It is really REALLY nice to have a day off today after having the most hellacious day I have been a part of in school or out of it on Tuesday (granted, it isn't a great breadth of experience). It is hard to explain, other than that everyone has had THAT day at some, or multiple, points in their lives. It seemed like no matter what small problem was taken care of, another one (or two or three) took its place. Even simple tasks like pushing a med through an IV line ended up taking hours as veins collapsed or IV lines were no longer patent (both on the same patient at different times during the day). For every patient awaiting discharge, two more were returning from surgery. Amidst it all there are mountains of paperwork that, somehow, you are supposed to be able to complete. I can see it on 1 patient or 2........but how you manage it on 4 or 5 is beyond me. I am guessing things aren't always entirely thorough. Just a guess.
Scrub shopping as a man is.........well, like regular shopping as a man. Most stores are 90-95% women's clothing, which are more elaborate, made with seemingly more high quality materials, and are infinitely more aesthetically pleasing. I am not asking for something with ridiculous flair or inventiveness, but it is kind of a bummer that my only options are solid colors with either 1 or 3 pockets. Couldn't they be punched up with some designs from Nike or Adidas or something? Women's scrubs are designed by Baby Phat and Grey's Anatomy to name a few. Men's scrubs look like they were designed in 1962 by a 3rd grader with remedial drawing skills and the 8 color Crayola pack and they called it done. I am just saying.
I had an interesting call today. A clinic that deals with Asthma and allergy patients called about a resume I submitted. I have an interview Tuesday of next week. Hmmm..........interesting. Having both conditions, I am acutely interested. The job will likely pay less, but afford more regular hours (translation: 5 days a week when people who don't live off of the blood of other people are awake). I will find out more on Tuesday and will, of course, post about it. In the meantime, it at least affords me something to mull over as I spend 4 of the next 6 days in the hospital and try to get a stronger feel for whether or not it is the kind of place I want to call home, or if it was just a place to pass through on my journey.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Warm & Fuzzy
Just wanted to give a brief and sincere shout out to everyone who reads this blog and was able to make it out to our Portland reception. It was so wonderful to see everyone and my only regret is that I didn't have more time to spend talking with everyone individually. A special thank you to my mother-in-law Diane who was one of the chief orchestrators of the day from arranging the food to prep and clean up. Another special thank you to everyone who was there early to help set-up and those who stayed late to help clean up. Everyone pitched in to make it a wonderful day. It makes me feel all wamr and fuzzy to know that so many people carved time out of their schedules to celebrate with us.
My blogging has been a bit, well, patchwork of late. Owing to family visits, my new job, and the fact that my laptop needs a defibrillator or an exorcism. I think it is on the way to the laptop graveyard. I had hoped to at least sell it to pay for a bit of whatever I buy (have Apple Macbook taste, but have low end Gateway money), but now I will be lucky to salvage anything from it. I am still awaiting word from Costco, but the situation looks grim. Then again, the last time I thought that I still managed to pass the NCLEX.
The new job: what to say? what to say? Where to start might be more appropriate. The first day was as terrifying and chaotic as my first day in nursing school. At least I am getting paid instead of the other way around though. Willamette Falls does not operate like other hospitals I have been exposed to. Most hospitals have a very defined start-up process and it flows in a distinctly linear fashion. Spend 'x' number of days learning hospital policies. Spend 'x' number of days learning nursing policies. Spend 'x' number of days on skill and equipment training. Then, and only then, do you go to the floor to start your mentorship. Not so at WF. They sporadically, and seemingly haphazardly, orient new grads to both hospital and nursing policies and equipment. I am not sure the theory behind it, but I suppose it could be effective if you have fundamentally sound preceptors who are effective teachers. If not, well......it could be a long hard road.
Day 1 was spent on the unit. I was paired with a nurse who was not supposed to be paired with me per se. Unfortunately, the nurse I was supposed to be paired with was out for whatever reason. Not to denigrate the job performance of the nurse I did work with, but she was clearly not a teacher, but rather a doer. I found myself bounding along behind her like a duckling following its mom. I had no idea where anything was. I had no time to look over charts. I had no clue how to work a majority of the equipment and I still have no idea what exactly the nurses role is at WF (they were short CNAs and a lot of the normal CNA duties fell to the nurse from what I could gather..........which meant that, to my chagrin, it was not a poop free day). Hopefully this will come into focus much like when they are flipping lenses at the optometrist (usually that analogy, right now I would be the equivalent of blindfolded......in a cave.........during the winter months at the north pole. Things aren't fuzzy or blurry, they just aren't period).
Day 2 was a new grad class. It was fortuitous that I had one early on. They taught us how to use the phones, log on to the computer, and access some basic services for patients. Some people had been there for better than 6-8 weeks without such training. Makes me wonder what I won't be learning until I am there that long. Hopefully nothing critical. In the meantime, I will just try to keep my head above water. I will keep everyone as posted as I can.
I am off to Ambien dreams. Nothing like an EARLY Monday morning to make me damn near tear up in joy (wait, I meant misery not joy). Cannot wait until I start working the swing shift. Sweet sweet slumber.
Wish me a poop free day if you think about it.
My blogging has been a bit, well, patchwork of late. Owing to family visits, my new job, and the fact that my laptop needs a defibrillator or an exorcism. I think it is on the way to the laptop graveyard. I had hoped to at least sell it to pay for a bit of whatever I buy (have Apple Macbook taste, but have low end Gateway money), but now I will be lucky to salvage anything from it. I am still awaiting word from Costco, but the situation looks grim. Then again, the last time I thought that I still managed to pass the NCLEX.
The new job: what to say? what to say? Where to start might be more appropriate. The first day was as terrifying and chaotic as my first day in nursing school. At least I am getting paid instead of the other way around though. Willamette Falls does not operate like other hospitals I have been exposed to. Most hospitals have a very defined start-up process and it flows in a distinctly linear fashion. Spend 'x' number of days learning hospital policies. Spend 'x' number of days learning nursing policies. Spend 'x' number of days on skill and equipment training. Then, and only then, do you go to the floor to start your mentorship. Not so at WF. They sporadically, and seemingly haphazardly, orient new grads to both hospital and nursing policies and equipment. I am not sure the theory behind it, but I suppose it could be effective if you have fundamentally sound preceptors who are effective teachers. If not, well......it could be a long hard road.
Day 1 was spent on the unit. I was paired with a nurse who was not supposed to be paired with me per se. Unfortunately, the nurse I was supposed to be paired with was out for whatever reason. Not to denigrate the job performance of the nurse I did work with, but she was clearly not a teacher, but rather a doer. I found myself bounding along behind her like a duckling following its mom. I had no idea where anything was. I had no time to look over charts. I had no clue how to work a majority of the equipment and I still have no idea what exactly the nurses role is at WF (they were short CNAs and a lot of the normal CNA duties fell to the nurse from what I could gather..........which meant that, to my chagrin, it was not a poop free day). Hopefully this will come into focus much like when they are flipping lenses at the optometrist (usually that analogy, right now I would be the equivalent of blindfolded......in a cave.........during the winter months at the north pole. Things aren't fuzzy or blurry, they just aren't period).
Day 2 was a new grad class. It was fortuitous that I had one early on. They taught us how to use the phones, log on to the computer, and access some basic services for patients. Some people had been there for better than 6-8 weeks without such training. Makes me wonder what I won't be learning until I am there that long. Hopefully nothing critical. In the meantime, I will just try to keep my head above water. I will keep everyone as posted as I can.
I am off to Ambien dreams. Nothing like an EARLY Monday morning to make me damn near tear up in joy (wait, I meant misery not joy). Cannot wait until I start working the swing shift. Sweet sweet slumber.
Wish me a poop free day if you think about it.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Work
I finally made a decision on Friday, and decided that I would prefer to work at a smaller hospital with less acuity and a more communal (hopefully) feel. Plus, it was closer and, much to my shock since I had been led to believe otherwise, it paid more. I was aided on this decision mostly by my mother-in-law who (and is this kismet?) happened to speak to a nurse that not only worked for the hospital I chose (Willamette Falls), but also used to work for the one I did not opt for (Salem). Her opinion was that WF was the better choice and the better environment. Of course, as the saying goes, "opinions are like assholes, everyone has one." So, her opinion could be biased (maybe she got fired from Salem or found it overwhelming) or it could be objective (maybe WF is truly superior), but either way it was incredibly fortuitous and definitely tipped the scales.
I went and filled out background check info on Wednesday. Peed in a cup on Friday (and then proceeded to get ridiculously sloshed at a happy hour). Got called on Monday to come in Tuesday (today). Start work on Thursday. Will be freaking out tomorrow most likely (right after I buy some scrubs that is, since I have only two pair of pants presently).
The hospital's orientation is unlike any that I have seen. It is not structured in a linear manner. Typically there is an orientation to the hospital for a few days followed by a unit orientation followed by a going to the floor. At WF, I will spend Thursday shadowing on the floor, Friday I do a hospital training, and then Monday I am back on the floor. I spend most of the next 8 weeks on the unit, with a few days sprinkled in of hospital orientation and nursing orientation. Time to knock of the rust and put on a good show. Hope I'm not supposed to actually 'know' much :)
I will write more as I know more (and if my laptop can be brought back from the dead). In the meantime, wish me luck. I am wishing the same for all my cohorts who are starting out as well.
I went and filled out background check info on Wednesday. Peed in a cup on Friday (and then proceeded to get ridiculously sloshed at a happy hour). Got called on Monday to come in Tuesday (today). Start work on Thursday. Will be freaking out tomorrow most likely (right after I buy some scrubs that is, since I have only two pair of pants presently).
The hospital's orientation is unlike any that I have seen. It is not structured in a linear manner. Typically there is an orientation to the hospital for a few days followed by a unit orientation followed by a going to the floor. At WF, I will spend Thursday shadowing on the floor, Friday I do a hospital training, and then Monday I am back on the floor. I spend most of the next 8 weeks on the unit, with a few days sprinkled in of hospital orientation and nursing orientation. Time to knock of the rust and put on a good show. Hope I'm not supposed to actually 'know' much :)
I will write more as I know more (and if my laptop can be brought back from the dead). In the meantime, wish me luck. I am wishing the same for all my cohorts who are starting out as well.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
the vagaries of the insurance system explained
Well, not really of course. I doubt it could be explained by anyone, let alone me such is the labyrinthine nature of our current system. For example: if you have a car accident and you cause $6000 worth of damage to your vehicle and you have a $1000 deductible, you owe $1000 and the insurance company pays the remaining $5000. Simple math. However, if you have health insurance, the copays become much more convoluted. With the same deductible, you could pay many thousands more because certain things are excepted from the deductible and others are covered at a percentage over the deductible to a fixed cap. So, returning to the car analogy, it would be as though you did the $6000 in damage, but it excluded airbags, the radio, and the transmission, but covered the rest at a fixed percentage up to the $6000 dollars. You could end up covering $3000-$4000 even though you had a $1000 deductible.
To make matters worse, information such as how much procedures cost is a closely guarded secret coded in a way that would make Dan Brown jealous. Lets go back to cars (must be on the brain tonight). When you go to purchase a car, you have a wealth of information available to you in regards to price. You have the MSRP at the dealership, the invoice, the actual costs and can find out even more if you are willing to invest the time. You can read copious reviews as well and also check out other dealerships to see what prices they will offer you. You can, in effect, make an informed decision based on actual information. If only going to get medical treatments operated in a similar manner. Instead, it is like going to buy a car without even knowing how much a car should cost in the first place, have no information on the window sticker to remotely guide you as to the purchase price, knowing nothing about vehicles quality or reliability, and, if given a choice of other places to purchase the car, you are afforded no information as to whether the other vehicle is better or cheaper. To truly drive the point home, you wouldnt even find out how much the car costs until you get a bill a month later telling you what you owe (at which point you are required to pay it regardless of how fair or unfair it may seem).
What does all this even mean..........well, it means I will not be getting my gall bladder out on Friday very likely because: A. We evidently already owe better than $1000 for everything leading up to this point and B. The gall bladder removal may be up to a few thousand more. This, by the way, is with insurance and a $1000 deductible. I would like to have the procedure and move on with my life, but that isnt exactly the kind of money I have lying about at the moment and, all things considered, I am much improved to a point that I don't deem it critically necessary (thankfully considering the cost). Hopefully, down the line my hospital job will offer better health benefits...........or at the very least I will have enough income to cover the procedure. Until then, why does insurance have to be so bloody complex?!?!?
To make matters worse, information such as how much procedures cost is a closely guarded secret coded in a way that would make Dan Brown jealous. Lets go back to cars (must be on the brain tonight). When you go to purchase a car, you have a wealth of information available to you in regards to price. You have the MSRP at the dealership, the invoice, the actual costs and can find out even more if you are willing to invest the time. You can read copious reviews as well and also check out other dealerships to see what prices they will offer you. You can, in effect, make an informed decision based on actual information. If only going to get medical treatments operated in a similar manner. Instead, it is like going to buy a car without even knowing how much a car should cost in the first place, have no information on the window sticker to remotely guide you as to the purchase price, knowing nothing about vehicles quality or reliability, and, if given a choice of other places to purchase the car, you are afforded no information as to whether the other vehicle is better or cheaper. To truly drive the point home, you wouldnt even find out how much the car costs until you get a bill a month later telling you what you owe (at which point you are required to pay it regardless of how fair or unfair it may seem).
What does all this even mean..........well, it means I will not be getting my gall bladder out on Friday very likely because: A. We evidently already owe better than $1000 for everything leading up to this point and B. The gall bladder removal may be up to a few thousand more. This, by the way, is with insurance and a $1000 deductible. I would like to have the procedure and move on with my life, but that isnt exactly the kind of money I have lying about at the moment and, all things considered, I am much improved to a point that I don't deem it critically necessary (thankfully considering the cost). Hopefully, down the line my hospital job will offer better health benefits...........or at the very least I will have enough income to cover the procedure. Until then, why does insurance have to be so bloody complex?!?!?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The results are in........
and I passed! Miraculously it seems (at least to me). Honestly, I would have given at least 3 to 1 against. That is how confident I was that I did not get enough questions right to warrant licensure. In the end, I got the maximum number of questions, 265 question in all, and spent more than 3 hours glued to a computer screen. At 100, I started to panic. At 150, it all started to seem kind of unreal. Once I reached 200 questions, I just thought it was becoming sadistic. By the end, I thought there was utterly no hope. It was much like getting repeatedly kicked in the groin. I was fully prepared to suck it up and start studying again. Why? Well, because it seemed that I studied all the wrong things.
I studied diabetes thoroughly...........I got maybe 1 or 2 questions. I studied OB and peds, learning as much as I could retain about eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and developmental levels. I worried over lab values. I took practice test after practice test and saw no familiarity at all with the questions I was presented with. I could well have just read what I wanted to read and enjoyed my time off instead. But, ultimately, something must have stuck. Either that or the computer program just felt sorry for me.
All there is to say now is that it is OVER!!!!!! I am licensed (and to think a year ago I was just learning to take blood pressure). Now I can relax for 6-8 hours and then try to figure out where I am going to work.............and then get my gall bladder removed............and then learn a new job. I really like to pack the stress in.
I studied diabetes thoroughly...........I got maybe 1 or 2 questions. I studied OB and peds, learning as much as I could retain about eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and developmental levels. I worried over lab values. I took practice test after practice test and saw no familiarity at all with the questions I was presented with. I could well have just read what I wanted to read and enjoyed my time off instead. But, ultimately, something must have stuck. Either that or the computer program just felt sorry for me.
All there is to say now is that it is OVER!!!!!! I am licensed (and to think a year ago I was just learning to take blood pressure). Now I can relax for 6-8 hours and then try to figure out where I am going to work.............and then get my gall bladder removed............and then learn a new job. I really like to pack the stress in.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Need an opinion......or many
Well, the good news is I was offered another position at a closer hospital. The bad news is that I still have no real information about nearly every aspect of said position because, for whatever reason, Willamette Falls (WF) is being incredibly secretive about it. Perhaps I didn't impress upon the HR representative enough that I would like to make a decision soon and need tangible information to do so. Instead, I get a benefits summary from them that pretty much states I REALLY wanted to post some actual information about both jobs and then elicit some opinions, but instead I am left with very little basis for comparison.
What I know now:
Salem:
3-12hr shifts (7pm-7:30am)
Position: cardiac telemetry (high acuity and specialization)
Nurse/Patient ratio: goal is 1 to 4
Pay rate= $1.01/per hour more than WF
Differential = $5.01/per hour for working nights (18%), $5.85/hr weekend nights (21%)
Insurance cost= $43.00/medical, $7.90/dental, $3.00/vision - monthly total= $53.90
Driving distance = 50 miles additional a week
Paid time off: 23 days a year (plus two additional floater days every anniversary)
Retirement: 0% year 1, 5.5% years 1-4 with escalations periodically thereafter
Willamette Falls
5-8hr shifts (11pm-7:30am)
Position: Medical/Surgical (higher variety, lower acuity)
Nurse/Patient ratio: goal is 1 to 5 or 6 at night
Pay rate = $1.01 less per hour, but increases by 7% year 2
Differential = despite my repeated requests, no information provided
Insurance costs = WF pays a percentage of insurance costs (there was a scene in the Simpsons I remember when Lisa was visiting the headquarters of a newspaper on a field trip and poses the following query after reading a sign saying a percentage of the newspaper is printed on recycled materials: Lisa "what percentage is recycled?" Newspaper woman "Zero. Zero is a percentage." Makes me wonder what percentage is covered when no information is given.)
Driving distance = 50 miles less per week, but more overall days of commuting
Paid time off: 24 days a year
Retirement: 1-4% (another vague figure)
Neither job is exactly what I want to do, but the jobs that I want to do aren't, at this point in my nursing career, possible. So, in the meantime, it is all about getting some experience.
I would love to hear any opinions. i know there really isn't enough information to make a fair comparison (think how I feel trying to decide between them). Please drop me a comment if you have one (I now allow anonymous comments........unbeknownst to me, I didn't before. So please, comment away).
What I know now:
Salem:
3-12hr shifts (7pm-7:30am)
Position: cardiac telemetry (high acuity and specialization)
Nurse/Patient ratio: goal is 1 to 4
Pay rate= $1.01/per hour more than WF
Differential = $5.01/per hour for working nights (18%), $5.85/hr weekend nights (21%)
Insurance cost= $43.00/medical, $7.90/dental, $3.00/vision - monthly total= $53.90
Driving distance = 50 miles additional a week
Paid time off: 23 days a year (plus two additional floater days every anniversary)
Retirement: 0% year 1, 5.5% years 1-4 with escalations periodically thereafter
Willamette Falls
5-8hr shifts (11pm-7:30am)
Position: Medical/Surgical (higher variety, lower acuity)
Nurse/Patient ratio: goal is 1 to 5 or 6 at night
Pay rate = $1.01 less per hour, but increases by 7% year 2
Differential = despite my repeated requests, no information provided
Insurance costs = WF pays a percentage of insurance costs (there was a scene in the Simpsons I remember when Lisa was visiting the headquarters of a newspaper on a field trip and poses the following query after reading a sign saying a percentage of the newspaper is printed on recycled materials: Lisa "what percentage is recycled?" Newspaper woman "Zero. Zero is a percentage." Makes me wonder what percentage is covered when no information is given.)
Driving distance = 50 miles less per week, but more overall days of commuting
Paid time off: 24 days a year
Retirement: 1-4% (another vague figure)
Neither job is exactly what I want to do, but the jobs that I want to do aren't, at this point in my nursing career, possible. So, in the meantime, it is all about getting some experience.
I would love to hear any opinions. i know there really isn't enough information to make a fair comparison (think how I feel trying to decide between them). Please drop me a comment if you have one (I now allow anonymous comments........unbeknownst to me, I didn't before. So please, comment away).
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
As there is nothing new
Very little has changed of late.........and that isn't a bad thing. After two months of constant upheaval, it is nice to have a settled routine of sorts. Between studying, looking for nursing jobs, and working at PRE, things are pretty mellow. Of course, that all changes this weekend when I become a complete and total stress monkey, but until then it is blessed tranquility.
In lieu of an update of the normal sort, I thought I would just post on something that I like: movies. I am definitely one of those people who love movies enough that, if one is on TV that I like, I have no qualms about picking it up right in the middle and watching it to the end. Only certain movies make the cut of course..........and they aren't all cinematic masterpieces. This list is not comprehensive in the slightest, but I need a break from my studies and I thought I would share some of my favorites (in no particular order):
Cool Hand Luke: Is there a better classic guy movie? Arguments can be made I am sure, but before Paul Newman was a purveyor of many fine charitably minded consumables, he was a badass with an iron resolve that proved that, yes, a man can eat fifty eggs (and Kobayashi later proved he can eat 70 hot dogs as well).
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Like escargot or Spam, it is an acquired taste. Some people may never acquire it, and while people like myself would find it a shame, those people probably aren't that broken up about the fact (hey, I hate octopus........but it doesn't adversely impact my epicurean enjoyment). It is a reason to love Johnny Depp as an actor who is so immersed in Hunter Thompson as a character I would wonder if Hunter would have performed much differently himself. If you are willing, it is worth the ride. Maybe have a drink or two first.
Very Bad Things: The words dark or black comedy get thrown around a little too liberally. Very few movies reach the inspired heights (or depths dependent on view) of a true black comedy. I can recall only a small handful that didnt make a sudden turn and end on an up note or some other pointless treacle. This one doesn't. If anything, the ending is a rousing affirmation of
all that leads up to it. Karma is a bitch.
Apocalypse Now: This film is dark and deeply disturbing and also incredibly well constructed with standout performances and some cinematic moments that are indelibly etched in hollywood history. The song 'Riders on the Storm" was virtually reinvented.
300: Pure popcorn. 2-D characters and ultimately forgettable save for the CGI and the physical look of the film. A comic book come to life.
Anchorman: I have heard it said before and I couldn't agree more fervently: the Caddyshack of my generation. Spectacularly quotable and deliciously offbeat. You will never think of San Diego the same way again. A comedy that holds up to repeated viewings, which is saying something.
Tombstone: A movie that would be good, but not great, were it not for Val Kilmer's Doc Holliday. He was to this film what Johnny Depp was to Pirates. Worth it for the scenes he is in and when the revenge heats up at the end.
Chasing Amy: Technically, this film is a disaster. No real cinematography and an amateur feel. Smith is no auteur to be certain. But, the dialogue is punchy and Jason Lee is hilarious. I am not saying much by saying this, but it is probably the best 'acting' that Ben Affleck has done as well.
Shawshank Redemption: In my mind, the most perfect film on the list. Sublimely acted and incredibly well-acted with a story that is more than a wink and a nod to the Count of Monte Cristo's style of revenge. The redemption at the end always gets to me. It is the book brought to life.
Fight Club & Seven: Both have Brad Pitt and both were directed by David Fincher so I tie them together despite little else in common. Both still resonates after repeated viewings.
Just my Luck: Lindsay Lohan's finest perform...............who am I kidding. I cant even pretend I saw it, let alone liked it. Just seeing if anyone read this far :)
If my sanity holds, I will post when more becomes apparent with jobs, exams and the like.
In lieu of an update of the normal sort, I thought I would just post on something that I like: movies. I am definitely one of those people who love movies enough that, if one is on TV that I like, I have no qualms about picking it up right in the middle and watching it to the end. Only certain movies make the cut of course..........and they aren't all cinematic masterpieces. This list is not comprehensive in the slightest, but I need a break from my studies and I thought I would share some of my favorites (in no particular order):
Cool Hand Luke: Is there a better classic guy movie? Arguments can be made I am sure, but before Paul Newman was a purveyor of many fine charitably minded consumables, he was a badass with an iron resolve that proved that, yes, a man can eat fifty eggs (and Kobayashi later proved he can eat 70 hot dogs as well).
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Like escargot or Spam, it is an acquired taste. Some people may never acquire it, and while people like myself would find it a shame, those people probably aren't that broken up about the fact (hey, I hate octopus........but it doesn't adversely impact my epicurean enjoyment). It is a reason to love Johnny Depp as an actor who is so immersed in Hunter Thompson as a character I would wonder if Hunter would have performed much differently himself. If you are willing, it is worth the ride. Maybe have a drink or two first.
Very Bad Things: The words dark or black comedy get thrown around a little too liberally. Very few movies reach the inspired heights (or depths dependent on view) of a true black comedy. I can recall only a small handful that didnt make a sudden turn and end on an up note or some other pointless treacle. This one doesn't. If anything, the ending is a rousing affirmation of
all that leads up to it. Karma is a bitch.
Apocalypse Now: This film is dark and deeply disturbing and also incredibly well constructed with standout performances and some cinematic moments that are indelibly etched in hollywood history. The song 'Riders on the Storm" was virtually reinvented.
300: Pure popcorn. 2-D characters and ultimately forgettable save for the CGI and the physical look of the film. A comic book come to life.
Anchorman: I have heard it said before and I couldn't agree more fervently: the Caddyshack of my generation. Spectacularly quotable and deliciously offbeat. You will never think of San Diego the same way again. A comedy that holds up to repeated viewings, which is saying something.
Tombstone: A movie that would be good, but not great, were it not for Val Kilmer's Doc Holliday. He was to this film what Johnny Depp was to Pirates. Worth it for the scenes he is in and when the revenge heats up at the end.
Chasing Amy: Technically, this film is a disaster. No real cinematography and an amateur feel. Smith is no auteur to be certain. But, the dialogue is punchy and Jason Lee is hilarious. I am not saying much by saying this, but it is probably the best 'acting' that Ben Affleck has done as well.
Shawshank Redemption: In my mind, the most perfect film on the list. Sublimely acted and incredibly well-acted with a story that is more than a wink and a nod to the Count of Monte Cristo's style of revenge. The redemption at the end always gets to me. It is the book brought to life.
Fight Club & Seven: Both have Brad Pitt and both were directed by David Fincher so I tie them together despite little else in common. Both still resonates after repeated viewings.
Just my Luck: Lindsay Lohan's finest perform...............who am I kidding. I cant even pretend I saw it, let alone liked it. Just seeing if anyone read this far :)
If my sanity holds, I will post when more becomes apparent with jobs, exams and the like.
Friday, July 04, 2008
4th of July update
My updates have been quite scattershot of late owing largely to the fact that my life has been quite scattershot of late. There is a definite lack of focus, because so much seems to be going on. Between dealing with medical issues, trying to unpack the house, buying all the little things that you don't think about (hard to hang up a shower curtain without a the rings), and NCLEX practice, my life feels so weirdly unfocused after having school be the center of everything for a year.
Today, as most days, I should be studying. Of course, I have a fairly legitimate excuse today as, despite the holiday, they are doing seemingly unending lawn maintenance at the apartment complex. Most exasperatingly, in spite of the size of the complex, it seems a majority of the work is being done around the building my apartment is in. I don't think it would be much louder if they were doing the work in my actual apartment. Of course, without a/c my choices are muted noise and uncomfortable temperatures or windows open and the waves or grating chainsaw noise mixed with other lawn implements. I know I am just bitching, but it is a skill that I have and i would hate to dull it with disuse.
In other news, the clock is now set for the end of my time with my gall bladder: July 18th. We had some good times together, all you can eat pizza buffets, BBQ, and po boy sandwiches to name but a few, but like all relationships there comes a time that you either have to make a commitment or go your separate ways. I wasn't willing to deal with his moodiness and mercurial nature. He wasn't able to handle me...........uh, eating things. It just wasn't meant to be.
I started working finally.........though not as a nurse just yet (pesky NCLEX test still in the way). It feels nice to earn an income. It has been more than a year since that has happened. I am working at PRE for a bit to help them out and ensure that I can at least put gas in my car. It seems like a nice place. Very familial. It makes me wonder what Salem hospital (or wherever I end up) will be like. Finding a workplace is like trying out a new bed. You can lay on them at the store and get an idea that which beds are comfortable and which ones are not......but until you spend some time sleeping on them, you honestly don't know. It isn't until a couple of weeks go by (at least) that the veneer of newness dissipates and the reality of the job sets in. It will be nice to at least see the place on the 8th. Of course, since I am supposed to start there on the 21st and my gall bladder is being removed on the 18th, discussions may have to ensue about just how long I can postpone starting (or if I can at all). I have heard nothing back from any of the other places I have applied thus far.
Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July.
Today, as most days, I should be studying. Of course, I have a fairly legitimate excuse today as, despite the holiday, they are doing seemingly unending lawn maintenance at the apartment complex. Most exasperatingly, in spite of the size of the complex, it seems a majority of the work is being done around the building my apartment is in. I don't think it would be much louder if they were doing the work in my actual apartment. Of course, without a/c my choices are muted noise and uncomfortable temperatures or windows open and the waves or grating chainsaw noise mixed with other lawn implements. I know I am just bitching, but it is a skill that I have and i would hate to dull it with disuse.
In other news, the clock is now set for the end of my time with my gall bladder: July 18th. We had some good times together, all you can eat pizza buffets, BBQ, and po boy sandwiches to name but a few, but like all relationships there comes a time that you either have to make a commitment or go your separate ways. I wasn't willing to deal with his moodiness and mercurial nature. He wasn't able to handle me...........uh, eating things. It just wasn't meant to be.
I started working finally.........though not as a nurse just yet (pesky NCLEX test still in the way). It feels nice to earn an income. It has been more than a year since that has happened. I am working at PRE for a bit to help them out and ensure that I can at least put gas in my car. It seems like a nice place. Very familial. It makes me wonder what Salem hospital (or wherever I end up) will be like. Finding a workplace is like trying out a new bed. You can lay on them at the store and get an idea that which beds are comfortable and which ones are not......but until you spend some time sleeping on them, you honestly don't know. It isn't until a couple of weeks go by (at least) that the veneer of newness dissipates and the reality of the job sets in. It will be nice to at least see the place on the 8th. Of course, since I am supposed to start there on the 21st and my gall bladder is being removed on the 18th, discussions may have to ensue about just how long I can postpone starting (or if I can at all). I have heard nothing back from any of the other places I have applied thus far.
Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Addition by subtraction (ode to a gall bladder)
The votes have been tallied and the results are in...........I don't have eosinophilic esophagitis. But, before I hire a clown and a pony, I am not in the clear as yet. The doctor suggested that I do have a teensy problem: gallstones. I am to consult with a surgeon to discuss my options, with the most likely event occurring being the removal of my gall bladder. Fortunately, the gall bladder is considered non-essential (kind of like paparazzi, the Golf channel, and Paris Hilton) and the surgery is pretty routine. I actually watched one during a surgical rotation which seemed relatively benign. With some Versed, I doubt I will even much care.
The odd thing is that the typical risk factors are not remotely related to me even in a second cousins twice removed sort of way. they include the following:
I had a job interview yesterday. Kind of spur of the moment. Dropped off the application Thursday afternoon and had an interview on Friday afternoon. Wouldn't it be nice if it always happened that way? Hell, even Blockbuster video usually takes a few weeks. I didn't get the job........but I also didn't not get the job. I am assuming they are interested since they asked for my references. Akin to asking for a second date. Why bother unless you wanted to see the person again? It is a general medical/surgical position at Willamette Falls hospital in Oregon City. Would be nights and 8-hour shifts (think 11p-7a). As always, more info here when I learn more.
The odd thing is that the typical risk factors are not remotely related to me even in a second cousins twice removed sort of way. they include the following:
- women—especially women who are pregnant, use hormone replacement therapy, or take birth control pills - Still stand when I pee, so this is out
- people over age 60 - not unless we are counting in months
- American Indians - I am the WHITEST person I know
- Mexican Americans - see above
- overweight or obese men and women - I'll admit to a daliance above the recommended BMI, but I wasn't the headless body you see on stock news footage about the overweight
- people who fast or lose a lot of weight quickly - not until after I had problems
- people with a family history of gallstones - gotta get out the family medical tree to check that
- people with diabetes - not so much
- people who take cholesterol-lowering drugs - again, not me
I had a job interview yesterday. Kind of spur of the moment. Dropped off the application Thursday afternoon and had an interview on Friday afternoon. Wouldn't it be nice if it always happened that way? Hell, even Blockbuster video usually takes a few weeks. I didn't get the job........but I also didn't not get the job. I am assuming they are interested since they asked for my references. Akin to asking for a second date. Why bother unless you wanted to see the person again? It is a general medical/surgical position at Willamette Falls hospital in Oregon City. Would be nights and 8-hour shifts (think 11p-7a). As always, more info here when I learn more.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
A bird in the hand
I was waiting to post my next blog hoping to have a diagnosis and, very hopefully.......almost deliriously so, to be starting treatment of some kind that I could report. Of course, medicine doesn't often work like it does on TV, and mostly waiting is all you do. In the meantime, I have stopped my dramatic weight loss and am leveling out thanks to the magic of Zofran. Had you asked me if I EVER thought I would see 165lbs a month ago, I would have said only when the dial on the scale is flying past it. Now I am just hoping to stay somewhat entrenched there.
My job situation is still murky. I have ZERO idea what to do. I have the proverbial bird in the hand situation. I have a job that I am none too thrilled with. Bad location, long commute, and the ham-handed way in which the hospital appears to be run. However, I have debts and expenses that I am obligated to deal with. On the other hand, there are a lot of jobs out there.......as soon as I get my license that is. Some that seem like far better options than Salem.........some that, to me, are far less appealing. None are guarantees of course (though the paperwork hasn't been signed at Salem either, so that could be little more than conceptual as well). So, I could give up a somewhat certainty for the prospect of the job hunt, or I could accept my current circumstances and continue to seek while employed. Of course, neither will matter unless I pass the NCLEX. But I would rather not stress about that awful elephant in the room at the moment. What to do? What to do?
The only other mildly interesting event has been a move into YET another apartment. I genuinely feel too old for the suburban apartment at this point. The idea of renting something in a location that affords you easy access to public transit, walking distance to local pubs and restaurants, and a certain cache is still appealing, but this place has none of that. Of course, what it does have is space, relatively reasonable cost, ample covered parking, community events and a short-term lease. It will be easier to look once I have my job situation settled. In the meantime, I have definitely lived in a lot less pleasant apartments than this one. Having a washing machine is also a spectacular bonus.
Congrats to all my classmates that have passed the NCLEX already. It can be done. I hope to join your ranks soon.
My job situation is still murky. I have ZERO idea what to do. I have the proverbial bird in the hand situation. I have a job that I am none too thrilled with. Bad location, long commute, and the ham-handed way in which the hospital appears to be run. However, I have debts and expenses that I am obligated to deal with. On the other hand, there are a lot of jobs out there.......as soon as I get my license that is. Some that seem like far better options than Salem.........some that, to me, are far less appealing. None are guarantees of course (though the paperwork hasn't been signed at Salem either, so that could be little more than conceptual as well). So, I could give up a somewhat certainty for the prospect of the job hunt, or I could accept my current circumstances and continue to seek while employed. Of course, neither will matter unless I pass the NCLEX. But I would rather not stress about that awful elephant in the room at the moment. What to do? What to do?
The only other mildly interesting event has been a move into YET another apartment. I genuinely feel too old for the suburban apartment at this point. The idea of renting something in a location that affords you easy access to public transit, walking distance to local pubs and restaurants, and a certain cache is still appealing, but this place has none of that. Of course, what it does have is space, relatively reasonable cost, ample covered parking, community events and a short-term lease. It will be easier to look once I have my job situation settled. In the meantime, I have definitely lived in a lot less pleasant apartments than this one. Having a washing machine is also a spectacular bonus.
Congrats to all my classmates that have passed the NCLEX already. It can be done. I hope to join your ranks soon.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Its a Boy!
No, I am not having a baby........but I did have an ultra-sound today. Very interesting. At least the goo used to smoothly maneuver the wand around was warmed and the woman didn't press down on my stomach too firmly (it is a sore point.......literally a sore point, and all the doctors seem required by some sadistic medical code to press firmly down repeatedly like they are kneading dough). Friday is my endoscopy. At least that comes with a side of anesthesia.
As a continuing auxiliary storyline, my weight continues to plummet. Though no hip urban youth am I, I am now required to walk around hiking up my jeans periodically lest they tumble off of me. Why not just use a belt you might ask? Still packed away. Sweat pants are on the agenda. Also on the agenda, a mounting list of places that I intend to gorge myself at once my stomach stops offering resistance to every single morsel that passes my lips. Goodbye baby food, hello BBQ!
Loving my new car. So much fun to drive. Highly recommend the Rabbit thus far (long term is questionable). Lots of fun extras and spectacular get-up-and-go. Kick ass!
As a continuing auxiliary storyline, my weight continues to plummet. Though no hip urban youth am I, I am now required to walk around hiking up my jeans periodically lest they tumble off of me. Why not just use a belt you might ask? Still packed away. Sweat pants are on the agenda. Also on the agenda, a mounting list of places that I intend to gorge myself at once my stomach stops offering resistance to every single morsel that passes my lips. Goodbye baby food, hello BBQ!
Loving my new car. So much fun to drive. Highly recommend the Rabbit thus far (long term is questionable). Lots of fun extras and spectacular get-up-and-go. Kick ass!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
A night in the ER
I love to do research. I think I made that abundantly clear when looking up cars. To further the thought, I figured I would take my research one more step along the chain and be admitted to the ER so I could 'research' what it was like to be a patient. Also, I was severely dehydrated and in a considerable amount of abdominal pain.
Thankfully, I did not have to spend the night in the ER (even though they have a fairly broad selection of cable channels). I was released into my wife and mother-in-laws care after about 500ml of fluid, some morphine for the pain, and some Phenergan for nausea. Blood tests remain inconclusive. In the meantime, I was told to try different pills for GERD and combine that with lots of fluids (so many flavors of sports drinks to choose from.......this morning I am imbibing something called Arctic Shatter. The name implies it should taste like something arctic ala penguins or whatever else is artic in nature but in reality just tastes like lemonade. It was clearly named after one of GW's failed attempts to drill for crude oil on the Arctic shelf). I am also allowed to finally eat..........with the only caveat being that i am allowed to eat baby food. It isnt as bad as I had feared, but feels ridiculous. Life has a way of making you giggle despite the circumstances.
In better news, I finally found a car. I hope, unlike my computer, it is not a lemon. I ended up with an 07 Rabbit. It is fun t drive and fairly practical, though it has a lot of bells and whistles from the prior owner (17" alloy tires, an Ipod adapter, Electronic Stability Control, a sunroof, and fun Rabbit specific mats). I am bummed that it only comes in black, but I didnt have much choice in that regard even with a new car. I hope all turns out well with it.
Off to lunch. Pureed carrots perhaps?
Thankfully, I did not have to spend the night in the ER (even though they have a fairly broad selection of cable channels). I was released into my wife and mother-in-laws care after about 500ml of fluid, some morphine for the pain, and some Phenergan for nausea. Blood tests remain inconclusive. In the meantime, I was told to try different pills for GERD and combine that with lots of fluids (so many flavors of sports drinks to choose from.......this morning I am imbibing something called Arctic Shatter. The name implies it should taste like something arctic ala penguins or whatever else is artic in nature but in reality just tastes like lemonade. It was clearly named after one of GW's failed attempts to drill for crude oil on the Arctic shelf). I am also allowed to finally eat..........with the only caveat being that i am allowed to eat baby food. It isnt as bad as I had feared, but feels ridiculous. Life has a way of making you giggle despite the circumstances.
In better news, I finally found a car. I hope, unlike my computer, it is not a lemon. I ended up with an 07 Rabbit. It is fun t drive and fairly practical, though it has a lot of bells and whistles from the prior owner (17" alloy tires, an Ipod adapter, Electronic Stability Control, a sunroof, and fun Rabbit specific mats). I am bummed that it only comes in black, but I didnt have much choice in that regard even with a new car. I hope all turns out well with it.
Off to lunch. Pureed carrots perhaps?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
12lbs
This represents the amount of weight I have lost in the past few weeks. I managed, through GERD, to do something I couldn't do with exercise and diet......see the southern side of 170lbs. Hello healthy BMI!
This miracle diet is not for sale on the internet or via a 1-800 number on some late night infomercial. I will, free of charge, share my diet secrets with you! (plus $19.95 shipping and handling which is fully refundable when hell freezes over).
Its a simple 4 step process:
1. Eat
2. Feel indescribable discomfort and pain
3. Expel all food
4. Lose all interest in eating
Its just that simple. No counting points. No fad diets that won't work later. Results are 100% guaranteed.
Please eat something for me...........anything at all.
This miracle diet is not for sale on the internet or via a 1-800 number on some late night infomercial. I will, free of charge, share my diet secrets with you! (plus $19.95 shipping and handling which is fully refundable when hell freezes over).
Its a simple 4 step process:
1. Eat
2. Feel indescribable discomfort and pain
3. Expel all food
4. Lose all interest in eating
Its just that simple. No counting points. No fad diets that won't work later. Results are 100% guaranteed.
Please eat something for me...........anything at all.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The car report
I love love LOVE reading reviews before I buy anything of any real value. It is almost an incessant need. I have to compare, and re-compare until I feel like I get the best deal for the best product (or at least the best product deal notwithstanding). The same goes for cars, except a car purchase has a lot to do with feel and personal style as well (I have never purchased a toaster or a DVD player based on that). With that said, as much as I loathe dealing with car salesman as a whole (and that is not a blanket statement..........here in Portland I have found 3 dealerships that I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone: Wentworth Subaru, Wilsonville Toyota, and, so-far, Herzog-Meier Volkswagen/Mazda), I genuinely enjoy test driving the cars. As much as you can possibly read about a car or look at pictures online, nothing replaces the experience of sitting behind the wheel, fiddling with all the knobs, opening all the compartments, cranking up the stereo, and taking it out for a test drive.
I thought it would be kind of fun to rank the cars I have test driven. Let me say first off that there are lots of professional review sites around and I would be the first to warn anyone from taking my opinions as though their author held a modicum of automotive expertise. I don't know a camshaft from valve train and I have no idea what torque has to do with the driving experience, but I know what I like.
I had a few criteria when looking:
1. It could not cost more than $20K. I know this seems like an arbitrary number, and thats because it absolutely is. It is just the line in the sand that I cannot make myself cross.
2. It could not cost less than $17K. Also a completely arbitrary number, but it seems a very clear dividing line within this affordable class of cars. According to most sites there are about two dozen cars under $20K, but most under $17K dont have the creature comforts that I want in a car.
3. I crossed out any car that did not receive at least marginal reviews (sorry Chevy Aveo, Cobalt, and Saturns).
Without further ado:
8. 2009 Toyota Corolla LE ($17,500): There is not much to say about this car other than it is like Vanilla ice cream or plain cheese pizza (can you tell I am hungry): it gets the job done, but there are far more appealing options. The steering was vague the driving experience solid if utterly ordinary. The interior was cheap in look and feel. The only upside was the refreshed exterior styling (which was nothing extraordinary, but seemed so in comparison to the interior) and the stellar gas mileage.
7. 2008 Hyundai Elantra SE ($17,300): The Elantra aims at the Corolla according to reviews and, according to me, they should aim higher. I rank this only slightly ahead numerically, but in reality it was far superior. The interior was pleasant if not overwhelming. The exterior was about as exciting as watching an infomercial. The feature list was lengthy and the gas mileage rivaled the Civic with a far superior warranty. Still, it is missing a fun factor, both in drive and look.
6. 2008 Honda Fit Sport ($17,200): This is a much smaller car than the others, and you can feel it when driving at any highway speed. However, for popping around the city while sipping gas you cant go wrong. Funky styling and a utilitarian interior would put it on the short list if I wasn't going to be spending so much time on the highway.
5. Mini Cooper ($23,500): This car completely broke my price barrier, but I had to give it a whirl. It was fun, but not $23,500 fun. Maybe the S model would be more so, but for another $4K, I am not planning on finding out. The interior is a lot more industrial than I had expected as well, with far less BMW and far more rally car feel. Still, it has a certain flair and I can definitely see the appeal.
4. honda Civic EX coupe ($20,000): Wow, Hondas went and got very expensive since I purchased my 2003 LX for under $13,500. Plus they are now the #1 car in the land. Unfortunately, this makes the dealers awfully smug and reluctant to deal very much on the price. This time I wanted to go up the ladder a bit and get one with more gadgets and the creature comforts I crave. The driving is steady and responsive, if not especially thrilling. The car feels very solid, with a resounding thunk when you shut the doors. The interior looks futuristic compared to most other cars I drove, though the speedometer is a bit disorienting. The dashboard seems to extend for miles (a whole bottle of armor-all and then some) and the stock stereo was by far the best. Still, for this much money I keep thinking more should be standard and they REALLY ought to do something about the tacky-ass velour seats that look like they were upholstered sometime in the 70s for this price point. Tacking on leather will add another grand.
2 (tie). Mazda 3i Touring ($17,800): Very well put together, responsive and still fairly fuel economical. More fun to drive than the Civic and, personally, I think the styling comparable. Lots of options and trims and can get pricey. Interior a lot nicer than you would expect and fits together exceedingly well. Fun Knight-rider lights. Would have liked it a lot more had I not driven my favorite car just before it.
2. Scion TC ($18,400): So many options that I wont bother to list them. The key word for this car is fun......in an economical sort of way. If you took the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3 and made a hybrid of sorts, you might end up about here. A standard moon roof doesn't hurt either. It is peppy and sporty and has a killer audio system. The downside is that it feels sports-car sized inside (don't even consider this if you stand above 6 feet tall). I felt like my head was just about scraping the ceiling. The backseats also feel like planks of wood with some cotton ticking atop it. Still, it was a compelling driving experience and would be genuinely enjoyable on errands or for a fun drive to the coast (if you can afford to drive that far anymore).
1. Volkswagen Rabbit S 4dr ($19,200): I cannot believe that I am typing that I liked a Volkswagen above the other vehicles. I had genuinely expected to want the Civic.......not have it fall to the mid-point of my list. The Rabbit just has a little bit of everything I like and want. Heated seats, mirrors, and spray nozzles - check. Cruise control, lumbar support, and telescoping steering wheel -check. Every safety feature you could imagine - check. Also, MP3 capable 10-speaker stock stereo, 170hp (the most of any of these cars), roomy back seats, hatchback utility, and a fun look that won't be copied by every other driver on the road (ala the Civic). The only drawbacks seem to be the gas mileage (tied with the Scion at just 22/29) and what has until recently been a lackluster repair record (although that seems to be improving with the thumbs up Consumers Report gave it). But, you can't get fun and great gas mileage from my test drives and they do at least offer a standard 4yr/50K warranty.
Next up is the actual purchasing part.......which I haven't gotten to as yet. No hurry really, though I am anxious to have my own car again (even with all the associated expenses). I can't complain since my wonderful mother-in-law (anyone who would willingly fly across the country and help pack, drive, and unpack deserves superlatives), is letting me borrow her new Rogue for running about in the meantime (a fun crossover that compares very favorably with my old Forester, only with less visibility). But, still, there is something about having your own car, and it would at least be one thing to check off the list (now to just figure out the other dozen).
Stay tuned til next time kids, when will find out whether the mystery of my fingerprints will ever be solved by the state of Oregon.
I thought it would be kind of fun to rank the cars I have test driven. Let me say first off that there are lots of professional review sites around and I would be the first to warn anyone from taking my opinions as though their author held a modicum of automotive expertise. I don't know a camshaft from valve train and I have no idea what torque has to do with the driving experience, but I know what I like.
I had a few criteria when looking:
1. It could not cost more than $20K. I know this seems like an arbitrary number, and thats because it absolutely is. It is just the line in the sand that I cannot make myself cross.
2. It could not cost less than $17K. Also a completely arbitrary number, but it seems a very clear dividing line within this affordable class of cars. According to most sites there are about two dozen cars under $20K, but most under $17K dont have the creature comforts that I want in a car.
3. I crossed out any car that did not receive at least marginal reviews (sorry Chevy Aveo, Cobalt, and Saturns).
Without further ado:
8. 2009 Toyota Corolla LE ($17,500): There is not much to say about this car other than it is like Vanilla ice cream or plain cheese pizza (can you tell I am hungry): it gets the job done, but there are far more appealing options. The steering was vague the driving experience solid if utterly ordinary. The interior was cheap in look and feel. The only upside was the refreshed exterior styling (which was nothing extraordinary, but seemed so in comparison to the interior) and the stellar gas mileage.
7. 2008 Hyundai Elantra SE ($17,300): The Elantra aims at the Corolla according to reviews and, according to me, they should aim higher. I rank this only slightly ahead numerically, but in reality it was far superior. The interior was pleasant if not overwhelming. The exterior was about as exciting as watching an infomercial. The feature list was lengthy and the gas mileage rivaled the Civic with a far superior warranty. Still, it is missing a fun factor, both in drive and look.
6. 2008 Honda Fit Sport ($17,200): This is a much smaller car than the others, and you can feel it when driving at any highway speed. However, for popping around the city while sipping gas you cant go wrong. Funky styling and a utilitarian interior would put it on the short list if I wasn't going to be spending so much time on the highway.
5. Mini Cooper ($23,500): This car completely broke my price barrier, but I had to give it a whirl. It was fun, but not $23,500 fun. Maybe the S model would be more so, but for another $4K, I am not planning on finding out. The interior is a lot more industrial than I had expected as well, with far less BMW and far more rally car feel. Still, it has a certain flair and I can definitely see the appeal.
4. honda Civic EX coupe ($20,000): Wow, Hondas went and got very expensive since I purchased my 2003 LX for under $13,500. Plus they are now the #1 car in the land. Unfortunately, this makes the dealers awfully smug and reluctant to deal very much on the price. This time I wanted to go up the ladder a bit and get one with more gadgets and the creature comforts I crave. The driving is steady and responsive, if not especially thrilling. The car feels very solid, with a resounding thunk when you shut the doors. The interior looks futuristic compared to most other cars I drove, though the speedometer is a bit disorienting. The dashboard seems to extend for miles (a whole bottle of armor-all and then some) and the stock stereo was by far the best. Still, for this much money I keep thinking more should be standard and they REALLY ought to do something about the tacky-ass velour seats that look like they were upholstered sometime in the 70s for this price point. Tacking on leather will add another grand.
2 (tie). Mazda 3i Touring ($17,800): Very well put together, responsive and still fairly fuel economical. More fun to drive than the Civic and, personally, I think the styling comparable. Lots of options and trims and can get pricey. Interior a lot nicer than you would expect and fits together exceedingly well. Fun Knight-rider lights. Would have liked it a lot more had I not driven my favorite car just before it.
2. Scion TC ($18,400): So many options that I wont bother to list them. The key word for this car is fun......in an economical sort of way. If you took the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3 and made a hybrid of sorts, you might end up about here. A standard moon roof doesn't hurt either. It is peppy and sporty and has a killer audio system. The downside is that it feels sports-car sized inside (don't even consider this if you stand above 6 feet tall). I felt like my head was just about scraping the ceiling. The backseats also feel like planks of wood with some cotton ticking atop it. Still, it was a compelling driving experience and would be genuinely enjoyable on errands or for a fun drive to the coast (if you can afford to drive that far anymore).
1. Volkswagen Rabbit S 4dr ($19,200): I cannot believe that I am typing that I liked a Volkswagen above the other vehicles. I had genuinely expected to want the Civic.......not have it fall to the mid-point of my list. The Rabbit just has a little bit of everything I like and want. Heated seats, mirrors, and spray nozzles - check. Cruise control, lumbar support, and telescoping steering wheel -check. Every safety feature you could imagine - check. Also, MP3 capable 10-speaker stock stereo, 170hp (the most of any of these cars), roomy back seats, hatchback utility, and a fun look that won't be copied by every other driver on the road (ala the Civic). The only drawbacks seem to be the gas mileage (tied with the Scion at just 22/29) and what has until recently been a lackluster repair record (although that seems to be improving with the thumbs up Consumers Report gave it). But, you can't get fun and great gas mileage from my test drives and they do at least offer a standard 4yr/50K warranty.
Next up is the actual purchasing part.......which I haven't gotten to as yet. No hurry really, though I am anxious to have my own car again (even with all the associated expenses). I can't complain since my wonderful mother-in-law (anyone who would willingly fly across the country and help pack, drive, and unpack deserves superlatives), is letting me borrow her new Rogue for running about in the meantime (a fun crossover that compares very favorably with my old Forester, only with less visibility). But, still, there is something about having your own car, and it would at least be one thing to check off the list (now to just figure out the other dozen).
Stay tuned til next time kids, when will find out whether the mystery of my fingerprints will ever be solved by the state of Oregon.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
New cars, GERD, & condos
Things are working out well in some areas and horrifically in others since Tia and I returned to the Pacific NW. My stomach continues to be problematic. I am eating less than Amy Winehouse and regretting every morsel. I have started the rather colorful regimen of purple pills and pink bismuth, but the only tangible result so far has been more time spent in the bathroom than a coke addict. On the upside, bathing suit season is just around the corner and what better way is there to get in Speedo shape?
The condo deal fell through. Despite having had a sum total of ZERO offers on it since it was listed in January, the owners weren't willing to capitulate any potential profits. It is for the good probably since it wasn't a long term fix anyway and, with the market as it stands, we could have lost out somewhat on the deal unless we were willing to hang onto it. Still, it was a bummer because it was very nicely appointed and in a nice location. On to the next.
I have been looking at cars lately. It hurts almost worse than my GERD to have to deal with the likes of most car salespeople. They love to talk about anything but numbers and, when they do, they pretend like you are the only one they are offering this special deal of $500 below MSRP. Unless you are buying a rare or highly coveted car (or in some cases, a no haggle vehicle like a Scion) than there is NO reason to pay anything near MSRP. Additionally, they always want to charge you the delivery fee (in most cases $600+ dollars) which I think is ludicrous. Either build it into the price of the product or eat it entirely. There is NO reason I should pay for you to have something on the lot for me to buy. I don't get charged an extra fee at the grocery store for a can of corn on top of the price. Ultimately, I hate the games. At Hyundai, they tried to show me every other car on the lot except the one I came to see (which they didn't have in stock). Including every used car from a Mitsubishi Lancer to a BMW 3 series and then make up information about each one. I honestly felt slimy from the interaction.
Even the internet fails to be a good place to get legitimate information. The sites that promise you instant quotes from multiple dealers leads only to them calling you to have you come in to see the car in question without any discussion of price. How this is an effective means for selling a car is beyond me.
Time to go eat another slice of plain toast while fantasizing about BBQ or sushi.
The condo deal fell through. Despite having had a sum total of ZERO offers on it since it was listed in January, the owners weren't willing to capitulate any potential profits. It is for the good probably since it wasn't a long term fix anyway and, with the market as it stands, we could have lost out somewhat on the deal unless we were willing to hang onto it. Still, it was a bummer because it was very nicely appointed and in a nice location. On to the next.
I have been looking at cars lately. It hurts almost worse than my GERD to have to deal with the likes of most car salespeople. They love to talk about anything but numbers and, when they do, they pretend like you are the only one they are offering this special deal of $500 below MSRP. Unless you are buying a rare or highly coveted car (or in some cases, a no haggle vehicle like a Scion) than there is NO reason to pay anything near MSRP. Additionally, they always want to charge you the delivery fee (in most cases $600+ dollars) which I think is ludicrous. Either build it into the price of the product or eat it entirely. There is NO reason I should pay for you to have something on the lot for me to buy. I don't get charged an extra fee at the grocery store for a can of corn on top of the price. Ultimately, I hate the games. At Hyundai, they tried to show me every other car on the lot except the one I came to see (which they didn't have in stock). Including every used car from a Mitsubishi Lancer to a BMW 3 series and then make up information about each one. I honestly felt slimy from the interaction.
Even the internet fails to be a good place to get legitimate information. The sites that promise you instant quotes from multiple dealers leads only to them calling you to have you come in to see the car in question without any discussion of price. How this is an effective means for selling a car is beyond me.
Time to go eat another slice of plain toast while fantasizing about BBQ or sushi.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Proof I am getting old (example #247)
I went to the doctor today because I have been having the textbook tell-tale signs and symptoms of acid reflux. I walked out with two paper lunch sacks full of medication samples. I think the next stop for me is a pair of magnifying reading glasses, stealing sugar packets from restaurants, and complaining about the way things are now vs. how they used to be (damn! I already do that). Its a slippery slope. Oh well, I will trade in two sacks of meds to be able to eat something other than bread and bananas.
Back to NCLEX.
Back to NCLEX.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
My first place..........er, maybe
Put in an offer on my potential first place. of course, many steps (and possible missteps) lie in the way yet. More news by tomorrow at 5 when we will hear back from the seller. In the meantime, if you are curious: http://www.rmls.com/RC2/UI/Home.asp Put in #8043082
A jumbled life
There has been little calm of late and likely little calm on the horizon. In the past month, I graduated (again), got married, went on a honeymoon, and moved across the country (my third such cross-country jaunt in the past 3 years. Kids, don't try this at home). In fact, wherever we end up in Portland, or around it, will be my 9th address since 2004. Maybe I am in the witness protection program and no one told me.
Now all that needs to be done in the next month to six weeks is pass my NCLEX (which will be easier once I get a test site and time), move my belongings into a storage unit from their home in a 5'x10' trailer (and shortly thereafter move them out of said storage unit and back into another trailer), find a permanent place to live and find a car. Oh yeah, and then that whole new career thing starts. It hard to type with shivers racing up your spine.
In the meantime.......
It is good to be back in the Pacific Northwest. It is also extremely odd. I am not a native here and don't know if I will ever fully acclimate, but it feels like an entirely different country after living in Rochester for the past dozen months. It still feels like I am out here visiting and not really transplanting my life here. Today Tia and I went to a coffee shop to study. I was served by a young blonde woman with dreadlocks and piercings, we sat near a 50ish woman with a gold tooth who sold organic foods for a small grocery chain, and interacted with a number of other people that in Rochester would be gawked at. Here, that is just run of the mill. Oh, and as an aside, they were all extremely pleasant (with the gold-toothed woman offering to share the tea pot she ordered). That is typical here in the NW. In Florida and Rochester, not so much.
Now if they could just do something about the weather.
The trip across was largely uneventful. Pulling the trailer really hampered progress. Try driving 2800+ miles at 60mph through states like South Dakota and see how long it is before you go insane. Thanks to Tia's mom coming to share the drive (and do a bulk of it honestly) it wasn't that bad and we managed to get to our destination right on time. I don't think Tia and I could have managed to do the same on our own. As it was, we would leave most places around 8:30am and not stop for good until after 11pm.
Off to unpack the trailer. I hope to be in contact with all my Portland peeps in the near future as soon as the dust settles.
Now all that needs to be done in the next month to six weeks is pass my NCLEX (which will be easier once I get a test site and time), move my belongings into a storage unit from their home in a 5'x10' trailer (and shortly thereafter move them out of said storage unit and back into another trailer), find a permanent place to live and find a car. Oh yeah, and then that whole new career thing starts. It hard to type with shivers racing up your spine.
In the meantime.......
It is good to be back in the Pacific Northwest. It is also extremely odd. I am not a native here and don't know if I will ever fully acclimate, but it feels like an entirely different country after living in Rochester for the past dozen months. It still feels like I am out here visiting and not really transplanting my life here. Today Tia and I went to a coffee shop to study. I was served by a young blonde woman with dreadlocks and piercings, we sat near a 50ish woman with a gold tooth who sold organic foods for a small grocery chain, and interacted with a number of other people that in Rochester would be gawked at. Here, that is just run of the mill. Oh, and as an aside, they were all extremely pleasant (with the gold-toothed woman offering to share the tea pot she ordered). That is typical here in the NW. In Florida and Rochester, not so much.
Now if they could just do something about the weather.
The trip across was largely uneventful. Pulling the trailer really hampered progress. Try driving 2800+ miles at 60mph through states like South Dakota and see how long it is before you go insane. Thanks to Tia's mom coming to share the drive (and do a bulk of it honestly) it wasn't that bad and we managed to get to our destination right on time. I don't think Tia and I could have managed to do the same on our own. As it was, we would leave most places around 8:30am and not stop for good until after 11pm.
Off to unpack the trailer. I hope to be in contact with all my Portland peeps in the near future as soon as the dust settles.
Monday, May 26, 2008
They f'ed up my fingerprints
I have to take a moment to rant about the Monroe County sheriff's office. I understand that fingerprinting is not the only thing that police officers do, however, as they are the ONLY game in town for fingerprinting here in Rochester, one would assume a degree of proficiency. I was, after all, not paying them $25 for a dram of ink and the 3 minutes of their precious time (they don't even supply the fingerprinting forms for that fee). You know what they say about assuming though.
Yesterday I get a letter in the mail from Oregon stating that the fingerprint job they did here in Rochester did not yield enough valid prints to run my background check. Which means they cannot release my information to the testing center. Which means my NCLEX test date will be pushed back. Which means I am quite pissed off. I now have to find my way back to the sheriff's office during their inconveniently scheduled allotment of two hours daily and have my fingerprints redone in the hopes that lightning cannot strike twice.
What the hell am I saying. I neglected to mention that I already had to go back a second time (my fault) to have a paper filled out and, at that time, the officer on duty redid a few prints on the back because he felt the originals were errant. Meaning that even the second run of prints was no good! So, lets go with third times the charm instead of the lightening striking reference. They can't possibly mess it up a third time. Right? Right?!?
Yesterday I get a letter in the mail from Oregon stating that the fingerprint job they did here in Rochester did not yield enough valid prints to run my background check. Which means they cannot release my information to the testing center. Which means my NCLEX test date will be pushed back. Which means I am quite pissed off. I now have to find my way back to the sheriff's office during their inconveniently scheduled allotment of two hours daily and have my fingerprints redone in the hopes that lightning cannot strike twice.
What the hell am I saying. I neglected to mention that I already had to go back a second time (my fault) to have a paper filled out and, at that time, the officer on duty redid a few prints on the back because he felt the originals were errant. Meaning that even the second run of prints was no good! So, lets go with third times the charm instead of the lightening striking reference. They can't possibly mess it up a third time. Right? Right?!?
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