Baking, makeup, and updates

On Baking:
I've never been much of a baker - I'm more of what you'd call the "Out of the Box" baker. Give me a box of mix that says "Add water" and I'm all set. So this year when my friends decided to make a Holiday cookie exchange instead of gifts, I decided I would do something AMAZING -- pretty ambitious for a novice baker, right? Maybe. But I watch enough Food Network shows that I like to think that at least I know when something looks right or wrong.

I decided to try to make classic French Macarons! They're basically whipped meringue sandwich cookies. My first batch turned out pretty good, albeit a little underwhipped. My second batch was almost a disaster - I tried to reduce the amount of sugar, didn't let them sit out long enough prior to baking, and I might've also had the oven temperature too high... so they pretty much all cracked and didn't have the feet or the ruffle that you see on typical French Macarons. But.. my third batch! Worked out pretty well. Sweet.

I wanted to make them Christmas themed, so I dyed the macarons pink (supposed to be red) and green. For the filling I used 3-fruit citrus marmalade -- it's so delicious and perfect! I will post a picture after my cookie exchange!

On Makeup:
I posted in September that I liked the Maybelline Dream Matte Powder -- well I've finally started hitting the pan after using it daily since I bought it in late August, so I bought a new one to use when it runs out! I rarely buy things again unless I actually like them, so this is a big deal, especially for powder, since I've pretty much ONLY used Cover Girl Clean powder since I was in grade 9 (That was about 11 years ago, folks). I also purchased another Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch highlighting concealer in Radiant - I'm about 50% done mine, and while I kind of hate the pen-brush design, I like the product, so I am repurchasing. I use it pretty much exclusively for my under eyes, but occasionally I use it around my nose.

Updates:
Still waiting for my CNO General Class license. It took them a week to mark that they'd received my mail application, and an additional 12 business days on top of that to even charge my credit card. Ugh. Still waiting. Hopefully it should come next week.

I bought some clothing off ShopBop.com because my friend told me about their free express international shipping on orders over $100. I find that I'm in great need of more "adult" looking clothes, as I don't think it's all that classy to be wearing beat up t-shirts, hoodies, and yoga pants to parties/get togethers. I bought (prices in USD):

• an Alexander T Wang draped jersey skirt in Orchid ($98)

• 2-pocket Henley Jersey shirt by Splendid in Jade ($44)

• Serina sheer Jersey Top by Velvet in Blueberry Jam ($48.30)

Yeah.. my purchases weren't exactly cheap, but they are well made and nice items, and they were actually on sale. So I feel like these purchases will last for many years with the proper care. I actually feel like Forever21 stuff is SO inexpensive in comparison, so I can't really complain about prices of clothing there. I definitely won't be shopping at ShopBop all the time, but I do recommend them! Their sizing is accurate and true to size, good quality, and AMAZINGLY fast shipping. I placed my order around 7:30 last night, it shipped around 9:30 that same night, and arrived to my door this morning before noon. Amazing. 

Life updates

I forgot about this blog for a while.. so I'll just give you the coles notes updates on my life:

• I passed the CRNE! So I'm now a full-fledged RN. I'm just waiting for my General Class registration to go through.
• Still working, still liking it. That's a good sign. Getting paid is good.
• I'm working out on a semi-regular basis with Jillian Michaels' Ripped in 30. It's a pretty good series of workout videos, so I recommend it! I lost about 6 lbs since I've started working, in combination of eating healthier, eating less, being more active, and toning up with the workout videos. 
• I am super excited to say that I can buy skinny jeans! I never could find Skinny jeans that fit or looked right when I was my usual weight. I bought 2 pairs of skinny jeans at the new Forever21 store at Sherway Gardens, and I LOVE them. 
• My oldest brother is getting married sometime in the next 8-16 months, so I went ahead and made his wedding cake topper. Observe:

It's Calvin & Hobbes & Susie! It took me about 7-8 hours for sculpting/baking time, and I didn't eat or stop the whole time. Phew! But it was so worth it. I sent pictures to both of my brothers and they were so impressed and pleased with the outcome. The hardest part for me was doing the heads, since those are the defining features of Calvin & Hobbes comics - without the head being right, they wouldn't look like themselves at all. As with most of my projects, it was learn as you go, and I really had to play around to get the heads the way I wanted, and get the expressions right. Just don't ask me to make them again, because I don't think I'll be able to...

Lotsa laughs

My mom says ridiculous things sometimes that make me laugh. And I'm never expecting them, because as a child growing up, she never really used to joke around a whole lot; but now that I'm older and she's loosened up a little (a lot, actually) she actually has quite a sarcastic personality!

It's good to be home.

CRNE

I wrote my registration exam today. I am so relieved that it's over but now I'm just praying that I passed.

Vehicles

I'm not a huge car person - I don't drool over car shows, specs, or mods. But I do like cars that are shiny, run smoothly, and hold up to all the abuse I can throw at them.

I have a black 1999 Toyota Corolla and it's been fantastic; accelerates like nobody's business, handles well, and I have 365,700 Km on it. Yes, you heard me right. It is my baby, and I love her so; but it's time to put her down and get a new car. The engine works fine, but as part of this Drive Clean test thing that all cars older than 3 years have to do, she won't cut it. So, my mom decided yesterday to buy a new car! :D She said it was important to her to have me drive a safe(er) car when I go to work. Aww.

This car isn't exclusively mine, but there is an unspoken agreement that I will be driving it most of the time. We got a great deal on a new 2013 Toyota Corolla with a bunch of fun extras in it, so I'm really stoked. It's going to be a magnetic grey metallic colour, so that'll be fun. I'll be getting her (I like how I assume it's a girl) in about a week, so I'm mega excited! My experience with Toyotas have been only amazing, so I am really glad we're getting another Toyota car; it may not be as flashy or sporty looking as Mazda3 or anything, but they certainly are reliable work horses -- take it from me, we have two Toyota vehicles, and they've never protested at the amount of mileage we've put on them!

Randoms

So this "Gangnam Style" song and video is incredibly popular -- I listened to it for the first time like last week and I can't get the song out of my head (I am unsure whether this is a good or bad thing yet). I found this cat-cartoon blog and this made me laugh:

Random cat dancing aside, I've been contemplating how to better spend my time when I start working and am unofficially finished with school. I say "unofficially" finished because when I start work I will actually be enrolled in some courses related to my ER position, so I will still be studying. And eventually I will be doing my masters or some kind of continuing education. BUT outside of that, I have picked up reading again and writing. I bought an Amazon Kindle last summer and have since added a bunch of books to it and really enjoyed being able to carry around a mini-library without the hassle of bulk and ripped pages. Along with reading a really good book, comes my infatuation with characters, which inexplicably leads to fanfiction. 

Alright I said it, the dirty word, fanfiction. I haven't written fanfics in several years -- not since high school. And I only bring it up again now because there are some really well done fanfics out there, depending on what you read. I am really into the Divergent series by Veronica Roth and it kills me that the last installment isn't coming out until Fall 2013 -- that's A WHOLE YEAR AWAY. I do not enjoy waiting, so I figured I'd make my own version of the 3rd book to entertain myself until then. I'm hesitant to post a link to my story in case anyone I know actually reads it and KNOWS that I wrote it, so I'll let you know it's on FanFiction.Net in the Divergent book section; if you can figure out which story is mine, good for you! :) 

I have a terrible weakness for superheroes too. I'm currently indulging in well-written fanfics involving Clint Barton/Hawkeye and Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow -- my favourite superhero pairing! *sigh* I feel like I'm in grade 9 or 10 all over again. Haha. In all truth though, fanfiction is sort of helping me to write things other than just papers though; yes, yes, papers are all good and lovely, but fanfiction lets me focus on vivid description, setting a mood through written word, and ultimately telling a good story. It physically hurts me when I read stories riddled with grammatical and spelling errors -- don't people proof read these things? 

On to a completely different subject: I need help finding a good cream for fall/winter use. My face is going nuts these days; it's dry and itchy, but continues to break out. I'm using benzoyl peroxide in the evenings for acne and using Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne wash in the AM/PM. It's not too harsh, but my skin does need moisture after. 

I'm currently using Nivea Aqua Sensations Day Cream, but the scent is kind of irritating me. Currently looking at trying Biotherm Skin Ergetic Day Cream-Gel. If anyone is reading, have you tried it? Heard anything about it? Let me know. 

Another simple everyday look

I try not to wear waterproof mascara everyday because I know it's hard on the lashes, so I sometimes just curl them. But, I do still like to make my lash line look thicker so this is what I've been sporting:

*Click to enlarge*

I know it's fall when...

 The weather gets a little cooler, my face gets drier for no particular reason, and my mineral makeup looks like crap on my skin. Time to bring out the Skin79 BB Creams again!

Official

I've now officially accepted my offer of employment. It feels so much more real now!

I have a whack of paperwork to do prior to my start date; submitting signed contracts, health reviews, and application for my temp registration... but it's all good. 

I'm feeling quite fortunate that my start date isn't until Oct 15 -- I know a bunch of friends who have started working already and I can't imagine working AND studying for the CRNE at the same time. Everything happens for a reason! :) I'm kind of loving life right now. 

The only thing I would wish for right now is for my dad to see what I'm doing with my life. I always get wistful when I think about things I've accomplished or things that will eventually happen that he isn't around to see. And it makes me kind of jealous (sad jealousy though) when I look at my friends or other family members that have their immediate family intact. Oh well. At least I've still got my mom ♥

Update: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

I wanted to update my opinion on the Maybelline Dream Matte Powder that I bought in August (I have Medium 0-1 Sand). I like it a bit more now and find myself reaching for it more often than my Cover Girl powder (which I still love). My issue was I think I wasn't using enough of the product; I barely swiped any on a brush and thus it wasn't doing anything. I use a fluffy blush brush (Annabelle A-28) and load some product on it by swirling it like 3 times on the powder for each area of my face; forehead, nose, each cheek, and chin. When I do that, the matte effect lasts longer and it really does make my pores look invisible. I also made a point of washing my brushes more frequently, as oil build up or transfer can really affect the wear of your makeup as well.

I don't find the colour match as awful anymore; it might've seemed incredibly pink the first couple times I wore it because I used it with a BB cream, so I guess it made the pink tones more prominent some how, so I will stick to using Cover Girl powder when I wear BB cream. But on top of my Everyday Minerals and bare skin, it looks fine. It sets my Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch eye concealer in Radiant nicely without looking cakey and powdery.

I would probably buy this again!

No longer jobless

Guess who is going to be an RN in the Emergency Department at a prominent downtown hospital? Yours truly.

Hoping

Music: Soundgarden - Live to Rise (The Avengers OST) Mood: hopeful

I had an interview today at a core downtown hospital in the Emergency department; I think it went really well. I never originally thought I would be interested in the Emerg, but it's not like I won't learn new skills there. I want to challenge myself and push myself to do more than I may initially feel comfortable with. Floor nursing is what I am 'comfortable' with; it's all I know so far, and I know that nursing is so multifaceted and diverse that my scope should expand. Sometimes when I think about having to respond to emergency situations my mind goes blank and I freeze; most people would think that means that I am terrified.

Being terrified is partially true. I am terrified at the idea that my actions could potentially save or not save a life. The other part is thinking "What, you crazy? You would get such an adrenaline rush, and you would know what to do, even if you can't verbalize it". It would be exciting. And teamwork is a big thing in the ER, so I hardly think the fate of someone would be resting solely on my shoulders.

I have surprised myself a lot in the last 2 years; if you asked me what I would be doing with my life 7 years ago, I wouldn't have said "nursing". If you asked me 4 years ago, I wouldn't have said "nursing". 3 years ago, I would've said "maybe nursing". And now... I say "nursing". I never thought I would be ok spending hours upon hours in a hospital, with sick people who may or may not live. I never thought that doing some of the hardest (emotional and physical) work I have ever done would be so rewarding to me. What's another surprise? No big deal.

I like to think that my life experiences have shaped me into someone that can take on challenges and bounce back. I can handle things that I never thought I could. I can adapt.

If this ends up working out, I will be happy to embrace my change.

I read somewhere that every 7 years, every cell in your body is different. If that is true, then I am a completely different person from who I was 7 years ago, at 18 years of age.

LOTD: September 2, 2012

This is a look that I wore yesterday: *Click to enlarge*

Look Of The Day (LOTD) from Aug 30

I did this makeup look a few days ago:

I really like this look. It's a subtle, neutral smokey eye. It's wearable and doesn't feel heavy. And, you can't really tell in this photo because of the lighting, but those Wet'n'Wild eyeshadows are gorgeous in the light and just brighten the eyes beautifully.

Drugstore makeup haul

Hey ya'll, I just thought I'd do a little post on some stuff I bought recently at the drugstore (aka Wal-Mart). I've been trying some stuff either I haven't used before, or gone back to some favourites from like 10 years ago (wow that made me sound ancient...)

Wet'N'Wild eyeshadow trios, Maybelline waterproof mascara, Maybelline pressed powder,
Revlon ColorStay for Combination/Oily skin

Insomnia

Ever since I finished my nursing program and moved back home I've had sleep issues. First, I was sleeping too much. Now, 2 weeks later, I can't seem to sleep until crazy hours of the night. I'm highly considering taking melatonin to fix myself.

In other news, after watching a few episodes of Bulging Brides, I feel motivated to workout and eat right. I'm not getting married, no. But I know that I'll be attending 2 weddings in the next year and a half. Eep. I need to purchase a new battery for my scale. I've had Turbo Fire for a while now and I'm getting back into it. I'm following the prep schedule to get accustomed to working out hard on a daily basis so having a schedule to follow is nice. I am only on the first week but I hope to stay committed to it for a long time.

Updated yet again

I have decided to make this my main media. I dabbled with YouTube for a bit, but after some reflection, I've decided that perhaps it isn't in my best professional interest to be so "out there", as YouTube has a habit of being. I will admit, I had some great ideas for YouTube, but it's such a vicious world out there and I'm aware that there are a bunch of "hater" sites available for people to critique YouTube users, and I came across one for one of my favourite gurus, and it scared me to think that people would say such petty things over trivial attributes. So, in short, I deleted my YouTube account and am content to observe and learn from others and maybe post things on here in written word. I am also discontinuing my website, http://www.charlenefan.net once it expires. It was fun, but I think I'm ready to move on. I renamed this blog to "Watcetera", as it is an amalgamation of my various interests.

I'm feeling good about the decision to be a little more private, so I think that's what matters in the end! I doubt anyone actually reads this, but whatever, I'm ok with that.

Shift work life

Hi all -- I'm still alive for anyone still reading this. I don't really track if people read this or not -- this is more for me than anything. I am a chronicler -- I like to write things out when they happen, so that some day I can look back and remember events that were significant to me at some point in time.

Anyway, I wrote earlier about regretting job offers -- I decided last week that this is supposed to be MY life, so I'm going to live it however the crap I want to live it. I sent some regret letters and I feel kind of relieved. I'm starting off in my nursing career and I need the experience more than the cushy lifestyle. I'm not fragile, and I can handle anything that comes my way, so bring it! I'm still doing consolidation right now and LOVING it. I really want to work on my unit. I talked to the manager about the possibility of new grad positions and it's very up in the air at the moment... but I'll check back with her in 2 weeks when I'm off nights. It's a hard job, I'll admit, but you know what? I enjoy it. No, I don't enjoy all aspects -- cleaning up messy mishaps and upset families is not the fun part, but being at the center of all care in an institution? That's pretty cool. Being able to have the knowledge to save someone's life, or at least be in the position to be able to USE it, is pretty cool. Being able to laugh about hard days behind closed doors with colleagues -- that's pretty cool.

I made this decision while my mother was away on vacation on a cruise, and apparently she'd told all her friends that I've got a cushy job. Hah... well, it's going to be interesting explaining to her and everyone else why I turned away from that...

To be honest, shift work isn't too bad. Days are fine, because it doesn't mess with your sleep schedule. Nights, on the other hand, a little harder to work with, but ok still, nonetheless. I like being able to work for only 2 or 3 days/nights at a time, and then having a few days off in between to do whatever I want. Sure, it's a little less conventional than a M-F 9-5 job, but I'm a little less conventional than your average person, so it's all good.

I am in the process of applying to various other positions, so here's to hoping that I get a job soonish....

Crap

I was all excited when I got offered 2 jobs very early on. Both are in community or clinic type positions, Monday to Friday, 8 to 4. Sounds good right? Well I'm on my nursing night shift and my old preceptor tells me that 2 nurses are leaving and I might have a chance of being hired. I really like this unit and it would be awesome to have the field experience early on... I'm so conflicted. I just... I don't know what I want. I like the idea of a guaranteed job, a stable schedule, but I also like the floor nursing aspect which utilizes critical thinking, and problem solving... I like being busy and helping people. Bah I wish I didn't get these early offers...

omg awesome

I have a Google Nexus S and it was the phone model to debut Gingerbread, or Android v.2.3. When I heard that Ice Cream Sandwich came out with Google Galaxy Nexus, I wanted to update my Android OS but I didn't know how/couldn't be too bothered to do it. I was playing around with my phone today and it said it had to do some "important" updates, so I'm like "alright, whatever"... when it started up again I was like "wait a second... this looks different than usual" and sure enough, updates for Android v.4.0.4. (Ice Cream Sandwich) are coming out for Nexus S users! Apparently updates started coming out since March 29, but I guess it's taking some time (a few of my friends have the same phone and theirs have not updated yet... I feel special!).

There are some things to get used to, like the image swipe and how different the interface looks... but I'm impressed with the improved text input and the speed of the platform!

Gingerbread Android v.2.3

Ice Cream Sandwich Android v.4.0.4

Nearing the end

I finished my last graded nursing course last Tuesday (April 3), so all that is left is NUR470 (consolidation coupled with needless papers), and then it's freedom! Well, sort of freedom anyway. I can't believe how FAST 2 years have past. There were times where I thought it would never end, but I definitely feel like this year just whizzed by, and when I think about how much I've accomplished and learned over the last 2 years, not just about nursing, but about myself, it astounds me.

I've had amazing experiences in post-partum/labor&delivery, geriatrics, pediatrics, adult med-surg, mental health, cardiovascular & vascular surgery, and in community; I've had rough days and good days; I've had rough patches with friends and loved ones; but one thing that has never wavered: the feeling that nursing is my calling, and was the right choice.

The last year has definitely been a big learning experience for me in many respects. I've learned to cut loose a little, I've made new and awesome friends, and I've expanded my liking for the little ones. I've learned the true meaning of compassion and quality of life, and of the importance of team work. I am excited to see what the rest of my nursing career will hold for me in the future.

I'll be writing the CRNE in October; and then I'll be able to call myself "Charlene Fan, BSc, CK, BScN, RN". I doubt I'll follow with all my acronyms, but the "RN" part will be exciting to have.

I didn't want to say this too early because I wasn't sure, but I have a job lined up thanks to my most recent placement! I must say, this New Grad Initiative in Ontario is awesome. It's not what I pictured myself doing right out of the gates, but I think it's a great way to start and get my foot in the door.

omg I'm going to have to start behaving like an actual adult soon... like by paying for things myself... O_o...

In other news: I stopped doing Insanity after like 5 days. I'm sorry, it's friggin hard. I'm trying out Turbo Fire, and I'm liking it so far!

This was a good easy day

Thank god today's insanity workout was much more tame than the others -- yay for Cardio Recovery. On the plus side I am less sore today.

4 days down. 59 to go.

Complete

Insanity: Cardio Power & Resistance -- DONE.

Omg I was so sore today -- partly from Insanity, partly from poor posture while studying/writing a test the day before, partly from sleep deprivation for the last 3 days.

But I did it. Yay! :)

I felt like this last time I did this workout too...

Yup... the last time I did Insanity around January 2010 I felt just like I do this time -- Like I got run over by a truck. 

But at the same time... I haven't worked out this hard in a looonnnng time, so in some ways the pain/nausea is gratifying. I can't remember the last time I taught or did a Muay Thai class, but even then it wasn't this bad. I wasn't able to do it to the same extent as the people in the video -- but let's be realistic -- these are workout robots who were probably fit to begin with. I did pretty good for an out-of-shaper -- I did as much as I could with good form and without passing out. I am super sweaty. For the exercises that I couldn't do (like, physically, my strength/stamina is not there yet) I did some crunches and oblique crunches in the mean time. 

I can't believe I have to do this again tomorrow... and every day this week. :( But it's for a good cause -- being fit, getting in shape, and looking faboooooo!!! (Animaniacs? Anyone?)

Commence the insanity

Now that my major pressing concerns are taken care of I can get back to looking after myself

Hoping on the INSANITY bandwagon. Again.

Hey Ya'll. It's been a long time since my last post! Not too many things are new -- doing my community placement now, working part time at a hospital doing Occupational Health stuff using my previous degree, currently on reading week... and currently not too pleased with my physique.

I have been a big supporter of yoga for the last 7 months -- It's low impact but builds strength and can be a good cardio workout if you choose the right kind of yoga. I still love yoga (http://www.yogadownload.com) but I'm thinking I probably need a more conventional workout to boost my fitness. I need to be in shape for my profession for my own safety, and I think that yoga alone won't get me there when I'm only doing it like 2x/ week. So... enter INSANITY.

I bought the INSANITY workout from BeachBody.com back in 2010 or late 2009 I think. I did it for 11 days with a friend of mine back in our last year of Undergrad at UW, but then I had to stop -- I was exhausted and it was making me literally sick (nauseated). I never did get back on it. In hindsight there are a couple of things I did wrong in the first place:

- I wasn't following the meal plan guides in the book -- hence I probably wasn't getting the right balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrate
- I pushed myself too hard too fast
- I wasn't able to get myself into the right frame of mind

Motivation is an interesting mind game -- in the right frame of mind, you can achieve anything. But once you get into that "negative space", you're afraid to push yourself and push through physical and mental fatigue.

So what am I planning on doing differently this time to be successful?
- I'm going to follow their nutrition plans
- I'm going to go at a pace that allows me to get the form right -- I'm not going to go at max speed
- I am going to do my workouts in the evening so that I can konk out right after
- If I can't do the full Insanity workout for that day, I will substitute with the 20-minute Insanity: fast & furious workout, or a Yoga workout (I just got a new one; Qi Barre, and it's wicked for the lower body!)

I've set up a calendar and everything so I'm all set. I just need to do positive affirmations to myself everyday so I feel like I can do it. I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to setting myself back through self-doubt talk. I'm not going to try to be a crazy fit hottie -- I want to take it at my pace so I don't kill myself, and hopefully get in shape along the way. I would love to look in the best shape possible for my brother's wedding.

Here's to trying!

Just another day at the office...

Currently on lunch break. Need tea or some warm beverage.

Valentine's Day

Happy V-day everyone! For those of you who are lucky to have someone special in your life, I hope you share the spirit of Valentine's day everyday. For those of you who are not in relationships for whatever reason, do not forget to love yourselves!

My dad passed away September 27, 2005, and so every year my mom celebrates Valentine's day alone. My brothers and I have made it a new tradition to send her roses or whatever flowers look nice on Valentine's day as a surprise. Despite having them for 7 years now, she still is always surprised when we do it. Don't forget to tell or show your loved ones you care. It doesn't have to be with flowers or gifts -- just give them a call and say "I love you!"

Yoga is all you need for Fitness

http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/739

Proof that Yoga is as viable of an exercise as running or weight training.

Getting older

My early 25th birthday gift to myself... Lame.

Happy new year!

I wish everyone a happy 2012 filled with laughs, love, and joy.