New York Happenings

Come on Irene!

2011-08-31T09:54:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the title. I refrained from using that phrase all weekend but now, I had to let it out! As all those of you who don't live in a hole in the ground know, the east coast was hit with a nasty hurricane this past weekend. New York City was a projected Irene target so the city went through drastic measures to prepare.

Our hospital was evacuated (first time ever!) on Friday because it was in a projected flood zone, and of course, I worked. It was a war zone! I was amazed to see nurses, social workers, case managers, doctors and nursing leadership working together so well to evacuate over 200 patients in 36 hours (this doesn't even include discharges to home!) I was proud to work at a place with such cooperation and care for its patients. I went to the grocery store after work on Friday for some rations and thought the apocalypse was about to hit. Fairway (on 74th and Broadway) was packed and they were sold out of essentials such as bananas and loafs of bread! I'm surprised I got out of there without getting into a physical altercation due to stress level. Last, the subway system shut down at noon on Saturday (although storm wasn't supposed to hit us until the evening and actually came the next AM instead.) We were stuck in Washington Heights so we hunkered down for the storm.

Scott and I stayed indoors from Saturday AM to Sunday afternoon. Hurricane Irene largely missed Manhattan (though parts of Brooklyn, Long Island, Staten Island, Jersey and upstate NY are suffering greatly because of it!) We were lucky. Scott and I got some quality indoor time to binge eat (apparently I am not good a rationing) and enjoy each others company. Here are some pics of the weekend.

Battle station! Scrabble, Internet, ginger snaps and white grape juice. We're set!

Me and our one flashlight. Apparently we were set if electricity went out because our building has solar panels. We were incredibly prepared nonetheless.

I think I watched more hours of TV over the weekend than I had in years. We were addicted and sick of Hurricane Irene news at the same time.

I lied. We went outside once on Saturday night. Scott braved the rain but wasn't particularly impressed.

Irene brownies. Bad idea. They were mostly gone by Sunday.

Had to capture this scrabble board because I won! (I never beat Scott at anything.) However, apparently "Ya" isn't a word so this win may be up for debate. Scott did allow the word...so he may be to blame for his loss.

Sunday-Funday-Windday! Hard to capture the wind on camera but it was a windy day when we finally ventured out Sunday afternoon. The cooler air was a nice change to the freakishly humid weather we've had this summer.

We survived captivity and are still smiling. Hurray!

This is how Scott said he felt after eating so much this weekend.

Puddle and falling tree branch (twig?) behind are extent of Washington Height's damage. We can't complain!

This was an excellent test of out ability to withstand isolating weather events in the future! Let's hope we don't have to do it again for a long time!

Summer Happenings, Part I

2011-08-28T20:00:00.001-04:00

Hey all,
While I thought it'd been longer since I last posted, I guess 2.5 months is probably a bit too long of an absence from the blog. I've got a stock pile of pics to share with you and probably 5-10 book reviews to do. Oops. I have been busy adjusting to life on my new floor which I am really enjoying. Switching from a cardiology unit to a medicine/oncology unit was a great move for me. I love the variety and I am really enjoying the people I work with. It is just a better fit. And no more night shifts is really helping my mood!

Anyways, here are some things that I would like to share that have taken place this summer...

Baby fever....

Julia had a baby shower in May...
Julia (8 months pregnant), Karen (4 months pregnant), Lauren (not pregnant!)

And had a baby boy on June 18th!

Samuel Beto Vaca is as sweet as can be!

Theater....

Scott took part in Boomerang Theatre Company's Much Ado About Nothing in Central Park.
Here he is as the Sexton. He did an awesome job!!

And worked with some funny funny people.
(Edward Carnevale, Scott Witebsky, Colby Chambers, Severin Anne Mason)

Mike and Natalie even came in to surprise Scott and see his show! What sweet kids (soon to be married in October!).

Old friend....

My friend Brad moved to the city and we have enjoyed many New York treats
including Shake Shack and 16 Handles frozen yogurt. (Yummo). Here we are at the Cloisters.

Short trip....

Scott and I took a road trip to the Lake George area in the Adirondacks for a little R&R. Here I am driving with my eyes closed! (Ok, camera happened to catch me with my eyes closed, I swear I'm not this risky.)

Scott wastes money...I mean spends money...on a lotto ticket. We didn't win lotto.

One of many mini-golf places in the Lake George area that are only open one day per week. Considering we were there Sunday-Monday, this did us no good.

Our Bed and Breakfast- the Cornerstone Victorian! This is a lovely little gem in Warrensburg, NY. The decor was a bit too old fashioned for me but it was still a lovely place to stay, friendly hosts and amazing food!

This bed and breakfast was adorable!

Its true.

I'm not especially good at taking full-room shots, but here is a beautiful Tempur-Pedic bed. If I remembered what number I used, I'd tell you.

Ramshackle little chapel near Lake George.

We had dinner at George's, a steak place that ended up being way more expensive than we wanted it to be...and had an affinity for taxidermy.

But a good experience none-the-less.

More summer fun to come!

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

2011-06-01T22:17:00.000-04:00

Rating: 4/5 stars

Oh Stieg, how will I ever survive without you? Just finished the last installment of the Millennium series and am sad that Stieg had to die so young and without finishing his series. (I believe there were supposed to be a total of 10 books). How will I survive without Lisbeth, one of my favorite characters in modern literature? Where will I find comfort reading about cheese sandwiches and endless pots of coffee? Who else will fight for justice in Sweden if Mikael Blomkvist is no longer?

Despite my sadness, the third book in this series was great (I personally loved #1 and #3 and am the odd ball for not liking #2 as much as others....as mentioned in previous review, has to do with my protectiveness over Lisbeth.) It gets to the heart a corrupt sector of a federal police organization in Sweden and we learn how and why Lisbeth was been so mistreated. But will she get justice after having been wronged? What will happen with her and Mikael? Mikael and Erica? (Erica leaves Millennium for a bigger press and gains a stalker in this novel.) What about Lisbeth's brother (the giant Niedermann who can feel no pain.)?

Great literature doesn't always provide the answers. In fact, the best books make us develop our own conclusions, and Larsson's untimely death forces this upon us as well. The Millennium series introduced Americans (and the world) to Swedish literature, Swedish politics and a great suspense writer. It has made its mark in literary history, and the world lost a special author when Larsson passed at the young age of 50. Let's hope that the American movie series lives up to the books. Lisbeth Salander, I will miss you.

A Visit from the In-Laws!

2011-05-28T17:57:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, Scott's parents, Judy and Steve, visited us from Mn! As arts-lovers themselves, we always find ways to have fun and this time we saw two plays (both Tony nominated I should add.)

Scott, Me, Judy & Steve @ Mel's Burger Bar on W110th Street. (Great shakes!)

The first show we saw was War Horse, a huge hit of a play that started in London and involves some of the most amazing puppetry I've ever seen. (See the Lincoln Center Theater link below.) Another perk of seeing the show? One of Scott's former classmates (and friend) from Temple University is in it. Austin Durant plays Chapman Carter and Manfred in the production and audience members will be stunned by his powerful voice and the fact that he's only 27 years old. Needless to say, the show was incredible, and I would recommend it to anyone. Excellent use of theatrical devices.

Lincoln Center Theater : Media Player

The second play we saw was much more light-hearted. The Book of Mormon (a musical) was written by the creators of South Park (a show I don't especially like). It was good to get away from their known characters on South Park and see how funny these writers really are! The show does take quite the jab at Mormons, as it does at Catholics and Jews and...basically everyone. But I think the message is good. And the show is hilarious. What surprised me the most is how catchy the songs are! This is definitely an album I will be buying. And good news: The show plans to tour so get your tickets soon because they WILL sell out.

The rest of the weekend was spent dining and shopping in SoHo. (Oh darn ;) ). We visited a store that is a huge favorite of Judy's called Versani which features handcrafted, beautiful jewelry. I was spoiled a bit and Steve, Judy and Scott all chipped in to buy me some one-of-a-kind wood embedded hoop earrings. They are awesome.

Looking forward to spending more time with Judy and Steve when I visit Minnesota at the end of June! It was nice to be able to share "our city" with them!

American Psycho

2011-05-18T10:20:00.000-04:00

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Scott has been bugging me to review this book online since I finished, but I've had such a crazy work schedule that I managed to develop a sinus infection and further put off my review writing. But now that I have a breather (....get it...breather?...nevermind), and the Nasonex/Astepro are starting to work, I shall share my thoughts on this controversial novel.

I mentioned after finishing Pillars of the Earth that I needed a lighter read, mainly physically, so I picked up American Psycho- paper back, 399 pages. Yes, I had seen parts of the disturbing movie. Yes, I knew the book was about a deluded rich-boy serial killer, but even that didn't prepare me for what this book had in store.

The book, in a word, is genius (no, this does not mean I sympathize with serial killers or any other killer for that matter). But Patrick Bateman's narration is incredible, whether it's describing a designer outfit (never forgetting even the slightest name-brand detail) or a dinner (which ALWAYS includes an appetitzer and an entree, no questions), you are sucked into his warped world of stature and luxury. It takes a while for details of the killings to start to take place. You, the reader, are being wined and dined, learning men's dress etiquette, and even reading a full chapter on Patrick's adoration of U2. Interesting enough, you learn very little detail of Patrick's job on Wall Street except for the fact that he makes boat loads for doing close to nothing.

Patrick glazes over his nasty little habit (about which he does not appear to feel the least bit remorseful) until maybe halfway through the book when you finally see what a monster Patrick really is. There are gruesome details that the average human could not even imagine until Bret Easton Ellis puts them on the page. (Kind of makes you wonder where he came up with all of these ideas.) There are more and more stomach churning scenes (prostitutes, dates, coworkers, etc are killed) and about 3/4 of the way through the book I started thinking enough! Too much! This is just blatant, over-the-top, in-your-face violence towards innocent(?) individuals, and I've read it once and I get it. He's psycho. But you keep reading, and you're glad you do because you further watch Patrick unravel until you're unsure the line between reality and imagination, real life and fantasy.

Patrick is one of the most amazing narrators in the history of American fiction. Part of you likes him, even though he is so obviously a huge asshole to others. You can almost see the faintest shimmer of goodness in him, especially in regards to his relationship with his secretary, Jean. And then you're reminded that he tortures small animals for fun, eats human body parts (after having sex with them), and has a more grotesque imagination than I ever believed possible.

This book is not for the faint of heart. But to search the depths of such a mentally deranged narrator's mind and to be entertained, even to laugh out loud at many passages, leaves you feeling guilty and intrigued at the same mind. Plus, I can never turn down a book about luxury New York life in the '80s. Steer clear of the Bolivian Marching Powder, but if you have the guts, pick up this book. It will blow you away (if you make it through...).

May 4th, 1973

2011-05-04T14:56:00.000-04:00

On May 4th, 1973, my parents tied the knot and I'd like to take this opportunity to wish them a Happy Anniversary!! By the way, 38 years?? You guys are old! (wink wink.) Love you!

Alex & Karen

Announcements...

2011-05-04T12:16:00.000-04:00

Warning: Long Rambling Post

Many of you will notice that there is not a blog count on the top of this post, nor was there one on my latest book review. That's right friends. No more counting. No more racking my brain to post something everyday when my life just isn't quite that interesting. This is all part of the Lauren Needs to Put Less Pressure on Herself movement. That being said, a good thing that the 365 Blog Challenge did do is jumpstart my blogging again, which is good enough for me!

I also have other news, this news in the job front. Many of you know that I will be switching as of June 6th to an Oncology/Geriatric unit on the day shift (THANK GOD). But I thought I'd share some reasoning behind it. When Scott and I returned from our cruise, I was so relaxed and in such a good place. Going back to work, particularly three-in-row on a very heavy unit (meaning our unit at this time had very sick patients) was a nightmare. I hated being there at night. I felt like a couple patients (re:leeches?) were sucking out my soul. I knew I needed a change.

I started thinking about where I saw myself in nursing in the future, what type of environment would make me happy. I knew early on that I couldn't be a bedside nurse my entire life, but I'm not ready to go back for my masters because I don't know that I want to be an NP or CNS either. I obviously have interests other than nursing that I'd like to pursue, that seem to balance me. At the same time, I haven't given up completely on getting something out of nursing and having it sustain me for many years.

Then something happened. Scott got an abnormal lab result back from the immunologist for which we were sent to a hematologist/oncologist for a follow-up. We feared that if this result was accurate, Scott may have a form of leukemia and that thought scared the hell out of me. Here we are, newly married, very happy together, and to have my life partner taken away so early would be my worst nightmare. We visited the cancer center affiliated with my hospital, the labs were repeated and it turned out the first lab was just a fluke due to an impending infection and Scott got a clean bill of health. We were so relieved, and I started thinking, maybe this all just happened to lead me into oncology. I remember visiting my dad's outpatient chemo center a few years back and thinking at the time it may be a little mundane, but now I think outpatient chemo is a goal for me. It is challenging, you're dealing with dangerous chemicals that could result in a variety of reactions and treating patients with a variety of cancer types. I also think that while I'm not thick skinned, I do have an inner strength that may be perfectly suited to deal with the realities of cancer and to help people cope with their disease.

I'm not kidding myself. There is a possibility that oncology won't be the right fit. That's part of the reason I am on the oncology overflow/geriatric unit. The nurse recruiter and I decided if it's too emotionally intense, at least I won't be stuck on a unit where that's all there is all day every day. So he sent me to meet with the nurse manager of this onc/geri unit, and turns out she was excited to meet me because we both went to Columbia for our nursing degrees.

Did I mention that after meeting with the nurse recruiter, I got pooped on by a bird? I am taking it as some sort of sign. A days position just happened to be available on the unit so my prayers were answered! Another great part? I'll be working with my friend Jill and another Columbia grad, Stefanie on my shift. Things are looking up. Just 15 night shifts left to go (including 5 in the next 6 days, shoot me). Here's to the home stretch!

Pillars of the Earth

2011-05-03T02:09:00.001-04:00

Rating: 4/5 stars

By now, most of you know how I feel if it takes me more than two weeks to finish a book. It's upsetting to me. Scott and I have such an abundance of books to read (blame it mostly on Goodreads Swap) that I feel guilty spending so much time on one. That being said, Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth is worth reading! (It is in fact on my mom's top 10 which is saying something.) While it's not a quick read, nor is it a difficult read. What might make people put the book down is the extensive amount of details, especially architectural details as the book centers around the building of a cathedral in the medieval England.

This almost 1000 page book (which took me 2 weeks and 5 days to read) spans the years 1123-1174 and revolves, as mentioned, around the building of a cathedral at Kingsbridge Priory, home of the Kingsbridge brotherhood of monks. In the beginning of the novel, the priory is in decay, being lead by declining and disorganized prior. Shortly, the prior is taken over by young Prior Phillip, though not without cost. When the failing priory's cathedral burns to the ground in an "accident", Phillip thinks all is lost. But Tom the builder and his family save the day as Tom fulfills his dream of designing and working on a grand cathedral with his son, Alfred, and step-son, Jack. Other characters play significant rolls as well. What epic novel is complete without a conniving villain or two? In this case, Bishop Waleran and William Hamleigh who are powerful men of England and try everything to prevent the building of the castle and in William's case, the happiness of his former wife-to-be, Aliena (daughter of the captured Earl of Shiring). English politics weave into the mix to make for a great historical novel and a good read.

Long story short, read this book if you are interested in the following:
1) Architecture (especially medieval)
2) Medieval History
3) Corrupt priests (as well as goodly ones).
4) Medieval love stories
Or, if you have a lot of patience and enjoy detail.

Now I have moved on to something lighter...at least physically. I'm pretty sure I broke my back from carrying this book around for almost 3 weeks! Thanks to Aunt Elaine for the great recommendation and for lending the book.

#97 Spring has...sprung?

2011-04-23T15:17:00.001-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #97

I'd just like to verify that that is not sunshine in this photo...it is simply glare.

I don't know what the rest of the country is like, but let me be the first, or the 8,000,000th to complain about this spring in NY. I can count the number of sunny days on one hand. Scott and I have broken at least 3 umbrellas. It is cold and wet and rainy and certainly uninspiring, and you'd think after the crap winter we had in NYC, Mother Nature would give us a break. But we must have done something to piss her off. Maybe it's all that pollution in the Hudson? Anyways, the trees are budding, the flowers are abloom, and the rain keeps falling. I am aware that Minnesota got snow last week, but consistent cold and rain for all of March and April? How about a break? Looking forward to breaking out some flip flops...you know...when we top our current temp of 55 degrees. Stay warm!

#96 How to Succeed....

2011-04-22T21:05:00.001-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #96

As much as I dislike the dated musical, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying", how cute is Daniel Radcliff?? Love him. Maybe he'll even do an enjoyable musical someday. And I especially like his American accent. Good work D. Rad!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

#95 Waffles

2011-04-20T18:22:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #95

Shortly before we left for my cruise, my husband took part in a short film and his work is finally up online! I just remember him coming home smelling like syrup afterwards....Great work hunny! Love you! And doesn't he look great on film??

WAFFLES from Kate Tarker on Vimeo.

#94 Getting back on track...

2011-04-19T10:15:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #94

So I haven't been a very dedicated blogger the past couple weeks. Partially of it was exhaustion/illness due to exhaustion, and partially, I wanted to see what it would be like not to put so much pressure on myself to do things outside of work. In life and work, I am a self motivator, but I am also a self-criticizer. I should stop that, I know, but there's really only so much I can change so I have to find ways to deal with it, or get around it. I find myself wondering how I would tolerate stress at work if I didn't put so much pressure on myself. But, that's like denying me my natural instincts so, I continue on. I thought maybe going easier on myself outside of work would help. But then I am just missing doing the things I enjoy!

Anyways, the lack of blogging was a nice little break but I want to make my goal and now I am a good 15 posts behind! So I'm getting back on it.

Also getting close to getting back on track for working out. I finally was allowed to do the elliptical yesterday at physical therapy (yes, I'm still doing that.) I'm a little sore today, but then again, was a little sore before I started yesterday. But definitely building strength in my hips and legs which they tell me is important. Wearing my orthotics is helpful too. (Oh yeah...those...).

Here's to getting back on track!

#93 Leeches

2011-04-18T02:04:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #93

As previously mentioned, coming back from the cruise, work hit me like a sack of bricks. I must have built up my stress tolerance over the months, and being so relaxed from the cruise made me vulnerable to the stressful realities of nursing. Either that, or our floor has been especially annoying lately.

I don't like to complain about patients (though doing so usually makes me feel better). They are sick people, and they need our care. It's probably the overwhelming aspects of the job that make it harder to put up with people's "idiosyncrasies". I just find it very difficult to want to care for someone who acts more needy than they really are, which some people do while in the hospital. I understand it's scary and miserable to be sick, it's uncomfortable to be away from home. However, in addition to the medical and physiological things we nurses need to keep in mind, it's a constant psych game. Perhaps people regress a bit in the hospital, or maybe they feel neglected when their families aren't there very often. But sometimes I feel like certain (definitely not all) patients are emotional leeches. They drain everything out of you due to their psychological neediness.

Being a people-pleaser in these cases is difficult. And not all the nurses on my floor put up with it. But I am not one to get nasty with patients, and while I try to set limits, I sometimes get pulled under. Leeches make you appreciate the patients who are self-sufficient, or who, for medical reasons, actually do need your help as much as they insist.

So please, the next time you or a loved one is in the hospital, take the time to be kind to the nurse, especially if she is being patient and compassionate to your loved one (as he/she should be doing!) We need your appreciation just as much as you or your loved one needs our care.

#92 Swamplandia!

2011-04-14T21:40:00.001-04:00

Rating: 3/5 stars

365 Blog Challenge: Post #92

Perhaps something is wrong with my taste in books. Swamplandia, by Karen Russell, is her debut novel, and has gotten tons of critical praise. It was a Booklist starred review, it was longlisted for the Orange Prize (literary award), it got praise from Stephen King, Oprah and Carl Hiaasen. But I didn't like it.

Here's the thing: It's obvious that Karen Russell is an excellent writer. Her prose are suburb, her descriptions make you feel as if you're experiencing the thing for yourself. But the subject matter? While I really wanted to like this book, I just found it too absurd. ("Too quirky for its own good" is the description I found in a reader review that just about sums it up.)

The book begins with the main character, Ava, describing her life in Swamplandia!, the "number one gator-themed park and cafe in the area" (the area being the gulf side of southwest Florida.) It sounded to me quite funny. And at times it was, mostly it was just odd. Ava's mother, Hilola Bigtree, who is the star performer at Swamplandia! has died of ovarian cancer at the young age of 36. Ava, 13, (though it took me reading a review just now to figure that out) and her sister, Osceolla, 16, and brother Kiwi, 17, are left alone on the island with their father "Chief Bigtree", the family's eccentric patriarch who is determined to keep the theme park going despite declining numbers of patrons.

Finally one day, the ferry which carries patrons over from the mainland doesn't show up, and Ava learns that this is because there were no passengers. Swamplandia! is becoming obsolete. From here the story breaks into that of Ava, who at 13 seems a little too clueless to be believable (though she did grow up on an island away from other kids her own age), and her secret plans to save Swamplandia, and that of Kiwi, as he escapes Swamplandia! for life on the mainland working a minimum wage job at World of Terror (a competing theme park) trying to earn money to get the family out of debt. In the mean time, Chief Bigtree leaves Ava and Osceola alone on the island to attend to some "business matters" on the mainland, more or less abandoning the two teenagers. Osceola, a silly, yet caring girl, has found interest in communicating with ghosts and claims she has become engaged to a former dredge man who just happens to be dead. When Osceola disappears, Ava thinks she is the only one who can save her from the Underworld, where she plans to flea with her dead dredge man, and dreary adventure ensues.

My problem with this book is that I felt very disconnected from the characters. Maybe they were too out of touch with their own feelings for them to express them meaningfully, but I just found a lot of the characters odd, and wanted to know more. Also, as mentioned before, Ava is almost unbelievably naive which I may believe of a character 3 or 4 years younger than her, but at 13, her naivety is questionable.

The one thing I will say for this book is that the writing of Ava's adventure in the last 50-or-so pages is excellent. Without giving too much away, she begins to get disoriented from lack of hydration along with other factors, and you can sense that in Russell's writing. I felt the path twisting and turning under my feet as if I was with Ava while she walked. I felt starts and stops of consciousness and remembering as Ava fades in and out of reality.

Russell is obviously a very talented writer. She was listed as one of the New York Times 20 under 40 (she is only 29). But I found her subject matter a little too absurd, and her characters a little too impersonal at times. I do understand the concept of showing and not telling, which I think Russell does well. But maybe too well. Something it just felt too disconnected for me. I may or may not give Russell another try in the future.

#91 Zoe and Heather visit NY!

2011-04-11T18:31:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #91

As mentioned a few days ago, we were lucky enough to have my sister-in-law, Heather, and our niece Zoe visit us in NY last week! They were here for 3 days, and they were packed full of dolls, junk food, toys, and plays! A 5-year-old's dream! (And very fun for the rest of us as well!)

We all took a 20 minute carriage ride through Central Park. We tried to ignore the taunts of the protesters who think the horses are being mistreated. How could they taunt this cute 5-year-old??

Zoe and Mama Heather, about the time that Zoe said this was the best day ever.

We really ran Zoe ragged on the first day. She conked out sound asleep on the subway on the way to get dinner in Soho. However, for those of you who watched her video posted a few days ago, you can attest to the fact that she got her groove back after this cat nap.

Breakfast at Alice's Teacup! I have been wanting to take a little girl there ever since going there my first time for a friend's birthday, and Zoe is the perfect age to appreciate the Alice and Wonderland themed restaurant. She had her first tea party and tried tea for the first time and liked it!

Unkie Scott got Mango tea.

Aunty Lauren got this cup of coffee that was almost the size of her head (but delicious! Very impressed with their coffee!)

The nice gentleman at the front register let Zoe wear some fairy wings while we finished breakfast. She was so caught up in all the excitement that she didn't even seen Cynthia Nixon walk in as we were leaving (though she wouldn't have known her if she did. But Unkie Scott and Aunty Lauren knew!)

Zoe stops to smell the flowers.

Love watching Scott take care of Zoe. What a good uncle!

Heather and Zoe at MOMA. Zoe lost interest in this museum very quickly.

My favorite picture at MOMA, and it's of words. Is this a surprise?

Zoe and her Mama on the ferris wheel at Toys R' Us in Time Square. Zoe confided that riding a ferris wheel was one of her dreams and didn't throw a hissy fit about not getting the Barbie car like some other girls we saw.

In the midst of all the lights and dazzle of Time Square, Zoe paused, put her hands on her knees and screamed. She'd found Starbucks. And here is Mister Starbucks who offered to take a picture with her after she got her Madelines (cookies). Grandma Judy, you've created a Madeline Monster!

Unfortunately, I wasn't paying attention while deleting some old cruise photos on my camera and accidentally deleted some FAO Schwartz and American Girl Store photos. :( Also, while we loved the play, didn't take many pictures there. We sure had fun! Aunty Lauren had so much fun that she developed a cold, but it was worth it.

#90 Firefly Lane

2011-04-10T22:40:00.002-04:00

Rating: 4/5 Stars

365 Blog Challenge: Post #90

During our cruise, I read a book that my mother-in-law recommended to me, Firefly Lane, by Kristin Hannah. Since the recommendation was made to me, I have seen Hannah's books and name popping up everywhere. I don't know how long she has been popular, but I must say that this book was a PERFECT vacation read, and I really enjoyed it.

Firefly Lane is the street where Kate Mularky grows up, and where she meets her best friend, Tully Hart. The story follows these two women through their teen years to adulthood, highlighting careers, men, and priorities. While Kate dedicates her life to her children and family, Tully throws herself into her career as a broadcast journalist. Both are successful in their own plights, though both question their decisions throughout the book. I had to keep myself from crying as I finished this novel in the Fort Lauderdale airport.

I would compare Kristin Hannah's writing to that of Jodi Picoult, though perhaps this book addresses less of a universal social issue, and more personal issues which we each must solve for ourselves. It is mostly a light read though there are emotional parts of the book. The writing is strong though not amazing, but the story is endearing as are the characters and the message. A great break from heavy books, and quite the page-turner. Thanks Judy for recommending!

#89 Miscellaneous Cruise pics

2011-04-10T22:33:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #89

Sadly, this is my last cruise-dedicated blog, but I am way behind in my blogging and must move on. I had a dream today (I have been sick in bed with a bad cold) that Scott and I went on another cruise and he brought another woman, in addition to me. That one wasn't so good, but the cruise is showing up in my dreams over and over again. I think I had a harsh dose of reality when I got back to work, and I would give just about anything to be on the high seas again. Here are some of my favorite cruise pics not featured in previous posts.

The night we went to the Royal Caribbean Singer and Dancers' show, we had the drink special of the day, Midori Lemonade. Yummo. Too bad it didn't make the show much better.

Sheila and Caroline, our dinner mates. They were from England, just outside of London, and they were wonderful company. Miss these ladies!

I'm secretly only including this picture because it's my favorite outfit I wore on the cruise...my nautical dress from JCPenny. My arm is covering the cute navy belt that goes with it.

Our room was cleaned up twice a day and in the evening, the cleaning staff often left us towel animals. This one is a cute little towel puppy.

Scott accidentally decapitated the towel puppy. He felt terrible.

Towel Sloth! This was our favorite. We kept it up for days. Our little towel Pachito!

We may or may not have had too much to drink this night...this is Scott's first drink...after drinking 3/4 a bottle of wine because I didn't like it. Whoops.

Artsy pool shot #1- This is actually the ceiling in the indoor pool at night. It was pretty surreal watching yourself float.

Scott got a little more daring with his poses.

OMG I miss this seat. And that pina colada.

Last night at dinner with our assistant waiter, Suzette and our waiter, Dennis. They were wonderful! However, they are to blame for the 5 pound weight gain.

I have decided I could travel the world by cruise ship for the rest of my life...if it weren't for having land-loving friends and family. We're wishing and praying for a big tax return to put money towards another cruise....or we could be smart and save for the house that we'd like to own one day...priorities....

#88 Georgetown, Grand Cayman

2011-04-08T18:33:00.001-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #88

Our last port was Georgetown, Grand Cayman. This was basically our shopping port. Andy, the port and shopping guide on our ship, an extremely attractive though most likely homosexual Australian, talked up Grand Cayman's shopping from the start. The shops here carry a large amount of designer and fine jewelry, and you can haggle for a good price. I almost was talked into buying a $2000 tanzanite/diamond ring for $650 before reason came over me, and I decided that was far too much to spend on myself. I settled for some beautiful tanzanite earrings for much less, and that sales person was much less aggressive, which I preferred. The water in Grand Cayman was the most beautiful blue I have ever seen! However, after spending quite a bit of money, Scott and I were too tired to go to Seven-Mile Beach, so we head back to the ship. It ended up being a cloudy day anyways.

George Town, Grand Cayman

There is definitely a pirate theme going around this island. We took this picture for Tyler, our almost 3-year-old nephew who is going through a pirate phase.

On the right, a mock pirate ship on the gorgeous blue water.

I'm a happy girl after getting my tanzanite earrings. Really liked the sales person at this store, Effy. She wasn't too pushy and gave me a good price.

I took this picture for my sister who is obsessed with Dunkin Donuts. Who knew they had it in Grand Cayman?

Random rooster in a church parking lot. Apparently didn't like our company.

The tender boat that brought us from our ship to shore. I just liked the name.

Scott's beautiful new Philip Stein watch. This is one of Oprah's favorite things. It contains a disc that emits vibrations that is supposed to interact with your biofeedback and make you feel better and sleep better. Scott doesn't buy it but says he likes how it looks. He better because they are not cheap!

We're getting to the end of the cruise pics to share on the blog which makes me sad. I am sad enough being back in the world rule. I am having cruise withdrawal. Can't wait for our next one. Will try not to spend so much money on that one!

#87 Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

2011-04-06T18:14:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #87

Getting back on track after a few busy (and fun!) days, here are our pics from Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. We booked a white water rafting excursion here, and the river was about an hour from port so we got to see a lot of the country side/agriculture of Costa Rica. We saw banana plantains, cows, horses, goats, bulls, a pineapple farm. This was Scott's favorite place. After doing the first two rapids of the river, we even were startled by a cow drinking from el Rio de Reventazon about 10 feet away from us! Talk about surreal.

Our Mercedes bus for our white water rafting excursion.

Banana plantation. The blue bags are around the banana bunches to signal to the airplanes that fertilize the fields that they no longer need fertilizer are are just about ready to be picked. The bags also increase the humidity for the plant which apparently is a good thing.

Gorgeous Costa Rica.

Costa Rica

Our rafting river! El Rio de Reventazon meaning River of Disruption or Rupture. It was just a category 2 (out of 6). Next time we'll go for a 3 or a 4. :)

In Costa Rica, they bury the dead above ground because they get so much rain.

Costa Rican lunch! It was delicious! Chicken, rice and beans, salads, pasta, fried yuca and fried plantains and Scott's favorite coconut balls which were balls of coconut in a soft sweet batter.

Pineapple Fields! These pineapple may be used in Dani's Gerber baby food.

Costa Rica

Our final stop? An EXPENSIVE shopping trip in Georgetown, Grand Cayman...coming up!

#86 A visit from 2 of our favorite ladies...

2011-04-05T14:40:00.003-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #86

You may (or may not) have noticed an absence in my posts the last few days. That would be because Scott and I have been entertaining two of our favorite ladies: Scott's sister, Heather, and our 5-year-old niece, Zoe. We have had so much fun! Who knew there was so much in NY for kids to enjoy? We've hit up the American Girl doll store, FAO Schwartz, Mary Poppins the Broadway musical and eaten TONS of tasty treats. After gaining 5 pounds on our cruise, I quickly lost three after working 3 straight shifts and eating less. However, I may be back to my post-cruise weight again after all the sweets we've had. I'll post pics in the next day or so, but I wanted to give you a preview of my niece's talents- She's an independent spirit who loves to sing and dance so we were not wholly surprised when she broke out into dance randomly in a pizza shop on Sunday night. Wish I had those moves!

#85 Colon Panama

2011-04-01T18:30:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #85

Have I mentioned how much I hate working three night shifts in a row?? The last two nights have been horrible. I've had two female patients that are keeping my hands full and driving me nuts. Naturally, they're in the same room. I could ask for a different patient group tonight, but sometimes that makes me feel like a wuss. Not sure what is more important: my sanity or my pride. Anyways, I think reliving some of our wonderful vacation before work might help me simmer down a bit.

Our third port was Colon, Panama. Scott and I booked an "excursion" from the ship which means it was overpriced but safe, so we didn't have to worry about finding a cab to show us around the city. We got to the bus early however, and decided to walk around the port to explore before getting on. Man are those Panama tour guides pushy! We crossed a bridge from port and took an escalator down to a pack of taxi drivers/tourists who would not let you get away! I can't tell you the number of times we had to explain we already booked something for the day. I am not good at being pushed and haggled, however, I understand these people probably don't make much money so I felt a since of guilt and annoyance at the same time. Talk about being brought up Catholic. We were warned by a taxi driver not to leave the port area on our walk because it's very dangerous on the streets. And we thought Colombia would be dangerous. We learned differently.

Our excursion was great. We got to see the Gatun Locks at the Panama Canal which was much cooler than I thought it would be. Then we took about an hour long hike in the rain forest which was shared by an old US military base. Talk about some interesting, "Lost"-esque pictures! Though Panama wasn't our favorite, it was definitely worth the stop to see some of these things.

Colon, Panama from our ship

Scott on boat, overlooking the port.

McDonalds in Panama! This was about the time the taxi driver warned us not to go further away from port.

These locks will soon be renovated because they are suffering some wear and tear. They are pretty genius though!

Workers walking across the Panama Canal on a teeny tiny platform. That takes nerve.

The canal! The water on the left has been raised so that a shift from the left can be pulled through to the other side.

Here is a ship from Greece waiting to come through.

Another ship carrying gas coming through. This ship paid $50,000 to cross the canal.

This is one of the little mobiles that pulls the ship through the canal. There is one attached on either side of the canal by cords which you can see in this picture.

This ship from China paid $384,000 to cross the canal due to all its Cargo. Pricey!

Dilapidated barracks near the rain forest.

An old bowling alley across from barracks.

Here is a banana tree in the rain forest. Bet you didn't know they had flowers?!

Termites nest. Nassssty.

Rain....in the rain forest.

GIANT ANTS! (in the rain forest).

A sloth in the wild!

Colon, Panama. Maybe not the wealthiest place.

Scott enjoying one of Panama's best beers after a busy day. He said it was very "hoppy" though I thought it was relatively smooth for my naive taste.

Ready for some Central American agriculture? Costa Rica is next!

#84 Cartegena, Colombia

2011-03-30T13:35:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #84

My favorite stop on the trip was our second port, Cartagena, Colombia. Many people associate Colombia with danger and drugs, but Cartagena is a beautiful and relatively safe place according to our taxi driver, Oswaldo. Cartagena is like a little Metropolis. There is an Old City and a New City. We paid Oswaldo $50 for a round trip to a shopping center about 20 minutes from the port. He drove us through Old City and we got a broken English tour. Good thing I still know a little Spanish. Also, Oswaldo stayed with us while we were shopping so he could tell us the cheaper and more expensive stores. At the shopping center was a man who charged $2 for a picture with his pet sloth, Pachito. Pachito was super cute. When his owner picked him up off of someone, he stayed in hanging position, ready to latch on for the next picture. And minus his claws being a bit pokey, he was really cuddly! We did some shopping in Colombia, and I was lucky enough to buy a pair of emerald earrings from a museum/shop in town. We bargained for a good price and also got a tour of the museum and workshop to see how the stones are found and treated. We also got some Colombian coffee (duh) and Mopa Mopa artwork for our family back home.

Cartagena, Colombia

Love the Spanish road signs! (Except in Panama and Costa Rica, these signs said "Alto". Interesting.)

Prettiness in Old City

The Clock Tower in Old City

This is a guy preparing emeralds for jewelry at the emerald museum we went to.

At the museum, you got to see what emerald looks like when discovered underground.

Scott, Me and Pachito! (How many times and places can I post this picture? It never gets old!)

Military types in Cartagena.

Cartagena, Colombia

Scott, Me, Oswaldo. We didn't realize the $50 cash didn't include tip and it's the only cash we had on us so we ran back to the ship to get Oswaldo a tip but had to leave it with his friend. We hope he gets it! We brought you $15 Oswaldo! Make sure Mario gives it to you!!

Scott and some parrots near the port.

Emerald earrings (in sterling silver)! We got them for a bargain! Sorry the pic is a bit blurry. We were having a hard time zooming.

Next up: Panama!

#83 Labadee, Haiti

2011-03-30T13:09:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #83

The first port we visited was Labadee, Haiti. Labadee is an island off of Haiti that Royal Caribbean owns. While it was absolutely beautiful, we felt the experience was a bit artificial, especially since we were really seeking out new cultural experiences. We went swimming in the ocean and naturally, I managed to injure myself by stubbing my toe on a piece of wood at the bottom of the ocean. I have slivers to prove it. I had to go all the way back to the boat to get the tweezers and Neosporin which was kind of a buzz kill. Also, one of the venders Scott encountered begged him for food in exchange for a free item. I was horrified by this story because it made me feel incredibly guilty for being on the island in the first place, for being on this luxurious cruise when there are people there who don't have enough to eat. I didn't even want to buy any knick knacks there because I thought they would just remind me of my guilt. Needless to say, this was our least favorite port.

Labadee, Haiti

View from our ship

We saw these two small boats in the ocean near our ship while eating breakfast.

The water sure looks nice but there are hidden dangers underneath.

Like wooden planks....I'm ridiculously accident prone.

When shopping seemed to be out of the question, we tried to explore the island a little bit. Not gonna lie, climbing rocks in flip flops is not so easy.

More cruise pics to come!

#82 Firestarter

2011-03-30T00:23:00.001-04:00

Rating: 3/5 stars

365 Blog Challenge: Post #82

During our cruise I finished Firestarter by Stephen King which I found not as good as "Under the Dome" but not as bad as "The Gunslinger." The book was made into a movie starring former child actress Drew Barrymore, though considering this book was originally published in 1981, you probably already know that.

The story involves Andy McGee and his daughter Charlie, and it begins when they are on the run from "The Shop", a secret government agency who is interested in the pair due to their supernatural abilities. Andy, who during college was involved in an experiment in which he was injected with "Lot 6", developed the power of mind domination (which he calls "Pushing") though his ability causes him physical pain when used too much. 6-year-old Charlie, daughter of Andy and Vicky (another Lot 6 participant) seems to have a gift of mass destruction- pyrokinesis, being able to start fires with her mind, sometimes purposefully, other times when her emotions get the better of her. Since The Shop killed Andy's wife, he and Charlie have been on the run to avoid similar fates, or at least to avoid being locked up for the rest of their lives as science experiments.

Once Charlie and Andy are eventually caught, the sinister Rainbird, a government hit man who captured the pair, takes an interest in Charlie and feeds his sick morbid fantasies by imagining what it will be like to kill a child. All of this is under the watch of the emotionally-strained Captain J. Hollister who becomes very vulnerable to Andy's capabilities.

I enjoyed the action in this book. The chase and the fire scenes kept me coming back. I became slightly bored once Charlie and Andy were captured because basically there was a lull in the action. I still think that Stephen King is a hell of a story teller and has a true talent in weaving characters and themes throughout his novels. However, you can see how much he has matured as a writer when you compare this book to Under the Dome which is so much more epic and intricate.

Next up- Firestarter- the movie! Looking forward to pre-rehab Drew playing Ms. Charlie McGee.

#81 Cruise blues/Ship photos

2011-03-29T23:33:00.001-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #81

Have you ever gone on vacation just to find you need another vacation to rest up from the first vacation? Have you ever had so much to do that you don't know where to start and, therefore, nothing gets done? That would be my day today. After Skyping with our families for almost 2 hours last night after apx 5 hours of sleep the night before and a full day of traveling, I was exhausted. I had to haul myself out of bed this morning to balance the checkbook (quite the task after this trip), go to physical therapy, go to the allergist, buy groceries, and to return to the apartment to take a 2 hour nap. And I haven't even started cleaning up this sty of a place we call our apartment for Heather and Zoe's visit this weekend. On a positive note, I did start some laundry and unpacked my bags and am now trying to get some blogging in before the trip becomes irrelevant in your minds.

For this post-cruise post, I wanna show some pictures of the actual boat we were on- Jewel of the Seas. It's a Royal Caribbean Radiance Class ship, and it was beautiful. We can't wait to book another cruise and try out another boat. This boat came equipped with 1 outdoor pool w/ 2 hot tubs, 1 indoor (adults only) pool w/ 1 hot tub, a climbing wall, a 9-hole mini-golf course, a sports court, a casino, a gym/running track and lots of other stuff. It was a pretty nice place to live for 10 days!

At Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale

Pre-cruise shot- We didn't know what we were doing.

Outdoor pool came equipped with giant man holding beach ball statue. We both thought it was real for about a minute.

Indoor pool- AKA Solarium....sooo peaceful.

Mini-golf on the ocean!

The chandelier from deck 4 in the centrum (center of ship).

Beautiful shot of the balconies on each floor (up to floor 12!) from the 4th floor centrum.

Water fall in the centrum next to the stage where many wonderful musicians performed each night.

The stage in the Coral Theater where the nightly shows were. We only went to one because we're snobs.

This is actually a photo of the ceiling reflecting Scott in the pool in the Solarium at night. Pretty cool!

Our favorite spot on the last day in the Solarium overlooking the ocean. I miss it!

A photo of our ship- Jewel of the Seas in Haiti. It's huge!

Many more pics where those came from. I'll post more when I find some energy! Good night!

#80 Back in the states

2011-03-29T00:36:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #80

Hello my faithful readers...
Scott and I have returned from our cruise and spent the entire day traveling. I am exhausted and will keep this post short and sweet. Just a quick note to let you all know that we had an AMAZING time on our cruise. Made so many memories, saw so many new things, met new people, helped the international economy (i.e.shopped!). I will be uploading many pictures in the days to come as well as reviewing the 2 books I finished while on the ship. For tonight, I will just include this one picture, my favorite from the trip. This picture was taken in Cartagena, Colombia at a shopping center. A man with a sloth comes every day and lets people take pictures with his pet. Here is a picture of Scott, me, and our new favorite animal, Pachito the sloth.

Pachito tried to get fresh with me when I was giving him back to his owner when his claw hooked the neck of my shirt. I saw him try to sneak a peak. Such a sneaky little guy. And so cute! More to come! Glad to be back writing to you all!

#79 Best Wisconsin news coverage yet....

2011-03-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #79

This episode aired weeks ago, but I found this story from the Daily Show about the "luxurious" lives teachers lead so funny, I had to share it with you all. Enjoy:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Crisis in Dairyland - Apocalypse Cow

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

The Daily Show on Facebook

#78 Cruise Reading Material

2011-03-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #78

As we plan to spend a lot of time lounging by the pool during our cruise, we figured we'd do a lot of reading. Therefore, Scott and I each packed 4 books, and just in case, there is a library on board. Chances are we'll each finish one, if even, because I find myself dozing easily in the sun. But we made an effort to stay on top of our reading material. Here's what we brought:

Four books on the left are mine: Firestarter-Stephen King, Firefly Lane- Kristin Hannah, Discomfort Zone- Jonathan Franzen, The Glass Castle- Jeannette Walls. Four books on the right are Scott's: American God's- Neil Gaiman, The Eyre Affair- Jasper Fforde, Eating the Dinosaur- Chuck Klosterman, Stardust- Neil Gaiman

#77 Mommy's nose is scary...

2011-03-19T09:00:00.003-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #77

A little something to entertain you while I'm away. I laughed so hard I cried when I watched this video. If you want to see pure fear in someone's eyes, watch this. Enjoy!

#76 A visit from the man your man could smell like

2011-03-18T17:00:00.002-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #76

Today is the day! Our cruise is departing from Fort Lauderdale, and we are ready to sail the seven seas! (Or at least the Atlantic Ocean). In honor of this special day, I decided to post a little treat for all of you in the form of the Old Spice guy because he's right, I am on a boat! (Though not on a horse). Bon Voyage!

#75 Pre-Cruise Jitters

2011-03-17T22:53:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #75

Tonight I sit in the Channel Room at Grandma Judy's condo, a game room of sorts which is the only room with free WiFi in the condominium. My blogging is being rudely interrupted by three adolescent males watching rap videos on a lap top a few tables away, drinking Arizona iced tea from a 2 gallon jug. Annoying, but it will have to suffice.

Today, Scott and I ran some pre-cruise errands which included picking up some things we forgot (gym shorts) and things that we packed that no longer fit (stretched out swimsuit in my case). Then we lay by the pool, swam a bit and walked on the beach before dinner at Outback. Tomorrow we will leave the condo at 11am and board the ship early to explore and have lunch before we depart at 5pm.

I saw a cruise ship leaving port today, the Navigator of the Seas, another Royal Caribbean ship, and I got a sick wave of nausea in my stomach. It's not that I'm scared of drowning or sharks or that kind of thing. I just find the idea of being in the middle of the ocean without having any land in sight a bit unsettling. Also don't love the idea of having no communication with my family for 10 days. Scott reassures me he will take care of me. Tonight, we will take our first dose of Bonine (anti-seasickness medication) and sleep our last night on land for 10 nights!

Here are some pics of the day.

Navigator of the Seas heading out to sea. *Gulp*

Staying hydrated by the pool in my new swim suit. (Kenneth Cole, originally $94, got it for $26 at TJ Maxx. Woot!)

Scott looks even thinner than usual in this pic. I promise you he's eating.

Yet another trip to Walgreens for last minute needs...my husband is so fashionable.

#74 Happiest baby ever

2011-03-16T23:01:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #74

My favorite baby gives us another reason to love her:

That laugh could make anyone smile! Keep up the good work Erin and Steve!

#73 A rough start to a great day in Florida!

2011-03-16T22:36:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #73

The day started out a little rough. After about 30 minutes of sleep, Scott and I bickered our way to Broadway. After that 10 minute walk it took us about 10 minutes to hail a cab in the rain. However, once we landed in Florida, things started looking up. The weather is lovely. The air smells of sun tan lotion! We got lunch at Einstein's Bagels, took a nice nap and an hour long walk on the beach (we even saw a manatee near shore! Hopefully it didn't get washed to shore...). For dinner, Scott's Grandma Judy's friend, Joan, took us out to dinner. So nice! Here are some pics of the day:

Traditional pre-trip airport shot! Somehow Scott looks bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and I just look tired.

The LGA jetBlue terminal was a little old school, as you can see...

Trying on hats at Walgreens! This is for our nature walk in the rain forest in Panama! (No, we didn't buy it.)

Lincoln Park in the Dark in the ocean!!

My cutie is also video documenting our trip which isn't going so well since I'm his only subject, and I hate talking on camera. We'll see how this goes.

Beach nature!

More fun tomorrow as we prepare for our departure!

#72 While I'm away...

2011-03-16T18:00:00.001-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #72

Well All,
By the time you're reading this, I will be in Fort Lauderdale, FL either soaking up some rays or sleeping because the preparation for this trip has been exhausting (and expensive and we can barely afford to do anything until I get paid Friday, but that's just a side note)! I just wanted to give you a little update on how things will roll after we depart.

Internet on the cruise is very expensive ($0.65/minute) so we will most likely not be signing on except once or twice for a couple minutes at a time. Therefore, until I return to the States on March 28th, the posts you see will be prescheduled. (Meaning I'm writing them before Friday, and I hope they don't suck.) We won't have access to our phones either, so don't worry about texting me about how much you enjoyed my post. I won't be able to get it after we leave port on Friday, so you can just post a comment instead.

I hope you enjoy the next two weeks, and I can't wait to blog about all our adventures at sea! Take care my faithful readers! Love,

LBW

#71 A note on Stephen King

2011-03-16T06:00:00.003-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #71

I'm currently reading "Firestarter" by Stephen King, one of his books from the early '80s which was later turned into a film staring Drew Barrymore (pre-rehab). Reading this book reminds me why writing is so multi-faceted, and that a writer's individual strengths are what make them so incredible. The first book I read by Stephen King was "Under the Dome", his recent best-seller that totals over 1,100 pages, and while reading "Firestarter", I can see how much King has matured in his story telling. In his early work, he still has a knack for creating likeable, endearing characters, as well as characters who make your stomach turn. He knows how to keep you reading, how much to tell you without ruining anything but also keeping you interested. It's as if he honed his talents throughout the years so that as a veteran author, he can hold together an incredibly complicated book with numerous important characters and plot lines. He matured enough as a writer to create an epic. King is described as a master story-teller, and although his writing isn't elegant or beautiful or lyrical, his stories are so great that those things don't matter. Why clutter a good tale with pretty language when a plainer language allows one to appreciate that tautness of the story? King seems to know his strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and he doesn't try to be something he's not. Perhaps this is a key to his success.

#70 Pre-Cruise Pampering!

2011-03-15T23:30:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #70

Well, thank you!

Today was a busy day! Scott and I leave tomorrow for our 12-day vacation including a 10-day cruise. I decided to treat myself to a day of pampering to prepare. I found a cute little nail salon called Victoria Nails next to my allergist on 27th and Park which was reasonably priced, and a cute little woman named Lee took care of me. Brow wax, manicure, pedicure, and complementary shoulder rub all for $40 including tip? Such a deal. Scott encouraged me to go for a "dark plum" color. I didn't think that was very cruisey but though I'd do it to please him. However, apparently OPI's "Lincoln Park After Dark" is closer to black than purple. No matter. Lee did a great job, and I shall return to Victoria Nails for another occasion (and once my funds are repleated.)

OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark...don't mind my giant feet.

#69 Weigh in...

2011-03-15T22:13:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #69

I'm taking part in my work's "Healthy Lifestyle Incentive Challenge" which rewards me for meeting my activity and weight loss goals. The program started in November and as mentioned before, I've lost over ten pounds (my goal was 6.) The problem is I haven't been able to work out for 5-6 weeks due to my knee injury. The only thing I can comfortably do at this point is walk, which I'm starting to do again. Thankfully, the program is allowing me to just note my injury on my activity log, and I have moved up from the bronze level to the silver level of the program due to an 11 pound weight loss according to my weigh in from Monday! I even won a very nice cooler from work for meeting my goal. The next challenge? 5 more pounds by June 24th. This is going to mean better portion control for me, at least while I'm not able to work out especially hard. (Walking is good, but usually not sufficient for me for significant loss. Man I wanna get on that ellipitical again!) Scott and I are going to try to walk almost every day on our cruise. And I better stop eating these Girl Scout Cookies...

I'll keep you all updated!

#68 The Lactose Problem...

2011-03-14T15:08:00.000-04:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #68

Ever hear women complaining how they can't get their husbands to go to the doctor? Yeah, me too. And it's true. I told Scott over a year ago to go see my GI doctor because of some abdominal discomfort he's been having...mmm...since I've known him. Finally last week, Scott decided to start listening to me, only to find out that he is pretty lactose intolerant, and he has been ordered not to eat dairy for 6 weeks. That is a tall order in general, but when we have our cruise coming up, Scott is pretty bummed. We had to send a "special needs" request to the cruise line in the hope that we can get him a lactose free diet. And since I had more time earlier this week, I went to Whole Foods to find some stuff that Scott can eat. We're talking about a guy here who loves CHEESE pizza and ice CREAM. This does not seem an easy task, but the MD told Scott it takes about 6 weeks to get the lactose out of your system to see if you're feeling better. He's being a trooper. Let's hope that Royal Caribbean can provide some good soy cheese!

#67 A Gate at the Stairs

2011-03-11T21:39:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #67

Rating 3.5/5 stars

This book was a gift from good ol' Jamie Lyn (thanks Jame!), and I have very mixed feelings about it. Lorrie Moore is an award winning writer who often writes short stories but also has a few novels out there. In my creative writing class, we read an essay by her entitled "How to Become a Writer", which I loved. She is so good at observing seemingly non-important things and making them funny, the awkward, the absurd, the subtle. While Moore carries this writing style into A Gate at the Stairs and for the development of the main character Tassie, it works, her excessive attention to detail at times overwhelmed me and drowned the story a little.

The story revolves around Tassie, a 20-year-old college student who is from a small farm town in Illinois. Tassie is hired as a "child care provider" for a couple in her college town and accompanies them on a trip to Green Bay, WI to pick up Mary (later Mary-Emma), a biracial child they plan to adopt. Tassie, an intelligent, funny, yet lonely girl, learns to care deeply for Mary-Emma, and becomes a part of the (dysfunctional) family. I found Tassie extremely likeable and felt Moore's voice as Tassie was one of the best parts of this book.

Other plot points include Tassie's first romance with a "Brazilian" named Reynaldo, and her brother, Robert's enrollment in the military shortly after 9/11. I felt that the focus of these other events seemed uneven. The most compelling and fluid parts of the story revolved around Mary-Emma, racism and the imperfections of Mary-Emma's adoptive parents. I felt Moore pulled you out of the story for unnecessary amounts of time when she detailed Reynaldo and Robert.

But what do I know? This book was a finalist for the PEN/Falkner award and named best book of the year in multiple highly regarded publications including the New York Times. Moore is definitely a quality writer, but I felt this book could have been refined a bit more. Perhaps her short stories are a bit more taut.

Moore is a professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and she writes quite a bit about the Midwest.

#66 The Secret Life of Trolls

2011-03-11T21:09:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #66

This week the hot mess also known as Charlie Sheen called his former Two and a Half Men co-star, Jon Cryer, a troll. Sheen is apparently super mature. I took offense to this attack on Cryer because #1 I loved him as Duckie in Pretty In Pink and #2 I think that he has a small resemblance to my handsome hubby. Oh yeah, and #3 I think I saw him at the Columbus Circle Border's once. He was very short and we looked him up on IMDB and it said he was 5'9 which either is a blatant lie or it wasn't actually Jon Cryer that I saw in the literature section.

Anyways, I was very proud of Cryer for not letting the crazy train, also known as Charlie Sheen, get the best of him. Here is his response from Conan:

#65 Back in the saddle again...

2011-03-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #65

Today is the day ladies and gentlemen. I have been okayed by my physical therapist to try riding the exercise bike. After 3 weeks of stretching, balancing and strengthening exercises (apparently I have very weak hip flexors) I am hoping to get back into the world of exercise to maintain my weight loss. Thus far, I have maintained my weight. As for my muscle and tone, those things peaced out a few weeks ago. So after a good days sleep, I will attempt to bike this evening. Wish me luck!

#64 An Open Letter to H&M

2011-03-09T18:26:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #64

Dear H&M

Dressing ALL your mannequins in long blond wigs is creepy. Suggest you refrain from this in the future. Very sincerely,

LBW

#63 NY Restaurant Conspiracy....

2011-03-09T15:19:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #63

Ok, conspiracy is a strong word. But has anyone else noticed a lot of little restaurants around the city are "closed for renovation"? How about the fact that these closures correspond time wise to the city's requirements to post the letter grade given by the NY health inspector in your restaurant? I theorize that these closures for renovations are actually closures for "Quick, let's get our sh*t together so we don't have to close our restaurant forever! Set the rat traps!"

An "A" grade, most often seen at chain restaurants. I cut off the top of the sign cause I rushed the shot. There was a lady sitting at the counter behind this sign, and I didn't want her to get creeped out that I was taking pictures of her.

A "B" grade, do you really want to eat at a place that got a "B" grade? Doesn't that just make you question why they didn't get an A? Was it the hair balls they saw sitting in the soup you just ordered? And why can't these guys take care of their "B" grade sign, let alone their restaurant?

Naturally I didn't get a picture of the one I saw today that was "closed for renovation" but they're out there....Just a theory....

*Note- After I finished typing that, while I was traipsing around NY trying to find restaurant grades to take pictures of, I came across a small cafe with a yellow sign that said "Closed by order of the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene"...or something like that. I really wanted to take a picture of it, but there were two guys standing outside of it who seemed confused and a bit upset. I am assuming they were employees of the cafe so I felt it'd be insensitive to take a photo. So much for being a hard core journalist.

#62 Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

2011-03-08T11:43:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #62

Rating: 4/5 stars

This book was a Christmas gift from Scott, and when I told some of my friends I had received it, they begged me to read it and let me know what I thought. Not gonna lie. It's pretty amazing.

The book takes place in 18th century China and follows the story of a farmer's daughter, Lily, from foot binding to widowhood. As a young girl, Lily is matched with a laotong or "old same", another girl Lily's exact age with who she will correspond with letters of nu shu, a written language created by Chinese women. Snow Flower, Lily's laotong, becomes Lily's closest companion through frequent visits to Lily's home. Their love is of the deepest type friendship can provide. However, as marriage and motherhood enter the picture, Lily discovers something about Snow Flower that will change their friendship forever.

Lisa See has a very distinct voice as Lily which is both foreign to an American reader and poetic. I must say that the chapter on foot binding is probably the most difficult thing I've ever had to read. I'm a nurse; I can handle blood, guts, poop, pee, sputum, but when bones and tendons are involved, I have a much harder time being stoic. I could never work on an orthopedic floor. If you read this book, you'll understand what I mean.

Without giving too much away, the message in this story is what makes it great and universal despite the book's very specific setting. Just when you think you've decided who is guilty party, you're refreshed with a new point of view that reminds you that we are all human and we all make mistakes and have faults. We all make presumptions that perhaps should not be made.

#61 Reading Material

2011-03-07T18:15:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #61

I've worked the last three nights and for those of you who know me best, you know I am terrible at three-in-a-rows. I work 12.5 hour shifts and it takes me 45 minutes to an hour to get home so these shifts allow for nothing but work, food and sleep, literally. Occasionally, I am able to blog in between shifts while I eat, but I guess since I was getting back in the hang of things after having 13 days off straight, I just couldn't do it this time. Plus, I was crabby.

I did, however, have time to read some interesting articles over the last few days and I thought I'd post them here for your enjoyment:

#1 Sheen is Surrounded by Coterie of Enablers - If anyone has been following celebrity news lately (or even watching CNN's Piers Morgan) they know that Charlie Sheen is a hot mess. News just came out today that he was fired from Two and a Half Men. Between drug fueled, hotel-wrecking escapades and berating his producer on national TV, he appears to be in a bit of trouble (though he talks as though HE is fine and dandy...can we talk about denial?) This article highlights the difficulties in the entertainment industry (i.e. money-making industry) with getting someone help when he or she is making many people a great deal of money. Priorities?

#2 Why Do Writers Abandon Novels? - We talked about this in my creative writing class (which is now over :( ). How can people can get 50, 100, 300 pages into a book and then just give up on it? I have a new fascination with the writing process so I found this quite interesting.

#3 Go Easy on Yourself, a New Wave of Research Urges - You know the saying "Treat others as you would like to be treated?" Well for some people, it needs to go the other way, "Treat yourself (and speak to yourself) as you'd speak to a friend." Apparently being hard on yourself isn't especially effective. (Noted.)

#4 One Way to Encourage Checking Out at the Library - This article reports on a new trend in libraries- dating! A few libraries across the country even set up speed dating night. I think it's awesome. especially for those of us who aren't crazy bar goers, and let's be honest, who wants to meet their significant other in a bar? Ok, ok. I know there's a few bar success stories but this puritan think meeting your soul mate in a library sounds a little more wholesome.

Let me know what you think!

#60 The Adults in EW!

2011-03-04T12:43:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #60

As mentioned in post #45 my creative writing teacher, Alison Espach, has come out with her first novel, the Adults. Scott woke me up to tell me last night that her book is featured in Entertainment Weekly's Bullseye segment this week. They wrote:

"This book chronicles a messy divorce you'll actually want to read about."

What great publicity! And the best part, I got to break the news to her. She was quite excited. I bet this will sell some books. Congrats Alison!

#59 NY's inflow and outflow...

2011-03-04T12:09:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #59

New York attracts young adults for various reasons: school, job opportunities, the ability to say "I lived in NY", etc. It takes people in, wines them, dines them, abuses them, cultures them, and then more often than not, let's them go. As I've been in NY for almost 5 years, I have made a number of good friendships, and seen more than a few of my close friends depart for other cities, other opportunities, other lives. Thankfully, the draw of New York continues to even late 20-somethings as I've recently found out 2 good friends will be moving out to NY this year. Also, I have made a couple new NY friends who aren't exiting anytime soon. Here is the exit and entrance list:

Exits:

Me and Erica, 2007

Erica- In NY for her masters in Art History from NYU. Exited NY to get her PhD in Art History from the University of Minnesota.

Gumby and Julia S. (now married!)

Julia S.- Came to NY to be close to a boyfriend who she eventually broke up with and met a better boyfriend, now her husband. Exited NY for medical school in Virginia.

Amy- Came to NY for her masters in psychology from NYU. Exited NY to get her PhD in psychology from Temple University in Philadelphia.

Me and Amy in the Financial District

Julia V- Came to NY with her husband who is a PhD candidate in Columbia University's religious studies program. Exited NY (thankfully just to Brooklyn) to start a family. #1 is on the way in June!

Tim and Jamie Lyn Callahan

Julia V., our friend Ellen, Karen

Jamie Lyn- Came to NY for her work with Ingersoll Rand. Exited NY to be closer to her new husband who is in the Navy. They now reside in Virginia Beach, VA.

Karen- Came to NY for Columbia's ETP nursing program, will graduate with her DNP (doctor of nursing practice)! Exiting NY for Chicago to do her DNP residency with her dad who is an MD. She and her hubby Paul will be missed.

New NY Friends:
Rachel- A 2nd year resident at my hospital who I bonded with during a particularly critical month on our medical cardiology floor. Turns out she almost became a nurse and then became a doctor (an excellent one) instead. No wonder I like her.

Hazel- A sales assistant at JP Morgan who I met in my creative writing class. We share an intense love of books and hope to have writing dates together soon!

Incoming:

Brad, Partho, me in 2006

Brad- Brad and his boyfriend, Partho, came to visit us within a week of Scott and me moving into our first apartment together (317 W 105th), and they helped us put our furniture together! Then they graciously slept on the floor because the pump to our air mattress broke. They didn't even complain. Partho is an MD and will be working at Mount Sinai. Can't wait to have them!

LMA

LMA- Lauren Michelle Anderson, a friend from swimming class when we were in preschool, and then junior high, high school and the U of MN, is an international girl. She is currently living in Argentina, working for a law office and perfecting her already amazing Spanish. I don't know the details of her move yet (she just informed me of it last night), but I can't wait to see her in October.

Thank goodness for NY friends, new and old.

#58 iPad 2

2011-03-02T18:23:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #58

Tonight is my first night back at work in 12 nights, and the pre-work jitters have started again so I will make this post short and sweet.

Today, Steve Jobs announced the new iPad 2 which will come out March 11th. People have said, the iPad just came out 9 months ago, why put the next version out already? I say, why not? Why make us wait! Another reason I love Apple. I do own an iPad, and the only thing that makes me jealous of the new one (new features listed in the article here) is the camera. The original iPad does not have a camera, thus I cannot skype on the go with my family which would be awesome. I'd love to be out having some coffee and playing on my iPad and have the ability to talk to little Tyler Chase or Zoe or my sister. But alas, I am quite happy with my current iPad and won't be getting a new one anytime soon. In fact, my next big technological purchase will be a new laptop. My current one is apx 3 years old which is apparently old in computer world. Still runs well though which is good because I will need time to save.

Off to work to earn those dollars. Enjoy your free night...

#57 Minnesota Recap Part 2

2011-03-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #57

As promised, more highlights from the trip home:

My sister-in-law and brother-in-law's beautiful new house in Victoria , Minnesota

Tyler, Dani and Zoe, together at last.

Zoe dancing to Aladdin. What a superstar.

Dani can't wait til she can do such fun stuff!

Tyler trying to catch "butterflies" from his elephant trunk. So cute.

Three of my favorite people in the world.

Grandma Karen and Dani dancing. Dani loves her Grandma!

I sure love this little girl (and her mama, not pictured)!

#56 Minnesota Recap Part 1

2011-02-28T21:45:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #56

I enjoyed a lovely weekend in Minnesota and returned to New York today. Here are some highlights:

Feeding Dani (aka Toots) solid food. Here are some carrots though she prefers sweet stuff like her Auntie Lo.

This is Dani's way of kissing we've been decided. Really, she's teething and will latch onto anything she can get her mouth around including cheeks and noses. It's so cute though we call them kisses. And look at that girl's grip! My cheek was being ripped off!

Yep. There's a bunch of Dani-spit up my nose.

Toots gets a tubby.

Randomly in town the same weekend as Jamie so she joined my family for dinner and became semi-addicted to Angry Birds.

Playing Angry Birds with Toots. She just likes to get her fingers all over my iPad mostly.

Jamie looks like a natural!

Accidental Mickey Mouse pancake courtesy of my dad.

More highlights to come!

#55 Some thoughts on the Oscars: A list

2011-02-28T01:00:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #55

1) I loved Anne Hathaway as host. I think she's charming, funny and beautiful. However, I wasn't feeling it from James Franco so much. I felt like Anne was pulling his weight. I I think he's spreading himself too thin in his 10,000 masters programs. A co-worker of mine said that she thinks he was just being himself and she was surprised that he was even asked to be a host considering his personality, but I say he's an actor. Ham it up!

2) Love Natalie Portman. Glad she won the Oscar. I love everything she said in her speech. She seems so down to earth. On a side note, I hated her hair.

3) Another great speech of the night, Colin Firth. What a charming Brit.

4) Jennifer Hudson was the most blah presenter I have ever seen. Scott holds that she is not a good actor and the only reason that she won the Oscar a few years back is because of the "I am telling you..." solo in Dream Girls. He says anyone who does that solo is bound to win the Oscar. So it seems, because she's obviously not much of a performer outside of singing. AND while J. Hud looked great tonight overall and looks awesome with her weight loss, I thought her butt was going to bust through her dress. Too tight in the rear! (Can't find a good picture to show this.)

5) 14-year-old Halie Steinfeld wins my vote for my age appropriate ensemble...which isn't saying much because she was the youngest nominee this year. But I still think she looked adorable and beautiful!

6) Thank you Penelope Cruise for not getting back to your pre-baby figure apx 4 weeks after giving birth. She still looked gorgeous, but it's so glad to see her looking imperfect! So life-like.

7) My sister pointed out to me that Jennifer Lawrence, nominee for Winter's Bone, would look exactly like a Baywatch life guard if you only saw her from the waist up.

8) Most awkward presenter(s) award goes to Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis who seemed almost too laid back to me, like they had some kind of rapport with each other but not with the audience. (And I had no idea what JT was talking about when he said "I'm Banksy" until I saw a clip of Exit Through the Gift Shop during the documentary clips. I feel I am not alone)

9) Reese Witherspoon, 2 words- Class Act.

10) No big surprise winners of the night, am I right? At least not for the big stuff. I was hoping Jesse Eisenberg would run away with a surprise best actor win, but then we'd never hear Colin Firth's adorable speech so I suppose all is right in the world.

#54 Unbearable Lightness

2011-02-27T17:58:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #54

Rating: 4/5 Stars

The first time I saw Portia de Rossi on Ally McBeal, I thought she was one of the most beautiful women I'd ever seen. This made her memoir, Unbearable Lightness, all the more interesting as it gives a glimpse of the inner workings of de Rossi's formerly eating-disordered mind. It's well known that individuals with eating disorders have an altered self-image but never have I had such an in-depth look at this phenomenon. De Rossi, a former model, doesn't withhold anything in her book, and I was blown away at the brutality of her inner monologue. She is forthcoming with the gruesome details of her eating disorder such as blood vessels bursting above her eyes after a purge or eating Cheetos so she can keep track of how much she has thrown up (bright orange Cheetos being a marker of mid-binge.) She also goes into detail about her obsession with exercise and her caloric limitations (at one point she was only eating 300 calories a day on a regular basis.)

Not only does de Rossi describe her life with an eating disorder in this book, she tells the story of herself as a closeted gay actor who felt she had to fit a certain mold to be successful in Hollywood. It is a perfect example of how exterior pressure can wreak havoc on a susceptible individual and create a monster of the mind. While Portia starved and berated herself, people such as myself were sitting at home thinking what a beautiful, talented woman she is.

The book doesn't give much detail on de Rossi's recovery, which she claims is complete. The epilogue, which wasn't as well-written as the rest of the book, does give a brief overview of her first serious gay relationship and makes some mention of her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres. At least this story has a happy ending. I love Portia and Ellen as a couple.

I was sucked into this book from the start. I read the first 200 pages in about 24 hours and would have finished earlier if I wasn't spending time with my family. Though the book does include the occasional clumsy sentence, de Rossi has a distinct voice (It helps that I heard a podcast in which Portia reads an excerpt from her book in her own voice) and an incredible story to tell. I am lending the book to my mom and sister who can't wait to see what I was raving about.

#53 Once upon a time...

2011-02-26T22:57:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #53

Tonight I had dinner with my in-laws at Scott's parents' house. Tyler, my almost three-year-old, nephew made my night. As my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and I sat on the floor in Scott's old bedroom, Tyler sat on the bed with a guitar in his lap that is bigger than he is. "Once upon a time," he began, "there was a girl named Cinderella..." and then filled the air with interlude music. So maybe he's only three and doesn't know any chords or notes and can't even hold the guitar up correctly. But it was adorable, and I felt like crying I was so happy to see Tyler in his element. After his solo, my mother-in-law and niece, Zoe, joined him for a jam session of songs on impromptu drums (Thomas the Tank Engine book) and xylophone. What a fun night. Love the creativity bursting from Tyler and Zoe's cute little heads.

Grandma Judy, Tyler and Zoe

#52 MN- Good morning, good morning!

2011-02-25T11:47:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #52

Look at the cutie I woke up to this morning!

That'll put you in a good mood! Happy Friday from Minnesota!

#51 Hateful Things

2011-02-24T18:32:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #51

In my creative writing class, my teacher recently had us do a writing exercise by creating a list of hateful things. We were allowed to interpret this as we like. I found all the items on my list reflected the differences in class and respect between people in NYC and people in MN. This is not to say there aren't classless, rude people in MN. They're just more difficult to find. Items on my list included littering on the subway, having ridiculously loud cell phone conversations and playing music so loud that the people standing 5 feet away from you can hear it through your headphones (As a healthcare professional, I also must remind you that you're damaging your hearing beyond repair...start investing in hearing aid companies for my generation...).

This morning, while walking to the subway to go to the airport, I found another hateful thing on the sidewalk in front of a neighboring building.

BOOO!

Are you serious? You can't leave four blocks of cement at peace and let them dry overnight?? The part that really gets to me is that no one cares about your name or your graffiti or your "art" except you! Leaving your mark there is incredibly disrespectful and selfish! You're disrespecting every person who lives on this street who wants their neighborhood to look presentable. Maybe these are ideas are too complicated for the Washington Heights misfits, but I'm pissed.

And I kind of sound like an old woman. But I don't care. I work my butt off to pay taxes so the city can make repairs and some jerks ruin the whole thing because they're bored. Get a frickin' life.

#50 Palace Council

2011-02-23T21:40:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #50

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

11 days. That's how long it took me to finish this book. That in itself is saying something. I generally read about a book a week, averaging apx 300 pages. And I find that I pick up speed towards the end of a book. This book, 510 pages, seemed to drag forever! Do you know how many Goodreads swap books have come in that time that I want to read??

That being said, I didn't completely dislike this book, written by Yale law professor, Stephen L. Carter. I picked this book up because Scott and my father-in-law, Steve, really enjoyed it. Scott was raving about it, and in fact, I found the story itself quite interesting. The book revolves around the fictional African-American writer, Edward (Eddie) Wesley. It begins in Harlem in the 1950s, and it gives an interesting account of the wealthy black people of Harlem during that time. It follows Wesley as the woman he loves, Aurelia, marries another man, and as he discovers the body of a dead, white lawyer, which begins a series of mysterious events that involves the disappearance of Eddie's sister, Junie. The book is filled with twists and turns once Eddie begins to realize that the death of Phil Castle, the lawyer, and the disappearance of his sister are connected and are associated with Jewel Agony, a radical civil rights group that the FBI is tracking. The premise is even more complex than this, but it would take me far too long to go into all of it. The book spans over two decades and includes a bit of historical fiction as certain well known persons appear, e.g. Hoover, JFK, Nixon.

Here's my problem with the book: While the story is smart and the setting of 1950s-1970s America is an interesting historical time, I felt the writing was a bit flat. That isn't to say that the writing is poor, but I had a hard time connecting to it. Certain sentences stood out to me as odd, such as:

"Eddie Wesley opened his eyes from a dream of peaceful eternal darkness to the reality of hard angry whiteness."

Maybe I need to look past the surface of such a phrase, maybe it's a racial metaphor, but I found it awkward and stiff. I also don't read a lot of political thrillers and the main reason this one kept my attention is because Eddie is a writer during a remarkable time in American history.

There are people I do recommend this to. A person that comes to mind is my dad who served in the Navy in Vietnam and was in Millington, Tennessee at Naval Air Station-Memphis (15 miles from Memphis) when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. I think he'll enjoy such a play on the times, and perhaps will not take issue with Carter's writing. All-in-all, a decent read, though I don't see myself picking up another political thriller....ever again...

#49 Meet Arela!

2011-02-23T07:27:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #49

Scott and I started out the day yesterday on a high note when we got to have lunch with our friends Peter and Jessica and their 2.5 month old, Arela (A-rell-a is the best phonetic spelling I can come up with). Arela is a little cutie who came into the world in December, a full month early! She likes to be on top of things. And you can just tell her parents are ecstatic to have her around. Congrats Jess and Peter on your little lady!

New papa, Peter, and his little pink marshmallow, Arela

Apparently Scott and I bored Arela but that's ok. We think she liked us anyways.

Proud new parents and their cutie!

Other events of my busy day yesterday? Allergy shot appointment which turned into sinus infection appointment. Trying to find some clothes to wear on our cruise (did you know you have to dress up on these things?) Apparently this task was for naught because Scott tells me that none of the dresses I picked out have any shape and they all look like potato sacks. Dinner date with my friend, Hazel, from class and then class from 7-10. Today is shaping up to be another busy one as I'm trying to fit in a bunch of stuff before heading to MN tomorrow. Can't wait!

#48 On losing a patient...further reflection

2011-02-21T17:19:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #48

Alright guys, this post may be a downer, but I find it extremely important, especially to my fellow health care workers out there. As noted in post #18, I experienced my first patient death on my watch last month and it was a traumatic one. I found this article from Nurse.com to be pretty accurate for how nurses feel after traumatic deaths and the right ways to cope after such an incident.

I feel that grieving is not something they can teach you in school. I think until you have experienced a close relationship with a patient and lost him or her, you're not going to know just how bad it feels. It's not like the loss of a family member or friend, but it is still powerful. I remember standing in my patient's room during the code and feeling like I might wretch into the trash can at any moment. It was not a squeamish kind of nausea, but an emotional kind. I have since seen much more peaceful ways for patients to die and can only hope to experience more of those and fewer "crashes". Considering I eventually want to work in critical care, this might not be the case.

I think it's important, despite the fact that nursing can give you a thick skin, for nurses not to become hardened. I don't think they should carry grief around with them because they're too proud to let their emotions show in front of their peers. If anything, nurses should act as support for other nurses, which is sadly not always the case. If you are a new nurse, identify those others you can trust and who support you. If someone doesn't understand the way you're grieving,you don't need to include them in your process. Don't hold your grief inside. Find an outlet. And know that it takes time to let go of those difficult feelings. Things don't get better right away. But eventually, you'll be a better nurse because of your experience, because you let yourself be human even though sometimes you feel your job description doesn't allow you to be.

#47 Things to look forward to...

2011-02-21T11:26:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #47

After a dull, dreary and snowy winter, I can not wait for the snow (some of which just fell last night) to melt and the trees to bud and the sun to shine on us in NY. I know winters around the country have been terrible. If this is the new trend for winters, I think I'm gonna need a sun lamp and a bigger travel budget because this has been the worst NY winter in my 5 years here. Between many snow storms, colder than average temperatures (no, not as cold as Mn but I've become a wuss), and lots of overcast days, I need some sun!

Luckily, Scott and I have lots to look forward to this spring!

First stop for me is Minnesota this weekend where I look forward to seeing my family (in-laws included!), reminding Dani who her favorite Auntie is, and seeing my sister-in-law's new house in Victoria, Mn. We have gotten a skype tour but not quite as good as the real thing. Going home is usually a good stress reliever for me. Just being able to get places door to door by car is a treat! I leave this Thursday and am hoping the weather allows me to get to Mn on time. Maybe not so tropical but fun nonetheless.

Next month, as mentioned before, Scott and I are going on a Caribbean cruise! Yes, I am a little nervous about being in the middle of the ocean and not being able to see any land. But from everything I hear, you're in your own little community on the ship so it's not so scary. And the ship appears to be amazing! Scott and I have challenged each other to climb the rock wall. And we plan to go into the rain forest in Panama.

A few days after we return from the cruise, we have a couple special visitors coming- Heather (my sister-in-law) and Zoe (our 5-year-old-niece). Scott has been trying to get those 2 out here for as long as I can remember and we can't wait to spoil our niece a little bit in a NY way. We're going to see Mary Poppins and definitely will make a stop at Dylan's Candy Bar.

Last, as summer approaches (still seems so far away!), Scott's parents are going to come stay with us for a few days. Speaking of being spoiled, they are always gracious enough to take us to a show or two while they're in town and this time we're seeing The Book of Mormon, a musical by the creators of South Park, as well as possibly War Horse in which one of Scott's former Temple classmates, Austin Durant, is making his Broadway debut.

So God, just get me through these next few dreary days (can't complain too much, no work!) and then we'll have some exciting stories and photos to share. Hang in there troops. Spring is just around the corner!

#46 Daytona 500 Live Blog

2011-02-20T17:46:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #46

Boogity boogity boogity! Scott (is forcing me) and I are watching the Daytona 500 today. My husband may be the only Ivy-League-educated, thespian, Jewish NASCAR fan. And I support him. I guess. I do want to spend time with him so I have decided to live blog to keep myself interested. Hope you enjoy.

(Times in EST)

Pre-Race:

- Glad Martina McBride remembered all the words to the National Anthem. Country singers know how do it right!

- What's with the Transformer race cars with guns? I don't approve.

- Scott tells me they got all new cars this year, can't I tell? No. I can't. They look exactly the same. He tells me they got rid of the flat panel from the front bumper and the spoilers are now better looking. (They're the same, I swear.)

Race:

1:32: Moment of silence....not sure why...Dale Earnhardt Sr.? This is sad. Scott is upset with me for not holding my three fingers up in honor of the 10th anniversary of his death. I didn't know!

1:34: Wreck #1- Kyle Busch. Oh no! M&M car is out?? Who the heck do I cheer for now? God knows I don't like beer. *Update- M&M car is not out. No major damage. Phew!

1:37: Umm, the NFL has a robot animation they use during the broadcasts and NASCAR has chipmunks. This makes no sense.

1:40: 8/200 laps complete. How long do I have to watch this thing?

1:44: Scott informs me this is Brian Vicker's first race back after having to sit out for almost a year due to being on blood thinning medication for blood clots in his legs and lungs. That's serious stuff! Kind of surprised he doesn't have to continue a blood thinner the rest of his life. Though it would be a disaster to get into a serious accident while on a blood thinner. Talk about bleeding out. Here's an article about it.

1:54: I have decided I am cheering for Trevor Bayne who Scott says has no chance of winning. But he's cute (they just interviewed him) and I like the gold #21 on his car. This is how I choose my favorites. Scott informs me he's too young for me.

2:02: Kevin Harvick has reportedly lost an engine. I thought this meant it fell off his car but apparently it just means it stopped working. Scott is laughing at me.

2:07: This race is a mess. Lots of 3-4 wide driving. HUGE crash involving apx 10+ cars. (Scott calls this "the big one".) They're all licking their wounds now. This sport sounds like a bad idea to me. Drive as fast as you can and try not to crash.

2:16: We're trying to decide why Jeff Gordon (who is now out for a bit due to "the big one") was wearing a Breathe-Right while racing. Does he snore while he drives?

2:40: Scott tells me this is the boring part of the race and it's ok to take a nap. (I see his eyes drooping as we speak.) Best husband ever!

4:00: Ahhh, what a refreshing nap. And we're back and cars are still crashing. Matt Kenseth just crashed hard against the new "Styrofoam" wall. So much safer they say. Right. At least he wasn't hurt. 63 laps to go!

4:09: Bayne is #2!! Scott says he still has no shot. Pessimist. Did I mention he's a rookie? (And he just turned 20...ick...yes...too young).

4:12: Best part about crashes? Watching the cars tear up the paint in the center of the track. Easily amused right here.

4:21: Scott's calling it right now that if Dale Earnhardt Jr wins on the 10th anniversary of his dad's death, he's gonna think NASCAR is fixed. (Dale is the current leader). We shall see.

4:25: I HATE how sexified Danica Patrick is in the GoDaddy.com commercials. Finally a girl in a boy's sport and she has to ruin all the respect I have for her by subjecting herself to that crap.

4:41: Thank God my husband doesn't bet money on this race. I swear to God every time some crashes I hear down the couch, "Arg! That was my guy!" I have no idea how he has so many people winning this race but apparently they've all crashed. PS Record number of caution flags this race.

4:56: Do you know how great it would be to have car mechanics who could fix our cars as fast as the pit row guys? Life would be so much easier. Why don't we have this?

5:04: Ok, maybe after all my kvetching I get a little bit excited by the end of the race...heart speeds up, butterflies in the stomach...12 laps to go!

5:10: Announcer calls Trevor Bayne a good pusher! Three wide at the front of the pack! CRASH!!!! Hahahah Scott says his dark horse crashed (Regan Smith). Whatever. How many dark horses does this guy have? (Love you hunny.)

5:21: What's going on? This is chaos. All sorts of crashes on the restart. Dale Earnhardt Jr crashed so I guess he won't be winning. Now Scott has decided he likes Jr. because of his skeleton racing gloves.

5:27: Trevor Bayne is in first during the caution but he's running out of gas!! Suspense!

5:30: AHHHHHHHHH! BAYNE WINS!!! BAYNE WINS!! First win for the owners in 10 years! Youngest driver ever to win Daytona! I sure know how to pick a winner!

Post-Race:
- "I don't even know where to go." 20-year-old Daytona winner Trevor Bayne trying to find Victory Circle.

The Gold 21 for the win! Never say never! (Ahem...see 1:54 and 4:09 above...)

#45 Author Connection*: Alison Espach

2011-02-18T09:26:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #45

* Author Connection was formerly known as Authors that I Know and Love...but I felt that was a bit too intimate for the level at which I know these authors, hence it has been changed to Author Connection.

Alright, I'll confess. I have been taking a creative writing class through Gotham Writers' Workshop for the last month and it's been awesome. Such a good way to open up some of that creativity that has been blocked off by too much scientific knowledge. I didn't necessarily want to share this with all my blog readers because I don't want too many expectations to come out of this class! But in order to brag about my next author connection, you must know that information.

The teacher of my Creative Writing 101 class (Yes, that's really what it's called) is Alison Espach. She's a young (only 26!), funny, MFA grad from Washington University in St. Louis and during our 6 week class, her first novel has come out! The book, The Adults: A Novel, is about a teenage girl coming of age in an affluent suburban neighborhood. I haven't read the book, but I have read this excerpt from The Nervous Breakdown, and I can only describe the writing as hilariously honest, more honest than I think many people can be with themselves. The book has gotten excellent reviews from important places:

Publisher's Weekly calls it a "charming, coming-of-age debut".

The Wall Street Journal reviewer claims it's an "outstanding coming-of-age novel...one of the funniest books I've read in a long time. Ms. Espach's coup is to chart Emily's growth through her maturing sense of humor."

People magazine say it's a "smart first novel".

Smart and funny? My favorite stuff. I promise to write a full review after I've read the book, though my to-read list is quite daunting right now. Check out the excerpt above as well as Alison's self-interview on The Nervous Breakdown here. And then you can be jealous of me because she was kind enough to sign my copy. :)

#44 Injured Reserve Update

2011-02-16T20:42:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #44

Today I finally went to the doctor about my damn knee (which actually feels better though not normal after 2 weeks of no strenuous exercise.) She confirmed my thoughts, that it's just a strain. But she has assigned me to physical therapy (for 6 weeks!). I am no stranger to PT. When I injured my ankle a couple years ago, I spent months in PT due to my stupid loose joints and the need to very conservatively restrengthen my ankle. (My podiatrist informs me that loose joints are genetic and indeed, I have a cousin who I have been told also has the loose joint problem).

Rascal Model 600F

I worry about my excessive PT at such a young age and am fairly certain that I will be immobile by my 50s. Scott's cousin, Jon, reassures me that that's what Rascals are for. Look out for me in a few years in my hot red ride! Until then, PT it is.

#43 Goodreads Addict!

2011-02-16T20:28:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #43

I am obsessed with books. I love the feel of books, the smell of books, the look of books, the idea of books. It is no surprised that I am also obsessed with Goodreads.com. Goodreads is a website devoted to books. It is essentially a social network for book lovers. It allows you to list the books you've read, are currently reading or want to read. You can rate and review the books you've read so that your friends can see. You can become friends with the authors of the books you like (e.g. Scott is online buddies with D.R. Haney, author of Banned for Life and Subversia because of Goodreads.)

Two of my favorite parts of Goodreads are the opportunities to win and swap books. First, the giveaways:
Goodreads adds new giveaways for members everyday. (Being a member is free of course.) Some are books that have been out for a while, and others are called "First Reads", books that are being published but not yet on the shelves. This was the case with my most recent win, The Metropolis Case. I received an uncorrected proof which I kinda like because it makes me feel like a book insider.

Over the last week, Scott and I have become ADDICTED to Goodreads swap. Essentially, you list the books you own that you no longer want on the site and people request them. Your only job is to ship them (which costs you nothing unless you want to buy an envelope). You also can request books that are already listed on swap or you can add a book to your wishlist and the site will let you know when it becomes available. You simply pay for shipping (which is generally between $3 and $4). I am also a big fan of going to the library to checkout books because really, who has the room in NY for all the books we want? And who wants to spend all that money? However, I think swap is almost more amazing than the library. First of all, you don't have a time limit with the books. Once you receive the book, it's yours to keep. Also, I love that in the spirit of knowledge and reading, people are sharing their books around the country! I recently shipped books to Las Vegas, Nevada and New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Scott just received a book from Baltimore, Maryland. Book lovers around the country are sharing their love of books with others. It's a beautiful thing. Last, those books that you don't feel inclined to keep won't clutter up your precious shelf space.

Yes, I am a nerd but at least Goodreads has provided a great outlet for by book nerdiness. I suggest you check it out, and friend me while you're at it!

#42 Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T18:30:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #42

Happy Valentines Day all! I know, I know. This isn't always the happiest of holidays for people. But quite frankly, as a married lady and someone who has been with someone for the last eight Valentines Days, I don't know why we need a special day to tell the people we love that we love them. Scott has informed me that St. Valentines Day is actually a celebration of a saint who married soldiers to their loves when it had been outlawed in ancient Roman times by the Emperor Claudius due to low numbers of men in the military. Apparently Claudius thought that men who married and had families were harder to sway to go to war. For his actions, St. Valentine was made a martyr by beheading on this day, February 14th. (Feel free to correct me if I got any of this story wrong.) So that's not super romantic.

Moral of the story: tell the ones you love that you love them daily, or as often as possible. You don't need a separate day to do so! But since we have been given one, I will use this opportunity to tell my friends and family (you know who you are) that I love you! Happy V Day to all!

Flowers from my Valentine

In staying with the gory theme of Valentines day, I used an Amazon gift card sent to me by my sweet parents to buy True Blood Season 2 (vampires, blood, etc). I just finished the first season which I received on DVD for Christmas and I love this show. And Anna Paquin is my celebrity doppelganger even though she's blonde and much skinnier than I am. I also received some lovely flowers from my husband as well as a pre-order of Adele's new CD, 21. We've only listened to one song from the CD which is due out on the 22nd. But it was BEAUTIFUL. What an amazing singer, songwriter, performer. Check it out below.

#41 Blog advice...

2011-02-13T09:08:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #41

Dear Readers,

Since I began this challenge in January, I have been thinking a lot about the content of this page and it's title. I love the blog title New York Happenings. It is meaningful because it is something that I began when I first came to the city (beginning in newsletter form) and the blog has changed and developed as I have changed and developed while living here. However, I don't know if the title is still relevant to the content. The content being anything I think is remotely interesting including books, family/friends, sports, popular culture, New York, Minnesota, etc.

There are a few options here.
1) Change the title of my blog which may be confusing to my current readers as they may need to learn a new address
2) Change the description of my blog which is currently "New York Adventures of a Midwestern Girl" to make it more relevant to the content
3) Not change anything and just deal with the fact that my content and my blog title aren't a perfect match.

I'd like some suggestions from readers so please email me or comment to let me know what you think. Thanks all. Keep on keepin' on.

~Lauren

#40 So THAT'S why the trains sucked yesterday...

2011-02-13T07:11:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #40

Yesterday, while enjoying my new desk chair, Scott texted me from work to report that the trains were running terribly. This isn't exactly news on a weekend in NYC. The MTA often does track work over the weekend and trains run wonky because of it, skipping entire sections of Manhattan while the MTA uses our tax dollars. However, Scott, who left for work around 11:45am, was onto something yesterday. Apparently, a Brooklyn man went on a killing spree through three boroughs over the last two days killing 4 people and injuring many more. His escapades ended on the subway, the #3 train, where he stabbed a man in the head and neck (the man lived, phew). This was just after the suspect had gotten off the #1 train which is the line Scott and I take from our northwestern apartment to the main areas of the city. Kinda freaky. Even freakier, he got off at 34th street which is my stop for work. However, he apparently avoided the platform and stairs and walked directly across the tracks to the #3 train. (What about the 3rd rail??)

Does this make me feel unsafe on the subway? Not really. There are crazy psychos everywhere. Let's just hope there are no more using MTA anytime soon. For more details on this story, see the CNN article and the NYTimes article by clicking the links.

#39 Why I love my husband

2011-02-12T18:00:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #39

Scott helping our wonderful
niece Zoe to learn to ride her
big girl bike!

Obviously there are numerous reasons why I love my hub. I mean, just look at what a sweetie he is (see left). But beyond that, he got me an awesome Valentine's Day gift this year, a new desk chair! It's what I asked for but he happened to get a perfect one for me and I may just not get off of it all day, it is so comfortable and will be so helpful in blog production (as well as other creative endevours)! Maybe eventually I can get rid of this sh*tty $50 desk from Bed, Bath and Beyond and get a pretty one. But this chair is a great start. Thanks hunny! I love you!

Faaannncy. (And mahogany.)

Where all the magic happens. Actually not true. Most of the time I blog from bed. But from now on, this is where all the magic will happen cause I have this amazingly comfortable chair!

#38 The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

2011-02-12T12:27:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #38

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

As some of you book lovers may know, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot was plastered all over the top books of 2010 lists: Publisher's Weekly, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble. It's a New York Times Bestseller. Long story short, it's been very hyped.

To be honest, this book did not live up to my expectations. This non-fiction book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a black woman who died in the 1950s of cervical cancer. Prior to her death, Henrietta's cells were taken from her cervix and given to Dr. George Gey, the head of tissue culture research at Johns Hopkins (where Henrietta was treated in the public ward for her cancer.) Gey, who had been trying to grow an immortal cell line for future cell research, hit his lucky break when he received Henrietta's cells (deemed HeLa cells) which not only didn't die, they multiplied at a surprisingly fast rate. Her cells sparked a medical revolution of cell research and aided scientific advances including the polio vaccine, in vitro fertilization. They took part in AIDs research and of course advances in the understanding of cancer cells and their reaction to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. Her cells were shot to the moon and carried in an atom bomb. The problem, or one of the many problems: Henrietta nor her family were ever asked for the cells. They were taken by doctors in an era where informed consent did not exist.

The parts of this book that succeeded, I believe, were the parts about Henrietta's life growing up in Clover, Virginia before moving to Baltimore, as well as the story of the family members who were left behind (who by the way didn't even know Henrietta's cells had made such a contribution until they were approached to donate blood to identify genetic markings on HeLa cells compared to other cells hers had contaminated.) They received no monetary compensation for the cells, and it took many years for Henrietta to be recognized for her contribution to science. Henrietta's family is poor and her sons and daughter had very little education which sparked a lot of anxiety and confusion among them when they were finally approached by scientists and journalists about the cells. The best part of the book tells of Skloot's time spent with Henrietta's daughter, Deborah, who seemed deeply effected by the loss of her mother and the presence of her cells without her knowledge. Deborah is quite the character and I think Skloot paints her beautifully, imperfectly, and compassionately.

The part of this book that failed for me, and made it difficult to want to pick it up time and again, is the information about cell biology, research politics and medical ethics. Snore. Even though I consider myself a fairly moral person, and I have an obvious interest in medicine, medical ethics makes me cringe. I got a headache just reading about the ethical questions left behind by HeLa cells and cell patents and ownership (if you're like me in that fact, skip the entire afterword of this book). So maybe it's those personal reasons that I didn't love this book, though my friend Mary, another avid reader (of more non-fiction than I), also thought this book did not live up to it's hype.

Skloot's writing is strong, though not beautiful. However, she did something for the Lacks family, specifically Deborah, that many people had failed to do. She was honest with them about her work and she followed through with her promises. Something you learn in nursing is how important it is to develop a patient's trust and give them reason through your actions to trust you. It's no wonder Deborah and her brothers were so scared and distrustful of so many people who were out for their own personal gain. Skloot did the family an honor by telling this story with compassion, even if there were parts that bored me to tears.

#37 Updates on the Challenge

2011-02-10T18:41:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #37

Alright, so this challenge of mine has been going on for almost a month and a half now and let's face it, it's hard to blog every day. The biggest challenge is coming up with something to write about each day that will be interesting and captivating to the audience. Another important detail, my life isn't THAT interesting. I attempt to make it interesting by adding a little humor to my blogs, but it's definitely tough. Also, I don't know that people are all that interested in hearing what I have to say every day. To be honest, I've had a couple "unsubscribers" to the emails of my blog that are sent out.

But you know what? I just don't care. I am doing this challenge for me (and for you, but mostly for me.) I am trying to make myself be creative every day, and considering I am only about 4 posts behind, I have been pretty successful. Of course I want to entertain the reader and I am so grateful to my 8 followers (7+me)! But really, that's an added bonus to this challenge. The real challenge is forcing myself to think beyond my inner thoughts and express things creatively in writing, pictures, videos, whatever.

So, without further ado, I will continue on this 365 blog challenge and I hope you continue along with me, whether it be daily, weekly, monthly, whatever. I appreciate your readership and I am enjoying what this challenge is doing for my creativity. Happy reading!

#36 Flash Fiction #1: Inspired by Phillip Glass

2011-02-09T00:12:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #365

Regarding Obsession

Her tears rolled down her face in streaks like rain on a windowpane as she held John's photo in her fingers, grasping with a ruminating tightness. He had been gone only three months, and she was embodied with his spirit so that she thought his thoughts and spoke his phrases. She moved with his body, selecting food at the grocery store with his hands and stepping into her bedroom each night with his bare feet.

She thought of making love to him, his warm embrace heating her skin like steam. And as she touched his cheek, freshly shaved because she liked it so, she trembled in passion.

Breaking her train of thought, her grown son entered the room abruptly.
"Ma? Ma are you crying?" He asked. She glanced up, puddles of tears rippling in her eyes. Her son glanced at the picture in her hand. "But Ma," he said. "You never even met the guy."

#35 Kitchen Creations #1

2011-02-07T15:30:00.029-05:00

Blog Challenge: Post #35

Marinading

Oh my God, did I mention I cooked? This is a rare occurrence, but I happened to have energy for the first time yesterday in like three weeks so I made Tandoori-Spiced Chicken per the marinading recipe from this month's Cooking Light magazine.

First time I used our oven's broiler.
Alex will be proud. I didn't even
have to call him to ask him how.

Thankfully, my best customer (my hub) loved the chicken today which I served with brown rice and Craisins (the Craisins he didn't dig but I did.) I really wanted to get some cucumber action going too but forgot to pick one up. Next time...and apparently there is going to be a next time because Scott informs me this is right up there with his sister's breaded chicken recipe (sour cream and bread crumbs). What can I say? I'm practically a master chef. (Or a really amateur one whose husband thinks she's good. I'll take that.) Bon appetite!

The finished product, with condensation from the microwave and everything.
Top Chef- here I come!

#34 Super Bowl party for 2!

2011-02-07T00:25:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #34

Well, I'm not sure what did it, it may actually have been my super adorable niece being a good luck charm, but the underdog Pack beat the Steelers in Super Bowl 45 tonight (yeah, roman numerals, blah blah blah.) And I hate to say it, but I cheered for them the whole night (even beyond just Clay Matthews). They are a great team and deserved to win. I always love to see perseverance pay off (that goes for the team and for MVP Aaron Rodgers.) Before I get to pics of Scott and my two person super bowl party, can I just make 2 comments about the musical numbers of the show?

1) Christina, you killed it, including the lyrics. (I was proud of myself for noticing even though Scott didn't.) Oh well, she got through it and at least she can sing!
2) Black-Eyed Peas- loved the half-time show, but maybe you need a new sound editor because it sounded like sh*t. Is it just me or was Will-I-Am's mic super loud and everyone else's not loud enough, plus you couldn't hear the instruments? Too much vocals. Again, at least they can sing so it wasn't too painful. But a good visual show none-the-less.

I made Tandoori-Spiced Chicken, but Scott informed me that we have to eat pizza during the Super Bowl so we put it away for tomorrow. Love Famiglia pizza.

Scott's reaction upon seeing that I pulled out the beer helmet from last year.
What a cutie.

I prefer caffeine-free DC in my "beer" helmet.

Noshing.

This is what Scott and I deemed "the tunnel of doom" because 4 consecutive players had to go down it after being injured in the second quarter. You go down that tunnel...you might not come back...

Now that is actually beer, and Scott would like me to inform you that he did not finish those beer bottles in case any of you were concerned he had a drinking problem. *Eye roll*

MVP Aaron Rodgers, and who is that behind him?? None other than CLAY MATTHEWS- Rock Star and Super Bowl Champ!

#33 On this week's injured reserve list: My Right Knee

2011-02-06T02:17:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #33

Story of my life: I'm lazy. I don't work out. I eat too much chocolate. I gain weight. Wake up call. I decide to lose weight. Start to eat better. Begin a workout regimen. Get into a good grove. Lose weight. Get injured.

Lauren's injured R knee,
star player of her workout team.

My life story has just made another revolution. I have lost 12 pounds since the beginning of November cutting back on portion sizes and just trying to eat better over all. I've been a dedicated ellipticaler as well as participant of Jillian Michael's 30-Day-Shred DVD (she kicks my ass!) So finally, last week, in a moment of weakness, I didn't complete my elliptical cool-down after a 30-minute workout and I jumped right onto the treadmill for a 10-minute walk. (It could also technically be from the very difficult squats Jillian makes me do with my 4lb weights...maybe I'm doing them incorrectly though she stresses, "No injuries please.") Later that night at work, I noticed a pulling sensation on the anterior-medial aspect of my right knee (front and on the inside), and since then, I haven't been able to shake the pain which has now traveled just above my knee cap and to my thigh which is apparently compensating.

I've had to place my star player on the injured reserve list at least for this week to see if it improves, if not, I'm off to MRI city (or so thinks one of the nurses I work with who is also an NP). Just in time for the super bowl too. Good thing I'm just watching from my couch. Most likely, it's just a strain, so let's hope it wants to heal fast! Here's to a week of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and ibuprofen. Cheers.

#32 The Metropolis Case

2011-02-04T08:23:00.000-05:00

Rating: 4.5/5

365 Blog Challenge: Post #32

I recently won The Metropolis Case on a Goodreads Giveaway (another reason I love Goodreads.com!), and as usual, was a little skeptical. Goodreads has book giveaways that range from renown authors like Louis Erdrich to self-published vampire romance novels that look, well, terrible. You never quite know what you're going to get, but sign up for the ones that sound good anyways. It's free after all. In regards to The Metropolis Case, I was pleasantly surprised.

This book is gorgeous, inside and out. And I can't think of a book whose cover better reflects its contents, poetically and aesthetically, than this one. This is Matthew Gallaway's debut novel, and it's a story of 4 people, intertwined by a love for music, opera specifically. It came as a shock to me when reading Gallaway's bio that he was never a singer based on the way he so beautifully describes opera in sound and experience.

The book revolves around Lucien, a young singer in 19th century France; Anna, a rising opera star in 1960s America; Maria, born with "four lungs", a young singer, though an outcast, in 1970s Pittsburgh; and Martin, an HIV+ lawyer in 9/11 era New York who is transformed by watching the towers fall from his office on that fateful September day. In the beginning of the novel, it's hard to determine how these characters are related, other than a recurring theme of the Wagner opera, Tristan and Isolde. But Gallaway does weave these stories together in elegant fits and starts until the entire connection is revealed in the last pages of the novel.

The real stars of this novel, however, are the prose. As written in the NYT's review (so conveniently included with my copy), there is "never a lazy sentence". I can't imagine the energy it took to write such gorgeous descriptions, and yet, the book flew by. A quick read. My favorite passages were those used to describe music, production or one's response to music, such as this description of Maria, now an up-and-coming opera singer, making her debut in a Bayreuth production of T&I with the renowned singer, Leo Metropolis.

"She spent a few seconds analyzing his voice, the way it seemed to weave through the house, around the columns, and under and over the wooden back seats....They shared the love potion, which poured down her throat like hot poison, and then became an open wound of desire that grew more infected with each passing second. When the act ended, the was ripped from Leo's arms, it was an apocalypse: writhing she had to be passed to her dressing room like a bucket of water by a line of production assistants and there propped onto a couch and spoon-fed sips of tea to keep her throat moist."

An amazing first novel. Highly recommended.

#31 Hibernation

2011-02-04T00:28:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #31

Whether it's the weather, the difficult week I had at work a couple weeks ago, or this horrible, dreary winter we've having here on the East Coast, I have essentially gone into hibernation since Tuesday. I worked Monday night, got an allergy shot Tuesday morning and got to sleep around 11am. Minus a couple Skype dates, a psychiatrist appointment and a quick dinner with Scott at our favorite cheap Chinese place (Gingers, 37th and 7th), I have been sleeping ever since. And no, I don't feel sick. I don't have swollen glands or a fever. I just feel like I open my eyes and immediately feel the need to close them again. The super B complex vitamin my mom suggested is not helping. So, moral of the story is I have to get off my butt tomorrow to run some errands or Scott and I will be eating cardboard boxes all weekend, but I hope to lighten up my blog posts after that. I'm hoping I got all the exhaustion out of me the last 3 days. Tomorrow, I will try to be sunnier...or at least more awake. Good night y'all.

#30 Proof that Lauren needs a vacation...

2011-02-02T23:37:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #30

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, please allow me to exhibit some evidence that Lauren, your blog writer, needs a vacation from work, or at least to get off the night shift. As a reminder, I bring this topic up after a particularly difficult couple of weeks include three sad patient deaths and way more snow than NYC is equipped to sanely handle.

Exhibit A: Caterpillar Eyebrows- Due to recent stress, exhaustion and lack of waking hours during the day, Lauren has neglected to have her eyebrows waxed and they are way past due. They are so past due that she gets self-conscious while standing too close to her coworkers for fear they will see the stray hairs and judge her.

Exhibit B: Dark under eye circles- Despite having been off for 2 days straight, Lauren still has dark circles under her eyes and really would like to get into a regular circadian rhythm so she doesn't look like a drug addict.

Exhibit C: Pepperoni Chin- These zits which Lauren continues to get at the ripe old age of 27 exhibit the stress Lauren has been under lately. Either someone needs to create a fool-proof zit zapping cream (with immediate results) or Lauren needs a vacation.

Ladies and gentlemen, as Lauren's representation, I just ask that you make your decision today with your conscience, and give this girl the vacation she needs.

* Thank you for putting up with my exhausted wackiness today. Only 3 more weeks until I get a few days off to visit Minne! Dani oughta brighten me up!

#29 Belated SAG Fashion Commentary

2011-02-02T00:21:00.002-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #29

Exciting news you guys. I got a famous, professional fashion editor to make some commentary on the SAG fashions from Sunday night! Oh wait....whats that? She's not available? Oh. Well. I guess you guys will have to deal with my inexpert opinions instead :). Photos from InStyle.com

Some goodies:

Natalie Portman- So much good in this picture. What a beautiful, adorable way to display your baby bump! However, the hair? I wasn't feeling it. It didn't go with the style of dress. But I forgive you, Natalie, because the dress choice was that good. Now go get your Oscar! Photo by: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Mila Kunis- Oscar snubee. This was my favorite dress of the night. The moment I saw it I loved it, and I loved it even more when I found out it was designed by the late Alexander McQueen...not that I know much about him, just that I like a lot of his stuff and his story was so sad. Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage

Tina Fey: Thank you. Tina, for wearing something other than your usual black/navy and wearing it so well! One of the few stand-outs of the night. (Did anyone else feel the styles at this award show were fairly lackluster?) Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Jane Krakowski: Another pregnant lady who knows how to dress! Looking awesome in this silver Badgley Mischka. My question is how on earth does a pregnant woman wear those shoes?? Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage

The "I'm not so sure" category:

Hilary Swank: It's not that I don't love Hilary Swank's Versace dress, especially the color It's that I think she looks more like J. Lo than Hilary Swank. Hilary Swank is sleek, and sophisticated (at her best), but not diva-esque. I think it's the hair. Not digging it. Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Hailee Steinfeld: The first time I saw this dress, I thought it was hideous. But the more I look at it, the more I like it, especially for this young True Grit star (14 years old I believe). Apparently, it originally was a shorter dress but Hailee vouched for the long version, the bottom of which I think makes the dress. (Scott however thinks this dress looks like a pinata.) Photo by: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

The Ewwwww:

Nicole Kidman: Is it just me, or has Nicole Kidman's style progressively gotten more matronly? She has a beautiful, lengthy, ivory body. Show it off lady! Stop covering up with this lace baloney. And what's with the necklace (which I originally thought was part of the dress)? Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kim Kardashian: I am constantly blown away by what a pretty face Kim Kardashian has, but I feel this dress does nothing for her. In fact, I think the metallic boob looks especially saggy, and while I appreciate that Kim is curvy, I think this makes her look bigger than she really is. Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage

I'll try to be a little more prompt with my fabulous fashion insights after the Oscars!

#28 Jesse vs. Mark

2011-01-30T11:46:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #28

Thank you to Jesse Eisenberg for making today's post so simple. He is so adorable! Enjoy.

#27 Knitting Innuendos

2011-01-30T01:20:00.000-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #27

I recently spent some time with one of my favorite couples in the world, Karen and Paul. As mentioned before, Karen and I went to nursing school together. Paul and Karen were married last May, and sadly, will be leaving the city at the end of the summer to move back home to Chicago. I am trying to take advantage of Karen's being nearby (12 blocks away to be exact).

During my most recent visit to Karen and Paul's Washington Heights apartment, Karen taught me how to knit, while Paul made sexual innuendos about all of our knitting talk. (Big balls of yarn, thick knitting needles, you get the picture.) Completely inappropriate, yet hilarious.

Here are some pics of a night in with two of the best people ever:

Granny Karen preparing her ball'o'yarn.

Clever Paul, dirty mind.

Granny Lo, trying to be crafty when I'm not.

So that top line is supposed to be straight but hey, it's my first time!

Big Ball O' Yarn.

Maybe if I practice enough, I'll be able to make a blanket for Dani or a scarf for Zoe or a hat for Tyler. For now, I'll stick with getting my lines straight....or not poking my eye out with a knitting needle.

#26 The NFL has a problem...

2011-01-29T14:59:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #26

"The stress to play is high, even if injured! You don't complain because there is always someone to take your place if you don't perform. People don't understand the amount of stress that is put on players to play. So you play through your pain."
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The above quote is from a study conducted at the School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. The quoted individual is a former NFL player, one of many who was interviewed for a study regarding pain-killer abuse/misuse and retired NFL players. The study results, though not surprising, should be a big wake up call to the NFL. It proves that retired NFL players are much more likely to abuse/misuse prescription pain killers than ordinary people, and they don't always get the drugs from a legal source.

As a health care professional, I am constantly put off by how little concern is given to NFL players bodies. Concussions are especially concerning given the new research that shows early dementia in retired NFL players who suffered concussions. The research at Washington U highlighted the high number of retired NFL players who misuse pain killers, the most common reasons being uncontrolled pain, undiagnosed concussions and heavy alcohol use. While it isn't surprising that a former professional athlete will have pain, he (or she) used his body to a greater extent in his 5-10 year career than an ordinary person will in, I'd guess, 60-70 years, the extent of this pain and the inability to control it is concerning.

I am always put off when players play injured, especially after concussions. While I understand that using their body is part of the game, I wonder if the players realize that there is life after the game, and their bodies aren't always worth the sacrifice of winning. While winning an Superbowl (or World Series or NBA championship, etc) would be an amazing accomplishment, who cares if you spend the rest of your life addicted to pain medication or depressed or demented due to undiagnosed or untreated concussions? Sure, the league is cracking down on helmet-to-helmet offenders. But now they league wants to extend the regular season by 2 games? Isn't that somewhat hypocritical? And for what purpose? To make more money? They don't make enough money as it is? There isn't any other way to cut back without forcing already injured and fatigued players into 2 more grueling games where countless more injuries can occur?

I understand playing football is a choice, and to be honest, I love watching the game. I just think that something in the NFL (and other professional sports)culture needs to change to make it okay for a player to sit out an additional game or two without the risk of losing a starting spot or even a spot on the team. The NFL culture needs to stop forcing these players to be super human, because they are not. They are just as human as the rest of us, body and soul.

#25 Rashi's Daughters, Book One: Joheved

2011-01-28T01:58:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #25

Rating: 4/5 stars

I stayed up late tonight (later than Scott even) finishing the first book of the Rashi's Daughters series written by Maggie Anton. As many of you know, my husband is Jewish and I am not. However, I have a fascination with the Jewish religion, especially of Orthodox Judaism (the form of Judaism that adheres most strictly to the words in the Torah). When I saw these books on the Hanukkah table at Barnes and Noble a couple months ago, I became intrigued.

Ms. Anton, the author, studies the Talmud (explanation of the Talmud as found on the oh so reliable Wikipedia: record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history) as well as medieval history. I did not however find any educational credentials as to her background in medieval history, not that it's necessary. Just something I noticed.

The first book of this series reminded me why I love historical fiction so much. What's better than learning about a time period and a culture while being told an engaging story as well? Rashi (aka Salomon Ben Isaac) is a learned scholar who secretly begins teaching his daughters the Talmud (something pretty darn taboo for the time.) The story primarily follows Rashi's eldest daughter, Joheved, from age 12 when her studies begin, through her betrothal, marriage and pregnancy. It also gives details on the Yeshiva that Rashi starts in his French city of Troyes as well as the family vineyard that he left his studies to maintain. The book gives excellent accounts of what it is to live a Jewish life in the 11th century, as well as some interesting insights on the Talmud.

Though the writing is simple, the authors voice seems appropriate in entertaining and educating the reader. I was surprised to find that I actually missed my subway stop while reading this book. That means I'm pretty into it. Looking forward to reading the next one though I've got a long to-read list ahead of it.

#24 Restaurant Week- Devi

2011-01-26T22:27:00.002-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: #24

This week is restaurant week in NY, and Scott and I decided to take advantage of it for the first time and had lunch at Devi on E 18th Street. I think Scott and I played Tom Colicchio and Padma (of Top Chef) very well as we dined on this fancy, gourmet Indian food by chefs Suvir Saran and Hemant Mathur. (Actually, rumor has it Padma actually dines here.) The restaurant itself is gorgeous, and my picture of the table setting below doesn't begin to do it justice. It is decorated with lush, warmly shaded upholstery; flowing, transparent cloths; and beautiful colored lamps hanging from the ceiling. (The website has better pictures than I can provide.) It feels elegant, but otherworldly, the moment you walk in.

Let me begin by saying I am not food critic. In fact, I may have one of the most simple palates on the planet. However, I could appreciate the quality of this food, even if not all of it was my favorite.

I loved the silver plates on the place settings which we
didn't actually eat on but were beautiful anyways.

We ordered from the Prix Fixe restaurant week lunch menu and both started with the Chicken Apricot Seekh Kababs. These were delicious, a little spice in the chicken with sweet, delicious apricot chutney underneath. (All of the chutneys at Devi were amazing, sweet and not too savory.)

For our main course, Scott and I went in different directions. He ordered the vegetarian Paneer Stirfry which had the most amazing sauce, buttery and so smooth, and I ordered the Tandoor-Grilled Lamb Chops with Spiced Potatoes and Sweet and Sour Pear Chutney (yum chutney). Mine may have been a mistake. I don't doubt the quality of the dish, but I learned very quickly that I'm not quite a lamb chop kind of girl. I'd only ever had lamb in gyros (not just street meet, from actual quality Greek restaurants) and am used to the tougher slices of meat with that earthy, lamb flavor. The lamb chops at Devi were very tender and I could tell beautifully seasoned, but the actual flavor and texture of the meat did not agree with me. I felt like I was eating one of little Bo Peeps sheep and Scott (surprisingly) ate most of my chops. Luckily, we also ordered a side order of Butter Chicken (tikka masala), which had a similar sauce to that paneer stir fry but a little less rich. We happily dipped our naan (the best naan I've ever had) in the extra sauce.

Pistachio Kulfi

Mango Sorbet and Mango Panna Cotta

Finally, we had dessert. I ordered the Pistachio Kulfi (kulfi is "traditional Indian ice cream") and Scott got the Mango Panna Cotta

with mango sorbet. Again, I preferred Scott's dish to mine, though mine was extremely interesting. A pistachio ice cream, strong hints of ginger with caramelized pistachios and cream. However, I think Scott's mango sorbet was the best thing I tasted there besides the naan. It was so refreshing and tasted like the ripest, most delicious mango ever.

Devi was definitely a good experience and maybe some day, if we have lots of extra money hanging around, we can go back. At the least, it was an adventure for our taste buds and I recommend it to any foodie in NY.

#23 Nominees I can stand behind...

2011-01-25T23:37:00.000-05:00

365 Post Challenge: Blog #23

Today the nominees for the 83rd Academy Awards were announced, and while I only watched part of the announcement on TV (while wrapping up my work shift) I wanted to comment a bit on some nominations that I stand behind 100%. Please note that I don't see a ton of movies. A movie has to really appeal to me (or Scott) for me to pay the money ($12.50 in NY!) and take the time to go to the theater to see it. That being said, I've only seen 3 or 4 of the highly nominated films. However, I will go on with my opinionated self and tell you who I like.

Best Actress: Natalie Portman
Ok, did you SEE Black Swan? Did you see the transformation this girl went through in that film? This sweet, smart, funny, charming actress became a haunting, demonic frickin' swan! As feathers seemed to appear from under her skin, goose bumps appeared on my arms. She was IN CONTROL. A mad woman in a beautiful dancer's body. Amazing. She gets my vote.

Best Actor: Jesse Eisenberg
If anyone has seen my husband, you'll note that I like skinny, Jewish guys, and Jesse Eisenberg is no exception. Actually I haven't verified that he is Jewish, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was. AND he is seksi! And not only seksi, talented. And his performance in The Social Network proves he is beyond just an endearing, cute, Michael Cera-eseque actor (see Zombieland). This kid has range. (I can call him a kid because according to IMDB, he's 2 months younger than me.) In this movie, he played an awkward, cold genius...cold, but not cold hearted. How complicated. While The Social Network wasn't my favorite movie of the year (a little too much boardroom, not enough action), I thought Jesse was amazing. (PS I also really enjoyed Justin Timberlake in the Social Network as I was pleasantly surprised he can act! Maybe not Oscar material, but fun to see none-the-less.)

Best Film: Black Swan
As mentioned before, I really enjoyed Black Swan. It was so nice to see a movie that made me jump in my seat, that didn't have to be advertised as a stupid horror movie. Psycho-dance thriller, is that what they called it? I loved it. I was into every minute of it, and if you haven't see it, you should for it's great story, it's incredible acting and it's beautiful visualizations.

Best Documentary: Restrepo
Ok, so I haven't actually SEEN this, but I did read the book by Sebastian Junger, a journalist who co-directed this documentary about the Afghan war with Tim Heatherington. The book, WAR, was written about Junger's experiences while filming Restrepo, and I plan to see the movie very soon. The book was a very raw look at a platoon in Afghanistan and the realities of war there. I'll give you an update once I see the film.

So, on February 27th, I will be dressed to the nines, sipping champagne and watching to see if my favorites win their categories. Ok who am I kidding, I'll probably be working and have to look up the nominees in my haze of exhaustion the next morning. But I love Oscar season, and I'm hoping the previously mentioned nominees get the recognition they deserve!

#22 He's not a football player...he's a rock star!

2011-01-23T17:50:00.003-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #22

AP Photo/Jim Prisching

In honor of this weekends playoff games, I wanted to dedicate this post to one of my favorite football players, Mr. Clay Matthews III. To be clear, as a Minnesotan, it is somewhat sacrilege to cheer for the Green Bay Packers or any of their players. Despite this, Mr. Matthews stood out to me because, like a few other current NFL players, he has ridiculously long hair that flows out from under his helmet during games. Being a former long-haired athlete myself, I couldn't imagine playing soccer, basketball or even softball without having my hair pulled out of my face and off my neck. Maybe it's some sort of tough guy status symbol in the NFL, like not wearing long sleeves in 20 degree games (crazy kids.)

Anyways, so Mr. Matthew's long flowing blond locks caught my eye, but not only that. The guys acts like a rock star! A testosterone loaded, adrenaline pumping rock star. He looks more like he should be a member of Guns N' Roses than a Green Bay Packer, and despite this, he is an awesome player! He has a 13+ sack season and is a force against any team the Packers play. He was even on the Dan Patrick Show (A podcast my sports-nut husband listens to regularly), and he used the word "bestie". And this makes me like him even more.

So Clay Matthews III, on this playoff weekend, as your team is beating the Chicago Bears 14-0 in the forth quarter, I salute you. Also, I pray to God that you're not doing steroids and that you're just naturally a huge, rock star oaf who is a monster of a player! Good luck Packers! *wince*

#21 Dani jammin' out

2011-01-22T23:27:00.001-05:00

365 Blog Challenge: Post #21

www.bachnickphoto.com/gallery/download/DaniBaker2895.MOV

It has been a rough work week, probably my worst thus far in my nursing career. Not only did my patient pass away on Monday, but another "frequent flier" of ours, a young many in his 40s, died of very unexpected circumstances on another unit this week also. I don't feel I get overly attached to most patients, but once you've gotten to know someone over time, it makes it much more difficult to lose them.

Last night it all came to a head. I was step-down nurse (more acute beds than regular beds, not quite as acute as ICU beds). One of my patients was physically unstable all night and another one was mentally unstable for much of the night and yes, they happened to share a room. Given my already glum mood and the deterioration of another patient on the floor, I was more frazzled than I like to be and I struggled last night. It was a terrible night, and I was so happy when it was done because I have the night off, only to go back the next 2 nights.

However, after sleeping for a few hours today, I woke up to a little ray of sunshine on a Facebook video, my niece Dani. There is no mood this little girl can't get me out of. Thank goodness for beautiful, wonderful, hilarious babies, especially ones who are so important to you. See the video to Dani jamming out to Jim Carrey from "The Mask" soundtrack in the link above.