Disco Biscuit 

Third Time's a Charm...B&BW Haul

I had to stop by Bath & Body works again. It was my third visit to a B&BW within 10 days. I've seriously have a candle addiction! I just couldn't help myself because I found out that a few of the fall scents were 50% off! Since I've been burning through one of three of my 4 oz. Cinnamon Sugared Donut candles, I wanted to stock up on the delicious scent. Unfortunately, I didn't have any applicable deals/coupons so I spent more than I would have liked. I also picked up a couple 1.3 oz candles with the 2 for $5 deal. I've started burning a few of the minis and I'm sad to say I'm starting to think that the mini candles are a waste of money. Scent is weak and throw is non-existent, I just might have to return a few. I will have more in-depth reviews with pictures up soon!

Bath & Body Works Haul Breakdown 

14.5 oz. Cinnamon Sugared Donut

14.5 oz. Cinnamon Sugared Donut

1.3 oz. Spiced Apple Toddy (Possible return because it smells entirely too similar to Leaves.)

1.3 oz. Cranberry Pear Bellini

1.3 oz. French Baguette (Will return, horrible excuse for a candle.)

1.3 oz. Pumpkin Cupcake 

Total (Before Tax) = $30.50 USD

P.S. If anyone has an idea how I can get my hands on test scents please fill me in! I would greatly appreciate it! =) Thank you in advance!

Mimi Cat Photo Bomb II

Fifth Week of Nursing School

October 23^rd, 2012

To My Fifth Week of Nursing School,

            I can't seem to confidently and precisely measure blood pressure as I would like. My simulation professor said I have good technique, but I'd rather be more precise and within the 2 mmhg required for next week’s midterm evaluation. I'm debating on getting a better stethoscope to see if I could hear the blood pressure pulses clearer and get a better read. I decided to skip out on Pathophysiology lecture this week because I wanted more time to study for the Professional Nursing quiz. I ended up doing better than I thought on the quiz, so maybe skipping wasn’t such a bad idea? Unfortunately now I have about 6 hrs of lecture podcast to catch up on for the Pathophysiology midterm in 2 weeks. I also ended up not going to the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk as I had previously planned because I wanted to spend more time studying for today's Adult and Elder midterm. I went into the test nervous and tired and came out wishy-washy and tired. It seems this is a consistent state I fall into when it comes to exams

            I've noticed that no matter what I just cannot sleep the nights leading up to an exam. Since we have had at least one exam every week, several nights I'm only been "sleeping" for 3 hr intervals. Maybe, it's because I’ve started drinking tea and diet coke in addition to my everyday coffee. My increased caffeine intake and anxiety over tests is wearing me out. I wouldn’t say I’m stressed over the difficulty of the material covered in our program, but it’s has more the accelerated aspect of the program that is difficult. I can’t seem to catch my breath. It’s kind of crazy, but even though the work is piling up and my subconscious is keeping me awake, I don’t believe I am consciously freaking out just yet.

            In on campus clinical we went over medicine administration and learned how to give subcutaneous/intramuscular injections on dummies. I was excited to do injections because I felt like this was my territory, being diabetic and giving myself 3+ injections per day and all. Surprisingly I learned something new! I had no idea that drawing air into the syringe and injecting the air into the vial would create a pulling pressure to fill the syringe to the needed dosage. Of course adjustments for air bubbles need to be made, but overall the technique was eye opening. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to work with my insulin syringes. I think it might have to do with the fact that my syringe is much smaller than the syringes available in the lab. I'm disappointed because I found that I won't actually be allowed to give injections in the hospital setting until next semester after the dosage calculation exam and enrollment in pharmacology. Bummer…

Goodbye Fifth Week of Nursing School,

Clos3tGirlyGirl

First Bath & Body Works Haul(s)

Bath & Body Works Haul #1 

4 oz. Cinnamon Sugared Donut

4 oz. Cinnamon Sugared Donut

4 oz. Leaves

1.3 oz. Apple Crumble (I've heard from a BBW sales associate that this scent will be discontinued.) 

1.3 oz. Pumpkin Caramel Latte

Total (Before Tax) = $22.00 USD

After I burned my cinnamon sugared donut candle, I was hooked. I never knew anything could smell so delicious. Seriously the next day I went to another Bath & Body Works store to pick up more of the 4 oz. candles since the $5 deal was ending soon. 

Bath & Body Works Haul #2

4 oz. Pumpkin Cupcake

4 oz. Frosted Cranberry (Winter Scent)

4 oz. Pumpkin Caramel Latte

4 oz. Pumpkin Caramel Latte

4 oz. Cinnamon Sugared Donut

4 oz. Leaves

Total (Before Tax) = $20.00 USD

I ended up picking up six...yes...SIX more candles on the second day. I just couldn't pass up the deal. The total cost for this trip was actually less from my previous haul. Hint: Follow your BB&W receipt directions and fill out the online feedback online to receive a promotion code for $10 Off your Next $30 Purchase.

NOTD: Stormy Starry Night

Nail Color: Deborah Lippmann in Stormy Weather (1-2 Coats)
and Deborah Lippmann in Some Enchanted Evening (1-2 Coats)  

Revlon Colorstay Nail Polish in Spanish Moss

Nail Color: 1 Coat Revlon Spanish Moss (w/ a few touch ups)

I picked up this polish after seeing one of Ingrid's (aka Missglamorazzi) "Get Ready With Me" YouTube videos. Once I saw the color I was hooked and immediately went to DuaneReade (~$8.50 USD) to pick it up. When I got there I had trouble choosing between Revlon's Spanish Moss and Essie's Sew Psyched. Both shades are very similar and are definitely good dupes for each other. I ultimately went with Revlon's Spanish Moss because it was noticeably more opaque. Although there is less product contained in the Revlon polish, I knew that Spanish Moss would be a better purchase since it requires less coats per manicure. This polish is an amazing fall color! Definitely a must have!

Base Coat: Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 2 Plus
and  Butter London Nail Foundation
Top Coat: Butter London Hardwear

Loreal Lineur Intense Felt-Tip Liner in Carbon Black

I bought this because I had heard that it's comparable to the Lancome Artliner in Black Noir. Although I've never tried the Lancome Artliner, I wanted to give the drugstore dupe a try first. Since I prefer a more natural look, I usually only apply a thin line of eye liner. Even though people say that thinner brushes/tips are harder to control, I think that I would have liked this product more if the tip was thinner. While applying the liner, I regretted buying the product within minutes because of the "Cons" listed below.

My first impression was that the product wasn't worth the money ($10.99 DuaneReade). After allowing the liner to set for a while longer, I gave it a third try to increase the intensity of the black and this time the color did not drag off. The black became more intense as well. As for how the product lasts...I have oily semi-hooded eyelids and wore the liner without any primer/eyeshadow. The liner did not smear even after 5-6 hours after application and the color did not transfer when I touched the line with my finger. Overall, the lasting power is very good for being a non-waterproof formula. Although I am curious as to how Lancome's Artliner compares to Loreal's Lineur Intense Liner, after testing this product out... I am not sure if I would be willing to pay double the price for the Lancome Artliner.

"Pros"

1. Long-Lasting
2. Easy Cat-Eye/Winged Liner
3. Color can be built up.
4. Easy removal with little to no transfer.
5. Price-point

"Cons"

1. Black isn't "Intense" enough.
2. Felt-Tip not thin enough.
3. Not Waterproof 
4. Application - When I tried to make the liner thicker/correct mistakes, tip removed the color previously drawn on.
5. Takes a long time to set.  


Recommendation: Worth the try.

Vampire Diaries Quotes: Damon [S4E2]

"They're floating lanterns in the sky. Can you believe that? Japanese lanterns as a symbol of letting go of the past. Well here's a news flash, we're not Japanese! You know what they are? Children. Like lighting a candle is gonna make everything okay or even saying a prayer or pretending Elena is not gonna end up just like the rest of us murderous vampires. Stupid, delusional, exasperating little children. I know what you're gonna say. "Makes them feel better, Damon." So what? For how long? A minute, a day? What difference does it make? Because in the end, when you lose somebody every candle, every prayer is not gonna make up for the fact that you have left is a hole in your life where that somebody that you cared about used to be. And a rock...with a birthdate carved into it, that I'm pretty sure is wrong. So, thanks friend. Thanks for leaving me here to babysit. Because I should be long gone by now. I didn't get the girl, remember? I'm just stuck here fighting with my brother and taking care of the kids. You owe me big." 

Background Music: "Ungodly Hour" by The Fray

Fourth Week of Nursing School

October 16^th, 2012

To My Fouth Week of Nursing School,

            Recently I joined the undergraduate nursing student organization as the 15 month accelerated fall start representative. I didn't want to mention running for the position before because I didn't want to get my hopes up and be disappointed. For some reason, I happened to be the only person to run for the position, and was elected by default. I'm thankful that I got the position and am excited to be involved with UNSO. In the future, if I can keep up with my grades I will hopefully be able to join Sigma Tau Theta, the nursing honors society, in the future.

            Last week I took my first exam for nursing school. Man, oh man...studying for pathophysiology zapped the energy out of me. I ended up doing above average, but of course I could have done a lot better if I had started studying sooner. Procrastinating to the max is the story of my life. I need to change my study habits, but how do I change if this is how I've been since grade school? Since the test, I have been extremely tired, out of it, and I sometimes feel like I'm in a drowsy-dreamlike state. It just might be that I need to keep tighter control over my diet and diabetes. I think the combination of stress and anxiety from the upcoming cascade of exams and assignments along with stress bingeing and lack of exercise has to do with it.

            Yesterday, I had my third off campus clinical. The patient I was assigned to this time was admitted with complaints of syncope and was under observation to try and figure out why she was experience prolonged episodes of lightheadedness. My patient had past medical history of Parkinson's disease and during the hand off, the nurse stated that the doctors thought that the lightheadedness was a secondary autonomic reaction to medication and her Parkinson's. Compared to last week, my patient was much more stable and I felt like I had less to do. I did notice that I was not as comfortable with approaching the patient because she always had a family visitor in the room. I was very self-conscious about my words said and actions performed on my patient. I definitely realize that I need to learn how to be more confident and more bold in the care I provide for my patients. I checked on my patient about every 30 minutes and in between I tried to keep myself busy on the floor.

            I was able to help a fellow nursing student and PCT help a patient use a commode and transfer to the bed for an echocardiogram. I was informed later that the patient had lower extremity edema and a skin deterioration condition as result of her vascular problems. At first, I thought that the odor was due to bad hygiene but was surprised to find that the skin deterioration was the reason behind the musky odor in the patient's room. I felt sorry for the patient because I am certain that the PCT's did not help her clean as efficiently as they could of. Furthermore, I heard that the patient's family members visited the hospital often. This surprised me because I feel that the patient would not have gotten to such a bad state if her family had just been more involved with her health.

Goodbye Fourth Week of Nursing School,

Clos3tGirlyGirl

Third Week of Nursing School

October 5^th, 2012

To My Third Week of Nursing School,

            Wow…I’m already 25% done with the first semester of nursing school! I find it crazy how fast time has flown by. School is beginning to become more and more hectic and it’s hard keeping all of our assignments and exams for each class in check. Most of the students are anxious about next week’s pathophysiology exam and the feeling is extremely contagious. I’m constantly re-compiling a list    of what is due just to make sure that I don’t miss anything. I’m not sure if this is my stress shining through or if I’m just trying to avoid the inevitable of studying for pathophysiology. I swear that my stress level skyrockets whenever I open that book.

            Anyways, since I talked about my second off-campus clinical already I figured I would address some thoughts that came to mind yesterday in my Professional Nursing class. I felt that the whole discussion about the heart of nursing was too over the top and unrealistic. In theory, the concepts covered may sound wonderful, but in practice it is very difficult to uphold that mindset. I do agree though that every patient that comes in is another opportunity to meet someone new and another opportunity for me to make an impact on the patient/resident and vice versa. When discussing this topic, I thought back to a couple months ago when I was still attending my nursing aide clinicals. I remember many of the residents’ faces and remember the names of exactly four individuals who I will probably remember for the rest of my life. In a time span of a month, I became attached to these four residents, more than I had ever expected. For example, there was a resident that I was assigned to one morning who was known to curse out anyone who would try and give him a bed bath or shower. After performing the task, I disregarded all the rumors I had heard. Sure, the resident was “difficult” but by thoroughly explaining to the resident what I was going to do to help him with every step of the way, he became noticeably calmer and stopped cursing. After completing my task the patient said “Am I all straightened out now?” and apologized and thanked me for my help. That “difficult” patient was by far my favorite patient to deal with and in fact I frequently asked if I could work with him. I constantly wonder how the residents in that nursing home are doing, and whether they are still going strong. I believe it is going to take some getting used to, this whole meeting and leaving patients that we have the honor of coming into contact with.

Goodbye Third Week of Nursing School,

Clos3tGirlyGirl

Second Week of Nursing School

October 1^st, 2012

To My Second Week of Nursing School,

            This week began with on-campus clinical. Although I was glad that I didn’t have to wake up at 5:00 AM, I would have preferred more off-campus clinical opportunities because I want as much patient exposure as possible. I want to be able to practice communicating with patients and master the skill. For the most part, this week’s on-campus clinical was review for me since I had recently earned my nursing aide certification. Even though I had practiced skills on a dummy in the past, it was still very unusual speaking to the dummy because Professor Latimer acted the voice of the patient. I wish that we had the time to perform the skills individually because it would have given each student the opportunity to speak up. In a real clinical setting, I believe multiple nurses will not simultaneously address the patient, possibly interrupt each other, and in the process overwhelm the patient. In our HAP simulation this week, we were introduced to possible traps when talking to a patient. After the class, I was a bit overwhelmed thinking about how I should properly approach patients and gather health history data without being too methodical and without offending the patient.

            I was going to address my experience in today’s off-campus clinical in my third week journal entry, but I want to write my thoughts and feelings down since they are fresh in my memory. Today, I was assigned to a patient who was admitted to the hospital due to pleural effusion fever. The patient had an AICD placed last week and experienced complications from the procedure that left her feeling anxious. My patient expressed her concern for her fever and her shortness of breath. As the morning progressed, she became increasingly agitated because she kept insisting to the nurses that she was about to pass out and that she wanted to see the cardiologist. When the nurse practitioner was finally notified, my patient’s condition suddenly plummeted. Her blood pressure dropped, while her heart rate became tachycardic, and the healthcare team gathered in her room with the proper equipment in case she coded. Later they moved her to the ICU and I was told by the nurse that the healthcare team believes she went into sepsis. What I learned from this experience, is that healthcare professionals should always treat each patient as a separate case and to always listen to the patient when he/she expresses concern about his/her health.

Goodbye Second Week of Nursing School,

Clos3tGirlyGirl

First Week of Nursing School

September 24^th, 2012

To My First Week of Nursing School,

            Where to start? There’s just so much going on in my head that I don’t know where to begin. The past month has been a wild, crazy, whirlwind adventure. The day after I moved all of my belongings across the country for move-in day, I hopped straight on a plane to travel around Europe for two weeks before our classes began. I figured it was my last opportunity to travel for a long time at least until I graduate and work for a couple of years. I’m still trying to catch my breath.  Even now, after the first week of nursing school, it hasn’t sunk in that I’m going to be a nurse in the very near future. I don’t think it is going to hit me until I pass the NCLEX, land my first job, and walk down the hospital halls as a registered nurse.

            This week has passed by so fast! I barely got any sleep Sunday night because I was anxious about possibly not being able to wake up in time for my off campus clinical. As nerve wracking as it is, to strut down the streets of New York in bright purple scrubs, I realized that they are a necessity! When I arrived at the off campus clinical site, I wandered around for a good 10 minutes before Professor Rempel, sitting on a couch nearby, acknowledged me. From what I gathered, this semester I will be working in a cardiac telemetry unit. For the most part, the hospital staff was welcoming, but the nurse of the patient I was assigned to seemed as if she was very in a hurry and it felt like she just wanted to concentrate on her tasks at hand. I was surprised to see that the patient was so kind and thorough with explaining her condition even though she wasn’t in the best of shape. Since I hadn’t attended any classes before the off campus clinical I was shocked by the careful charting nurses need to perform. I think that day I had the most difficulty when trying to communicate with the patient. Since we were paired with another student, I allowed my classmate to take over the conversation because I did not want to interrupt her and overwhelm the patient. Also, I can see how difficult it is to speak to patients who are hard of hearing because it’s hard to find the balance between being too quiet or too loud.

            I guess the last matter I want to address is that I’m still getting used to being away from my family, friends, and the awesome California weather. I still have so much to learn and to explore in New York. One of my biggest worries was meeting new people and making new friends. It may not be apparent to others, but I am a very shy and self-conscious girl. I am constantly battling with myself to squish my shyness, and once I overcome that hump the “getting to know people” and “people getting to know me” part is considerably easier.  I’m glad that everyone I’ve met thus far is so friendly and welcoming.

Goodbye First Week of Nursing School,

Clos3tGirlyGirl