Little Bit of Random

I was at a conference all day and am invited to a birthday party tonight. After working the past two days and STILL dealing with this cold, I'm sleepy and am thinking a nap is a necessity if I want to have fun at the party. So, I'll type fast :)

• The woman next to me at the conference balanced her checkbook and read the newspaper during the first presentation. She again read the paper during the last presentation and some of the rest of the time it looked like she was figuring out her calendar, grocery list, something...I tried to ignore what she was doing because it was annoying.
• However, she was WAY less annoying than the two women behind me. They talked to each other all day long. Yes, you read that correctly--during EVERY.SINGLE.PRESENTATION. It was so rude and disrespectful and irritating. My blood was boiling and it felt like smoke was coming through my ears...I was SO mad! They were bothering (at least) two other women, but none of us said anything and apparently our looks did nothing to stop them. At one point, one of them took the time to clean out her purse...yes, in the middle of the presentations. My final "look back" incited the comment of "if you wanted to pay attention, you shouldn't have sat in the back..." Oh yes she did...only whispered to her friend and not DIRECTLY to me...I was too shocked to have a response. I don't "get" some people.
• I had a "little" panic attack when I noticed that a visitor to my blog came from a link on fb. I have worked for nearly three years to keep my blog "safe", fairly private, and mostly anonymous. I went into panic mode thinking that I had somehow linked my blog to my fb page. From what I can tell, I have not done that, but apparently it must be on fb somehow/somewhere...guess I'll just have to pray that God continues to keep this blog in the right hands. At times, I have thought about really making this a private blog, but I have "met" so many great people from blogging that it hasn't felt "right" to put a stop to "meeting" any new people...
• My cousin is having a wedding shower out of town tomorrow. I requested the day off, and was thinking that I would ride with my mom, sister, and nephew (or with one of my other aunts). I hadn't really figured out any plans, but last night asked my mom if I could ride with her. She seemed VERY surprised that I was off work even though I feel like I told her multiple times (and said that this was why I was ASKING for a ride). A little bit ago, she called to give me more details of our departure plans...and had to drop in a little comment about my "little demands". I definitely called her out on that considering I have barely talked to her this week and haven't been over to visit. She did a little bit of backpedaling and said work has been crazy...okay, totally not my fault.
• There's my little bit of random...I seriously need a nap so I'm not a "party pooper" :)
  

Bring the Rain

Okay, so I "sort of" stole the title from Angie's blog (and from this song). But, I seriously LOVE thunderstorms and there is one going on right outside my window. :) So, I think I'm going to turn off my computer (good idea since where there is thunder, there is usually lighting) and the TV and get ready for bed. I am over halfway through reading Angie's book "I Will Carry You" and should be able to finish it before I go to bed. MckMama posted this video...and is having a giveaway for a copy of the book. If you don't win a copy and want to borrow mine when I'm done, I'll let you...as long as you promise to send it back :) (and, I probably shouldn't admit this, but I did carry it around with me my whole vacation in Nashville in case I "happened" to run into her...alas, my copy remains "unautographed"...ha ha!)




Time to grab my blanket and my book and listen to the thunder and the rain. Good times (even better if I didn't have to keep a tissue box within arms reach at all times, but it is what it is).
Night!

So....

So...what was that about changes?!

I was awake past midnight which made for a very short night.
I could not pass up the Oatmeal Cream Pies left in the break room by a home health company.
I followed up my dinner of salad with "dessert" of chips and salsa.
I have been on my computer AND watching TV since I got home from work.
I still have a stuffy/runny nose and am coughing up nasty stuff.
I have sore thighs, back, and arms from my softball game (but that's a good thing!)
I am really tired and need to go to bed...back to work tomorrow!
Good night!

P.S. This could be a record-breaking "shortest post ever"...has to be close anyway...ha!

Ch-ch-changes

So...that title came to me, but I am not sure I REALLY knew this David Bowie song...ha!

Today was mostly about getting readjusted to home, but I really think I need to make some changes. I'm hoping that if I put them here, that will make me more accountable.

I really need to start looking more closely at my diet and exercise. I don't want to "commit" to a weight loss goal because I can't remember the last time I was AT the weight I would like to be. According to the BMI Calculator, I am "overweight". According to that calculator, it looks like I would need to lose four pounds to get into the "normal" range. It isn't all about weight, though, because I'm also starting to not like the way I feel in my clothes. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do about all this (I don't have "a plan"), but I definitely would LOVE to feel better about the way I look by the time I go visit Ginger (that means I have "one month and two days" according to my countdown). She doesn't know it yet, but I'm thinking it would be fun to have her take some photographs of me. I'm not sure what I would DO with said photographs, but when I mentioned something to my aunt, she thought that would be very nice :) Anyway, losing a little bit of weight would make that experience much more pleasant (even though apparently a good photographer and a little Photoshop can do amazing things!)

The other "change" is regarding my computer. I have found that it is a huge distraction for me, and it is starting to affect other things. So, my "plan" is to actually turn my computer OFF for (at least) 60 minutes (at least on the days that I am off) and during that time, I can do "whatever". Today, I wasn't super productive during the time that my computer was "off" (I ate dinner, folded some laundry, watched some TV, and did some pre-softball game stretching). However, earlier in the day I did walk to the post office/grocery store and also mowed my lawn. Tonight, I had my first softball game (I got one hit and got out the other two times I batted; I also tagged a girl out at home...yay!) So, I did an "OK" job, but really think this will be good for me.

So, a couple of changes that should be helpful, and manageable. I had my last Dale Carnegie class and we were asked to continue with THOSE changes, so I guess "technically" I should add those changes to this post as well. My goal for the class was to be more open to conversing with my peers. Today, a "blog friend" made a comment about me being "funny". It isn't the first time that a friend, especially one who knows me from here, has commented about my sense of humor/"funny". I'm not exactly sure that any of my co-workers would use that word to describe me...I could be wrong, but I honestly don't think that would be in their "top ten words to describe Amanda". I'm just different when I'm around my co-workers, different even than I am with the parents of my patients. In some ways, I think that's okay, but in others, I think it would be better for teamwork/trust if they understood me more.

Anyway, there's where I am. I still have my cold, and now I'm planning to be sore from my first softball game at catcher. I probably should shower before I go to bed considering I mowed the lawn AND played a softball game. I haven't worked since April 18, so my 5:30 alarm and a 12-hour shift will be quite the CHANGE as well!

Good night.

Home

(Totally cheesy picture, especially since there is never room for my feet on the table...ha!)

How sweet it is. There's no place like it.
Home.

I had such a fun time on vacation (minus the runny/stuffy nose, nagging/hacking cough, and occasional sore throat), however, I'm super excited to sleep in my own bed tonight!

My first flight wasn't a whole lot of fun because the two people next to me talked the whole time (they knew each other). I'm not sure why it bothered me so much because people talk, that's what they do. However, for some reason the woman talking distracted me so much that I couldn't even focus on my reading. So, I quit reading, listened to my iPod and closed my eyes/slept. My second flight was nice and quiet :)

It was rainy and chilly when I got home. I had "big plans" of being productive when I got home and did do a little bit of laundry, but that's about it (oh, and catching up on some of the shows I have on DVR...ha!) I have in my mind some things that need to change/I need to do, but since I didn't start today like I planned, I want to write about it once I am "successful" (some of my "ideas of the day" have not turned into anything BUT that...and idea of the day!) :)

I have my last work class tomorrow. I was supposed to finish reading "the" book. I read parts of two other books instead. I guess I'll be reading in the morning...I need to at least read some of it (the other two books are MUCH better...)

Well, I think I have let my nose run long enough after my sinus rinse that I'm not going to be up half the night coughing like I was the other night. So, time to sleep.

Good night from home.

Tennessee Day Four

I slept absolutely terrible last night because of my nasty cough. It was SO annoying that I couldn't fall asleep and then I had a hard time staying asleep. I know I am lucky that I "never" get sick, but since I "never" do, I forgot how "un-fun" it is! I'm definitely ready to feel better (one of the only good things about being miles away from Ginger's new baby is that it would be absolute torture to be so close to that tiny beauty and not be able to get anywhere near her! If I'm not better in a month when I go see her...well, I'm not going to "go there" because I best be better in a couple days, not weeks! Ginger did post some pictures of Baby Cate on her blog...she is precious.

Okay, back to Day Four...it was hard to get up since I slept like crap, but I did it and rested in the car on our way to the Nashville Cathedral for Mass. It is really pretty :)

After Mass, we went to the Parthenon and walked around there for a little while. We didn't go inside since it costs money and I've been there, but it is neat.

We at lunch at Jack's Bar-B-Que before walking around downtown. Apparently, there is live music "everywhere" and sometimes "famous" people will pop in to sing a song or two (probably not on a Sunday afternoon, but we definitely had our listening ears on!)

Well, that's a pretty "picture heavy" post from someone with a point-and-shoot and no Photoshop, but that pretty much was my day in Nashville through my eyes :) (well, that and lots of tissues, cough drops, and water...oh, and an ice cream too!)

I need to get up in time to see my aunt and cousin before they leave at 7:30, so I should head to bed. (PLEASE let me have a better night sleep!) Back home tomorrow...

Tennessee Day Three

I have to type fast because I pretty much squelched the idea of going to Mass at 8:30 even though it's just down the road. I've been used to sleeping a lot (I think I've only worked two shifts in the past three weeks or something equally as crazy), plus this cold is wearing me out. I started having this nasty sore throat producing cough and had a hard time falling asleep last night. Where my aunt and uncle live is in CST, but very close to EST so it gets dark really early but also gets light REALLY early. I decided to try both mucinex and sinus rinses (which, for the record, are absolutely awful and now I understand completely why the children hate it so much...I'm told it works though). I've also taken ibuprofen and dayquil...anything to allow me to enjoy myself. Unfortunately, we are going to these amazing restaurants and the food isn't nearly as amazing as it should be since I can't smell or taste normally...but it is what it is.

Speaking of amazing restaurants, we went to one this evening and Naomi Judd was there. I didn't see her, but my cousin's boyfriend did, even though she and her friends were waiting for a table at the same time as us. We were sitting near the door to the place where they were taken (I think they had a "special" room or something...maybe!) So, we just watched. My aunt and uncle's friends came for the Confirmation and the woman was super excited to see a "star" (I hear ya...I don't have time to link to my many "stalker" posts, but they are there...I'm a stalker...ha!) We spotted her friend leave for a ladies room and a short time later, she and another friend went. So, my aunt's friend and I just followed them to the ladies' room (I know, I know...ha!) Neither of us used the same stall as her, but I mumbled something about hacking out my lungs while she was washing her hands and used the other sink. They had to walk by our table, so my aunt acted like she was taking a picture of my cousins, but totally took a picture of her...and it was super obvious...poor woman! I was hoping for a "star spotting" and I guess I got one (would have rather run into one of the Bloom book gals, but beggars can't be choosers, right?!)

Me and my cousins :)

My aunt and me :)

At the Confirmation

My cousin gave me a REALLY pretty necklace and I'm excited to start wearing it (the price tag was still on and even though they got it at Kohl's so I'm sure it was on sale, it still shows that it is a NICE necklace!)

She also picked out a really sweet card for me. I think I will end this post by typing it out. I'm actually surprised I didn't cry when I read it!

For Wonderful You

Warm words of gratitude with a poem by Emily Matthews

There are wonderful people who give from their hearts in thoughtful and unselfish ways.

So willing to share, help out, or be there, no matter how busy their days.

There are people we count on, whose wisdom and caring help everything work out just right--Wonderful people who shine in our lives with their gentle and beautiful light.

If only you could hear the prayers that fill each thought of you and the smiles that warm each memory of the generous things you do, you'd know you're treasured more than words can say.

Thank you so much.

SO sweet! She said there were so many good cards, but she signed it "The card says it all!" Very thoughtful!

Alright, time for bed. Tomorrow we are planning to wander around Nashville. There were thunderstorms today, so hopefully it is nice tomorrow!

Tennessee Day Two

AKA Baby Cate's birthday! I got a couple pictures texted to me and she is tiny and precious. I seriously almost kissed my phone, but I'm not sure it's all that clean...ha! I'm sure at some point there will be pictures on Ginger's blog, so if you want to see her, keep checking there!

I spent most of the day wandering around a mall while my aunt was at work. I brought my netbook thinking I could check twitter/facebook/blogs from there in between reading and wandering. But, the mall didn't have free wireless ANYWHERE, so I pretty much just carried my netbook everywhere (good thing it is small!) Even though I've had my cell phone less than two years, I didn't use the internet on it when I bought it, so that wasn't important to me. It wouldn't let me log into twitter and facebook doesn't work well at all, and responding to emails is awkward too. (I was showing pictures of Cate on my phone to people at dinner and everyone was trying to make my phone a touch screen...nope, it doesn't do that!)

Anyway, I did get three chapters of the Bloom book read before I saw the email that the discussion will be chapter by chapter. I think that's good because I probably should re-read the chapters more slowly (I think Angie and Jessica mentioned on the blog that there is a LOT of stuff in these chapters!) After my aunt picked me up, we went to a bookstore and she bought the previous Bloom book at my recommendation and I started reading Angie's book. I kind of wish I would have been reading that book instead of the Bloom one while I was at the mall because I was kind of distracted people watching and it may have been easier to get into that one. But, it was neat reading it this particular book store because I think it is fairly close to where they live. Well, at least in the general vicinity because my aunt works in the town where Angie said they lived when I talked to her back in October. I didn't have any "star sightings" today (you know, Music City :) ), but did keep my eyes open for them (which meant I didn't write any letters, do any continuing education modules, or get much reading done!) I did go to a store and got my make-up done which was fun. I hope they work on commission because the first three people kind of acted like they wanted to help me and I ended up buying over $60 of stuff from the fourth one.

After our book store stop, my aunt and I met up with my uncle and people from his work. While we were in Vegas celebrating my 30th birthday, my uncle's boss passed away suddenly while on a business trip with his wife (his wife found him dead in their hotel room). So, either yesterday or today was the 6-month anniversary of his death and they wanted to get together with his wife. They had quite the turn-out and the room wasn't quite big enough to accommodate all of us. Usually I'm pretty comfortable in situations like that with people I don't know that well, but I didn't feel it as much today...probably due to being sick or tired from wandering all day. It was still fun, but I wasn't my social self, that's for sure.

Well, it's getting late and we are leaving for Confirmation at 11. I have found that when I really want to "get ready", it takes me a while, so I'd better go to sleep. Maybe I'll have time to get on facebook (and respond to emails!) tomorrow, but it sounds like it will be a busy day.
Good night!

Tennessee Day One

My dad picked me up a little after 5:30 this morning (REALLY short night...I was still awake at midnight!) My airport is small and it was the first flight out, but we did cut it a little close as evidenced by the "late check in" tag on my luggage (and the fact that I got through security just in time step into the boarding line...) Oops! I didn't have to change planes, which was really nice and I managed to rest some on the plane.

My aunt picked me up and we got Starbucks before picking up my cousin for lunch (not much time between breakfast and lunch, but I'm on vacation...ha!) He showed us around campus (he's a freshman this year...crazy since he turned EIGHT my freshman year of college!) We took a couple pictures, mostly on my aunt's camera. This one is kind of far away, but that's probably okay because up closer you could see my tired eyes, raw nose, and red cheeks...ha! I'm feeling better today, but my throat is still sore (especially since now I've been coughing) and my nose is very drippy...no fever that I know of though :)

After lunch, we came back to my aunt and uncle's and I took a nap. My aunt, my OTHER (the girl :)) cousin, and I went to a Penance Service/Reconciliation at their church before going to Cracker Barrel for dinner (yum!)

It's not that late, but I'm tired, so think I will head to bed. Tomorrow, my aunt is going to bring me to a shopping center area while she is at work and then pick me up for dinner. That will be fun. I'm planning to bring my netbook and a couple books to read (namely, the Bloom Book and Angie Smith's book :) ) along with my credit card and have a fun day.

Ginger had her amnio today and Cate's lungs look good, so she is scheduled to come tomorrow afternoon. Continued prayers for the health of both of them (a c-section IS surgery!) and for the rest of the family. Love you Ging...{hugs}

Night.

Vacation Time!

I went to the doctor since I am leaving town in the morning. She said it is a cold, so I did a LOT of sleeping and water drinking :) My throat already feels better and I think I can deal with the runny nose!

I talked to my aunt this afternoon about some of our plans for this weekend. I'm not someone who needs to be entertained and enjoy "down time". However, I'm excited that the plan is to spend Sunday walking around Nashville. I have been to visit them a number of times, but it's been a while since we spent time IN the city. I found out that my cousin's Godparents will be in town as well, so that will be fun. It sounds like we will be going to some nice restaurants and of course going to church a couple times :)

I did get a call about a couple foster kids today, siblings. I let the caseworker know that I will be out of town for a couple days. The kids may not need immediate placement, so she may end up calling me again. I only have one bed, so need to figure out what to do if I get a sibling placement (or if maybe I SHOULDN'T take a sibling placement since I only have one bed...)

Well, I'd better pack so I can go to bed. My dad is picking me up at 5:30!
Good night.

Drink More Water Part Two

So, even though I went back to sleep until like 10:30, I still didn't feel that great when I woke up. I did manage to mow the lawn before my class. My thighs were understandably sore, but my throat wasn't any better even after the additional water drinking I did in the middle of the night and throughout the day. I dragged along during my class drinking water, trying to make my sore throat go away (I don't think I let on how cr@ppy I felt which is good I guess). By the time I got home, I had a headache so took a little nap. For some reason, I decided to check my temperature (even though I couldn't even begin to guess the last time I had a fever...I've been working at my current job for just over 6 1/2 years and have never called in sick for illness [once I called in for a mental health day]) My thermometer surprisingly read 99.2. Since I never take my temperature, I don't know if I run cold or hot or how accurate my thermometer is, but I knew I had a decision to make about work tomorrow. I called the charge nurse to see how many nurses were working tomorrow to make sure I wouldn't make them short-staffed. She didn't know, so I had to call back. My sister made a good point that I don't want to get anyone else sick (I REALLY hope my nephew doesn't get sick, because even though this video doesn't show that, I shared my water bottle with him...he has had a runny nose for a while, so maybe he gave me a cold...) Also, I am leaving for vacation the day after tomorrow, so having a day of rest (and likely a trip to my doctor) is probably the best idea. Instead of waiting to see how I feel in the morning (I after I got a reading of 99.4), I decided to go ahead and call in sick for the morning. I watched the Biggest Loser, and after throwing in a load of laundry, I'm going to head to bed. I know I'm not REALLY sick, and even though it's been a LONG time since I WAS sick, it's still not fun.

Good night. (Praying for no crazy dreams.)

Drink More Water

So, I just woke up from a very bad dream. My throat hurts and my thighs are sore. I decided to write this down so maybe I will remember to drink more water. Weird dreams like mom asking dad to move out and the next day bringing her "boyfriend" to the church festival, getting pictures with him and introducing him to all the people we've known for over 25 years=nightmare that probably could have been avoided if I was not dehydrated. (My sister also had the second lead in a musical and no one invited the family to go watch her and my nephew was in school but just about the same size he is now, so it was odd all around...) I did so much crying in my dream (and F-bomb dropping) that it woke me up. I took out the trash, am having a couple of glasses of water and heading back to bed for hopefully a couple more hours of (restful) sleep.

Note to self: Drink More Water.
Thank you,

A Little ADD

I have one chapter left to read of my "How to Win Friends..." book before tomorrow and I just can't stay focused (and am falling asleep, but decided to "blog"...hence the title of this post!)

This morning, I was going to go to Curves since I haven't been in a while. But, I dilly dallied around for too long and it was too late to go this morning. It looked like a nice day and for some reason I had this overwhelming desire to go running. So, I drove to "my spot" on the trail and set out for a run (aka "jog" since I seriously run like 11 or 12 minute miles!) I didn't really drink anything at work yesterday, so was pretty dehydrated to begin the run which probably wasn't the smartest idea, but the truth. Anyway, I walked for about 5 minutes and then started my "run". I ended up running for a little over 1.5 miles (I believe it was 1.6 according to the mile markers, but I couldn't remember exactly where I started running). I probably could have done more if I wasn't so thirsty and if I had had a proper place to put my car key. But, that was probably a good distance anyway considering I've been couch potato-ish for a while and jumping right into running probably isn't the greatest on the body (I did stretch though).

After my run, I went and got a pedicure (well, after I showered after my run...ha!) Then, I negated every calorie I burned and then some by stopping at a sandwich place for a chicken philly with bacon and ranch with fries and ranch dressing and then stopping by D Q for a mint oreo blizzard...yeah, you won't get any advice on health from THIS nurse...ha!

I brought my sister a blizzard since they were buy one get one for a quarter (and because she was going to cut my hair). I think she gave me a super cute hair cut and if I was good at self-portraits AND if I had put on make-up, I would post a pic of it, but neither of them is true...but, tomorrow before my class I may try the self-portrait deal since I WILL wear some make-up :)

My nephew cracks me up and I took a little video on my camera. I don't think I've posted video here before, so am not sure if it will work, so there are pictures just in case (it's a SUPER short video, but if it works, maybe I will take more video because I was able to post it on fb :) Okay, I'd better finish reading and head to bed. I have a sore throat for some reason and it's really annoying...hoping it's just because I breathed weird when I was running and need to drink more water.

Prayer request for my friend Ginger. The plan is for Baby Cate to come later this week, but she needs prayers that her lungs are ready. Ginger's been in a lot of pain with contractions, but labor is not progressing. So, prayers for pain relief and happy lungs...Love you friend :o)

Listen and Watch

I had a really great weekend at work. I worked with some of my favorite people and we had a fun time. My student is fabulous and took our entire patient assignment today. There was a lot of "grumbling" about the class a bunch of us are taking (as in, the "consensus" is that it is terrible...I'm not quite THERE, but I'm always interested in learning and trying new things, so I guess it makes sense that I don't "hate" it!) Anyway, I am sleepy and also want to watch the Celebrity Apprentice, so this will be a brief blog post ;o)

This song has been stuck in my head and I put it on my iPod and have listened to it a bunch of times. I'm not sure if it is the beat/music or the lyrics, but I just really like it. So, I wanted to "share" it (and have it here for me for the future, since this is my journal and all...) The first "link" will play the video, but it doesn't have the lyrics. The second one won't play automatically, but there is a link to the music WITH the lyrics.






As I have mentioned, April is National Donate Life Month. Without going into any details, I "found" this video and thought it was terrific. The person who made the video did an amazing job of capturing organ donation and its ups and downs, the good and the bad. The post-transplant road is often as bumpy as the emotional ride of waiting for "the call" that may or may not come...if you are going to watch, grab a tissue...or two.



Good night.

Good Times

I can't believe that I haven't worked since SUNDAY, but it's back to reality when I have to go back tomorrow and Sunday. Well, not EXACTLY back to reality because I just have to work those two days and then on Wednesday and then I go to Tennessee for five days! I've had a fantastic week off (and actually did quite a bit of "blogging" this week--Tuesday, Wednesday, AND yesterday!)

This morning, I had breakfast with my "put things into perspective" friend. I'm sure I've written about her before, since we have been friends for a LONG time! I baby-sat her kids and now they are a Freshman in college and a Freshman in high school! I tell her that "everyone needs a 'Stephanie'" which she thinks is sweet...and she says she loves spending time with me too, which is also sweet :o)

As expected, we had a great time at breakfast. I did a lot of talking at first, but then utilized the conversation skills we learned in class this week (okay, that was "tongue in cheek"' because I'm fairly certain that I already know how to have a conversation with her!) We hadn't gotten together in a while, so it was really nice to catch up (this picture is from September when she came to my dad's birthday party)

I actually took a nap this afternoon, even though I didn't stay up THAT late and didn't get up THAT early. Hopefully that "extra" sleep will make it easier to get up in the morning...highly unlikely, but worth a shot, right?!

After my nap, I walked to the post office and stopped by the grocery store for a few things. I got a Java Chip Frappuccino from Starbucks since I had a gift card and it was yummy.

I was invited to the 50th birthday party for a "guy" who used to live next door to my parents. It was nice to get my own invitation (gotta love "evite") and that I was off so I could go. I actually wore a cute new shirt and nice jeans, did my hair and make-up (as my "skill" for that allows), and thought I looked pretty darn good (if I do say so myself...ha!) I went alone, but knew that I would know quite a few people (including my friend from this morning and my parents who were going to go for a little while). I did a LOT of talking during the nearly 2 1/2 hours I was there to quite a few different people. I ended up talking to one of the pediatricians who works at the office where I worked for a couple of years. For some reason, I hadn't thought about that in a while (not that I "forgot", but it wasn't something that had crossed my mind recently!) Although I got the job there because of one of the other pediatricians, and she is a friend, this one is a lot more like me and I had a GREAT time whenever I worked with her. When I worked at the office, I was a "floater", so worked with all of the doctors in the office. I was working there through some pretty tough times at the hospital and this one cried with me/listened to me during those times. It was SO great to see her since it had been quite a long time (years probably!) since we had talked. I met her husband, talked about her kids (maybe I'll have some stories to share at my next "training" on Tuesday...ha!) Before I left, she shared that she had said to her husband "isn't she adorable?!" in reference to me...and apparently he agreed, which, I guess, is "adorable"...ha ha! (I guess she and the other pediatrician are "plotting" to find me a nice guy...yeah, them and "everyone" else...oh well, it is what it is..."trust", right?!)

Okey doke, I'd better try and get some sleep. I'm kind of "wired", even though I only had two drinks, plus I took a nap I probably didn't need!

Good night.

An Open Book...or Not

This morning, I had my home study. The case worker got here at 10 and left nearly three hours later. She would ask a question and I would just talk and talk. I told her all SORTS of things, even things not many people know. It was pretty crazy how things just came spilling out of my mouth. I mean, I know I'm a Chatty Cathy (that post was written about the first time I met the "baby" and his mom, so it's appropriate timing to link to that!) but seriously, I was an open book. I even started crying about certain things I shared. I'm fairly certain she wasn't expecting my "life story" (I just MET with my counselor last week...sheesh!), but she said it helped to know about me for future reference when I get a placement.

This afternoon, I met with my Spiritual Director (I had to take a little rest in between my two "therapy" sessions...with my actual "therapy" session last week and breakfast with my "put things into perspective friend" in the morning, I should be emotionally stable for a while...ha!) Again, I just started right in talking and sharing. This was more faith/prayer based, but I had also done a lot of sharing about how important it has become for me to trust God and His plan for me and my life. I talked to her about how "holy" my Holy Week/Easter was (and that it was even more special because I "brought" Gitz with me in my heart since she is unable to attend services...or anything outside the home for that matter). I shared that I will be traveling to Tennessee next week to be my cousin's Confirmation sponsor. An hour went by SO fast...as it always does when I am with her or with my counselor (I love that they have very different personalities...AND that they both enjoy listening to my rambling...ha!)

I mentioned in my post on Tuesday that I could go to a party and find someone to talk to...and obviously have no problems talking and talking to anyone who is available to listen...ha! Why, then, does this "Dale Carnegie" thing with my colleagues freak me out so much?! Why is it that someone I have talked to quite a few times at work was SO surprised by character traits (one being that I am a "risk taker") that she pointed it out? Why is it that I feel like the people at work don't REALLY know me...and, is that good, bad, or "neutral"? Why, then, am I completely freaked out by the email I got from the instructor about preparing for our next class--here's what she wrote:

• We set goals on page 1.10, using the first nine principles (I included these in the post from Tuesday). Please be prepared to share an experience that illustrates your recent (since last session) application of one of the Enhance Relationships Principles from that commitment. (ugh!) Use the Magic Formula for Influencing Action to structure the report: incident, action, benefit. These are simply your chance to report to us what has happened since you’ve made a change as you strive to enhance relationships with patients, their families, and co-workers. This incident should be work related.
• Have a conversation with someone you don't know well, and someone you do know pretty well, using the ideas from the conversation starters we learned in picture format. Be ready to share some successes with the group.
• Begin reading in the "How to Win Friends" book. The first nine chapters would be minimum...

I discussed my "anxiety" about this with my spiritual director (since she is familiar with this training and the book). Together we prayed, and I will continue to pray, about this training and all that it involves. I guess everyone is in the same boat as me in terms of having to share and step outside their comfort zone (I imagine some even more than me if they aren't naturally a "chatty" person!) I suppose I better get to reading and preparing :o)

By the way, I am actually rather sore from carrying my 19+ pound nephew around the zoo yesterday, but I wouldn't change a thing--"he ain't heavy, he's my nephew... :o) "

Good night.
P.S. Ginger texted me today to say that the newest addition to their family will be here April 23 if not before!! Can't wait to meet Little Miss Cate :o)

Home Study

Tomorrow morning I have my second home study with my case worker. It is kind of weird that I am having my SECOND home study when I haven't even been licensed three months and have not had a placement! But, it is what it is :o) I was sort of hoping to get "forced" off work today so I could spend some time making my house more presentable. I also wanted the day off because I could NOT fall asleep last night (darn Dr. Pepper, but BOY did it taste good...I hadn't had a "soda" in months!) PLUS, my sister was taking my nephew to the Zoo for the first time. Even though I had to stay "on call", it was a great day! I pretty much carried my nephew all over the place for some cuddle time AND good exercise!

Looking at the Jellyfish.

This picture just cracks me up!

He looks extra chubby in this picture, but I love it :o)

He finally crashed, and we got some snuggle time :o)

I made some good progress in getting my house ready for my home study, but have a few more things to do in the morning (I am all cleaned out for one day!)

Two years ago today, "the baby" received his second chance at life. I wrote about that here and here (and lots of other places!) He is doing great and his family is grateful every day for the donor's family who chose to give him a second chance during a tragic time in their lives. April is National Donate Life Month.

I like the video I posted last year, so will post it again:


Here is the story of a transplant recipient...in his own words:


I'd better head to bed. Good night.

This and That

It's been a couple days since I "blogged" (I remember when I used to blog every day...I don't think I am any busier than I was, or that I have learned to prioritize better...ha!) I should clean my yellow bathroom so I can start showering in there again, but don't think that will happen tonight since I'm already sleepy and it's only 9:30!

Sunday, I worked, but I had my student with me. She took two of our patients and I had the third (but she helped me with dressing changes and watched me take out staples...I hadn't done THAT in a while and don't recall taking out THAT many, especially on a wiggly child) So, it was a good day. Then, we had "family dinner" and my nephew is definitely mobile and getting even more entertaining every time I see him. Now he claps and gives high fives and it's adorable :o)

Yesterday, I decided to go to 8:30 Mass since I missed Mass over the weekend. I thought that there would be school kids there, but apparently they had an all-school Mass on Friday, so didn't have Mass with the kids on Monday. But, it was still nice (even though I didn't go to bed very early on Sunday, so crashed on the couch for longer than I wanted when I got home!) When I finally got up, I mowed the lawn (and discovered the handle on my mower is broken even though I just got it back from its "tune up" on Friday...annoying!) I also took off the blue tape and did touch-ups in my bathroom. I scrubbed the floor with my Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, but need to clean it again since that doesn't make the bathroom smell clean (in my opinion) which is why I want to clean it again before I start using it for showering. Plus, I need to make sure there aren't any more areas that need "touch ups".

I seriously need to start spending more time outside when the weather is this nice because it will be HOT before I know it and I'm not a big fan of the HOT...(nice little random sentence in between semi-coherent paragraphs...I digress...)

I finally decided that I needed to run some errands, and started at Kohl's. I tried on a bunch of dresses even though I just went there for towels and to see if there were any bathroom accessories I had to have. I ended up leaving with three dresses because I didn't have anyone there to tell me "yay" or "nay". So, I'll need to do a fashion show for someone because I seriously don't need that many dresses (I actually went back today and got a smaller size in one of them but I can't tell if the smaller size is too small...one down side of shopping alone!) I still need to return a dress to Fashion Bug because it doesn't fit nearly as well as any of the ones I picked yesterday. Plus, when I tried it on for my mom, she noticed a little tear in the back and it was missing a hook (for the hook-and-eye).

After Kohl's, I went to the mall because I wanted to get something for my cousin who is being Confirmed. She picked "Gabriella" as her Confirmation name and Gabriella has not yet been canonized, so there aren't any medallions of her. So, I went to Things Remembered and spent WAY too long trying to decide what to buy. After FOREVER (and phone calls to my mom and my aunt), I decided on a nice picture frame. While I waited for the engraving, I went to Victoria's Secret to see if I could find a "normal" bra to wear with my new dress. The girls were way more helpful than I remember them being at V.S. and I got a few "thumbs ups" on my newly purchased dress, so that was well worth the trip (and the fact that I spent more money on the bra than the dress!)

I'm really excited that I have a TON of tulips in my yard! What is especially exciting is that I didn't have to DO anything...they just showed up on there own (and, with any luck, it will rain the next couple of days since I haven't gotten my hose out yet!)

This morning, I actually went to Curves (even though every day that I have been off, I have been "itching" to go for a run...or at least a walk!) They are doing a six-week challenge where you get weighed every week to try and make yourself accountable to the scale. Well, I haven't gained any weight, but I haven't lost any either. I also haven't been trying all that hard, so am thinking I should try and do that...it would be really nice to be down a few (or 10 or 15...ha!) pounds before I go visit Ginger. Speaking of...she and I got to talk on the phone to this morning which was just fabulous...I can't WAIT to see her and meet her family :o) (and hopefully Kristy can come to the 'Burgh while I'm in town...that would be SO awesome!)

This afternoon, I went to Dale Carnegie training at work. It is three Tuesdays in a row with nurses from my floor and from the PICU. I had no idea what to expect (funny that I signed up to attend and had no idea what it was about!) I DEFINITELY didn't know we were going to get homework! (We have to read the first nine chapters of this book before next week!) There were over thirty people there and a LOT of "forced" "opportunities" to share things about ourselves, our goals, personal stories...not-so-much comfortable even though I knew most of the people. The focus of this first session was on increasing self-confidence and communication, so I guess that is the best way to do that.

To be perfectly honest, I had a very hard time with the section "Become a Friendlier Person" since I find myself to be a VERY friendly person. Here are the nine "points":

1. Don't criticize, condemn, or complain.

2. Give honest, sincere appreciation.

3. Arouse in the other person an eager want.

4. Become genuinely interested in other people.

5. Smile.

6. Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.

7. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.

8. Talk in terms of the other person's interests.

9. Make the other person feel important--and do it sincerely.

Okay, now that I typed them out, I know that I have room for improvement, but when it comes to my patients and their families, I believe that I am "ahead of the game" in creating trusting relationships with them. So, I suppose the "challenge" to me is to use these skills with my co-workers and in areas outside of the work place. During one communication exercise, we had one-on-one conversation with someone we didn't know well (and used a "guide" we were given of questions to ask) The person I spoke to was surprised at my responses to some of them and pointed out that my colleagues likely would be as well. I DEFINITELY think that the people I work with have a certain perception of me, and who they think I am is not really who I am (or, not entirely who I am). This "blog" has always been my "safe place" where I can be who I am (with occasional "censoring"...usually when I'm struggling with who I am!) and I like having this place. I can tell that this training is going to be a stretch for me, and actually pretty uncomfortable. I can go into a party knowing no one and find someone to talk to (especially if there are "moms"...I am VERY comfortable talking to moms!) I can talk and talk to my patients and their families. But, my co-workers, it is not so easy (and, my "track record" with dates is proof enough that I have "issues" there too!) It will be an interesting training, that's for sure (good thing I saw my counselor last week and am meeting with my spiritual director this week to talk out some of these things so they don't come pouring out in some kind of emotional and/or other embarrassing moment in front of lots of colleagues!)

Anyway, that's that (gosh, I really shouldn't go this long between blog posts...although I must have short-term memory issues because at the class this afternoon, we learned out to tell a story AND make a point in less than a minute...ha!) I did figure out what to do about the Bloom Book Club book "idea" I mentioned in this post. I don't feel like writing about "details", but will say that I am very happy with the direction I decided to go (or, the direction I was taken...) I think I'd rather be reading "Strong Women, Soft Hearts" than "How to Win Friends and Influence People", but I'm not going to be the one "called out" next week who hasn't read the first nine chapters!

Alrighty, then, that's one hours worth of blogging...I seriously could have cleaned my bathroom AND done a load of laundry AND gotten ready for bed in that time, but I feel SO much better going to bed with a clear mind :o)

Good night!

Busy as a Bumble Bee

As I wrote on Wednesday, I decided to paint my bathroom since I had four days off. As it turns out, I needed those days and then some because yellow does not cover walls as easily as one would think! I primed it, then painted two coats. Now, I need to remove the tape and do touch-ups because I can already see places I missed (hard to imagine that I missed spots considering I could hardly see in there it is SO bright...ha!) I've tried taking a bunch of pictures, but none of them show exactly how bright this yellow is. I have gotten "thumbs up" from a friend and from both of my parents, so I am breathing easier. I'm not sure what I was thinking, but hopefully with some decorating and navy accents it will be good :o) I thought "Bumble Bee" was a fun name for paint (I look at that when I choose my paint colors--my kitchen is Bordeaux, my living room Kiwi Kissed, my basement is Khaki Shorts, the trim in my guest room is Cameron's Eyes...) However, in looking at the paint strip this evening, Providence Gold would have worked too (considering I worked in Providence, RI for fifteen months!)...and would have been much easier on the eyes. But, it is what it is...and maybe mornings will be more fun when I am greeted with a bright bathroom...ha ha!

I made sure this didn't give a peek into how
unbelievably messy my bedroom is!

Even though my bathroom is a very small space, I have learned some lessons about painting in bathrooms: 1)Even if you clean before you start painting, and pull your hair back, it is still hard to keep hair from finding a place on the wall to stick to. 2) Ladders don't really fit in the bathtub. 3) Painting behind a toilet in a small space takes some acrobatic moves and long arms...neither of which I have, but being "vertically challenged" likely made laying on the ground easier.

I really wanted today off work (even though I JUST had four days off!) because I was invited to a bridal shower and a bachelorette party (both for the girl whose wedding I have to miss when I am at my cousin's Confirmation). I also was invited to be in a choir to sing for the elder sister in this photo who is turning 99. They were getting together this morning to practice (and I NEED practice since I'm NOT a soloist and have never sung with this choir). I also had a very hard time falling asleep last night since I had been staying up late/sleeping in all week long. But, someone called in sick so no one got the day off work. It actually was a good day. My student will be back with me tomorrow, so hopefully we have a good day :o)

Time for bed...good night!

Home...then what?

I was "whining" about never being at home (this post) and then I had four days off in a row over Easter weekend (which I spent with family and at church). Starting yesterday, I have another four days off and TWO of those days (including yesterday) I had no plans, absolutely NOTHING scheduled. Unfortunately, I have discovered time and again that I am TERRIBLE at time management...and yesterday it was highly irritating (not so good to be irritated at yourself, especially when it's something that SHOULD be easily fixed!)

I was going to "blog" last night about the things that I DID accomplish to make myself seem like less of a slug, but my motivation was peaking about the time I needed to go to bed. I did go to Curves (and out for dinner...) and bought my book for the Bloom Book Club. I am considering buying an extra book to donate, but haven't decided yet. I was thinking it would be fun to email Angie/Jessica and let them know that I'm a super bad procrastinator and would send a book to someone who missed the book request deadline...but, also think it would be fun to donate a book to someone who reads my blog and wants one and not have it go through the book club. Or, maybe I can use my $10 for some other kind of donation...again, still weighing my options.

Speaking of "weighing", it seems like there is a "theme" this week of blogging about losing weight/eating healthier. I weigh more than I have in a while, but I don't think I've weighed my "goal weight" since before I was in high school and I haven't even had a baby, so maybe I should change my "goal weight" (although, that "goal weight" would get me into the normal range for BMI...ugh!) Anyway, I'm not quite ready to "go there", but maybe will find some inspiration from those who are and re-consider...especially since the dress I bought yesterday for my cousin's Confirmation is a size up from what I usually buy.

Apparently, when I get irritated with myself for being unproductive, I don't do "easy" things like clear the table/counters or clean my room or vacuum or dust. No, I decide to paint my bathroom. I am done with the primer and hopefully it will require just one coat of paint (I picked "Bumble Bee" which hopefully ends up being the color of yellow I wanted!) I have no idea how I forgot that painting isn't really that fun. I painted my "playroom" in May 2008 and wrote posts titled "Painting is Hard Work", "That's Gonna Hurt", and "Whose idea was this again?", but it DID look good when it was finished. While painting my kitchen in September 2009, I wrote a post called "Aches and Almost There", but that too looked great when it was finished. Apparently, I had amnesia because in November 2009, I was "Painting Again" and tackled the living room. I don't think I ever posted any pictures of my living room, but this post has pictures of a couple of the walls, so you MAY be able to see the "kiwi kissed" walls :o) Maybe I do big projects like these because once you start, you have to finish...which isn't the case in most of the other "projects" that I should be doing. (Like the day I decided to re-caulk the bathtub which took two days!)

I went out with some girls from high school today and am going to a concert tomorrow night (the other girls are meeting at my house, so I need to at LEAST clear the clutter in the kitchen and living room after I paint the bathroom!) I'm also meeting with my counselor for the first time in a month (she said I could start seeing her as needed, but I like having scheduled monthly meetings).

Well, sounds like I have some work to do tomorrow, so I should head to bed. Here are a couple pictures of my nephew from Saturday. My aunt and uncle have a really big window in the living room and even though I tried using the "back light" setting on my camera, the light is still bad. They are really cute, though (especially the one where he is trying to sneak the magazine!) and maybe I'll have to see if they can be edited...

Good night.