"We’re always thinking that someday we’ll be happy; we’ll get that car or that job or that person in our lives that’ll fix everything. But happiness is a mood, and it’s a condition, not a destination. It’s like being tired or hungry, it’s not permanent. It comes and goes, and that’s okay."

Sunday, October 28, 2012

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)


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.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

NOTD: Butter London Disco Biscuit


Nail Color: Butter London Disco Biscuit (3 Coats)

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


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Fifth Week of Nursing School

October 23rd, 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.




Tuesday, October 23, 2012

NOTD: Stormy Starry Night

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