Don't let it snow, Don't let it snow, Don't let it snow!

Today I was 15 minutes late for work. I'm never late. I hate being late. I hate when my patient's are late. I even left early.

Let me just say...I wake up and perform my morning routine which runs like clockwork minute by minute. I'm finally ready and am in the kitchen throwing peach yogurt in a cup, slicing a banana to add, and throw in some granola and cranberries for the ride to work. I am debating on whether or not to make coffee because it might make me late, and, I can just run through Dunkin Donuts when I get to work because chances are I'll be a little early like always. My roommmate comes into the kitchen and says 'Oh no'. "What's the matter?" I say. "Look" she says. "CRAP" I say. As I look up and see white covering the building across the street. So much for even debating the coffee issue. Out the door it is....almost. I need to throw something in a bag for lunch since the drug reps only cater lunch on Tues and Thurs and it is already a Manic Monday (The last thing I want is the leftover lasagna from last week since I made an entire pan and have been eating it daily. Lasagna it is.) Then, I head out to the car. Time to clear the car of the ugly white stuff. CRAP AGAIN. Then the morning really began.

It took 15 minutes just to get through the light. Another 10 minutes to get on and off the short ramp onto the freeway. 10 minutes to begin moving on the freeway (when I say moving I mean 5-10 mph). And then I hear on the radio "1 hour and 45 minutes to O'Hare airport" from the city. I am coming from 'the city' and I didn't leave an extra 1 hour early just to get to work...I only left 20 minutes early. Shoot. At this point and grinding my teeth, thinking about whether or not I need to call in to have someone call my first patient. Luckily, 30 minutes later I am passing O'Hare and call the office to call my patient to let him know I will, officially, be late. Did I mention that I am NEVER late, I hate being late, and I hate when my patient's are late? By 8:45 I make it to my office and realize I can't find my patient. I look in the Doctor's office...not there. Someone saw a man in a red jacket who said he was my patient. I run back into the PT office to find a happy, smiling man sitting and waiting patiently. THANK YOU nice man for making my morning better and not hating me or leaving! I apologize and quickly evaluate him to realize his problem is rather uncomplicated and am able to relieve a good portion of his pain before he leaves. This is GOOD because now I hopefully I have redeemed myself for being late. And...before he leaves he says..."I'll be back on Wednesday...and if you're not here, I'll just wait for you!" Sometimes, it just takes one person to make or break your day...today my patient made mine and redirected my morning in the right direction :)

A lot changes in 6 months

I last blogged 6 months ago. WOW. When I sit and ponder the changes--new home, new city, new people, new places...it just goes on and on and on. I admit leaving life as a student was frightening, I mean, this was all I knew for 20 years! (Kindergarten-Grad school WOW!)

Beginning a life completely on my own is an exhilarating experience and I am enjoying every minute of the ride (most of the time). I work 4, very long, 10-hour days; however, extremely worth it for Fridays off and a 3 day weekend every week! And, with Winter on the way, it is one less day of bumper to bumper traffic because of a few flakes/few feet of snow (it doesn't matter in Chicago how much snow we get--everyone freaks freaks out). I also began working registry at RUSH University Medical Center in acute care at the hospital, 1-3 days a month, for some extra experience and cash.

I am finally learning my way around. These 6 way intersections still get me driving in circles; but that's what the GPS, maps, and trains are for.

I still don't get home as often as I would like; however, I've learned a 4-5 hour drive or train ride really is not that bad (considering I spend up to 2 hours a day in traffic).

Steve and I are still dating. Yes, long distance is a pain, but nevertheless we make it work. He will graduate in May from Law School at Wash U-- and will move to Chicago for his job with the Seventh Circuit Court!

I'll be more consistent with my posting, because trying to catch up after 6 months is way too difficult and could end up being a 6 page long post if I didn't make it short and sweet.

So.... from sweatpants to dress pants, I'm living each day by the minute, anticipating anything! I also would love visitors....so this is an open invitation! (although I know winter is not the most appealing time to visit Chicago!)

Sweet Home.....Chicago

Well, I did it. Graduated AND moved to another state. Good bye St. Louie and hello Chi Town! I will post pictures of graduation and the new condo soon! Right now I am.....procrastinating! This is not surprising as I am living in a new city and have to try and study for the dreaded PT Boards. Blah! It is SO hard to focus! I did need to update my blog, it has been over a month since I have posted---and with all of the major life changes...well, it is time I fill you in.

First I think I am having a 'quarter-life' crisis. I just turned 25, graduated with a doctorate degree from the 2nd best university for what I do, moved to a new city, am living farther away from my familiy than I ever have, will be doing long distance with Steve, living with someone I barely know (ah craig's list), and start my first "Real life Job" in another week...all while having to study for the biggest test of my life. So yes, I feel that everything has to be perfect and there is no room for error right now. STRESS is an understatement. I have a slight new sense of empowerment and excitement, but that bubble pretty much bursts when I think about the boards. This is all very new, so any support and encouragement will be greatly appreciated!

Here is a quick and dirty version of what I will write more about and post pictures up asap! (I am feeling guilty for taking such a long study break!)

The condo: Beautiful!

Roommate: Great so far (it's only been a week)! She is also a DPT, recently graduated from Michigan.

City: really? I mean I did choose to move here! aka AMAZING! Except for the 50 degree weather on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in JUNE?!?!

Bucktown (where I live): Cutesy little neighborhood a couple of miles from downtown with the restaurants with the most amazing names that have the best looking menus that are WAY overpriced (hence I have not tried them), clothing shops that I cannot afford unless I save my clothing budget allowance for about 3 months (however, target is just a few blocks away yay!), and I think I will have to give up the sweatpants now when I leave the condo :)

Job: TBD

Coming up next: Moving in and 1st week in the city...

Countdown to Pomp and Circumstance! 12 Days= DPT!

WOW. It is almost here. When I started this blog, I had 4 months left...and now...12 days! I must be getting older (almost 25 you know) because time is flying by. Right now I am procrastinating from studying for my last 2 finals EVER! Organizational and Managment Issues on Monday and Alternative Skills and Practice Environments on Tuesday. I mean C=DPT so....I really don't need to study that much right? After Tuesday I will be 10 days away from that precious, six figure value, piece of paper. Then, that's it folks....well, sort of.

Then I begin studying for the boards, applying for testing, being granted the right to test, testing, applying for licensure, getting a temporary license (in which IL is one of the most complicated states for completeing this process--of course, my luck). So..needless to say, I'm still busy as ever.

In the meantime, I've been trying to enjoy myself a little bit. Apart from the crazy apartment searching in Chicago, in which Craigslist takes up every minute of my spare time (I'll post on this later), I have developed a new interest. Jewelry making. I will post pictures soon. I decided that I need an outlet. Something I am good at that I have something to show for in the end (since I work slowly on things in my spare time). It is not like cooking where you make it, eat it, and then have nothing but a miserably full stomach to show for it. Although I have been kind of crafty with cupcake pops. (see pic below) These are not just any cupcake pops mind you. They are strawberry cake covered in white chocolate (the yellow). So...they taste like a white-chocolate covered strawberry....yummm!!!!

If it was not for my good friend from school having hip surgery right before finals AND not being able to walk with us at graduation after 3 long, hard years, I probably would not attempt these pops. They are cute, but don't let them fool you. They are devilish to make and I probably will not ever attempt them again, unless there is a really special and deserving occaasion. So April--you may be the only recipient of cupcake pops from me EVER! Congrats!

Major Change #2

I told you I was having major life changes. I am in my quarter life crisis. That's right, I didn't have to wait until I was 50 for a mid life crisis. I've been having some car issues for the past year. Here and there. Nothing too major...some brakes here, some rotors there. Last Saturday I was supposed to take my car in to have the rotors looked at...again. Well, that didn't happen because on Friday afternoon, I was sitting, idle, in the middle of I-170 on my way to a clinic I was supposed to be observing at in the afternoon for one of my class assignments. I started up the ramp off of forest park to get onto 170 south and didn't quite make it off the ramp or onto the road...and therefore blocked both. Thank god for Triple A. They had a tow truck to me in 15 minutes, so I only pissed off about 100 cars that were zoooooming by in what seemed like 3 hours. Thanks to a copy with her flashing lights and cones, I was able to remain alive and safe inside my car. Oh yeah, forgot to mention the kid who pushed me on his own out of the middle of the road becuase 1. he felt sorry for me or 2. more likely, he was pissed off I was in his way. The end result of this hassle (besides the tears and frustration):

2009 Honda CR-V
Urban Titanium Metallic

This picture does not do it justice. It is a dark espresso brown. Gorgeous! I love driving it! I have always wanted an SUV! I decided that being in Chicago in the winter would probably be good reason for me to justify getting an SUV ;)

The Job Hunt ENDS!

So I have neglected my blogging duties for about 2 months...but for good reason! Lots of many major changes have been happening in my life. First, I have a JOB! What?! My FIRST REAL job! After 20 years of education, I finally am smart enough to enter the real world. However, I am a professional student and am a little overwhelmed (frightened, actually) of the Real World. So...where is this job?

CHICAGO! After interviewing, more interviewing, and then mulling over multiple job offers, I finally made a decision. I will be working for Accelerated Rehab at Riverside Medical Clinic (http://www.riversidemedicalsc.com/location.php) in Arlington Heights, a northwest suburb.

http://www.acceleratedrehab.com/

Look right on I-90 (geen highway) in the top and middle of the map. I wanted to add text on the map but have no idea how to do this!

This is a small clinic with two physical therapists (me + one). I will have lots of mentoring and one on one time with my co-worker and boss. I will be able to develop programs and become an integral part of a large company through a small and intimate environment. This was a very tough decision for me because it is not pediatrics. As most of you know, I was set on being a pediatric physical therapist. Well, let me tell you, pediatrics is the worst paying niche in the profession of physical therapy. If I was not paying six figures back in loans, I could afford to do that! However, I must be realistic. I will still try to work PRN on some weekends at a children's hospital to get my fix and make some extra $$. I may decide to take a peds route at some point, but for now I am going to explore outpatient physical therapy in my favorite city ever!

WANTED:

ANYONE who is living in the Chicagoland area and needs a roommate....

LET ME KNOW PLEASE!!!

Or if you know someone who knows someone, let me know!

The Job Hunt Begins....Barely!

References. Check. Outfit for Job Fair ironed and ready. Check. Resume Paper. Check. Resume. Check. Print 10 copies. Che... Today was a mad dash for finalizing my resume. My professors who had critiqued it had a turn around time of less than 24 hours (AMAZING), and the job fair was tonight. So I spent the day reading and re-reading my resume at least 10 times. I printed about 8 copies when I realized, as I was reading it again (it looked so nice and professional!), that my phone number was 217-556-8576! NOT 8567! This night was about to be disasterous and I may have been bald the next time you see me from pulling my hair out! This was the last thing I needed after my project that I worked on Tuesday night vanished from my computer and I had to spend all day yesterday redoing it. So, catastropohe avoided, I changed my phone number before handing it out to the many, many vendors that wanted it (yay!) and I don't feel like a failure before I've even started. Hopefully this is a sign that the job hunt will begin on a good note! One thing is for sure, I will always check my contact info at least 100 times before I ever hand out another resume.

Pomp and Circumstance

I have ten minutes before I have to take brownies out of the oven and deliver them to one stressed out law student pulling an all nighter. Ten minutes is not enough time to start reading another article for my case report :) Ten minutes is not enough time to shower and dry my hair before I have to go outside in the cold. Ten minutes IS;however, enough time to BLOG.

I just finished filling out the "Washington University In St. Louis School of Medicine Commencement 2009 Sutdent Regalia Rental" order form. In three simple words: CAP AND GOWN! I had to measure the circumference of my head exactly 1 inch above my ears. This is difficult when your right ear is lower than your left. So, I took my physical therpist tape measure and wraped it around my head...and...21 inches! I was surprised! Do I have a big head? I was curious to call friends and see what their head size was because I was starting to feel insecure. Anyway, I decided that I would just rent this lovely "very distinctive", as described by the university advertisement (you would agree when you hear this next part), POLYESTER, gown. See picture below.

Now you can understand why I am renting this piece of work! Or it could be because to purchase the gown costs $510.50 versus renting it for $91.73. Either way, I am EXCITED and PROUD to wear this sucker no matter how much you may laugh at me becuase guess what...I'll be called DOCTOR and wearing the green gown is the easiest thing I've had to do to get this title thus far!

And The Winner Is...

Here are a few pictures from the Barrister's Ball (aka law school prom). Unfortunately, due to the time of year, I was unable to see any animals at the zoo! Steve and I came up with the idea that one of the only places to have an indoor event at the zoo and still feel like you were at the zoo would be to use the reptile house as a venue. Well, for those of you who really know me, this would have been catastophic. Steve would have been flying solo for this event. Me + reptiles (SNAKES UGH!) = me passed out on the floor becuase I would be hyperventilating the entire time. So, no animals this weekend--but no reptiles either = no complaints and a fun night of dinner and dancing!

Commentary on The Title of My Blog

"Now, Chanel. You're in desperate need of Chanel. Darling, shall we? We have to get to the beauty department, and God knows how long that's going to take" --Devil Wears Prada

There seems to be some confusion about the title of my blog. So I will quickly explain my choice of wording. "The Devil Wears...Sweatpants" was adapted from a book and movie (2006) called "The Devil Wears Prada." When you are in medical school there is no time or money for Prada. For two and a half years (soon to be 3), I sat in the basement of a medical building with no windows---no need for Prada people. And, when you have a goal of paying off your tuition and loans in 10 years minimum--there is no money for Prada either.

So I wear sweatpants since I'm in the basement with no windows and no one looks at me funny becuase everyone else does the same thing. It is actually kind of amusing when I do decide to 'dress up' (usually just jeans, or occasionally nicer pants and a sweater). I get the stares and puzzled facial expressions with comments such as "What is going on today? Do we have to be dressed up? Why are you dressed up?" HAHAHA. Actually, I will admit, I have been guilty of having moments of panic and have given puzzled looks to other classmates--it's an aquired thing when you are a Type A PT student (which MANY of us are). So I've learned a lot in PT school--even that wearing jeans is considered 'dressed up' and wearing sweatpants is no longer 'dressing down' but the norm.

Cinderella v. Sweatpants

This weekend I will be doffing the sweatpants and donning a party dress! Saturday is the Barrister's Ball, a "law school prom" if you will. Steve and I will be pulling ourselves away from work and having a nice dinner and fun time at the St. Louis Zoo (the venue for the ball)! Last weekend I decided I needed a fancy party dress because not only will sweatpants not cut it when going to class in law school--but definitely are not appropriate for the Barrister's Ball. It's been a while since I've tried on dresses (even though I love them). I was by myself at Macy's and Express and of course, couldn't make up my mind which one I liked the best. Therefore, I did the only reasonable thing to do...and bought all 4 of them. I know that sounds like a lot and a lot of money; but, I didn't spend more than $17 per dress! Now the dilemma...which one to wear and which 3 to take back?! Here are the 4 dresses:

Dress #1 Dress #2
Dress #3 (only $13!)

Dress #4

I'm still undecided as to which one to choose, so if you want to take a vote, let me know what you think! I will let everyone know the winner by posting a picture from Saturday. But fear not...I haven't given up sweatpants completely. In fact, today I supported the 2nd year DPT class by making a donation/purchase....

WASH U PT SWEATPANTS!!!!

Taiji Anyone?

I didn't realize how many of my friends now have blogs. Why were you all holding out on me?! So I just got home from school and realized that I have a lot of negative energy...all focused at school of course. One of my classes is called 'Alternative Skills and Practice Environments'. Basically, it is all of the stuff that is out there in the therapy world that they don't teach us but feel we should be aware of. So today's lecture and lab was on Tai Chi (really Taiji...learned that today too) and Quigong. One may perform Taiji to balance your body, health, and spirit and/or Qigong to balance energy (you can think of Qigong like yoga). When these are out of whack (professionally speaking) you create negative energy within yourself. I began thinking about what it is that is causing me to have this negative energy? Then I counted up my assignments for the semester. FORTY-ONE. 41 projects, assignments, papers, presentations, and grades all together. Now it is apparent where all of this negative energy is coming from! Do I believe in this 'complimentary medicine'? I don't know...and I'm not sure I'll ever know (at least not before May 15) because I have too much work to do :)

I'm So Over Facebook

It is 12:15 AM and I cannot sleep because I have at least 6 group projects (no, not a bajillion but it seems like it), a case report that I cannot seem to find any supporting articles for, and 1 sink full of dishes that are awaiting my arrival in the morning. Or, maybe it is the giant chocolate bar and diet coke at 9:00. So here I am--blogging. This is way better than face book. I can let my creative side emerge, give a personal touch to my page, and connect with my friends and family-- all while procrastinating! I think this is a good cause. Now, the only thing that I must remember to do is make posts amongst all the bajillion things I have to get done! Goodnight and hopefully you will hear from me again soon :)