Yea, so, my job pretty much rocks. I work at a local pediatricians office on most days (because that is where the kids are that I need to recruit for the study) and all hell is breaking lose with the swine flu! It's really fascinating to me, as a Public Health professional who's area of 'expertise' is in infectious diseases. Sure, the swine flu isn't anything to mess with- it is clear that people are dying due to this strain, but every year thousands and thousands of people die from strains of flu. A lot of it is Media Hype. I think people have this undying fear of the end of the world- and when things like this happen, people go nuts! I have seen tons people driving and walking around with masks on. The reality is, the virus is so incredibly tiny it can easily slide through most of those masks. I guess its for more peace of mind than anything else... But anyway, there are a few confirmed cases here at the office and it's just interesting to see not only how the parents and patients react (one straight up cried and had a breakdown when she found out her kid had it) but also how the health professionals i.e. the nurses, the NP's, and even the pediatricians are responding. I have seen them try to organize meetings with each other to understand what their protocol will be when they do discover an H1N1 positive patient. I mean, I guess that's a good thing, but this has been going on for weeks and they are just now getting shit done. It's strange to me...as an outsider working here, how it all operates. This is the FRONT LINE! Oh geez.

Anyway, in other news. I leave for Arizona tomorrow night to see e:lilho. I am so freakin excited! We are doing spa time, staying in a sweet resort with a lazy river, going to do some shopping and just rest and relax with one of the coolest chicks I know. I am quite excited. A few days away from Buffalo will be great too...

well, I am coming to a close of my first week here at children's hospital, and I can honestly say that my job is pretty awesome, and I am thankful that I have it.

Things are good right now- I get to have tomorrow off because I already worked 40 hours this week, so that's pretty nice in it of itself. I am going to take my car for a long over due oil change and stuff...then I am going to relax and be the puppies all day.

So, my mom left for Outer Banks, NC today. I have my little bros for the weekend, which is kinda cool. Morgan and I are taking them to Darien Lake on saturday and then Allentown Art Festival on sunday. I am definitely looking forward to an awesome weekend with 3 of my favorite men.

I am so tired. I have been getting up so early because my job starts much earlier than my last one, and it's seriously taking a toll on me, that's why I am so thankful that I have tomorrow off. I think I require a lot more sleep than the average person, and I haven't been getting what I need. It's an adjustment period...

Today I got my badge for the hospital, I look awful in my picture. And I am not saying that because I am a woman and that's what we say...I am saying that because I seriously do look awful...but I am not the worlds most photogenic person, and of course, this is one photo that I physically have to wear every day, and the security dude wouldn't retake it for me bummer.

This is a random question, but my ob/gyn is retiring. I have never had anyone else other than her, and now I have been searching for a new one for a few weeks...I can't seem to find one that I am sold on quite yet. So my question is for you ladies on here- do you guys have any recommendations for great ob/gyn's here in the metro area? My only requirement is that it's a lady. I don't think I could handle a man down there- it's a stressful enough situation as it is, so lets just keep it simple and have a lady. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks it for now...hope all is well with all e:peeps!

Well, folks, I think the beginning of something good may have started as I hit rock bottom. Isn't that how it usually works out? So, last thursday i was devastated when i was told that I was getting laid off. I was so distraught about the whole situation...that I seriously thought I had to go on unemployment. Friday morning I realized that I still didn't have a New York drivers license, which would be needed to get unemployment, so I went to the DMV to surrender my Nevada License and get my new york one. Of course, while I was there, I got a phone call...

...it was Children's Hospital! And they offered me the job!!! How random is that?! I was standing in line to prepare myself to collect unemployment, and in the matter of seconds the course of my life had changed drastically- I nearly passed out I was so happy.

I spent all weekend thinking about this new opportunity. How it very well will change my life, and I am so grateful to have this opportunity. Not only do I not have to worry about my career because this is just what I needed to get my foot in the field, but it couldn't have come at a better time.

As you all know who have read my last posts, I have been incredibly down about my current job, not that it's a horrible place by any means... well, I am not going to shit on the company, but it's time I move on.

So, with that being said, everything is in it's right place at the moment. I am looking forward to the new doors that are opening, and I am so grateful for everything that I can look forward to!

so, yesterday I had to sign a 'contract' for a lay off plan. My proposed last day here is July 17th. I kinda had a nervous breakdown last night. I have no idea what I am going to do...

but thankfully my mom is amazing, and after I lost my shit and calmed down a tad bit, I took a walk with the dogs and my mom in the rain... it was a good walk. I think I just need to come to terms with the fact that I am getting laid off, I don't have anything lined up despite how I am looking, following up and applying every single day. To be honest, it's maybe the best thing for me- I am not very stable recently, partly due to working in such a horrendous work environment with very unhealthy people... I may have to collect unemployment, work a part time job, and go back to school yet again, but so be it.

I don't know. I definitely wish I could catch a break. But I keep trying to tell myself that it isn't me- it's just bad timing, for sure. A few months off to figure my life out is kind of a nice idea, but getting laid off is so incredibly scary.

Hold on tight- it's going to be a rough ride.

I have to say, regardless of how crappy things are, when weather is like this, you can't help but be happy and smiley. I want to go to Mississippi Mudds for an ice cream cone tonight. Best ever!!!

So, I consulted an attorney about my last post- basically, they are 'perceiving' a disability, and that's really the only legal clout I have... and it's not really a strong case. There are a ton of laws against age, gender, race, etc...but weight is a strange case. I don't think I am goign to persue it, but I am going to file a serious complaint with the HR department.

Anyway, I know I am not fat. Of course, I could lose 10 lbs and be awesome, but I don't really feel like it, so fuck them. Seriously. I am awesome and if they don't want an awesome researcher who will bust her ass for a cause that I care for, then I will just continue my search... everything happens for a reason. But what concerns me is that even AFTER they first ruled me out, they called me again. Why? If they didn't think I was a good fit. I just don't get any of this. WHATEVS.

On a side note. I love Radiohead so much. I am at work, and I have my radiohead playlist on, and nothing really beats them. Nothing comes close. They are so fucking unbelievable it makes me sick sometimes.

Speaking of being fat, I just ate mighty taco and I feel like hell. I shouldn't have eaten that. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Anyone have awesome holiday weekend plans? its forcasting beautiful!