Saturday, August 23, 2008

"All My Ex's Live in Texas"

***A scene from the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants, Episode entitled "Texas"***

Patrick:
What's so great about dumb ol' Texas?

Sandy:
What did you say?

Patrick:
Texas is dumb?

Sandy:
Don't you dare take the name of Texas in vain!

Spongebob:
(is in a Texas shape) Hey Patrick, what am I now?

Patrick:
Uhh, stupid?

Spongebob:
No, I'm Texas!

Patrick:
What's the difference! (Spongebob and Patrick laugh)


Well... its official. I will be moving to Austin, Texas. Woot! Woot!
I was accepted into the Versant Program at the University Medical Center Brackenridge Hospital. I will begin working on a Cardiac Telemetry floor starting in October. The floor will be a challenge but I will learn a lot in the process. The floor treats a wide-range of medical/surgical illnesses with cardiac issues, so I will learn a variety of illnesses. Since the hospital was a community hospital until a few years ago, a significant amount of the patients will be homeless and with psych issues. I'm a little nervous about this, but dealing with psych patients will be good experience for the ER. Also, about 30% of the patients on my floor are Hispanic, which means I will be able to practice my Spanish, too. Donde le duele?

I also found a house about 3 miles from my work. Its on the East side of Austin, which reminds me a little bit of French Town in Tallahassee, but a little nicer. Its on a busy street with a bus stop nearby. I hope to either ride my bike or take the bus to work and downtown. The house is fairly nice and somewhat remodeled. My two other roommates are in their late 20's - one works for a music video TV station and the other a photographer.

I will probably be moving there mid September. Lots of excitement and a little nervous.


Here are some random facts about Austin...
-Austin was selected as the No. 1 Best Big City in "Best Places to Live" by Money magazine in 2006
-It is the "Greenest Ciity in America" according to MSN City Guide.
-According to CNN Headline News and Travel and Leisure, Austin ranks #2 on the list of cities with the best people referring to the personalities and attributes of the citizens.
-Austin was also voted America's #1 College Town by the Travel Channel.
-Austin was ranked the 5th safest city in part because annually, there are fewer than 3 people murdered per 100,000 people.
-It is "The Live Music Capital of the World" due to its high amount of bands and venues.
-According to the Nielsen Company, adults in Austin read and contribute to blogs more than those in any other U.S. metropolitan area.
-In 2004 the city was first in Moviemaker Magazine's annual top ten cities to live and make movies.
-Researchers at Central Connecticut State University ranked Austin the 23rd most literate city in America for 2007.

(Note: In reference to my post title... The funny thing is that 2 of my ex-girlfriend's actually live in Texas... Austin, Texas. Luckily, I am on good terms with both of them.)

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

A True Loss...

An acquaintance-friend of mine died yesterday in a bike accident. Trey Hayworth was hit by a tractor-trailer near the intersection of gaines and railroad.

Wow... suddenly a life no longer living.

Even though I never knew him very well. He was always very caring and selfless towards me. He was such a nice guy with great ideals, great attitude, and great potential to change this world and the people around him.

My heart goes out to your friends and family. You will be missed.
Trey Hayworth
10/18/1983 - 8/18/2008