Tinnufish

I am going to whine

Mon, 14 May 2007 00:34:33 GMT

The last 6 hours have sucked big time. I just had one of the worst allergic reactions I've ever had. It's still bad but much better.

This is what happened: I started tanning on Friday so that I wouldn't burn when I go to Spain in June. The first day was fine, a little pink after 4 minutes but cool. I went today and about an hour after doing a second 4 minute session my back, stomach, and chest turned bright red and splotchy and I broke out in severe hives. So basically I had an allergic reaction to the high intensity light of the lamps. Surprisingly its pretty common for people to do that (10-15%). Anyway, I am calling tomorrow morning to cancel my membership and ask for a refund. Hives are still bad but not so much so that I can't sit still.

One thing I have learned is that I am just not made to tan and need to bring at least 30spf with me on my trip.

1 Down, Two to Go

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 06:25:40 GMT

I just finished my take home final! It's after 2am and I have to be up in three hours but at least I am done with the blasted thing.

My final work is 27 pages long and is printing off now. It is the cumulation of roughly at least 45 hours of work, not including the work of all my group-mates. The actual assignment is 8 SAS problems written by the most demonic teacher ever.

I have two finals left, one of which I have barely studied for and the other which I have been cramming for for two weeks and still don't know much. I have no idea how I am going to memorize everything in time.

I open Starbucks in 4 hours. Heaven help me.

Run!

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 20:47:16 GMT

It's been frigid here the past week and we even got a couple of inches of snow on Wednesday. Today it's 62F outside and so amazingly beautiful. The sun is out and the snow is finally all gone.

Since I started running in January it's been too cold or too snowy and icy to run outside so I've been stuck going to our nasty gym. Our workout room has no windows and very little ventilation so it's always overly hot and boarderline depressing. I've never really enjoyed my runs there but did it out of determination to get in shape. Today was the first day it's really been nice enough to go outside. And wow, I had so much fun. Instead of pacing myself I just ran all out for as long as I could. Covered almost as much distance as I normally do but just a lot faster. It was so lovely that I'm really looking forward to being able to do it regularly. Especially when I have a car and can drive down to the river front.

So here's to beautiful days!

PS- Less than two weeks till spring break.

Whooohooo

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 23:17:46 GMT

I am so proud of myself!

I have never been able to run. I have always sucked at it horribly, just something I wasn't good at. Well, I decided to make it one of my resolutions for the new year and just go for it. Starting out I am ashamed to admit running over a minute and half was not easy. I've been at it for six weeks now and today I ran two miles straight. I honestly didn't think I would be able to do it, but I guess it shows you can do anything if you work at it. My goal is three miles though eventually I'd like to build up to five.

In celebration I am getting pizza. (Yes yes I know SO counter productive but oh well)

Something's gotta give

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 13:42:50 GMT

I am so stressed right now I've entered into this numb phase. It's dotted with periods of complete panic but most of the time I just don't even know what to do. It's like I'm trying to hold everything together by a few strings and some of them are dangerously close to snapping. Between classes, research, and work I have no time to breath except when I'm running.

I think I will have to quit my job though that really bums me out. Though with the shit and treatment I have been getting from my boss it may not be a totally bad thing. I already told them I wasn't coming in on Saturday except for half an hour to help them close.

I don't know what else to do. I got up for work today at 5:30am and have class and research straight till 4:45pm. When I get back I have a paper due tomorrow and a presentation as well as beginning to study for a big exam on Monday a large homework project Wed and another exam on Thursday plus the normal work and two quizzes not to mention two lab notebooks and a lab report. I'm not prepared for any of it and that's not normally me. I just can't keep up. The only success I seem to be having is with my running and weight loss. Don't know why I bother to complain, it won't make things better. Sorry to those who read this.

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 13:28:14 GMT

I had a seizure last night. I am kinda upset about it since I haven't had one in almost 18months. Probably due to stress and lack of sleep.

At two years you can go off meds so I think this was a one time thing and I am not going to mention anything to my parents or my doctor. I can't stand taking meds, I feel like a drug addict or something.

Radio City New York

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:31:59 GMT

New York was so much fun! I didn't get back until about 11:30pm but it was worth it. We got into the city at a little after two and broke off into groups. Some of us decided to eat at Applebees where we pretended it was that one girl's birthday just for the heck of it. The problem was that none of us could keep a straight face so we were laughing pretty hard as they were singing to her. I think the servers knew we were faking. Then there was a huge issue as we tried to break up the bill since we tried to put parts on three different credit cards plus one paid cash. Some were charged twice, some not at all, and all had to go through at least twice. Heh. That took 20minutes.

After that three of us walked down Broadway and to Times Square. Sometimes I forget just how bright and busy that city is. The sidewalks are so packed and there are billboards and signs flashing everywhere. For a moment it reminded me of London right by Oxford street. Both are very different in their own ways though still quite reminiscent of each other. The one thing that made me quite sad was when we started to head back to Radio City there were these two animals (a small white dog and a gray and white cat) set on a box dressed up. It was so cold and they both had little Christmas sweaters on and looked extremely pitiful, especially the kitty. I don't know why they were there or who would do something like that but I really just wanted to wrap them up and take them home!

Eventually we actually got back to wait in line to get into the theater. The line was about two blocks long and ran into Rockefeller Center. They have huge scaffolding all around the big tree, decorating it for Christmas. There were no lights up yet and I was wondering just how many it really takes to light that thing. We were late to see the actual show and missed the first bit but it was still a lot of fun. Those girls are totally amazing to be able to do what they do. The dancing and music were both great. However, I get so pissed off at people who take pictures during the show. It seemed like half the audience needed to capture every moment so there was nearly continuous flashing. In my opinion it's very disrespectful. Anyway, afterwards we went back to Times Square and had dessert and tea in this cheesecake restaurant. We ended up leaving the city at about 9pm. So it was a really good day over all.

I can't believe it.

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 19:31:42 GMT

I left work early today. I made it to a half day for the hours but my boss finally made me go home. I felt ok this morning but after about 45minutes at work it hit me again. Just got up from a nap and the fever is back. Still can't really eat. So not pleased. I haven't left from work or missed a day of it for 2 1/2 years. School, yes, but that's different. You don't get paid to go to school. So now I'm moping around feeling very sorry for myself.

Waffling about

Mon, 22 May 2006 17:28:30 GMT

So today I have spent 95% of the day procrastinating revising for my Buddhism exam tomorrow morning. And, through all of that I'm managed to make myself tired enough to consider that studying would be too taxing and that sleep is really just better. I did manage to get laundry done and one of my two bags packed though. I am finding out that it's a daunting task to fit your entire room into two suitcases. They look so much bigger before you try and fill them up. Anyway, exams tomorrow and Wednesday.

Oh, and I have a new favorite British word that I am SO happy I've learned before I go back to the US. Namely "waffle". Not in the yummy Belgian kind coated in sugar and eatable. No, it is used in phrases like "to waffle about". It's come up a lot around exams and I guess for good reason. According to various online slang dictionaries it means to "take aimlessly" and in my dorm it seems to be used also in reference to aimless behavior or actions. No matter what though it's cool. I mean how many times do we really get to use the word 'waffle' except at breakfast? So much fun! Waffle, waffle, waffle!

Wheeeeeeee

Tue, 22 Nov 2005 11:48:15 GMT

This is a late update for going out on Sunday night. The whole story is quite long and now that I look back on it, very amusing. I had never done a pub crawl before, but now I know they are a ton of fun. Some of the stuff we did included trying to run a three legged race while drunk, having a boat race (which my team one, of course), purple haze, and generally running about. Most of the rowing team was there. Heh, I had this little incident with a bus stop...there was no glass in one of the pannels and I did not realize this until I was face down on the concrete. It is amusing now, but wasn't quite so much at the time. I don't think I will ever live that down.

Also, it's Tuesday, which means I am about to leave to go to the airport and pick up my mom. I can't really describe how totally excited I am about this. So, I'll be staying with her in a hotel for the next week and such.

Meme

Wed, 26 Oct 2005 22:10:19 GMT

My uncle: Greg.

When I was five: I got a duck.

High School was: awesome.

I once met: a tiger.

There’s this girl I know who: is the queen of procrastination.

Once, at a bar: I got drunk.

Last night: I hated computers.

If I only had: a brain!

Next time I go to church, I: will pray.

What worries me most: my friends.

When I turn my head left, I see: Am I actually supposed to turn my head left?

When I turn my head right, I see: right...Nic!

You know I’m lying when: people don't know when I'm lying.

What I miss most about the eighties: fragglerock.

If I was a character written by Shakespeare: Puck!

By this time next year: I'll have been to Belgium.

I have a hard time understanding: the scots.

If I ever go back to school I’ll: I have five more years left!

You know I like you if: I'm not mean to you.

If I won an award, the first person I’d thank would be: My mom.

Take my advice, never: is that one of those things?

My ideal breakfast is: grapes.

A song I love, but do not have is: Somebody's Hero.

If you visit my hometown, I suggest: you avoid the toxic catfish!

Tulips, character flaws, microchips & track stars: John Deere Tractors.

Why won’t anyone: smile at ducks.

If you spend the night at my house, don’t: ...I don't have a house!

I’d stop my wedding for: if it was raining jellybeans.

The world could do without: war!

My favorite blonde is: Keith Urban

Paper clips are more useful than: staples for making jewelry.

If I do anything well, it’s: make an idiot of myself!

And by the way: I'm the only one still dressed.

Public Service Announcement

Fri, 17 Jun 2005 02:46:32 GMT

Hey y'all. I'm too tired tonight to write anything worth reading except to say that starting next entry everything will be friends only cause I think I have everyone who reads this covered and the idea of having random people read all this is...well, disturbing a bit after some past comments. Let me know if there are any of you that read this that want to be added to the list, incase for some reason I accidently left any of y'all out when I was fiddling with lists. Cheers and g'night :)

Package!

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 20:59:47 GMT

I got home about ten minutes ago and there sitting on the counter was a box from Amazon with my name on it. I knew I hadn't ordered anything from there but it clicked after remembering Kat and my...uh, interesting conversation last night. Aaaaanyway, it's my b-day gifty from katfish! A DVD of Eddie Izzard who is like THE most hilarious man /ever/. I am so very excited to get home tonight and pop it in my computer to watch. So thank you thank you thank you, Kat! Love it!! You're awesome :D

Mandy's Quizy Thingy

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 03:29:47 GMT

I saw this and was amused as well. It's long so I did one of those cool skippy things that La taught me to do. :D So proud...Is hould go find a cookie.

( ) smoked a cigarette
( ) smoked a cigar
( ) smoked anything else
( ) kiss a member of the same sex
( ) crashed a friend's car
( ) stolen a car

( ) been in love
( ) been dumped
( ) shoplifted
(x) been fired
( ) been in a fist fight

( ) snuck out of parent's house
(x) had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
( ) been arrested
(x) made out with a stranger (well kinda)
(x) gone on a blind date

(x) lied to a friend
( ) had a crush on a teacher
(x) skipped school
( ) slept with a co-worker
(x) seen someone die

( ) had/have a crush on one of your MYSPACE friends
(x) been to Canada
(x) been to Mexico
(x) been on a plane
( ) thrown up in a bar

( ) purposely set a part of yourself on fire
(x) eaten Sushi
(x) been snowboarding
( ) met someone BECAUSE of myspace
( ) been moshing at a concert

(x) been in an abusive relationship
(x) taken painkillers
( ) love someone right now
(x) laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by
(x) made a snow angel

(x) had a tea party
(x) flown a kite
(x) built a sand castle(more like a sand lump)
(x) gone puddle jumping
(x) played dress up

(x) jumped into a pile of leaves
(x) gone sledding
( ) cheated while playing a game
(x) been lonely
(x) fallen asleep at work/school

( ) used a fake ID
(x) watched the sun set
(x) felt an earthquake
(x) touched a snake

(x) been tickled
( ) been robbed
( ) robbed someone
(x) been misunderstood
(x) pet a reindeer/goat

(x) won a contest
( ) ran a red light
( ) been suspended from school
( ) had detention
(x) been in a car accident

(x) had braces
(x) eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night
(x) had deja vu
( ) danced in the moonlight

(x) hated the way you look
( ) witnessed a crime
(x) pole danced
(x) questioned your heart
(x) been obsessed with post-it notes

(x) squished barefoot through the mud
(x) been lost
(x) been to the opposite side of the country
(x) swam in the ocean
(x) felt like dying

(x) cried yourself to sleep
(x) played cops and robbers
(x) recently colored with crayons/colored pencils/markers
(x) sung karaoke
( ) paid for gas with only coins

(x) done something you told yourself you wouldn't
( ) made prank phone calls
(x) laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(x) caught a snowflake on your tongue
( ) kissed in the rain

(x) written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) been kissed under a mistletoe
(x) watched the sun set with someone you care about
(x) blown bubbles
(x) made a bonfire on the beach

( ) crashed a party
( ) have traveled more than 5 days with a car full of people
(x) gone rollerskating/blading
(x) had a wish come true

(x) worn pearls
(x) jumped off a bridge
( ) screamed "penis" in class
( ) ate dog food
( ) told a complete stranger you loved them

(x) sang in the shower
(x) have a little black dress
( ) fucked in a park
( ) fucked in the bathroom
( ) had a dream that you married someone
(x) glued your hand to something

( ) got your tongue stuck to a pole
( ) kissed a fish
(x) worn the opposite sexes clothes
(x) been a cheerleader (coxswain count?)
(x) sat on a roof top

( ) had sex at a church
(x) screamed at the top of your lungs
( ) done a one-handed cartwheel
(x) talked on the phone for more than 6 hours
(x) stayed up all night

( ) didn't take a shower for a week
(x) picked and eaten an apple right off the tree
(x) climbed a tree
( ) had a tree house
(x) are scared to watch scary movies alone

( ) believe in ghosts
( ) have more then 30 pairs of shoes
(x) worn a really ugly outfit to school
( ) gone streaking
( ) played ding-dong-ditch

( ) played chicken
(x) been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on
(x) been told you're hot by a complete stranger
(x) broken a bone
(x) been easily amused(all the time)

(x) caught a fish then ate it
( ) made porn
(x) caught a butterfly
(x) laughed so hard you cried
(x) cried so hard you laughed

( ) slept naked
(x) French braided someone’s hair
( ) gone skinny dipping in a river
(x) been kicked out of your house

(x) tried to commit suicide
( ) tried to kill an animal
( ) thought of literally killing someone else

(x) ran away from home
(x) planned to run away for good

My driving skills....

Wed, 15 Jun 2005 02:08:10 GMT

Maps and directions do not account for people like me. Really, I knew I had a poor sense of direction but didn't realize I lacked it entirely. This summer might just be my undoing, but I ain't going down without one kickass fight that's for sure. Today I got lost in my car for a record of two hours, ending up 45minutes late to my MCAT class. And the funny part is that for the first 30minutes I had no clue that I was going the opposite direction till my radio station went out. So, I have thus decided that my sense of direction and ability to find my way around is somewhere equivalent to a blind frog whom lacks a left leg. See, I try really hard but just keep hopping around in circles. ;)

Mon, 13 Jun 2005 21:28:15 GMT

Just got home from the first day at work. Sadly this looks like the earliest I will be home, which sucks cause I'm going to miss the Notts peeps most nights. Tuesday and Thursday I won't get home till 9:30-10. The job is ok, but the pay is good so that is the more important part anyway. The MCAT class ends in mid August and the job ends the last week of August so I'll have some time to actually relax before going to school :)

In other news, this driving thing has been interesting. I seem to be a little more erratic when I drive alone which can be interesting at times, let me tell you. Got lost /again/ on the way home today, though not nearly as bad as yesterday. This time it was another route so at least I have an excuse.

Now the question for the day (and I really would like y'all's thoughts on this):
Under what circumstances do you think it is alright to hide something from others if it poses no harm to anyone else?

No real reason just wondering morally, ethically, ect. The topic was brought up today during work.

Mon, 13 Jun 2005 03:58:53 GMT

Ever have a day like this?
Let's just say I now carry a detailed map and jumper cables in my car.

Moving Out

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 19:49:33 GMT

Finally I've answered the rest of those survey-type things. Since it was so long ago, I'll remind you of the date: June 3rd. So yay for that!

Today I move out and move into my dad's house where I will stay for the summer. I didn't realize I have so much stuff. :P Ohhh boy, should be an interesting move. But it'll be nice to work on trying to customize my room and to be out of the city for a little. I also will get my car tonight. Won't be able to drive it tonight but I will tomorrow!! :D

Last night was a bit rough, I ran out of my meds and had quite a few seizures so I'm all grouchy, sore and tired today. But at least I know now that they really help, especially the one. It'll all be better after sleeping tonight plus I already have meds waiting at my dad's house. So not that big of a deal just an inconvience.

Four grades have trickled in and so far all A's which is so amazing cause this is what I needed to show that last term was just a fluke. So far all the work has paid off and though I was stressed during the term it is a huge confidence booster to know that I can still do it. I was nervous that I had lost my academic ability but even if I get a C in Biochem I'll still be very pleased with this term. So many people believed in my like Katfish, Mandy, La, and Jacob. And right now I am so thankful that they saw what I couldn't but maybe (without sounding too full of myself) that I am starting to see it too.

Lab Report

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 22:41:51 GMT

Ok, so you all know how much time I spent working on that horrible terrible Biochem lab report. Well, it was all worth it. Today my friend in my lab group forwarded me this message. I cannot believe it! So, thus, I have to share. :D Now, keep in mind we made up about 80% of the data based on nothing but reasoning and guessing. I think this is a true example of how college is all about getting a BS in BS. ;)

hey Raina,

You and your group did a great job with the final report, getting 34/35.

PO
Peter Oelkers, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology
Drexel University

My Car

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 17:40:11 GMT

Just for all of you who don't know, tomorrow I get my car. I'll have it for the summer and am most excited. Here is a picture of it but mine is bright red, I think. ;)

Now, back to packing as fast as I can.

Cheers

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 06:14:10 GMT

Today has been awesome!

First off I have offically survived the term! Had my biochem final today and I actually feel alright about it. It is so amazing to be here and have nothing due. I have survived two years of college and will be studying abroad next year! WOW, how lucky am I?! So, all I need to do is pack now and chill some.

A few of my friends and I went to dinner to celebrate the fact that we survived biochem at this cool little mexican place on Penn's campus. Then we got some bubble tea which was fun as well. The sun was positivly shining down on us all day in like celebration with us.

Atop all this, two of my friends sent me to the moon today with happiness. Thanks so much to duinlas and </a>kittenista for being two totally awesome friends and overall great people. I can honestly say that you two rock and really made my day so wonderfully complete and bright!!

BTW: I LOVE this song:

Seasons of Love

525,600 minutes.
525,000 moments so dear.
525,600 minutes- how do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In 525,600 minutes- how do you measure a year in the life?
How about love? How about love? How about love?
Measure in love.
Seasons of love.
Seasons of love.

525,600 minutes!
525,000 journeys to plan.
525,600 minutes - how can you measure the life of a woman or man?

In truths that she learned, or in times that he cried?
In bridges he burned, or the way that she died?

It's time now to sing out, although it's not the end.
To celebrate, remember a year in the life of a friend.
Remember the love! Remember the love! Remember the love!
Measure in love.
Seasons of love!
Seasons of love.
</a></b></a>

I want to be a gecko

Wed, 08 Jun 2005 06:52:19 GMT

After spending a great deal of time calculating amounts of ATP produced by certain molecules...one is left to wonder why on earth these things are named as they are. Really, 90% of the stuff is unable to be pronounced much less has any logic behind it at all. So, in my biochemistry crazed mind I thought it would be fun to look up some of the oddest names of actual molecules. And, amazingly enough there are websites devoted to such. My favorties are ones like Erotic Acid or Moronic Acid. There are, of course, genes with similar names like the Sonic Hegehog gene and such.

Now, finishing up the random thoughts for the night...during my group study I solved my quandry about what I wish to be when I grow up. Yes, finally I have a purpose! I want to be a gecko. The logic behind this is long and complex so I won't bore you...but I am most excited so I wished to share. Have a fab night!

Sun, 05 Jun 2005 04:20:20 GMT

Chris graduated today. It was an alright ceremony. They had two of the kids sing this song at the beginning, it was beautiful...wonderful voices. I'm very proud of my little brother. Dinner was ok, all raw fish and stuff so I just mostly talked to people and drank coke. My friend, mom, and I went to see the new movie Madagasgar (sp?). It was a really funny movie and I enjoyed it a lot. Going back home tomorrow, glad in a way...but I'll explain that in another post. So, overall, the graduation was good and now back to the books.

End of Spring Term!!!

Fri, 03 Jun 2005 16:19:32 GMT

Today is Friday which is so very awesome! You know why? This marks the end of classes and I turned in my lab report this morning! Such is cause for major celebration. :D Just the Biochem final left and then the sweet sweet summer!

Leaving for TN in about an hour. Should be a good weekend, all packed and ready to go so feeling very much accomplished. Room is clean, laundry is done, and all my projects are finished. Amazing how great the relief feels.

Another happy thing: I bought tickets last night for going to the UK in September!!! Whoohoo! I'll be arriving on the 9th (to /hopefully/ chill with Kat and Donna). Then fly up to Aberdeen on like the 18th/19th or somewhere in that range.

Oh and this thing with songs:

1. Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Greenday
2. Pickin Wildflowers by Keith Anderson
3. That's the Way it Goes by JoDee Messina
4. The Middle by Jimmy Eat World
5. One Thing by Finger Eleven

Aaaaand....

01. reply with your name and I will write something i like about you.
02. i will then tell what song/movie/icon reminds me of you.
03. if i were to apply an o'clock to you, i'll tell you what it would be.
04. i will try to name a single word that best describes you.
05. i'll tell you the most memorable moment i've had with you.
06. i will tell you what animal you remind me of.
07. i'll then tell you something that i've always wondered about you.
08. put this in your journal.

That Damn Library

Thu, 02 Jun 2005 05:51:10 GMT

Haven't been around much. Just got home from the library and it's 1:45am...yesterday till 2am (yes, over 12 hours in two days). My lab mates came up to me last night and said "Oh, um, we have some bad news. We forgot to run 8 of the assays for protein quant (which the ENTIRE lab is based on). Sooo, we're going to need to make up the data. Can you do that?" So, these past two night have been interesting though oddly fun in that we are insane together and basically make a rukus and get into trouble. How can you go wrong with that? Tomorrow is the big painting presentation. Heh, but I am completely sick right now so hoping the voice will hold through the presentation. I have hope :)

Aaaanyway, two more days of classes left!! Whoohoo! Very close, can see the finish line. It'll be really awesome to hit the summer time. However, going off to sleep for now. Wish me luck tomorrow. ;)

Cheers!