Monday, December 31, 2007

Top 10 Sexiest Jobs

The headline on Time Warner's site caught my eye. I thought it was interesting enough to post here.



10 Sexiest Jobs
Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer


You’re at a party. You spot someone across the room and you make your way toward each other. Things are going well, so after some small talk you ask, “What do you do for a living?” The answer you receive determines if you exchange phone numbers or say goodnight.


Whether or not we admit it, what people do for a living affects their sex appeal. A recent CareerBuilder.com survey asked participants what occupations they consider the sexiest. You might be surprised that the top picks weren’t necessarily based on salary or looks.


Here are the 10 sexiest jobs, according to the survey.


1. Entertainer/Model
Why they’re sexy: Entertainers and models make a living by looking good, so you can bet they’re easy on the eyes. Their dedication to their dream in such a competitive industry is also attractive.
Where you’ll find them: Supermodels are on the runways in Paris, Milan and New York or at photo shoots in major cities around the world. Entertainers can find work in any city, but New York and Los Angeles certainly have the best opportunities.
Pros: They travel the world, are famous and have huge paychecks.
Cons: Competition is fierce and there’s a lot of pressure to maintain their looks.


2. Cocktail Waitress
Why they’re sexy: Although it might not seem like an obvious top pick, consider the fact that the waitress is probably dressed in a short skirt and bringing you drinks, which never hurt anybody’s sex appeal.
Where you’ll find them: At any establishment that serves alcohol — casinos, bars, clubs, restaurants and concert halls.
Pros: A good cocktail waitress can make a killing on tips alone, especially in an upscale establishment.
Cons: They have to deal with drunken customers and they often work in smoke-filled bars and clubs.


3. Athlete
Why they’re sexy: Professional athletes are likely in good — no, great — shape. Not to mention they’ve probably been practicing their sport since childhood, so you know they’re disciplined and goal-oriented.
Where you’ll find them: When they’re not training, they’re on the field (or rink or court whatever venue they perform at).
Pros: The chance to be famous and internationally adored is pretty nice.
Cons: The odds of making it big are slim.


4. Firefighter
Why they’re sexy: Firefighters are brave and selfless. Who wouldn’t find that attractive?
Where you’ll find them: Everywhere. Every city needs firefighters, though some smaller towns have volunteer squads.
Pros: They save lives and serve the community.
Cons: They risk their lives every day.


5. Cowboy
Why they’re sexy: Few archetypes are as engrained in our culture as the cowboy. He’s masculine, chivalrous and everything else we admired in Western movies.
Where you’ll find them: On ranches in rural areas. Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming and California are the most traditional examples of cowboy country.
Pros: It’s a quiet life away from the city.
Cons: The have to work with their hands and outdoors, regardless of the season.


6. Nurse
Why they’re sexy: Nurses keep you comfortable, make sure you’re healthy and bring you morphine when you’re hurting. That they devote their lives to caring for others and understand all that medical jargon only makes them sexier.
Where you’ll find them: In hospitals, your doctor’s office and other health care facilities.
Pros: They care for patients, watch them get better and put a baby in its parents' arms for the first time.
Cons: The hours are long; patients and their families can be demanding and there are plenty of sad events they have to witness, too.


7. Artist
Why they’re sexy: The average artist is doing what makes them happy, not what will bring them fame or money — and that’s pretty sexy. How many occupations can you say that about?
Where you’ll find them: Everywhere. Painters, photographers, sculptors and other types of artists work in their own studios, in offices for ad agencies or on location for photo shoots.
Pros: They spend their days being creative and get paid for it.
Cons: The paying work that’s easiest to find is often boring and doesn’t allow artists to express themselves.


8. Military Professional
Why they’re sexy: Well, they’ve got the ultimate uniform, if you’re into that sort of thing. The military also instills a sense of discipline, so you can count on them to be responsible and dependable.
Where you’ll find them: On military bases throughout the country.
Pros: Job security and good pay.
Cons: Long-term commitment and willingness to relocate frequently, which means sticking with a job no matter where it takes you.


9. Construction Worker
Why they’re sexy: Didn’t you see that soft drink commercial where all the women stare out their window to watch the construction worker take off his shirt?
Where you’ll find them: Wherever a new building is going up, a house is being renovated or a road is being repaved.
Pros: Their job keeps them in shape and their hard work is often rewarded with a nice salary.
Cons: Performing manual labor every day is tiring and sometimes dangerous.


10. TV Anchor/Personality
Why they’re sexy: Maybe it’s the way they talk with authority, seem to know everything and make you feel like you’re best friends. Or maybe it’s the fact that you don’t know if they’re really wearing pants under that desk.
Where you’ll find them: On your TV in the morning, at noon and at night.
Pros: They get to be on television and get the news before anybody else.
Cons: They can spend years working in small cities before they get a job in a major market.



Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.



Last Updated: 17/12/2007 - 5:06 PM

Brady Quinn's first drive against the 49ers

Happy New Year!


Sweet Comments at DazzleJunction.com

Happy New Year Comments - DazzleJunction.com

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Brady Quinn Plays!!!!

Brady Quinn played today. I was shocked. Pleased, but shocked. I never thought Romeo would put him in given that he has been pissy ever since the hold out; Romeo that is, not Quinn. Brady was poised, confident, and reasonablely accurate. I do not understand why they pulled him because Anderson was not doing well at all, the game was not on the line, and Quinn was, as I stated above, effective. I believe Quinn will win the starting quarterback next season. If he is not, it will not be because he was not the best man for the job, it will be because Romeo is not the best man for the job.

On a lighter note, it was good to see Browns fullback Charles Ali do well today. He has been a favorite of mine since the HOF Meet and Greet where he took the time to talk to my kids. He even read Jason's football book he made for Quinn. How could I not root for a guy like that?

Arnes Battle (WR 49ers) looked good as well. He is a former ND player who I believe was a senior when Quinn was a freshman. It was nice to see him talking to Quinn after the game. It is what one would expect from former Notre Dame teammates.

--------------

Now we wait to see if the Colts can win. I like Peyton Manning. From what I heard he will only be playing for a short time in order to keep him healthy for the playoffs.
I had to laugh while we were watching the Patriot vs. Giants game because there were several Manning commercials and not one of Tom Brady. Tom is an amazing quarterback and yet he not beloved like Manning. Why is that? I can only guess it is a result of poor image. Who wants their kid looking up to a guy who knocks up supermodels? Ok, some might. Well, quite a few might. I take that back. Who wants a guy who does not have that boy next door charm to sell them on credit card debt and child sized footballs? I admit to being fond of Peyton. There is something darn likable about him that I just can't put my finger on. Tom does nothing for me. Go figure.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Nerf War: A new family tradition

The day began with stockings. No surprises except this year's potato in the toe of the stocking was sporting a smiley face. Gifts were opened in record time. Soon the family came and went. The girls loved their Steelers number 7 jerseys and funky animal socks. The boys loved everything. The biggest hit though was the Nerf cross bow my brother-in-law got for J. I think Keith was more excited than anyone to give it a go. Before we knew it, every male in the house was dodging and shooting nerf darts from it or the Nerf Maverick Rev-6s I bought the boys this year (with a 30 pack of velcro darts). My mother-in-law's husband, who could not actively participate because of his leg, smiled as he collected darts in his pocket as the guys scrambled for ammo. Us girls tried to stay behind enemy lines but were defenseless when they decided we were the easiest target. The madness continued for at least a half hour. Oh how I wish I had a video camera. Good times.

By early evening everyone was gone. I finished cleaning up and tried out some of the new toys as David played the ps2 with the boys. I also watched Charlie Brown's Christmas (I have it on DVD). It is one of my favorites.

Charllie Brown Christmas

Monday, December 24, 2007

Death comes in twos (corrected)

Death in twos


This week both my great-great aunt (92) and neighbor (91) passed away.

Mrs. Navar

Mrs. Navar had been our neighbor for exactly four years this week. From the moment we moved in, she made us feel at home. Every Christmas she had her son bring us baked goods, and bags of candy on Halloween for the boys. She was too ill to do it herself. My boys would leave her cards and pictures in her mailbox. Jason even wrote her one of his football books. Friday night, Skip came to our door to let us know she had passed with a plate of cookies and candy in hand. He asked if we could keep an eye on the house during the wake and funeral. Apparently during the last one someone broke in. I did not realize criminals scope out the obits to see when families will be away. I grateful that day passed without incident. Mrs. Navar was a wonderful neighbor. She will be missed.



Aunt Martha

My Aunt Martha was special to me. She was the only member of my dad's side of the family to stay touch when I stopped visitation with my dad. She remembered every birthday and holiday. Never an unkind word was spoken. She sent letters with each card and I did the same in return. When I decided to contact my dad at the age of 18 the letters stopped. I did not understand why at first. Later, it occurred to me that she kept in touch until I made my way back to them. My guess is she did what she thought my grandmother (her niece) would have wanted.The truth is I will never know for certain. What I do know is she was very good to me and that I loved her.

50 to 30 in less than 2 hours

Busy day. David has been eagar to see I am Legend since he saw the first trailer. Devin is finally old enough to see movies like that with him which makes me a happy girl. This is where David would not so subtlely remind me that I no longer a girl. I am a middle aged woman. Sigh.....Anyway, I took Jason and a friend to see Alvin and the Chipmonks. Both movies started and ended at about the same time so it worked out perfectly with us driving only the van. The movie was really enjoyable. I have loved the Chipmonks since I was a little girl, and as I stated before, that was a long time ago. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the movie as well. Jason Lee fits the character Dave perfectly. The animation is well done as expected. I give it two thumbs up (or Chipmonk tails in this case. hehe)David and Devin liked I am Legend. It wasn't quite what they were expecting. I think David was anticipating vampires when in fact the infected humans had something like rabes instead. I will not give any more info than that because I do not want to spoil the movie for anyone.

Leaving the movie we about froze. The temperature went from 50 to 30 in two hours. We headed home for a little bit to kill time before our niece's birthday party. That was just enough time to see the Browns lose. David and Jason seem to feel Anderson deserves some credit for getting the Browns this far. I have to admit that he is better than Frye. I also agree with him that it is better to have Brady sit out the first year and learn; even though it is killing me to know how much better we could be with him in. The biggest problem with Anderson is inconsistency and inaccuracy. These are two issues a first string quarterback should have resolved early on. Oh well. We watched all the way to the bitter end. You cannot expect to move into the playoffs giving up four interceptions. I know there is still a chance, but I do not think we should be in the playoffs at the level we are playing.

Danni's party was fun. We played Rummy and Go Fish. Dev and Miranda played Slap Jack. The pizza and ice cream cake left us bloated and tired. It was a matter of hours before we had the energy to get our coats and head home.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

What's been goin' on

Sunday

Devin's glasses broke about a month ago. A thank you to his middle school gym class for that one. He was due to have his eyes checked so it worked out. Of course I picked Sunday, when the storm was to hit, to take him to the optometrist. I planned to have his old lenses put into new frames as a back up pair, but could not find any to fit. We lucked out when we stopped in at Eyemasters because his doctor was able to take him immediately. Devin's eyes are slightly worse than last year, which is common for us near-sighted folk. He also switched contacts from weekly to monthly. I have to watch him carefully to make sure he does not get an infection. When it came time to pick frames, David said to ask the sales clerk for the most durable frames they've got. They recommended Flexon. Devin picked out the Nike flexon in an adult size. They are the best fitting glasses he has had. The display showed the one side of the frame twisted repeatedly around an index finger. The saleswoman stated that they have never had a pair come back to them broken. Let's hope the Curious George of the family doesn't decide to test them out. Afterward, we planned to get a bite but could not agree on a place so we just went home.

The Browns game was on when we returned. I have never seen a snow bowl before. I do not know how the refs were able to keep track of where the ball needed to be or the players. Very happy to see the Browns win.

Out of milk.

Off to the grocery store via the nearly visible road. We were surprised how many people were out considering the snow flying everywhere and ice under what was on the road. We some how managed to make it there and back.

Monday

Eyemasters lab was closed on Sunday which means we had to go back the next day for Dev's glasses. David stayed home with J while Dev and I trekked back to the mall. I was glad to go because there was a new store with Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends items that David didn't want to go into the day before. It only took a few minutes to fit the glasses. They look great and Devin seems to like them. The new store proved too expensive but very cool. On the way out, another new store had Fear the Elf Browns t-shirts we looked at before. It was only $9.99. That price was just right.

Once we were home, David brought up the Christmas tree. It seems we put it up later and later each year. I usually buy each boy a new ornament each year, but the tree is full. I will have to create a new tradition. I learned something as we were rearranging the furniture to accommodate the tree, scented oil from Bath and Body Works will eat through the finish of an end table. I had put some on my decorative pine cones and must have dribbled on the table without realizing it. Lesson learned.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

I am everywhere

David took the little van to get an oil change this morning well before any of us were awake. While it was on the lift, he noticed something hanging down. It was my hair. My thyroid condition is to blame. My lovely tresses are sprinkled all over the house, on clothing, in the car, and apparently under the car as well.

First thing this morning, I decided to color my hair, just as I had earlier this week. Tuesday I tried this new touch-up hair color by Revlon that uses a sponge applicator and was supposed to match a number of popular brands. I openned the box to find the color had leaked outside the tube. A good sign that this product was not going to work and yet I still tried it out. As I suspected, it was compromised. My hair remained dark rooted. So yesterday while I was at Marcs to buy starter logs for the fireplace, I bought my Garnier in Intense Auburn. This is my all-time favorite color. It never fails to deliver the most beautiful color I have ever seen. When I finished, I sent Dev down the street with a sample for my friend Laurie who is considering color her hair the same color. The little bit I had left will give her enough for a stand test.

The rest of the day was spent cleaning the bedroom closets of both boys. Jason was done quickly whereas Dev just finish a half hour ago. In his defense, he has two large closets filled with household items as well as his things.

Late afternoon, David and I headed out to Lowes to get a tool set for the fireplace, bucket for the ashes, and new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. We made it home just as the snow began to fall. The fire is going strong. It took a long time for David to get it going yesterday. We had bought green wood, only 3 months old. He picked up some seasoned wood from Home Depot while out this morning, which made a huge difference. Neither of us are good at starting fires let alone keeping them going, so the fact that it is still going is huge. I love the smell and constant warmth. I don't think we will need to turn on the heat all winter.

I've got to go beat J in air hockey now. The basement is cold.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Mother Nature gives David the day off

Mother Nature decided David should have a day of rest. We lounged around this morning. He napped as I organized my Christmas cards. I wrote out the majority of them last month. I only had a few left and to buy stamps before they could go out. While David was sleeping I ran to the post office for stamps. There was a nice elderly woman in line in front of me who I struck up a conversation with to pass the time. The young man in front of her was on his cell phone. His non-verbal communication suggested we were disturbing his oh-so-important phone call. [insert sarcastic expression and eye roll here]. His behavior did not sway me. I continued talking about the weather with a smile. After the chit-chat I noticed the new Christmas stamps on the wall. They were not what I was hoping for, so instead I bought four sheets of Yoda stamps. I hope next year they have Chewbaca. Even better would be furry Chewbaca stamps. If only they would. Anyway, all of my Christmas cards are finally out.

When I returned, David and I headed out to lunch and then to the mall in search of a jewelry box. We tried Macy's first only to find that they did not receive a single one this season. The clerk said they usually do because it is a hot item. Penneys had several, tall and small. It was difficult to chose one. Lucky for David, who has no patience for shopping at all, I am a super speedy shopper. I picked out my favorite in less than 15 minutes. That time includes being misdirected by the sales clerk at the perfume counter.

Once we were home and settled in I remembered Dev had a concert tonight and his dress clothes were dirty from the field trip on Tuesday. The shirt ended up fitting him just fine and so did not need my super shrinking powers after all. He looked so cute all dressed up. I cannot believe how big he is. We left for the concert at 1800. The holiday concert included the 7/8 grade choir and band. David's mom could not attend because of work, but my mom and step dad were able to be there which made Devin happy. His godparents were there too. Devin had two solos. He did very well on the first and had some difficulty on the second. Afterward, he admitted that he should have practiced more. I trust he will next time. The concert only took 45 minutes. According to my son, I was the ONLY parent moving to the music. I told him to get used to a life time of me embarrassing him. On the way home
boh boys agreed I am strange. I'm okay with that.

The house is quiet with the exception of David's snoring. Everyone is asleep. My arm was asleep too before I freed it from David's grasp. I am to wired from the Pepsi to follow suit.

My dictionary is defunct

I received my encyclopedic dictionary as a present from my high school boyfriend for my 18th birthday. I am now 35. The binding screams "You are killing me!!!" from the moment the maroon cover varies in any direction. Loose and darkened, the pages are intact. The presidential section is in mint condition. I was unaware of it's academic inadequacy until my youngest son needed a dictionary to complete his spelling assignment. At first, the assignment flowed effortlessly. Then we came to the word railroad. No other forms were listed. Jason is a smart cookie and immediately rattled off other forms such as railroaded, railroading, etc... I decided to check dictionary.com to make sure they were acceptable words and not considered slang. Not that it matters really given the fact that all words originate somewhere. A dictionary is a tool used to teach us commonly used words and meanings. Sadly, even ain't is now in the dictionary. This is a huge pet peeve of mine. After all, what two words form the contraction ain't? The only acceptable way to list the word is aint without the apostrophe. I still do not like it, but at least it is grammatically correct. That is enough ranting I suppose, for now. We used both the old Webster dictionary and dictionary.com for the remaining words.

I will be visiting Barnes and Noble this weekend.
Pediculosis. Yes, that is what a student nurse checks for when visiting local schools,that and scoliosis. It has been my experience that people are not educated in either subject. Pediculosis is an infestation of the parasite head lice. The head lice choose only human hosts, so pets are not a factor. They do not fly or jump, they crawl. The brown sesame sized pests are hard to see as they scurry away at the first glimpse of light. What is most commonly found are the nits (eggs). From what I have seen, they look like a grain of salt cemented on the hair close to the shaft. Nits are not to be confused with dandruff which is easily moved by the fingers. If a louse or egg is found, shampoo must be applied and hair carefully combed through to get rid of the eggs and lice. Nix works the best and protects for 14 days after. All bedding must be washed in the hottest water available. Vacuuming is also important (stairs, bedrooms, living and family rooms, etc...). Stuffed animals are to be sealed in bags for two weeks because eggs can hatch up to two weeks after laid. Once an egg hatches, the nymph must find a human host to feed from within 24 hours to survive. The likelihood of this happening is slim. Nymphs cannot be seen by the naked eye. After checking each person's head, wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and dry completely. If soap and water is not available you may use hand sanitizer that is 60-70 percent alcohol. Soap and water is recommended if active lice is found however.

The biggest risks are sharing brushes, pillows, hair clips or accessories, hats, hugs, bedding, and stuffed animals. It is not recommended to treat other family members with the shampoos, unless lice or nits are present, for several reasons. A few off the top of my head are: the shampoo is a pesticide that can harm you, using the shampoo to prevent infection increases the resistance of lice to the treatment, simple precautions are effective if thorough, and shampoos can be expensive.

Now let's talk about scoliosis.

Scoliosis is idiopathic. Often found in middle school children, it appears that the spinal curvature occurs during the adolescent "growth spirt". The S or C shaped curve can be subtle and more common in girls. Observed by uneven clavicals, scapulae, or hips. Distance between arms and truck as well as uneven flanks are also significant. Mild forms are to be watched closely and usually do not need treatment. Moderated and severe cases are treated with braces and in extreme cases surgery.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Random thoughts

1. The cap to my son's bubbles fits my Clorox bleach bottle. The original cap rolled under the gigantic shelving we have downstairs and I can't get it.

2. Peyton Manning is darn cute. I cannot get enough of his commercials.

3. One package of peanut butter cookie dough is not enough and three bags of candy kisses is too many.

4. Brady Quinn is far too good to be on the sidelines. How much longer are the Browns going to torture us!!!

5. Letting a good looking foreign gentleman buff your nail in the middle of the mall will only leave you with a discolored nail and the feeling that you are not using your time wisely.

6. Ebay is my friend.

7. I can no longer chew the left side of my mouth.

8. I don't get out enough.

9. I need a hobby other than myspace and Zuma.

10. I need to decide what area of nursing to go into.

11. Charlie Sheen has either an abnormally large head or a small body.

12. I look pretty good as an elf.

13. Regina Spektor's voice is lovely.

14. Google maps is just as inaccurate as mapquest.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

week in review

It occurred to me what day it was just now as I was about to blog about my week. Seventeen years ago tonight I was at a college party. David was about to be sent to Iraq. We were not together but he had told me that November that he still loved me. I was very confused and scared. The night before he was to be sent, I tempted fate and drank an inordinate amount of wine. I just didn't want to think about it. I am not a drinker...not then, not now. The last thing I remember was sitting with my best friend on a couch and then waking up in the morning to friends at the foot of the bed waiting for me to wake up. Hands down the most embarrassing moment of my life. I thank the stars and my best friend for keeping me safe. My life could have been changed forever in the worst possible way. I think of this more often in recent years than before because my son is now a teenager. I know that he is going to make mistakes and I can only hope he surrounds himself with people who will have his back like I did.

Now on with the present....

This week saw the end of Community Nursing. It is a relief to be done. I stuggled academically with this one with the exception of getting an A on the final. I received a Caritas award (nursing award commending professionalism, altruism, competency, and integrity). I was so proud I went to frame the award only to find that there was a back to it. My instructor had written at length about what I had done to earn the award. I was very touched. My instructor is an amazing lady so it meant a great deal to me. Even better is that she offered to write me a letter of recommendation when it is time to find a job. Life is pretty darn good I'd say.

Thursday (last clinical day) was quick and easy. We went to lunch afterwards to celebrate. After two hours we were full of food, out of conversation, and ready to part ways.

Friday was my day of rest. I treated myself to a trip to Beachwood Mall. There I excitedly bounced from makeup counter to makeup counter. I purchased my beloved Nars Orgasm blush in a multiple instead of powder. The multiples can be used for eyeshadow, lipstick, and blush. It is beautiful. I visited the MAC counter and found two holiday sets I liked, coral and plum. They came in cute little change purse like bags. Very pretty. I also hit the Crabtree & Evelyn store and L'Occitane. L'Occitane stopped selling my favorite scent, Rose and Neroli oil so I was looking for a replacement. C&E has a nice rosewater perfume that I am considering and L'O has an orange perfume and a rose perfume that I could combine but I have not been able to decide. While roaming through the mall a tall foreign gentleman asked for a moment of my time. I must have been weak from lack of Pepsi because I went along with his pitch. He buffed one nail and I explained that hand care is wasted on me. I am too lazy to care about them or my poor neglected cuticles. I made the mistake of saying that my hands are dry which led to him rubbing a dead sea salt mixture onto them. "Scrub!Scrub!", he commanded. "See how much better your hands feel." I explained I buy sea salt in bulk for my husband's psoriasis as wells as sea salt soap, which is wonderful by the way (iHerb.com). His beautiful face looked so sad. I however do not buy things I do not want or need unless I am in Target.

Today David and I headed out to Madison to buy an insert for the fireplace. We have lived here for four years and have never used our fireplace because we were afraid of a fire. It sounds stange I know. We first entered Nichols Fireplace and Stove Center where we were completely ignored. We then went a few doors down to Woodburner's Hearth and Home. We were greeted immediately and given all the information we needed. We needed to check the angle of the fireplace which means we had to go home for that. The salesman walked David through the measuring over the phone to make sure it was correct. We then headed back to order and pay. While David was doing that I had a nice conversation with the mom (Owner). She moved around a lot like me as a kid and lived in my home town briefly, even attended my old church. She offered me some of her homemade fudge which instantly made her my new best friend. The family is clearly adept and knowledgeable. I was impressed. That is not the sugar talking, really.

Late afternoon, I took Dev to the mall for dress clothes and shoes for his holiday concert and a field trip downtown to see a play. Found pants and shoes at a reasonable price at JC Penneys. The dress shirt may be a little big, but I am known for my uncanny ability to shrink any fabric so it should fit fine when I am done. On the way to the shoe department I came across the most adorable novelty socks. I bought two pair, one with piggy tassles and one with monkey tassles, for my nieces. In addition to dress shoes, Dev needed new tennis shoes eventhough his old ones are less than 6 months old. Sigh...Mall didn't have the Nike Air I wanted so off to Kohls we went. I had just bought David a pair there last week so I was sure they still had them. Sure enough they did. Bought Dev the exact same pair in almost the exact same size. I couldn't believe it. While we were there I found a lovely mosaic candle for Jason's teacher, cards (Christmas/Birthday), and a jelly bean machine for Jason. Dev hasn't given me ideas for his stocking. I told him if he doesn't soon I will fill it with fresh broccoli, potatoes, toilet paper, and coal. This did not inspire him in the least to produce a list. He just commented on how off I truly am. His therapist can thank me for the business in years to come.

Tonight we are watching the Heisman ceremony. Not the same without Brady Quinn.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

I was cleaning yesterday before school when I saw a scratch on my end table. A nice deep scratch. I looked around to see what I had on there that could have done it. I have way too much on that darn thing. When I finally removed my pens, hi-liter, tissues, papers, cashews, clock, glasses, remote, and such, I found a gray claw. One of my cats must have tried to jump up on the table just as the nail was givingway. I belief so because there was no blood. Clarabelle spent the rest of day vomiting in every downstairs room. I love my cats.

After cleaning, I headed off to school for my final in Community Nursing. For two days had been repeating to myself, "You are intelligent. You are prepared. You will pass this test." I did just that. I used to think self talk was silly, but I can tell you there are moments when no one else in the world can make you believe those words more than yourself. I met with my instructor for med surg next semester. She wrote a book on Peace Management. I like the idea of calling it peace management rather than stress management. I have a low stress threshold which is responsible for me missing med surg at the beginning of the semester. I have yet to learn when I am in over my head or to ask for help before I sink into a pool apathy that leads to depression. After all, depression is anger turned inward. Well, at least that is what Tony Soprano's shrink says. I had the opportunity to be team leader at one of our community sites this five weeks and it has taught me to deligate. The key is not feeling inadequent because you need help. In the clinical setting this is sometimes easier than at home. Tomorrow clinicals in Cleveland. I get to do a puppet show with my group. I had to write it myself. It's nothing complicated, just a review of the book a member my group will read to them. Jason helped me rehearse last night. He was so cute behind the chair with his alligator puppet and cartoon voice. Tomorrow I hope to do half as well.