World Series Champions -- St. Louis Cardinals

So if you have been following my blog, you know the agony that I have experienced, relocating to St. Louis... This city is just ::scrambles around for appropriate word:: ugh...

Anyways, this past week I have never been more excited to be in St. Louis. The cardinals won the World Series! I was definitely a band wagon fan, not really a fan still, but I watched pretty much all the games of the world series. They were excited and when the Cards won I was ecstatic.

Sunday we even attended the Rally/Parade. Oh and BTW this is the 11th championship they've won. So everyone kept chanting 11 in 11 (the year is 2011). Which is awesome!!

So I'm not sure if I've told you about the out of control squirrels in St. Louis, but they are like nothing I've ever seen. They are practically eating away at my porch... anyways..

The rally squirrel video is one of the funniest thing I've seen in a while, and even more funny because I know about the psyho squirrels that live here. Look at the video below and laugh for yourself!

Week 11 of Classes

::hangs head in shame::

So this is like a bad relationship, I promise to do better, but then I fall back into my same skiddish ways. It's been almost 2 months since I've last written. I really can't believe it has been that long. My life has been zooming by, but certain parts have just been moving s..l..o..w..l...y... ie this week. 

So..how's 3rd year?

Hmm...3rd year is -_- 

For some reason, I was under the impression that 3rd year, I would be living it up, partying, enjoying the good life, laughing at the 1st years (ok I do that). But in fact, 3rd year is just blah... maybe if I wasnt too busy randomly planning stuff for NOSA life would be less intermittently stressful. Also I manage to work a couple hours a week. I can't pay my rent off it, but it does supplement my gas money.

I work for our Clinic's dispensary. I love my job, but honestly some days stress me out more than taking a test. Speaking of taking a test, most of my grades have fared well so far. ::knocks on wood, tree, and linoleum (for good measure)::

All in all, I can say life is indeed good (intermittently).

So I do this rather compulsive thing where I label each day we have been in class and countup each day/week. Well it's week 11 and I am in disbelief. Excited, but nervous for what is ahead. Anywho... just wanted to type a few words. Hope yall aint mad.

Until Next Time...

America: I Am

So this coming Friday, I will be attending an Exhibit called, America I Am: The African American Imprint Exhibition. It apparently is supposed to chronicle important achievements by Black people (you guys know I prefer the term "black" to "African American").

Here is some more information about America I Am:

So apparently it is the 6th stop in a 4 year tour of the exhibit. Also it is hosted by Tavis Smiley, thats what reminded me to blog about it..

AMERICA I AM: The African American Imprint 

is mounted as the broadest museum exhibition of its kind. An assembly of poignant artifacts 

representing nearly 500 years of American history, the exhibition will convey and celebrate the 

undeniable imprint African Americans 

The exhibition examines four themes in particular: economic, socio-political, cultural, and spiritual impact on America. These themes serve as recurring touch points throughout the galleries, as visitors discover how our experience as Americans has been shaped by African Americans throughout history.

The 15,000 square-foot exhibition is divided into twelve galleries, leading visitors through time 


on a journey from struggle to triumph.

-

Featuring more than 200 artifacts culled from every period of U.S. history, the exhibition  includes objects, texts, religion, music, narration, and media. An interactive component of the exhibition allows visitors to leave their own video “imprints,” and this collection will grow throughout the life of the exhibition with the potential to become the largest recorded oral history project in U.S. history

Anyways, I think this will be interesting. I'm going to try my 'darndest' to write a follow up post about my thoughts, reactions. I'm going with an open mind, especially since the tickets are free. lol.

Until Next Time...

"Too Important to Fail"

As you all know, I do not have cable television. This is the second year that I havent had cable and if you told me that I would be able to live and thrive without it a couple years ago, I would have called you a liar. lol.

SO I have been watching a lot of PBS. I have never watched so much PBS in all my years alive combined compared to this year. I have watched so many awesome documentaries on PBS world. I'll try and list of them as I remember them.

As we speak I am watching a documentary on why so many Black males are struggling in the education gap. I guess this is now a mini series I have started. I didnt do it on purpose, this is just things that have been in the media lately...kind of like the phenomenon of successful single black females.... but here is the link to a previous post I did on "The Boy Crisis" a couple weeks ago.

I am halfway through the documentary and it is indeed informative. Check it out below. 

Watch the full episode. See more Tavis Smiley.

Until Next Time...

Proactiv= Crack for my Skin

So...today I woke up and decided that enough was enough.... I have been playing this back and forth game for about 6 months now. What game you ask? The clear skin game.

So for many years, it has to be over 7 years I have been using Proactiv. I started using it because my sister gave me some left over cleanser that she had. And from there my love-hate relationship with Proactiv began.

I honestly don't remember what I used to wash my face before proactiv. But anyways, Proactiv is just way too expense. It really is... I never had a serious acne problem prior to using Proactiv. I just wanted my skin to be clearer and smooth from occasional blemishes..

So after having a mini falling out with Proactiv this past January, basically they kept sending me more and more products and charging my credit card even though I countlessly asked them to STOP, I resolved to no more proactiv. They refuses to take back the product that they sent me and charged me $60. So I took some pics of those bad boys and sold it on ebay.

After then I was resolved to find another skin care product that didn't cost over $40. I tried Ambi...Ambi was working just fine for about a month, but now looking back in hindsight, I guess it wasnt working, maybe my skin was maintaining because after all those years it was used to proactiv. But the next thing you know, I was breaking out all the time, my skin wasn't smooth and I was having these huge pimples that were the size of Stone Mountain.

So in the meantime, I started using this Mary Kay Cleansing bar that my mom got from her coworker. It was alright, but it made my face kind of dry after a while and smelled kind of odd. Also I think it as for old people...anyways, I decided to stop using that even though I do use it intermittently.

I decided to switch to Neutrogena's facial products, maybe it was all of the brain washing of the commercials. But I liked the way it smelled, but it wasn't really doing anything for my skin. Don't get me wrong I tried these products for a while. I used more than half of the cleanser, and I was still even using the Ambi Daily Moisturizer.

So that is when I had the epiphany today, that I need to just go back to the dark side. I realized that even though the Proactiv company makes me mad because they potentially rip people off with their "club" and automatic shipping of things that you didn't ask for, their product works. So I went to the mall kiosk that has an automatic vending machine type thing and got my proactiv. I'll let yall know how it goes. Hopefully my skin goes back to being amazing!


Until Next Time...

No Shopping Campaign... Update

::hangs head in shame:: Hey guys!! So at the beginning of this month, I radically declared, "A No Shopping, August campaign." Everyone around me knew... lol. So tell me why on Friday night... I broke this promise and bought a handbag... ::gasp::

I know I know... I still can't believe it myself. So let me tell you how I got there. I went to Buffalo Wild Wings with a friend and she suggested we go to the mall because she wanted a new rug/comforter. I said sure. She already knew I was doing my no shopping campaign, and promised to not let me buy anything.

So we were shopping and I found this perfect winter coat... I tried on the small, it was a little too snug, then I tried on the large, of course there was no Medium. This makes me really sad, I even went to two subsequent stores looking for the coat. But why is that important? Especially since I didn't buy it.. But trying on that coat, opening the door of possibility that I could actually  buy something.

So when we went to look at handbags, I was sure I wouldn't find anything, because I am extra picky. In fact, I've been looking for a handbag for the longest.

So why did I cave... 4 simple letters... S-A-L-E. Yes a sale. smh. I found a Creme Steve Madden Satchel with a huge flower applique on the front. ::stone heart melts::

I debated for at least 15 minutes, it was so bad, that my friend even agreed to buy it for me and then I would just pay her back in September. lol. (she's a great friend). I decided to cut the nonsense and just buy it. I got it over 50% off it's original price. YES!

So..what did I learn?
If you are giving something up, ie shopping don't go to the store?
Once you concede to one thing, it is so much easier to accept something else.

So where does this leave me? Am I still doing my no shopping in August... maybe... it was a good run though. lol.

Until Next Time...

Movie Time

So the past 2 days has been a quasi-RedBox binge. Ok..not really, but I watched 3 movies. I enjoyed all 3 movies, but in a different way... ::spoiler alert::

1. The Adjustment Bureau
This movie was cool, I was kind of confused in the first 13 mins, but eventually it came together. I really like the idea that our lives are part of a plan and certain things are just supposed to happen to keep you on track, but then again, where does free will fit in? Hence this movie... I enjoyed it, more like a futuristic love story.

2. The Lincoln Lawyer
I rented this movie previously, but somehow ended up falling asleep. I gave it another shot and it was aight. I don't really like the whole lawyer thing much, in terms of this is why I never actually considered the profession. It did have some unique twists that I couldn't predict so I liked it in that aspect.

3. Limitless
This is my favorite movie of the bunch. I liked it mostly because it unpredictable. I had no idea what the movie was about going into it, it was getting dark outside and I essentially picked the first movie that I could select. lol. Even though it kind of semi-endorses drug use. It had several plot twists and turns, it also had a sufficient amount of action. The short version is it's about a guy who takes a performance enhancing drug and how his life is drastically affected from there. 2 thumbs up from me!




You guys should be proud of me...all this blogging that I'm doing. lol.

Until Next Time...

"The Boy Crisis"

I decided to check out the latest videos from TedTalk... The first video that I saw was quite intriguing it was only 4 minutes, and it was called, "The Demise of Guys." It addressed how men are lagging behind their women counterparts in educational arenas. In addition, he humorously addresses how men are being subjected to unlimited amounts of arousal and how they actually seem to be perferring that than the company of the opposite sex. Very interesting!





This second video is even more intriguing it is much longer, but it is truly eye opening. It is titled, "New Data on the Rise of Women." Hanna Rosin made a good point and said "Thousands of history don't reverse themselves without pain." She said "men are losing their identities and are having a hard time finding themselves"



Sometimes it makes me wonder is this why men for hundreds of years subconsciously and consciously "oppressed" and denied women true access to the work force?

I think this is definitely a phenomenon that is happening everywhere. I saw it at Emory, there were at least 3 times more women in the black community. I see it in Optometry school, there is more women in each class. Even with Optometry in general, it used to be a completely male dominated profession, but now it is mostly women that are graduating from optometry schools.

Just the other day I was talking to one of my friends about how I'm so proud of all my friends. Just this year, I have friends who started a PhD program, Med school, Pharm school, and Law school. And then we started discussing how our male counterparts don't seem to be as "motivated"... and I put motivated in quotes, just because I mean that on a surface level in terms of those seeking professional school degrees. And yes my opinion is biased of course... but it is something that I've been noticing..

How do I feel about it? Hmm... well I do think it is a backlash to many years in which women were put into a box and expected to do only, "XYZ."

 ::sidenote:: I dated this guy who was adamant that women should still "solely" fulfill traditional household duties, ie cooking and cleaning... as you can tell that didn't go over very well. I just didn't understand what is the point of me getting a doctoral degree, and my 'partner' expects me to still essentially be a housewife AND work a full job...umm no thanks.. ::sidenote over::

But the fact that Rosin says it is not just happening in the US, but countries all over the world, I wonder how this is going to pan out..hmm...

These two videos are in fact intriguing, check them out!

Until Next Time...

Articles I read today and my one sentence commentary..or not.

In my silent effort to rededicate myself to Reason to Believe, I wanted to share with you some articles that I read today...Just in case you were interested ...

The StayOver
This one discusses this "new" relationship, where couples stay over at each other's places 3 to 4 nights a week, even though they each have their own place... lol. This one made me laugh, because I thought this was normal. ::shrug::

Black Scientists Less Likely to Win Federal Research Grants
Surprise, surprise.. ok not really. But I hate to be pessimistic, but it's hard to see things as ever really changing

Is Natural Hair Dangerous...TSA seems to think so..
Aaah...ok, I read this article yesterday and I almost died at work. Thank you!! Finally someone has acknowledged this.. THis same thing happened to me, I always joke around, but its always something new when I go through security. But I remember this one particular time, I was going through TSA and even AFTER I went through the body scanners, this lady put on some gloves and "searched" my hair. I had some cute bobby pin do, and she completely messed it up. I was just ocnfused, b/c I was like if there was anything in my hair, they would have seen it in the body scanner. SMH.. (Ok that explanation was more than a sentence...eek)

::sidenote:: Yes I've been through the body scanners numerous times... do I feel violated? Umm the fact that they can see my nude body doesn't bother me..what bothers me is I have to spread my legs and put my hands up while all the other passengers watch for that thing to whirl around..lol. anyways.. :sidenote over::

Until Next Time...

Summer Recap: Pt. 3 Books I Read This Summer

So as the summer comes to a close, I can't help but reflect. This was a great summer in terms of reading, I was able to get a lot of reading done. Here are the list of books, that I read:

1. The Hunger Games*
2. Catching Fire *
3. MockingJay*
4. Diary of a SF by Abby Lee
5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson*
6. SlumDog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup

*click for link to previous blog post mentioning these books

In all, I think my favorite book of the summer was .............drumroll please........ SlumDog Millionaire. Ok yes... I know what you are thinking, you probably saw the movie and thought it was a cool movie, but let me tell you why it was my favorite...

Earlier this summer I went to Borders, because as you know it is closing...womp womp, to buy The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.. I was perusing the aisles as I often do and saw SlumDog Millionaire book. It was a bargain book, and I figured I liked the movie why not buy the book (since the books are usually better anyway) and it was crazy on sale.

I started this book and I was immediately blown away. It was nothing at all like the movie, granted it had the same premise, a poor boy ends up winning a billion rupees, on a game show since he knows all the answers through life experiences... But boy was it different!

The writing style was amazing, each story was captivating and breathtaking and it was really "heavy" (in a good way though). So I say this was my favorite because no one told me to read it, I'm not sure I know anyone else who has even read it and you know its always amazing when you enter into a situation with little to no expectations and it blows you away. Well that is exactly what SlumDog Millionaire did for me. :)

Until Next Time...

It's Official... NY Times is my new home page...

So as you know, I'm a recovering CNN junkie.. CNN has been my homepage for as long as I can remember, 4+ years now, but as of late, their journalists just haven't been making the cut.

If you have ever had an extended conversation/debate with me, I'm sure to bring up some "article" that I read. Mostly it's because I am constantly reading articles on the internet, this was even before I didn't have cable. lol. So it's basically really important to me to keep abreast on news and pop culture. I will admit, I haven't been doing as well with all of the news this summer, ie debt ceiling crisis, stuff in Syria, famine in Somalia, etc.. Yes I know about it, but not as many details that I would have normally known.

I say all that to say, it was time for another news source. I haven't gotten rid of CNN altogether, but I've decided to make NY Times my new home page. A home page is just that... "a home".. When I log onto my itsy bitsy cute netbook, it's my gateway to connect with the rest of the world, before I do things like check my email and twitter.

I've been a long visitor of NY Times, so we will see how it pans out as a homepage. Yall wish me luck.

Until Next Time...

Summer Recap: Pt 2... Seeing Patients

So as most of you know I got my White Coat this past May... My classmates and I always joke around saying unlike other health profession schools Optometry hazes you first... basically makes you pass all these clinical courses and a privileging exam before they deam you "worthy" of a white coat. lol. They seriously do...

Anyways, along with this white coat comes the privilege of seeing patients (the reason I stayed in STL this summer).

So let's just say, on the first Tuesday morning in May, I was absolutely terrified to see my first patient. I really couldn't believe they thought I knew enough to leave me alone in the room with a patient for up to 2 hours. lol. Yes I said 2 hours, our exams are thorough, ie we do every single test!!

I have since come a LONG WAY from my first patient. I have gotten more comfortable with not only the tests, but just comfortable interacting with patients. I have seen a lot of cool stuff. I have gotten much better at presenting patients to my preceptors, basically I am just more at ease in every aspect. I'm so excited to continue my clinical experience. Well still at work, gotta run!!

Until Next Time...

Summer Recap: Pt 1

So... It's August 19th and I've officially done 19 days of no random shopping. Yay for me!!! It's Friday and I'm at work. bleh. But school starts on Monday. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

This summer was indeed much better than I expected. Honestly, I dreaded staying in St. Louis for the summer; The thought of it made me so sad during the school year. But it ended being much better than I thought.

I had a couple of cool trips, Miami for Memorial Day, Home (!!!), Chicago for the 4th of July, and San Diego at the end of July.

The biggest part of the summer has been working in the dispensary at my school's clinic and also seeing patients.
Seeing patients this summer has mostly been a rewarding experience. I am shocked at how much I learned, at how much I knew, and how much more I have to learn. I think I'm going to do a separate post on that too.

I have mostly enjoyed working in the dispensary. I basically help people pick out glasses and order and receive glasses. It is baffling to me how indecisive people actually are. I think it has made me a better decision maker, because after about 30 mins I basically coax and play mind games to make people decide. lol.

Working here has made me understand and appreciate another aspect of optometry. It has helped me see that it is indeed attainable to open my own practice and my dispensary is going to be phenomenal as well. Look out for Summer Recap, :Pt 2

Until Next Time...

No Shopping Campaign

Hello Happy August!!! So sometime in late July, I decided that I was going to spend the month of August, NOT shopping. So I'm not a shopaholic or anything, but I pick up little things here and there and overtime it adds up. I have been working a lot this summer and whenever I get off work, I somehow seem to go to the store. It's never a big shopping spree, but I've decided no more shopping.

So for the month of August, I will not buy any clothing, shoes, accessories, or random things for my apartment. It's only Day 3 and I'm already thinking I want to go pick up a candle or something. So since it's written on my blog, that means it's official. NO shopping!! (I hope I make it)


Until Next Time...

Summertime JOY!

What up KIDS!! It's summa summa time! So far this summer has been pretty cool. Besides the fact that it is beyond hot in St. Louis. I really never thought it could get so hot here especially since the winters are so dreadful. Further confirms how much this city is the devil's playground. The reported heat index right now is 110 degrees. Like what does that even mean? Well I know, but it's just awful. How the heck is it more hot in St. Louis than Atlanta, sigh, who knows!

So I love warm weather, because you can wear dresses, and tank tops. Two of my favorite articles of clothing. :)

I wanted to share with you all the joys that have been keeping me company this summer.

1. 

So this is officially my favorite song of the summer. There is always a "summer anthem," that basically symbolizes it is summer time. Not my favorite time of the year (Fall is my favorite season), but definitely better than the winter. Whenever I am out and this song comes on, it makes me dance, it has a great beat and the lyrics are so cute! It has me feeling  pretty nostalgic already.

2. My second summer joy is the "MUNY." It is apparently "America's Largest and Outdoor Musical Theater." I have been to 2 shows already, I went to "Legally Blonde" and "Kiss me Kate." They were both FANTASTIC! The actors were so talented. Their singing, acting, and dancing were all impeccable. I have been trying to figure out what it has stood for since the first time I've heard of it, i think it is just for "municipal theater."

There is a new show every week and a half. Tonight I am going to go see "Singing in the Rain;" I honestly have no idea what that musical is about, so I hope that I enjoy it. I'll be sure to wear a hat and bring lots of water to keep my hydrated in this heat. Oh and did I mention the best part...it's FREE!

The line up for this summer is as follows:

1. Legally Blonde
2. Kiss Me Kate
3. The Little Mermaid
4. Singing in the Rain
5. Little Shop of Horrors
6. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
7. Bye Bye Birdie

3. My third and final joy thing this summer is ICE. Yes I said it Ice. So as most of you know, I'm a self proclaimed coffee addict. So when the temperatures started heating up, I knew I needed to adapt with the heat. So it took mainly failed attempts, but I finally got my perfect blend of iced coffee!! Hooray for me!!! You have to use less water because when the ice melts you don't want your coffee to be all gross and watered down. YAY for Coffee. But the key ingredient in this all is ICE! One big round of applause for ice.




Until Next Time...

Reading is Fundamental--- 2 thumbs up for the Hunger Games

One of my goals for this summer was to be able to get a lot of reading in. I am not sure if I have really accomplished my goal, but I have certainly been able to read several books. I recently just finished, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson... The book left me speechless, but not necessarily in a good way. I have been hearing about this book for quite some time. And everyone has been raving about it... It was such a sick and twisted book that I really couldn't even enjoy it. It was one of the those "murder-mysteries" but I honestly had figured out the central mystery halfway through the book.

I think I also didn't enjoy it as much because there was no real writing style since it was translated from swedish. But it's whatever. I guess I kind of enjoyed it, but it was about 200 pages too long. le sigh. You win some, and you lose some, but the book/Trilogy of the summer that I definitely enjoyed is.....

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins!!

I absolutely loved this book/trilogy. My sister suggested it (Thanks Sis) and I think it is the best book that I've read in 2011. It is really difficult for me to describe the plot... (hold on, while I google a short synopsis)

I enjoyed all 3 books. It is considered Young Adult, but I know (hold on while I count)..5 classmates and 1 of my professors that have read the books. I think they are definitely breathtaking and suspenseful (unlike The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).

The series is set in the country of Panem, a post-apocalyptic version of North America. Every year the government in the Capitol organizes an event known as the Hunger Games: a bloody, gladiator-style fight-to-the-death battle between 24 randomly-selected teenagers from the oppressed Districts of Panem. To top it all off, the carnage is broadcast live on television – as entertainment for the residents of the Capitol and a reminder to the residents of the Districts of the totalitarian government’s ultimate power.


So if you are in for a good summer read, check out all 3 of the novels: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Until Next Time...

I'm Proud to Be an American

So I made an impromptu trip to Chicago for the 4th weekend. American Airlines had crazy cheap tickets, up until the night before I left. So I bought my ticket on Thursday night and flew out on Friday night. Still hard to believe. I really didn't want to spend my 4th weekend in St. Louis.

I got to hang out with 2 of my really great college friends. It all worked out so perfectly. I am so happy!!
I had the opportunity to go to Taste of Chicago, for the 2nd time. It was amazing. I love love trying different types of food. It was great!! I hope I can remember everything I tried, let's see:

• Baklava
• Kiefer
• Connie's Deep Dish Cheese Pizza
• Pralines and Cream
• Oreo Parfait
• Jerk Chicken and Rice
• Chocolate Dipped Banana
• Chicken Kabob

 I even made it back to St. Louis in time to catch the fireworks show downtown. So that made me really happy.

(I'm currently uploading photos from the trip onto facebook)

For some reason, I felt especially patriotic on this 4th of July. Not sure why, but you guys know I love holidays, I love warm weather, I love fireworks, and I love food. So basically the 4th is usually one of those holidays that I love.

Something that I really miss going to is Stone Mountain...yeah I know it is really a "Confederate Memorial" but I really love the Laser Show. It basically became a summer tradition of mind, but summer is coming to a close and it's looking like no laser show. Anyways, but I really like how they usually set the lasers to music.

The fireworks show in Downtown St. Louis was especially impressive. It was beautiful. We had the perfect seats on the great lawn right under the arch. I was just so happy to be there in that moment. I actually shot a couple of videos. I will post them. Beware...in most of the videos I'm yelling something along the lines of "Wow...thats Awesome".. like the whole time. Anyways, enjoy!

[Having problems uploading this video on Blogger, I'll figure it out..lol]


Until Next Time

Miami Beach + Memorial Day = First and Last Time

Hey Kiddos! So I'm trying to catch up on the posts that I have been promising.

Things are starting to get out of order, but "better late than never." My first getaway for the summer was to Miami for Memorial Day weekend. As you probably already, I love being outdoors. Love it!! So I especially love the beach. I went with my LS and her bestie. It was a very interesting weekend. A lot of black people. A LOT! We got a great condo in the middle of it all.

I think it was one of those weekends, that you should do at least once, just to experience it. It is highly unlikely that I will be going back another year...lol. I still love Miami though. There is nothing like the beach.

I have decided that I need to live within driving distance of a beach. This whole midwest living (being landlocked) is starting to drive me bonkers! lol. I don't care how big it is, a lake is NOT a beach! lol. All in all, I had a lovely time on my trip, i'll include some pics just because!

Until Next Time...

Really trying to keep my promise...aah!

Why? Why? Why? I have just been so absent this summer. There has been so much going on, but then again nothing really. This weekend, I really just got to relax in my apartment, which was nice. Last weekend was the 4th of July, I spent most of it in Chicago, which was really great. I keep promising to post pictures of all my adventures, but I've been slacking... aaah!!

I have so many posts already concoted in my head, it is just to get them down on "virtual paper."

I just watched the Jaycee Duggard special on ABC with Dianne Sawyer. It really is baffling to me. The short synopsis is an 11 year old girl was kidnapped by this really sick man and was held captive for 18 years. During that time she had 2 kids by this sick man. In addition, over 60 parole officers visited his house and failed to find the tent and shelter that he and his wife had built that was housing Jaycee in his backyard.

There is so just so many crazy things that are in this story. whew. First when Dianne Sawyer was interviewing her, she just seemed so "numb" and distant. I guess you would be after having been through all of that. I was just really disgusted, with the man and the fact that his wife was an accomplice in all of it.

Ok I really got off on a tangent with the Jaycee Duggard story, but click here if you want to find out more about her story. She also has a book out.

Ok I really am going to get on it. I should have about 5 posts done by the end of the evening. Hopefully I won't get too distracted.

Until Next Time...

White Coat and Clinic FLOW!!

I'm halfway there!

HEY GUYS!! So I said I was going to write a quick post on White Coat Exam and White Coat Ceremony! So here we go! On May 12, 2011, I received my White Coat. So what does that mean?

In a nut shell, you are required to take an Exam that is formally called the "Clinic Privileging Exam." So this exam is the end of your 2nd year, and simply you have to give a full eye exam while being watched by one of the doctors. Ok sounds like no biggie right...umm NO!

So up until that point, you have been practicing all of your different clinical skills and learning to not only do every test, but in a efficient manner and to record it properly. So it is essentially a culminating exam that is supposed to prove that you are ready to see real patients! Yup. So my White Coat Exam was on  April 21st... Needless to say, I passed and I got my white coat! Woohoo!

It's a big ceremony, my mom, dad, and aunt came to St. Louis to watch me get it! Woohoo! It was just a really great and exciting day. I felt like I finally successfully crossed over a huge hurdle. We have been looking forward to white coat, since first semester first year. It is all really surreal. I find it hard to believe that I am a 3rd year now.

This summer in clinic I have started seeing patients. It is extremely weird, because I just sometimes feel like I have NO IDEA of what is going on. Also it is weird to me that the doctors trust me enough to leave me to do all of the tests and just "report" back my findings to them. They do double check some stuff, but for the most part it is just me!! Aaah...so scary.

I have had some great patients so far. My 2 favorite have been a 9 year old boy and this lady that got into a motorcycle accident and now can't see out of her left eye. Very sad, but I am glad that I was able to help them see. Optometry has been a lot more than I have expected. Honestly a lot more complex, intricate, and REWARDING! I have definitely chosen an awesome field and I am so glad.

Here are some more pictures as promised:

Getting my White Coat!

"I be up in the gym, just working on my fitness"

What up!!! I got my White Coat Yall!

Mommy and Daddy

Until Next Time...

"Always be a poet, even in prose." C. Baudelaire

One of the many benefits of attending Emory University is the amazing people that I was able to meet and befriend. Not only are many of these people like minded in ideals and goals, but they are also amazingly talented.

So I've always had a thing for poetry... I think it was around middle school that I realized that I was just not going to be a poet. I liked the "idea" of writing poems, but I was just not good at it.
I usually ask all of my friends that consider themselves poets to write me a poem. Luckily my friend Carlos obliged. I am an avid lover of Robert Frost's, The Road Not Taken. I believe I have even featured a post on this poem (I DID...yay...Click here for the link to my August 2009 entry on the Road Not Taken) So when he decided to write a poem, that was loosely based on The Road Not Taken. I was excited to say the least!! It's below!

There is a fork out front of me
two frosted paths- one traveler's glory,
adventure surly lies just down one pick
the other holds some unknown story.

One shall do well enough I'm sure,
the other far worse I'll likely tell
but both assuredly plainly stood,
neither way seemed the better scaled.

The trees will not bother tell me
just which path is better lain.
The one looks swift, if grass be quick,
the other just as brisk and plain.

I will spend the day until assured
which is the better of this way.
Two roads diverge in a frosted wood,
And I- have not a decision made.
C. Harper

So I've been telling him that I was going to write a blog entry on the poem he wrote for the longest and honestly. I remembered because he emailed another poem out this morning. I enjoyed this one as well, it is concerning Travel. For those of you who don't know..I LOVE to travel. I love the airport, I love exploring unfamiliar places and learning about cultures... (hence my Anthropology major). So once again, Harper seemed to "hit the nail on the head" (that's a weird expression..lol.)

One autumn a man preached about destiny
and the church listened, nodded, said amen
and I was with them till the train came.

Trains, they are boxes large and heavy
whistling loudly shaking at our temple.
The preacher pauses till she passes through,
I know she means no harm but see
the tracks were lain,
she has no choice but follow.

One autumn a man preached destiny
and my mind took to a train.
C. Harper

I hope you enjoyed those poems as much as I did. Until Next Time...

Blog Rededication

Ok so...it's official. I really need to rededicate myself to "Reason to Believe." It is summertime so I have immensely more downtime. I am working many hours a week, but it is much different from the constant studying that I am subjected to in order to do well n a class. I am currently at work.

So I'm not going to set a specific number of times that I will write a week, but when thoughts come to mind, I will work diligently to blog about it. There is so much going on, but then again nothing at all. I am excited for what this summer of blogging holds. If you guys are with me say ay-yi-yi! Lol. And yes I was a girl scout... Until Next Time...

Hello There!

Hello There!!

I am alive and well!! I honestly didn't realize it has been since April 14th since I last wrote. ::shame on me::

Things have been on the up and up. I have so much to share. So much so I will put it in bullet form and maybe I can write some retroactive posts.

• Finished my 2nd semester, of my 2nd year!! (woohoo)
• -Had my White Coat Ceremony (I was so excited yall)... 
• i'll share some pics!
• Finally settled into St. Louis and i've accepted this is indeed where I will be living for the next year and some..
• Currently I'm working 2 jobs
• One is the dispensary of my school's clinic... Helping people pick out glasses, fixing glasses, etc
• The second one is with a Minority Pre-Optometry summer program for high school students
• I went to MIAMI for Memorial Day!!
• It was fun, but a little too crazy.
• I've been tweeting a lot!
• One of my friend's wrote me this awesome poem. I told him I would share, so I will do that soon.
• My coffee addiction is growing and growing...smh.

That's just some things that come to mind since April. Nothing too exciting. I am at work currently. I figured I'll finish this up and just know I haven't forgotten!! Until Next Time...

It's my DELTAversary

It's my DELTAversary by anessa1105 featuring silk gowns

It's been four years since I crossed the "burning sands." The time has passed by so quicky. Oo-oop to Ark of the Covenant! Until Next Time...

We are going to make you EARN it

"We're flying first class... up in the sky, living the life,in the fast lane, and it won't change... oh the glamorous...the flossy flossy."

I have no idea why that song just popped into my head. But it did. lol. I am the opposite of glamorous, but I am right where I want to be and need to be.

I am currently taking a break from all of the "hecticness" of life. Second year was coasting along fine and then all of a sudden everything picked up all at once. So as a collective everyone has been pulling their hair out. Not only do we have to worry about actual tests, but proficiencies. Our proficiencies test our clinical skills to insure that we are compete in certain procedures before we enter clinic this summer.

The culminating proficiency is our "White Coat Proficiency"... We have to do a full exam while one of our professors watches us and grades us. It is really nerve wracking, because it is 2 whole hours with a 25 page grading sheet. My White Coat is next week. And once we pass that we have our White Coat Ceremony, and that is on May 12th. I will be smiling from ear to ear across the stage. :)

I know a lot of medical, dental, optometry schools receive their "white coats" when they first enter, kind of like a hey you made it to ___ school. But I actually like the way my school does it. They make you EARN it, so they haze the heck out of you for two years and then when they feel like you deserve it, they give it to you in a ceremony. So that is pretty awesome. As of now my parents and my aunt are coming.

I am anxious to get the rest of my proficiencies over with. I had my contact lens one today that went really well. 2 more next week and then 1 the following week. Wish me luck guys... Until Next Time..

G.L.A. M.

G.L.A. M. by anessa1105 featuring cameo rings

Until Next Time...

Earth Hour, "Lights Out"

Hey Guys!! I want to first say, "IT'S SPRING BREAK!!!" Woohoo... But (yes there is always a but)... The first one is unfortunately I'm still in St. Louis... womp womp. The even bigger womp is, it snowed this morning... Yes. It is officially Spring, but it snowed this morning. Needless to say it is below freezing right now. Anyhow, I am glad to have this small break. I'll be going home later on in the week, but I have a lot of stuff that I needed to get done, and I know I would have just worried about them at home. So I needed to just stay, suck it up and get all of my extra work done. 

Ok so back to the reason I came to write this post. Currently I am in the dark, typing by candle light. Why? It's not because I didn't pay my light bill, but today is the day that "Earth Hour" is being observed.

So what is Earth Hour? It is a movement that was started in 2007, to observe an hour out of the day (8:30-9:30, your time zone), in which all lights would be turned off. Sounds simple right... Exactly. I think it is is awesome, that people are so concerned about the earth and the fact that we as humans really need to be more sustainable.

Since living on my own, I have become way more conscious about the amount of my personal electricity use. Even as a child, my mom would constantly "remind/nag" us about turning off the light when you leave a room or turning off the TV. After a couple electricity bills that have been extremely high, I have adopted the same principles.

Yesterday when I was driving home, at the "wee" hours of the morning, I was one of the few cars on the road, and I could help but notice how many lights were on.. It was actually quite baffling. I live by several car dealerships and the parking lot was so bright it was outrageous. Many stores and buildings had so many lights on even though they had long closed for the light. The amount of energy that we are using is taxing our environment and just because we dont see the impact directly, does not mean it is not happening.

Gas has now reached the highest that it has ever been since I have started driving. Currently it is ~3.46 a gallon. It hurts every single time I go to the gas station. Ugh...

Below is some more detailed information about Earth Hour and some really cool pictures!!


Earth Hour is held on Saturday March 27 at 8.30pm-9.30pm and succeeds in being a global call to action to stand up, to take responsibility, and lead the global journey to a sustainable future. A record 128 countries and territories take part and iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas stand in darkness.


http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/26/earth-hour-2011-photos/

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1. What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is a global grass-roots movement encouraging individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take positive actions for the environment, and celebrating their commitment to the planet by switching off their lights for one designated hour.

Earth Hour 2011 aims to show the actions that people, businesses and governments world-wide are taking to reduce their environmental impact. Thereby establishing and encouraging others to join an interconnected global community engaged in dialogue and resource sharing that generates real solutions to environmental challenges.

The highlight of Earth Hour 2011 will see the world’s most iconic landmarks go dark for one designated hour, as hundreds of millions of people transcend race, religion, culture, society, generation and geography, switching off their lights in a global celebration of their commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all – the planet.

Until Next Time...

Header...

Header... by anessa1105 on Polyvore.com

Playing around with ideas for my new header for my blog... Updated version...Version #4

Header...

Header... by anessa1105 on Polyvore.com

Playing around with ideas for my new header for my blog... Updated version...Version #3

Reason To Believe

Reason To Believe by anessa1105 on Polyvore.com

Playing around with ideas for my new header for my blog...

St. Louis Vs. Atlanta

So for all my non- tweeters, I've decided to extend the quick discussion to my blog about my comparisons of St. Louis and Atlanta. Even though I gripe about St. Louis at least once a day, there are some things that I have come to appreciate, not necessarily love, but for the most part, Atlanta is just "different".. So these were my "tongue-in-cheek" comparisons... (sidenote: I can't believe I actually used tongue in cheek because that phrase weirds me out). Anyways, here goes:

 St.Louis: 12 inches of snow. i'm pretty sure I have class in the morning, the snow plows will be out at 4 am.

Atlanta: 2 inches of snow...there is no milk, bread, or water in the grocery store, everything is closed early if it opened at all, and the news is being sensational about the storm ahead.

Lambert Airport: Get there about 20 minutes before your flight takes off, walk straight to gate, and be sure to step over any "tumbleweeds" that may be blowing through...
Harstfield Jackson Airport: "Crap I think I'm going to miss my flight, I've been in this security line for 45 minutes."

St. Louis: Let's go out to Bar X... and continue to go to the same Bar every single weekend.
Atlanta: Let's go out to Club X, the next weekend you have to make sure you don't go to the same club, actually you are going wherever someone cool is hosting, or you can get in before a certain time.

St. Louis: Person 1: "Wow you just bought a new gray Toyota Corolla... that's nice." Person 2: ::Immediately runs out and buys the same EXACT gray Toyota Corolla as his friend::
Atlanta: "Wow you just got a new BMW 335i...that's nice." Person 2: ::Immediately runs out and buys a BMW 745 and a Maybach just to top his friend::

St. Louis: It's "rush hour" traffic in the morning and the cars are driving at 45 mph in the left lane even though there are no cars in front of them or blocking their way... Applies to 170, 70, and 270.
Atlanta: It's "rush hour" traffic in the morning and cars are switching lanes every 5 seconds,thinking they are going to somehow get faster to their destination, but there is gridlock for miles.. Applies to 285,75, and 85.

So yup... Until Next Time...