Birthday Vacation Over

I arrived back home around 4:00 this afternoon. As soon as my dad dropped me off at home, I headed out to get a (much needed) pedicure since I wasn't quite ready for my birthday vacation to end. I got a VERY nice pedicure complete with a sugar scrub and hot rocks...very relaxing :) All I had time to do when I got home from my pedicure was change my clothes and pull my hair up before my mom picked me up for dinner. It is our birthday tradition that the birthday girl/boy gets to pick a restaurant and we all go. Everyone has been wanting to go to our favorite Mexican place, but it didn't work for anyone else's birthday, so I chose it. (It wasn't much of a sacrifice seeing as I love me some chips & salsa! The next birthday isn't until June, so we needed another "fix" in 2011 anyway!)

We didn't get any family pictures, but I did snap a couple of my nephew. It is so fun to listen to him talk and figure things out. They grow up fast, don't they?!

It seems as if I have decided to start writing this post backwards, so I guess I can go to this morning and then back to Saturday (because, it's my blog after all...ha!) My aunt dropped me off at the airport on her way to work, so I got there pretty early for my 10:50 flight. I had to apologize to my people on twitter because I did get rather bored and tweeted a lot. It was a full flight and I sat further in the back than I ever do, but did get a window seat (I always pick a window seat even though I usually sleep). Not long after I sat down, a girl (woman, I guess is better, but I don't feel like people would call me "woman"...maybe they would...) and sat down and started talking to me. She was with her husband and they were going on a trip to celebrate their 16th Anniversary. She was nervous about both of them flying and their kids (11-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son) being at home in case anything happened to them. She mentioned she didn't like to fly...well, I do like to fly and I ALSO like to talk, so we talked the entire flight.

We talked about so many different things...pretty crazy! She told me about her family, I told her about mine. We talked about our jobs, a little bit about our churches. I told them about my "Internet friends", going away to college, moving away, then coming back home. As we talked, I realized that I am even more confident in my life, my journey, my ministry, my mission, being what God has called me to do. Yes, I know that I need to keep the door open to other opportunities, but right now, I truly believe that I have been given a great gift that I am using the best way I know how. Yes, sometimes it is really hard (see yesterday's post), but I feel like I have come a long way in understanding all of this. Usually, I really am content sleeping on the airplane, but I am so thankful that I had my eyes and ears open to this conversation that was such a blessing to me. So, to Christy and Chris, where ever you are...thanks for that special hour and a half :)

Speaking of making the most of a short time period (how's that for a segue?!), I talked to Tammy and Alece prior to making arrangements to travel to Nashville. As the time got closer, it turned out that our schedules didn't really match up very well. So, we had a two-hour period of time at dinner on Saturday (my actual birthday) that would work. My cousins picked me up at the airport and we drove up to the town where they live. My cousins and I had a nice visit in the car and they drove me through Downtown Nashville on the way. We were early, so we did a little browsing at B & N (a very large one!) before meeting them for dinner. As mentioned above, I love me some chips and salsa, so told Tammy to pick a place that had that. I hadn't been to Chili's in forever, so it was a good choice (plus they have yummy margaritas!)

Our waiter "Frankie Brandy" tried to hook me up with a free margarita at Tammy's request, but that didn't quite work out (I got ice cream and a brownie though). He did, however, "card" her first and then proceeded to card Alece and me, so all of us were pretty "pumped" about that ;)

Two hours wasn't nearly enough time and I wish I had done more listening than talking (I feel like I talked a LOT), but it is what it is. My cousins seemed to enjoy themselves too and Alece and Tammy were both very good at keeping them involved in the conversation (you know, since I was doing all the talking...) Maybe next time we talk it will be on skype or something so they can mute me ;) (kidding...hopefully I wasn't THAT bad!)

This picture really makes me laugh, so I had to post it again. I wish I was better at making a scared face, but that's as good as it gets. It also cracks me up that people get worried about me and my "Internet friends", but they are the ones who showed up to dinner not knowing my last name (or that I had dark brown hair)...ha! I'm so thankful that we were able to meet up, even though it was brief...treasured time, though, treasured time.

Okay, I'm going to have to speed up my post here seeing as I'm scheduled to work in 7 1/2 hours and haven't worked in a week. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get called off/put on call, but I have to be ready just in case!

Sunday night, my aunt made lasagna and cheesecake and we celebrated my birthday then since we all had other plans on Saturday night. Everything was delicious and it was very fun to celebrate with them. They used to live in Texas, so are very excited about the Rangers being in the World Series, so we watched the game after dinner/dessert.

My cousin had to go back to college after that and my uncle ended up going to the game last night, so flew out early yesterday morning. My aunt and I went to Downtown Franklin to browse in the boutiques there. It was fun just "hanging out" and visiting. We ate a late lunch there before heading back to their house to take a nap and watch the World Series (Go Rangers...even though my dad is a HUGE Cardinals fan...tough for this baseball-loving girl!)

Well, that pretty much "sums it up"...I'm not a brief blogger...you people who can put incredible words of wisdom into a few sentences amaze me (but, I guess this blog isn't necessarily about "words of wisdom", is it?!...I think not ;) )

Good night...back to work tomorrow.

Spring Break

The teen is on spring break until next Wednesday. On Sunday, she, the little one, and I drove 60 miles down the road to see a college baseball game the teen wanted to attend (she's been planning this since college baseball season ended!) Unfortunately, her friend flaked out on her last minute...actually, not sure if not showing up at pick up or answering your phone is "flaking", but in any case it was too late to find anyone else. So, it was just the three of us, which was fine. I wish I could show pictures, but all of them give away where I live, so you'll just have to imagine how much fun we had when I say the teen took over 50 pictures (thank goodness for digital!)

Monday, I worked, but came home to a dusted/vacuumed/glass table cleaned/kitchen floor washed house. It looked great and she was proud of herself :)

Yesterday, the teen cleaned her room while I was at an appointment. After that, we went to lunch and got coffee before she had to get a shot and see her therapist. Then, we went shopping so she could help me pick out an Easter dress for the little one and she got a pair of shorts. We hadn't heard any word from her mom since before she left on April 7 (yes, nearly 2 weeks), so neither of us knew what the plans were for Easter. She tried on a dress that didn't end up fitting, but before she did, she asked if my dress had flowers too...since the little one's does and so did that one. So sweet. :) The little one's teacher said that she decided to count how many times the little one says "I love Amanda" in a day...yesterday, that number was 23 :)

Today, I was at work while the teen was again working away at my house and the little one was at day care. I left a voice mail for the caseworker (not the service coordinator) to see if she had heard anything about visits, etc. but never heard back. Tomorrow would be two weeks their mom has been gone and I was wondering how much longer it was going to be, but afraid to ask since when she left, I was told they would go home when she got back. The teen hasn't seen her mom all month and the little one had one overnight visit. It makes me really sad.

Surprise! I get a "random" text message from their mom around 5:30 PM saying that she moved and they are doing a "walk through" on Friday (meaning?!). Since I was in shock (because, hello, how long has she been back in town and not contacted her kids?!), I only responded with an "ok" (that's all she deserves anyway in my opinion after that long of not communicating with anyone!) She then asked for the teen to call her. I said I was at work, but she was at home. I said I'd tell her when I got home (but also left it open that SHE could pick up the phone and call her daughter seeing as she's had the number for eight months).

I called the caseworker to let her know and she is going to talk to the service coordinator tomorrow. The coordinator hasn't communicated with either of us about anything the past two weeks. I called the teen on the way home to let her know her mom wanted her to call. She hadn't called by the time I got home and waited until after the little one had her bath and I reminded her to call. She came to the kitchen and said her mom would talk to the little one another day since she didn't want to upset her close to bed time...what the H*** Seriously?! I'm too ticked for words, really, that is just unacceptable in my opinion...maybe she is upset that the little one WOULDN'T be that upset?! Ugh, so annoying!

I did talk to their GAL this evening in response to an email I sent him outlining my concerns. He had some questions and wanted some more information, but of course the little one decided to have a meltdown, so it was hard to talk (plus, I didn't really want the teen overhearing our conversation and getting the wrong idea...or the right one ;) ) Hopefully I can talk to him again before they just end up back home. They have been away from home for so long that I think they NEED to have a transition. As much as they love their mom and she loves them, things are a lot different than they were 16 months ago for them. Both of them have grown so much and they all need time to adjust to that.

I guess this is another step on the journey...and they aren't gone yet, so we will make the most of it. Tomorrow, I'm taking the teen on a college visit that she arranged. Yes, she's a sophomore, but she said she "wasn't going to be one of those people who wait until they are a senior"...alrighty then! I tried asking her yesterday how she was going to "explain" me, but she blew off my question. Of course, at that point, neither of us knew when (or if!) her mom was coming back, so it was kind of natural for "us" to do this.

I have no idea what is going to happen, but it's definitely sounding like they may actually be with their family this weekend, which also means I will have more time to visit with mine (without a "bored" teen and a "clingy" little one). However, I won't hold my breath because I'm not quite sure I'm really to jump on board with providing transportation after basically being left in the dark about any sort of Easter/Spring Break plans even after multiple attempts for answers.

Busy day ahead, but that's what's been going on here.
Good night.

Where I've Been

Hanging out with "my" girls, going to baseball games, watching fireworks...AND, , actually getting to work three shifts in a week! The girls are great and I am definitely enjoying my time with them. They are such a blessing and are making as much of a difference in my life as I am in theirs (or more!)

The little one ("L") is a ball of energy and talks non-stop. My sister started watching her last week and apparently she needs to work on her "sharing", but what better time (and way) to learn than with my sister and nephew. She takes amazing long naps and will now take a nap and go to bed without her sister helping. She eats anything you put on her plate. She loves to sing and dance and be silly. When we went on that boat she posed for picture after picture, but I could only post that couldn't identify her. (I think you can still tell how cute she is!)

The older one ("M") is shy, but definitely coming out of her shell. She now talks to my mom and my sister and has come to enjoy making fun of me (oh joy...ha!) She has become a college baseball fan and I'm encouraging her to do her summer reading (even though she has to read The House on Mango Street...I read a chapter and totally didn't understand it!) I taught her all my Skip-Bo tricks and now she beats me as much/more than I beat her. She is going to go to camp this weekend and I am SO excited for her. She is super sweet and helps out when she can, many times without being asked. She has the best smile and I wish I could post a picture here, but don't want to get into any trouble for that! I'm really going to miss her when she is gone and hope her mom appreciates how wonderful of a daughter she has.

I've been to five baseball games in less than two weeks. Baseball is the sport I grew up watching and I've been playing softball since I was little. A couple of the games were when it was SUPER hot, but I lathered up my Swedish skin with sunscreen and enjoyed them anyway. :)

Of course, it was the Fourth of July, so there has been a lot of watching of fireworks. Friday night, the girls and I drove toward where there would be some big fireworks. I knew that traffic would be horrendous, but that was part of the experience...ha! We brought a bag of chips and some water and sat in one place on the busiest street in town for about 45 minutes, but had a pretty good view of the fireworks (and then people watched until we could get moving again).

Our census is still very, very low. However, I was fortunate to get to work my three shifts last week, even though I had to leave a couple hours early one of the days. As great as it is to finally work again, it has been a bit of a shock to my system! We have been on the go every day and I'm starting to realize what being a "working mom" actually feels like (although it is definitely different than starting off with a baby AND they do go to see their mom four days a week!) I had to get off early again tonight, but that gave me time to eat dinner on the couch watching Days of Our Lives and blogging for the first time in a LONG time! I love having these girls in my house so much, but it is REALLY strange not being on twitter, facebook, blogging, reading blogs all the time! I think it is good in a lot of ways because I likely spent WAY too much time doing those things. However, it IS different and has been an adjustment!

Well, I have a few more minutes before the girls get home from their visit, so I should get changed and MAYBE put away the dishes since "M" ran the dishwasher this morning!

I've been busy, missing my blog and "my" people, but enjoying this time with my family.

Good night.

Stand Up Double

So...I am almost done packing and probably should head to bed, but I thought I needed to give a little softball game update :o) (We are driving to a city that has a bigger airport and cheaper flights, so I can sleep in the car...nice perk to traveling with the parents!)

Today I had to go to a computer class at work. It was supposed to be a 4-hour class--ugh! But, it only took about 2 1/2 hours which was great! I did a little bit of packing this afternoon and pretty much all I have left is the stuff I will need in the morning (and my computer of course...can't pack THAT away yet!)

We only had 9 players at the 8:30 game time. You need 10 players for slow-pitch softball, otherwise you get an automatic out whenever that "player" comes up to bat. So, we had the mom of one of our players sub for us :o) It was REALLY windy, so the pitchers had trouble. We were SO much better than the team we played, but the three pitchers we used walked TWELVE batters, so it was a MUCH closer game than it should have been!

I play catcher, and twice the ball was hit to the pitcher with the bases loaded and she threw it home to me for an out. I LOVE getting players out at home! My first time up, I hit a little pop fly somewhere near the shortstop for an out...darn (I did hit it hard though...not bad for not working out in a while!) The next time up, I hit it into the outfield between left and left center and got a "stand up double"!! I can't remember the last time I hit a DOUBLE! Usually, I just run really fast to try to beat the throw! I think I may have hit in a run, but am not sure. At that point in the game, it looked like we were going to win by a lot, but the walks definitely did not help. One of my cousins ended up getting a really good hit to drive in the winning run...it was SO much fun to win! (I think we only won three times all last season and this was our third game!)

On the baseball front, neither of our new pitchers pitched today, but my team had a pretty good day. :o)

I'm hoping that my aunt and uncle have wireless internet and/or they give me the computer room to sleep in. I am bringing a couple books and some stationery so I can write some letters. I am looking forward to just hanging out and visiting (and my little side trip to Kentucky with my dad is going to be GREAT!)

Good night.

I knew it!

I already knew I had amazing friends...even before I started this blog, even before I wrote that post on Sunday. However, it still is a pretty awesome feeling to know that this little blog has brought such amazing people into my life. God surely has blessed me more times than I could even begin to count, but I never guessed that the He would use the Internet this way :o) Because of God working through this here blog, 24 days from now, I will be hanging out with Ginger in "the Windy City"! Is that awesome or what?!

I also have an amazing family...I actually let one of my cousins in on my "secret blog" today. She assured me she would keep my secret and it was really great to have someone else take a look at the things I have written to make sure I haven't broken any privacy laws :o) This cousin actually has three younger sisters...one is married and another is engaged, so she was able to relate to my "birth order issues". Even though both of us are VERY happy with the way our lives are right now, those other feelings still have a way of creeping in. I haven't talked to her in a LONG time since she lives halfway across the country (thank goodness for facebook...ha ha!)

Even though I do my share of venting about my mom and sister, they really are terrific people. I wouldn't be the way I am today without them. My mom cares about me SO much (and is very protective of me!) My sister is REALLY sweet and has grown up a lot. Even though she seems to have been "debilitated" by pregnancy, she actually isn't whiny about it...that's just how it is (not exactly how I hope I will be, but at least she is not whiny because that would not be cool!) It's been a while since I posted a sister picture...too bad I didn't get one of her full body, but this actually is a good picture of us :o)

Tonight was my second softball game (can I tell you how excited I am that I found that baseball background?! LOVE it!) Hopefully my body will not be as much in shock tomorrow as it was last Wednesday! I got a hit. I had an RBI. I caught two fly balls (remember, I play catcher), and participated in a double-play by tagging a girl out at home and throwing to third to get a girl tagged out there (also almost got someone into a pickle but am not QUITE that confident in my throwing arm!). This is what happened to my pinky finger during the double play...ouch! (yes, I know I should not bite my fingernails, but have been doing that for probably 25 years so...)

Yes, that stung a bit, but I got my hit AFTER the "injury", so it wasn't ALL bad (I do already have a bruise on the tip, but it hasn't stopped me from typing...ha!) We were losing by quite a bit, but came back with a few runs and made some good plays in the field. We do not practice and are still getting the rust out, but I think we will have more wins than last year...we will definitely have as much/more fun!

I mowed the lawn, I washed my summer clothes, I finished emailing the agenda for my Thursday meeting BEFORE I started typing this, I did a load of dishes...I suppose that isn't TOO bad considering it was fairly close to noon by the time I rolled out of bed...ahh, the joys of living alone and working three days a week :o) Maybe tomorrow I can tackle some of the clutter (now that the agenda has been sent, I don't have to worry about that!)

On another note...a patient I mentioned here a couple times (like, last summer, and again about 6 months ago) is very sick once again. I actually never did have permission to post her picture, so I will not do it again. However, she and her family could definitely use your prayers. Two children have passed away this past week and it just has to be SO hard sitting there in the ICU with your child knowing that she could very well be next, while hoping and praying God still has plans for her here on earth. Also, the mother of my aunt in California has suffered some bad complications after surgery and will be taken off life-support tomorrow. My cousins will be coming in town later this week. She had not been ill, so this is quite a blow to them.

To all who read...thanks for being such awesome friends :o)

At the Ballpark

This afternoon, I went to a baseball game with a couple of my friends. It was a pretty exciting game (although I did nearly fall asleep at one point since I was missing my nap time!). I did take a short nap before heading to the softball field. My dad coaches two teams, and tonight one of them had a double-header. So, I watched baseball from 1-5 and softball from 6:30-10. I took a "power nap" in between. That's a LOT of being outside so I'm sure I will have no trouble sleeping tonight (unless my body doesn't want to sleep after all the unhealthy food I put into it today...only one thing I ate today could be considered part of a "meal"...everything else was large amounts of snack food). Actually, all three of "my" teams lost, so I guess that means I went 0-4 in cheering/coaching. Oh well, I know the girls had fun :o)

I am having a party at my house in 10 days and the invitations have not been sent. SO, I'd better spend a few minutes before I go to bed and address them. Then I can mail them tomorrow...and should start doing some cleaning and menu planning!

Good night.

Springing Forward

And hoping that will bring some more spring-like weather!

It's now 12:30 in the morning, which means that really it kind of is 1:30. I've been up since 5:45 and have lots I want to do tomorrow, so I should go to sleep.

Today was a good day. I think I spent more of the day "chatting" than I did working (I probably could have tried to help my co-workers a bit more, but I didn't). It was nice to have a day that I could actually enjoy my patients. I did a little bit of teaching, but quite a lot of learning. That made for a rather enjoyable day. :o)

I decided I didn't feel like getting ready to go out after work with some co-workers. Instead, I decided to change into some comfy clothes and hang out with someone who I have found to be very good company. She and I had dinner and just chatted away. We don't know each other very well, so we talked about LOTS of different things--our parents, our siblings, our childhood, sports, hospital experiences. Just like every other time I have visited with the person, I stay SO LONG (I hope and pray she would feel comfortable telling me it was time to go!). She has been SUCH a blessing to me, and probably has no idea, even though I have told her on more than one occasion. She has taught me many things in the short time we have known each other, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Anyway, tonight is "Spring Forward" for Daylight Savings Time (maybe tomorrow I can make a link to the journal I wrote about the "Fall Back" because if I recall, it was not a happy one!). I'm already "super tired", but really only have myself to blame for that...better not be crabby tomorrow because of it :o)

Good night!

Runaway Sox

Wow, what a baseball game! I actually only watched a little bit of it and then decided to get caught up on my TiVo shows so they don't all delete while I'm out-of-town. Right now it is 13-1...looks like a pretty solid lead at Fenway!

Today was such a good day at work...makes me kind of wish I was working again tomorrow so I could have the same patients. Happy parents, happy kids, good nursing students, not crazy busy so I got to do a little bit of "hanging out" with my patients' families (the ones that spoke English, that is). I have no complaints. It's all about attitude, I think, and I'm trying SO hard to keep mine positive. On my "side" there were four nurses. Two of the other three were two of the only three or four that I do not care to work with. The last time I saw something like that coming on the schedule I was dreading it. I didn't realize that was the deal today, but also knew that I had my patients from yesterday and it was quite possible I wouldn't have to deal with them. I did eat lunch alone, which isn't that uncommon. The other three had discharges and two admissions, so I helped a tiny bit, but mostly stayed in my little corner, or was in my patients' rooms "working". That actually doesn't sound very good, but it made for a very good day, and I'd have to say that I believe my three patients got some pretty awesome care :o) (even if one of them was by nursing students!). The patient I was freaking out about a couple weeks ago found her way back to the general floor to be my patient once again. I was excited about that and think I'm "growing on" her mom and today I made my best good impression on the rest of the family. I do work hard to take care of all my patients, but sometimes there are those that you have to make a special effort (otherwise, you can have a miserable time!).

Well, this is quite a bit of rambling, and hardly about the baseball game. That's why my blog is titled "Do I have anything to say?". I got my nails done after work, it's late, and I'm tired. I think I'll go to sleep even though I will probably regret it tomorrow when I have to pack for my trip at this same time and have to get up by 5:00 in the morning the next day. Maybe I can get some stuff organized so it won't take as long.

First Hockey Game

On Friday, I attended my first hockey game. I was invited by the mom of one of the transplant patients who also had to receive chemo-like drugs for her PTLD. I have baby-sat her a few times and she is a riot! She was invited to the game because a couple cancer patients were chosen for some special events this weekend. I got to go out to the ice with her when she shot her puck so I could take pictures. It was SO fun! She did not want to leave the ice and it was hilarious! I actually saw about half of the 9 goals that were scored (I hear that's a lot for hockey...it was a college game). Her mom decided that we should attend another game and actually watch it. Sounds like a fun plan to me :o)

I didn't know it was a "pink out" for Breast Cancer

or I would have worn pink.

She wore pink, but this is her favorite outfit.

Once when I was baby-sitting, she decided to

wear it to the park.

"Because, then people will tell me I'm cute."

Ok, that works (and is SO true)!

Shooting her puck (she had to go first...

and last!)

After the game.

We had a lot of fun!

Looks like it is going to be a Red Sox versus Rockies World Series. I'll have to decide if I want to stick with "my Red Sox" or root for the "Cinderella Story". I do have a couple of days! Tomorrow's my big TWO-EIGHT, so I should go to bed soon if I want to feel like I've "slept in" since I have a rather busy day scheduled.

The cookies were a hit with the nurses on my floor today. I found someone to deliver some to the transplant team tomorrow (otherwise, knowing me, I would have gone in on my birthday to deliver them myself rather than wait until Tuesday!)

Family photos

Well, I'm still thinking about my "issues" and am

not sure what to post about today.

I was looking to see what pictures I could add

and found photos from my mom's birthday

that was at the end of August.

She is out-of-town right now, so maybe

this will make me miss her less :o)

I did talk to her on the phone twice today and have

been hanging out with my dad--

going to the horse races and watching baseball!!

(he doesn't like being a "bachelor")

My mom with the chef at Kobe Steakhouse

Dad, Sister, Mom, Me

Brother-in-law, Sister, Mom, me

My birthday is next week...I guess I need to decide

where we should eat (maybe somewhere

with healthy food...or not!)

Stormy weather

It has been raining almost non-stop for three days now. I love thunderstorms and the sound of rain beating down, but this is crazy! Luckily, it didn't rain that hard during the breast cancer walk. It was amazing how many people were there supporting this cause. The theme of the walk was "Hope starts with me" and you could definitely feel the hope in the air. It only took us about 45 minutes to walk the route, so I'm pretty sure it was closer to a 5K than a 5 mile, so I had no trouble (although, I'm a little tired and it's not even 7:30, so it definitely took some effort). We took a school bus (22 of us from Curves) on the 60 mile drive to the walk, so it was a fun time even with the weather.

When I got home, I found out that a patient I took care of yesterday got really sick overnight. I just started bawling! It made me question everything that happened...did I miss something? Should I have asked for more tests? Should I have had someone else do another assessment? This child has been through so much and her family is amazing...why did this happen to her again? I guess my only consolation is that I believe that I worked with the mother yesterday in doing some "problem solving". She knew something wasn't right and I agreed with her. We went down her list of symptoms multiple times. I asked her multiple times what she thought we should do, what she wanted me to do. I just cried and cried (of course, I was also watching some ice skating thing on TV that was talking about people with cancer, songs about kids with cancer, hearing my favorite song from "Wicked"...I was already a mess of emotions!). I am praying SO hard for this child and her family. She needs to get better and go back home soon.

After my meltdown, I showered, then went to the horse races (simulcast) with my dad. This is something fun that we do together, but hadn't done in a while. My mom is out-of-town, so it was a great time. Of course, we lost every race we bet (usually we win at least one!). We didn't even come close!!

But, now I'm home in time to watch the baseball game. I'm sad that the Red Sox ended up losing last night. Tonight, I think I'll root for the Rockies (if I can stay up late enough to watch the whole game...taking a long walk, pouring rain, and crying wiped me of all my energy!)

Tomorrow, my supervised visit is at Chuck E. Cheese...so it can't be THAT bad of a day!

Great day

Well, pretty good anyway (I WAS working!). I decided to take whatever patient assignment was given to me, but told myself all through my shower this morning that I was NOT going to say anything about what happened earlier this year if I had that particular patient. For whatever reason, I'm not sure why, I felt the need to say something RIGHT before it was time to leave. If I could have waited TEN more minutes, I could have saved myself SO much embarrassment! It was so ridiculous, after having such a good day with that patient (even though I did have issues with my anxious/nervous hives once or twice that seem to come even when I'm not feeling like things are that bad!) that I decided to open my big mouth and a can of worms that had become a "non-issue". I'm thinking she didn't even remember what had happened, or so much has happened since then that it didn't matter anymore. I'm very frustruated with myself, but hopefully was able to "smooth things over" and adequately explained myself. The mom just gave me a "what the ****" are you talking about?! kind of look (although, not really because she is a Christian woman who is not the swearing type, so probably more of a "what is wrong with you?" kind of look).

So, overall it was a good day. All my patients had nice parents (who actually were there all day with their children...that doesn't happen very often!), no one was too terribly sick (although patient mentioned above required some extra monitoring and was still "questionable" when I left). I don't work at the hospital again until Wednesday...I think I can handle that!

Tomorrow I am doing a breast cancer walk. It is five miles and I'm hoping my fat a** will be able to do that (hard to believe I ran a 10K in April!). It's also supposed to be cool and rainy...fabulous!

At this time, the RED SOX have taken the lead...go Boston! :o) (That's the "New Englander" in me talking!).

Well, I'm sufficiently tired and ready to go watch the game from the comfort of my bed.