Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Bloomington, IN

Dan and I loved Bloomington!  The city has more apartments than I have ever seen before.  We are narrowing it down to getting a town home with a washer and drier and a dish washer.  I am very excited about those amenities!

The university is gorgeous!  It was still in dead winter mode, so everything was gray, but the stone buildings are amazing!  Dan's building is known as the ugliest and tallest on campus, but at least he has a view of the beautiful buildings.  The faculty in Dan's department are extremely cordial and I'm excited for him and this position.  It is too ideal! 

The traffic is so busy on the narrow streets.  I thought since we were going out west that the streets would be wider.  Nope!  I may have to make some right-hand turns to get where I'm going since left-hand turns are almost impossible.

I still have had no luck in finding a job in Bloomington, though Columbus (1 hour away) is interested in me.  I don't think I can manage the hills in Brown County State Park though in the winter.  I will continue to wait and apply and hopefully some contacts will help me land the "perfect" job!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Monday, February 21, 2011

Personality

Working with others is always interesting.  I grew up in WI where everyone is very nice and considerate of others.  They will move out of your way, speak kindly or not at all, and if they have something to say that isn't nice, it will be in a passive/aggressive fashion.  I was very passive/aggressive and I hated it.  I feel that living in Cincinnati for the past 8 years and being married to Dan has helped me overcome most of that behavior.  I am much more blunt, which can be hurtful to others at times.  I am now working on a way to be blunt and not passive/aggressive while taking others' feelings into account as well.  I used to only think about how other people felt and always put myself on hold or last, but I was severely hurt by doing this.  The key is BALANCE!  That I can say is NOT me, but I'm not as bad as I used to be :)

So, as for personality, I took a test today that said the following and I think it's pretty correct.  It says I'm not hurt by others easily and that is not true, but I am much better than I used to be.  I can take criticism pretty well, but when people do not like me, that is quite the blow to my narcissistic ego!  Come on, everyone has to like me! ;)

Here are my results:

Determined Realist Determined Realist (DR)

Determined Realists like to bear responsibility and welcome challenges. They are stable, reliable persons. External contacts are very important to them; they mix well and are very active. They are excellent organisers and are very happy when things are done correctly and punctually; they can quickly react impatiently if others are not as conscientious, orderly and dutiful as they are. They prefer structured work which produces visible results quickly to abstract, long-drawn-out processes. Determined Realists have no problem with routine as long as it serves efficiency. However, they very much dislike unexpected and unpredictable occurrences which mess up their careful plans. Once they have committed themselves to a cause they do this with dedication and are willing to make considerable sacrifices for it.

Determined Realists do not avoid conflicts and criticism but face up to them and look for solutions. As they have a keen eye for the errors and shortcomings of others and are often quick at expressing criticism, they sometimes rub people up the wrong way especially when they lose their temper and jump to conclusions. Due to their marked sense of justice they are quickly willing to correct themselves and never take offence if someone speaks to them frankly. You do not have to seek hidden motives with them; you always know where you are. Determined Realists are often found in executive positions as they combine commitment, competence and the ability to assert themselves. In their spare time, they often also accept responsibility in clubs and other institutions.

Traditions rate highly with Determined Realists. They attend every family event and never forget a birthday or wedding anniversary. Family and friends are very important to them. With their open, communicative manner, they find it easy to get to know people and have a large circle of friends and acquaintances. They are never superficial, but reliable and loyal friends who are always there when they are needed. Determined Realists take their relationships very seriously - they dream of finding a partner for life. In a love relationship, they seek above all stability and loyalty and here, too, they are willing to invest a lot in a harmonious togetherness. Determined Realists master crises or difficult phases with composure; they would never think of breaking a promise given. As a partner, one can always rely on their support.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Resolutions Part III

Dan has his big interview this Mon-Wed at Duquesne!  I am so excited for him and wish I could go and see Pittsburgh.  If he gets the job, I guess I'll see lots of Pittsburgh!  I'll always be a Packer fan, but I said I'd route for the Steelers if it helped get Dan a job :)

As for my other resolutions, things have been going well.  I have continued to stretch and workout until this past week when I hurt my wrist.  I don't know what I did at work, but it has been so painful and it shoots up my arm.  I've still been able to stretch, but it has hindered my yoga and strength training.

The only resolution that is falling by the way side is studying for the CCRN exam.  I haven't even picked up the book because I'm too nervous.  It is a $350 exam that will only be paid for if I pass.  Studying alone will help my nursing, but I'm not sure if I can take the exam.  I need to set aside the next 3 months and work on it.  I am just scared to get in study mode again.

Nothing much is new.  I've been on night shift for the past 3 weeks, so my brain is funky.  I just had 3 days off and have been taking 2 naps per day.  Now I work 3 nights in a row, so we'll see how that goes. 

I'm excited for a Chicago trip that is coming up soon.  I'm meeting my best friend there for a long weekend and I can't wait to just relax and enjoy the town with her!  I will have to see if anything really interesting is happening there Valentine's weekend!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Resolutions Part II

1. I have not begun to start studying for CCRN
2. I have been stretching everyday while getting out of bed and then picking up my cardio workouts besides my yoga routine.  I was concerned about another back injury, so I'm excited to get my core stronger!
3. MY LOANS ARE PAID OFF!!!!
4. I cleaned, but I have a lot more to do!
5. Dan has had interviews and I'm proud to say that he has an on-campus interview that we are thrilled about!

So far, so good!  2011 is great!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

resolutions

My 2011 New Year's Resolutions:
1. Study to take the CCRN exam and pass.
2. Stretch every day
3.  Pay off my student loans.
4. Clean more often, even if it's a tiny apartment.
5. Get Dan a job!

I'm excited to see what the new year brings.  God has blessed us so much and I am excited to see what journey He takes us on next.  I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband and our growing relationship with Jesus and each other.

God bless you all!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas from Cinci!

This year was a first that I did not decorate or really get into the Christmas spirit.  Dan hung up some stockings that were on our shelf just a couple days ago, but that's it.  I enjoyed sending out cards, but it cost about $100 (that's the cheapest I could find).  Due to advancement in technology, I'm thinking about cutting my list for next year and doing more electronic cards.

Last night we did have a couple of friends over and enjoyed dinner, Settlers of Catan, and DDR.  We stayed up till 3am, so that was fun.  Tonight we go to another couple's house.  They have a 3 year old, so that will be fun to get into the Christmas spirit with them.

I hope you are having a lovely Christmas and enjoying time with family and friends.  I am very curious about where we'll be next Christmas, but until then, we will enjoy our Cincinnati 2010 Christmas.