So I moved to DC Aug 1, 2010 to start grad school to become a therapist. I'm living in a house with 2 other guys (both slightly older than me) and a spaniel named Sammy (female). My classes are a mixed bag, which I guess is to be expected. At one point I joined 3 soccer teams and was finishing up the summer league, and then BAM! Fractured my navicular (sp?) in my foot (small bone on top) playing soccer. For once it wasn't ME being aggressive! An old guy cleated me HARD on the top of my foot, then I rolled my ankle. Double whammy. So I've been sporting crutches and a cast for 2 weeks now, and ended my soccer career for the fall. Very said b/c that is 1. my favorite sport to play 2. a great release for me and about the only exercise I get and 3. how I planned to make friends. It's tough moving to a new city with just a few people that I know...and still haven't even met up with some of them, including my godsister, my only family member here. Still adjusting to real city life, school, a new job (working with a 4 yr old girl), etc. It's been up and down, and not easy, but just trying to do my best in hanging in there until I finish the program (in 3 long years, lol).

So I moved in with 2 girls to a house in Somerville to be closer to my job. I just moved in this month, but so far it's been great! Weve had lots of fun and adventures. They each got puppies, too. Arielle got an Old English Sheepdog and Stacy got an English bulldog. Both are girls (though there was confusion for about a week about the bulldog, lol). Baylor's got himself 2 chicks now to hang out with! He is moving in next weekend when I go pick him up from his grandma and grandpa's, I am so excited!

So I moved in with 2 girls to a house in Somerville to be closer to my job. I just moved in this month, but so far it's been great! Weve had lots of fun and adventures. They each got puppies, too. Arielle got an Old English Sheepdog and Stacy got an English bulldog. Both are girls (though there was confusion for about a week about the bulldog, lol). Baylor's got himself 2 chicks now to hang out with! He is moving in next weekend when I go pick him up from his grandma and grandpa's, I am so excited!

So this will be the 4th place this year, but I'm hoping it's the last for a long time. I got all my stuff into my new condo (I didn't buy it, just renting from the owner, Sylvia, a grad student). Of course there is stuff everyone and after 16 hours of packing and moving, I am exhausted! But today I get to pick up Pax, my kitten and get him moved in while I unpack at least some clothes to wear for the week! I am going to have a lazy day though before that. Moving is so not fun. I said the next time I move it's going to be when I can afford to hire movers!

So this will be the 4th place this year, but I'm hoping it's the last for a long time. I got all my stuff into my new condo (I didn't buy it, just renting from the owner, Sylvia, a grad student). Of course there is stuff everyone and after 16 hours of packing and moving, I am exhausted! But today I get to pick up Pax, my kitten and get him moved in while I unpack at least some clothes to wear for the week! I am going to have a lazy day though before that. Moving is so not fun. I said the next time I move it's going to be when I can afford to hire movers!

Do you ever do something in the heat of the moment--led by people you trust--and it turns out to be the wrong decision? Well that's where am right now. I just lost someone I have loved dearly over the past year b/c of a moment of fear and lots of background chatter as to what I should do. It makes me so sad to lose this person because they were such a huge part of my life and stood by me through some really tough stuff. I can't imagine living life without this person....

Do you ever do something in the heat of the moment--led by people you trust--and it turns out to be the wrong decision? Well that's where am right now. I just lost someone I have loved dearly over the past year b/c of a moment of fear and lots of background chatter as to what I should do. It makes me so sad to lose this person because they were such a huge part of my life and stood by me through some really tough stuff. I can't imagine living life without this person....

It seems like a sin to have a beautiful new car, only to look at it and unable to drive it. :o( I got my license medically suspended on Tuesday...as a result of continued concussion symptoms from the 4/27 accident. ARGH! I'm so upset. Totally didn't see it coming when I went to the neurologist. He said it could be MONTHS! I of course said no f-ing way, I have to work! And I live 40 miles away from work! So my job is letting me temporarily work from home, but only through next week. There's no good public transportation there (a 2 1/2-3 hr train ride one way). So it's all quite a mess and I'm fighting it. Also getting a 2nd opinion next week. This is so ridiculous, has anyone heard of such a thing? He said he is required by law to take my license b/c I have lost consciousness since the accident. Actually I've fainted a few times--but its related to a medicine I'm on. He wouldn't buy it though and is making me get an MRI and see an epilepsy doctor and bunch of other stuff. Also ordered physical and speech/memory therapy, only I can't get there because I CAN'T DRIVE!!! I need a lawyer...Paul, are you done yet?

It seems like a sin to have a beautiful new car, only to look at it and unable to drive it. :o( I got my license medically suspended on Tuesday...as a result of continued concussion symptoms from the 4/27 accident. ARGH! I'm so upset. Totally didn't see it coming when I went to the neurologist. He said it could be MONTHS! I of course said no f-ing way, I have to work! And I live 40 miles away from work! So my job is letting me temporarily work from home, but only through next week. There's no good public transportation there (a 2 1/2-3 hr train ride one way). So it's all quite a mess and I'm fighting it. Also getting a 2nd opinion next week. This is so ridiculous, has anyone heard of such a thing? He said he is required by law to take my license b/c I have lost consciousness since the accident. Actually I've fainted a few times--but its related to a medicine I'm on. He wouldn't buy it though and is making me get an MRI and see an epilepsy doctor and bunch of other stuff. Also ordered physical and speech/memory therapy, only I can't get there because I CAN'T DRIVE!!! I need a lawyer...Paul, are you done yet?

It seems like a sin to have a beautiful new car, only to look at it and unable to drive it. :o( I got my license medically suspended on Tuesday...as a result of continued concussion symptoms from the 4/27 accident. ARGH! I'm so upset. Totally didn't see it coming when I went to the neurologist. He said it could be MONTHS! I of course said no f-ing way, I have to work! And I live 40 miles away from work! So my job is letting me temporarily work from home, but only through next week. There's no good public transportation there (a 2 1/2-3 hr train ride one way). So it's all quite a mess and I'm fighting it. Also getting a 2nd opinion next week. This is so ridiculous, has anyone heard of such a thing? He said he is required by law to take my license b/c I have lost consciousness since the accident. Actually I've fainted a few times--but its related to a medicine I'm on. He wouldn't buy it though and is making me get an MRI and see an epilepsy doctor and bunch of other st...

I've actually been back for a few weeks not, but trying to ease back into life. However that changed quickly this week when I started my new job! It is anything but slow and easy, lol. I got thrown right into the middle of a clinical trial, and I'm literally learning how to do it all by the seat of my pants. But I love it! I finally feel like my life has meaning, a purpose. And after how I've spent the past 4 months, that's a pretty remarkable statement. So, I am back, and will try to post more, and yes Jaki, make it to NYC one weekend!

I've actually been back for a few weeks not, but trying to ease back into life. However that changed quickly this week when I started my new job! It is anything but slow and easy, lol. I got thrown right into the middle of a clinical trial, and I'm literally learning how to do it all by the seat of my pants. But I love it! I finally feel like my life has meaning, a purpose. And after how I've spent the past 4 months, that's a pretty remarkable statement. So, I am back, and will try to post more, and yes Jaki, make it to NYC one weekend!

I've actually been back for a few weeks not, but trying to ease back into life. However that changed quickly this week when I started my new job! It is anything but slow and easy, lol. I got thrown right into the middle of a clinical trial, and I'm literally learning how to do it all by the seat of my pants. But I love it! I finally feel like my life has meaning, a purpose. And after how I've spent the past 4 months, that's a pretty remarkable statement. So, I am back, and will try to post more, and yes Jaki, make it to NYC one weekend!

Just so you know, I will be taking a 1-2 week hiatis (sp?) from the internet and cell phone...basically from the 'outside world.' Just have some stuff I need to attend to, best done without any distractions. I am fine, I am safe, I am in good hands. Just please send good thoughts my way of encouragement.

Just so you know, I will be taking a 1-2 week hiatis (sp?) from the internet and cell phone...basically from the 'outside world.' Just have some stuff I need to attend to, best done without any distractions. I am fine, I am safe, I am in good hands. Just please send good thoughts my way of encouragement.

Just so you know, I will be taking a 1-2 week hiatis (sp?) from the internet and cell phone...basically from the 'outside world.' Just have some stuff I need to attend to, best done without any distractions. I am fine, I am safe, I am in good hands. Just please send good thoughts my way of encouragement.

Hooray! Life is FINALLY looking up for a change! Some of you may not know, but over the past 4 weeks I had 3 tumors removed from my rib cage, a rib removed (there was no saving it), my grandma died just as I was getting released from the hospital so I couldn't go to the funeral, and then I lost my job. So needless to say, it's been a pretty tough month. And I've been dealing with other Peace Corps related issues since Dec to boot. But I have 12 more days of treatment, a few days off, then I get to go on with my life. I'll divulge that at a later date ;o) Hope everyone is well!!!

Hooray! Life is FINALLY looking up for a change! Some of you may not know, but over the past 4 weeks I had 3 tumors removed from my rib cage, a rib removed (there was no saving it), my grandma died just as I was getting released from the hospital so I couldn't go to the funeral, and then I lost my job. So needless to say, it's been a pretty tough month. And I've been dealing with other Peace Corps related issues since Dec to boot. But I have 12 more days of treatment, a few days off, then I get to go on with my life. I'll divulge that at a later date ;o) Hope everyone is well!!!

Hooray! Life is FINALLY looking up for a change! Some of you may not know, but over the past 4 weeks I had 3 tumors removed from my rib cage, a rib removed (there was no saving it), my grandma died just as I was getting released from the hospital so I couldn't go to the funeral, and then I lost my job. So needless to say, it's been a pretty tough month. And I've been dealing with other Peace Corps related issues since Dec to boot. But I have 12 more days of treatment, a few days off, then I get to go on with my life. I'll divulge that at a later date ;o) Hope everyone is well!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!!! I'm actually excited this year because I have a Valentine ;o) Anyone have fun plans? We're going out for a 'fancy' dinner, lol. I even got my hair done at the salon, all up and pretty with little red pins!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!!! I'm actually excited this year because I have a Valentine ;o) Anyone have fun plans? We're going out for a 'fancy' dinner, lol. I even got my hair done at the salon, all up and pretty with little red pins!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!!! I'm actually excited this year because I have a Valentine ;o) Anyone have fun plans? We're going out for a 'fancy' dinner, lol. I even got my hair done at the salon, all up and pretty with little red pins!

Just an update. I am doing pretty well. It's been 2 weeks (to the day) since my surgery. Recovering as expected. Though I seemed to have picked up a cold, and let me tell you, it is NOT FUN to cough or sneeze with broken/healing ribs. I go this Thursday for my check-up, bandages off, and pathology results, so please send good thoughts out that day that everything is going well. I'm also at an important crossroads in my life in regards to both my health and my employment situation. Both ever-changing. So just trying to figure out what is best for me, at this very moment in time. Not an easy task, because I want to be pro-active, plan ahead, and know what's going to happen. I don't want to pass up good opportunities. But I also don't want to rush myself either. That could possibly make things worse. So, lots to consider. Thanks for all the well-wishes!

Just an update. I am doing pretty well. It's been 2 weeks (to the day) since my surgery. Recovering as expected. Though I seemed to have picked up a cold, and let me tell you, it is NOT FUN to cough or sneeze with broken/healing ribs. I go this Thursday for my check-up, bandages off, and pathology results, so please send good thoughts out that day that everything is going well. I'm also at an important crossroads in my life in regards to both my health and my employment situation. Both ever-changing. So just trying to figure out what is best for me, at this very moment in time. Not an easy task, because I want to be pro-active, plan ahead, and know what's going to happen. I don't want to pass up good opportunities. But I also don't want to rush myself either. That could possibly make things worse. So, lots to consider. Thanks for all the well-wishes!

It's that time of year again--surgery on my ribs. Nothing says Hello Winter like a nice stay in the hospital, rather than enjoying the ski slopes. But what can you do. I'm going in Monday morning, to Penn Hospital in Philly this time, so any blessings and well-wishes would be greatly appreciated!

It's that time of year again--surgery on my ribs. Nothing says Hello Winter like a nice stay in the hospital, rather than enjoying the ski slopes. But what can you do. I'm going in Monday morning, to Penn Hospital in Philly this time, so any blessings and well-wishes would be greatly appreciated!

I know I've been MIA for awhile...it's been a really rough time for me. But I think I may finally be getting the help I need. Keep your fingers crossed. Hope everyone is doing well, especially Kami and Jaki and your babies!

I know I've been MIA for awhile...it's been a really rough time for me. But I think I may finally be getting the help I need. Keep your fingers crossed. Hope everyone is doing well, especially Kami and Jaki and your babies!

I was in a car accident on Tuesday. A woman ran a red light as I was going through an intersection. I'm okay, but my car is totalled :o( Its now Sunday and I'm in possession of my mom's car, a Honda CR-V. A perfectly wonderful car, but not my car. Except now it IS my car. A gift signed over to me in the middle of a Ruby Tuesday this afternoon. I am very very sad at the loss of my car. I had it almost 4 years, and worked so hard for it (just made the final payment in March and got the title saying it was MINE)! And now one old careless woman has taken it away from me. I loved my car. It was worth more alive then dead unfortunately, so I'm not getting enough for it to get a new (used) car any time soon. But I am very grateful that I have a good, safe car to drive for now. Very kind of my parents to do this. I know my mom was planning on getting a new car in Feb anyway, but still. I have to feel bad for my mom too. She loved her car too and then Friday night they made the decision to turn it over to me. So now 2 people who loved their cars are now without them b/c of a careless driver. So, today's lesson my friends--DRIVE CAREFULLY!

I was in a car accident on Tuesday. A woman ran a red light as I was going through an intersection. I'm okay, but my car is totalled :o( Its now Sunday and I'm in possession of my mom's car, a Honda CR-V. A perfectly wonderful car, but not my car. Except now it IS my car. A gift signed over to me in the middle of a Ruby Tuesday this afternoon. I am very very sad at the loss of my car. I had it almost 4 years, and worked so hard for it (just made the final payment in March and got the title saying it was MINE)! And now one old careless woman has taken it away from me. I loved my car. It was worth more alive then dead unfortunately, so I'm not getting enough for it to get a new (used) car any time soon. But I am very grateful that I have a good, safe car to drive for now. Very kind of my parents to do this. I know my mom was planning on getting a new car in Feb anyway, but still. I have to feel bad for my mom too. She loved her car too and then Friday night they made the decision to turn it over to me. So now 2 people who loved their cars are now without them b/c of a careless driver. So, today's lesson my friends--DRIVE CAREFULLY!

So how about at the last minute I got another offer from a phama company--and I just accepted it this morning! So now I will be working for Aton Pharma, woo hoo! Its a way smaller company than ImClone, which I believe will have its advantages. We'll see. I know I'm super excited to hang up my nanny umbrella and get into the corporate world. I've been assembling a wardrobe over the past few weeks, and finished it off today with 3 pairs of shoes and a pocketbook. I'm gonna look super awesome! I'm just basically on Cloud 9 right now. 2 job offers in 3 weeks--that's insane! Especially since I finally gave up looking for a pharma job and accepted my fate as a lifelong nanny. Such a relief. Things are falling into place--FINALLY!

So how about at the last minute I got another offer from a phama company--and I just accepted it this morning! So now I will be working for Aton Pharma, woo hoo! Its a way smaller company than ImClone, which I believe will have its advantages. We'll see. I know I'm super excited to hang up my nanny umbrella and get into the corporate world. I've been assembling a wardrobe over the past few weeks, and finished it off today with 3 pairs of shoes and a pocketbook. I'm gonna look super awesome! I'm just basically on Cloud 9 right now. 2 job offers in 3 weeks--that's insane! Especially since I finally gave up looking for a pharma job and accepted my fate as a lifelong nanny. Such a relief. Things are falling into place--FINALLY!

Laura, can you link this for me please?! http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080924/UPDATES01/80924022&template=printart This is an article from a newspaper of a neigbhoring city in NJ--although its eerily quite familiar given my last nanny position. Just kinda freaked me out today when I read it, as that was the same thing that happened to me in June! Only I wasn't quick enough in thinking to call the cops. After all, the boy is only 7. Still, maybe it would've finally made the difference in that boy getting the help he needs. Anyway, I'm done with that position, started a new one, and soon on to the next! I'm just happy to finally have work in the industry I want to be in, a great boyfriend, good friends (and one moving to NYC as we speak!), an awesome roomate...ya, life is pretty good for once!

Laura, can you link this for me please?! http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080924/UPDATES01/80924022&template=printart This is an article from a newspaper of a neigbhoring city in NJ--although its eerily quite familiar given my last nanny position. Just kinda freaked me out today when I read it, as that was the same thing that happened to me in June! Only I wasn't quick enough in thinking to call the cops. After all, the boy is only 7. Still, maybe it would've finally made the difference in that boy getting the help he needs. Anyway, I'm done with that position, started a new one, and soon on to the next! I'm just happy to finally have work in the industry I want to be in, a great boyfriend, good friends (and one moving to NYC as we speak!), an awesome roomate...ya, life is pretty good for once!

Ok guys, here's the deal. I'm currently working as a nanny, and its going well enough. Not what I want to do necessarily, but I like the family, the money is good, and there's a ton (like 26 days) of paid time off. I was offered a full-time paid internship today with a major pharmaceutical company. the pay is decent enough, however there are NO benefits (no paid time off, no paid holidays, nothing). Just hourly pay. However it would get me in the industry, a foot in the door, of which I've been searching for since March. I could live on the salary, but not necessarily save. So what do I do? Stay in the job with good pay and benefits, but stuck in the nanny world, or go for the job that could launch my career (or not!) at low pay and no beni's, in hopes of getting something permanent in the next 6 months?

Ok guys, here's the deal. I'm currently working as a nanny, and its going well enough. Not what I want to do necessarily, but I like the family, the money is good, and there's a ton (like 26 days) of paid time off. I was offered a full-time paid internship today with a major pharmaceutical company. the pay is decent enough, however there are NO benefits (no paid time off, no paid holidays, nothing). Just hourly pay. However it would get me in the industry, a foot in the door, of which I've been searching for since March. I could live on the salary, but not necessarily save. So what do I do? Stay in the job with good pay and benefits, but stuck in the nanny world, or go for the job that could launch my career (or not!) at low pay and no beni's, in hopes of getting something permanent in the next 6 months?

Here is the link for the political party quiz! http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/blpoliticalquiz.htm

Here is the link for the political party quiz! http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/blpoliticalquiz.htm

The Democratic Loyalty Quiz 10 Questions to Test Your Allegiance to the Democrats Your score is 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. You are a pure, unabashed, die-hard Democratic loyalist. You are appalled by the way Republicans are turning America into a theocratic, corpo-fascist police state, and you'd gladly walk through a furnace in a gasoline suit to elect a Democratic president. In your view, there is no higher form of patriotism than defending America against the Republican Party and every intolerant, puritanical, imperialistic, greed-mongering, Constitution-shredding ideal for which it stands. The RED DOT on the Chart shows where you fit on the political map. Your PERSONAL issues Score is 90%. Your ECONOMIC issues Score is 0%. According to your answers, the political group that agrees with you most is... LIBERALS usually embrace freedom of choice in personal matters, but tend to support significant government control of the economy. They generally support a government-funded "safety net" to help the disadvantaged, and advocate strict regulation of business. Liberals tend to favor environmental regulations, defend civil liberties and free expression, support government action to promote equality, and tolerate diverse lifestyles. The Republican Loyalty Quiz 10 Questions to Test Your Allegiance to the GOP Your score is 1 on a scale of 1 to 10. You are a passionate and unyielding Democrat. You are appalled by the way Republicans are transforming America into a theocratic, corpo-fascist police state, and you'd walk across red America on a bed of red hot coals to elect a Democratic president. In your view, there is no higher form of patriotism than defending America against the Republican Party and every intolerant, puritanical, imperialistic greed-mongering, Constitution-shredding ideal for which it stands.

The Democratic Loyalty Quiz 10 Questions to Test Your Allegiance to the Democrats Your score is 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. You are a pure, unabashed, die-hard Democratic loyalist. You are appalled by the way Republicans are turning America into a theocratic, corpo-fascist police state, and you'd gladly walk through a furnace in a gasoline suit to elect a Democratic president. In your view, there is no higher form of patriotism than defending America against the Republican Party and every intolerant, puritanical, imperialistic, greed-mongering, Constitution-shredding ideal for which it stands. The RED DOT on the Chart shows where you fit on the political map. Your PERSONAL issues Score is 90%. Your ECONOMIC issues Score is 0%. According to your answers, the political group that agrees with you most is... LIBERALS usually embrace freedom of choice in personal matters, but tend to support significant government control of the economy. They generally support a government-funded "safety net" to help the disadvantaged, and advocate strict regulation of business. Liberals tend to favor environmental regulations, defend civil liberties and free expression, support government action to promote equality, and tolerate diverse lifestyles. The Republican Loyalty Quiz 10 Questions to Test Your Allegiance to the GOP Your score is 1 on a scale of 1 to 10. You are a passionate and unyielding Democrat. You are appalled by the way Republicans are transforming America into a theocratic, corpo-fascist police state, and you'd walk across red America on a bed of red hot coals to elect a Democratic president. In your view, there is no higher form of patriotism than defending America against the Republican Party and every intolerant, puritanical, imperialistic greed-mongering, Constitution-shredding ideal for which it stands.

So I started my new job this week! 5 kids, 9 1/2 hrs a day, 5 days a week. AAGGHH!!! I was a bit terrified going in my first day, but it actually wasn't that bad. By the end of the week I felt like I had a bit of a routine and authority established, and I SURVIVED! LOL. So far the kids and parents seem normal, so cross your fingers that this remains the same. I have 2 girls and 3 boys. 9, 7, 4, and two 20 month olds. They keep me busy for sure! The 2 oldest will go to school full days in another week, so that's good. The 4 yr old will then go half days, so really most of the work is just the babies--which are a lot of work at that age! But so funny because they are pretty darn cute. Anyway, that's basically been my life this week. I come home exhausted, basically in a coma. Leaving no time to update on here or facebook, or really even check email. Hopefully things will settle down in the next few weeks. Hardest part is not having email access at all during the day. AGH! That's killing me! I feel so disconnected from the outside world. I rely on texts from friends to give me posted. Anyway, that's about it for now. hope all is well and Jaki I can't wait to see you soon!

I've returned from vacation...and the temp job I got called back for was put on hold, so therefore I am NOT working this week. I have 2 babysitting jobs lined up for Thurs and Fri, but other than that, I guess I'm still 'on vacation' until next Tues. I interviewed at PetSmart today for an evening/weekend position, and apparently you just have to be able to pass a drug test to work there. The pay is CRAPPY, but its not babysitting, so its a step in the right direction I think. We'll see. For those of you on my Facebook account, you should totally go check out my video I posted under my profile. I took my dog swimming this weekend, and its quite funny. Very sweet. I really miss my pup! Only 10 more months...

So here's what's going on. My last day with the boy was Wednesday. Had a great day Monday, but Tues and Wed were pretty awful. Didn't end on the best note. But, its all over at least. Sigh of relief. I am now at home 'on vacation' since I am currently unemployed like so many other Americans. I am going to a wedding tomorrow and then to a Bluegrass Festival for 4 days next week/end. I'll return to the wonderful state of NJ on the 17th. My temp office assignment that was 4 weeks long called me back to come in for another week, so I'll do that Aug 18-22. I start a new nanny position Aug 26. Its a combo of a family with 4 kids and a family with 1. So 5 kids! 2 oldest will be in school all day, middle half days, and 2 youngest will be with me full-time (they are both around 18 mths). Its going to be QUITE a change from my usual one school-age kid. Its only a school-year commitment and I get tons of time off though, so hopefully that will balance it out. And I'll be done 4:30-5 every day, as opposed to 7-9pm that I'm used to. So another plus. We'll see how it goes. It pays the bills, right? I will probably take this semester off from school and focus on the GRE (which I must take by Sept 20 I just found out) and figuring out what the heck I want to do. If I want to do grad school, I'd have to have all my stuff together by early December. And I'm still not sure what I'd even want to study!!! One day its sociology, next day epidemiology, the next zoology. AGH! Then I have to really devote the next like 4 yrs of my life to studying one thing...and I just don't know about that. I think I'm ready for an actual career at this point. Its just SO HARD to find a job, very frustrating. 5 months of intensive searching and interviewing, and nada. So I'm feeling a little better about my current status, but probably won't feel really good until I can land a job in a field that I want to be in.