Im Alive....
Its been like 9 months but here I am, alive and doing much better....here's catching up on a while :)
PA School - check
"Schools out for summer. School's out forever!" - Alice Cooper
After two grueling years of sacrificing pretty much everything that was important to me - time with family, friends, a soulmate, physical and mental health, and my financial stability - PA school is over. As of August 19th, I am no longer a PA-S, but a PA-almost - C.
Senior summative week was a wreak. Although it wasn't as bad as anticipated, having 10 tests in 3 days that need to be passed is just overly nerve-wracking. And when you throw 40 type A personalities with some kind of anxiety problems, it makes it even more interesting. But we all made it through it - because of the support we all had for one another.
After the end of that hellish week, the partying began with a night at Legends with the girls. LA, Kitty, Kate, Andrea, Jackie, Nicole, Lindz and I dont even remember who else was there enjoying the fire-blowing bartender (Brendan). The next night, Lizanne had a massive party at her house. Where we all could finally release that stress that has been built up for the last 2 years because it was over. It was a great time - volleyball, pepe showed up, the short white coat burning ceremony, awesome foods, and just like any other PA function - it wasn't without its drama :) But all but 2 people in class came and it was amazing to have everyone together for one big blowout. After a fifth of Soco, I ended up passing out downstairs with Tula and Wendi.
Graduation dinner was better than I could have expected. While it wasn't an actual graduation with a hooding ceremony and pomp and circumstance, the school did a decent job for a dinner in a gym with open bar. The speech was a bit much, but it was great seeing everyone dressed up, meeting the few whose families we had yet to meet, and just have fun dancing to the shitty jr. high dance music lol. After graduation a group of us decided to head over to Bar with No Name - dancing in close quarters with Jackie, Lizanne, LA, Kitty, Tula and Wendi, we headed up to the bar for some quality chat time with Lehrman, Ali's Brother, Ali, Amani, Aksade, Joyce and Eric.
Since Saturday, most people have disappeared on vacations. Lizanne and I, being the only two left in the LV, decided to hit up "happy hour" at Grille 3501. After 2 martinis, some fried brie, we decided to head over to Sunset Grille, play some erotic photohunt, watch the eagles/steelers game and drink some soco and coke to meet up with her fience (who wouldn't stop talking, it was great!) and friend danny. As the night went on, happy hour continued and we headed over to Legends, my new favorite valley bar where free shots and fire-blowing bartenders. After a 8 hour happy hour, came home to pass out.
On The Hunt - The Job Hunt, that is.
Now that schools out, its time for me to hit the real world. No more living off loans from the federal government. No more hitting up the parents when I'm in desperate need for money for rent or whatnot. It's time for me to check out the jobs.
Thursday I had my first actually interview down in Washington DC at Children's National Medical Center for a Pediatric Orthopedic PA. While at first the position sounded kind of awkward, but the second I walked into the Orthopedic department, I felt right at home. The MD that the PA works with is a bone health specialist, and deals quite a bit with kids that have thyroid issues, spinda bifeda, and numerous other problems - rarely deals with fractures. I became more exicted and passionate about the job - I love endocrine and when its with orthopedics, even better. And to actually be able to work with kids and maybe make a difference in their lives...thats amazing. The position itself was great: 4 days a week, no call, no weekends. No rounding, no ER duty. 2-3 days a week in the OR, and only with one doctor. Opportunities to be involved with research, working at different clinics. Its a teaching hospital - lectures quite a bit. Work in a toe-in clinic. Everyone there was really great - from the other PAs, to the ATCs, and MDs. Hopefully I'll be called back for a second interview - it was an amazing experience.
Random Travels of Jess - States Ive been to this past month: NY, PA, NJ, MD, DE, DC and VA (come to think of it - those are states I've just been to in the last week as well lol)
Buffalo - Round 2
"There's no such thing as a harmless joke, there's no such thing as a gentle toke. there's no such thing as Panama Jack, who's got the crack?"
Again, there is never a dull moment whenever I headed up to Buffalo. Shell and Hannah picked me up at the train station, ate some dinner, then headed out to this guy Chris's house for a while. After some partying there, we ended up in Buffalo at Joe's Dad's house. From what I'm hearing these days, its East Buffalo. After some drama there (because god knows I don't go anywhere without drama), us three girls headed out to Rileys for some dart games and some quality time with Chicago (and naturally hearing rumors about myself - I mean, the whole reason I went up to Buffalo was to make Matt my main guy appartly, because we know i love long distance relationships lol). The next morning Michelle and I went to breakfast, then matt came over and chit-chatted for a while. We then went over to the park and caught up for a bit, and then ended up back at Chris's for the majority of the night. Need to know more about the drama, ask me :)
Newburgh/Middletown - The JR Wedding and the Pat's Birthday/bye Hurley/Bar Warming Party
Me and my amazing date, Steph, headed into Newburgh for the first of the Asian Power weddings. Saturday night I headed over to Omi's house for a pre-wedding BBQ and party. After some terrible beer pong playing, and catching up with some friends, I headed over to Walden out to Sweeneys to show my friends my big surprise (I was in a skirt, that's it, I swear!). After some quality drinkng time with my guys and their girlfriends, and my favorite bartenders, I headed back out to Omi's for some swim time. Finally, Michelle and I headed over to Lexus for some cheese fries and gravy. yum.
The next day, Steph and I dressed up and headed over to St. Pat's for a beautiful wedding. Before the reception, she and I hit up Sweeneys for a drink so I could catch her up on the drama that is my life (and have her check someone out lol). The reception was amazing. Open bar, beautiful hall, very minimal drama. The afterparty I've been told was amazing - I was exhausted and crashed lol. Although I did find Michelle wandering around the elevators, I hear good times were had by all :)
Washington DC/Virginia - The After Job Interview
After my interview down in DC, my Red (Craig) and I decided it was a great time to catch up. I ventured out to VA for some drinking. This time we realized it was better to do it after the interview (for anyone doesnt know the story, I interviewed at Drexel and Red and freakin Matt Kelly got me smashed the night before my interview for PA school lol). So we met up with his roommate (and old friend from FL) Rusty who I havent seen in like 10 years. After some Soco and Coke, Soco and Limes and beers for the boys, we all headed back to their place (as I was yelling at craig to not race him and stop at Mccy D's for a snack wrap. We got back, played some never have I ever (a board game - not x rated!), and drank some more before passing out.
Staten Island - CYO Reunion
Last night I headed out to Staten Island for a little reunion with some people who were my greatest friends in high school and college, some of whom I haven't spoken to in almost 6 years, others who I just started talking to again.
I headed out to Vinny's house and after a pit stop at white castle (jealous, jay lol) was greated by Roussel (someone I haven't spoken to in forever) and his wife Connie. And I got to meet their two beautiful little girls, Katie (who doesn't sleep) and Delia (who doesnt stop eating). Ashley was there, who was as close to me as a sister for a long time. Vinny, a close friend and maybe coulda been boyfriend at one time, but you know how things happen. Danielle his sister who was one of the Charlie's Angels, and last but not least, Lou. Who showed up from PA after a 5 hour drive because he went up to Sullivan Cty first, then down to Staten Island (in classic Lou-ness).
We just sat around drinking outside until around 11 pm, where we moved inside for a 3 hour game of asshole, and then sat around in the kitchen and just caught up and bullshitted and talked about memories. And took some great pictures lol. And as always, made memories of our own: "Bring out the scale!" Lou breaking two chairs. And the curtains. And maybe a dining room chair. Freakin Roussel was a mess - spilling beer, never flicking off the little man, brawling with Ash. Danielle and I tearing up the watermelon, her waving around the knife. "Everyones been nice tonight but your a cunt" "Fuckin bitch" from the mouth of a 4 year old. God right now I can't even remember all the different things lol.
Can't wait to do it again on Friday night in Queens :)
And now for Ash's livejournal entry as to what happened that night:
Saturday I attended a little CYO reunion and Vinny and Danielles house in Staten Island. And oh how nothing has changed. Vinny and I began drinking around 12 seeing as we were the only two at the house at first, but not long after we were joined by Connie and Brian and their two kids. Kaitlyn and Dahlia are probably the closest things I will ever have to nieces so its always a joy to be given the opportunity to spoil them both rotten. But I must say they are a handful.
Jess also joined us, and man I havent seen her in years! While we were all sitting around shooting the shit I got a call from Lou telling me he was outside the house but didnt see anyones cars, I assured him we were all inside and asked him to grab us a few beers on his way into the living room.
A few minutes later he called again asking where everybody was because he couldnt hear anyone and there were no beers in the fridge. I told him to hold on and Id meet him at the front door well Lou wasnt standing at the front door.
Me: Lou where are you?
Lou: Im at the house.
Me: I think you went into the wrong house.
Lou: Ashley it is the same house we have always gone too.
Me: Lou I am standing in the house and you are not here.
Lou: Ashley stop fucking around where are you?
Me: LOU! I am standing in the front hallway. 9passing the phone off to Vinny) you talk to him I think hes gone crazy.
Vinny: Man where the hell are you? In Sullivan county? Why would you be there? No man I have always lived in Staten Island, no Ashley doesnt live here Im at mine and Danielles house. No we are not in the field, Lou I swear to god we are at my house in Staten Island.
Lou went to the wrong house (which was by the way like 3 hours out of the way) walked in and began rummaging through my parents fridge hahahha classic!!! But he was a good sport about the whole thing and turned around and joined us in Staten Island and much to my surprise he did not kill me, once he got there. Danielle joined us as well and the party got kicking.
The night continued in true CYO fashion as Vinny threw Brian in the pool which gave me the giggles and in turn resulted in me being tossed in the pool fully dressed, jeans and sweatshirt. After a quick swim and a change of cloths the guys lit up the BBQ grill and the festivities began as we pounded several bottles of beer and Jack Daniels. The watermelon got hit pretty hard too.
We were great role models for the children swearing like sailors and fighting with one another. Lou broke two lawn chairs and Brian and Vinny broke the pool. We all talked about who hooked up with whom in high school, who wanted to hook up with who in high school and who messed up whose chances of hooking up with who. Good times were had as we relived why our little organization was called the Catholic Youth Orgies.
The food we grilled got burned, the food we didnt grill went stale as it sat out in the rain. Charlies Angels made a comeback and there was three hours of ass hole (which included absurd rules like flicking the little man and there was a good deal of cheating going on as well) and several hours joking around on the kitchen floor. By 5 a.m. we realized we were all trashed and it was time for bed. But not with out a few more fights and some more drama. Oh how I miss the days of Blaire Lodge.
In the morning we had a CYO weigh in and a good laugh over who gained the most. Bagels for breakfast, a good romp around the house with the kids, Brian tried to jump out the window in his towel and Kaitlyn beat the crap out of Vinny. But it really was a great weekend, and I am hoping we will all do it again soon. I know Danielle and Jess will be at my birthday party and that makes me happy
PA School - check
"Schools out for summer. School's out forever!" - Alice Cooper
After two grueling years of sacrificing pretty much everything that was important to me - time with family, friends, a soulmate, physical and mental health, and my financial stability - PA school is over. As of August 19th, I am no longer a PA-S, but a PA-almost - C.
Senior summative week was a wreak. Although it wasn't as bad as anticipated, having 10 tests in 3 days that need to be passed is just overly nerve-wracking. And when you throw 40 type A personalities with some kind of anxiety problems, it makes it even more interesting. But we all made it through it - because of the support we all had for one another.
After the end of that hellish week, the partying began with a night at Legends with the girls. LA, Kitty, Kate, Andrea, Jackie, Nicole, Lindz and I dont even remember who else was there enjoying the fire-blowing bartender (Brendan). The next night, Lizanne had a massive party at her house. Where we all could finally release that stress that has been built up for the last 2 years because it was over. It was a great time - volleyball, pepe showed up, the short white coat burning ceremony, awesome foods, and just like any other PA function - it wasn't without its drama :) But all but 2 people in class came and it was amazing to have everyone together for one big blowout. After a fifth of Soco, I ended up passing out downstairs with Tula and Wendi.
Graduation dinner was better than I could have expected. While it wasn't an actual graduation with a hooding ceremony and pomp and circumstance, the school did a decent job for a dinner in a gym with open bar. The speech was a bit much, but it was great seeing everyone dressed up, meeting the few whose families we had yet to meet, and just have fun dancing to the shitty jr. high dance music lol. After graduation a group of us decided to head over to Bar with No Name - dancing in close quarters with Jackie, Lizanne, LA, Kitty, Tula and Wendi, we headed up to the bar for some quality chat time with Lehrman, Ali's Brother, Ali, Amani, Aksade, Joyce and Eric.
Since Saturday, most people have disappeared on vacations. Lizanne and I, being the only two left in the LV, decided to hit up "happy hour" at Grille 3501. After 2 martinis, some fried brie, we decided to head over to Sunset Grille, play some erotic photohunt, watch the eagles/steelers game and drink some soco and coke to meet up with her fience (who wouldn't stop talking, it was great!) and friend danny. As the night went on, happy hour continued and we headed over to Legends, my new favorite valley bar where free shots and fire-blowing bartenders. After a 8 hour happy hour, came home to pass out.
On The Hunt - The Job Hunt, that is.
Now that schools out, its time for me to hit the real world. No more living off loans from the federal government. No more hitting up the parents when I'm in desperate need for money for rent or whatnot. It's time for me to check out the jobs.
Thursday I had my first actually interview down in Washington DC at Children's National Medical Center for a Pediatric Orthopedic PA. While at first the position sounded kind of awkward, but the second I walked into the Orthopedic department, I felt right at home. The MD that the PA works with is a bone health specialist, and deals quite a bit with kids that have thyroid issues, spinda bifeda, and numerous other problems - rarely deals with fractures. I became more exicted and passionate about the job - I love endocrine and when its with orthopedics, even better. And to actually be able to work with kids and maybe make a difference in their lives...thats amazing. The position itself was great: 4 days a week, no call, no weekends. No rounding, no ER duty. 2-3 days a week in the OR, and only with one doctor. Opportunities to be involved with research, working at different clinics. Its a teaching hospital - lectures quite a bit. Work in a toe-in clinic. Everyone there was really great - from the other PAs, to the ATCs, and MDs. Hopefully I'll be called back for a second interview - it was an amazing experience.
Random Travels of Jess - States Ive been to this past month: NY, PA, NJ, MD, DE, DC and VA (come to think of it - those are states I've just been to in the last week as well lol)
Buffalo - Round 2
"There's no such thing as a harmless joke, there's no such thing as a gentle toke. there's no such thing as Panama Jack, who's got the crack?"
Again, there is never a dull moment whenever I headed up to Buffalo. Shell and Hannah picked me up at the train station, ate some dinner, then headed out to this guy Chris's house for a while. After some partying there, we ended up in Buffalo at Joe's Dad's house. From what I'm hearing these days, its East Buffalo. After some drama there (because god knows I don't go anywhere without drama), us three girls headed out to Rileys for some dart games and some quality time with Chicago (and naturally hearing rumors about myself - I mean, the whole reason I went up to Buffalo was to make Matt my main guy appartly, because we know i love long distance relationships lol). The next morning Michelle and I went to breakfast, then matt came over and chit-chatted for a while. We then went over to the park and caught up for a bit, and then ended up back at Chris's for the majority of the night. Need to know more about the drama, ask me :)
Newburgh/Middletown - The JR Wedding and the Pat's Birthday/bye Hurley/Bar Warming Party
Me and my amazing date, Steph, headed into Newburgh for the first of the Asian Power weddings. Saturday night I headed over to Omi's house for a pre-wedding BBQ and party. After some terrible beer pong playing, and catching up with some friends, I headed over to Walden out to Sweeneys to show my friends my big surprise (I was in a skirt, that's it, I swear!). After some quality drinkng time with my guys and their girlfriends, and my favorite bartenders, I headed back out to Omi's for some swim time. Finally, Michelle and I headed over to Lexus for some cheese fries and gravy. yum.
The next day, Steph and I dressed up and headed over to St. Pat's for a beautiful wedding. Before the reception, she and I hit up Sweeneys for a drink so I could catch her up on the drama that is my life (and have her check someone out lol). The reception was amazing. Open bar, beautiful hall, very minimal drama. The afterparty I've been told was amazing - I was exhausted and crashed lol. Although I did find Michelle wandering around the elevators, I hear good times were had by all :)
Washington DC/Virginia - The After Job Interview
After my interview down in DC, my Red (Craig) and I decided it was a great time to catch up. I ventured out to VA for some drinking. This time we realized it was better to do it after the interview (for anyone doesnt know the story, I interviewed at Drexel and Red and freakin Matt Kelly got me smashed the night before my interview for PA school lol). So we met up with his roommate (and old friend from FL) Rusty who I havent seen in like 10 years. After some Soco and Coke, Soco and Limes and beers for the boys, we all headed back to their place (as I was yelling at craig to not race him and stop at Mccy D's for a snack wrap. We got back, played some never have I ever (a board game - not x rated!), and drank some more before passing out.
Staten Island - CYO Reunion
Last night I headed out to Staten Island for a little reunion with some people who were my greatest friends in high school and college, some of whom I haven't spoken to in almost 6 years, others who I just started talking to again.
I headed out to Vinny's house and after a pit stop at white castle (jealous, jay lol) was greated by Roussel (someone I haven't spoken to in forever) and his wife Connie. And I got to meet their two beautiful little girls, Katie (who doesn't sleep) and Delia (who doesnt stop eating). Ashley was there, who was as close to me as a sister for a long time. Vinny, a close friend and maybe coulda been boyfriend at one time, but you know how things happen. Danielle his sister who was one of the Charlie's Angels, and last but not least, Lou. Who showed up from PA after a 5 hour drive because he went up to Sullivan Cty first, then down to Staten Island (in classic Lou-ness).
We just sat around drinking outside until around 11 pm, where we moved inside for a 3 hour game of asshole, and then sat around in the kitchen and just caught up and bullshitted and talked about memories. And took some great pictures lol. And as always, made memories of our own: "Bring out the scale!" Lou breaking two chairs. And the curtains. And maybe a dining room chair. Freakin Roussel was a mess - spilling beer, never flicking off the little man, brawling with Ash. Danielle and I tearing up the watermelon, her waving around the knife. "Everyones been nice tonight but your a cunt" "Fuckin bitch" from the mouth of a 4 year old. God right now I can't even remember all the different things lol.
Can't wait to do it again on Friday night in Queens :)
And now for Ash's livejournal entry as to what happened that night:
Saturday I attended a little CYO reunion and Vinny and Danielles house in Staten Island. And oh how nothing has changed. Vinny and I began drinking around 12 seeing as we were the only two at the house at first, but not long after we were joined by Connie and Brian and their two kids. Kaitlyn and Dahlia are probably the closest things I will ever have to nieces so its always a joy to be given the opportunity to spoil them both rotten. But I must say they are a handful.
Jess also joined us, and man I havent seen her in years! While we were all sitting around shooting the shit I got a call from Lou telling me he was outside the house but didnt see anyones cars, I assured him we were all inside and asked him to grab us a few beers on his way into the living room.
A few minutes later he called again asking where everybody was because he couldnt hear anyone and there were no beers in the fridge. I told him to hold on and Id meet him at the front door well Lou wasnt standing at the front door.
Me: Lou where are you?
Lou: Im at the house.
Me: I think you went into the wrong house.
Lou: Ashley it is the same house we have always gone too.
Me: Lou I am standing in the house and you are not here.
Lou: Ashley stop fucking around where are you?
Me: LOU! I am standing in the front hallway. 9passing the phone off to Vinny) you talk to him I think hes gone crazy.
Vinny: Man where the hell are you? In Sullivan county? Why would you be there? No man I have always lived in Staten Island, no Ashley doesnt live here Im at mine and Danielles house. No we are not in the field, Lou I swear to god we are at my house in Staten Island.
Lou went to the wrong house (which was by the way like 3 hours out of the way) walked in and began rummaging through my parents fridge hahahha classic!!! But he was a good sport about the whole thing and turned around and joined us in Staten Island and much to my surprise he did not kill me, once he got there. Danielle joined us as well and the party got kicking.
The night continued in true CYO fashion as Vinny threw Brian in the pool which gave me the giggles and in turn resulted in me being tossed in the pool fully dressed, jeans and sweatshirt. After a quick swim and a change of cloths the guys lit up the BBQ grill and the festivities began as we pounded several bottles of beer and Jack Daniels. The watermelon got hit pretty hard too.
We were great role models for the children swearing like sailors and fighting with one another. Lou broke two lawn chairs and Brian and Vinny broke the pool. We all talked about who hooked up with whom in high school, who wanted to hook up with who in high school and who messed up whose chances of hooking up with who. Good times were had as we relived why our little organization was called the Catholic Youth Orgies.
The food we grilled got burned, the food we didnt grill went stale as it sat out in the rain. Charlies Angels made a comeback and there was three hours of ass hole (which included absurd rules like flicking the little man and there was a good deal of cheating going on as well) and several hours joking around on the kitchen floor. By 5 a.m. we realized we were all trashed and it was time for bed. But not with out a few more fights and some more drama. Oh how I miss the days of Blaire Lodge.
In the morning we had a CYO weigh in and a good laugh over who gained the most. Bagels for breakfast, a good romp around the house with the kids, Brian tried to jump out the window in his towel and Kaitlyn beat the crap out of Vinny. But it really was a great weekend, and I am hoping we will all do it again soon. I know Danielle and Jess will be at my birthday party and that makes me happy