Christi's Journal

MySpace

2006-08-26T16:44:21Z

<a href="http://www.myspace.com/christijoyce">Find me on MySpace and be my friend!</a>

Back to School

2006-08-22T14:51:48Z

I’m finished with summer classes, officially. I ended up with two “A”s and a “B+”. While I’m not happy with the “B+”, I was really nervous it could end up a “C” after taking my final, so it is much better than I was fearing.

Classes start for me next Monday. I’m only taking 4 classes, but it’s 17 credits, so I will be busy, especially when you add in work, Health Professions Club, a couple of volunteer projects and everything else that will definitely come up to distract and overwhelm me.

“If Pro is the opposite of Con, does that make Congress the opposite of Progess?”

The Dress Lady & other Randomness

2006-07-14T13:12:22Z

Travis and I are discussing this morning... I get so frustrated when he saves me "girl stuff" at work... like two dresses that someone brought in. I don't mind doing the work, but why is it that when "girl stuff" comes in, the guys won't even try? So frustrating!!!

I need to do some job shadowing so if anyone knows anyone who is an M.D. that would let me follow them around a time or two, I would really appreciate any suggestions. I would really love to watch a couple surgeries, but I don't know how to get into that... hmmm...

cj_322 @ 2006-07-10T21:38:00

2006-07-11T01:38:36Z

Summer session just started. Three classes... keeping me busy already. Luckily I really like all of the classes so far.

Graduate School

2006-07-06T17:09:23Z

Well... I am changing my plans around a bit again. Here is a link to the program I am looking into:

http://www.med.umich.edu/medschool/mstp/index.htm

I haven't applied yet... but it gives me something to work towards.

Let me know what you think!

June Update

2006-06-17T00:30:47Z

Hello to Everyone...

I am going to refrain from apologizing for my lack of posting lately, because I always apologize and it does not seem to make me post anymore often.

Anyway...

Things have been busy in the Raines household. I quit playing World of Warcraft to concentrate more on grown up things. Really, I have been finding myself bored and without things to occupy my time. I am trying to find some free or extremely inexpensive activities for Travis and I to do. I have been spending more time studying than ever before and I am still getting a "B" in my botany class. The most frustrating part is that I truly understand the material and think that they class is really interesting. The trouble is that his test questions are worded funny and I am just not sure what he is looking for in an answer. There is a curve, so hopefully it is enough to push me up to an "A". Imagine applying to graduate school and having them laugh because I got a "B" in my botany class. I would be so embarressed.

I am reading a new book. It is called Inventing the AIDS Virus by Peter Duesburg and it is by far one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. I would strongly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Warning: it contains highly controversial material regarding AIDS and its treatments, causes and the research being done. Very interesting though. It has really made me open my mind, even if I do not necessarily believe every word in the book. I guess that is one of the things I love most about science: the fact that even the most assured thing can be tested and tested and questioned and disputed... and even more incredible... this testing and questioning is encouraged and considered a benefit to the scientific community.

My kitten went to the vet yesterday to get spayed and declawed. Normally she drives me nuts, but I really miss her. Pets are so amazing. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the cost and time that they required, but really, when you think about the amazing friendship they offer, it is completely worth every penny, every late night or early morning dog walk and every mess I have to clean up. I love my babies and I would not give them up for anything!

If anyone is in Bay City for the summer and wants to get together, let me know. christi.raines@gmail.com

cj_322 @ 2006-05-22T13:28:00

2006-05-22T17:37:39Z

[1] I have read a lot of books.
[ ] I have been on some sort of varsity team.
[ ] I have run more than 2 miles without stopping.
[2] I have been to Canada.

[ ] I have been to Europe.
[3] I have watched cartoons for hours.
[4] I have tripped UP the stairs.
[5] I have fallen down an entire flight of stairs.
[6 ] I have been snowboarding/skiing.

[7] I have played ping pong.
[ 8] I swam in the ocean.
[ ] I have been on a whale watch.
[9] I have seen fireworks.

[10] I have seen a shooting star.
[ 11] I have seen a meteor shower.
[ ] I have almost drowned.
[12] I have been so embarrassed I wanted to disappear.

[13] I have listened to one CD over and over and over again.
[14] I have had stitches.
[ ] I have had frostbite.
[ ] I have licked a frozen pole and got stuck there.
[15] I have stayed up 'til 2 doing homework/projects.
[16] I currently have a job.
[17] I have been ice skating.
[18] I have been roller blading.
[19] I have fallen flat on my face.
[20] I have tripped over my own two feet.
[ ] I have been in a fist fight.
[21] I have played video games for more than 3 hours straight.
[22] I have watched the Power Rangers.

[ ] I attend Church regularly.
[23] I have played truth or dare.
[24] I have already had my 16th birthday.
[25] I have already had my 17th birthday.
[26] I've called someone stupid.
[27] I've been in a verbal argument.
[28] I've cried in school.
[ ] I've played basketball on a team.
[ ] I've played baseball on a team.
[29] I've played football on a team.
[ ] I've played soccer on a team.
[ ] I've done cheerleading on a team.
[ ] I've played softball on a team.
[ ] I've played volleyball on a team.
[ ] I've played tennis on a team.
[ ] I've been on a track or cross country team.
[30] I've been swimming more than 20 times in my life.
[ ] I've bungee jumped.

[31] I've climbed a rock wall.
[32] I've lost more than $20.
[33] I've called myself an idiot.
[34] I've called someone else an idiot.
[35] I've cried myself to sleep.
[36] I've had (or have) pets.

[ ] I've owned a spice girls CD.
[ ] I've owned a Britney Spears CD.
[ ] I've owned an N*Sync CD.
[ ] I've owned a Backstreet Boys CD.
[ ] I've mooned someone.
[37] I have sworn at someone of authority before.
[38] I've been in the newspaper.
[39] I've been on TV.
[ ] I've been to Hawaii.
[40] I've eaten sushi.
[ ] I've been on the other side of a waterfall.
[ ] I've watched all of the Lord of the Rings movies.
[ ] I've watched all the Harry Potter movies.
[ ] I've watched all of the Rocky movies.
[ ] I've watched the 3 Stooges.
[ ] I've watched "Newlyweds" Nick & Jessica.
[41] I've watched Looney Tunes.
[ ] I've been stuffed into a locker/I have stuffed others into lockers.

[42] I've been called a geek.
[43] I've studied hard for a test and got a bad grade.
[44] I've not studied at all for a test and aced it.
[ ] I've hugged my mom within the past 24 hrs.
[ ] I've hugged my dad within the past 24 hours.
[45] I've met a celebrity/music artist.
[46] I've written poetry.
[ ] I've been arrested.

[47] I've been attracted to someone much older than me.
[48] I've been tickled till I've cried.
[ ] I've tickled someone else until they cried.
[49] I've had/have siblings.
[50] I've been to a rock concert.

[51] I've listened to classical music and enjoyed it.
[52] I've been in a play.
[53] I've been picked last in gym class.
[ ] I've been picked first in gym class.
[54] I've been picked in that middle-range in gym class.

[55] I've cried in front of my friends.
[56] I've read a book longer than 1,000 pages
[57] I've played Halo 2.
[58] I've freaked out over a sports game.
[ ] I've been to Alaska.

[ ] I've been to China.
[ ] I've been to Spain.
[ ] I've been to Japan.
[59] I've had a fight with someone on AIM.
[60] I've had a fight with someone face-to-face.
[61] I've had serious conversations on any IM.

[62] I've forgiven someone who has done something wrong to me.
[63] I've been forgiven.
[ ] I've screamed at a scary movie.
[64] I've cried at a chick flick.
[65] I've watched a lot of action movies.
[66] I've screamed at the top of my lungs.
[ ] I've been to a rap concert.

[ ] I've been to a hip hop concert.
[67] I've lived in more than 2 houses.
[68] I've driven on the highway/been on the highway.
[69] I've driven more than 40 miles in a day/been in a car that went more than 40 miles in a day.
[70] I've been in a car accident.

[ ] I've done drugs.
[71] I've been homesick.
[72] I've thrown up.
[ ] I've puked on someone.
[73] I've been horseback riding.

[74] I've filled out more than LJ surveys.
[75] I've spoken my mind in public.
[76] I've proved someone wrong.
[77] I've been proven wrong by someone.
[ ] I've broken a leg.

[ ] I've broken an arm/fingers.
[78] I've fallen off a swing.
[79] I've swung on a swing for more than 30 minutes straight
[80] I've watched Winnie the Pooh movies.
[ ] I've forgotten my backpack when I've gone to school.

[ ] I've lost my backpack.
[81] I've come close to dying.
[ ] I've seen someone die.
[82] I've known someone who has died.
[83] I've wanted to be an actor/actress at some point.

[ ] I've done modeling.
[84] I've forgotten to brush my teeth some mornings.
[85] I've taken something/someone for granted.
[86] I've realized how good my life is.
[87] I've counted my blessings.
[88] I've made fun of a classmate.
[89] I've been asked out by someone and I said no.

[90] I've slapped someone in the face.
[ ] I've been skateboarding.
[91] I've been backstabbed by someone I thought was a friend.
[92] I've lied to someone to their face.
[93] I've told a little white lie.

[94] I've taken a day off from school just so I don't go insane.
[95] I've fainted.
[ ] I've had an argument with someone about whether cheerleading is a sport or not.
[96] I've pushed someone into a pool.
[97] I've been pushed into a pool.
[98] I've been/am in love.

School's Out

2006-05-02T14:12:10Z

Hello!

My semester is finished, finally. It seems like it took forever, but at the same time, I can't believe that it's over already. Time for a new routine and a new plan.

I ended up with an "A" in two classes and an "A-" in one. I don't have my biology grade yet, but I'm sure it's an "A" being that this is the third time I've taken this class.

Trav and I are going to Greektown on the 14th and then my spring semester starts on the 15th. It's going to be a crazy summer. I'm taking two classes spring semester and three classes summer semester. After the summer of studying craziness, I'll have all of my prereqs to take the 300 and 400 level bio classes I want to take. There is actually an end in sight. That's kind of scary, really.

I haven't been working as much these past two weeks... I just feel worn out. Hopefully we'll have some health insurance soon and I can go to the doctor and start taking my meds again and then I'll feel better. Having health insurance really spoiled us.

Our evil upstairs neighbors who have been making our lives pure Hell since we moved in are moving out today. They were evicted yesterday. I feel bad relishing their misery, but I can't help it. Really, I'd like to go outside and point and laugh as they pack their stuff into the Uhaul in the driveway, but I will refrain for now. Probably shouldn't get shot on the last day they are here. We're going to steal their garbage can (it's not theirs, it's the apartment's) as soon as they leave.

Is everyone home for the summer now? Anyone want to hang out? I've been dying to go rollerblading on the Riverwalk, but I hate to go by myself. If anyone is interested, email me: christi.raines@gmail.com

Survey

2006-04-13T01:12:36Z

Place an X by all the things you've done, or remove the X from the ones you have not, and send it to all of your friends (including me). This is for your entire life. Copy & Paste onto new e-mail.
() Smoked a cigarette.
(X) Drank so much you threw up.
() Crashed a friend's car.
() Stolen a car.
(X) Been in love.
(X) Been dumped.
() Shoplifted.
(X) Been laid off/ fired.
(X) Quit your job.

() Been in a fist fight
() Snuck out of your parent's house
(x) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
() Been arrested.
() Gone on a blind date.
(x) Skipped school.
() Seen someone die.
(X) Been to Canada
(X) Been to Mexico
(x) Been on a plane.
(x) Been lost.
(x) Been on the opposite side of the country.
(x) Gone to Washington, D.C.
(x) Swam/waded in the ocean.
(x) Felt like dying.
(x) Cried yourself to sleep.
(x) Played cops & robbers.
(x) Recently colored with crayons
() Sang karaoke.
(X) Paid for a meal with only coins. ----who hasn't?
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't & lived to admit it.
(x) Made prank phone calls.
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose.
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
(x) Danced in the rain.
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus.
() Been kissed under the mistletoe.
() Watched the sun rise with someone you care about.
(x) Blown bubbles.
() Made a bonfire on the beach.
() Crashed a party.
(x) Gone roller-skating.
(X) Gone ice-skating

Any nicknames? Chris, Marti
Mother's name? Vicki
What's your favorite drink? alcoholic drink or non? Water with Lemon or Riesling
Body piercing? One hole in each ear
How much do you love your job (1-10)? 7-8 most of the time
Favorite vacation spots? I loved Mexico. We had a blast every time we went to Myrtle Beach too.
Ever been to Africa? No, but it’s my dream.
Ever steal any traffic signs? no
Ever been in a car accident? yes
2 Door or 4 Door? 4 door (the insurance is cheaper)
Salad Dressing? Bleu Cheese
Favorite pie? Cherry
Favorite number? 3
Favorite movies? Perfect Storm
Favorite holiday? Christmas!
Favorite food? Japanese Food
Favorite day of the week? Pay Day

Favorite TV show? Grey’s Anatomy

Toothpaste? Crest

Favorite smell? Sunwashed Linen from Yankee Candle
Favorite sound? rain
What do you do to relax? read

Message to your friends reading this? I’m sorry I don’t post more often.

How do you see yourself in 10 years? Finishing my residency and beginning to actually have some real money. Hopefully in our own home.

What do you enjoy receiving? Smiles and kind gestures

Spring Time

2006-04-11T23:12:09Z

Well, it's spring time. The weather is starting to get beautiful! It's so hard to go to class when I want to be outside in the sun. I'm overwhelmed with my end of the semester work, and instead of making myself an organized plan, I find myself procratinating more than ever. I need to make a plan or my spring and summer classes are going to be pure Hell.

Too Long Since I Updated

2006-02-07T14:56:05Z

Wow. I feel bad. It's been forever since I've updated this thing. I could say I have been too busy, but in reality, I haven't been too busy doing anything incredibly important.

We were going to move into a townhouse, but unfortunately, we aren't now. So, we're stuck in this awful apartment that is too small, doesn't have a washer/dryer or a dish washer or central air. I'd be thrilled if someone had a suggestion about how to get the air conditioner to actually cool things. It just runs and costs money. I think perhaps the furnace filter is full or something. I am waking up incredibly sick every morning when the temperature is above freezing feeling stuffy and awfully sick. We pay more money every month than this apartment is worth and I feel so incredibly stuck. I can't even bring myself to do any chores around the apartment because I hate it so much and no matter what I do, it's still the yucky apartment that I don't want.

I'm not sure exactly what happened, but we had a really bad week last week and bounced like 10 things in our checking account. Still waiting to see exactly what is going to clear and what isn't. Not happy. I suppose that perhaps I should start budgeting again. I used to do it everyday, but I just haven't had any motivation to do much of anything lately. What a great way to start saving for a new house :-( It was entirely my fault, and it really makes me crazy that I can't seem to keep anything straight.

I skipped my morning classes today. I suppose it goes back to feeling so sick when I wake up in the morning. I have been having trouble waking up. I don't know. I'm afraid I might be getting sick again, which would suck, because 1. being sick sucks and 2. we have no medical insurance.

I'm starting to wonder if perhaps, as miserable as we were in North Carolina, if we should have just stuck with it. We had a great apartment, fabulous health insurance, enough money to pay the bills and have some left over. Who cares that we weren’t happy, right?

Travis got me a kitten for Christmas. She is pure evil. :-) No, she’s wonderful, but she has so much energy. It’s been fun watching her interact with the dogs. We go to the vet on Wednesday for her check up/whatever they can do to charge me more money. I’ll post a picture of her soon. Her name is Navi (like Navidad, not like the Zelda character).

School is going pretty well so far. I really like Saginaw Valley. My teachers are all professors and not graduate students and wow, they all speak English. I have my first Geography test this afternoon. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

I got a raise at work yesterday. $2.00 more an hour. I have some new energy as far as work goes, but I still have no idea what I’m supposed to do as “Sales/Fundraising Specialist”. They should really make you take a class or something before they call you “specialist”.

Well, that’s about it. Disregard any of this that is complainy or crazy. :-)

cj_322 @ 2006-01-09T14:37:00

2006-01-09T19:37:53Z

You scored as Chemistry. You should be a Chemistry major! As if that isnt clear enough, you are deeply passionate about Chemistry, and every single chemical reaction and concept fascinates you. Pursue that!

</td>

Chemistry

100%

Biology

92%

English

75%

Mathematics

75%

Anthropology

75%

Sociology

75%

Psychology

75%

Journalism

67%

Linguistics

67%

Engineering

67%

Philosophy

58%

Theater

50%

Art

42%

Dance

25%

What is your Perfect Major? (PLEASE RATE ME!!<3)
created with QuizFarm.com

cj_322 @ 2005-12-28T15:31:00

2005-12-28T20:31:29Z

Your 80s Heartthrob Is

Jason Bateman

Who's Your 80's Heartthrob?

Santa

2005-12-26T02:58:36Z

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

This year I've been busy!

Last Saturday I helped dannyb0y02 see the light (8 points). In June on a flight to LA, I stole the emergency flight information card (-40 points). Last Monday I saved a busload of nuns in Angola (326 points). In September I stole rayningstarz's purse (-30 points). In October I ate my brussel sprouts (1 points).

Overall, I've been nice (265 points). For Christmas I deserve a new bike!

Sincerely,
cj_322

Christmas Break

2005-11-29T12:25:10Z

When everyone gets home for Christmas, we should make some time to get together. There are lots of people who read my journal that I would love to see... email me christi.raines@gmail.com and we'll make some plans!!!

Turkey

2005-11-18T14:09:00Z

http://www.msn.americangreetings.com/view.pd?i=382219626&m=1652&rr=y&sou

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

2005-11-18T14:02:54Z

YAYAYAY! SNOW!!! SO EXCITED!!!

I had to clean my car off this morning! SNOW! YAY! SNOW! I forgot how much I love SNOW!

cj_322 @ 2005-11-14T16:14:00

2005-11-14T21:34:43Z

Trav started work today. Anyone who is interested should check out www.imaginethissold.com. His store is the one on Washington Ave. in Bay City. When I talked to him earlier, he was putting together shelves and didn't seem real happy. I really hope he ends up liking it.

With Trav going back to work, I'm feeling incredibly useless. I'd really like to take some classes, but we're really broke right now and I don't know how we'd pay for it. A job would be good, but out of all the jobs I've applied for, only a really weird guy that kept asking me for my social security number called me back.

I am starting to feel useless, unsuccessful, unproductive...

I've been helping my grandma some... which is good, because she really helps me out a lot, but I feel like it's taking over my life. She calls dozens of times a day for things like "Will you come over and help me get a yogurt?" It's overwhelming. I cringe when the phone rings and yet, I can't think of a reason why I can't help her, other than I'd really like for her to help herself some.

This stupid video game we've been playing is taking over my life... we joined a group of other players and now it seems like it's all I do... all I look forward to... and yet I can't seem to pull myself away. Something I am good at and have control over, I suppose.

Sorry... a little complainy... I'm just in a funk, I guess.

cj_322 @ 2005-10-30T13:01:00

2005-10-30T18:01:07Z

You fit in with:
Atheism

Your ideals mostly resemble those of an Atheist. You have very little faith and you are very focused on intellectual endeavors. You value objective proof over intuition or subjective thoughts. You enjoy talking about ideas and tend to have a lot of in depth conversations with people.

80% scientific.
80% reason-oriented.

Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

Stolen from Amanda

2005-10-20T13:59:56Z

1. Search your blog archive.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (this is meant to say something about you).
4. Post that sentence in your blog along with these instructions.

"It's okay if I'm happy."

Stolen From Rachel's Journal

2005-10-20T13:57:39Z

Stole this from Katie.
10 YEARS AGO I...
1. was 11 years old.
2. moved to a new house with my family, the first time I lived in a house and not an apartment.
3. went to the same school as my little sister (the only year I went to school with a sibling)
4. was getting excited about middle school and meeting new people.

FIVE YEARS AGO I...
1. was a high school junior, 16 years old.
2. worked two jobs (YMCA swim instructor/lifeguard and at The Bay City Democrat)
3. starting to worry about college and being an adult.
4. had just broken up with my first serious boyfriend

TWO YEARS AGO I...
1. was just married!
2. was taking time off from school to try and decide what I wanted to do
3. had a fantastic job that I liked and paid enough to pay our bills.
4. starting to get sick

ONE YEAR AGO I...
1. almost bought a house in Bay City
2. realized for the first time in my life that I'm an adult and can make my own decisions
3. had my apartment flood and moved into a new apartment
4. was getting excited about turning 21!

LAST WEEKEND I...
1. had a garage sale
2. was excited Trav was home from training in Toronto
3. played WOW
4. went to a BBQ and got into a fight with my mom

YESTERDAY I
1. hit sgt. on WOW
2. teased Cory on the telephone
3. ate steak that Trav grilled
4. bit my finger nails

TODAY I
1. woke up and put my cold hands on Trav's stomach (he wasn't happy)
2. ironed Trav's clothes for his 10am meeting
3. pulled chicken out for dinner (my grandparents are coming over)
4. filled out this survey

TOMORROW I WILL
1. hopefully have my new job!!!
2. maybe go the western/central game
3. sleep in (probably not, the dogs don't like for me to sleep in)
4. do laundry at my grandma's house (I miss my washer/dryer SOOOOO much)

cj_322 @ 2005-10-19T16:16:00

2005-10-19T20:16:32Z

You Are Somewhat Machiavellian

You're not going to mow over everyone to get ahead...
But you're also powerful enough to make things happen for yourself.
You understand how the world works, even when it's an ugly place.
You just don't get ugly yourself - unless you have to!

How Machiavellian Are You?

One Day I'll Have a Real Update to this Journal

2005-10-17T03:25:16Z

Small Business Owner
42% Radicalism, 24% Personal Attachment
34% Pragmatic Concerns, 26% Idealistic Concerns

You're the Small Business Owner! [Calm Detached Skeptical Realist]

You aren't too excited about environmentalism, and really, it doesn't
seem to be much of a problem to you. While environmentalists likely
annoy you, part of the problem is that in your mind, very few
environmental problems are ever going to affect you. It's not that you
hate the whales, it's just that there are more important things to save
-- like your small business!

You were more Calm than Radical, meaning you don't have such strong opinions on the matter.

You were more Detached than Attached, meaning you likely feel that resolutions of issues impact you only indirectly.

You were more Skeptical than Pragmatic, meaning you
don't feel that science-based environmental issues are so important.

You were more Realist than Idealist, meaning you don't feel that environmental issues for their own sake are so important.

You are likely to get along just fine with the Corporate Defender, and the Oil Executive embodies the extreme of your mild annoyance with environmentalism. You'll probably find the Environmental Lawyer too hard-core for you, and the Tree-Hugger and Whale Saver will make you just plain uncomfortable.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 12% on Radical
You scored higher than 37% on Env-Personal
You scored higher than 37% on Env-Pragmatist
You scored higher than 50% on Env-Idealist

Link: The Environmentalist Test written by pepperonii on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

cj_322 @ 2005-10-10T19:12:00

2005-10-10T23:12:36Z

Underappreciated

The Battleaxe
Deliberate Brutal Love Master (DBLMf)

Sharp. Hardened. Dominating. The Battleaxe sweeps all before her, smiting and what not.

You've had a number of serious relationships, so you obviously have many attractive qualities. You're well experienced in dealing with other people's weirdnesses, and it's likely you're good in bed by now, too. Also, like the drunken housewife chucking Heinekens at her no-good husband, you've got a lot of energy.

People can tell you're sophisticated, and so you find yourself the object of infatuations quite often. But it's how you handle yourself in your relationships that gets you the 'brutal' tag. Controlling? Imperious? Overbearing? Yes, please.

Your exact opposite:
The Nurse

Random Gentle Sex Dreamer

Remarkably, you don't mind the same from your men. You've experience enough to take whatever you dish out. Overall, you're a very good person and a capable lover, and when the time comes you'll make a fine divorcee.

ALWAYS AVOID: The Poolboy

CONSIDER: The False Messiah, someone just like you.

Link: The 32-Type Dating Test by OkCupid - Free Online Dating.
My profile name: cj322

cj_322 @ 2005-10-07T12:24:00

2005-10-07T16:22:32Z

If you read this,
even if we do not speak often,
comment with one memory of me.
It can be anything you want,
good or bad.
Just as long as it happened.
Then post this on your livejournal.
See what other people remember about you.