03.28.07
Posted in The ins and outs...., Knitting.... at 6:37 pm by smarriott
As you all know, I have been a bit…..hmmm, absent is the word that best describes the situation, I believe. Life these days are filled with sleep-study-class-study-work-study-jog a mile-sleep. Posting new news has come to mind somewhere in the midst of that, but I have to say, I drowned it in a pot of coffee. No big deal, I thought, until today. I do believe today, I received my first “hate mail.” To be fair, this is an exaggeration…..I simply received word from a very sweet person that I need to get off my a-double-s and write something somewhere, anywhere.
Since I don’t know what anyone has heard in the last, oh, two months, I am not sure where to begin. Here goes:
School - exhausting. At least one test/quiz/paper, if not more every week. I’m doing well, as best as can be expected. In the next month I have 2 papers, 1 portfolio, 2 HESI exams (standardized tests for nursing), 1 presentation, 5 exams, and 6 final exams (cumulative). Not to mention a load of chapters to read. Did I say that school is exhausting? I think I just had a panic attack.
Spring Break - not long enough. I did get to see some friends, but spent the remainder watching TERRIBLE tv and eating frozen pizzas.
Sigma & Wiley - a few attempted escapes that were all significantly halted. Wiley’s war wound from the holidays is now almost nonexistent. He looks just as adorable as before the Wailing of 2006 incident.
Knitting - I’m afraid this has been put on hold for a while. No time I’m afraid. I did at one point think it would be a brilliant idea to knit and study. In that I time I did make this for my new PDA. Sadly, knitting and studying do not mix, as my second pharmacology test proves. I may actually redo it, however. I don’t like the inside very much.
Lastly, I did get my scrubs. But was only able to take these very blurry pictures.
I actually think that is all the news I have for you. How sad that two months can be summed up in five short paragraphs. Oh, well. Hopefully this will last you for at least one more month. I am significantly detained until the second week of May!
I will, however, leave you with the consequence of another spectacular idea I had one day…..creating a cat-hat from the remains of one of the dog’s stuffed animals. Nicodemus and Persephone were not amused with me, neither were John’s students. What can you do? I have too many more important things to do than contemplate how a bunch of geometry students feel about my treatment of animals. I’ll save that worry for another year.
I almost forgot!!! I’m still running. Sigma and Wiley accompany me every once and a while. They got nuts whenever I put on my running shoes. I think Wiley has even lost a few pounds.
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02.12.07
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 7:11 pm by smarriott
So, its been three weeks. I’d like to tell you a lot has happened, in a way it has, but not in any interesting kind of way. I’ve had about four tests now (two a couple weeks ago and two last week) and one in two days. The semester has been a major uproar for many people, mostly due to the fact that a single test will cover three weeks of class time and 14 chapters, covered (or mostly, not covered) in three two-hour class periods. My environment pretty much includes my nose crammed in one of several books from sun up to sun down. Yay.
Despite this drear, I can happily report I have received my stethoscope. I present the Master Classic II in burgundy. What a beauty. 
Running is still, remarkably, on schedule. John and I have both kept to the pact. I, sadly, cannot report more weight loss at this time….I have discovered to my horror, that I am a stress-eater and currently a caffeine and chocolate junky. But at least the running is balancing it all out. So, while there may not be a net-loss, there is no net-gain.
I can also show you our two silly cats that decided one day to hang out in the bathtub.
I know this is not much of an update, but I do believe I was scolded last weekend for not posting. I would hate to be ackbar-dos. So, I hope this morsel can satisfy my loyal following for a bit. Next time, I may have scrubs. Keep your fingers crossed.
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01.20.07
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 6:24 pm by smarriott
Well today marked the end of the second week of my new identity, nurse-in-training. Contrary to popular belief, I was not basking in the southern sun for the last two weeks, but crouched with my nose stuck in one of many books and/or computer for hours. As opposed to happy, glorious margaritas, I was learning all about the nursing process and when a latex glove is or is not sterile. The moment to see would have been today as I prepared to enter and treat a poor soul with pertussis (the nasty microorganism responsible for Whooping Cough). Mask, sterile suit, gloves and eyewear were all donned. I’ll pause while you imagine and laugh.
Moving on. This week has certainly been a little smoother than last week. Not only did I have all of the correct books (and no class on Monday) but sweet, sweet vindication was mine for the taking. Some of you may be familiar with this story, but for those of you unaware, please pull up a chair - this is quite a story! You may need a beverage, it is a long one. Ready? Okay.
The Back Story. In October I received a list of all of the books that I will need for this semester. It was, in fact, incomplete, but that is besides the point. At that time the total for all of these nine books was close to $500-$600 depending on the new/used condition. As I was not willing to pay this much for books, I chose an alternate route, good ‘ole Amazon.
The Whole Story. So all my books came and promptly. At one of my classes, however, I realized I had the wrong edition. Probably my mistake or the school’s I think. I politely emailed the seller, noted the error and waited for him to tell me he does not take returns and that all sales must be read before completing the transaction. Nuts, but did the seller list the book correctly? Hmmm
Since I hate to waste money, especially on textbooks, I reviewed my order and found to my surprise it was not my fault or the schools, but a scheming man advertising the 5th edition of a book on the the 6th edition page! That scoundrel you might say, but don’t judge just yet, it gets better. I email the seller for the second time, noting of course that his selling tactics were misleading and I should be entitled to a refund (did I mention after I ordered this book three other customers complained of the same exact situation - coincidence?) The reply I received cannot be described. I’ll just have to exhibit it here:
“Yes, that right, I take full accountability and responsiblity for that. I also stated in the item description that you were and I quote, “CAUTION YOU ARE BUYING THE 5TH EDITION”. You didn’t read that note that was bold and capitalized. It’s the buyers responsibility to read everything. Use this analogy,
I go through the trouble of listing books on amazon adding notes to the item description that clearly stated you were buying the 5th edition. What don’t you understand about that? I feel as student nurse you didn’t take responsibility or accountability for a mistake you made. What will you do on floor as a nurse administering meds? Claim to the doctor, i thought it said something else? I didn’t read that in the order. You must read everything! I have been a Respiratory Therapist for 6 years. I read orders and reread orders to ensure that I am not missing anything. I don’t feel I should take the book back. You MUST READ EVERYTHING. You are going to be a healthcare provider and you didn’t read the item description. It’s your responsibility to read everything.
Put your mindset in the hospital that you glanced at a doctor’s order without reading it because you were in a rush. You had 12 patients which is reality in the hospital. You gave the wrong dose and the wrong med and killed the patient. You didn’t read the order. Just like my item description. You think nothing of that with amazon and how is it any different than the scenario I gave you. You CAN’T assume that just because you type numbers you get what you want. It doesn’t work that way in the hospital. You can type in the right drug and the right dose and still get the wrong info from the Pyxis system. You must read everything and not depend on computers to ensure that you are buying what you want. You may be in the same situation, type in the med dose and get the wrong one because that’s what the computer gave you. You must read everything! Think about your negligence in buying this book and wait for your invoice before doing anything. Think about this. That book was $60 plus shipping patient care errors from negligent glancing or assuming what an order states costs a hospital thousands upon thousands, maybe millions, malpractice on your part and possibly the loss of your license. Think and read before you act. You are welcome to sell the book on your own. Thank you.”
Did this letter from satan immediately combust? Did my eyes fall out of my head? All good questions. My reaction, well, lets see if you can guess. Did I:
A) Reply curtly that he could expect negative feedback
B) Contact Amazon and demand action (demand being meekly requesting help)
C) Bawl like a baby
D) All of the above
The correct answer is C, followed by A, and ended with B. So, in fact, D is the correct answer. You know me so well…..
After contacting Amazon and placing a little “A to Z Guarantee” claim, I am happy to report that I did receive a refund. Good ‘ole Amazon! This is not the end to this saga, however, as the seller contacted me once more to drop a few “F-bombs” and claim that “God would remember this.” Sorry to say, if I am declined from the pearly-gates of heaven because of this whole thing, I’ll be content to smile in Hell.
Now with a little aseptic technique to my files, I am happy to report that the book in question is no longer in my possession and I am purging all of “Mr. Virus’s” hateful emails.
In other news, John and I are still keeping our running pact and are nearing the close of the first month. Just 11 more to go! I have thankfully lost all of my holiday weight +3. I may need smaller scrubs.
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01.06.07
Posted in The ins and outs...., Knitting.... at 12:51 pm by smarriott
On Wednesday, I started my first day of the Post-Baccalaureate Accelerated Nursing program at SIUE. Orientation was scheduled from noon until 4 p.m. that day, followed by class time, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. the rest of the week. What I imagined as a getting to know you session, including introduction, punch and cookies, “this is what we expect and this is what you will be doing for the next 15 months” speeches, topped off with an inevitable tour, was not what this entailed. Instead I was fit for scrubs, posed for a picture and immediately rushed into class. I came home that day with my mind swimming with anxiety and confusion. I already had two paper assignments handed out that day! It makes me worried I will be Nurse Ratchett for the year, grumpy and pissed-off looking all the time.
While I certainly didn’t expect the university to hold my hand, I did think more time would be allotted to ease the transition, or at least given more of an idea of what to expect. I guess, however, we can’t always get what we want (I apologize for quoting Mick Jagger).
Needless to say, I fear this is just the beginning of things to come. For the next few months, I will live a meager existence of studying, eating, sleeping, and, of course, running (this is where you pity me….). Don’t feel sorry for me, however, (no, please do) I will survive the confusing assignments and horrible, horrible group work and the loathsome skits (oh, it is such a dirty word isn’t it). But really, I think it will be stressful, but it certainly couldn’t be any worse, as far as not having a personal life, than the two years I spent in AmeriCorps.
The bonus, of course, is I have already been fit for scrubs and just purchased my first stethoscope. Isn’t it a beauty. I could have gone for the Master Cardiologist, but I’ve been told less is more and having a stellar stethoscope would make me the envy of all the thieves in the medical industry. Had I gone for the latter, I’m afraid I would constantly talk about it; incessantly is probably a better word for it. The Master Classic II is also a good name, but it just don’t ring as much to me. Regardless, I am on my way to looking as much the part as all those gorgeous TV characters on Gray’s Anatomy, M*A*S*H* (although they aren’t as glamorous) and even ER (even though I don’t like it). Now I just need to work on my skills, or at least the pronunciation of diseases. But seriously, this is happening and fast. As neither of the above items are in my possession yet, I cannot provide a picture of me preparing for my new profession, but I will….in due time….
Updates: First, Sigma and Wiley are still under house arrest, much to their discontent. Wiley still looks mangled and his scabs are falling off. Correction, one-half of a scab has fallen off and the other half is half off and sticking straight up in the air. I pray his hair will grow back. If it doesn’t I will sue the pants off Shiloh for emotional distress, mine of course. Although, I probably shouldn’t say that, she might bite my nose.
Second, the 365 quest is still running (no pun intended). John and I have both stuck to the pact of running at least a mile every day. Wiley has even accompanied me a few times. He is eager to shed Levi’s stigma of “fat dog”. So week one (almost) down and 51 more to go, that is 359 more days. Realistically speaking, I don’t think we’ll do it, but I’m certainly not going to be the first to fail. I’d never hear the end of it. I might even get the stigma of “lazy wife”.
Finally, I haven’t made any more progress on the “Green Sweater”, as I’ve been going to sleep very early. But for those of you who haven’t seen what I accomplished over the break here is the back and part of the front. Yes, yes, it looks small, but I have checked the measurements to that of my sister’s and I believe they are on par.
Now off to write a paper…..or at least to pretend.
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01.01.07
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 10:49 pm by smarriott
Dorothy certainly had the right idea…..there really is no place like home, even if it is a bottomless pit of dirty clothes and extra stuff when you return and you have to spend most of the evening cleaning and unpacking.
Spending a week with family is great and all, but I don’t think I slept as good as I did last night in my own bed. Nothing could have been better than ringing in the new year at home, watching the ole’ boob-tube and cuddling with all the men in my life. It appeared to be the appropriate end to one year and a perfect way to start another. As sentimental as I am sometimes (especially around a new year), I usually don’t pay any attention to or give credence to “signs” as a form of event prophecy. Yesterday, I would have screamed from the mountains that one day simply cannot predict the course of an entire year. But as much as I would like to believe there are no such thing as “signs,” I could not help but notice the two that slapped me in the face today. The slappers, of course, being the dear, “once sweet, but not today” men in my life.
That’s right, slappers One and Two are Mr “Scarface” Wiley and “Big Ears” Sigma, who have become outlaws, eager to bust out at any moment, desperate to get away from big-bad me. To be fair, these two notorious “jumpers” started their gang before the new year. These antics, however, were never in their own yard! I thought maybe it was just an internal cry for attention because they felt neglected over the holidays, but no, they are indeed, bad, bad dogs. Wiley especially looks the part after his run in with “Got-your-nose” Shiloh a few days ago. You’d think he’d learned his lesson and had decided to choose a more sheltered existence after that run in, but no, I see now it was only the beginning of his thirst for the wild, the world beyond “Three-Seventeen.” Sadly, for these two hooligans, I will have no trouble playing the part of the warden.
Perpetrator No. Three of the signs that this may indeed not be a good year is Mr. Sneeze, also known as my husband. This so innocently sweet husband in 2006 must have soured in the early morning hours of 2007. Armed with only an acute Rhino virus, also known as a “cold,” he must have thrown caution to the wind and let loose what can only be described as a series of disastrous sneezes while I, his one-and-only, meekly slept. Now I, too, am contaminated. This “whirl-wind of sneezes” theory might be a bit too much to believe, but it is the only thing I can conjecture for the most horrendous sore-throat I suddenly had this fine first day of 2007. That, or “someone” must have sneezed in my coffee a few days ago, perhaps as I was walking past him one morning…..hmmm.
On the other hand, today wasn’t all that bad. I did manage to clean the house and put back most of the furniture that was in basement storage or served as perfect spots for dustballs half of the year. I did also take great steps in two of my 2007 projects, the first being the picture of the day, entitled No. 1 or “Outlaws Extraordinaire” (see above) and the first of 365 runs for this year. Its been a busy day.
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12.23.06
Posted in The ins and outs...., Knitting.... at 2:30 pm by smarriott
Ah, it is that time, again. Time to pack up the dogs, say good bye to the cats and spend many-o-hours in the lovely wagon, eagerly awaiting family events. I really don’t mind road trips all that much. Something about being huddled in the car is slightly appealing to me. If it weren’t for the flattness of the Prairie State, I would be exstatic about all road trips. Well exstatic about everything, but the dreaded “Escape Pod.” Ooooh, how I loathe it. I’m not really sure what bugs me more: the crap-tastic stories or the endless droning of the host. Oh, I know I shouldn’t complain or use this medium for any ill-favored business, but something about the “wish-I-could-escape” pod just gets under my skin and makes me what t
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12.22.06
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 10:29 am by smarriott
I’m sure many of you are familiar with the website “Crazy Aunt Purl”. I, myself, am quite a fan. There is something about her posts that remind me of things I’ve done or would say, and scenarios I would find myself in or at least coach a friend through. Strangly enough, I find reading this site can really be considered the highlight of my day, overshadowed only by my new obsession with a television show that will remain nameless (to protect my psyche from merciless teasing by my avid readers). So as each day progresses I become more and more enamored by this site, but recently it has happened. “It” being that I have become the Great Imitator. I would feel ashamed of this were it not for the truth in the subtitle of this page and for my honest opinion that imitation is the greatest form of flattery (that being only if the idea is not snaked from you without proper credit). I, of course, do not feel snakey or scaley and strongly affirm that this is not my idea, therefore, it cannot be deemed as plagerism or anything of the sort. It is simply a good idea. Whew, I find that to be enough of a disclaimer to keep me from being penalized.
Now, you may be asking yourself, in what way have I become this alter ego? Well, my friends, it can be summed up as follows: I am contemplating the idea of taking a picture for everyday of the year, or by “Aunt Purl” doing the 365 project. That’s right, I feel that my days, and life really, are important enough to commit it to kodak paper. The exact parameters of this project are not defined, as of yet. It may end up to be a picture of myself like in the youtube.com video, which are remarkably intriguing, or simply a snapshot to chronical every day. One the one hand I find taking a picture of myself to be slightly depressing and vain, but on the other hand I think I might go mad trying to find the perfect picture to capture the day. I would then not take any pictures and would have to abandon the entire thing. I’m leaving it open for now, so as not to provoke anymore anxiety.
While this is the aim, I think it should be said that a more realistic perspective will probably be a picture of one, if not all of my pets 365 days of the year. I know, I know, PATHETIC! I have come to terms with it; along with the notion that what I think is cute, like making dog and cat sweaters, is in fact quite creepy to others (made abundantly clear by a certain Silberg).
Ultimately, I fear I will not become the Great Imitator, but the even sadder Want-to-be-but-not-quite-committed Imitator. Only time will tell, I guess.
In other news, I have been earnestly knitting, in between painting and work hours, but cannot post pictures of these creations. They are a bit confidential, if you know what I mean. Nothing dirty. Simply holiday related. I can show you the greatest thing since sliced bread (If you expect to find some life-altering “thing” by clicking that link I wouldn’t do it. I warned you!)….well, maybe not, but I do like it.
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12.15.06
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 12:33 pm by smarriott
Today the sun is shining brighter than ever. Why is it brighter, you ask? Well, my finals are over, as is a semester composed almost exclusively of chemistry, chemistry labs, and Anatomy & Physiology. I could not be happier to report that I no longer have to explain the process of urine formation, which enzyme begins the process of protein digestion, nor spit out every possible isomer, and its correct name, of the hydrocarbon pentane. Whew! That was even painful to write.
Gone are the days of lab partners that don’t read their experiments before class (and copy ALL of my answers). Gone are the constant sounds of test tubes breaking and the sickening smell of formaldehyde. Finally, gone are the days of dreaming about physiological processes and all of its terminologies! I believe I can now breathe a little easier, both literally and figuratively.
Now that this week of weeks is over, I find my self wondering why I am so relieved? I certainly didn’t study as much as I should have (which has really been a constant throughout my entire educational history). I spent most of my time intending to study and planning when to study, but ultimately knitting, doing crossword puzzles, annoying John, putting up things on this webpage (if you notice I have had a lot more posts recently….coincidence? I think not) and inevitably imitating Spudgy.
So since, my final’s week consisted of mostly piddling, what do I really have to be so relieved about? What burden could possible be lifted from my shoulders?
Well, I think it can be summed up as follows, I am now completely free to be as lazy as I want and as piddle-some as I can be without remorse. I can sleep until noon and I can knit and watch television all freaking night if I choose! (yes, yes, I admit I like that show…its so addicting…the drama, suspense, and end of the world excitement! But lets be honest I’ve never been one to have “good taste.”) I could clean, but I could always leave it until tomorrow. Ah, what a relief!
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12.12.06
Posted in Knitting.... at 7:09 pm by smarriott
UPDATE: So I consider myself to be an intelligent woman, most of the time. But it seems these days the little things make me feel so stupid. I have finally obtained a copy of the π sweater. Who knew you could just take a picture of the magazine picture with your camera, instead of finding the picture on the web! I certainly didn’t! SHESH!
Every so often my husband likes to come up with various new projects for me to do. There was the time he decided we should learn to make pumpkin pie from scratch (note how I said “we”), meaning I should learn to make pumpkin pie from scratch. Then there was the time he came up with a great ways to improve the “π sweater, by including the entire number sequence for π along the sleeves of the sweater” (sorry people, no pictures for the sweater…. I looked and looked), an excellent, but exhausting to think about, project. Then there was another time when he came up with a brilliant idea to create a crossword puzzle cookbook. Again, not a bad idea, however, this one banks on the notion that I am a) good at creating crossword puzzles and b) have a trove of cooking recipes that are not from the back of campbell soup cans.
Most recently, as in today, I have added fuel to this ever-burning flame by a mere email. It all started this morning as I was perusing the latest issue of Knitty.com. While scouring the patterns of this issue, one very special one caught my eye, most likely due to the fact that I have become trained at recognizing math and/or computer “things” much more readily than I would like to admit. Anyway, I saw it, pondered it, and promptly decided to send a joking email to my dear, sweet hubby. Little did I know it would be my DOOM!
No, you are not seeing things. It does indeed say “sweater.” Now I know what some of you may be saying to yourselves…”Listen, Mr. Crazy (my husband) your dear, sweet, gorgeous wife (me) just made you a sweater (that you don’t wear) and already has the yarn to create the ‘π sweater.’ What more do you need, man?” While you are, indeed, on the mark with these thoughts, he is not “Mr. Crazy”, but I am “Mrs. Crazy” and here is why…..I am considering this impossible venture. Thoughts?
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12.10.06
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 3:00 pm by smarriott
Well the hardwood is finished at last and my, my, my isn’t it grand. It amazing that this one project can add a whole new dimension to the room. You can’t even tell it was two separate rooms before. Hats of to these gentlemen for their hard work! Not only was it a long day of grueling bending and lifting and stapling, on their knees nonstop, but they were even up early to finish the job! I am impressed, indeed, as is Persephone. Whew! Now that that’s all done, as if I did much of it, I think I’ll take some advice from Wiley!
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Sigma & Wiley - a few attempted escapes that were all significantly halted. Wiley’s war wound from the holidays is now almost nonexistent. He looks just as adorable as before the Wailing of 2006 incident. 
