The Vietnam War

Many people don't know what they want to do with their lives. I was lucky.

When I was a junior in high school I was studying the Vietnam War in my Civics class. One day my teacher showed us a short documentary-like film about the war, which seemed more like a happy recruitment film than an educational video, because it basically was a montage of smiling soldiers and helicopters set to super-American upbeat 60s/70s tunes like CCR's "Fortunate Son" and The Rolling Stone's "Gimme Shelter."

One scene I can still picture in my head showed a bunch of pretty nurses taking care of attractive young wounded soldiers, and it really resonated with me. I went home that day and told my parents that I wanted to be a nurse (in the army to be exact).


I never ended up joining ROTC, and I don't think I will ever enlist, but the thought is always in the back of my mind.

What's stuck in my head:
CCR - Fortunate Son by cecilen

Math

After work yesterday some staff members had a snowball fight on the roof of city museum. There was a fire, beer and a 20 ft tall slide close to a 90 degree angle to sled down.


After a couple hours the cold got to us despite the beer and fire, so a couple of us headed out to the Bleeding Deacon, where we had a few more drinks.

I ended up going home at a decent hour because I had class in the morning so I took a shower and got in bed when I realized I had to complete a take-home math test about calculating proper medication dosages and turn it in no later than 8am...

Now, I don't mind math because it's logical, and logic makes sense. For the most part I can handle questions like this with a clear mind:

A 13 kg. child is admitted for meningitis. This child has a temperature of 103.4. She is going to receive p.o. acetaminophen to treat the fever. If the dosage range for acetaminophen is 10-15 mg/kg per dose q 4-6 hours, and the orders state “Tylenol, 160 mg po q 4-6 hr prn for temperatures above 101." What volume of acetaminophen elixir will the nurse administer?

Now, drink 6 beers and then try and figure this out.

It was a rough morning.


What's stuck in my head:

The Go! Team- "Ready To Go Steady"
The Go! Team - Ready to Go Steady by thegoteam

Let's try this again

Basically I'm going to use this as an e-journal or diary, if you wish, nobody reads this anyways. I haven't even posted anything in 2 years.

I work at City Museum in Saint Louis, MO, and for those who don't know it, it's an amazing establishment I would describe as some sort of cross between a giant jungle gym and alice and wonderland.

I'm also a nursing student at Saint Louis University (SLUSON, affectionately). Today I started my clinical rotation at a health clinic in Carondolet, MO. I'm kind of nervous, because we're going to be going by ourselves, on home visits and assessing and caring for both pre and post-natal women and their babies...and I feel underqualified. We're armed with only a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, tape measure, hand sanitizer, gloves and our scrubs.



I feel kind of like when I was a kid and given one of those toolboxes filled with plastic medical supplies. I guess you have to start somewhere!



What's stuck in my head:
Kanye West f. Dwele, “Power” MP3

You're naked... Sorry does that offend you? No. No. No it's cool!

I absolutely love Skins. (my adoration possibly borders on obsession. but it's cool.) Freddie is so gorgeous. Series 3 has finally started (last thursday)! So far it has some promise...it just could never be as good as Series 1&2, and the cast can never compare to the original cast.
This show makes me want to live in England so I can go to Skins parties.

Skins Secret Party from Season 1: quite possibly the most amazing clip from Skins.


-care

Da Mighty Marshmallow

http://llamabutchers.mu.nu/archives/hugo%20chavez%20staypuft%20marshmallow%20man.jpg

Top Ten Albums Of 2008!

10.) Intimacy- Bloc Party

The third album following two successful releases from this UK based alternative indie band does not live up to its precursors but is still somewhat satisfying to listeners. The songs collectively are not as upbeat as previous songs. However, it is a good album to listen to before you go to bed.
Favorite song- Better Than Heaven

9.) 21- Mystery Jets

The second studio album of Eel Pie Islands indie rock band is a bit of a mixed bag. While songs such as Two Doors Down and Young Love are some of the best songs of the year the band looses its charm with the second half of the album. I cannot wait to hear what the Mystery Jets do next, as I am sure it will be great!
Favorite song- Two Doors Down

8.) Hold On Now, Youngsters- Los Campesinos!

The first album from Whale's own Los Campesinos! is a never relenting joy ride, filled with exuberant energy and witty lyricism. Their sound highlights on the best of Twee Punk including seven members filled with young energy. Los Campesinos! plans on adding as many members as they want as they already have a violinist, keyboardist and two vocalists.
Favorite song- Death to Los Campesinos!

7.) Red, Yellow & Blue- Born Ruffians

Toronto's Born Ruffians prove that three people is all you need with their debut Red, Yellow & Blue. It is amazing how much sound three young Canadians can produce, Mitch, Luke and Steve shout, sing, dance and jump as they bless listeners with pure happiness and energy. It is hard not to chant along as the Born Ruffians expound their energy upon you.
Favorite song- Hummingbird

6.) Visiter- The Dodos

The Dodos third album perfects the Indie Rock Folk sound they tried at before. The Dodos include the energy and excitement found in many other Indie bands while maintaining strong vocals akin to The Decemberists or Bright Eyes. The Lyrics are an amazing example of this combination; they tell great folk stories while suggesting Roxy Music.
Favorite Song- Fools

5.) Conor Oberst- Conor Obesrt and the Mystic Valley Band

This is Conor's first album as a solo artist differentiating himself from his most recent music projects such as Desaparecidos and his most popular collaboration, Bright Eyes. He sounds like a beautiful beautiful baby lamb.
Favorite song- Danny Callahan

4.) Elephant Shell- Tokyo Police Club

The Canadian quartet does not disapoint with their second album. Filled with advanced vocab and key board melodies any fan will feel at home with their sound. The band elevates their energy level with songs such as Your English Is Good and Nature of the Experiment. The band has an 09 tour planed so luckily Elephant Shell will tide as over as we wait for a new album.
Favorite song- Your English is Good

3.) The Rhumb Line- Ra Ra Riot

Ra Ra Riot debuts with an amazing Indie album that serves as great music for long car rides as well as a proper obituary for former drummer John Pike. A celloist and a violinist take the front of most songs conplementing amazing vocals. They do not disapoint live, in fact the band explodes on stage with energy and grace. Their music is true art.
Favorite song- Ghosts Under Rocks

2.) Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend

Just amazing. These Colombia grads made their mark on the indie scene with their self described "Upper Westside Soweto" sound. With marimbas and bouncy catchy guitar riffs Vampire never disapoints. The only hinderence is that they have two distinct, still amazing, sounds. Half the songs draw from African influences while the other half draw from clasical irish chamber. My personal favorite band of the year just failed to be as cohesive and intuitive as number one.
Favorite song- Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

1.) Fleet Foxes- Fleet Foxes

Nothing can describe the majesty of Fleet Foxes. Drawing on influences from Crosby Stills, Young and Nash, the Beach Boys, Dylan and the deep and echoing forests of America Fleet Foxes is amazing. While I listened I couldn't help but feel as if I were among the animals of the forest. I will say it again amazing!
Favorite song- Blue Ridge Mountain