Today was my last day of freedom before school starts and I enter my last semester of my master's degree. Weird.
May 20, here I come.
What did I do on my last day of freedom? I went to church, took a niiiiice, looooong nap (something that will all-too-quickly become a foreign concept once again), and cleaned my room. We'll see how long the clean room lasts. Maybe I'll finally post pictures, but don't get your hopes up.
Technically school doesn't start until the 14th, but since I'm going to clinical every day this week, I say that school starts tomorrow.
Can't we go back to that home-with-my-family vacation thing?
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Us Against the World
Back in July (was it really that long ago?!) Allie and I had the most epic night ever. What happened, you ask? Well, we went to the Coldplay concert, of course.
First of all, I just have to say: Chris Martin, I love you.
Now that that's out of the way, I have to say that the concert was perfect. I literally think it could not have gone better. It was just 2 days before I took the NCLEX, so I was stressing-out-of-my-mind and she was getting ready to move across the country so she was also stressing but held it together better than I did. Let's just say, it was the perfect distraction for both of us.
We started by meeting at Quincy Market to get dinner and then rode the T over to the TD Garden. When we walked in they gave us bracelets and asked us to wear them since they were part of the show. We had a few minutes before the concert started, so we went and bought our mandatory t-shirts.
We were beyond excited for the concert. Even from our nosebleed seats (we're poor graduate students), we were over the moon. Let's be honest, Coldplay knows how to put on a good show.
The concert was so much fun. They played while we sang and danced and smiled so big our cheeks hurt. I told myself that I would only video my very favorite songs, but somehow ended up with 10 videos...
When Chris Martin came out for the encore and played Us Against the World on his acoustic guitar I cried. And, truth be told, I haven't been able to listen to the song since without tearing up or full-on sobbing. But it makes sense because Chris Martin is my sloth.
Thank you Allie and Chris Martin for such a perfect night.
First of all, I just have to say: Chris Martin, I love you.
Now that that's out of the way, I have to say that the concert was perfect. I literally think it could not have gone better. It was just 2 days before I took the NCLEX, so I was stressing-out-of-my-mind and she was getting ready to move across the country so she was also stressing but held it together better than I did. Let's just say, it was the perfect distraction for both of us.
We started by meeting at Quincy Market to get dinner and then rode the T over to the TD Garden. When we walked in they gave us bracelets and asked us to wear them since they were part of the show. We had a few minutes before the concert started, so we went and bought our mandatory t-shirts.
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| Al modeling her shirt |
We were beyond excited for the concert. Even from our nosebleed seats (we're poor graduate students), we were over the moon. Let's be honest, Coldplay knows how to put on a good show.
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| Our glowing bracelets |
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| Everyone had bracelets of different colors that would pulse to the beat of the song. Pretty sweet, eh? |
When Chris Martin came out for the encore and played Us Against the World on his acoustic guitar I cried. And, truth be told, I haven't been able to listen to the song since without tearing up or full-on sobbing. But it makes sense because Chris Martin is my sloth.
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| Picture stolen from Allie's blog |
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Clinical: 1, McCall: 0
I was so proud of myself that I hadn't gotten sick. Given my immune system's track record, I didn't think that it was feasible for me to spend every day with sick kids and not somehow contract their illness. But here we were, at the end of October and I hadn't gotten sick yet? Score!
And yet, I spoke too soon.
Sunday I went to the MinuteClinic because I knew I had strep. I got some meds and went home and rested. Luckily classes were cancelled on Monday for the hurricane so I didn't miss anything by being out sick. Tuesday I went to class but I still felt a little bit like death. Weird since I was already on dose 5 of penicillin. Cause the one good thing about strep is that once you start taking the meds you start feeling a lot better. Except I didn't.
Last night I started thinking that the reason I wasn't feeling better was because I had pneumonia. I tried to listen to my lungs with my stethoscope, but come to find out it's really hard to listen to your own lungs. Especially when they are as tight as mine were. I went to clinical today where my preceptor heard my cough and knew something was wrong. She gave me a nebulizer treatment to loosen up my lungs and then diagnosed me with pneumonia and sent me home with a prescription.
I got a text today from Linds that said, "I see what you're doing though... trying out every disease you can think of so you can truly have sympathy for your patients. I applaud your dedication, but you may want to rethink your tactics." She's right, I need to adjust my tactics. This one clearly isn't working out for me.
I'm gonna count today as a loss and try again tomorrow.
And yet, I spoke too soon.
Sunday I went to the MinuteClinic because I knew I had strep. I got some meds and went home and rested. Luckily classes were cancelled on Monday for the hurricane so I didn't miss anything by being out sick. Tuesday I went to class but I still felt a little bit like death. Weird since I was already on dose 5 of penicillin. Cause the one good thing about strep is that once you start taking the meds you start feeling a lot better. Except I didn't.
Last night I started thinking that the reason I wasn't feeling better was because I had pneumonia. I tried to listen to my lungs with my stethoscope, but come to find out it's really hard to listen to your own lungs. Especially when they are as tight as mine were. I went to clinical today where my preceptor heard my cough and knew something was wrong. She gave me a nebulizer treatment to loosen up my lungs and then diagnosed me with pneumonia and sent me home with a prescription.
I got a text today from Linds that said, "I see what you're doing though... trying out every disease you can think of so you can truly have sympathy for your patients. I applaud your dedication, but you may want to rethink your tactics." She's right, I need to adjust my tactics. This one clearly isn't working out for me.
I'm gonna count today as a loss and try again tomorrow.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
#6 & #7
Wow, it's been a while. A lot has happened in the last couple of months, and I will write about it all in time (or I won't. There's really no way to tell). But for now, we're going to start with this.
#'s 6 and 7 on my Boston Bucket List are, respectively, the Ben & Jerry's Factory and Sharon, Vermont. Luckily for me I have some like-minded friends. So, one Saturday Anne Marie, Allie, Curtis, Jake and I took a day trip up to Vermont to see Sharon, the Ben & Jerry's Factory, and the Cabot Cheese Factory. During the car rides we played some interesting games (the skittles game being high on my list), shared some hilarious stories (ask Curtis about his most awkward conversation with a girl), ate some good food, occasionally in interesting ways (see the video of Jake eating the chex mix out the window of the car while we were driving), learned some very random facts about each other (playing the question game) and generally had a an awesome time together. And that was just the car ride.
Sharon, Vermont is the birthplace of the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith. Truthfully I had no idea what to expect to see there - maybe a farm or an open grassy area. Not sure why I thought that, because the LDS church knows how to do things right. There was a beautiful visitor's center, an enormous monument, and a quite little bench to sit and ponder. It was really lovely. Also, the day we went there was a marathon going on and we ran into two of our friends who ran in it. What are the chances? Anyway, we went and had a tour of the visitor's center and watched a movie that we erroneously assumed would be about Joseph Smith but was actually about families. A good film, but not what I expected. Then we just wandered around the grounds, took some pictures and hit the road.
We then drove to Montepelier, Vermont, which happens to be the country's smallest capital. We ate at a place called the Prohibition Pig. We chose that one over the other, slightly-more-appealing diner down the street because we liked the name and felt like it was a more authentic experience. Still not sure we made the right choice on that one, but it was fun regardless of the fact that the boys were still hungry after they finished their meals.
Our next stop was the Ben & Jerry's Factory! I was quite pleased about this because I do love some good ice cream. I was surprised how packed it was - there were SO many people. Not what I was expecting, but I guess I can't assume that we have a monopoly on good ideas of how to successfully spend a Saturday. We bought some ice cream, meandered through the gift shop, and took the tour through the factory. The tour itself was a little bit of a let down since no ice cream was actually being made. Apparently they don't make ice cream on Saturday's. Who knew? So, note to self, if you want to tour the Ben & Jerry's Factory, do yourself a favor and don't go on a Saturday. However, on a happier note, Jerry was actually there, hanging out outside and taking picture with some of the groups. We opted out of that this time around. Maybe next time. Also, remind me to get pictures from Anne Marie, cause come to find out the only ones I have are of ice cream. Don't judge me.
Our final(ish) stop was the Cabot Cheese Factory in Vermont. Our timing was pretty perfect since the last tour started 20 minutes after we got there. The tour was cool but the real highlight was the table full of cheese when you walked in the door. You could sample all sorts of flavors of cheese including tomato and basil (one of my favorites), horseradish, bacon, jalapeno, and about a million others that are escaping me at the moment. Needless to say, we each went around the table a couple of times.
Our final, final stop was actually an accident. We were trying to find a town where Allie's ancestor has a statue of her (new addition to my bucket list: get a statue dedicated to me) but we inadvertently ended up in a city in New Hampshire that has the same name of the town we were looking for in Massachusetts. I wouldn't call it a total waste, though Anne Marie may not agree. All in all, a solid day trip to Vermont. All in a day's work.
#'s 6 and 7 on my Boston Bucket List are, respectively, the Ben & Jerry's Factory and Sharon, Vermont. Luckily for me I have some like-minded friends. So, one Saturday Anne Marie, Allie, Curtis, Jake and I took a day trip up to Vermont to see Sharon, the Ben & Jerry's Factory, and the Cabot Cheese Factory. During the car rides we played some interesting games (the skittles game being high on my list), shared some hilarious stories (ask Curtis about his most awkward conversation with a girl), ate some good food, occasionally in interesting ways (see the video of Jake eating the chex mix out the window of the car while we were driving), learned some very random facts about each other (playing the question game) and generally had a an awesome time together. And that was just the car ride.
Sharon, Vermont is the birthplace of the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith. Truthfully I had no idea what to expect to see there - maybe a farm or an open grassy area. Not sure why I thought that, because the LDS church knows how to do things right. There was a beautiful visitor's center, an enormous monument, and a quite little bench to sit and ponder. It was really lovely. Also, the day we went there was a marathon going on and we ran into two of our friends who ran in it. What are the chances? Anyway, we went and had a tour of the visitor's center and watched a movie that we erroneously assumed would be about Joseph Smith but was actually about families. A good film, but not what I expected. Then we just wandered around the grounds, took some pictures and hit the road.
We then drove to Montepelier, Vermont, which happens to be the country's smallest capital. We ate at a place called the Prohibition Pig. We chose that one over the other, slightly-more-appealing diner down the street because we liked the name and felt like it was a more authentic experience. Still not sure we made the right choice on that one, but it was fun regardless of the fact that the boys were still hungry after they finished their meals.
Our next stop was the Ben & Jerry's Factory! I was quite pleased about this because I do love some good ice cream. I was surprised how packed it was - there were SO many people. Not what I was expecting, but I guess I can't assume that we have a monopoly on good ideas of how to successfully spend a Saturday. We bought some ice cream, meandered through the gift shop, and took the tour through the factory. The tour itself was a little bit of a let down since no ice cream was actually being made. Apparently they don't make ice cream on Saturday's. Who knew? So, note to self, if you want to tour the Ben & Jerry's Factory, do yourself a favor and don't go on a Saturday. However, on a happier note, Jerry was actually there, hanging out outside and taking picture with some of the groups. We opted out of that this time around. Maybe next time. Also, remind me to get pictures from Anne Marie, cause come to find out the only ones I have are of ice cream. Don't judge me.
Our final(ish) stop was the Cabot Cheese Factory in Vermont. Our timing was pretty perfect since the last tour started 20 minutes after we got there. The tour was cool but the real highlight was the table full of cheese when you walked in the door. You could sample all sorts of flavors of cheese including tomato and basil (one of my favorites), horseradish, bacon, jalapeno, and about a million others that are escaping me at the moment. Needless to say, we each went around the table a couple of times.
Our final, final stop was actually an accident. We were trying to find a town where Allie's ancestor has a statue of her (new addition to my bucket list: get a statue dedicated to me) but we inadvertently ended up in a city in New Hampshire that has the same name of the town we were looking for in Massachusetts. I wouldn't call it a total waste, though Anne Marie may not agree. All in all, a solid day trip to Vermont. All in a day's work.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
#16
#16 on my Boston Bucket List was going to the Museum of Fine Art. I am happy to announce that I have now gone twice and that it was free both times. Winning!
The first time I went my friend Ally was in town from DC with some of her friends from her internship. They mostly just crashed at my place and explored the city while I was at the hospital. But on Monday (it was Memorial Day) I didn't have class or clinical so we hit the ground running before they had to catch the bus back to DC that afternoon. The MFA was free on Memorial Day so it was packed, but so much fun! I really loved all of the exhibits I got to see in the few hours we were there. Especially the Greek and Roman statues. I don't know what it is, but I'm such a sucker for them. They're my favorite exhibit nearly every time.
The second time I met my friend, ironically also named Allie, though the spelling difference is important, for a free Wednesday night after she got off of work. There were a few exhibits that she was interested in seeing and that I wanted to see as well. We only spent around an hour and half there but it was still way favorite. And then we went for dinner and ice cream with Anne Marie, and you just can't beat that.
Also, I'm not sure how this happened, but I don't have a single picture from either time I went to the museum. How is that even possible?
Third times a charm?
The first time I went my friend Ally was in town from DC with some of her friends from her internship. They mostly just crashed at my place and explored the city while I was at the hospital. But on Monday (it was Memorial Day) I didn't have class or clinical so we hit the ground running before they had to catch the bus back to DC that afternoon. The MFA was free on Memorial Day so it was packed, but so much fun! I really loved all of the exhibits I got to see in the few hours we were there. Especially the Greek and Roman statues. I don't know what it is, but I'm such a sucker for them. They're my favorite exhibit nearly every time.
The second time I met my friend, ironically also named Allie, though the spelling difference is important, for a free Wednesday night after she got off of work. There were a few exhibits that she was interested in seeing and that I wanted to see as well. We only spent around an hour and half there but it was still way favorite. And then we went for dinner and ice cream with Anne Marie, and you just can't beat that.
Also, I'm not sure how this happened, but I don't have a single picture from either time I went to the museum. How is that even possible?
Third times a charm?
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
#1
This post is a long time coming, but several months ago I was able to cross off #1 on my Boston Bucket List: I went to a Celtics game.
It was their last home game of the season before the finals started. My friend Jennie had an extra ticket and texted me that Thursday morning to see if I wanted it. Did I want it?! Is that even a question? The real question was if it was possible for me to go. You see, Thursday nights I had my Psych clinical until 9:00 pm, and there was no way I would make it to the game if I went to the whole thing. I was afraid to ask my instructor to leave early for something so seemingly inconsequential as a Celtics game, but I figured there's no point in making her decision for her - I'd ask and then she could make the decision herself. Luckily she was incredibly understanding and I was able to go in an hour and a half early so that I could finish my hours in time to go! She told me later that one of the reasons she was so inclined to make it work was because I was so honest with her about my reason for going, I didn't just call in sick or something easy like that. So chalk one up to honesty!
The game itself was unbelievable. Our seats were amazing, the company was fabulous, and the Celtics won! You just can't beat a night like that. Thank you Jennie for inviting me!
It was their last home game of the season before the finals started. My friend Jennie had an extra ticket and texted me that Thursday morning to see if I wanted it. Did I want it?! Is that even a question? The real question was if it was possible for me to go. You see, Thursday nights I had my Psych clinical until 9:00 pm, and there was no way I would make it to the game if I went to the whole thing. I was afraid to ask my instructor to leave early for something so seemingly inconsequential as a Celtics game, but I figured there's no point in making her decision for her - I'd ask and then she could make the decision herself. Luckily she was incredibly understanding and I was able to go in an hour and a half early so that I could finish my hours in time to go! She told me later that one of the reasons she was so inclined to make it work was because I was so honest with her about my reason for going, I didn't just call in sick or something easy like that. So chalk one up to honesty!
The game itself was unbelievable. Our seats were amazing, the company was fabulous, and the Celtics won! You just can't beat a night like that. Thank you Jennie for inviting me!
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| Did I mention our seats were awesome? |
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| Me, Jennie, Amber, and (part of) Melanie |
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Confession
I choose my blog font based on the name. The last one? Calligraffiti.
This new one? Unkempt. I'd like to say that this new name is not a reflection of my current state of mind, but I'd be lying if I did.
This new one? Unkempt. I'd like to say that this new name is not a reflection of my current state of mind, but I'd be lying if I did.
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