My Very Good Day.

Today I drove into the parking lot at school and got a spot in the first row. And it was raining. I knew then that it was going to be a very good day.

While I was driving home after my 1/2 day at work (really 1/3 day, since I got there around 9:30 after school and left around noon), I was hungry and wanted to stop at Mighty Taco. A little voice in my head, though, said, "It's Friday! You can't eat meat!" I was going to ignore it, like I try to do with all the voices in my head, but it kept talking. I started listening when it said, "you got a spot in the first row today." So, I knew God wanted me to really not eat meat (don't ask how I connected those two...they're just connected in my head.) So I skipped Might Taco, but I started to think about why we don't eat meat on Fridays durning Lent. And how we replace it.

From what I remember from my first trip to college, not eating meat on Fridays during Lent is to remind us that Jesus carried the cross and died. It seems like a small price to pay. I don't have to carry a cross around the desert, I don't have to be nailed to it, I don't have to die and come back (although, really, that's what I'm hoping for).) I just have to not eat meat. And think of all the other food I can have. Bread and water...I'm kidding. There's lots of good not-meat food. Mac and Cheese. Cheese Ravioli's. Gnocci with Pesto. French fries. But what do the majority of people choose? Fried fish (I did no actual research on this, by the way...this is just judging by the lines to get a table at any place that has fish frys, and the fact that the 3 out of 3 siblings I spoke to today were having fried fish, as was I, for dinner). I like fried fish. In fact, given the choice, I'll often choose fried fish, or fried seafood of some sort (shrimp, oysters, crab claws...mmmm...) over any type of meat. So, really, is this a sacrafice? No. Not really. Yes, I had to pass Mighty Taco up for lunch, but Filet-O-Fish value meal is pretty good too. And just as healthy.

So, all in all, today was a very good day. A great parking spot, friend fish for 2 meals (if you consider filet-o-fish "fried fish") and no heavy cross to carry through the desert.

I was there when...

I was in NYC this past weekend for a wedding. The wedding was fun. I didn't know the bride (her name was My) or the groom (his name was Mo), but Amy did, so we went. It was a very interesting mix of Asian and Arabic traditions (including belly dancers and no actual ceremony to sit through.) It was nice.

One night while we were there, we were having dinner with Dawn, my godmother, and we started playing the 'I Was There When' game. You know, 'I was there when Gretzky and Messier were both playing on the Rangers at the same time and played against Dominik Hasek.' (I really was there, by the way, at the Gardens. The game ended in a 1-1 tie and proved, to me, that Hasek was just as great as Gretzky.) Dawn had a lot more "I was there's," but then she brought up game 7 between the Yankees and the Red Sox in 2003. I was there.

I had just moved in with Dawn in NYC. There was a lot going on behind the scenes with the Yankees and Red Sox that year...a lot more drama than normal. There had been that fight where Pedro Martinez showed what a jerk he is. Dawn decided to take me to the game, even though she took me to the one the night before (the Yankees lost that one) and she had all her friends calling and offering her tons of money for this ticket. Through most of the game the Sox were up, and I had to convince myself that it was OK if the Yankees lost. It meant that they would't go to the World Series, and Boston would, but the Cubs still had a chance to make it to the World Series, and if they made it, I wanted them to win (yes, even over the Yankees), so I thought maybe God was letting the Sox win so the Cubs could eventually win the World Series. The other die hard Yankees fans with season tickets around me didn't really see it that way. Around the 8th inning they were doing everything they could to get the Yankees to win. Dawn had eaten the peanuts she had to eat at every game. The guy in front of her, Gino, was rocking back and forth so hard I thought he'd fall out of his seat and end up right on home plate. The game was tied 5-5 going into the 9th. And all through the 9th. Then going into the 10th. And the 11th. I was tired. (Yes, this is about me. I'm sure the players were tired, too, but they could have ended the game a million times before the 11th inning). And hungry and thirsty, but I couldn't leave my seat. And I had to go to the bathroom. And I had been on my feet since the 8th inning. Aaron Boone, who hadn't done anything all year except miss grounders, drop pop-ups, and strike out, came up. I was about to sit down, when all the sudden I saw the ball fly up to about our level (Dawn's seats are in the 2nd tier). The next few minutes are kinda a blur, but I remember screaming, and jumping (how safe is that, really? All those people jumping up and down in a stadium that's falling apart to begin with?) and hugging Gino and Dawn and everyone else around me. And then Todd, Dawn's friend with seats 4 rows down and 1 section over, was in front of us, screaming and jumping. I have no idea how he got there. He must have climbed over people, or under people, I guess. I missed Boone running around the bases, but I saw the whole team run out and jump on him when he got back to home plate. It was so cool. And I can say, "I was there when Aaron Boone hit a home run to beat the Red Sox in game 7."

I hate Physics...even more

Each week my professor posts an assignment on our class website. Each problem comes with a hint link, a link to the text, and then a place to put the answer. You have 4 tries to answer the question right, and then you're done. I normally get them right on the first or second try, thanks to Amy's help.

This week, I had Amy help me (read "do my") physics homework. She's a dentist and had to pass physics to get into dental school. We tried the first question and couldn't get it, so went on and finished the assinment.

I read the book, the hint, the links to the text, and counldn't get the 1st problem, so I blogged it.

Lisa tried to do it. She's a nurse. She's (i'm assuming) taken physics and is pretty smart.

Scott (an engineer, a.k.a. physics geek) came up with 2 different answers. Neither one worked, although he's positive the 2nd one was right.

My professor couldn't answer the question in class, because "that's a question for office hours" which are conveniently held AFTER THE ASSIGNMENT IS DUE!

I hate physics.

I HATE PHYSICS!

Can anyone figure out this problem? I'll give you free passes to the circus if you can...


A rocket is fired at a speed of 94.0 m/s from ground level, at an angle of 43.0 degrees above the horizontal. The rocket is fired toward an 31.8-m high wall, which is located 40.0 m away. By how much does the rocket clear the top of the wall?

THE CIRCUS IS COMING!

One of the supply reps came by the office today and dropped off about 100 passes to the circus. I think we were supposed to give them to patients, but we give our patients much better stuff (narcotic prescriptions and stuff like that), so I took them all. I have a bunch of buy one get one free adult passes and free kids under 12 passes. The only thing is, you have to use the passes on April 2 at either noon or 5 pm, and you have to show up an hour before the show at HSBC Arena and buy your tickets, so you get whatever's leftover. But, I think I might go. If anyone else wants to go let me know. We can make a day of it. And you can protect me from the clowns...they're creepy.

Wow...

Can anyone figure out how this works? I remember seeing it a few years ago and spending time figuring it out, but I'm at work (on lunch with some Mighty to eat), so I don't have the time to spend on it right now...Let me know what you come up with. I don't like that my computer seems smarter than I am.

http://http://trunks.secondfoundation.org/files/psychic.swf

Phoeby

Esther has a blog now. If she can have a blog, and update it regularly, with her amazingly busy life, why don't I update mine? Well, the reality is, I'm lazy. No, seriously. Plus, Esther has a job where she works at a desk with a computer that has internet access so she can update her blog at work. I work at a job where I don't have a desk. I don't even have a chair, unless I ask a patient to stand up for a few minutes because my feet hurt and it's my turn to sit down. Dad hates it when I do that, though, so I've tried to stop.

Anyway, read Esther's blog. It's frequently updated with great pictures of Julia.

I'M #1!

Maybe I was born on the wrong day...besides bossing people around, I don't think "Originator" explains me very well. What are you?

Birth Test


Your birth date describes who we are, what
we are good at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points to what we have
to learn and the challenges we are facing.

To figure out your
Birth Number, add all the numbers in the birth Date together, like in the
example, until there is only one digit. A Birth Number does not prevent you from
being anything you want to be, it will just color your choice differently and
give you a little insight.

Example March 20, 1950 3 + 20 + 1950 =
1973 1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20 2 + 0 = 2

Keep going until you end up with
a single digit number. 2 is the Birth Number to read for the birth date in the
example. _________________________________________________________________

#1 THE ORIGINATOR

#2 THE PEACEMAKER

#3
THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

#4 THE CONSERVATIVE

#5 THE
NONCONFORMIST

#6 THE ROMANTIC

#7 THE INTELLECTUAL

#8 THE BIG SHOT

#9 THE PERFORMER

===========================================================

#
1 - THE ORIGINATOR 1's are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing
them is natural. Having things their own way is another trait that gets them as
being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely honest and do well to learn some
diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or
bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful
for them. Lesson to learn: Others' ideas might be just as good or better and to
stay open minded.

Famous 1's: Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk
Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, Raque l Welch.

#2
- THE PEACEMAKER 2's are the born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and
moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very
intuitive they don't like to be alone. Fri! endship and companionship is very
important and can lead them to be successful in life, but on the other hand
they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship. Being ! naturally
shy they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely
and seize the moment and not put things off.

Famous 2's: President
Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopee Goldberg, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

# 3 - THE LIFE OF THE PARTY 3's are idealists. They are very
creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing. They start many things, but
don't always see them through. They like others to be happy and go to great
lengths to achieve it. They are very popular and idealistic. They should learn
to see the world from a more realistic point of view.

Famous 3's:
Alan Alder, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie Griffith, Karen Roundbutt, Salvador
Dali, Jodi Foster.

# 4 - THE CONSERVATIVE 4's are sensible and
traditional. They like order and routine. They only act when they fully
understand what they are expected to do. They like getting their hands dirty and
working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with
nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent. They
should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves.

Famous 4's: Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, Oprah Winfrey.

# 5 - THE
NONCONFORMIST 5's are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk taking, and
enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity, and don't l! ike
to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and they see a learning
possibility in every situation. The questions never stop. They are well advised
to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before
jumping to conclusions.

Famous 5's: Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte
Bronte, Jessica Walter, Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler, Helen Keller and Mark
Hail.

# 6 - THE ROMANTIC 6's are idealistic and need to feel
useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their
actions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of
others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art
or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously. 6's should
learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot.

Famous 6's: Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Meryl
Streep,Christopher Columbus, Goldie Hawn.

#7 - THE INTELLECTUAL 7
's are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it di!
fficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their decisions.
Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned themselves.
They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is slow and steady wins the
race. They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and
sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and make great researchers
uncovering information. They like secrets. They live in their own world and
should learn what is acceptable and what is not in the world at large.

Famous 7's: William Shakespeare, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson,
Joan Baez, Princess Diana.

# 8 ! - THE BIG SHOT 8's are the
problem solvers. They are professional, blunt and to the point, have good
judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans and like to live the good life.
They take charge of people They view people objectively. They let you know in no
uncertain terms that they are the boss! They should learn to exude their
decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want.

Famous 8's: Edgar Cayce, Barbara Streisand, George Harrison, Jane
Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Nostrodamus.

#9 - THE
PERFORMER 9's are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous,
giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem
making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different
personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They
are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck,
but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they
need to build a loving foundation.

Famous 9's: Albert Schweitzer,
Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Presley.

now that I'm a student I feel that it's my duty to waste as much time as possible by searching the internet looking for pointless but entertaining sites, then sharing them with everyone. Check this out:


We Like the Moon

Also check out the rest of the songs on rathergood.com. Some of them are pretty funny. Becareful if you don't work for yourself or your dad...you might not want to listen to them at work.

I Need...

Scott and Leah have already done this on their blogs, so check theirs out...it's a fun game. First, go to Google.com. Then type in your name followed by the word "needs." Write down and share the first ten results.

Here are the top ten Google results for "Cecilia Needs:"
1. ":: escapism :: » I Don’t Need A DivaCecilia needs to be around more members of the male species. - Cecilia needs ismore social interaction with boys her age. - Cecilia needs you. ..." Well, I guess Google knows what they're talking about.

2. "The Virgin Suicides (1999): James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Kirsten ...... perhaps what Cecilia needs is more social interaction with boys her age.Just so, Mr. and Mrs. Lisbon organize a boy-girl party for the daughters. ..." Hm...

3. "Friends of Strays IncCecilia needs a loving home: yours! View Cecilia's Listing FRIENDS OF STRAYS POBOX 541302 FLUSHING, NY 11354 Tel: 718-969-6688 www.FriendsOfStraysNY.org ..." I do love strays, but I have a loving home...

4. "Cleveland Ohio Real Estate - Buying/Selling A Home - Homes for ...Cecilia Sherrard - Realty One - All your Real Estate needs. 216-227-3545 ----Buying -Selling - Relocation - Investments - Community information ..." No, I have a home, and no money to buy a house.

5. "Cecilia's Blurty -- EntriesCecilia's Blurty Entries, [entriesfriendscalendar] ... Well I can't stop burpingso I need some water. Gio went to the movies too so I'm gonna wait for ..." HAHAHA...I am pretty gassy sometimes.

6. "Homeowners Associations: Bending the Truth to Fit the NeedAn Article. Bending the Truth to Fit the Need. Intimidation by UnscrupulousAttorneys. February 12, 2004 By Cecilia Taylor Copyright AHRC News Services ..." I'll read this if I buy a house.

7. "Address to the First Cecilia Makiwane Nursing AwardsCecilia Makiwane, despite her old fashioned Victorian appearance, ... In countriessuch as ours, we need somehow, to fuse the application of sound ..."

8. "Saint Cecilia Catholic SchoolThe philosophy of Saint Cecilia Catholic School is to support the unique educationalneeds of our inner city population in a spirit of respectful service. ..." Ah, St. Cecilia...I am so great.

9. "The boxer by simon and garfunkelsimon and garfunkel america lyric - simon and garfunkel cecilia needs simon andgarfunkel song lyric, scarborough fair simon garfunkel (simon and garfunkel ..." "OH CECILIA"

10. "Cecilia Scribe Services Serving the needs of writersCecilia Scribe Services Serving the needs of writers . . . so what you writewon't be wrong! Editing * Proofreading * Fact checking * Marketing ..." I should call them to write in my blog sometimes...

Today's Lesson

Here's what I learned at school today:
1. if you lock your car doors and close them before getting your keys out of the ignition, you cannot get back into your car without
a. breaking a window
b. waiting for your mom to bring your spare key
2. if your cell phone is also in the car, it make everything more difficult.
3. UB's North campus is the coldest, windiest place on earth.
4. Your bladder shrinks in the cold.
5. If you plan on standing outside for an hour or more waiting for a key because you locked your keys in your car, it's a bad idea to drink a travel mug of coffee on the way to class, a can of diet coke in class, and a Venti latte while waiting for the key. Especially If you're waiting at UB, the coldest place on earth, since your bladder just keeps shrinking.
6. I'd rather be standing outside in the cold at UB waiting for my key holding myself than sitting in a classroom at ECC listening to a chem lecture.

I had school again today. I remembered how to get to UB (I didn't have to call anyone for directions), I remembered where to park and where my class was. I felt so grown up! And then I answered questions in class! I knew that pi and the square root of 2 and 3 are all irrational numbers. I can even tell you why. Because they all have numbers after the decimal point that don't repeat a pattern or end. I am SO SMRT! I can do algebra on a 10th grade level!

Then I went to work and took an x-ray that somehow came out upside-down and backwards...I hope my assistans are better than I am when I take over the office.

Alge-what?

Today I started school. I had algebra and physics. Not only did I feel kinda stupid (adding big numbers like 7 and 8 is hard! and so is getting around UB, but that's another story for another time), I felt very immature. Here's why:
When I was in 5th or 6th grade I took algebra with everyone else in my grade. One of my friends, either Julie or Maggie, once called it "alge-boobie-holder." Now everytime I hear someone say "algebra" I giggle a little bit.
Physics isn't as funny.

So, one day last week I woke up early. At 4 am. I had to be at Sister's Hospital at 6 am, therefore I had to be up at 4. I got dressed and walked out to my car, expecting it to be in one piece and everything that I had left in it to still be there, because that's what normally happens. Well, I opened the drivers door and there were papers all over the seat. I thought to myself, "Hm...I know my car was messy, but I thought I at least kept the drivers seat cleaned off." Then I realized that my boots were gone. And the stereo. And the back window was smashed. On the way to the hospital I realized that my datebook was also gone, and my checkbook was in it. Not good.

Well, I made it to the hospital, and had my galbladder and appendex removed. It was actually a very enjoyable process. I enjoy anesthesia, and really like demerol. I also am slightly addicted to apple juice, which is about the only injestable food item that was offered to me during my 28-hour stay. Since I got home I'm recovering nicely. I've been in some pain, but, really, I expected it. I mean, I had 2 organs removed. And 4 holes cut in my stomach, through skin and muscle and and other stuff that's in there. I'm still a little sore and can't lift some heavy stuff but otherwise I"m fine.

So, back to my car story. I was mostly upset because my favorite cd was in the stereo. The person who broke into my car didn't steal any of my other cds, so I know he didn't really want the Melissa Ethridge cd in the stereo, it was just a mistake. He didn't mean to take it. Well, a few days later I was walking out the door and flipped through my cd book to find something to listen to on the way to work. Imagine my surprise when I found my favorite Melissa Ethridge cd put away nicely in one of my cd books. I though, "what a nice thief," took the cd and went to work. The next day I went to the bank to close my account (since he had stolen my checks) and open a new one. THe teller gave me a list of the recent activity on the account I was closing and there was and $80 deposit made with one of my deposit slips that I didn't make. I said to the teller, "I didn't make that deposit" and he said, "well someone with your deposit slips must have. Do you want me to take the money out?" I, of course, said, "well, no." The dumbest (or nicest maybe...) thief in the world broke into my car.

Hold My Hand

I loved the University of Toronto. One of my favorite things about it was how big it was and how a person could get totally lost. I had to do everything myself. I had to pick my classes and remember to register and figure out whether or not I got all my requirements in before graduation. If I didn't, it was pretty much my fault. I never had an advisor. If I needed help I had to go find it myself from a professor or a TA or someone else...there was no hand-holding. I felt very grown-up.

When I decided to go to UB I wasn't worried about how big it was or how unpersonal it would be. College, for me, isn't a personal experience in that sense. I don't expect to have a guidence counselor like I did in high school. So, why is it that when I walked into the advisors office at UB I lost all my common sense? I felt like a 2-year-old and I just wanted someone to tell me exactly what classes I need to take, get me into them, get me loans and financial aide, buy my books, show me where to park every day and where my classes would be. Pam, my advisor, was looking for a little more in-put from me. I miss Canada...

Buttercup Apple-Kisser

Little Deb at the office emailed this to me and said I should put it in my Blog. Even though she thinks blogs are stupid, I'll put it in here.

The following in an excerpt from a children's book, "Captain Underpants Andthe Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants" by Dave Pilkey. The evilProfessor forces everyone to assume new names . . .

Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name:
a = poopsie
b = lumpy
c = buttercup
d = gadget
e =crusty
f = greasy
g = fluffy
h = cheeseball
i = chim-chim
j = stinky
k =flunky
l = bootie
m = pinky
n = zippy
o = goober
p = doofus
q =slimy
r = loopy
s = snotty
t = tootie
u = dorkey
v = squeezit
w = oprah
x = skipper
y = dinky
z = zsa-zsa

Now, use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half ofyour new last name:
a = apple
b = toilet
c = giggle
d = burger
e = girdle
f = barf
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = cootie
j = monkey
k = potty
l = liver
m = banana
n = rhino
o = bubble
p = hamster
q = toad
r = gizzard
s = pizza
t = gerbil
u = chicken
v = pickle
w = chuckle
x = tofu
y = gorilla
z = stinker

Finally, use the fourth letter of your last name to determine the second
half of your new last name:
a = head
b = mouth
c = face
d = nose
e = tush
f = breath
g = pants
h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = butt
l = brain
m = tushie
n = biscuits
o = hiney
p = chunks
q = toes
r = buns
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = kisser
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = brains
z = juice

Leave me a comment and let me know what YOUR name is.

I'm Back!

So, sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I could say I was busy, but, you all know me. You know I wasn't really busy. I was watching TV and sleeping. My life isn't that exciting. I did try to write a blog about something exciting that happened last week, or the week before maybe, but I forgot my password and by the time blogger emailed it to me I was asleep.

I've decided that since Mikey isn't blogging anymore (something about a baby and exams), I'd pick up the slack and start again. I have a lot of stories to tell you, too. But I can't right now. I'm at work, and even when you work for your dad you can only spend so much time updating your blog before people realize you haven't seen one patient all day... :)

HAPPY (1/2) BIRTHDAY TO ME!

SIX MONTHS 'TIL MY BIRTHDAY!!!
I'm updating my amazon wish list right now so you can all start shopping soon.

Wedding announcement in the only publications that really matter

After traveling to Ireland to buy presents for all their friends, Steve and his bride, Aly, will make their home somewhere on planet earth, so long as it allows little yappy dogs. Steve will make his millions as a manager in some high falootin’ bank or something and Aly is to become the first person ever to pass the bar in all 50 states and whatever the equivalent is in Canadia. They are to be married next week amongst loving friends and family and then will drink like it is their job and dance like they’re good at it. The second most important decision they made (after his FINALLY proposing to begin with) was to include Michael Garvey as a groomsman because, let’s face it, he looks damn good in a tux. The bridegroom is a graduate of college (both “clown” and “barber”) and the bride has obtained a degree from the school of hard knocks.

She's all growns up!

Remember when Julia was just a tiny baby?











She's almost all grown up now! Isn't it weird to look at the first picture and think that she's the same baby?