Sunday, January 13, 2008

Can you hold on a second, I'm on my hamburger phone...

This weekend, I went with a group of friends to see the movie Juno. I absolutely loved it! The character of Juno was defintely unusual and quirky...but in a way that made you want to be exactly like her. She was effortlessly cool and her dry sense of humor had me continuously laughing out loud. Also, I loved Allison Janney as Juno's dog-obsessed stepmom...which is unusual because I'm usually not a fan of hers. When I got back from the movie, I bought the soundtrack for it because I really liked the music featured in it. And I cannot wait until this movie comes out on dvd..I actually would not mind going to the theater and seeing it again!

I also went out to lunch with my friend Courtney. We hadn't really had a chance to hang out since we got back from break so we figured we'd go to Olive Garden and catch up. It was a really nice afternoon. We exchanged Christmas gifts..and along with my gift, she wrote a letter...it was some of the nicest things anyone has ever said about me. I'm so thankful to have Courtney as a friend because she is one of those genuine people...she's always been there for me, no matter what. And I know that even after we graduate from college and go our separate ways, I can always count on her if I need help.

Other than that, nothing too exciting going on. Just did the usual Sunday things...grocery shopping and such. And now I'm off to read for a little bit!

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Tales from the Bed: A Memoir

So I finished my second book of the year. "Tales from the Bed" by Jenifer Estess. I really loved this book, and found myself thinking about it long after I had finished reading it. I wrote a review of the book for goodreads.com, so I figured I'd just crosspost it over here!

What a wonderful and amazing, yet incredibly sad and tragic book. Before even reading it, I knew how the end would go...anyone who knows about ALS knows what the end result is..yet as I kept reading I would think "No, there has GOT to be way she gets out of the this." I also found myself almost not wanting to get to the end of the book because I knew that then the story would be over. I wanted it to keep going.

The courage Jenifer Estess exhibited throughout the course of the book was amazing. I wish I could say I would have the same courage if I was faced with the same situation...in fact,I wish I could have just half the courage she showed. She also had a killer sense of humor that made me laugh out loud many times. While Jenifer was definitely the main focus of the book, several other supporting people played an important role. Her sisters were always there for her, and the bond they had was unbreakable. I find their continued work with Project ALS to be incredibly inspiring.

I'd like to close with a quote from Ben Stiller that describes the book better than I ever could: "Jenifer Estess writes with such humor and honesty that you feel as if you know her. Her story is one that we all look at and think, What would I do in her situation? To read this story is not only to be inspired, it literally makes you see the world around you differently." I really really really recommend this book to anyone. While it is sad (its the first book that made me cry in a long time), it is also very inspiring and beautiful

So what are you waiting for?? READ this book!

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Back to school...back to school...

So its day two of second semester and the homework is already piling up. Oh well, such is the life of a college student I suppose. My first impression of my classes? They're all going to be a lot of work, however, I don't think I'm really going to mind doing all the work because the classes all seem very interesting. I'm finally starting to get into topics that are of interest to me...finally I'm done with plant biology and ecology and I'm moving on to things like genetics and physiology (no offense to anyone who loves ecology--its just not my thing!)The only thing I'm really dreading is chemistry lab. Although that is something I dread every year so it really isn't anything new!

Everything with the diabetes has been going well. I had to call Jana, one of the nurses at the diabetes education center in my hometown, yesterday because in the mornings I've been having really low readings. So she adjusted one of my insulin doses and everything has been great since. I really really like Jana and I trust her completely in overseeing my care...and really, trust is one of the most important things in matters concerning a person's health. Plus, it was really nice to talk to her because she is incredibly funny.

Also, I've managed to finish my first book of the new year. I finished No Lifeguard on Duty by Janice Dickinson. Now I know there are a lot of Janice haters out there...but I find her completely fascinating. And considering what she went through growing up, I think she turned out pretty well. Yes, she's crude...blunt...and curses like a sailor...but she is also hilarious. And I found her life story to be incredibly interesting. I really want to read her other book now!

Ahhh...so many books, so little time!

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

The obligatory introduction post

So I should start out by saying that this is not my first attempt at blogging. I've had a blog before but for one reason or another (well actually for a multitude of reasons..), it has been inactive for quite some time and I feel as though I need a fresh start at a new place, so here I am!

Currently, I'm a sophomore in college...I'm a biology major (chemistry and psychology minor)..and yup, you guessed it, I'm premed. So, the majority of my postings will probably have something to do with my life as a student. Also, over this past Christmas break, I was diagnosed with type I diabetes, which was quite a lifestyle change. But I've been trying to keep a positive attitude about it, and this blog will be helpful in venting my frustrations and challenges.

Other than that, I'm your normal twenty year-old girl...I watch too much TV (ER, Grey's Anatomy, Gilmore girls, Third Watch, and NewsRadio are among my favorites), stay up too late, and I love being with my family and friends. I read as much as possible, so a lot of my postings will probably be about the books I'm reading. And, when I'm not at school, I work as a nanny for a lovely family...they have two little girls, ages 6 and 10...and I cherish every moment I get to spend with them.

Alright...I've babbled on enough for now! More personal details will no doubt be revealed as I continue posting here!