Attend An APHON Conference

Happy Nurses Week!

I know a lot of my friends don't believe this because I travel so much, but I do have a job.  I am a full time Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Transplant Nurse.  

APHON stands for Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses.

In the field of nursing I am in, APHON is like the nursing equivalent of attending the Oscars.  It attracts the cream off the crop. You meet nurses making positive changes and huge strides in the field.  I had attended the local chapter (Scaphon) conference a few times in the past.  If we are still relating this to award shows, Scaphon is like the MTV Awards or Teen Choice Awards.  It is a total drink fest, and it is the best way to see how crazy nurses really are.

The conference was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Since I had never been to Pennsylvania I decided to attend my first APHON conference.  I had arrived two days early so I had some extra time to check out the city.

Walking distance from the convention center was the Heinz History Center which was a museum that focused more on Pittsburgh History.  I thought it was a beautifully done museum, and reminded me of a mini Smithsonian.  Only after visiting did I discover they were affiliated with the Smithsonian.

They had two displays that were a perfect representation of the attendees of the APHON Conference.  To the left it portrays the power of a group of nurses creating change in a tough field.  To the right, an old school nursing uniform just showing how much change nursing has overcome.  Thank goodness we don't have to wear outfits like that anymore!

After the museum, I walked along the main road from the Convention Center to Point State Park.  That evening I went to dinner with one of my co-workers and one of her old colleagues from Florida.  Her friend was SHOCKED that I had walked around Pittsburgh on my own.  I then proceeded to tell her all the other places I have traveled on my own and her eyes almost bugged out of her sockets in shock.  I guess she doesn't know very many independent women in her life.

We enjoyed so much yummy food while in Pittsburgh with most of the best food coming from restaurants in the Strip District.  We ate in the area three times during our stay.

My wound was still healing from my cancer surgery, so I was with the best group of people that would understand my little cancer predicament.  The conference was filled with inspiring and informative lectures, and in between lectures we headed to the "swag" area to talk to drug, medical supply, and organization reps.  In the other end of the exhibit hall were posters filled of research and  evidence based practices.  My friend, Lani, had created one to represent our hospital.  The exhibit hall was always filled with food, drinks, and prize giveaways.  The conference is also a great place to network, and I even saw some of my old Los Angeles co-workers and preceptors, and a nurse I had met when taking my cancer patients on a trip.

As you can imagine, the group was predominately women, so in order to accommodate our bathroom needs we took over this place.....

The men's bathroom became a women's bathroom, and yes I am quite aware I took a random photo of urinals!

It was a great conference, and I learned so much from it.  I have already implemented change in one of our practices after getting advice from nurses working in other institutions.

Date Accomplished:  October 16th, 2012

Sail On A Tall Ship

The Tall Ship, Star of India, at the Maritime Museum

You've probably watched the Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan, or The Goonies, and have seen the beautiful tall ships (aka Pirate ships) that sail in them.

I got a killer opportunity to join my photography group to sail on a tall ship for $30.  

We arrived at the Maritime Museum and boarded the Californian.  Right before boarding the ship the boat fired a few fake cannons.  Ahoy, Matey!  My pirate game face was officially ON!

The Californian was built in 1984 (not exactly during the prime days of pirates), and is the official tall ship of the state of California.  The ship was a beauty; very clean, and in great shape. 

Since I was with my photography group I took a lot of photos.  I enjoyed taking photos of the little details that most people probably don't notice when sailing on the ship.  Unfortunately, I had no luck finding a treasure chest filled with hidden jewels or one-eyed Willie.  I was the closest thing I found to a Pirate with my collection of cheesy Pirate'isms.  Aarrrrrr.

Besides the joy of sailing, the views of my beautiful hometown only heightened my experience.  We sailed during sunset, and enjoyed waving at other boats, jet skiers, and even seals!  What a lovely way to see San Diego!

Date Accomplished:  August 21st, 2011

Enjoy Tax Free Shopping In Portland

Sales Tax can make a huge difference when going shopping, especially for larger purchases.  In San Diego the sales tax is 8% (in Los Angeles it is 9%).  Oregon is one of five states that offers no sales tax, so when I traveled to Portland I knew I had to take advantage of this.

I went to H&M and got a scarf and small turquoise purse, I went to Nordstrom Rack for two pairs of already discounted shoes (I love these shoes, and they are ALMOST as comfortable as my Toms), a magnet (that now has a place on my fridge), and postcards at the famous Powells. 

For proof that Portland actually offers tax free shopping here is my receipt from H&M.  *Fist Pumps* Take that California sales tax!

I wish I needed a new laptop during my visit because I would have definitely bought one there!

Date Accomplished:  August 18th, 2012

See The Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is a famous American iconic symbol.  Made in 1752, it was formally housed in the steeple of Independence Hall.  The quote "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof" is inscribed onto the bell.  But the bell got the name "Liberty Bell" by abolitionists fighting to end slavery.

Sometime in the early 19th century, the Liberty Bell began to acquire its famous crack.  In 1885 the Bell went on tour around the country, and in 1915 it went back to its home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The bell now lives at the Liberty Bell Center right in front of Independence Hall.  Entry to visit the Liberty Bell is free, and the line to enter the building can be quite long, but thankfully moves relatively quickly.  I waited approximately 10 minutes after arriving in the early afternoon.

Once entering the building you are required to go through security, and after passing through security you can browse through exhibits and video presentations.  At the other end of the building, surrounded by a large glass window is the Liberty Bell.

Date Accomplished:  October 8th, 2012

Visit Love Park In Philadelphia

A bride running in front of the Love sign

Valentines Day.  Schmalintines Day.  

Yah, I admit it, I am probably the non-biological offspring of Ebenezer Scrooge except the Valentine's Day version. I'm a bigger fan of Easter because at least I have reason to stuff my face with Cadbury Eggs.  Mmmm...Cadbury.

Last weekend one of the gals at work began complaining about having to work Valentines Day.  

I told her, "I purposely scheduled myself to work Valentine's Day."

She laughs, "You're so funny" as she shows hints on her face hoping I am joking.

I tell her with a stern tone, "No, I'm serious.  I always schedule myself to work it."  She stands up and awkwardly walks away probably thinking how sad and bitter of a person I am.

So even I surprised myself for wanting to visit the Love Park in Philly.  I had seen the bright red sculpture pop up in tons of people's photos.

Love Park is located across from Philly's City Hall.  It famously gets its nickname for being home to the Love sculpture created by Robert Indiana during the seventies.

After skipping up the Rocky Steps, I asked my friend who is SUPPOSEDLY a Philly native if we were close to the sign.  "No, we're pretty far."  Boo freaking hoo, or rather Bah Humbug if I am still playing my Scrooge alter ego.

We walked the scenic Benjamin Franklin Walkway, and in the distance I saw the sculpture.  I turned to my friend and yelled, "I thought you said it was far away!!  Isn't that Love Park?"  "Uhhh, ohh yeah, I guess it is.  Hey, I gotta go pee, I'll meet you at the front of the sculpture."  I smirked, "TMI dude, TMI." 

After being harassed by a homeless man wanting to take my photo in front of the sign in exchange for money (No matter how many times I read that last bit, it still sounds like I committed some heinous crime),and waiting for an entire wedding entourage to take their lovey dovey pics, my friend finally showed up from his extended "pee" break.  

I say "Let's go!  I'm over it!  Let's find some Philly Cheese Steaks!" and I was back to my Scrooge self. 

Date Accomplished:  October 7th, 2012

Experience Mardi Gras In New Orleans

Mardi Gras in New Orleans doesn't quite have the most innocent reputation.

I highly expect most people relate Mardi Gras to women baring their breasts in exchange for beads.

Unfortunately you will not be seeing any photos of naked women, but you will see a lot of photos of beads!

Mardi Gras in New Orleans consists of two weeks of parades ending on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.   Several parades happen around town daily during Mardi Gras season, many of them happening in the Uptown area. A schedule of the parades can be found here, and the locals told me about this genius app to track the whereabouts of the parades.

Because of the Super Bowl being hosted in New Orleans, the two weeks of parades had to be separated in between Super Bowl festivities.  I was able to attend the first half of parades.

All in all, I went to SEVEN Mardi Gras Parades, because many of the parades in the Uptown area occur one after the other, it made the feat doable.  My first parade was located in the French Quarter.  We had a few hours to kill before the beginning of the parade so we headed to Pat O'Brien's for some Hurricanes....

I must have forgotten from my first visit how potent these suckers are, because I went from sober to drunk in a matter of an hour.  But I didn't stop there, in true Bourbon Street fashion I got another drink for the road....

....and I went from drunk to DRUNKER fast.  Once the parade began I was a bundle of energy, and because it was a walking parade (meaning no floats), I was able to interact with the parade participants.  I even managed to snag a bead from a homeless man who heard me pouting because I wasn't able to catch a bead.

Only in a walking parade can you mingle with the bead throwers as much as this!  I hate to admit this, but in my drunken state I kissed many men for beads.  To semi-protect my already tainted reputation, it was social cheek kissing, ya know, the type of kissing that is COMPLETELY acceptable in Spain or Brazil. Ignore the fact I was not in Spain or Brazil.

The French Quarter parade was quite different from the Uptown parade.  The Uptown Parades were more family driven, and with expert bead catchers! These people had grown up going to parades and knew the best spots, and were quite prepared by bringing food and chairs to relax in between floats. The parades were also different, in between every float they had marching bands and dance crews entertaining the spectators.

The smaller kids sat in wooden boxes secured on top of ladders, and I got the most beads when standing in front of one of the ladders!  The ladders (and their inhabitants) were magnets for getting stuff thrown at them (as you can clearly see from the ground surrounding the ladders).  The floats not only throw beads, but they throw stuffed animals, cups, Frisbee's, garters, tiaras, footballs, giant toothbrushes and combs, plastic swords (yep, caught one of these!), and even hula hoops! 

Another Mardi Gras must is having a slice of King Cake in search of the tiny plastic baby hidden inside!  King Cakes are like glorified Cinnabon's sprinkled with the Mardi Gras colors (purple, green and gold).  The Southern custom is that the person who finds the plastic baby must buy the next king cake.  Many locals have their favorite king cake, and most of them would say that Manny Randazzo has the best one.  I don't have much to compare it to, but it was very tasty.

At the end of the seven parades we scored more beads than we could count.  We didn't have to flash any boobies to earn them either.

Here are some of my tips.....

• Eye Contact works!  Get the attention of someone on the float and point at them and make eye contact.  Most of the time they will try throwing something at you.  
• Like I said before, the ladders are magnets for beads.  Often times the kids are too young to grab the stuff, and most times the trinkets fall to the ground.  Most locals believe that snatching beads that have already fallen to the ground is bad luck, so the way I see it, standing in front of the ladders avoid beads going to waste.

Me on the right trying to catch some beads!

• Walk up to the floats (but not too close that you get run over!) and talk to the people.  They usually hand out some good things this way.
• During the day parades go to an open area near the back, the macho guys on the float love throwing things as far as they can throw.
• Dance, wave your arms, smile and HAVE FUN!  

I made a little video of my Mardi Gras experience. The reason for the song choice is because during my second night of parades, one of the guys in our group played the song and we sang it in its entirety at the top of our lungs.


I have to admit, I didn't know that catching beads would be so much fun!   Mardi Gras definitely isn't just for ladies who want to flash random strangers!

Date Accomplished:  January 27th, 2013

Eat A Philly Cheesesteak In Philly

This following post will display my most recent obsession to Instagram. Anyone else addicted to it as much as I am?

While visiting Philly, eating a Philly Cheesesteak was on the list. I surprised myself by crossing it off my list THREE times!  Philly Cheesesteaks are sandwiches composed of thinly sliced pieces of steak, and cheese inside a large loaf of bread.  It was created in Philadelphia in the 1930's.  Most cheesesteak joints give you an option of having grilled onions, and a choice of cheeses like Provolone, American, and Cheez Wiz!

My first Philly Cheesesteak was at Reading Terminal Market.  My friend and I walked through the endless stalls of eateries looking for a cheesesteak place.  The only cheesesteak joint still open was Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies.  I had it with grilled onions and Provolone cheese.  This was my most favorite from the three because it was the most fresh, and everything was cooked to order. 

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The couple I was staying with through Airbnb told me about the next two cheesesteak joints that were walking distance from where I was staying.  Each evening I took the walk to 9th Street and Passyunk to try the cheesesteaks at the rivaling restaurants. 

My second Philly Cheesesteak was at Pat's King Of Steaks, which just so happens to be the restaurant of the creator of the Philly Cheesesteak, Pat Olivieri.  Surprisingly this was my least favorite Cheesesteak.  I had it with American Cheese and grilled onions.  The meat was lukewarm, and the meat tasted like it may have been sitting out for awhile.  Disappointed, I was hesitant to try another cheesesteak.

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The following evening, I decided to give my cheesesteak adventure another chance.  I went to the restaurant across from Pat's called Geno's Steaks.  The people I was staying with had told me that a Philly Cheesesteak is pure junk food.  I didn't realize how true that statement was until I had the Geno's Steak with Cheez Wiz!  Holy Oily Guacamole!  Despite it being oily, the Cheez Wiz Philly Cheesesteak wasn't half bad.

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In the end, the winner of my little Philly Cheesesteak taste test goes to Carmen's!

Date Accomplished:  October 7th, 2012

Have A Voodoo Doughnut

In case your stomachs weren't ready to burst from all the Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie....let's talk about an important topic, like doughnuts. 

I had heard a lot about Voodoo Doughnuts prior to visiting Portland.

Anytime I mentioned to others I was visiting Portland they would immediately say, "You have to try Voodoo Doughnuts!"

I've seen it on Man Vs Food and No Reservations; but the real kicker was when I was reading 50 Shades of Grey (yes I am admitting to reading the book, in fact, I am admitting to reading the entire trilogy), and they had a few mentions of Voodoo Doughnuts!  If Christian Grey goes to Voodoo Doughnuts then it's only necessary for me to visit too!

Voodoo Doughnuts opened up in 2003, and is known for its obscure doughnut selections (almost 100 varieties!), painful long lines, and their iconic pink doughnut boxes.  After spending an afternoon at the Saturday Market, we walked over to Voodoo only to be welcomed by an enormously long line.  We waited over an hour for doughnuts!  I should have listened to the homeless man that ran by us screaming, "People, they are only doughnuts!"

I got the famous Bacon Maple Bar (I had better in New Orleans), and the Old Dirty Bastard with its crumbled oreos on top.  My sister got the cock and balls, which looked like.....just guess...a cock and balls.  It was like a twisted perverted version of a Boston Cream Doughnut.

Did I like it?  Yeah I liked it.  Did I love it?  No.  It wasn't worth waiting over an hour for.

I am convinced they make the doughnuts using caffeinated sugar because we were high on energy after that.  For proof, my siblings and I made the following video to the tune of "Call Me Maybe."  Yes, my siblings also have no shame.  Our lip syncing was horrible at some parts because we didn't have the music playing in the background.  This is what happens after eating Voodoo Doughnuts, you have been warned.....


Date Accomplished:  August 18th, 2012

Climb The Rocky Steps At The Philadelphia Museum Of Art

Rocky is probably one of the most iconic movies of all time.

The first Rocky movie was released in 1976, and it currently has SIX movies in the saga.

Rocky was predominately filmed in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia.

Probably the most famous scene in Rocky is during the first film when he climbs the steps of The Philadelphia Museum of Art to the tune of Bill Conti's "Gonna Fly Now."  The steps are now most notably known as the Rocky Steps. 

There are 72 stone steps to the top.  At the very top is a beautiful view of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and a pair of footprints where Rocky once stood.


Instead of running up the Rocky Steps, I decided to skip up the steps while humming the famous tune.  Because I had a real crummy September it was almost liberating doing this, it was like a celebration for conquering all the hurdles thrown at me the previous month.

I might not be a boxer, but I'm a fighter and warrior in my own way!

Date Accomplished:  October 7th, 2012

Celebrating Halloween At A Haunted Mansion

November 6th, 2012

This year I spent Halloween weekend in St Louis while visiting a friend.   It was also for my post birthday celebration.  I don't go out drinking a lot, in fact, when I do go out, I usually just have 1-2 drinks of wine or beer.  My friend, however, drinks like a sorority girl in her college prime.  My liver was not prepared for this.  I had 1/4 of the drinks everyone had Thursday night, and the following day I was hugging the toilet.  At one point I fell asleep next to the toilet.  NOT FUN! 

I was "smart" about my drinking from that point on, and not only was I more lucid and coherent, I actually had more fun! 

In fact, I have had many friends say they love me because I can have fun at a club or bar even without alcohol. I have no shame.

Do you need proof?  In day light, completely sober, with people around, I do stuff like this......

I showed the video to my friend and he smirked and said "People are going to be laughing at themselves a year from now at how ridiculous they look like doing that dance."

I quickly responded, "I am laughing at myself NOW!  Why wait a year?  I thought the entire point of it was to PURPOSELY look completely idiotic?"

After a few a nights out, I felt pretty warmed up to go to the Lemp Mansion to participate in some Halloween debauchery.  For the record, I hate Halloween, so the fact I dressed up twice this year is bloody unbelievable.

Lemp Mansion was built in the 1800's, and is thought to be haunted.  A lot of the rumors arising after being the site of three suicides. Now every year they throw a massive "killer" Halloween party.

My two new friends Joe and Nicole helped organize the entire outing, including squeezing EIGHT grown people with bulky costumes into a mini van.

 

The mansion was very well kept.  Even the public restroom had a shower for us me to climb in.  The mansion had several rooms with different bands and DJ's, unlimited alcohol, and even included food!  One of the food items offered was toasted ravioli, a St Louis specialty.  Can I just tell you how unbelievably good it was?  DIVINE!

I was starting to actually enjoy Halloween.  I mean how many times in a year (rather a lifetime) can you take a photo with Mall Cop?  That was worth dressing up like a silly lady bug.

After seeing a woman laying lifeless after being pushed down a stairwell, it was time to go home.

Home, as in Nicole and Joe's house.

We headed down to their basement for some late night jam sessions, and a few rounds of beer pong.  I am so jealous of all of you people with finished basements.  I want one!  Not only that, I wish I could pay less than $200,000 for a house too! 

Once I stopped dancing, and started going John Wilkes Booth on people, I knew it was time for me to go to bed. 

Oh, and remember how I said I dressed up twice this year....

We were Cowgirls and Native Americans at work (gotta be P.C. folks!).  I can't believe I kept that entire get up on for over 12 hours!

...and because this has got to be one of the most random, topic hopping posts I have ever written, I just want to know how many of you fine folks are on instagram?  I am kinda addicted.  Add me.

Destination Uncovered: Temecula Wine Valley // Temecula, California

October 8th, 2012

I feel like a bona fide travel blogger now.  This is my second blog posting while traveling through Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to be exact). 

Just two days before leaving for Pennsylvania I spent a weekend in Los Angeles to attend a bonfire, before heading back down to the Temecula Wine Valley.  I love Temecula. No, no, no...I HEART Temecula.

Here are five reasons why I just HEART Temecula:

1.  The Wine Tasting is generally a lot cheaper in Temecula than in Napa and Sonoma.  The biggest plus is that most places pour generously.

Does my face, which is still bandaged up from my cancer surgery, show how excited I am to go wine tasting?  I believe so.

At this winery, I nearly jumped for joy when they poured my glass halfway!  I know it's a TASTING, but the wine was so delicious here so I didn't mind.  Because most wineries in Temecula pour so generously, you can easily share one tasting among two people (that means you save MORE money!). 

2.  The Wineries are within close proximity of each other, so in approximately a span of a mile you can hit several wineries. 

Have you seen gas prices lately?  I don't think you want to drive too much, and too far to just get some wine.

3.  It's a great weekend getaway for Southern Californians.  It is completely drive-able from San Diego (one hour) and Los Angeles (1-2 hours). 

A group of us squeezed into our cars to make the trek down to Temecula.  There are several hotels and bed and breakfast joints in the area.  Just north of Temecula is the mother of all spas, Glen Ivy!  It also makes a perfect couple getaway.

4.  The Wineries are BEAUTIFUL! 

I can spend hours  just touring the winery grounds, or frolicking in the vineyards.

Most wineries offer great views, and great restaurants too.

5.  The biggest reason to go to Temecula, is that the wine makes MOST people silly, happy, or all of the above.  We all need a little bit of happiness in our lives, right?

The day before our Temecula trip my friend got majorly shit on by a bird.  It was ALL OVER HIS FACE. 

After a few wine tastings, we decided to make even more fun of the situation by practicing our new pose, "Do The Bird Shit."

Getting pooped on isn't fun, but drinking wine and pretending you are getting pooped on is fun.  Don't believe me?  I don't know how a group of people could look so happy to be pooped on, even if it's just pretend.

Wine tasting is best done with people you like, and because I like my readers, I am disclosing one of my favorite areas in Southern California.

Because I love you more than you could imagine, here are some of my favorite wineries....

• Mount Palomar- I love the whites and the cream sherry here.  They just opened a new restaurant as well!
• Callaway- Tastings are $15, but the pours are some of the most generous I have ever seen.  The whites here are so yummy!  They even have sparkling wine to try!  
• Miramonte- The Sangria here is amazing!
• Ponte- It gets a little busy, but I love the grounds, and I have had some yummy food at the restaurant.
• Leonesse-  This place has probably my favorite view of all of Temecula Wine Valley.
• Robert Renzoni Vineyards-  I haven't visited in years, but when I went Robert himself poured our wine.  The wine was delicious.

P.S.  A lot of the wineries also include a free wine glass with your tasting.