It Changes Your Pee

***DISCLAIMER:  I am NOT a medical doctor, therefore this is not an all inclusive list of everything that could be the cause of abnormalities.  If you have any questions or concerns about things mentioned here, discuss with your doctor.***

I originally was going to write a post about how I simplify complex information for patients at work that undoubtedly makes someone laugh.  However in thinking of examples for this entry, I realized many things affect your pee, and decided instead to tell you about the magic of pee and what it can tell you.

First, the ones from the original post idea of how I simplify things.  A common example is someone comes up to the counter with a vitamin bottle in their hand asking if it is, in fact, what the doctor was trying to recommend to them.  Their next concern is usually what would happen if they were already getting enough of it or another vitamin that is in the pill.  Now, one could go into the whole explanation that your body won't absorb it if it's one that is water soluble.  My response is usually: you'll pee it out.

My favorite vitamin to explain is B-12 though.  As a vegetarian, I was concerned about getting enough of this one and often others are as well when they ask questions about it.  Here's a fun way of knowing if you need to be taking B-12 in pill form:  if your pee is green, you're getting enough then and you are wasting your money on the vitamin.

One thing drug companies like to add to meds is hydrochlorothiazide or, hctz.  For example, a person can be on lisinopril and the doctor decides to change it to the combination of lisinopril/hctz.  Patients usually have no idea what hctz is.  I wouldn't either had I not had this job.  Most understand when one tells them it is a water pill.  However, when that doesn't work, I tell them it just makes them pee more which then jogs their memory of what their doctor had told them.

Interesting factoid (that I'll let you look up yourself which one it is): a particular drug is actually made from pregnant horse pee.  Of course, I would never break this disturbing news to someone picking up their prescription for it....unless they are really rude to me for no reason.

Your pee can also be an indication that something is wrong.  If your pee smells and you haven't eaten any asparagus recently, then there is probably something wrong.  Like, you have a UTI or yeast infection wrong so get thee to a doctor or minute clinic.  If it is cloudy, ye should also seek medical advice as it could be an infection like mentioned before or an STD.

Now, the color of pee can be alarming too.  If it's green, you probably are getting too much of a particular vitamin.  Consult with your doctor.  If it's a bright orange, it's probably the cause of a medication you are taking.  If it's clear or a very pale yellow, it's probably because you drank a lot of fluids recently.  A good way to tell if you are dehydrated is if your urine is a dark yellow/orange.  Fun fact: your urine will typically be the darkest in the morning when you first wake up, assuming your're not dehydrated or drank a full glass of water in the middle of the night.

Lastly: if there is blood or it hurts to pee: see a doctor immediately as this is something serious.  Not going to tell you what because I would rather scare you into going than you ignoring it for a few days, especially if you are a guy because why you don't go to doctors is beyond me.  Hint: women go to doctors and live longer than men on average.....just saying.


Now I'm sure I have either grossed you out, entertained you, or have made you think about your pee in a whole new way.

Why Being a Drug Dealer is Bad For My Health

First off, let me state two fun facts that actually do have to do with this post:
1. I asked a drug rep if his company was hiring when he stopped by work today.
2. My colleagues already know I'm writing this.

My current job is bad for my health (and some of my colleagues probably as well).

Before I go into why, let me explain some things.  I like my job and I like my colleagues.  If it paid more, I'd probably wouldn't be so desperate to find a new job to afford my student loan payments.  It does not injure my mental health at all.  It doesn't increase my stress...or at least not when I leave the place or right before going in.

The problem is what we voluntarily do every day.  We order out.  Or at least some of colleagues do.  Most days, if I have a decent lunch/dinner I'll pass for two reasons:

1. It costs money

2. I would get fat

Let's look into these reasons more in depth shall we?

It costs money
When you order out, you have to pay for it.  A post I wrote long ago (okay, less than a year ago) said one way to decrease your spending is to bring your own lunch to work, or brown bag it.  Why does this save money?  Let's look at a common example from my job.

We order pizza often.  And with pizza usually breadsticks (or a second pizza depending on how many people are in).  The average cost per person is $7 if three people are ordering.  I just bought a Kashi pizza yesterday for myself to heat up for $5.99.  So if I wait until I get home for my pizza craving, I would save $1 and get a healthier pizza which I will discuss later.  My lunch usually consists of a lean cuisine or smart ones or something I cooked at home and divided up portions for the week.  Average price: $2.  With a piece of fruit, some pretzels, some chocolate and yogurt for breakfast, my total food cost at work is somewhere around $5, less if I bring in leftover crockpot meals (average total recipe cost $10 and I get a good 6 portions out of it).  If I get in on the pizza, I'm still going to want a snack and still have to eat breakfast.   which would bring my total cost up to around $10.  That's $10 a day or $50 dollars a week versus $25 at most if I bring my own lunch a total savings of $25.

My goal right now is to spend less than $30 a week in food (goal met the last couple weeks since I started by the way).  Eating out at work blows through almost double that and I still have to worry about two meals for the rest of the day.


I would get fat
I chose to word it that way because one colleague told us all to tell them if they start to get fat.  Basically, it leads to poorer eating habits on my part.  As much as I love it, pizza is not healthy.  I try to work around it with the Kashi mediterranean veggie pizza which gives the added vegetables.  Thai food also seems to be a favorite at work as proven today.  Now, you can eat healthy when you eat out bu most places that deliver do not have too many options.  And besides, you don't know the fact/sodium/other crap content of that container of food.  McDonald's is another favorite at work, enough said (given I do usually get a large fry from there if I have the $2).

When I order out a lot, I gain weight.  I don't want to gain weight.  Therefore, if I plan my meal(s) ahead of time, I can avoid surprises, especially since the portions won't be larger than I would normally eat, like most are when we order out.



Basic point: I eat healthier and save money, both of which are very important at this point in time.

How Coupons Can Pay For Your Vacation

I haven't done a saving money post in a while.  Though I've mentioned it before, I haven't done an entire entry on coupons.

Everyone has heard the saying that a little bit can go a long way.  The same goes for money.  Except in this case I like to say a little bit of saving goes a long way.  The easiest way to save money: buy things when they are on sale and use coupons.  What do you do with the extra money?  It's up to you.  For me right now, it's paying off a credit card debt and paying off student loans.

So how does one get coupons in the first place?

The most commonly thought of place is the Sunday paper.  However, before buying the paper every week, it's a good idea to know how many coupons will be in it.  The Sunday paper here varies each week with which coupons (SmartSource, P&G, etc) will be in the paper.  If you use a lot of coupons from each, then it probably won't matter to you.  If you're like me and only typically use coupons from one that's not in there every week then you may want to skip buying the paper the weeks those coupons are not in there.

Another source is from stores.  Many stores, when you sign up for their email list they will occasionally send you coupons.  A recent one I received from NY and Company: Spend $200, get $100 off meaning if I bought $200 worth of stuff, I would only pay $100.  Good deal huh? I ended up doing their option of $25 of $50.  Also, one advantage of signing up for store cards is they will mail you offers every month or so.  Now, this also means you run the risk of debt from a store card.  Just make sure you pay off the full amount each month.

A surprising source is the products themselves.  You open up the product, and there sitting inside (or printed on the cardboard) is a coupon for your next purchase, or a rebate offer.

The last source (though there are more I'm sure) are magazines.  Some advertisers will include a coupon in their ad.



Now, how the heck can coupons pay for your vacation (or house, or pay off debt)?  Aside from an actual coupon, or redeeming credit card points, they can't directly.  However, if you account for the money you save using coupons, it can very well help you pay for whatever it is you want.  Keeping track of how much you actually save from coupons to use towards the fun requires a little planning though.  Unless you are a human computer and can keep track in your mind.

Here's a suggestion:

First: keep your receipts.  Most nowadays will have the total amount saved at the bottom from sales and coupons.  Next: Create a savings account and put however much you saved into that account.  So, if you used $7 in coupons at the grocery store, put $10 into the account.  Put even small amounts in.  It helps if your savings account is linked to a checking account, therefore you make do this all online.  It may seem pointless to do this but, if you save $10 a week on your grocery bill (more if you include sales and whatnot or include extrabucks from CVS as coupons) then in one year you will have an added $520 in you account.  Doesn't seem like much, but that could mean staying an extra 2 nights in a hotel on vacation.  Oh, and lastly: enjoy the money in whatever way you feel fit.

I personally like to make it a goal to save "x" amount each month from sales and coupons and using that money to pay extra on my student loans that month.  And then the next month, I see if I can beat that.

Why I Apologize For My Mistakes

I made an error while with a friend recently. The night ended with her being not too happy with me because of something I said.  The whole thing was my fault and I'm not afraid to admit it even now on here.  I apologized to her, she has forgiven me, and life is moving forward.   But my mistake has inspired this post on a lesson that everyone should learn.

We are all human, we all make mistakes, we all need to own up to them.

I may be stubborn but the one thing I can do is admit when I'm wrong.  I will also be the first to admit when I am wrong.  This particular instance, I apologized the minute I got home by text (partly because I didn't know how pissed my friend was).  Lesson number two:

Don't let things snowball.

So, my worst nightmare came true and I confirmed that yes, my friend was in fact angry over the whole situation.  The conversation then turned to something pseudo-unrelated but still caused some heated comments which when I get fired up, I usually then go for the jugular (lesson three: don't do that!) which I kind of in a way did (sorry to lesson three for not following you).


 But the point is, we all make mistakes.  The hard part is owning up to them.  Here are some things to remember when in this situation.

1. It is not a weakness to admit your mistake.

Quite the opposite actually.  Yes, you may get in trouble for making a mistake at work but people will respect you more for admitting you are at fault.

2. The consequences may be worse if you don't own up.

I like the work example (partly because my mistake was not done at work).  So, you make a mistake at work, let's say you don't send a report out before a deadline.  You don't tell the higher ups.  If they find out from any source other than you, the backlash is guaranteed to be worse than if you tell them yourself.

3. You did it, you own it.

By nature, we try to blame anything but ourselves.  You're late to work because of traffic.  The truth of the matter is, the only one at fault is you.  You waited to leave your house at the last possible second.  Now, in certain situations, yes there are things beyond your control that cause event B to happen (or in my career field: things that are strongly associated with event B). and then yes, you can say that.  But if you know it's because of something you did, don't make excuses.

4. A mistake is a mistake that is a mistake.

Don't try to tell yourself anything different.  You know it is, don't try to feign ignorance.

5.  Don't let it get out of hand.

If you made a mistake, don't make it worse.  Let's say you lied to someone about something.  That will almost always lead to you having to make up another bigger lie to cover that one up.  Put a stop to it right then and there.  If you and a significant other get in an argument, keep your mouth shut because the angrier you both get, the bigger the argument will become.

6. Apologize

This should probably be number 1.  Always apologize for what you did.  It will make everyone involved at least know you care about the error you made.  And be sincere because fake apologies are see-through.

7. Don't apologize excessively.

This is something that I do.  I know it can also get very annoying because I have also been on the other end of an excessive apologizer.  Apologize once and let it sit.  If another apology is necessary after some time, then you can say sorry again.

8. Fix it.

If the mistake is something that needs to be fixed, offer to do it.

9. Learn from it.

It's a life lesson.  Now that you know you did something wrong, you know how it feels, what it's effects are; avoid making the same mistake again.  And if you do: start back at number 1.

Why I Willingly Moved Across The Country Unnecessarily - Part 2

To review my last post: I decided to move across the country for grad school instead of going to the one within commuting distance from my parent's home (and for some good reasons).

So out of the 8 schools, I was down to 6 (remember, the Pittsburgh Penguins didn't want to add to their fan base).  Most were, while still a distance away, were closer to home than the school I finally decided on.  Why did I decide to attend the school that was the farthest away?

The first school I decided to decline their offer was also the first one to accept me (though I didn't decline until after I received other offers).  The story of this one was kind of interesting.  Once again, I documented this story on facebook when it happened.  **Note, all specifics have been removed along with a random rant about something that was work related**  

"Today I was supposed to have a phone interview at noon with a school. They are in ::later time zone:: so the admissions director said it would be at 11 ::their time:: time, or noon ::my time:: and the person who was supposed to interview me was a professor in the ::name of department::. So, I skipped genetics class so I was guaranteed not to have a freak accident on my way home from class and miss the phone call because Murphy's law sucks. Noon comes around, no phone call. I'm thinking "okay maybe the professor was confused about the time zones and thought it was supposed to be at noon their time, or, one my time." No problem. One comes, still no phone call. So, now I'm just slightly irritated that I could have spent the two hours I used preparing and waiting for the damn call to study for my test. So at 1:30 I called the guy who set up the date and time of the interview, got his answering machine of course, and left a message. I was polite in it saying that I did not get my phone call at 11 ::their time:: so could he please call me back. Now, I'm waiting for him to call back which probably won't be until tomorrow."  

That was for day 1.  The next day this happened:

"Actually, to continue with my last note, I did find out from the admissions director at ::name of school:: that there was a miscommunication on their end where the professor/ head of the::name of department:: decided that my application was strong enough that she didn't need to interview me and that notice did not reach him to contact me. Another thanks to::name of professor:: since he was one of my recommenders. The admissions director left me a message saying that I was accepted but he still would like for me to talk to someone about the program."

After that, I started having flashbacks of backyard school and decided that I don't want to risk dealing with something like that again.  So I was down to 5 schools.  One school offered me a scholarship.  However, it wasn't a full ride and the tuition was high.  Add to that the cost of living in the city being a little high, I decided to decline my offer to that one.  So down to four schools.

Nothing really stuck out about the other schools that made me want to or not want to accept their offer.  So here is where I chose the school I went to over the other 3.

1. The area I wanted to focus on was pretty big there (of course, I ended up changing my concentration).

2. The internship opportunities were the best (and I was able to take advantage of them while in school too)

3. I actually knew someone down here before I moved.

4. They were the highest ranked.

5. Tuition was high but cost of living was cheaper compared to other areas.

6. Location (my current city is one of the biggest areas in my field).


After going to a prospective student visiting event, I was sold.

Why I Willingly Moved Across The Country Unnecessarily

I decided to explain some more of my apparently semi-controversial decisions (see refusing to marry and spending holidays solo for my other decisions).  Seriously the number of views for those two posts skyrocketed.  This time, I will explain the choice to move across the country for grad school when I was accepted to one in my backyard (or actually about a 20 minute drive from my parent's house where I was living at the time).  This has to be a two part post so here will be the reasons I didn't go to the one in my backyard.  Next time I will explain why I chose the one I actually went to over all the others I was accepted to.

I think I applied to 8 grad schools all together and was accepted into 7 of them (I didn't want to become a Pittsburgh Penguins fan anyways so take that!).  The school that I was accepted to was I think ranked 6th or 7th in the country at the time which was also the highest ranked school for my program I had applied to.  For comparison, the solo school that rejected me was 8th (again take that!) and the one in my backyard wasn't even on the rankings because they weren't accredited at the time.  Long explanation on how that works suffice it to say that I would've had an even harder time finding a job than I already do had they not become accredited before I graduated (they are accredited now).

So, why did I not go to the school back home?  Here is the short list:

1. They were not accredited.

2. They gave me a headache.

3. I had a bad experience there taking a couple classes.

4. Their ranking sucked.

5. My particular interest was not a focus there.


Here is the long list:


1. They were not accredited.

The lack of accreditation had something to do with it (mind you it was just that particular part of the school that wasn't, the rest of the grad, med, dental, and undergrad colleges were).  When I read the accreditation website about what that meant, it said that a lot of government agencies will skip over your job application if you didn't graduate from an accredited school.  Considering the government probably accounts for about 50% of jobs in my field.....that was not a risk I was willing to take.


2. They gave me a headache.

Another reason is that they gave me a headache. Out of all the schools I called to make sure I was putting the right GRE codes in for and making sure all my materials were received, I had to spend the most time and energy calling backyard school.  Part of it the reason they explained, was because they received a lot of applications this year and were about 3 weeks behind on updating everything online.  Mind you, my application materials at this point had been sent to them 6 weeks before by the time I called and it was another 2 weeks before it reflected that fact online.  For comparison, when I called another school to confirm, my profile online was updated as having received everything the next day after the call.  I know this doesn't seem like a big deal but when you're applying to grad schools and spending upwards of $500 total to apply, plus the stress, it really does matter that everything is updated as them receiving everything a couple weeks after you send them everything.


3. I had a bad experience there taking a few classes.

I think the best way to describe this is to copy something I wrote on facebook while taking a couple classes there (and yes grad school friends, I really did refer to the office as SAS back then, little did I know right?).  One thing to mention is I only took a few classes there one semester after graduating from my undergrad institute. **Note: specific names have been removed**.

"To continue on with my rant from my last note, only this time about the school (or at least parts of it). The other week I had a checkstop placed on my account. Aka: I can't register for classes, which jokes on them because I was in the first group of students that could since I transferred about 140 credit hours (and that wasn't even all my hours). This one was saying that I needed to see my advisor from student advising services (SAS). So I made an appointment which was Wednesday. I even had an e-mail reminder from them sent. 

Wednesday comes and I drive to the campus. I walk in to SAS and found out from another woman that my advisor wasn't in today. She was baffled that my appointment wasn't cancelled but said she would advise me since I was there and she probably felt bad for me. Long story short, I found out that my advisor must have mixed me up with the incoming freshmen because they are the only ones required to be advised. The checkstop was removed from my account prior to that day ::rolls eyes::. 

That would have all been fine and dandy except for the fact that today, I get an e-mail from SAS saying that I missed my appointment at date and time (wednesday at 12:30) and to please reschedule. There is no checkstop on my account (yet that is, they tend to appear on my account Sunday nights go figure that one out). I'm thinking "okay, first of all he wasn't even in that day so why did i get scheduled by SAS to come in that day". What the hell am I supposed to do? Make him appear out of thin air? Sorry, missed that lecture in ::former professor's name:: physics class. I really don't care. Because if I have any control over things, I won't be there next semester. Hopefully, I'll have a job by then. I'll inject myself with that ebola I didn't use a couple years ago to avoid genetics at ::my undergrad institute::. I even asked the lady that I saw Wednesday and she gave me the withdrawl from ::backyard school:: form."



4. Their ranking sucked.

Like I said before, they weren't even on the rankings because they weren't accredited.  Now they are and are either tied for last or are second last, I don't remember.


5. My particular interest was not a focus there.

They offered a general degree with the option for a concentration in my field.  Where I ended up going had the degree in my field where I could focus on particular areas within the field. Because I'm not giving my degree specifics away let's say my degree is art history (it's not but I'm using it for an example).  So, backyard school would have offered a general MFA degree with the optional concentration in art history.  The school I went to offers and MFA in art history with a concentration in Egyptian Art (because mummies are cool and that's what I would've focused in had I been an art history major).  Okay, that was kind of a crappy example but you get the point.


Next time I will explain why I chose my school over the other five I was accepted to (not including backyard school).

What I Learned From Animals

"Handle every stressful situation like a dog.  If you can't eat of play with it, just pee on it and walk away"

Animals make complex things simple.  Humans make simple things complex.  After years of being around animals, I have come to the conclusion that life would be a little easier if we just take advice from animals.

1. Almost any place can be used to take a nap.

• Just look at all the random places cats and dogs end up sleeping in your house.  Guarantee more than half the spaces are NOT in their beds.

2. Cheap toys can be as entertaining as it's expensive counterpart.

• Grab a piece of paper and throw it at your cat.  Grab a stick and watch your dog as you throw it.

3. When in trouble let people know.

• Have you ever known an animal to not yell out when it's stuck?

4.  You want something?  Go for it!

• You show a dog a treat and then hide it.  Have you ever seen a dog give up?

5. If anyone ticks you off, don't be afraid to let them know.

• My two cats are never afraid to smack each other if the other one is in the way.

6. Always make time for play.

• When does a dog not want your attention....and that tennis ball in your hand?

7. Never let a disability get in your way.

• At the shelter we have multiple tripods (3 legged cats), one born without an eye, and one who's deaf.  I haven't seen any of them let that stop them from playing with the others.

8. If you want someone's attention, let them know.

• My lap is the official  I-want-to-be-pet-now spot

9. Don't be afraid to run from danger.

• Animals hear loud noises, the majority will run.

10. Don't stress about how you look.

• Have you ever heard an animal complain about their hair once?

Traveling With Cats

People are usually in awe at the fact that I opt to drive, instead of fly, the 950 miles from here to my hometown.  They are more surprised by the fact that the two cats accompany me (and my mother, who flies down to drive up with me) on the road trip.  Here are some tips I've learned from doing this on multiple occasions: (note that a lot of these also apply to other types of pets as well)



1. Make them as comfortable as possible


I'm lucky enough that my cats don't freak out in the car.  The only time one of them yowls is when she is confined in her cage.  My cats are more comfortable being able to move around during the 16 hour drive (yes, they are confined to the car for a full 16 hours and we all survive).  However, this does not mean everyone should do this as cats are notorious for being bad travel buddies.  What I had originally done the first time I attempted this (and when I only had the one cat) was to have his carrier and a little pop-up pet tent facing each other so that his carrier contained a bowl of water and food, and the tent had the litter box.  He only meowed a few times throughout the trip to "remind" us he was there.  This seems to work for a few other people making similar trips for cat that may be stressed.  After that trip, I started using a baby gate to separate the back seat from the front and let the cat (and eventually cats) roam free in the back.  Now, I don't even use that and they know if they want to come up front, they have to sit with the passenger, not the driver. 

2.  Remember on trips: if you have to stop to eat and pee, they will need to too.

I always make a litter box, food, and water available for the cats.  Though mine hardly ever use these things (except when we stop and the car if off), it's there if they want it.  Also, I ensure that when we reach our destination, that they have all three available immediately once inside the house.

3.  Keep the environment calm

Do not blare your music, it will make your cat miserable.  Also, I've learned that at least one of mine does not like an open window, probably due to the noise when we're on the interstate.  The trip will stress your cat enough, do not add to their misery.  

4. Acknowledge them

They will feel lonely if they're tucked away in the back.  Say their name occasionally or, if possible, pet them.  Let them know they are not alone or being ignored.

5. Don't drug them

I have seen some people have their vets prescribe anxiety meds for their pets during travel.  I have also read a number of reasons not to do this.  It may calm the cat for the trip but once they wake up: they are groggy, have NO idea what happened throughout the day, and are now in a new place while dealing with the after effects of their meds.  Important note: NEVER give your cat any human medication without discussion with their vet first.

6.  An emergency occurs

If something happens to one of your cats while driving, DO NOT take your eyes off the road until you have safely pulled over.  Remain calm: if you are stressed, your cat will be.  

7. Careful when opening doors

When you make a stop, make sure you know where your cat is when you open the door.  You don't want a lost pet in the middle of no where.  For cats, they sell harnesses and leashes for walking your cat so if your cat is one to bolt out the door when you come home every day, I strongly suggest a harness in case you need to grab them quickly and easily.

8. Make sure they are identifiable

In the chance that they do get loose either while driving, at the airport, or at your travel destination, it is important that if found, your information is easily obtainable.  Both my cats have collars on 24/7 with tags that list their name and my phone number.  They are also both microchipped as the shelter they were adopted at does that for all cats they receive.  Even if they don't travel with you and stay indoors all the time, I strongly urge them to have a breakaway collar (in case they get caught in something, the collar easily comes off when they pull to prevent injury) and microchipped because you never know what could happen.

9. Plan ahead for hotels

I usually do all my trips in one shot and don't stay overnight anywhere, however, if you know you will be stopping overnight somewhere, call ahead to make sure the place allows cats.

10. Cat carrier

Make sure you can easily get the cat in their carrier.  This does not include finding your cat first but once you have picked up the cat and are trying to place it in their carrier.  It also provides them a safe place while in the car so make sure they have plenty of room.  If you are just going to leave the cat in the carrier, period during the trip, they probably would appreciate a larger carrier than normal to have during long trips, such as a large dog carrier.

There are plenty of sites out there that list other tips for travelling with cats.  This site talks about what to do for different types of travel with your pet (car, plane, before leaving).  This site also includes some quick tips on when accidents happen.  Another one is this site which provides some general tips as well.

Have you found some things that have helped with travel?  Or have tips for other types of pets?  Feel free to share in the comments.

What NOT To Say To A Recent Grad

Unless this is the first time reading my blog, you already know I recently graduated from grad school and, like all grads, am looking for a job.  I also get ask a lot of the same questions over and over again and after the first 10 times, gets really repetitive so much so that I have essentially memorized responses to the questions.  So, if you come across someone in my position here are things that you should NOT say to them.

1. Have you found a job yet?

• More than likely, the answer is no.  Most grads are out of the job for more than a couple months after graduation.
• New grads have a disadvantage in their field: they don't have much experience outside of work study or internships they had during school.  Which means unless employers are specifically looking for new grads (or someone willing to work for less than the job normally pays) employers will lean towards someone with experience.  In fact, most jobs I've seen posted require 3 or  more years experience (which I have been convincing myself all the internships I had while in grad school count).
• The economy still sucks for a lot of fields grads have gone into.  This means more competition for jobs where grads are not only competing against each other, but also against veterans in the field (veterans meaning those with experience not an actual war veteran, though they can be looking for jobs as well).
• The EXCEPTION: if you are a professor, you are more than welcome to ask.  
• The exception to the exception: if you don't like the person or could care less what happens to the student afterwords.  Don't waste their time or yours.

2. Do you think you'll go back for a masters/PhD/MD/PharmD/flying unicorns?

• They just got out of school.  The last thing they want to really think about is applying to go back to school.  Plus if they wanted to do it, they would have already been accepted into a program.  If they were rejected, this is a sore subject because no one wants to say "I want to but I was rejected".
• Bonus advice: if they do say they were rejected DO NOT say "Well you can always try next year."  No really?  I thought it was a one time deal.  I still hate that people ask me if I'm going to try to get into pharmacy school again. I do not want to, I have no interest in it anymore, I'm already $80,000+ in debt let's not add another $100,000 to it please.  If you couldn't tell, this aggravates me.
• They probably have a lot of loans too that they won't want to add to for a while.
• The EXCEPTION: if you are in a position to and are willing to if asked, to write a letter of recommendation for said program.  So in other words, if you are the person's supervisor, professor, or colleague.

3. So how many jobs have you applied to?

• Apparently not enough to get hired is my typical response because the number of jobs you apply to doesn't really matter.  One could apply to 100 jobs and not even have one interview offer (spoiler alert: there may be something wrong with your resume or cover letter).  One can land a job at the first and only place they apply to as well.  In the end, you can only have one job-job.
• The EXCEPTION: if you are interviewing this person for a job.  True story, I've been asked at interviews.  I guess the nice professors can ask this too.

4. What was it exactly you went to school for? OR What kind of job can you get now?

• If you didn't know what the person went to school for: asking this question automatically forbids you from asking any subsequent questions.  Why?
• You don't know that much about them obviously.
• It becomes a game of 20 questions.
• The new grad has probably already played more rounds of 20 questions than they really want to at this point.
• It kind of makes the person feel bad that they went through all the work and graduated only to have the people they know have no clue what they were doing with their life for x number of years.  Makes you feel less important to know someone really didn't care to ask while you were in school.
• As for the what kind of job can you get?  One that is in the field that they studied (here's your sign).
• The EXCEPTION: you have alzheimer's.

5. What are you fellow classmates doing now?

• It doesn't matter what the field is that the person is in.  The answer is always the same: some people found jobs, some people are looking for jobs, some people moved back to their native country, some people went back to school for another degree.  Okay?  No one on the planet needs to ask this question anymore.  

There are some more questions but even though I'm off work for a week, I have a LOT going on.

What NOT To Say To Women Online

I made the realization today that I have not posted in over a week.  Partly because nothing too exciting has happened or has annoyed me enough to write a post about.  I haven't had time to go back for the second part of the museum review (hoping to do it next week I promise!).

I know something I can give advice about.  Online dating.  Yes, that.  For those who don't know, or haven't figured it out yet, I am a female.  Therefore online dating sites are a goldmine for me since 90% of those on the *free* dating sites (I don't know about the ones you have to pay for) are single, straight men.  Now, because of this large proportion of men, my profile tends to get a lot of views, and quickly as soon as a picture of me is up.  It also tends to get a lot of messages.  Now, I can by no means say this is true for every women but dudes: there are just some general things that will get you ignored very quickly.

Things NOT to say/do when messaging a woman online (Epilogical's view)

1. Lack of proper English/spelling/grammer.

If I had a nickel for every time a guy has said something along the lines of "Hey babe, wanna chat wit me?"....I don't think I would still be looking for a job right now.  No I don't "wanna" chat with you because you seemed to have failed 5th grade writing and therefore wouldn't be able to hold a decent conversation.  And when did I become your babe?  I know all of my exes will tell you that I hate that term so don't think that a complete stranger is going to get away with it.  I explicitly state in my profile that if people do say this, they will be ignored.

2. Lack of conversation.

"Hi" Ugh, I hate when I get messages like this.  First of all, this leads to a quickly dying conversation.  Being the sarcastic, semi annoyed person that I am, I will just say "Hi" back.  Ball's back in your court buddy, better come up with something better than that if you want my attention.

3. Commenting on my looks

While it is an ego boost to have a complete stranger tell me I'm pretty or beautiful, it also makes me roll my eyes.  Maybe it's because usually when a guy tells me that, it's because he wants something or he did something wrong.  Also, clearly you are just interested in me based on appearance and probably have not read my profile at all (hint: to weed out these people pose a question in your profile in an obvious spot and say you need to answer this question in a message to you.  Something stupid, mine's about mummies).  It's also cheesy.

4. Get pushy

This gets men blocked right away on my profile.  Do not try to push me for my number within 5 minutes of talking.  Not going to happen.  Why? Because I have never ever met you before and maybe I don't want constant texts/phone calls from you.  Especially before even meeting you because constantly bothering me makes me want to meet you less (true story).  If we have talked for a couple days online and make plans to meet each other, then yes, I have no problem giving you my number in case plans have to change.  If there are no potential plans: why do I want a phone buddy?  If you want to give me your number, that's totally fine.  If I want to call/text, then I will.  Don't then push me for my number.

5. Become a bother

If I don't respond to a message after failing to listen to number 4 above, do not continue to message me every day.  Chances are, I am fed up with you and have given you the label of clingy.  Instant block.

6.  The sex talk

Did I write in my profile I want casual sex?  No? Then don't ask me if that's what I want.  Period.

7.  Ask me if you're my type

How the hell am I supposed to know if I never even met you?  Usually, I don't even know if I like a guy or not until the 3rd or 4th date (exception: my last boyfriend, I knew I liked him on date number 1 immediately after he said Ca-nay-dia).


There is just some advice from things that have happened this week to me.  Fellow ladies: feel free to comment below on other annoyances.

The Art of Job Creativity

As the weeks wind down on my current job, and the job market for people like me remains the same (ie sucks because while there are jobs, there are also a lot of people who are in the same boat as me), I have started to think about alternative careers to sustain me for a while until a job that could use my degree pops up.  Here are my thoughts (note: a job-job is a job that will use my graduate degree to it's fullest extent, a job is one that doesn't):

1. I could continue to work at the pharmacy, just work more hours (which I know the pharmacists there will probably jump for joy when they read this) and pick up a second, similar paying job.  Money will be tight even if I continue my current 50 hour work weeks, but at least will be coming in.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 90%

2. I could find another temporary job (in my current city, I'm not moving to do this crap again) that needs my degree, or something close to it.  Or like my current job that wanted a recent grad or second year student (my program generally takes two years to complete).  The pay may not be as high as a regular job, but it adds experience to the resume.   If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 100% (in current city) 60% (in another city).

3. Work at a museum.  Science (ideal), history, or even art if they'll take me.  I've wanted to work in a museum and I already volunteer at one (which is hiring part time education assistants and volunteer service associates right now).  If I can't find a job-job might as well do something I'll probably never be able to do again.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 70%

4. Become an author.  I've written chapter books since I was 8.  No lie, I still have the very first one I ever started.  Of course, this would require me to actually finish novels.  Would probably be able to do considering soon I will have a lot more free time.   If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 50% because it will take a few years to make a noticeable profit.

5. Go back to school.  For a PhD.....not in this field.  Partly because my grades are not straight A's and for PhD programs that matters.  Actually, after a couple years I may do that anyways and then you all would have to call me Dr. Epilogical.  I'm thinking anthropology, that way I still can satisfy option 3, just on a grander scale (and if I do option 3 followed by this, it counts as relative experience).  Or maybe micro- or marine- biology.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 80%, you know, assuming I actually am confident I would be accepted into a program.

6. Get a fellowship.  They typically only last 1 to 2 years but, it's in my field and I may actually find one in the area I like.  Plus, it can be added as relative experience for an actual job-job.  I didn't include this as temp job because.....in my mind it's different.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 100% (in current city) 90% (in another city, partly because I don't want to have to move a third time after it ends and start in a new place all over again.)

7. Get  job that could use my undergrad degree.  I never actually have used my undergrad degree, with the exception of applying to grad school which is a whole other field, though I guess you can say they're pseudo-related.  Regardless, it would technically make me underemployed but at least I would be making more than I am now (and be able to actually work in a lab which is kind of what I wished I done the year between graduating from college and starting grad school).  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 100% assuming it would be easier to find a job than a job-job.

8. Get one of those per diem consulting jobs in my field that no one else really does because they actually have a job or think they're too good for it.  I can consult.  I always have an opinion and will be willing help a company for money.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 100%, in fact I would probably do it even if I do find a job-job and use the money for a vacation fund to Germany/Switzerland.

9.  Become a blackjack dealer.  Shut up, it would be entertaining and you know you secretly want to yourself.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 20%

10.  Become a pro bowler.  Of course, that would require me to start bowling again.  Grad school kind of kept me away from that.  Plus that would be awesome to put on a resume!  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 30%.


If anyone has any interesting suggestions, serious or entertaining, feel free to comment below.  Or share your own experiences because I would like to feel like I'm not the only one who has had this problem (because I know I'm not).

The Art of Volunteering

As I mentioned before, I volunteer at two places in between working and applying for jobs.  Since it's something I personally enjoy, I decided to explain the benefits of volunteering for those who don't (and why you should volunteer yourself if you have the time).


First a little history on my volunteering resume (feel free to skip because it's long):
I started volunteering when I was 14, I believe.  Maybe 15.  It was at a youth football organization in my hometown.  I started out by helping out in the concession stand.  Sometimes I would take money and call out orders to those at the grill, sometimes I would have to add up $1 worth of candy to little kids.  And sometimes I would go out on the field to sell 50/50 tickets during the games.  Suffice it to say, I liked it.  It may be because my grandfather was one of the people who had started the organization years ago (and who is no longer with us).  It may be because my parents also volunteered there.  It may be because since I was a kid, if anyone had a complaint, they weren't going to say it to me (oh how i wish that's how pharmacy customers would be like).

Anyways, around that time, I also was selected to be on my city's youth court which I did through senior year of high school.  I also went from concession stand volunteer to assistant coach for one of the cheer squads in which my mom was the head coach. Yes, I was an assistant cheer coach but don't think I wasn't sarcastic during it.  Added bonus: I was the "mean coach" so the 20+ 6-8 year old girls would always listen to me.  Wow, I was in charge of that many kids while I was 17ish and the other two coaches couldn't make it.  That experience will be a post all in of it's own later.  Especially since the only reason I think my mom asked me to do it was because she couldn't come to the first hour of the very first practice, leaving me alone with all of them.
Anyways, that progressed to me attending the monthly/bimonthly evening meetings and eventually being elected to be on the Board of Directors within this organization.  I was for a year and declined the second nomination due to not knowing if I would be living there the following year.

I left my hometown and began grad school 1,000 miles away from home.  My first year of grad school, I didn't volunteer anywhere.  Partly because I was in a new city and wouldn't have known where to begin.  It certainly wasn't because I was working two jobs and sincerely thought I was going to die of stress my second semester.  Anyways, that summer I decided to get a cat.  Found a shelter online and filled out an application for adoption.  Fast-forward two months.  I had the cat for a couple months and decided "you know what? I'm going to volunteer there."  I mean, how could I not? I get to play with cats and kittens!  Well, I'm still volunteering there (and picked up a few shifts which I think inspired the timing of this post) as well as at a museum.  That's right a museum.  A natural history museum even.




Okay, so why volunteer?  I mean, it's time you could be spending the time to do other things.  Well, here is my reasoning (besides to typical "it's rewarding" response):

1. It gives you the chance to do something you are interested in.

• Let's say you're a computer programmer.  I'm not, but I assume you sit in front of a computer all day doing computer programming things.  Now, imagine that in the evenings/weekends you can let your inner child loose and play at the playground.  With children by volunteering at a boys and girls club.  Wouldn't you do it?
• Or even, you love animals but travel a lot or don't have time to have a pet.  But a few hours every week, you get to see a dogs face light up every time you walk into a shelter.

2. It gives you something to do if you get bored easily.

• Everyday: you get up, you go to work, you come home, you watch t.v., and you go to bed (and yes I stole that from Rocko's Modern Life).  Can get boring after a while I bet.  But everyone once in a while, you can mix it up by coaching a youth baseball team every summer.

3. You meet people.

• You are going to meet other people who volunteer at the same place you do.  Which can lead to lifelong friendships.  Some of my closest friends, I met through volunteering.  And don't think that age is a factor.  I've made friends with people of various ages (mostly older due to me only being in my mid-20s).
• This is definitely comforting when you're in a new city and don't know anyone.  Or when all your friends move like most of mine did after graduation.

4. You learn new skills.

• You may not even think about it but here are some examples from my experiences:
• Patience.  You HAVE to with 20 kids.
• Leadership - Board of Directors, it goes without saying
• Communication  - All of my volunteer work deals with people on some level

5. You become known in the community.

• An awesome volunteer and the youth football organization past away from cancer a few months ago.  He was active not only there, but elsewhere as well.  People knew him in our community.  He was great with children and easy to get along with (though he used to always call me Casper).  When he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, there were many people from our organization willing to provide support for the family.  Which also goes to show how close people within an organization can get.

6. A lot of organizations will organize some sort of event for it's volunteers

• They know that it is a great time commitment on your part.  And they acknowledge their appreciation in a variety of ways.  I've been able to go to banquets for free, waived admissions to the museum, plenty of pizza parties, discounts, and even a scholarship. 

I know this list could be longer but those are the ones that come to mind immediately for me.  If you have your own reasoning: feel free to comment below.

Loud Annoying Neighbors

I looked at my stats recently for this blog and noticed two things:
1. The 3 top viewed posts were humor
2. People like to read about things that can pertain to them

Anyways, I decided to do another life changing entry on obnoxious, loud, annoying neighbors.  I've had my share.  Not so much growing up, we lived in a quiet old people neighborhood.  By that I mean most of the original owners still lived in the houses (circa 1950 built).

No Initial Problems
I decided to go to grad school 1,000 miles away from home.  Which means I had to move into an apartment.  A one bedroom 680 square foot apartment.  When I filled out the application, I told them I just didn't want to be on the bottom floor.  So I was put on the second floor, meaning I had one person below me and one person above me.  Well, actually there was no one above me when I first moved in and I'm pretty sure there was no one below me either.  The majority of the building was actually vacant.  I'm sure the train tracks that were behind us may have had a little to do with the fact that maybe no one wanted to live in that particular building.

Clumsy and Stereos
A couple of months after moving in, I got some actual neighbors.  They weren't too bad, except for the guy above me having a problem holding on to things because I would routinely hear a sudden loud bang above me every....single....night.  The neighbor below me....well, let's just say he had a lot of girlfriends spend the night.  He also liked to play music a little loudly at night (midnight night, not 8pm night).  Well, one night I was so frustrated while studying (in the bedroom) that, I decided to express my irritation.  While still sitting in my chair, I lifted up both my feet and then slammed them on the floor.  It made a really loud noise, louder than I expected.  But it did the trick: the music went silent immediately following.  In fact, I never had a problem with him playing loud music again after that.  Then he moved out.

More Stereos, Friends, and Late Night Strolls
So, a year or so after both neighbors moved it, they moved out.  I'm guessing they didn't like the trains.  Anyways, another person moved in below me.  This one liked to have friends over and when they weren't over, he liked to talk extremely loudly on his phone.  After one night, I decided to complain to the leasing office.  The guy had thrown a party Saturday night (or maybe it was Friday) that lasted late.  Past 2am late.  They were inside and out on the porch so I wasn't the only neighbor who could hear them.  I could even hear them over the train.  Anyways, he was quiet for the next couple months, which was all I needed because I was moving to a larger apartment (that was not next to the train tracks).  However, the person above me liked to go for late night walks.  In her apartment.  Seriously, every night starting at around 11pm (or later) she would walk from the bedroom to the living room to the bedroom to the living room......for over an hour.  I wanted to yell: what are you doing up there?

More Friends
I moved into a larger apartment within the same complex.  My new neighbors were quiet at night.  A few months after moving, a new neighbor(s) moved into the building across from mine.  Who had friends over always.  And they liked to hang out in the parking lot and talk loudly at night.  So loudly that one of my neighbors got in a vocal argument with them at 2am one time.  Long story short, a bunch of us continuously complained to the leasing office.  I was the final straw at one point.  I remember, I walked into the leasing office to complain for the third time with my arms folded and a glare on my face.  I must've looked pissed because the one girl actually backed up into her office when she saw me.  Well, they ushered me into the manager's office who then said that she has had it and was evicting them.  Apparently, I found out that while one guy filled out the application to live there (good) his 3 friends who were also living there didn't (bad, everyone who lives there has to at least fill out an application while only one is needed for the credit check).  Must've been cramped because it was the same size as my old apartment (680 sq ft 1 bedroom).  At least the train wasn't nearby.

Voices In Her Head
Well, the loud people were evicted.  My next adventure is with one of my neighbors who apparently hears voices in her head.  At least according to the leasing office.  See, she complained to them that she hears loud people at night and that it was coming from my apartment.  Leasing office knew I wan't to blame and even told her so.  One night she decided to verify it by knocking on my door.  Well, since I was the only one home and wasn't arguing with myself, I think that convinced her.

Hypocritical
So, neighbor who complains of loudness, decided one night to throw a party to quiet the voices in her head. It lasted past 3am.  Lucky for me, I couldn't hear it from my bedroom.  A week ago, she decided to act out the argument in her head with her own version.  At 1:30am her and another person were having a heated argument.  After 15 minutes one of them finally left.  I found out the next day in the leasing office that she is moving out in the next couple of months.  Hopefully the voices go with her.  I've been tempted to ask if she hears trains too.



So, what does one do about loud, obnoxious neighbors?  Here is a list of ideas that I *might* have done on my own (or just read other people have done).  Please be advised that you may want to warn your other neighbors before doing some of these.  Heck, they may even join in if they are annoyed as well.

• Neighbor playing loud music at night?  Play loud music in the morning.  5am is a decent time.  I prefer the finale of 1812 (with the cannons).  
• On days that they are not playing their music, play the opposite of what they seem to prefer.  For example, if they play rap then play bluegrass (note: make sure they are home).
• Loud lovemaking?  Open your window and yell "encore!" and clap loudly.  Trust me, the female will more than likely be mortified and be a little quieter next time.
• Anytime you hear a loud argument, mention your opinion on the matter next time you see the neighbor.  For example, if they are arguing about what type of car they should get, just mention to your neighbor when they walk by "I agree with your wife/boyfriend/partner, the Nissan is definitely more practical"
• Have textbooks, "drop" them on occasion (who knew you would actually use them after the semester ends).
• Have a loud conversation with your "lawyer" about your murder trial

These are just a few suggestions.  Of course, there's the practical just call the police and complain to the leasing office.  Have any of your own suggestions?  Feel free to add them in a comment below.  Also, feel free to share this blog with friends using the links below.

Art of Doing It All

Someone asked me the other day a question that I have been asked in high school, college, and grad school.  And that question is:

How do you have time to do all that?

What they really want to ask is if I have a life.  But no one is brave enough to word it that way.

Why do I get asked this question?  Because I do a lot.  In high school I was involved (and held officer positions) for various clubs and organizations, was on two varsity teams (tennis in the fall and bowling in the winter), bowled in mutliple leagues and tournaments (yeah, my weekends were shot senior year), was a volunteer assistant coach (again with the weekends), and managed to graduate with a 98 average and earn enough college credit to enter college as a sophmore.  In college I was still a volunteer coach, worked one (and starting sophmore year two) jobs, and was involved in a couple clubs at school.  While taking classes in grad school I worked two jobs, was officer of a campus organization and managed to get work done on time, if not early.  Now I (get this) am working 3 jobs, two of my own research projects, and volunteer for two organizations (one an animal shelter and one a museum).  And I now blog (mostly while waiting for a really big dataset to run on a really long program).

So, yes, I do a lot.  Barely have a social life outside of facebook.  Yes, that counts as a social life for me since the majority of my friends do not live in the same city. And I still manage to cook homemade meals to eat every week.

How do I do it?  I have no idea.  But I will tell you some time management skills I have picked up over the years to help keep me organized and make sure not to miss any deadlines.

Epilogical's Time Management Tips

• Keep a list

I have OCD so I am very organized by nature.  I like lists.  I have a bunch of them throughout my apartment keeping track of various things (groceries to buy, things to do, research ideas, etc.).  The ones that will matter to you are the to-do lists.  At the start of the week, make a list of everything you want to accomplish that week.  It can include things like going grocery shopping, buying furniture, cleaning the living room.  Or, it can be things to accomplish a much larger goal.  For example, a thesis where you include the parts you want to accomplish for that particular week.  Because if you can do an entire thesis in one week, you need to email me NOW.  When you finish a certain thing on the list, check it off.

For tasks that take a long time to do (ie a thesis or writing a book or anything that takes more than a week) spend 20 minutes a day working on it.  Why 20 minutes?  Because it's short enough to be able to squeeze in somewhere during the day, yet long enough to actually be meaningful.  And by all means, if you want to keep working past the 20 minutes, go for it!  By the end of the week, you will have spent at least 2 hours on the task, if not more by taking a little chunk of time daily on it.  And you don't feel as guilty as you may waiting until the weekend to do it and end up having to do something else last minute.

• Have a calendar

I personally use the google calendar and color code each activity (each job has it's own color, volunteer work is all one color regardless of where it is, Dr appointments and vet appointments are another color). Having a calendar also allows you to make sure you don't miss anything important that you may not normally have to do every week (think doctors appointments).

After finishing with scheduling all the things I have to do (work, appointments, meetings, etc) I can then see where I have time to do other things and I make a list for each day of the little things I want to get done (groceries, cooking, laundry, couponing).  By doing that, the little things from the big list mentioned above will slowly be crossed off as each day ends.

• Don't overwhelm yourself

This is something I always come dangerously close to doing.  You do this by taking on too much with the things you're required to do and leave barely enough room for that, let alone other things.  My way of handling this is easy.  I cut down my one job to 1 day a week and don't volunteer to do extra shifts at the shelter or museum.

• Make note of major deadlines and plan accordingly

This can be for work, school, moving, whatever is a big thing that you need done or to do on a certain day that will take time getting for.  Here, I suggest if you can't take off from work or whatnot, to not have anything extra scheduled within a few days prior to the big deadline to allow yourself more time to concentrate on it.  For example, I would take off from work or not volunteer the week before finals to allow more time to freak out, er.....study.

• Multi-task

Some tasks can be combined to do at the same time.  Or meaningless activities like watching tv for example, can be combined with other activities.  I never just watch tv, I get too bored.  Usually, when the tv is on I'm preparing food to cook and once it goes in the oven (or on the stove), I then start to look through the internet, blog, do part of my research that doesn't require full thinking, etc.   Saves time.  Warning, don't leave the stove or oven on unattended (ie, don't go to the store while cooking dinner if no one else is home, big fire hazard.  You want to save time, not cause an even bigger headache.  I don't even leave the crockpot on when I'm not home, though it is safe to leave on if you want a slow cooked meal).