Oooh look! An update!

I know, I know, I am totally being awful at this whole... keeping up with the blog post-St. Baldrick's thing.

I promise, I'll be better my faithful 12 followers. After all, I gotta be keeping up with my New Years Goals (because we certainly don't call them resolutions. Too much upset-ness when you totally fall off the "New Year's Resolution Bandwagon."

It's a fall drop. I've been there before, trust me.


Anywhoooooooo.

So, an update about the past 2+ weeks.

1. St. Baldrick's. In a (couple) word(s): phenomenally uplifting. Strengthening. Happy. Celebratory. As of right now, we have raised over $80,000 just at our event. That's beyond amazing, and completely mind-blowing. $80,000. Wow. sers. As soon as I get pictures from people, I will upload them. Until that point, imagine 171 people shaving their heads in a show of unity and strength for those kids who are fighting their cancer battle on a day to day basis, and for those kids who became angels before their time as a result of this awful "c" word.

2. School. Totally blows. That's pretty much it, except for the fact that I am lacking motivation and just don't feel like papers about useless point-less stuff should really actually matter. Because I am still on the high of organizing a ton of people and raising a lot of money. Is a social work degree really going to help me with that? Besides, school takes a lot of time, and well... sleep just sounds so much more useful these days.

3. Carrie Underwood. Totallllllllly phenom. Absolutely phenomenal show, with an absolutely phenomenal friend. (JM bought us tickets, because as the note on the door stated "My schedule sucks. Enjoy a girls night with JS, you guys deserve it." Ahhh that JM. He's so great :)

This is clearly JS and I at the show. One quick note, Sons of Sylvia, totally could pass. Their lead singer looks like a mix of Edward Cullen and Steven Tyler (from Aerosmith). Impressive. Or, well... not so much. Carrie on the other hand? Total rock star. Totally wish I could be her. or her best friend. Whatever. Stop judging.

4. Work. I may or may not have totally checked out of this whole "working at Albany Med" thing. I am so over it. That's pretty much it, because until July 23rd, I am kinda stuck here. Blows.

5. Bartending, and the culture around it. Yes, totally great for the cash money. Yes, totally great for the few hours and hopefully large sums of cash. Not so great for the sexual innuendos. Granted, comes with the job, and you deal with it cuz it gets the tips and well, if you go right back at them, it's not a big deal. However, totallllllly not a fan of silly girls thinking my super fabulous JM is a swayable member of the bartending world. Back off, I'm a ninja. Be intimidated. Besides, he's not yours. So, if you could please stop giving me dirty looks when I kiss him at the bar while he's working, that would be great.

There ends that rant. Phewwwwww. Close one.

6. Certainly not least, I found a 10 day trip to Italy. For $1600 per person. In May. When it's totally gorgeous.

Did I mention it includes your airfare (round trip out of Albany) and a 9 night stay at a hotel (a nice hotel) in Florence? Someone tell me spending $1600 is not currently financially feasible.

Because if you don't, I might just go. So if I don't pick up my phone at the end of May, I just might be in Italy. Cuz you know, I'm cool like that ~~

Oh, and JS and I totally went to go see Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief. Check out my cool lightening bolts above. Yea, I know. You're totally impressed. WABAM!!

St. Baldrick's

......

is 5 days away.

Holy.

Freaking.

Cow.

This came up fast. Yes, I understand that there is a lot that can't be done until the last minute. But man oh mannnn. We are going to have a TON of people at the event this year. (More details can be found here). We are going to have GREEN hair extensions. We are going to have bands. We are going to have food.

And raffles.

And cupcakes (!!!!!!)

And a whole lot of people deciding to shave their heads to better the world, and to show unity with children who have such a hard fight in the beast that is cancer.

This weekend is for all those kids who are still fighting.

It is an event for all those kids who courageously fought their battle, but were called to be angels instead.

It is for all those people who don't understand the lack of funding and research that goes into pediatric cancer research.

And how, having a parent, or friend, or community member shave their head to show a child how brave, courageous, daring, humble, and graceful they are during their battle, that they are not alone.

We are here. We are raising money. We are working and fighting for you.

So seriously. Click here. Or here. Because JM is shaving his head. And he would appreciate donations too.

5 days. So far, over $34,000. Goal is $75,000. Help us get there. Help us conquer this "C" word that takes so many people we love. Because without help, and without faith, and without donations, we're still where we are today.

Nothing but blue skies, do I see

I have a love affair going on right now.

It's ok. Tell JM. He knows already.

I love the spring. I love the little flowers poking up from the ground. I love the return of the sunshine (because in NY, there is nothing like the return of the sun). I love the refreshing breeze, and the crispness that is the afternoon. I love walking in rain boots. (JM hates this aspect. Eh, you win some and lose some I say. :) )

I love the way I feel in the spring. Like anything is possible. Everything is fresh, and clean and new. I love the way that just going outside in the middle of the afternoon can cure any part of a bad day you may be having.

I love the way I feel when I come inside after being outside for so long. Like a totally new, and awake person.

Ahhh, it is totally lovely.

If only it wasn't going to rain in Albany all weekend, we would have a great, great 10 day forecast.

I haven't worn a jacket to work in 2 days. (Well, a winter jacket. I'm still wearing a heavy sweater, or a light jacket but still. I am one of those crazy people who, after the winter thinks that anything above 35 is summer weather. Call me crazy, and most do!)

Anyways, tonight is date night. (More on this tomorrow).

And tonight, I think, it will be fun to play in the park. Or walk outside. Or do something that involves the sun, and a light jacket and puddles. And the rosiness on your cheeks from smiling and being in the sun again.

Ahh... welcome spring. I have missed you!

The One where I tell my Boss I'm Leaving

Every once in a while, you have to have a tough conversation.

You have to tell someone something that they don't want to hear.

So, you deny that it's happening. And you procrastinate. And you read drug prescribing books. (Oh wait, that's just me because it was in front of me. Oooops!)

Anyways. This was the week. THE. Week.

On Tuesday, I cut the cord. After watching an episode of Brothers and Sisters in which one of the main characters has to "break up with" their boss, I realized that is totally what I had to do. I had to pull the "It's not you, it's me" card and Break. Up. With. My. Boss.

So, Tuesday. Epic. Our Physician's Assistant totally started the conversation by asking the Dr. I work with if she had a minute, and if yes, I needed to talk to her.

What a facilitator. Ha.

So, I quickly put down the drug prescribing guide I was aimlessly perusing, and said "Yea, so... I have to do this internship.... " I quickly threw in that I would get benefits through school and that I would write a lovely handbook for the person who was coming in to take my job.

And then, it hit me. I have a friend who needs a job! What better timing. How absolutely fabulous if it works out.

Dr. Boss said we were both living in denial and just avoiding the conversation, and to thank Mr. PA for facilitating.

So, my LAST DAY AT AMC IS JULY 23rd. Because I am a nice person and am staying all the way through the end of this academic year.

Much to my dismay.

Don't worry, AMC class of 2011. I'll continue to not hold your hand and try to wake you up to the real world before I leave.

Ahhhh the load has been lifted from my shoulders. Now I just have to figure out school. Boo.

PS. Found a new blog of a compilation of people writing. It's called Aiming Low and it's fabulous. I love it. The sarcasm, the funniness, and the complete goal of not hitting perfection. It's phe-nom. Check it out.

Getting back in the Church Groove

Don't mind me, I have a lot to say today :)

Yesterday, JS took me to her church, called Terra Nova, in Troy. It was awesome. I loved it.

I should digress for a quick moment. My parents (Dad raised Catholic, Mom was raised First Congregational) raised my 3 sibs and I, Lutheran. Seeing as we have moved quite frequently until they plopped us all in Webster, we have gone to a multitude of churches. (This too allows me to think that I have location committment anxiety. Coming soon, to the DSM V. Just kidding.)

As in, was baptized in a church in Greece (no worries, still in Rochester), received 1st Communion in New Jersey, and was Confirmed twice (because I needed to get to know the members of our other new church in Webster, versus the one I had been Confirmed at 5 months previous in Penfield. Either way, 2nd Confirmation was cool, I just kind of disliked having to be in Confirmation classes for 3 years. But, I digress).

Anyways.

When I was in 9th grade, my 2nd Confirmation church (Immanuel Lutheran in Webster) went on this fabulous youth group retreat. I loved it. It was a huge group of people in Niagara Falls, singing and dancing and having a great time, and learning about God. It was refreshing. And it was totally non-traditional. And I loved it, because not only was I not getting preached AT, I felt like I was being spoken to. It was educational. And it was awesome.

This Terra Nova church feels the same to me.

It's refreshing.

It's a (very) young crowd.

It's people in their 20s who want to learn about God in order to strengthen their faith. And strengthening faith, whether you believe in God, or just in some other "thing" out in the universe, is something that everyone needs. Sometimes, you need to know that there's something out there that is just bigger than you. There's a plan, and it's not one that you know.

There was a ton of singing, and not the kind of singing that only the elder generations of the church know and understand. The sermon was based on "The Kingdom" because the congregation is doing a prayer study of the Lord's Prayer. And people just kept saying that knowing God was an on-going relationship. It's not something that you are ever going to get perfect. It's not something that you are ever going to fully understand. But it is something that is always there.

And that, to me, really woke me up.
(Digression: I haven't been to Church unless it's been for Easter or Christmas or a funeral in ages. I think college does that to people. Granted, it may also be the drinking and partying and working that I was doing at SUNY. But still, the comments woke me up.)

So, a BIG thank you JS for taking me to church with you. It was absolutely what I think I have been looking for. And while I may be re-discovering this faith and relationship with God, I certainly am going to try. Because everyone needs a little bit of Faith, and a plan that is bigger than you.

At least, I know I do.

The List

Warning:: This may be a work related rant. This does not include every person of the specific group of people I am going to talk about.

After an eventful Friday at AMC (aka, the full-time job), I decided people should know that I have "The List."

This is a list that the public should be aware of.

After working with med students for almost 2 years, it has come to my attention that some people just should have done more soul searching before they decided that practicing medicine was what they should do in life.

Seriously. I work with 3rd year medical students. As in, students who are in their second-to-last-year-before-they-can-write-MD-after-their-name.

And some of these students I would not allow to touch my worst enemies dog with a 10 foot pole. Therefore, I have a "list" of students who, when they become Drs, would be allowed to come near any member of my family. This list, is MUCH shorter than the list of Drs who will NOT be allowed near anyone I have ever met.

The things that students can come to you about seem to be ridiculous. I have spoken with the students who I would allow to be my families physician about this. There are groups of people who just don't seem to grasp #1) professionalism and #2) how to talk to people with respect, and or deal with the public.

Med students have to INTERVIEW to get into programs. How some of these people get into these schools is shocking. Some of them have ZERO people skills. Some of them have been spoon-fed so far through life that when they meet me, they are... how would you like to say... shocked that I am not going to feed into the "medical school babying" that occurs.

I tell them that I give them everything they need to succeed. Literally, everything. And yet, the silly questions and the silly phone calls and just the pure silliness that comes my way is astounding.

Totally not cool.

And yet, there are people like JS who are going to absolute MEDICAL ALL STARS. Seriously, Dallas, you don't even know what you're getting in June. I might just have to take my very future, far off children to the ERs in Dallas, because well... you can best believe from working with certain students, I am not going to be going to AMC's ER.

Don't get me wrong. Not every student is unintelligent. For example, take this picture for instance. It's the "How to figure out what you should actually do as a Dr flow chart." It's fabulous. And completely accurate.

I figure, that if students can't talk to the people who are looking to help them succeed through their $200,000 of debt, they really shouldn't be talking to real life patients. Ever.

Rarr. Hear. Me. Roar. Because sometimes, people need to realize the path you signed up for. And for med students, it's that you're going to be a Dr. That means being on call, working during holidays, being tired, figuring things out on your own, perservering, staying organized, and working with others effectively. The. End.

Another Family Post (Except it's not mine!)

Sooooooooo...I’m back :) Since Whit talked about how she is becoming her parents I must too comment about how that has happened to me. Mine is more in a physical way...alright it is also in every other way possible. And I am on the countdown to being homeless :(

None of you have had the pleasure of meeting my family. Basically it is broken down like this. If you look up the word crazy in the dictionary you will see photos of both sides of my family from various family reunions. I KID YOU NOT!!! I get my athletic grace from my paternal grandmother, may she rest in peace. Side note: she is one of the reasons I am partaking in St. Baldrick’s. She passed of cancer the first day of my Senior year in High School. Miss you Grandma <3. Anyway, before she passed away, we were sitting out on her deck talking about how she had pretty much outfitted me for years with my athletic equipment. Pretty awesome. I get my list of mental diagnosis from both sides of the family. May you all be infested with different things that are uncomfortable haha JUST KIDDING!! As for the GAY, if you ever want to do a study of homosexuality being genetic, sign up my family. Holy GAY!! My family tree doesn’t have just green leaves we are a fucking technicolor tree. I am stubborn and brilliant like my father. I love him and he has been such a great teacher for me. Growing up, he was so great that he used to send me to bed without dinner because let me tell you what, I could be suchhhhhh a bitch :) Love ya Dad. As for my physical appearance and sense of humor...welcome to my MOTHER. I was in my room at home once and I called her into my room. I stood with her in from of the mirror, we were both in shorts and tank tops, and me being the smart one, covered our faces and said look we are like twins. My mother laughing so generously pointed out that due to our faces being covered, seeing in the mirror was quite difficult. Love ya MOM!! I would do anything for my family. I have been through a lot and they have ALWAYS been there for me, and for that I will forever be thankful.

As for the being homeless part. I have had the misfortune of picking apartments that like to be sold out from under me. Last year around this time, the apartment building I was living in was sold forcing me to find a new place. Ironically the same freaking thing has happened again. I am supposed to be out by March 1st…did I mention I have yet to find an apartment...hahaha love my life!!

I am soooo excited that St. Baldrick’s is less than a month away!! I am excited yet nervous because I am not sure if I can pull of G.I. Jane like Demi Moore can. I will probably just pull off preteen boy unlike any other. Regardless, it’s for a great cause. I must say I am jealous though that I can’t chew on my hair like Whit does during class, or smell it randomly ;)

~Maria, Over and Out

From a Shavee

Whit..it looks great. Life is full of signs. I always wanted to buzz my hair and you were my sign. You gave me a reason and a cause to do something I always wanted to do. I have raised over $500 for kids, for kids who every day will deal with hardships I can't even imagine.

I listen to people talk about how attached to their hair they are. I look at them and I remember my grandma who was terrified when she found out she had cancer. I remember seeing a family video of the Christmas she found out she had cancer. She was always the matriarch of the family. I remember the camera going around the room and in the background she was standing with a look I can’t describe. There was my Grandma, a woman who would stand up with grace and honor in all situation, scared and unsure of what the future would hold.

It’s just hair. People ask me how I can buzz my hair off. It’s my choice. What about the people who don’t have a choice? What about the people who don’t get to choose if they lose their hair, what about those who have to go through grueling rounds of chemo like champs, what about those who don’t get to choose what happens in the end? We are giving our hair for them.

I always wanted a reason to buzz my hair. I feel like when I do things I don’t want them to be pointless. I don’t just get a tattoo because it’s cool, it has to have a meaning. I don’t just organize a protest to stand out, it has to be for a cause I believe in. I don’t just speak up for those who can’t, I do it because I believe everyone has the right to be heard. I didn’t just want to buzz my hair, I wanted to do it for a reason. I met Whitney LIll and she gave me a reason.

Sometimes I don’t think people realize the power they hold. I worked for Habitat one college Spring Break. I built a house for a family. They were so thankful that I gave up a week of my time to help build them a place to live. Imagine if every single person gave up one day to help build a house...could we prevent homelessness? What else could we do if we united as a people? Just think about it....

Maria~Over and Out

CHOP!

It has happened....

The hair.

Has.

Been.

Cut!!!

This is the picture that I have sent to the "People" while I was in the grocery store, in the snow, after the chopping session.

This is the picture of the pony tail. Yes, I was twirling my hair all day yesterday prior to "The Cut." That's why it's all twisty. Good news, the wig making people just want the hair, even if it is all twisty.

Ok, so now for the story.

I believe in signs. I believe that sometimes God gives you signs and shows you reasons to do things. Yesterday was one of those days.

My hairdresser is about to have a baby (YAY AMY!!!) And I texted her yesterday morning asking her if there was ANY chance she could squeeze me in in the next couple of days/weeks to chop my hair. Because lets face it, my hair is my thing. It's healthy and lovely and beautifully blonde hair.

So, I text her. And I wait, and I wait... and I wait. And THEN, So-Ro's super fabulous Mom comes into clinic. For the first time since So-Ro passed. And she's doing fabulously well, and looks like an all-star and pulled together, and just like the elegant rock that she is. This woman, I tell you, is the epitomy of grace, humility and steadfastness. So anyways, she comes in, and gives us these bracelets and pins and more mass cards that we didn't get at the wake. So, I have this new bracelet and a new pin and a new mass card. And in front of me is a woman who has buried her 6 year old daughter. And I'm concerned about cutting my hair. Sheeshka.

And so, I go back to my office, after about 35 hugs, and look at my phone.

And Amy has texted me, saying that she has an opening at 4:30. As in. THAT day at 4:30. So I have a little bit of a panic, and then I remember Mom So-Ro, and figure, hey, this is a sign.

So, I text Amy back, take the appointment, twirl my hair for the rest of the day, and go and chop it off.

And that, is how it's done. I am shipping the big pony tail tomorrow afternoon, as right now Albany is currently getting extremely snowed on, and well, my car isn't exactly the rock star in the snow that I would need it to be. And, to those who voted in the poll, the actual length is 12.5 inches. Rock. On.

I'm off to go flip and flounce with my new bouncy, short hair.

Oh and PS, JM, while has been prepared for this for over a year now, is adjusting well. He likes the cut and style, it's just that I sort of look like a different person now. ((He actually came into the kitchen last night when I got home and forgot/did a double take on the back of my head. Haha. It's ok. Last year when he shaved his head, it took me close to 3 weeks. Still love ya babe. Don't worry, it'll grow back :) ))

I am becoming my parents

.... not that that's technically a bad thing, but man, these days, the similarities just keep popping out of NO WHERE.

Take this weekend for instance. I have become super anal about turning off lights at the apartment. (This may be because of the ABSURD electric bill we had last month. Or, it could just be that we live in a 125 year old building with ZERO insulation...). This feature has been ingrained into me as a child from my father. He is the king of turning off lights when you aren't in the room. He used to lose it on me when I would leave the light on in the family room if I walked into the kitchen. (Love you, Dad!)

I have started to do the same thing.

JM and JS have started to comment on these things. Like, "Wow Whit, didn't know you were so energy efficient."

Or, "I guess we're getting a bit anal about lights being on in rooms."

Or even, "This is something you should tell people that clearly bothers you because you've become quite the light turner-offer these days."

I literally walk from one end of the house to the other turning off lights. I am officially a spaz.

But that's just how I am becoming my Dad (besides the fact that I lectured someone about student loan payments the other day. Dad, you would be so proud of me! Granted, it was without the spreadsheets, but still. I was so "financially intelligent" for a minute I thought to myself, Wow, I actually listened when I was 18. So, THANK YOU DAD!)

There will be another post when I am more like my Mom. But this past week, it was all Dad, all the time. Impressive, I know.

PS, how much are we loving Maria's blog post?? Seriously, she hasn't stolen JM from me, but wow can she make class and life entertaining!