Mr. Grumpy Gills

Lately, I've been just plain cranky. My mouth has been bad and my attitude has been horrible. Poor Kristine and J has had to deal with the brunt of it. I blame it completely on stress from school.

I made the mistake of taking another class besides Anatomy & Physiology this semester. Some people can handle taking classes with A&P, I however cannot. I feel like I am constantly doing homework, studying for a test or lab test. I don't get a day's rest in between.

It usually happens every semester about half-way through, I start to lose motivation. I start to hate school. I start to care less about an education and it's just because I'm so burnt out from my classes. That time is now. I'm exhausted!

Anatomy is a hard class. It's a lot of memorization and I think my stress is multiplied when my professor only teaches half the time. He started off the semester cussing something fierce. He stopped doing that for a short time, but now he seems to be back at it again. On top of only half teaching Anatomy, he's wasted my class time by watching videos on YouTube like UFC Fighting, Bon Jovi, the world's biggest zit, etc. He starts to teach, but then goes off to a whole different subject. He always has a story to tell us, 90% of the time it has NOTHING to do with this Anatomy class that is costing me about $700.

This past Tuesday, I came very close to just walking out of his class. Because apparently watching two Bon Jovi videos wasn't enough, we had to watch some Aerosmith as well, 25 minutes after class was supposed to start, he decided to teach. Ultimately all this teaching he's doing (or lack of) is really affecting me. I know I can learn this stuff, but I need a little guidance along the way from a professor.

I'm seriously at my wit's end right now with him and I'm dreading going to class. It's a test night, normally on test nights, we take the test and we get to leave. Not so much in this class. He does not give us the test until he's told us at least two very long stories that once again have nothing to do with anything. He gives us the test, proceeds to talk through most of it. Oh and let's not even begin on the subject of how offensive he is or how he talks about people in the class and mocks them.

Annoying.

Annoying.

Annoying.

At the end of the semester, we fill out evaluations on the professor. Yes, he may look good on paper, but does that mean he is capable of teaching a 200 level biology class.

Sorry, I needed to vent. I feel a smidgen better. I just have to try and not let it bother me. Strive for my good grades and never look back.

Whoa, hold onto your hats folks...

This is an actual update! I remember the days of blogging where I used to blog every other day. Sometimes it was thoughtful posts, sometimes it was an update as to what is happening in my life, and sometimes it was just a post of pictures I had taken. But somewhere along the way, I lost the want to blog. I have recently been wanting to blog again. I remembered last week that Heather and I agreed that when I pass, this blog as well as my private one are going to be put together into a memoir of sorts. So, I should keep up on the blogs. Even if it's an update like this one. Beware folks, it will probably be long. :)

It's very early (5 a.m.). I was just laying in bed and decided to actually get up and blog. Okay, here's the update in my favorite form of posting, bullet points.

• School has officially started and I have to admit, I started studying for my Anatomy & Physiology class a few days before school even started. I know, I am a total NERD. However, this is my 2nd time taking this class. I need to buckle down and ensure I actually pass it this time. I feel refreshed and ready to get back into the swing of things. I feel more confident about this class, maybe it's because I have taken it before? This is the first time my professor has taught BIO201 and the second he said that, I started stressing. And although every teacher needs to have a chance teaching their first class and he seems to know his stuff, he cusses like an absolute sailor. Which I am struggling with. I will tough it out and keep this class, I'm not dropping it. However, it's very unprofessional and downright disturbing that this man can't hold a conversation without cussing. I am also taking Nutrition, that doesn't start till next week.
• I always say that I will be 90 when I finally get a degree in nursing. But I sat down last week and looked at my classes that I still need to take. And if I am reading this correctly, I only have 2 classes left to take before I can apply for the nursing program. The other two classes I have can be taken while I am on the wait list. I got a renewed sense of energy when I saw that. I might see a light of taking pre-requisites classes in my vision. I am going to run to school tomorrow and talk to a counselor just to ensure I am understanding that correctly.
• Speaking of being a nurse. I would love to work at a hospital, even I don't have a nursing degree yet, working in a hospital would be something that I would love. And if I work at a hospital, they generally have a nursing program for their employees. From what I have heard from hospital employees, the nursing program wait list is usually shorter. I am not 100% sure, but the door to the medical field and getting into a hospital nursing program may be creaking open. Last week I received a phone call from a guy who used to work at my office. He called to ask me a question about something with AHCCCS, but said he had been thinking of me lately and wanted to see how I was doing. He asked me about school and remembered I was doing nursing. He proceeds to tell me that a few months ago, he was hired as the head over Admissions at Phoenix Baptist Hospital and they have a nursing program. And he also says very casually that if anyone applied for a position at the hospital, he has quite a bit of pull and could probably get them a job. Do you see where this is going? I am praying about it, thinking about having lunch with him to get questions answered. I did look at the site, they are hiring for a few things I am qualified for. But I am honestly scared about leaving my current job. We all know the economy is not good and I am very thankful I have a job. But, there is no room for advancement in my company and no raises. It's not about the money, but when the cost of living goes up every year, as well as our health insurance, it makes it difficult to live. I am afraid to leave and go to a new job where I will be the "low man on the totem pole" and I could be laid off. I am not one for change and I'm perfectly content where I am. But I also know that this could be the opportunity I need to help me advance in my education. If you think about it, could you please pray for me and this situation? I know God will provide the way, but I am scared to step out of my AHCCCS box.
• So, most people know this, but I will officially put the word out there. I am officially retiring from pet-sitting. Okay, I don't suppose I am fully retiring, but I am only keeping a few of my clients that I have had forever. I will no longer be taking any new clients/jobs. I have been doing this for 7 years and I'm tired. I can't begin to explain the miles I have put on my car in the 2 years since I have had it just from pet-sitting alone. It's difficult because of my school schedule to ensure I tend to animals as well. Almost 2 months ago, my friend was attacked by a dog. She was bitten pretty bad and I actually had to take her to the emergency room. But a few weeks ago, I was bitten as well. It was a small bite and didn't leave a mark. But it could of been worse. And after seeing everything my friend went through with the attack and the healing process and then me being bitten, it was when I decided I was done with pet-sitting. My few clients that I do have usually only need me in the summers, so I will keep them because I have pet-sit for them for 2 years or more. I have made commitments this month that I scheduled before I made this decision. I will do these jobs and then be done with it until next summer when my regulars need me. I will eventually retire all together, because when I get out on my own, I want to get a dog of my own. Then the pet-sitter will need a pet-sitter for when I go out of town.

Okay, I could write more. But I shall depart you for now. I need coffee!

Quote of the day: "Our lives improve only when we take chances and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves." ~Walter Anderson

Actual update

*Gasp* What is this? Is this an actual update? I haven't wrote a "happenings in my life" post in a long time. I decided today to do my bullet points to update.

• I am in the process of moving all my blogs from Xanga to Blogger. It's taking me forever. I try to do a little every day. There are a lot of posts, that is for sure. It's literally moving four years of my life here. I just don't want to keep Xanga anymore, but I can't just delete the account. I have to move the posts first. But closing Xanga will be one less thing I have to check. It seems as though lately I have been all about simplifying my life. Closing two email accounts, starting fresh with just one. It's nice only checking one email. I deleted my Myspace account, I really wasn't using it. I have not missed it at all.
• I am in a Bible study right now with 10 wonderful women. We are studying Captivating. We just started, but I can see that we are going to be bonding and the questions are really making me think. I am enjoying it.
• I have been diligent about walking lately. I do 4 miles about three times week. Which equals 12 miles a week. The little things matter, like parking farther away than normal at a store, choosing the stairs instead of the elevator. My roomie finally bought the Wii. It's just so expensive, but it's definitely been a good investment. Everyday, I just hit 120 baseballs. I'm getting better, but it kicks my butt all over the place when I play. I get quite the workout just from swinging at the balls. I noticed yesterday that my stomach was getting smaller. Hello weight loss! So between the Wii, walking and the little things, my clothes are starting to get big on me. That makes me crazy excited.
• Although my apartment is very clean, I have officially ghetto-fied it. In the living room, we have thermal curtains. They are meant to keep the heat out. They do help, but we have a big patio door (our apartment faces the west) where a lot of heat comes in. I am in the process of putting a blanket up covering the patio door. I already put one up in my room and will work on putting the other one today or tomorrow. I don't care what it looks like, it will help to keep it cool in the apartment. It gets really hot in our living/dining room.
• I am going to take a second stab at Anatomy & Physiology in the fall semester. I need to take it again, and I need to pass the class. My friend, Philip, said he would help me get through A&P this coming semester. That's a good thing, I need all the help I can get. :)

That's all I have for today. Have a great weekend! Happy Mother's Day!

Quote of the day: "How is the life you're living NOW impacting others?" From my Captivating study guide

My big, fat D

Every semester in school, I keep track of my grades. I always have. So, I can tell you up to the minute what I'm getting in the class. This semester was no exception in my Anatomy and & Physiology class. The entire semester, I averaged about a 67%. I was hoping that at the end, my professor would have a little grace on me and bump me up to a "C". But I knew deep down, he wouldn't. A few days ago, I logged in online to check my grade for the class. And there it was....

My big, fat "D". Oh it wasn't even a little "d", it was big and even bolded. Blasted! Do you know when the last time I got a "D" in a class was? Jr. High! Memo: that was a long time ago, by the way! My grandmother was very strict with me and usually punished me if I got anything under a "B". So, she forced me to excel in classes.

I am a firm believer that the professor can make or break a class. This professor broke the class. But I can't blame the fact that I got a D in the class solely on him. I did study hard, but towards the end of the semester, I pretty much gave up. I would get the same grade whether I studied or not. I had a lot of personal things going on that really made it difficult to study as well. Either way, I'm mad at myself for the grade I received. Oh well, I will take it again after I get settled from moving. And it's like J said, I'll do better next time.

I have to finish up my Christmas shopping today. Nothing, like waiting till the last minute, huh? I don't normally shop last minute, but times have been tough and the money has not been there. I just have to get my roomie's present and what she wants is not difficult to find. I am housesitting for my friend Julie right now. Her house is all decked out for Christmas. There is Christmas in every room. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I was smiling to myself as I looked at all her decorations. As long as I stay away from the tree, it's a real one, I'll be fine. Because folks, I found out that I'm allergic to the real thing. I can be around it, just can't touch them.

On a side note: I love Jason Mraz and his music. One of my favorite songs right now is "I'm Yours". It's such a catchy tune and I find myself singing and tapping my foot every time I hear the song. Too bad I don't have anyone to sing it to. :P

I miss sleep. Sleep is a word that is no longer in my vocabulary.

Have a fantastic day!

B to tha Squared

Quote of the day: "You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try." ~Beverly Sills

Scripture of the day: "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed." ~Psalm 112:1-2

Happy Wednesday!

School gets out in a few weeks. I can't wait. My Anatomy & Physiology class is BRUTAL! Oh man, seriously it's just bad. I'm opting for this to be my last semester for awhile. I know I'm close to applying for the nursing program (which is a 2 year wait list), but I'm going to take a break from school until I move. In all honesty, my mind hasn't been in school this semester. I've been dealing with some personal stuff that has really made if difficult to concentrate. So, with the class being extremely difficult and my mind not being there, it's made for a really tough semester. Probably the toughest ever.

I applied for a job at Target, to start in January. It would just be part time, but it would help me to pay off the small amount of credit card debt that I have, which by the way is under $1,000! Hopefully, I'll get hired and the discount would be sweet, sweet, sweet. I *heart* Target! I also got a phone call yesterday from a client of mine in regards to pet-sitting for 2009. She's got me lined up for 4 different jobs, starting in January. Sweet, extra money is so nice! And this dog is so good, she has never caused me any issues.

I opted not to go out on Black Friday, but did make a purchase. And it wasn't even a purchase for someone else. it was a purchase for little ol' me. I've decided that it was time to move into 2009 and get a nice phone. I called Verizon on Black Friday to get a new phone. Normally, when I get a new phone, I will just get a cheap one, but this time I decided to get a nice phone. Verizon has been enticing me to get a new phone, sending me all these catalogs, so I finally gave in. I gave into this:

*Giggle* It's really pretty. This is the LG Voyager. I was going to get the En-V, but after going to Verizon and looking at both phones, I decided that I like this one better. My doorbell rang yesterday and I looked at the cat and whispered, "It's here." I almost killed myself running down the stairs to answer the door. Even Jason was impressed with my selection on the phone. Now, if I impressed him, I did good! He's not easy to impress! I'm actually hip, welcome to 2009, Brandy.

Okay, that's all I have for now. I have to get off here and start work.

One more thing....

Who has the cutest great niece in the ENTIRE world? *Jumps up and waves both hands* Ummmm...that would totally be me. Look how CUTE!

Oh I miss that little girl. It's time for a California trip!

Have a great day!

Bran

Quote of the day: "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." ~Unknown

Scripture of the day: Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." ~John 6:35

Oh my head!

So, tonight in class we started studying the bones in the skull. My teacher decided to start this at 8:20. He said himself, that the bones in the skull are the hardest to learn. So, what does he do? He decides to start talking about this 10 minutes before class got out. He honestly went through 27 pages of notes in 10 minutes.

Yeah, he covered all of that in just about 10 minutes. And that's just the skull! Granted it's different views, so some bones are repeated, but it's still a lot to study. Now, I will admit to being a geek and I study hard, get good grades, but I'm really scared I'm not going to pass this class. I don't normally complain about teachers, but this teacher is horrible. He's the worst professer I have ever had. He literally reads from his notes the entire time, doesn't have us look in the book, doesn't call on anyone. He went through this stuff so quickly, I almost started crying from the overwhelming feeling. He goes through this and says, "most of this stuff is just stuff for you to study". Excuse me? I'm not paying $700 for this ONE class for me to teach myself everything, and you teach me absolutely NOTHING. I'm really afraid I will have to take this class over. It is a lot to learn, but when your professor is not the best, it really makes the class just dreadful.

On another note about my class, there is this guy I sit next to in lab and lecture. He is constantly chewing on his pen, pencil, bottle cap. And he's my age, in his thirties. Now, as a professed germophobe, when I glance over at him and seem him chewing on his pen, my stomach turns and I want to shove a Clorox Wipe (LOVE THOSE) at him. Gah! He really grosses me out. Especially in lab. The professor always tells us to wash our hands before and after lab as well as disenfecting our work area when we come in and when we leave. Because the class before us works on actual specimans and we can't trust them to clean off the areas. Oh just the thought of him sticking anything in his mouth makes my skin crawl. *Shivers*

So, there's my fancy smancy update. :D Kristine just texted me to say I have a present coming in the mail. Hooray! *Falls off chair in excitement* I love presents, especially when they are unexpected.

Oh and one more thing, go to Jason's page and click on the second video. It got me all pumped and excited. Woot, woot! Go Blazers! www.xanga.com/jshox

And I think that's it for now, I must get back to teaching myself the bones in the skull.

I'm out like a broken lightbulb!

Quote of the day: "Tell a man there are 300 billion stars in the universe and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint on it and he'll have to touch it to be sure." ~Murphy's Law

P.S. Thank you for your prayers on my previous post. I am doing better! I am feeling back to myself, which is always good. "It's all because of Jesus I'm alive..."