"D" Day

Edited to add: The news story I write about in this post is currently posted online. If you are reading this and would like me to email you the link, let me know ;)

Yep, today was "Date Day"...but, before I write about that, I want to rewind to yesterday, because there are some good stories there too ;)

I had to work yesterday. I typically leave my house at 6:40 to get to work by 7, since I live very close to work. I make sure the teen gets up by about 6:30 and my mom comes to get the girls at 7:10. Yesterday, I was running rather slowly (even though I decided I didn't feel like showering...don't judge ;) ). So, I was still in my pajamas at 6:30 when the teen comes to tell me that the little one is vomiting. Sure enough, she was sitting up in bed with puke in her hair, on her bed, and crying. Lovely. I snatched her up (kind of thankful at this point that I AM still in my pj's instead of being dressed for work!), threw her in the bathtub and quickly washed her hair. I couldn't get in touch with my mom to tell her, but left a message that she threw up, but didn't appear to be sick. I called work to say I'd be a little late, got the little one set up with TV on the couch (and a large bowl should she feel the need to vomit again) and made it to work shortly after 7.

It was a crazy day at work to the point that I found myself in tears and my manager was my personal assistant for an hour...nutso! My dad agreed to go get the little one from my sister's and get both girls to my house in time for a 5:00 pick-up (their "usual" Friday visit, although there doesn't seem to be much consistency with her visits these days). I was in my manager's office telling her thank you once again at around 5:15 when I received a phone call from the teen telling me her mom wasn't coming. She said they were okay at my house and she would make a pizza. Both she and my sister told me the little one acted fine all day long. I then checked my cell phone and, sure enough, mom texted me at 5:00 to tell me that she was coming to get the girls, but she "tripd" and wasn't feeling well, so no visit. Seriously, I cleaned up your kid's vomit this morning and THEN went to work a 12-hour shift and you can't have a visit because you fell?! {deep breath}

The little one appeared tired when I got home, so I put her to bed fairly early. She didn't fall right asleep, but when I checked on her around 9:30 she was sleeping. I was heading to bed around 11:30 when I heard her making noise in her room. I went in to tell her to go to sleep, then realized that she was moaning in her sleep. She looked up, told me she was scared, she cried and said she "wanted me". She burped when I picked her up and we made it to the bathroom before she vomited all over the floor, me, herself. We changed our clothes, I brought her mattress to the living room, and slept on the couch next to her. Of course she slept all night long while I tossed and turned on the couch and woke up stiff all over.

Fast forward to this morning. I never heard anything from the mom besides no visit yesterday, so I wasn't 100% sure she would show up at her "usual" 10:00 pick-up. I did, however, know that I had a DATE somewhere around 12:30 and was going to go either way, but it would be easier if she had the girls. Well, in her usual style, she kept me guessing up until 10:13 when she picked them up, with plans to drop them off between 7:30 and 8.

I promptly texted my "date" to tell him it was a go...even though we were going ice skating outside and the wind chill was -9...and got ready. I wore leggings under my jeans, a long-sleeved t-shirt, my coat, a hat, gloves, boots, and a scarf...super sexy ;)

He got a little lost on the way to pick me up, but was here around 12:45...and it was REALLY cold! We got to the ice skating rink (it's a temporary set-up for the holidays) and there was a sign to use the bathroom before you get out there because you can't leave once you have your skates on. I decided I had better go, so went in search of the restroom, but the sign didn't help me. I found out that they were port-a-pottys...and then discovered that the reason I couldn't find them was that they were all on the ground! So, I ran to a nearby business and used their bathroom first (I know, me and my bladder, but, I didn't want any, um... [Ginger ;)])

After we got our skates on and went out to the rink, we realized we were the only ones. Then, there was "another" couple who came out and then they were kissing on the rink...and then we skated past someone taking pictures on accident...and realized that they were in the process of getting engaged. There was a radio station there that interviewed them shortly after that...and I'm not sure if my date heard this, but the DJ definitely started the story by saying something like "there were only a few 'couples' here"...awkward, a little bit.

We took a hot chocolate break and then went back out on the rink. There still were very few people there (like, 5 ;) ) and then there was just us again when I noticed a news camera videotaping. Seriously, we are on camera?! Then, the reporter stopped us to see if he could ask us some questions. I "quickly" told him that this was our first time hanging out "you mean, like a first date?!" Um, yep. Then, he proceeded to "interview" us about how we ended up ice skating on such a freezing cold day, etc. It wasn't on the 5:00 news, but maybe it will be on the late one. (Since my date and I were going to be on the news, I HAD to tell my dad that I had gone on a date so he didn't hear it from anyone else...and now "everyone" in town will know about me and my first date if it airs on the news tonight...lovely!)

They decided to close the rink early due to the high winds and frigid temperatures, so we left and went to a late lunch. The conversation was nice, and I got to have my favorite Woodchuck Cider on tap, so all was well ;) He brought me home a little before 4:00 so he could get to his basketball games and I could get a few things done before the girls came back.

Since the weather was getting kind of bad, I called my agency worker on her cell phone to see what I should do if the girls' mom said she couldn't get them back to me. One of the last times she couldn't, the service coordinator said I should have called CPS, but with the weather this way, I didn't know if that was the way to go. However, I also didn't think it needed to be my problem to figure out transportation. She said I needed to put in on mom and tell her it was her decision to make on how to get the girls back here, or have them stay the night even though overnights have not officially been approved.

Mom texted me at 4:50 to tell me that her ride for the girls would not be able to provide transportation due to visibility and that she was "trying to plan ahead of time". I texted her to let me know what she decides because I was home for the night if they needed to come back earlier. She said thanks...and then waited until nearly 6:30 to say that her ride was upset she couldn't drive the girls but that she was "stuck with no option but for me to come get them". Um, pretty sure that I am NOT "Plan B", but it was REALLY hard for me to text back that I didn't feel comfortable coming to get them and that she needed to figure out another option besides me. She texted back that the girls would just stay...and then called to tell me that she was too anxious to have her aunt drive the girls back to my house (whatever...my thought is that I "maybe" would have come to get them at 5, but not at 6:30 when it was dark AND with poor visibility...planning ahead my @$$ ;))

I realized that the teen didn't bring her homework with her and didn't want that to be MY fault, so I texted mom that if the teen needs her homework tomorrow, than someone could stop by to get it.

So, yesterday I cleaned up vomit twice and slept on the couch. Today, I had cramps and went ice skating. Even though it wasn't what was "supposed" to happen, I think I will enjoy having the house to myself for the night and just "chilling" (literally...I think it is time to make some hot cocoa or hot cider or both!) I think I'll even wrap some presents so the area under our tree is no longer bare :)

I am not going to get TOO excited about this date since I am known for being a "one date wonder", but I'm kind of feeling that this will at least get a second date (we need to try a warmer venue for one anyway!) We had fun...if you want "details, details", feel free to comment and I'll try to accommodate ;)

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!

Mark This Down

It has been SOOOO cold and snowy here...and the forecast earlier this week was that we were to hit a record low of -24 degrees. That, my friends, is insane. That brown hat, those brown boots...they have been my friends. Those gloves...well, they LOOK warm, but they have nothing on the sub-zero temperatures we have been having. I was outside for less than 10 minutes last night shoveling the front steps and the tips of my fingers were WHITE when I came back inside and it took quite a while for me to be able to move them properly. However, as cold as I am, and as snowy as it is, I can't help but think of those who don't have a warm home, and those who must work outside. My dad is a letter carrier. There were stories on the news tonight of people who died because of the bitter cold temperatures. It is just sad...and scary...and I am reminded about how very blessed I am.

I thought about working extra today, but am so thankful that I did not because it was wonderful to lay in my warm bed until after 11:30. Today, my sister's friend's baby turned one. I posted a picture of me with her here. Little did we know how rough the rest of the year would be for her...infections, respiratory problems, and three heart surgeries later, she is doing great! Last year on this day, I went "pink and brown for Gwyneth" on her first birthday (I didn't remember to do that this year, but DID wear my brown hat and brown boots!)

I had lunch with my "friend from Curves". She organizes a first Friday lunch, but because of the cold, there were only three of us. We had fun though :o)

As I was walking to my car, I received a very special phone call...one that was over 2 years in the making, but still left me as much scared as excited...

I am a licensed foster parent!

My "plans" after receiving that call were to get my house cleaned up so my messy un-child-proof house would not be what holds me back from accepting a placement. However, that just didn't happen. I'm not sure why, but I can't seem to get focused to do anything. I have work stuff that NEEDS to be done. I have a stack of Christmas card pictures that really need to be sent. I have a basket of clean laundry to put away. Today was "pay day" a.k.a. "bill paying day", but I didn't even do that... Back to work tomorrow, and then it is time to "buckle down"...too bad I also found out today that my computer needs a new "mother board"...thank goodness I paid for that extended warranty because all I need to pay is $99 for them to recover all of my files!

A day to remember...for many reasons.
Good night.

Tired AND Cold

On days that I work, my alarm goes off at 5:30. I usually "snooze" until at least 6...and on nice weather days I have pushed the limits to see how late I can leave and still be on-time for a 7:00 start (6:45 is cutting it close, but I haven't ever clocked in late...oh how much I love living close to work!)

The forecast last night said "snow by sunrise"...I had no clue if that meant I'd be shoveling before work or not...pretty vague forecast if you ask me!

So, my alarm went off at 5:30, I took a peek outside, saw my driveway was dry, and went back to sleep. At 6:00, I took another peek. Still no snow, so I got ready as usual, and while I SHOULD have left early "just in case", it was pretty close to 6:40 when I opened the garage and discovered it had started snowing...oops!

My short drive to work was fine, but I wasn't that excited about the drive home since the forecast was that it would snow all day. And snow all day it did! Today was SUPER slow and 12 1/2 hours felt like FOREVER! Of course, I would never say the words "bored" or "boring" because I'd rather not go into super crazy busy mode, but it being that slow made it even harder to stay awake and focused. Plus, knowing it was cold and snowy REALLY made me wish I was at home in bed or snuggled up with a blanket on the couch!

The shift FINALLY ended and the roads weren't nearly as bad as I thought they were going to be (of course, it IS only a 1.2 drive without any bridges, overpasses, or highways...ha!) I actually even made it up and into my garage without having to get out to shovel first. This turned out to be extra good because it was COLD out there! At the time, I think it was 9 degrees with a windchill of -11, so I came inside to "layer up" before going out to shovel. Brrr... So, I took a nice hot shower, put on some warm clothes, and am heating up my bedroom with a space heater while I "blog" and get ready for bed :o)

Tomorrow the forecast is for a high of 5 (with a low of -15...and that does NOT include "wind chill"). But, that has NOTHING on Friday where the forecast is for a HIGH of -4..."arctic blast" indeed (again, that does not take into account the "wind chill factor"!)

Something tells me it isn't going to be easy to get out of my warm bed in the morning, so I'd better go get some sleep.
Good night.

Where to begin?

So, I have no business being awake after 10:00 tonight. I am tired and crabby and don't even know where to begin to explain all that was "this week". Why I decided that working five 12-hour shifts in 7 days, a 2 hour meeting on another day, and a night with 3 1/2 hours of sleep was a good idea is beyond me. Of course, I may forget about this week when my pay check with all those extra hours comes...or I may still be recovering.

This week we had terrible weather...the worst in YEARS! People cancelled Christmas with family. Some nurses from my floor couldn't make it back to work today since some major roads are closed. There were blizzard-like conditions and the snow lasted for a long time. It is really not fun to have a white Christmas like that when you are a grown up and work at a place that does not close for the holiday. Let's just put it bluntly "it sucks". Ok, so I'm super lucky that my dad drove me to work yesterday morning, picked me up, and brought me back again today after I spent the night there. However, I'm not sure how I'm EVER going to get to leave my house in my car any time soon...

View from my front porch...nice.

Yep, my Jetta is definitely in that garage...

And that snow on the driveway is MUCH more than a "dusting"...

anyone want to come help shovel?!

Yeah, SO not fun...tomorrow morning will be interesting (my mom did say she would pick me up and take me to Mass, but hopefully I can also get a ride home so I can spend some time here before we do our family Christmas...after five 12-hour shifts this week, I REALLY just want to be home!)

And, since I'm already crabby and "ranting", how about that the snow definitely didn't make the experience of Christmas in the hospital any better. Only about half of the patients on my floor had parents come "visit" them yesterday. Yeah, Christmas in the hospital WITHOUT your mom or dad. Just imagine how much fun it is to be the nurse of the one, five, eight, ten year old patient who are just sad because their parents aren't there to celebrate Christmas with them. Okay, so I'm "sure" the parents were sad to miss Christmas too, but it was a rough day for all of us stuck in the hospital on the Blizzard Christmas of 2009...

I had noodles with cheese for dinner again tonight and really should have gone to bed hours ago...

I'm tired and crabby, but not NEARLY as cute as him, so I'd better catch some zzz's...it's going to take some muscle to clear that snow (oh, that reminds me that my dad high-centered his Highlander this morning when we were leaving and my multiple attempts to push it out of the snow bank were futile and left me with some pretty sore muscles...nice!)

Yeah, I'd better go to bed. Good night!

In the Spirit

At around 10:30 this evening, I finally decided to at least put up my little tree. I didn't remember that I had left the lights on (and the bow that the "A-team mom" had put on the tree when she used it last year). So, it took less than five minutes to pull it out of the box, put it on my piano, and plug it in. Can't believe it took me until December 22 to do that, but it's up. I couldn't figure out how to take a good picture of it, so this is it...

Thankfully, this quote came in my "inbox" today, which made me feel like less of a "Scrooge"...

"It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you... yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand." ~Mother Teresa 1910-1997

I'm working tomorrow...they will probably call to see if I want the day off, but as of right now, I think I will go to work. Unfortunately, the forecast doesn't look very good for the rest of this week, so I am packing a bag with hopes I will not need to spend the night at the hospital (but at least I will be prepared if I have to). It actually may be tougher to get there on the 25-26 since the worst is supposed to hit on the 24th, but at least I live close to work (and my parents are willing to drive me in their vehicle with four-wheel drive if necessary)

Well, I'd better head to bed in case the bad weather hits while I'm asleep and I need to shovel before I go to work...hopefully not because that is not fun!

Good night.

Snowed in

The last time I wrote, I was "preparing myself for the worst" with a co-workers feelings about her patient assignment. Well, as soon as I arrived at work, that feeling went away since "her" patient had gone to the ICU overnight and she just had to laugh at it being her "turn" for the "assigned" patient. Then, we became aware that one of our co-workers had been in a bad car accident the night prior and the thoughts quickly turned to that (oh how much I hate to drive, ESPECIALLY in the winter!). It was a super crazy and not very fun day for me...maybe because it was my third day in a row and I was just tired, but I was really crabby and couldn't wait to get home! Of course, it was one of those shifts that would never end and I want to say it was nearly 8:30 by the time I clocked out and was on my way home. That is a LONG day!

I was in bed by 10:15 and just slept and slept until finally rolling out of bed around 12:15. And, even then, it was simply rolling out of bed and onto the couch. I hardly left the couch all day long, even though I REALLY wanted to be productive. At one point during the day, I was in tears because I just could NOT bring myself to do anything and just felt terrible. And so, I just sat staring at my computer, watching facebook, twitter, and google reader updates with the television on as the snow fell outside. I wasn't about to leave the house with that much snow coming down--there was no way my Jetta would make it out of my neighborhood. I missed the baby shower at work for my "favorite" charge nurse. I didn't have any eggs so couldn't make pumpkin bars or do any kind of baking really. For some reason I still have yet to find motivation to get out any Christmas decorations. It was a "snow day" for the teachers and students who probably enjoyed having an unexpected day off. But, I guess for me, it was simply a "break" after three days that somehow drained me of any energy and motivation. And so, I did nothing...well, I SUPPOSE I did run the dishwasher (and put away "most" of the dishes), did a load of laundry (and a half...still have some in the washer that I'll probably regret not drying), and did one round of shoveling (that was some HEAVY snow...I was going to go back out, but there was supposed to be about 5 inches more after I shoveled, so it didn't seem worth the energy). But, I mostly felt like a bump on a log...in a "lovely" little funk.

And, it's back to work tomorrow for more "fun". My mom is going to pick me up and bring me to work so I don't have to figure out how to drive my Jetta in nine inches of blowing snow out of an unplowed neighborhood up multiple hills (or walk the 1.2 miles to work in blizzard conditions). I hope I get good patients and have a calm day...I really need one of those!

I still am planning on writing a Christmas letter. I think enough happened in 2009 that I would feel okay doing one of those. I typically write personal notes, but my hand will get tired writing about everything to everyone! Last year, I made a collage to include with my card (I think I sent a picture of my house the year before that since I bought it from my parents January 2, 2007). I had a hard time picking pictures for my collage and have still not decided if this will be the final version. I made it in Picasa and it is sized 5 x 7. I have not figured out how much it will cost to print that many 5 x 7s (or know what it will actually look like when printed in 5x7...plus, 5x7 is pretty huge to send to people for a Christmas card, so it will be interesting to see if it prints okay in 4x6...) So, this is the "draft" (it is actually draft #2 because after I made the first one, I realized there were no pictures of my sister or my brother-in-law...oops!)

Starting from upper left, going clockwise, I will try to "explain" the pictures (and keep them in order...there are a lot of pictures since it was hard to choose!)--me and my "friend from Curves" after my performance in June; my mom, my parents' neighbors, and me in the limo in Vegas; a picture Ginger took of me in Chicago; me and my nephew at the pumpkin patch; my brother-in-law and nephew at the pumpkin patch; me and my nephew at Thanksgiving; my aunt, uncle, and me in Vegas; my cousins and me when I went to my cousin's graduation in May; the picture my mom took at the concert last week; me with my high school friend at her baby's Baptism; me and a work friend in Montreal; Ginger, Lauren, and me on the boat tour in Chicago; Ginger and me when she came to visit; me turning 30 in Vegas; my sister and me on my sister's birthday; me on the day my nephew was born; the middle picture is me with some girlfriends from high school (I'm contemplating taking that one out since it would make the other pictures bigger, but haven't decided yet)...

Any thoughts...pictures maybe I should have included, but didn't, pictures that could be taken out, is it an overwhelming number of pictures?? I went out of town four times this year, so wanted to include those. I didn't include any pictures from any of our many extended family gatherings, so maybe I should change some things around to include those...or, this is MY Christmas collage, so it should be about ME?! In that case, it would be fun to have pictures of all of my friends, but I think this includes "most" of the friends I saw this year...for reference, last year's collage is in this post.

Well, it's 11:30 and even though I showered tonight, I still need to get up earlier that usual so maybe I can shovel a little bit (or at least make SURE I am ready when my mom gets here to pick me up!)

Hoping my "funk" is gone by the morning.
Good night.

Perked Up

Well, I guess moving the paper white to the TV next to it's "friend" was a good idea because it definitely perked up today! Maybe it WILL bloom this week!

I mentioned somewhere that my extended family adopted one of the families whose children receive care at my hospital. A couple of our families have "informally" and "formally" adopted families in the past. However, this year, one of my aunts included everyone, or at least invited everyone to participate, and everyone was on board (remember, there were over 30 people at Thanksgiving!) A group of them went to Target on the day after Thanksgiving (I ended up not going which is a long story, but I am glad that I stood my ground, and actually think it is better that I can say that these gifts were not "from me", they were from my family.) Not sure if you can tell exactly how much stuff is there, but it is a lot! We discussed giving them the warm clothes they asked for prior to Christmas because they may need them in the mean time. That was left up to me and because I was taking care of one of the kids this weekend, I decided to bring the mom's coat and the dad's coat/gloves/hat today. I used an interpreter and hopefully they understood that these were not gifts from me, they were from my family because they wanted to adopt a family and their family was chosen...I may have to keep telling them that because I wouldn't want them to misinterpret things. Since it snowed today (BOOOOO!), I may bring the mom her boots tomorrow. The dad was so appreciative and it wouldn't surprise me if he is wearing the coat the next time I see him...it was really cute!

So, yes it snowed, and I'm not at all happy about that. Yes, this area of the country gets snow. Yes, I have been living here almost my entire life. However, I really am not a big fan of driving when the weather is perfect. Throw some snow and ice and I absolutely HATE it! Big vehicles scare me, so I have my little Jetta and it does well for me...except it is still frightens me to drive and I always have troubles getting up my driveway into the garage (I'd link to THAT picture, but need to go to bed!). I don't think there was three inches on the ground and I seriously wanted to cry when I was driving the 1.2 miles home from work. I'm hearing predictions of a foot of snow one night this week...not looking forward to that at all!

I'm also not looking forward to work tomorrow...and not just because I will have to get up earlier and get ready faster to make sure I have plenty of time to get to work. I'm actually almost dreading it (well, I am dreading the potential snowy drive, just sort of dreading the rest of the day). One of the nurses who has been there FOREVER, "always" takes care of this one patient. And, she also has refused to take care of a long-term patient. Well, I have been taking care of "her" patient for the past two days and am not going to change my patient assignment for her. And, the patient she has been refusing is now on a rotating nurse schedule that goes in alphabetical order so everyone gets their "turn" (you know there are issues when people are "forced" to take care of you on a rotating bases...just sayin'). Tomorrow it is her turn...for the first time ever. So, it is a double whammy and I have a feeling she is going to be royally ticked and, even though most of the time she is a VERY nice person, she may not be very pleasant tomorrow. I am trying to prepare myself for the worst and I am HOPING it doesn't end up being bad at all. I mean, she KNOWS her day is coming, but I have a feeling she could have some major issues with me having "her" patient and not willing to change (and, I'm hoping I won't regret not changing since I suppose the kid could also be quite ticked that I am the nurse and not her...)

Well, I was going to try to go to bed early since I have to get up earlier, but that isn't happening I guess. I am off this next weekend, so have to work Monday-Wednesday-Friday (after working Saturday and Sunday). It could be a yucky week...or I could choose (at least try to) for it to not be yucky and try to find non-yucky things every day :o)

Good night.

Taking a Break

Or, avoiding things as is often the case when it comes to me...

Whichever it is, I definitely did not do much of anything today, especially not very much thinking...or cleaning...or organizing. Now, I DID work the past three days AND go back to work tomorrow at 7 (immediately followed by play practice that goes until 10:00). However, I definitely realize that it is a LUXURY to have an entire day to myself with NO plans and do not take that for granted. So, I definitely did nothing today in honor of all those people who WISH they had a day with nothing to do :o)

I even took a nap this afternoon which included quite the crazy dream. In it, I was unable to open my eyes (because I was so tired??). There was a knock on my door and my dad let himself in with a key because I just could not open my eyes to go answer. As he walked down the hallway, I finally got up, but still could not open my eyes. I finally was able to open them after he shook me a little bit...and then I "for real" woke up and my heart was racing. (Hmm, my original "point" of relating this detail of the day was that even though I went to bed at a decent hour, slept in, AND did nothing all day but still took a nap. However, there are lots of people who analyze their dreams...I am not sure I'd like to know what my run of crazy ones mean!)

I think my lines are coming along pretty well. Of course, I haven't found ANYONE to run them with me, so I've just been reading them to myself, hoping I will be able to catch my cues when they come. I guess I will find out at rehearsal tomorrow. There is one place that I have 25 "sentences" (with four "cues" in the middle) that is probably causing me the most trouble. It involves a conversation I am having with my husband on the telephone, but you can only hear my side of the conversation. So, I have "Who?...No...What's wrong?...You're kidding!...How should I know?...Alright. I will...Yes. Goodbye" kind of lines...

We wanted to go out for dinner for my brother-in-laws birthday that was last Tuesday. With play practice, this really was my only night off this week (besides Saturday). My dad's softball teams were supposed to have games...unless it rained. Well, it rained a tiny bit this morning, but my dad really wanted to go to dinner tonight. So, he called the people that run the city softball league and asked them to leave a message on the rain out number that that field was unplayable...how funny is that?! My dad is friends with the guy, but still, that is really funny to me that he has enough influence to be able to do that!

I do not know how people get more than four pictures on a post and I really did kind of like the picture of the food, and the silly one of me and my drink (not as silly as the self-portrait I did...maybe I should post that one too!) so I decided to make a collage. I definitely was a member of the "clean plate club" (and we had crab cakes and shrimp for appetizers). Not so sure about the drink with lime and mint that I ordered, but I did finish it ;o) My dinner was awesome! I ♥ ♥ ♥ capers :o)

So, yeah...like I said, the drink wasn't THAT good...AND, making funny faces on purpose for pictures is something I am SO not good at. But, it is actually not that bad of a self-portrait.

Well, it's only 10:00, but I'm thinking about heading to bed anyway. I'm hoping for rain tomorrow so that MY game is rained out. I'm going to have to skip it because I think play rehearsal is more important at this point, but I HATE to miss playing softball (it would do my knee some good to have time to heal another week though!) It has been raining quite a bit here which is making OTHER people sad, but I'm NOT a big fan of the heat, so this weather has been just fine with me...I actually have yet to turn on my air conditioner (it is quite humid in my house right now, but I think I will be okay to sleep...maybe I'll turn a fan on in my room tonight to make sure because being hot is NOT good sleeping weather in my opinion!)

Good night!

Wet (and a little Wild)

So...it seems like whenever I go places with my friend from Curves, crazy things happen. Maybe she just makes ordinary things extra funny somehow, but it is still crazy!

Last night was SO much fun, but it did make for some tossing and turning and a couple wild dreams (gotta love wine, right?!) The first time I awoke to the sounds of a thunderstorm was in the 5:00 hour and I woke up many times until I finally got up a little after 7 to get ready for the march of dimes walk. I remained optimistic that the rain would pass before the walk was scheduled to begin at 10 (I didn't think the forecast showed that it was to rain ALL day!)

As I was pulling out of my garage to go pick up my friend, I was greeted by a giant crash of thunder and pouring down rain. I sat there on my driveway for a minute until this downpour passed. Surely, this will blow over...I have been waiting for this day for MONTHS!

It had settled into a sprinkle by the time I got to my friend's house (she only lives a couple miles away). We picked up coffees and were on our way. It was about 20 miles from where I live to the walk (requiring using the "dreaded" highway...those of you who actually know where I live know that being frightened of the highway here is rather amusing). Not sure if I have mentioned this on my blog, but I REALLY do not enjoy driving. I ride with someone else any chance I get! (My lack of enthusiasm for driving COULDN'T have anything to do with things like this, right?! ha ha!)

The drive started off fairly well, cruising right along and doing a little chit-chatting. Then came more flashes of lightening, crashes of thunder, and sheets of rain came pouring down. My friend kept saying to me "you are still between the lines, you are okay"... And then, it started hailing. Yes, hailing. The visibility went to crap (and again, remember I have a little bit of depth perception issues as it is...right?!) and it was SO not fun for a while. And yes, still remaining somewhat optimistic about this whole walking plan.

By the time we reached the walk site at 9:00, the rain had pretty much stopped. It wasn't really that chilly and I thought it would be really nice to go for a walk. We walked around, grabbed some free stuff, ate some food (that topic will be discussed in a later paragraph), and I checked out the t-shirts of the other family teams who were there (wish I would have taken more pictures, but that may have been kind of weird...we didn't stay long enough to see if there was a t-shirt design contest). It didn't really dawn on me until after the start time had passed and the emcee welcomed us to the event that we were not ACTUALLY going to walk. She said because we were still in a severe weather watch, it would not be safe to go for a walk. Okay, that makes sense, but I was REALLY looking forward to going for a walk...especially since I have strayed from my attempts at healthier eating the past um, not sure how long!

So, since we were not walking, and didn't have any kids to do activities with, we got more food. I had a hot dog, a couple cookies, some chips, and an ice cream bar. Did I mention that I had a donut when I got there and a coffee on the way? And that this was all in less than a 2 hour period of time?! Yeah, crazy. Definitely could have used a walk at that point!

On the way back, we decided to check out this touristy thing that neither of us had ever been to. It ended up being at the end of a VERY hilly GRAVEL road...again, not a big fan of driving and this was pretty much as nerve-wracking as driving through hail on the highway. The place didn't open until noon and it was only 11:30, so home we went.

I was at home on my couch by noon where I spent the rest of the day until "family dinner" at 6. It was still raining then, and I am pretty sure it is still raining now (although I haven't heard any thunder for a while!) So, even though the past two days have been stay inside rainy days, that did not translate into days spent inside being productive even though there is always a chance a friend COULD stop by at any time...

Well, my computer is being kind of slow even though I attempted to install a new anti-virus (my old one expired, but now the new one won't work because someone the old one is still at least semi-activated...enough to not allow the new one to work...I know very little about computers!...enough to be "dangerous" I guess!) So, I was going to post a picture or two from today, but am getting a little bit impatient. I DO have tomorrow off, so maybe will do it then (my friend and I were joking that "someone" could photoshop us into the BIG picture...only for us of course because who ELSE would want that?! ha ha!)

So, it was a wet day. A wild adventure. A high calorie/low exercise day. A nerve-wracking experience (yeah, before I even got dressed I nearly fell down the stairs when my sock got stuck on something...thank goodness for a very sturdy railing and strong arms!)

All this and TOMORROW is Monday...good thing I have the day off or that could be a not very good thing!

Well, I think I will head to bed. Of course I am not really tired considering I slept the entire day, but I am thinking about reading one of the MANY books on my bookshelf that I purchased but never read.

My first full weekend off in two months...maybe I should take weekends off more often to spread out the excitement a little :o)

Good night!

Smells Like Spring

As soon as I stepped outside early this morning, I could smell it. I could FEEL it in the air...Spring! I was actually almost warm in my long-sleeved shirt walking from my car to the door of the hospital.

Now, I would probably say that I LOVE fall more than I LOVE spring, but the smell of spring was SO wonderful this morning. Even though I felt the spring a few days last week, including yesterday, today, I smelled it too :o)

What a difference a day makes...today was REALLY slow at work and I ended up getting to leave early (nice little "reward" from the day I had on Friday!) I didn't get to take care of my one patient from Friday, but am going to try to change my assignment tomorrow so I will be. Apparently, the patient signed the letter "A" LOTS of times yesterday, and the nurses who were working didn't really know what that was all about...it PROBABLY would have been a little more appropriate to teach signs other than one that was for ME, but there is no going back! That kid really does like me and got a huge smile when I came to visit (since I was not busy, I "visited" a few times). It really warms my heart, and hopefully there is more positive progress this week. I brought some paper and markers to the room today even before I knew that drawing is this kid's "thing" and I think that will be good therapy, and maybe help with communication too.

I also had a chance to visit for a quite a while with my friend who painted my guest room two summers ago. Her son had a transplant that year, but will need another one after a couple bouts of rejection. She started a "blog" and has found writing to be therapeutic for her. She is working lots of extra hours now so she will be able to have some time off after his next transplant. She is SO great and it was nice to be able to have that time today (the past few weekends we have seen each other in passing, but that's about it).

I left work just as it started to sprinkle. It was actually a pretty warm rain for March and felt SO nice! As I was leaving mom and dad's after "family dinner" (I got to eat with "the family" rather than eating alone whenever I got there after work!), I saw some lightning and heard thunder. I LOVE thunderstorms, so am hoping there will be a little more of that (AWESOME sleeping weather, in my opinion!) The temperature is currently in the low 60s, but if I am looking at the 7-day forecast correctly, it looks like snow could be coming...crazy weather!

Well, spring DEFINITELY smells better than whatever was going on in my guest bedroom yesterday. It no longer smells, but my dad did come to "check it out" today. Thankfully, he did not find anything that once was living and had since died (apparently, he tried to get my mom to come with him "just in case" there was something there, but she opted to let him come alone...funny!)

In "bracket update"...such MADNESS this weekend! However, I remain in third place. There are a couple things that need to happen in order for me to move into first place, but it is still possible. Such a fun way to watch basketball :o)

I suppose I should head to bed since tomorrow is definitely Monday and it could be extra crazy since there are quite a few beds that can be filled!

Good night.

Running for the Arches

Golden ones.

And for cheese quesadillas, chips, and salsa too.

I actually got up at a "fairly decent" hour this morning. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and it looked like it was going to be another great day. While it would have been fun to spend the entire day watching basketball again today (I actually still kind of did that since I got an "early" start), I decided I shouldn't waste this beautiful day.

Plus, I wanted a Shamrock Shake ...

Until about three weeks ago, I had never heard of a "Shamrock Shake". Apparently, they are a "Golden Arches Special" around St. Patrick's Day. However, from my Google search this evening, it sounds like they are not sold at all locations or in all states which has people VERY upset. Anyway, I DID stop by the McDonald's by the hospital after my blood donation March 12. I DID enjoy my "Shamrock Shake" just like Kristy said I would. :o) After this week (you know, sick to my stomach one day, missing meals another day...), I figured I "deserved" another one (especially since there are only 9 days left of March)...

However, I also thought I should spend some time outside considering how much I complained about the cold and snow this winter. So, I headed to one of the bike trails (same one I went to on Monday...I park in the Kohl's parking lot which is another incentive to go...ha ha!) I decided that I wanted to run 2 miles today, since I ran about 1 on Monday. Now, I am not a "runner", but I am MUCH better on my own two feet than on any kind of wheels. Thinking about getting on a bike is a scary thought for me. My sister won't let me forget the time I nearly killed her ran her over when I tested out her roller blades in junior high. During my run, I decided to go 2 1/2 miles, and averaged about 11 minute miles...some longer-legged folks could probably WALK that fast...and was happy with that, especially since my last half mile was into the wind (so much for "may the wind be always at my back...") I really have no clue how those contestants on The Biggest Loser ran over 13 miles last week...CRAZY!

Anyway, after I "walked it out" and stretched, I did a "little" shopping at Kohl's before heading to the "Featured Destination" (mind you, I ran past it TWICE!). There was a LONG line at the drive-thru even though it was about 1:30. I was tempted for a moment to park and go in, but only for a split second. When I got to the window, I checked the menu and did NOT see "Shamrock Shake" listed...so, I asked. The guy acted like he didn't know what I was talking about...but said "no", they didn't have any...so, I had to "settle" for an Oreo McFlurry...I KNOW "poor me" =o(

It was only a three mile drive home, but my McFlurry was gone before I got into the garage...boy was that good...although, not exactly the taste I was looking forward to (plus, I'm thinking the oreos added a few additional calories...but, I suppose, if you are going to have a dessert from McDonald's, you must not be TOO worried about things like that!)

So far, my bracket is holding up pretty well, and I am currently in third place (any help cheering on the Pittsburgh Panthers would be appreciated...ha ha!) :o) I didn't miss out on TOO much basketball during my "outing"!

I actually watched some other shows from my DVR during "dinner" which consisted of some of my other favorite foods that are not consistent with "healthy eating" (you know, chips, cheese, tortillas, salsa)...but, that's why I exercised, right?! (And, I DEFINITELY had oatmeal for breakfast so it all balances out!)

Back to work tomorrow...hopefully I'll be able to get "my" patient back from yesterday. Hopefully more progress has been made and we can work on some ways to help with communication...I really think that some sign language would work and make things less stressful for the patient and the family (and the nurses!)

Maybe I should check the OTHER location tomorrow when I get off work...just in case...2 1/2 miles (plus a mile of walking!) is enough for TWO desserts, and a dinner of carbs, cheese, and salsa, right?! (Well, when I put it that way, carbohydrates, dairy, and vegetables sounds pretty well-rounded...plus, it was MANGO salsa, so a bit of fruit as well...ha ha!)

Good night.

Spring in February

Today's weather was SO wonderful! Two days in a row with what feels like warm weather to me. I actually am not a big fan of the heat because I HATE being hot (and don't really like shorts, tank tops, or swimming suits). I also don't really like cold, but I'd rather be snuggled up in a blanket than sweating bullets! 50s near 60 just felt absolutely perfect to me the past two days (now, if there were an ocean nearby, it would have been extra perfect!). While I spent much of the day sitting on my living room floor working on my taxes, I was able to turn off the heat and open the windows and just enjoy the day (hoping I will get a nice rebate because today's paycheck was gone before I even had a chance to really look at it!)

This afternoon, I went for a long walk with my friend from Curves. It was her first time out of the house all week (I can't even imagine what HER "winter blues" was feeling like!) We had a really nice visit while we walked, and then I drove her to the grocery store. I work tomorrow, but hopefully we will be able to visit again on Sunday. I hear it is supposed to get cooler and maybe rain, but maybe it will stay nice enough for us to go on another walk. She seemed in pretty good spirits considering what is all going on. They can't really afford a funeral, so they are planning to have a kind of open house at her husband's work and it sounds like people from Curves are going to bring "pot luck" type food. It is really sad to talk like that, but I suppose that is the reality of the situation.

Tonight, I went to a SUPER SUPER SUPER fun party! The girl is a friend who actually works with my mom. She and her roommate are known for having "theme parties" and have an annual Corn Hole Bowl . Other party themes included a Pajama Party for the roommate whose name starts with a "P" which I was not able to attend but I guess they "prank called" other people's friends from their cell phones. They also had a Monster Truck Rally with remote control cars for the birthday of a girl whose name starts with an "M" (and mini trophies for participants) and a "Ho-Down" for the birthday of the roommate whose name starts with an "H". With each party, they go all out with the decorating and it is hilarious! I wasn't really going to write about tonight's party until I had the pictures uploaded but it was so fun I think I can write about it more than once! Are you ready for tonight's theme? You would NEVER be able to guess.

The theme of tonight's party was "Celebrating America's Heroes that are Pizza Delivery Drivers". Once I have the pictures, it will explain the story a lot better, but it was definitely as funny as it sounds. I had to leave early because I work in the morning, but I was there long enough to have a slice of pizza from four different pizza places that deliver...more to come on the rest of how this party played out (I know, that's a teaser which I shouldn't really do considering I don't actually have a "readership", but it is after 11:00 and my alarm still goes off at 5:30 no matter what time I go to bed!) I definitely think it is a fantastic party idea for ANYONE who has fun friends!!

Good night!

You Be the Judge

Well, this didn't QUITE work out as planned... See, the picture on the left was posted today on facebook by one of my friends. It was taken close to five years ago. When I saw it, I thought "Wow, I look really young!" and, also "I think I may actually have make-up on!" In order to "prove my point", I decided to place it next to a photo taken a couple weeks ago. Um, yeah, not sure it really worked. I will let "you" be the judge of that :o) I definitely enjoy the little ones, and that has not changed!

This morning, I had my meeting at work. It went REALLY well and we managed to get through a TON of agenda items in a timely manner (people did come on time and stayed focused, just as I requested when I sent the agenda on Sunday :o) )

After the meeting, I picked up one of my friends from work and we went to lunch at "our favorite place". She had to take a "rain check" when something came up at work last week, so I am glad it worked out this week. It definitely was good timing to have plans with a friend, especially considering how I spent my LAST day off! She is due with her second child in five weeks and I am so happy for her (she had a couple miscarriages last year and was wondering if she would be able to have another biological child). She is really fun to be around, so I'm thinking that I may have to go visit her while she is on maternity leave, even though she lives kind of far away (by MY standards anyway!) Plus, she will have a BABY there (and an adorable three-year-old!)

I went to the dentist after lunch (well, after stopping by my house to brush and floss my teeth first!) I got a good report and found out that I haven't had a filling since 1994. I think that's pretty good, especially since the dentist who was recommended to me when I lived in Rhode Island six years ago told me that all my fillings were bad and needed to be removed and replaced!

I did a couple errands and then came home. Oh, I forgot to mention that it was in the 50s today...I got the spring I was asking for! The forecast for tomorrow shows that it will be near 60...maybe I should get ambitious and try going for a run (or at least a long walk!) I am so excited that I am off and have no plans since it is going to be that nice!

I didn't have any plans, so just sat on the couch watching TV and staring at my computer. I should have started reading that book I wrote about earlier this week, but my mom did call me and we talked for an hour. Then, I did a bit of "facebook chatting" and now I should get ready for bed (I suppose I could snuggle up in bed and read for a while...in fact, I might just do that!)

Good night.

When 16 Degrees feels "warmer"

you KNOW it has been really cold!

I stopped at my mom and dad's after work and ate dinner. I also helped my mom frost/sprinkle sugar cookies. I'm not sure HOW cold it was when I got there a little before 8, but when I left it definitely felt like it had "warmed up" a bit.

It was kind of a weird day at work, and I'm pretty glad I am off until Friday. We have been trying to get kids cleared out of there for Christmas, but it seems like some of the parents don't really want to take their kids home. It is SO crazy (and, to be honest, a little frustrating!). Hopefully more patients will go home tomorrow. Unfortunately, the PICU once again is jam-packed full with some kids who are REALLY sick. I'm praying along with their families for "Christmas Miracles"...I don't think ANY time is a good time to lose a child, but Christmas time just seems like an "extra bad time". (Two years ago, in the three months around Christmas, we lost at least 20 patients for various reason which was just awful...I pray there is never a repeat of that.)

While I am glad I was able to help my mom with the cookies, I didn't really get anything else done after work (although, to be honest, I probably wouldn't have been too motivated once I got home anyway!). My meeting for tomorrow afternoon is cancelled which is pretty exciting for me since that means I have another month to get all my stuff together before the next meeting! We are having a pot luck tomorrow at work. I'm not sure what I am bringing, but I do have some presents to wrap and cards to write before then. So, maybe I'll skip my work out again tomorrow...the new year is coming :o)

Well, I have used up all my energy in typing this lovely post, so I think it is time for bed.
Good night.

Hibernating

That's what I feel like I have been doing. Not only do I seem to be packing on a few extra pounds due to constantly eating, but also keep having a REALLY hard time getting out of bed. I was given the chance earlier this afternoon to take tomorrow off. That was pretty tempting, but I think it will probably be good for me to get out of bed and stay up for an entire day (of course, if I get another chance in the morning, I'm not sure I will be able to pass it up!)

I am sure the weather has at least a little something to do with it. We had snow twice last week, and today the predictions were for wind chills in the -25 to -35 range which is just insane! (I'm not exactly sure if that actually happened, but the thought of that just makes me WANT to wrap myself in a blanket with some hot chocolate and not move!) I'm not feeling the least bit sad, just really, really tired...and completely unmotivated.

This evening I did force myself to finish reviewing the minutes from my meeting the first week in December and making the appropriate changes. That was pretty much a necessity, but I am glad it is done.

I think I want to send a little picture collage with my Christmas cards this year, so I worked on that a little bit (I didn't just want to send a picture of myself, but it was a little tough since I haven't uploaded all my photos back onto my computer). The past couple years, I got little gifts and wrote notes to some members of the transplant team. This year is no different...except I haven't written the cards yet and forgot to get little gift bags/boxes for the gifts. Tomorrow is my last day of work until after Christmas, so I guess those, too, will be late.

Crazy that I am so behind on those things considering I had four days off last week plus got off early yesterday! I guess I've just been sitting and eating and trying to stay warm (I was rebelling against turning my heat up, but did end up setting it to 64, although it feels a bit warmer than that in my basement and I am comfortable in two shirts, two pairs of pants, and warm socks!)

I did leave the house to go to church, to a party at my aunt and uncle's house, and shopping with my mom...

Well, since I've been having such a tough time getting up, I should probably consider heading to bed a little earlier, right?!

Good night.

What is YOUR "Elf Name"?!

Your Elf Name Is: Holly Mince Meat

Son of a nutcracker!

What's Your Elf Name?

I do find it interesting that I did this SAME quiz last year with the result "Stubby Candy Cane Lips"...apparently your "Elf Name" does not stay the same from year to year...

Today, like Tuesday, I was SO thankful to have the day off work. I have gotten into a bad habit of rolling out of bed at 6:00 and leaving for work at 6:40 for a 7:00 start time. Tuesday's snow was pretty light and didn't take that long to clear, but it still would have required an earlier wake-up time. The weather we got last night was a couple inches (okay, maybe an inch and a half) of ice followed by about that much snow. It was SO hard to clear off the driveway (but it sounds like I am "lucky" that my car goes in the garage at night!). My whole body was sore and I only cleared a path for my car and the front steps. It was SO heavy, and took some muscle to get down to the sidewalk even with "ice melt". SO not fun, but again, it would have been MUCH worse if I had needed to do it before going to work a 12-hour shift!

I finally left the house around 12:30 to go shopping with my aunt and cousins. I nearly got stuck on the roads out of my neighborhood, but once I made it out of there, the roads were just wet (schools were called off, and the snow stopped some time in the night, so the crews were out in full force clearing roads). I had a good time with my relatives, but apparently didn't stay with them QUITE long enough! I got to the tiny side road that leads to my house and got stuck as I turned the corner. I was FIVE houses away from my house and could not reach it! I tried calling my mom, but in her effort to "cut back", she got rid of call waiting and the line was busy. I called her cell phone about ten times without any luck. My dad's cell phone was off. I had purchased a shovel and ice melt on my way home so just started shoveling the street to see how far I would get...

I decided to try and call my parents' neighbor to see if she was home. She was, and I asked if she could go knock on my mom and dad's door and let them know I was stuck. She said, "actually, I am on the phone with your mom!" I said, well ask her to come rescue me! As soon as I hung up, I looked up the hill and saw a snow plow headed my way. Unfortunately, I was kind of blocking his path, but once he made it through, it would be "smooth sailing" to my driveway! I managed to back into a nearby driveway to allow him through and pulled up in front of my driveway (because, of course I needed to shovel the area that was now covered with the plowed snow!) At this point, my parents arrived with shovels of their own and we made "quick work"...such craziness, but I still like my Jetta :o)

So, then I had clear roads all around and could go anywhere I wanted (still not ready to try the big hill in front of my house...I even had enough common sense on Tuesday to not do that and I was definitely lacking in the common sense area that day!) After wrapping some Christmas presents, I picked up a friend and we went to the store and picked up dinner. We had a nice visit during the drive (I was thankful the roads were clear, she was thankful I was the one driving...I did ask if she was worried about riding with such a short driver, but she was just glad she wasn't the one behind the wheel!)

Exciting day, PLUS I now know that my "Elf Name" for 2008-2009 is indeed Holly Mince Meat, and I'm not sure WHAT I would have done without that information. Back to work tomorrow (sounds like more snow coming, so I'd better prepare myself to roll out of bed a little earlier!)

Good night.

I lost my brain...or at least my common sense!

Again, my "quote of the day" fits with this..."A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination." ~Nelson Mandela...too bad my "good head" had a little trouble today!

Considering I didn't roll out of bed until 12:30, I am thinking I may have left my brain and common sense there! I had set my alarm for 9, but when it went off (after I fell back asleep from being aroused at 7:30 by my cell phone ringing...wrong number!) I decided I didn't want to get up. I knew it was supposed to snow overnight and didn't feel like dealing with that just to go work out :o) So, I thought about just sleeping until I woke up but figured that could be dangerous (I like my sleep!) so I set the alarm for noon. That is when I woke up and I did my usual "snooze button routine" and finally decided that 12:30 probably was late enough!

Once I got up, I made a pot of coffee and just "chilled" on the couch watching the snow fall (our first snow of the season...people always forget how to drive at the first snow, so I was thankful I didn't have to go to work today!). It was around 2:00 when I decided that shoveling was not optional if I ever wanted to leave my house. Since I had not yet showered or dressed for the day, I went outside to shovel in my pajamas (maybe the first clue that my head wasn't quite right, but it did save me a little laundry!)

I had some errands to run, but didn't leave the house until after 4:00. For some reason, I decided to take a bunch of back roads to the store. Roads that I had never tried in GOOD weather, roads that I wasn't even sure would TAKE me to the store. TOTALLY not a smart thing to try when there is snow and ice...

That store didn't end up having all the things I needed, so I had to go somewhere else. Again, I decided to drive on unfamiliar roads and nearly got stuck a couple times in neighborhoods (AND almost headed down roads that were dead ends!). I ended up making it to the busiest street in town at 5:00 right into rush hour traffic. Again, where was the common sense?! It was so busy and the roads were kind of slick so I couldn't even get to the store I originally wanted to go to (thankfully I knew where I could get what I wanted closer to home!)

After my wild adventure on the streets, I spent a couple hours visiting a friend and her daughter. That was the best part of this kind of crazy day! She definitely has a "good heart" with a very "good head" to go with it :o) a "formidable combination" indeed!

I hope it is done snowing for the day/night so the plows and salt trucks can clear the streets before I have to drive to work in the morning. I also hope I won't have any trouble falling asleep after staying in bed so late (not very likely considering how much I enjoy sleep, but always a possibility!)

Good night.

You know it's cold...

when your nose hairs get frozen, your face hurts, and you can hardly breathe because your throat burns. I think one of my friends on facebook said it best when she was "wondering why anyone would go outside today!?" My response to that was "I agree with that...it's FREEZING!!" Too bad it was my one day off out of four and I had STUFF to do!

I went to church this morning and could hardly believe it when the director told us that at practice this week we would go over all the songs we will sing on Christmas Eve. I was wondering why we wouldn't do that NEXT Thursday, but that is CHRISTMAS! Wow, I have some shopping to do! My mom had her holiday party last night, so she came to the later service than she normally does. She and my dad usually walk to church and she said her face was hurting so bad by the time she got there and I was more than happy to give her a ride home :o)

After that, I had breakfast with my mom and did a few things at home before going on a little shopping trip with a friend. We went to Wal-Mart (I can't remember the last time I stepped foot in one of those stores willingly, but this is a new one and is actually not that scary :o) ) and picked up a few things. Unfortunately, when we were leaving, I didn't exactly remember where I had parked my car, so we were frozen a bit longer than should have been necessary...sorry!! She did buy me some soup which helped warm me up from the inside out...definitely the perfect day for soup.

Today was my hospital's Christmas Party. For some reason I must have thought I worked since I did not RSVP. However, when a friend said she was going I said count me in for free food and drinks :o) It was held at a really neat museum downtown that has a gigantic Christmas tree and tons of exibits. So, good food, drinks, AND scenery! I think the COOLEST thing about the party, though, were the people that were there. Not only did I see the Chief Nursing Officer and Executive Directors, but a number of staff nurses and nursing assistants along with staff from housekeeping and people who go around the hospital picking up specimens and dropping off medications (we call them "messengers"). People who earn minimum wage gathering with those who make "six figures"...isn't that the way it ought to be?! All of us received the same food, the same drinks, the same venue to "get our party on". :o) I have said multiple times how much I love the place where I work and this is yet another example of why. I saw lots of people I knew, and it was just fun to get out and be social...for a single person I don't do that nearly as often as I maybe should!

This is part of the big tree...really neat!

Well, back to work tomorrow. I'm hoping it isn't nearly as cold (although, maybe it is better to be stuck inside for thirteen hours when it is that cold outside because it isn't like I would want to go out and do anything anyway!)

Good night.

A Little Chilly

The strong winds of mid-week blew away the warm temperatures from the beginning of the week. I'm not sure what the temperature outside was, but I DO know that my house was 50 degrees when I got up to get ready for work. I was SO cold last night which made it kind of a restless night of sleep. I REALLY like to cozy up with a blanket and MUCH prefer being chilly to being hot. However, I may have pushed it a LITTLE too far considering I woke up shivering at around 3:30, but didn't have enough sense to get up and turn on the heat (possibly because it was 3:30 in the morning!) I turned the heat on enough to "take the chill out" when I got up, and warmed up the bathroom with little heater so I wouldn't become an ice cube after my shower. I'm sitting here in my living room now, just a little bit on the chilly side, but I think it will be a comfortable sleeping temperature :o)

Somehow I have gotten my days confused. I was reading a blog that said something about "yesterday" referring to it as a "weekend day". It took me quite a while to realize that, yes, yesterday was FRIDAY, today was Saturday. That would mean that tomorrow is SUNDAY...it doesn't feel like it at all, but hopefully now that I have typed those words, I will remember to go to church!

Work was fine today. I got there early (had to get out of my freezing cold house...ha ha!) to pick my patients. I took three different patients than I had yesterday, but did get to choose them, which made me happy. It was a good day, although quite a bit busier than Saturdays usually are. I stayed after work to visit with my friend and her husband again for a while. Hopefully they didn't mind, but they will probably go home before I work again, so I had to get a little extra talking in before that :o) When I got home, I called one of my other friends, the baby's mom, to see how she was doing. They are heading home next week, so we made lunch plans for Thursday. It is AWESOME seeing these kids get well enough to leave here, especially when they arrive so critically ill that you wonder if they will live to get to that point. Definitely puts things into perspective.

Well, I'm thinking I may grab an extra blanket since my bedroom is usually colder than the living room, and head to bed.

Good night!