23 October 2008

Flu shots

So our office had free flu shots today.

I've been contemplating whether or not to get one for about 3 weeks. I figure it's free, so I may as well. Then I think back to the previous 2 times I've gotten one and remember the icky feeling I got as a result. Nothing too major, but general fatigue and stomach-y issues.

I know there's very little scientific proof that one can get sick as a result of the flu shot, but I've heard too many people talk about how sick they became as a result of the prickly little needle. Did I really want to risk that, even if it was nothing major?

So, about 20 minutes before the nurses were set to leave our office, I walked into the conference room and got a shot (mainly due to boredom). I figure now I won't feel bad when I call in sick tomorrow. :)

20 October 2008

Welp, see ya later!

I'm not actually really going anywhere, I just like that line from Dumb & Dumber and felt like using it.

I've just returned from meeting with the fine folks at National Louis University and I'm officially registered for Winter 2009 classes, to begin the week of January 12th. I'm still sorting through financial aid, but I'm hoping to hear back from them sometime in the next few days.

For those who don't know, I'm entering the graduate program at National Louis, going for my Master of Arts in Teaching (where I will also receive certification) for early childhood education. I am taking classes part-time (to begin, 1 class online and 1 3-hour class during the week, in the evening), and will be finished in the fall of 2010.

Needless to say, I am really freaking excited. I'm going to have to do my best to take advantage of the free time I currently have, because the next 2 years will likely be a lot different for me. Doing homework again? Going to the library to study? It's odd, but I'm actually looking forward to it.

Thanks to everyone who has encouraged me in the past (seeing that I've been contemplating making this move for roughly 4-5 years). The next 26 months are going to be awesome.

06 October 2008

Don't be Jack, move to the back

For the life of me, I will never understand people, who otherwise appear to be coherent, completely incapable of riding public transportation in the most effective manner.

You board a train or bus and all seats are full. There are likely more stops remaining until you reach your destination.

How hard is it to move toward the middle of a train car or toward the back of a bus? Why in the world would someone think it makes sense to board and then just stand near the door? These seem like really dumb questions, yet it happens all the time.

"But I'm getting off in a few stops!" is not a good excuse. Actually, unless you're unable to walk, or have huge boxes with you (which you shouldn't be on the train at rush hour to begin with, but I digress), I don't see a good reason to not move to a spot that would create the most amount of room for other passengers.

Many times, if I'm boarding & see this happening, I'll push past people (politely asking) and mumble something about moving to the back (sort of passive-aggressive). You'd think the push past wouldn't occur once I excuse myself, because the passenger(s) has to then realize their public transportation etiquette misstep.

It makes me a lot angrier than it should, that's for sure. I wish it didn't bother me as much as it does. I've been stuck on the platform way too many times to not get angry about it, and if I can help prevent someone else being angry, I'm all for it.