Tests! Lots of them this week -  one in each subject actually. I kinda like the stress though. I know I’m weird, like Hermione weird. Looking forward to my birthday in under two weeks. 28. Not sure what that supposed to feel like, but I’m ok with it. Have a new friend,Winbly the rat! Someone to keep me company while I study. And in  general, I’m really happy with life, there are some rough patches, sure, but I have a good balance right now.

School

Anatomy & Physiology 2… Lecture test on lymph and immune systems coming up on Monday. Had a lab practical this past Monday. Pretty sure I did alright. This upcoming test seems more reasonable with the slight exception of the B/T cell interaction.

Chemistry… did pretty well on the first test: A- But my lab scores average around an A, which is good.  Have the test on Saturday, which I may purposely miss so I have more time to study.

Stats… I did well enough on this last quiz, trying to keep my average at a 95, so that I can get only an 80 on the final and still have an A. Good plan – we’ll see if I can make it happen. Think I ace’d the last quiz and next weeks is almost the same material... so happily less studying, so I can focus on all my other subject tests.

Microbiology… have another test this week on Friday. (Yes, that puts me at 4 exams this week – one per class). This one is both complicated and tedious, the genetics is pretty in-depth and then there is the ba-jillion individual bacteria and their characteristics to memorize. Whee.

MCPHS Nursing Program: Got my booklist and uniform/stethoscope requirements. Eek! Hope I can get an advance on my loans!

Health & Wellness

Had another PT evaluation today. Apparently, my SI is still not stabilized. So I was given different exercises and some thera-bands. The PT would like t see me in an SI belt while doing any standing, walking or asymmetrical movements. I think this could be for the best. I’m really done with this whole legs giving out, butt ache thing. Plus I start practical’s in January and its important for nursing to be able to stand, so I hear.

Employment & Finance

$200 left of training compensation. So there’s that. But I picked up another night at the Playhouse Bar, and I’m hoping that compensates. I’d like to keep some small amount of savings in case my car blows up, or I need to flee the country.

Personal Practice

Back with 20 minute meditation sessions in the morning. Really pleased about that. Also keeping up with nightly spiritual readings and daily zen emails. Try to make more of a practice out of eating and walking.

Artistic Endeavors

Not really. Have a plot to make a costume…maybe over Thanksgiving break? It might serve me well in the Holidays.

Planning Halloween/Birthday costumes. Might even involve some real makeup work… yay!

Social Life

Working at the bar constitutes being social for me… lots of chill folks to chat with there when its slow.

Game night as usual, assuming I don’t have any upcoming tests. So that’s a no go this week.

Bits & Bobs

Most importantly… I have a pet! He’s a rat named Wimbly, that I adopted from someone through faire who could no longer keep him. Hes a bit skittish still but doesn’t bit or anything. I try and hold him for at least 30 every day.. usually more like an hour. He chills with me on the bed (read: hides under the pillows) when I’m studying there. Loves bananas. He has a bit of a musk thing going on, which is normal, but I think it may be a bit out of hand, so I’m trying to brush him and feed him flaxseed oil (good for his coat).

Did some gigs and have another one coming up tomorrow – medieval murder mystery. Should be a blast. Love getting to play with people. Good stuff.

Namaste all.

 

 

Lots of stress. You know - that type of residual stress that eeks into everyday life, affecting silly little things such as concentration and sleep… I’m working on finding ways to let it go but my default: running/ cardio exercise, isn’t really an option at the moment. So I’m nurturing myself as best I can. I went for a walk and meditated in the woods, I baked… I’ve been less stringent with my food choices… but this behavior has slid downhill into some pretty significant gluttonous behavior. So this week is working out a balance and trying to turn to something other than sugary carbohydrates for that sense of grounding I desire.
I had a lovely weekend with friends. Details below of course.

 0.964g of a sugar (CH2O) is dissolved in 150.0g of H2O. The freezing point becomes -0.0651*C. Kf of the water is 1.86*C/molal.
Whats the molecular weight of the sugar? Whats its molecular formula?

Part 1:

Tf = Tf solvent - Tf solution)

Tf = 0*C - (-0,0651*C) = 0.0651*C

Tf = Kf(m)(i) or (m)(i) = Tf/Kf

m = 0.0651*C (1.86*C/molal) = 0.035 molal

m = 0.035 molal = 0.035 mol sugar/kg water

mol sugar = (0.035 mol sugar/kg water)(.150kg water) = 5.25x10^-3

Part 2

n = molecular weight / empirical form. weight
CH2O = 30.03 g/mol

n = 5.061x10^-3 / 30.03 
n = 0.000169   <--- doesn't seem correct

Thoughts?

I think I got the process down but the numbers are coming out strangely...

Part 1

A mystery gas has a rms velocity of 393.39 m/s at a temp of 0*C (273K). O2 has a rms of 461.29 m/s at 273K
Whats the molar mass of the mystery gas?

My work:

rms=sqrt of 3RT/mm

So for O2, I have

461.29 m/s = sqrt of 3(8.314)(273)/.032kg 
And that comes out fine.

So now on to mystery gas: x = molar mass

393.39m/s = sqrt of 3(8.314)(273)/x
-> 393.39m/s squared = (6809.17/x)squared
-> 154755.7m/s = 46364796.1/x squared
-> x squared = 46364796.1/154755.7
-> x squared = 299.6
-> x = 17.31 kg 

17.31 seems to make sense if it was in grams... but its not. 1731.0 g/mol is not any element known to this planet anyway.

For part 2:

If 8.20g of mystery gas mixed with 20.25g of O2 in a 10.0L tank whats the pressure of mystery gas?
(Now this doesn't mention temp... so I was assuming 0*C... or is there a way to figure this out without that assumption?)


I used the ideal gas law to determine total pressure of the gas assuming 273K, and 17.31g/mol of mystery gas.

P=gRT/Vmm

I determined the mole factors for each gas

mole factor of O2 = moles O2/ total moles etc....

then did the partial pressure

P of mystery gas = mole factor of mystery gas (total gas pressure)

__________________

This makes sense right?

School

Bit of a stressful week, this week. Overlap of tests in my two most difficult subjects: A&P – because the teacher doesn’t actually teach the material, and Chemistry 2 – because it involves math, my not so strong point.

In other news, I didn’t get the internship. Looks like it was first come – first served. Might be for the best, I have little enough time as it is.

Anatomy & Physiology 2… struggling to memorize the circulatory system this week. But I think I’ll be ok.

Chemistry… Working on my problems this week, two a day. Hopefully, I struggle a bit less with this set.

Stats… is tonight. Got an A on my first quiz and thinking tonight’s should be much the same. Its not a difficult class if you read and do the homework.

Microbiology… is great as usual. Counting colonies in the lab today. I got an 98/A on my first test, which proves that my study methods match up with the demands of the class. Very straightforward.

Health & Wellness

Back/Hips still really bothersome. I’m going to try to take yoga back up at the gym this week. I also, might be in the market for a chiropractor.

Employment & Finance

Unemployment is still going. Cutting down to 1 day a week at the bar is making things a bit tight. But I’ll get by.

I’m excited about a paying gig this Thursday night. Hopefully some pictures to come.

Personal Practice

Non-traditional as of late, reading, walking, eating mindfully. Hoping to return to formal sitting soon.

Artistic Endeavors

Dress for CTRF finished. Halloween costume ideas on the back burner until my tests are completed this week.

Social Life

CTRF opened this weekend and I got to see all my friends. I had a fabulous time despite the rain, but I may need to waterproof my shoes. I love my character, such fun! I hope to see you all down there!

Chill night with Sean and gaming night need to be skipped this week, due to studying. *sigh* School always comes first.

Bits & Bobs

Car didn’t happen. Too bad really, it was perfect. But it might be good to have the backup money in my account. I’ll just leave it there and keep my eye out for something in my price range that’s fuel-efficient. Hopefully my boat of a car stays together long enough to see that through.

Cleaned my room and rearranged furniture. Its feeling much more spacious now.

Finally bought the external hard drive to back up my computer. What a relief. One day when I have time, I’ll try and find those missing pictures of mine.

Still hoping to find time to go apple/pumpkin picking. Perhaps on a Saturday afternoon after I get out of Chemistry. I think waiting for faire to be over might be too late in the season.

I realized recently, that I really have a wonderful life. I’m healthy (for the most part) surrounded by fantastic people, doing well in my academic pursuits, and not having to worry overmuch about money. I know nothing is permanent, but I’m pleased that I can relish the moment while I’m still in it.

Namaste all. 

 

I'm performing at CT Renaissance Faire this weekend (just Sunday, but don't let that stop you from coming whenever you'd like). You should be there. You know you want to see me as the loony village oddball.

School

Biggest, best-est news yet… I got officially accepted to Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Science’s (MCPHS) accelerated BSN program starting this January. I’m elated.

More mundane, the semester is well and truly started.

I am loving Microbiology and I am going out for an internship with Department of Public Health in Worcester for pandemic preparations and response. Hope I get it, as it seems like a really interesting way to spend a few hours a week and right in line with the kind of nursing I want to do.

Anatomy & Physiology 2… is interesting. The professor is a brilliant and zany man who spent the first few lectures discussing the evils of modified corn syrup (with which I generally agree) but did not really lecture on the anatomy of the heart at all. Well, now we’ve touched upon and it and I’m worried – he doesn’t stick to his notes and lectures a million miles a minute. I really don’t want to have to teach myself the material. I’m a touch nervous as to what he is actually going to cover on his tests.

Chemistry… I actually need to do my problems this morning before class. It is the same material I covered this summer but with more meaning and depth. I think I should be good on this front, but these problems do have me thinking.

Stats… is tedious and painfully slow moving. Its not difficult material and I really really wish I could have done it this summer as an accelerated class. Now its like pulling teeth.

Overall, I prefer summer class format – the onslaught of new information and the high demands/quick deadlines make me happy. Dragging the information out over several sessions just seems like a waste of time. But that said, I still adore being in school. Yay nerd-dom!

Health & Wellness

Physical therapy is slow going. I’ve started doing the elliptical and some painful stretching, but all will be well eventually.

I’ve had some sort of sick for a few days this last week, nothing dire, just cough and a bit of a sore throat that gets worse near bedtime. Doing what I can – resting, liquids, echineasia, vitamin c, neti pot. Should be over soon.

Employment & Finance

Unemployment is now training stipend and that’s cool… especially since I’m going out for a paid internship at the Department of Public Health in Worcester dealing with pandemics. Really excited about that.

Personal Practice

Restricted lately to spiritual reading and reflection… but that’s still something.

Artistic Endeavors

Working on a dress for CTRF. Having sleeve issues. There will be pictures when its finished.

Social Life

CTRF rocks. Will be opening in 2 weeks and I fully expect everyone to come out for it… I’ll just be there Sunday due to class schedule. But I’d love to see folks. Ask me if you need details.

There is a birthday party in the works. Email invites will be out soon. But save 11/7!

Bits & Bobs

Still waiting on car stuff. Hoping something will come about soon-ish.

Sad news. My Fiji dad passed away some time ago. He was a wonderful man who took me in as a daughter when he had no reason to. I’m very thankful for having met him and shared the time that we did together.

Loving the fall weather... I need to plan my apple/pumpkin picking trips soon-ish. Who’s in?

Namaste all.

 

School

Start classes tomorrow. I'm looking forward to my fall line-up, but I am a bit apprehensive about the loan I am taking on. I'd like to maintain my current GPA if possible.

Books cost a fortune! $500 and I think I need another lab manual.., I am hoping to get my Stats book through a friend though.

Health & Wellness

The back saga... I saw a physical therapist on Monday. She gave me good news. Looks like it is not a bulging disc but a compressed one. Apparently an old maladjustment in my hip (my right pelvis tilts forward) is causing a disc in my illiosacral area/ L5 to compress and pinch my sciatic nerve. This is completely curable with some PT, stretching and exercise. Yay!

Good news about the above mentioned condition is that I can exercise again! I have to be cautious at the moment, no running... but I can do the elliptical. I'm so relieved - I can't wait to get back to it.

Employment & Finance

Unemployment will switch over to training program support soon and I will no longer have to file and that'll be nice.

Had to take out an additional $1500 for school fees and books, but it looks like I might have a bit left over, which will ease the car issue a bit.

Personal Practice

Started meditating again. I'm still not into it completely... no consistency yet. But I hope to work it into my daily pattern before class in the morning... and then gym after to clear my head. I think it should work out well.

Artistic Endeavors

Haven't had to much time to do the mixed media stuff. But I'll get around to it once I'm settled into a routine a bit.

I'm excited to have a sewing project coming up for CTRF. Old dress that didn't fit and I gave up on, should be able to be reworked to fit now. I'm really pleased since this was my first attempt at a really authentic medieval dress in nice linen.

Social Life

Started seeing someone and its great. I've forgotten how nice it feels to be able to spend time in someone's company like this. We have a great deal in common, but also, many new things to share with each other. Good stuff.

CTRF rehearsal this past weekend. It was wonderful to reconnect with folks. Looking forward to exploring my character and developing her further. At the moment, she's a bit fuzzy but along the lines of a spacey, superstitious girl who sees/hears things others can't. Seems like she will work great with children on the street.

Bits & Bobs

Still working on the car. Hoping something will come together soon.

Fridge is sold and new one has been procured. It is full of awesome - I can fit a whole gallon of 'ice cream' in my mini freezer. Or bunch of those So Delicious coconut ice cream sandwiches I found that are amazing!

Haven't done much with the food blog. Haven't been planning food much at all. Bad me, I know. I'll back to it now that I'll have limited time to shop during the week. I can't wait though... it is nearly soup/stew season.

Namaste all.

 School

Just passed the Accuplacer to qualify for my Statistics course in the fall and that is a good thing. Registered for 3 courses today, waiting on a professor approval for Microbiology. Looks like I’ll have to take out extra financial aid to cover books and some school fees. Its all part of the trial of being a student I guess.

Health & Wellness

Hurt my back badly. No specific incident to cause trauma, as far as I can tell. Just woke up one morning twisted and crooked… literally. Went to the ER and got some meds. They’ve run out now so I’m making due with Ibprofen, Aleve, the odd libation and lots of laying down in the fetal position. It works, sort of. Looks like I’ll need an MRI and probably physical therapy. I miss being really active… running and such. Or dancing at a friend’s prom themed dance party.

Gained some weight. Not pleased. But mostly due to my complete lack of physical activity. I’m trying to watch what I eat, but when you’re lazy and in pain you don’t care as much.

Employment & Finance

Unemployment coming in is good. Got my second loan check, the hefty one. Paid off my GapCard completely. Waiting till my finally loan installment comes through to pay off the AmEx. I’m always paranoid that something will happen where I will need money quickly – see mention of car below.

Personal Practice

Haven’t been yet due to back/car issues. Soon I hope.

Artistic Endeavors

Started producing mixed media pieces. Will build a few more and put them on my photo blog for sale, if folks are interested. Also, happily able to do commissioned themes.

Social Life

Still looking forward to CTRF… 2 weeks to go.

The bar: Come to open mic on Thursdays. Amazingly talented folks performing.

Going with my recently reconnected friend, Sean on a brief 3-day vacation to an isolated little island off of Rhode Island called Prudence Island. Not much tech or consumerism. I’m looking forward to it a great deal. I’m bringing my camera and a few books I haven’t had time to read yet. Too bad I’m not in better shape for hiking.

Bits & Bobs

The Car. Its not in a good way – and I don’t mean its pregnant. It needs repairs and I can’t seem to sell it on Craigslist. Looks like I be underselling to a dealer. Good news is a friend’s sister and a friend are both selling their newer more fuel-efficient cars right now. Hoping one of them will work out.

Target has a dual mini-fridge/freezer which I am going to buy. I’m going to be selling my old one (still under warranty) for $75. (bought for $100) It is bigger than your average dorm fridge and in spotless condition. Let me know if you are interested. First come first served.

Halfway finished with my recipe/nutrition blog. Decided to call it “eat like you give a damn.” Seemed appropriate.

Namaste all.

 

MUSHROOM & SPINACH SUMMER LASAGNA
Serves 8
205 Calories per serving (Low-Carb)