and I'm thinking about going back home to do some snoring (or at least taking a long bath!)!
I LOVE the rain, especially when there is THUNDER! No thunder today, but that is okay. I wish I had my computer, so I could post a photo of my grass that is starting to turn green, and the tulips that are starting to pop up. (I guess I should at least take pictures now so I can post them when my computer returns to me!).
I am a TINY bit annoyed that it decided to rain today because I was going to go running. Last year, I ran a 10K for the "Life-a-Thon" (a run in support of organ donation). I hardly trained for it, but somehow managed to run the entire 6.2 miles. I told myself that "next year" I would get myself better prepared for the run. Well, the race is one month from today (May 3) and I went running ONCE a couple weeks ago for about 10 minutes (that isn't even one mile at my pace!). I suppose I COULD have tried to sneak in some place to use a treadmill or track, but admit I'm not QUITE that motivated to run!
April is Organ and Tissue donor awareness month. I forgot my little "cheat sheet" on how to link to past posts (I suppose I could use Nate's way of "Bumping" important posts, but that kind of seems like stealing!). So, check out my posts labeled "organ donation" for some journalling I did last year on this subject. Hopefully I'll get my computer back before the end of April and I can try and do something to put together the different posts, along with some pictures, new thoughts, etc. that show how important this issue is in my life.
Tonight is my second foster parent class. I spent some time this afternoon doing my homework, and talking to a friend about her experience with foster care. She was so funny when I called...she said "I thought I would never hear from you again!". We worked together on a case in the fall where she was the family support worker and a nurse was required to attend supervised visits. It was really intersesting, and I learned a lot from her. She has a son she adopted through the foster care system, and a daughter that is still in the foster care system, but hopefully will become "adoptable". She is a wonderful person, and will be great to have as a resource person, and as a friend if/when I have a child placed in my home.
Okay, I suppose I should try and be productive today (or, at least bathe and get dressed in normal clothes!). Time to leave mom and dad's (what I OUGHT to be doing during this time of not having my computer as a distraction at home is to do ALL those things I didn't do when it was there!). Maybe I will journal more after my class tonight.
Laurie, congrats to your son! I didn't realize your husband was on vacation because your son was getting married...that is great!! Take care and have a fun time!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Mush
That's what my brain feels like...mush. If I were at home, it probably would take me hours to try and figure out what is going on. However, I only have about an hour before I get kicked out of mom and dad's house!
Last night when I was thinking about what I would title today's journal, it was to be "It takes all sorts". After my first foster parent class, that's what I think :o) I have been used to having classes and meetings with professionals/nurses. Being in a group of individuals from all walks of life is VERY different than that! It is so funny how groups work...there ALWAYS has to be that one person who makes comments about EVERYTHING. Yep, we had one (maybe two) of those! In this kind of group, there usually ends up being someone who THINKS they know what they are talking about, but really they don't (yep, one or two of those). Then, there is usually a person who is willing to speak up who also knows what they are talking about (we DID have one of those too!). And then, those people who don't say anything at all, and those who probably will start talking once we get used to each other. Last night's topic was pretty general, and we watched a video that we discussed (that's where all those individuals revealed themselves!). We got out early which was GREAT since my brain was fried from my CPR class (and, I was a little sore...we did a LOT of CPR which is HARD WORK!). I have quite a bit of reading, and some homework to do before class tomorrow night.
Then, I thought about how I could write about how expecting the worst sometimes makes things seem REALLY good when they don't happen that way. I think there are only four nurses who work on my floor that I would rather not work with. When I checked the schedule before I went to work, I discovered that ALL FOUR of them were scheduled to work today. What are the chances of that?! So, I decided to take a deep breath, not show up too early to work, and be okay with whatever happened. I knew that they would "stick together" (and probably make sure I wasn't stuck with them!). As it turned out, they ended up making a different choice than I was expecting, one of them didn't end up working today, only one of them was on "my side", and I hardly ever saw her. I had a student nurse working with me today for the first time, and we kept pretty busy doing our own thing anyway.
I got off work early, and made it to mom and dad's in time to actually eat dinner with them. My dad made some AMAZING hamburgers, and my mom made some AWESOME fruit salad. We also had some VERY good oven roasted potatoes and cooked carrots. SO GREAT (and pretty healthy too)!
Then, my emotions got to me. I visited a caringbridge site of the little baby who was beaten by her baby-sitter. Her family has gotten nearly 100 comments of prayers, and the site was created just over 24 hours ago. What a blessing that is...my eyes welled up with tears, especially since I know how those people found out about this baby. And THEN I found out that Tricia (of cfhusband fame) went into surgery for her new lungs.
Wow, what a day. Up, down, all around...happy, sad, crabby, tired, blessed...what to think, what to do, what to say...
Probably good night at 9:15 from mom and dad's is best. I think I "need" some ice cream. I'm off tomorrow--yay! Foster parent class #2 tomorrow night.
Last night when I was thinking about what I would title today's journal, it was to be "It takes all sorts". After my first foster parent class, that's what I think :o) I have been used to having classes and meetings with professionals/nurses. Being in a group of individuals from all walks of life is VERY different than that! It is so funny how groups work...there ALWAYS has to be that one person who makes comments about EVERYTHING. Yep, we had one (maybe two) of those! In this kind of group, there usually ends up being someone who THINKS they know what they are talking about, but really they don't (yep, one or two of those). Then, there is usually a person who is willing to speak up who also knows what they are talking about (we DID have one of those too!). And then, those people who don't say anything at all, and those who probably will start talking once we get used to each other. Last night's topic was pretty general, and we watched a video that we discussed (that's where all those individuals revealed themselves!). We got out early which was GREAT since my brain was fried from my CPR class (and, I was a little sore...we did a LOT of CPR which is HARD WORK!). I have quite a bit of reading, and some homework to do before class tomorrow night.
Then, I thought about how I could write about how expecting the worst sometimes makes things seem REALLY good when they don't happen that way. I think there are only four nurses who work on my floor that I would rather not work with. When I checked the schedule before I went to work, I discovered that ALL FOUR of them were scheduled to work today. What are the chances of that?! So, I decided to take a deep breath, not show up too early to work, and be okay with whatever happened. I knew that they would "stick together" (and probably make sure I wasn't stuck with them!). As it turned out, they ended up making a different choice than I was expecting, one of them didn't end up working today, only one of them was on "my side", and I hardly ever saw her. I had a student nurse working with me today for the first time, and we kept pretty busy doing our own thing anyway.
I got off work early, and made it to mom and dad's in time to actually eat dinner with them. My dad made some AMAZING hamburgers, and my mom made some AWESOME fruit salad. We also had some VERY good oven roasted potatoes and cooked carrots. SO GREAT (and pretty healthy too)!
Then, my emotions got to me. I visited a caringbridge site of the little baby who was beaten by her baby-sitter. Her family has gotten nearly 100 comments of prayers, and the site was created just over 24 hours ago. What a blessing that is...my eyes welled up with tears, especially since I know how those people found out about this baby. And THEN I found out that Tricia (of cfhusband fame) went into surgery for her new lungs.
Wow, what a day. Up, down, all around...happy, sad, crabby, tired, blessed...what to think, what to do, what to say...
Probably good night at 9:15 from mom and dad's is best. I think I "need" some ice cream. I'm off tomorrow--yay! Foster parent class #2 tomorrow night.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Rushed
I discovered some more reasons why I would rather have my computer at home than use my mom and dad's. It is much harder to "journal" (which is what I would say I do here) when you know someone (or two someones) is watching to see how long you spend on the computer. I do not like being "rushed"! When I'm at home, sometimes I read what I write MANY times before I hit "post" just to make sure what I have written is really what I mean, what I feel, and that it makes sense. Yesterday, I typed some of my last post in the afternoon, and finished up last night before my parents kicked me out. Last night, I laid awake in bed wondering about what I had typed. I wished I could go check my computer, because I thought I needed to do some "editing". But I couldn't, and that made me sad because I KNEW that others would read what I had written, and I didn't know when I would be able make any corrections. I wondered about the words I had used, and how they would be interpreted...there wasn't anything I could do, though, so I tried not to "stew" about it for too long because that wouldn't help anything (except make me tired and maybe crabby too!)!
I believe I owe an apology to that little girl's parents for what I wrote last night. I know FOR SURE they loved that little girl very much. As circumstances go, though, being uprooted from their home with a sick child, poor coping mechanisms and many other "issues"...things were not easy for them, or for her. It is never "fair" for a mother to lose her child, and she will grieve just as every other mother who has lost a child grieves...in her own way, in her own time. I do, however, think that it is a blessing that this child died in this hospital where there is NO question that every possible intervention was done as quickly as possible. There is no little voice in the back of ANYONE'S mind wondering if the parents missed something, or didn't seek help in time.
Anyway, I'm in between classes, so was able to stop at mom and dad's to use their computer. I am SO glad I got done with the first class early, because I felt I NEEDED to clarify some things here. I feel a LOT better, even though I can't really take back the stuff I wrote yesterday that I didn't like. I have my first foster parent class tonight from 6-9. I'm pretty tired, so will probably just go home after that (although it would be nice to write about my first class right after I finish it!). I work tomorrow, but most likely will stop by mom and dad's to do some journalling after that. I believe my computer is done getting its files backed up, so can be on its way to get the speakers fixed (and whatever else the IT people found...maybe something is wrong with the processor?!). I cannot WAIT to have it back (I upset my mom last night for continuing to tell her that her work people broke my computer...they WERE doing me a favor, and I DO appreciate it, but it is still crazy!).
I believe I owe an apology to that little girl's parents for what I wrote last night. I know FOR SURE they loved that little girl very much. As circumstances go, though, being uprooted from their home with a sick child, poor coping mechanisms and many other "issues"...things were not easy for them, or for her. It is never "fair" for a mother to lose her child, and she will grieve just as every other mother who has lost a child grieves...in her own way, in her own time. I do, however, think that it is a blessing that this child died in this hospital where there is NO question that every possible intervention was done as quickly as possible. There is no little voice in the back of ANYONE'S mind wondering if the parents missed something, or didn't seek help in time.
Anyway, I'm in between classes, so was able to stop at mom and dad's to use their computer. I am SO glad I got done with the first class early, because I felt I NEEDED to clarify some things here. I feel a LOT better, even though I can't really take back the stuff I wrote yesterday that I didn't like. I have my first foster parent class tonight from 6-9. I'm pretty tired, so will probably just go home after that (although it would be nice to write about my first class right after I finish it!). I work tomorrow, but most likely will stop by mom and dad's to do some journalling after that. I believe my computer is done getting its files backed up, so can be on its way to get the speakers fixed (and whatever else the IT people found...maybe something is wrong with the processor?!). I cannot WAIT to have it back (I upset my mom last night for continuing to tell her that her work people broke my computer...they WERE doing me a favor, and I DO appreciate it, but it is still crazy!).
Monday, March 31, 2008
Another Day
I like to listen to the music on my iPod when I take a shower and while I'm getting ready. (I used to like to listen to it on my computer when my speakers were working while I cooked and cleaned...since my speakers didn't work the past two months, I didn't cook OR clean! ha ha!) Anyway, today while I was getting ready, the song "Another Day" sung by Natalie Grant started playing. I REALLY like that song, and while I was singing along, I paid extra attention to the lyrics. How appropriate, I was thinking, especially after what I wrote about last night. Here are the lyrics, with my "favorite parts" highlighted.
What I did NOT know was that not long before I was listening to this song, a little girl I know was taking her last breath here on Earth...she will not have "another day" here. (I found out when I went to work to take that test this afternoon.) I was SHOCKED, to say the least! This girl was up on my unit yesterday smiling and happy (or, at least she looked that way when I saw a nurse holding her up at the desk). Overnight she got sicker, and she died this morning. Now, to be fair, she was a "chronically sick" child, not an "otherwise healthy" one, so I SUPPOSE there is always the chance of this happening, but it still seems SO unexpected and "crazy". I feel kind of "wrong" that I didn't even really get teary-eyed when I heard. Maybe it was the "shock factor", or maybe it's because I KNOW she is in a MUCH better place. Her home life was not the greatest, so a home in Heaven will be perfect (as it will be for all of us!). Of course, I would NEVER think that any parent should see their child die, but somehow, this time it seems easier to understand God's decision to take her back at such a young age. In some situations, it is VERY helpful to remember that there are fates worse than death...especially when you believe in Heaven. While it seems this little girl could have touched MANY more lives had she been given more days, and those who loved her will miss her dearly, she is now free from illness and playing with all of the other kids I know there in Heaven.
Anyway, I was blessed with another day, so here I sit and type...at my mom and dad's. Apparently, my computer is having issues (I'm telling you, my computer was NOT broken until I gave it to the IT guys at my mom's work!). So, another day has gone by without my computer. HOPEFULLY it will get shipped tomorrow! I'm not sure if I'll make it to mom and dad's tomorrow to use their computer. My one class is "scheduled" to be from 8-5, but someone told me today that it could be over by 3. If that is the case, then I will have some time before my other class that starts at 6.
Good night (going home to watch "Medium"...hopefully it doesn't freak me out as much as last week!).
Another Day by Natalie Grant
Been driving through the night
I pull up and see the lights
This is the place that I call home
I watch you as you sleep
Think of all you mean to me
Touch your face
Kiss you softly
Before I go to sleep
I pray under the stars
Search my soul and check my heart and
thank God for Another day
Another chance to love the ones I love
To find my way
To laugh, to dance
Watch the sun come up
Another day I get to live
As if Every breath could be the last I take
I get another day
I've got a hand that I can hold
I've got a hand that I can hold
Someone who knows my soul
A safe place to lay my head at night
So why do I forget
How much I've been blessed in life
Forget what means the most to me
As I'm waking up again I feel my beating heart
So grateful that I've come this far and
thank God for Another day
Another chance to love the ones I love
To find my way
To laugh, to dance
Watch the sun come up
Another day I get to live
As if Every breath could be the last I take
I get another day
To make somebody smile
To make somebody smile
Go the extra mile
Take a wrong and make it right
And try to touch somebody's life
I get another day
What I did NOT know was that not long before I was listening to this song, a little girl I know was taking her last breath here on Earth...she will not have "another day" here. (I found out when I went to work to take that test this afternoon.) I was SHOCKED, to say the least! This girl was up on my unit yesterday smiling and happy (or, at least she looked that way when I saw a nurse holding her up at the desk). Overnight she got sicker, and she died this morning. Now, to be fair, she was a "chronically sick" child, not an "otherwise healthy" one, so I SUPPOSE there is always the chance of this happening, but it still seems SO unexpected and "crazy". I feel kind of "wrong" that I didn't even really get teary-eyed when I heard. Maybe it was the "shock factor", or maybe it's because I KNOW she is in a MUCH better place. Her home life was not the greatest, so a home in Heaven will be perfect (as it will be for all of us!). Of course, I would NEVER think that any parent should see their child die, but somehow, this time it seems easier to understand God's decision to take her back at such a young age. In some situations, it is VERY helpful to remember that there are fates worse than death...especially when you believe in Heaven. While it seems this little girl could have touched MANY more lives had she been given more days, and those who loved her will miss her dearly, she is now free from illness and playing with all of the other kids I know there in Heaven.
Anyway, I was blessed with another day, so here I sit and type...at my mom and dad's. Apparently, my computer is having issues (I'm telling you, my computer was NOT broken until I gave it to the IT guys at my mom's work!). So, another day has gone by without my computer. HOPEFULLY it will get shipped tomorrow! I'm not sure if I'll make it to mom and dad's tomorrow to use their computer. My one class is "scheduled" to be from 8-5, but someone told me today that it could be over by 3. If that is the case, then I will have some time before my other class that starts at 6.
Good night (going home to watch "Medium"...hopefully it doesn't freak me out as much as last week!).
Kicked Out
So, a little before 10:00 last night, my mom comes and stands by me at the computer and just looks. Apparently, she wanted to go to bed, and I needed to leave before she did that. I was rather rude and said something close to "well, it's YOUR fault my computer isn't even gone yet". Of course, it isn't REALLY her fault, but if I had known "backing up the files" was going to be such a huge ordeal, I would have figured out how to do it myself. As I write this, my computer STILL has not been shipped, so I'm afraid the countdown hasn't even begun. What I SHOULD have said to my mom was that this is my "journalling" and I NEED to journal...so sorry if it is late at night, but this is probably going to be a nightly thing until my computer is back in my possession! If there were another option, I would take it, but I can't think of one (I don't think my mom and dad would let me "borrow" their desk top for a week or two...).
Anyway, I'm sort of "stalling" because I REALLY do need to study for this class tomorrow. I don't think I'm going to be able to fix my mom and dad's printer, and the library close to me is closed on Mondays, so I'll probably end up at the hospital to use the computer there.
I'll probably end up writing again today, since tomorrow I may not make it to mom and dad's. I have my "PALS" (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) class from 7:45-5:15, and then my first foster parent class from 6-9. Talk about information overload!
Laurie and Marcie...thanks for encouraging me and my writing. I'm glad you two think I'm interesting :o) Marcie, I do read Nate's blog, but have only commented once or twice...the possibility of a million people coming to read what I write REALLY freaks me out. (When I overheard the surgeon talking about the adult donor yesterday morning, I did think about Tricia, even though my hospital is pretty far away from her, and the organs are typically distributed regionally.) That's why I spend most of my time "lurking" and rarely commenting...I know that leaving comments can lead to more visitors which is good in some ways (like "meeting" really neat people!), , but I have also seen how unkind people can be. Laurie, I talked to the mom of my little A-patient just a little bit ago. We had to take care of a little business (I shipped some of her stuff back that couldn't go on the med flight), but we chatted for about 15 minutes. I'm SO happy they are home and enjoying life :o) I think it is funny that you are "hiding" your computer time from your husband...I'm thinking my mom now knows that when I say I spend a lot of time on the computer during my days off, I mean it!
Okay, TOTALLY stalling...I've been writing this for over 20 minutes...time to read!
Have a great day!
Anyway, I'm sort of "stalling" because I REALLY do need to study for this class tomorrow. I don't think I'm going to be able to fix my mom and dad's printer, and the library close to me is closed on Mondays, so I'll probably end up at the hospital to use the computer there.
I'll probably end up writing again today, since tomorrow I may not make it to mom and dad's. I have my "PALS" (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) class from 7:45-5:15, and then my first foster parent class from 6-9. Talk about information overload!
Laurie and Marcie...thanks for encouraging me and my writing. I'm glad you two think I'm interesting :o) Marcie, I do read Nate's blog, but have only commented once or twice...the possibility of a million people coming to read what I write REALLY freaks me out. (When I overheard the surgeon talking about the adult donor yesterday morning, I did think about Tricia, even though my hospital is pretty far away from her, and the organs are typically distributed regionally.) That's why I spend most of my time "lurking" and rarely commenting...I know that leaving comments can lead to more visitors which is good in some ways (like "meeting" really neat people!), , but I have also seen how unkind people can be. Laurie, I talked to the mom of my little A-patient just a little bit ago. We had to take care of a little business (I shipped some of her stuff back that couldn't go on the med flight), but we chatted for about 15 minutes. I'm SO happy they are home and enjoying life :o) I think it is funny that you are "hiding" your computer time from your husband...I'm thinking my mom now knows that when I say I spend a lot of time on the computer during my days off, I mean it!
Okay, TOTALLY stalling...I've been writing this for over 20 minutes...time to read!
Have a great day!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Laid back
Those two words do not describe me at all...I am "Type A to the Max", but I'm trying to do better! (I also couldn't think of a title for this post, and that sounded like a fun one!)
So, I had my few weeks of getting to work "super early" to pick my "super special A-team patient" (even though that was mostly for my benefit because it doesn't seem like anyone would have tried to fight me...unfortunate for them, but true). Since then, I have decided that I should "lay low", show up pretty close to start time, and take whatever I get. That seems to be working quite well for me. On Friday, I did "pick" one of my kids (after it had already been decided which "side" I would be on), and ended up having a really easy day. Today, my assignment was pretty much chosen for me and I was actually a little bored (spent quite a bit of time on the computer getting my "blog fix"). At least I can say that it wasn't MY fault that everyone else was busy because they chose their assignments AND mine! :o) Tomorrow I am off, but I need to study for my advanced life support class I have on Tuesday (I'm a little freaked out by it, so need to make sure I'm prepared!).
Last week, I took care of a little baby who was very sick and in need of a transplant. I found out today that a donor was found for the baby over the weekend. My heart just didn't know what to feel when I heard that. I knew that the donor had to have been a little baby too, and my heart immediately thought about the baby of a fellow nurse here in town (as far as I know now, that baby is still alive). Rarely do I let my mind go to the place where the organs for these babies come from. It is much "easier" celebrating the potential for a better life with the recipients and remembering the donor families in my prayers, without thinking about what happened to make them donors. It made me very sad today to think that something equally as tragic could have happened to the baby who gave new life to another baby who was dying. I really don't like thinking about this, and am tempted to delete this part because it seems kind of morbid, but it is on my heart, so I will leave it. Today, I also overheard one of the surgeons on the phone talking about a potential donor...someone about my age...motor vehicle accident. So sad, but yet, those families who "get the call" today will have hope for a better life. Organ donation is SUCH an amazing gift. I have seen SO many lives be changed for the better because someone chose to "give life" at the worst time of their lives. As one mom told me--you don't pray for someone else's child to die so yours may live...you pray that if someone is faced with the choice to donate their child's organs or not, they choose yes. Okay, enough with the "deep thoughts" for today!
As this month comes to a close, I'd like to do a little "shout out" to the four people who have left comments on my blog in March. Prior to the month of March, I had received comments from SIX other people (that was in TEN MONTHS!). Of course, that is mostly my fault for making this an anonymous blog and having a not-very-exciting life, but as I have written before, I would rather have no comments than one unkind one!
So, to Laurie...thanks for being a faithful visitor to my blog. Your kind words are much appreciated, and I'm looking forward to being blessed by more of your "words of wisdom". You haven't commented today...where are you?! I'm the one who is supposed to be lost without a computer, but you are gone too!
To Jody...thanks for leaving a comment on my blog the first time you visited...I'm really bad at "lurking", but I do pray for the people whose blogs I visit, whenever I visit (even if it is 10 times a day on my really "bored" days off work when I don't want to do anything but sit at the computer!). Thanks for sharing your story.
To Tasha...thanks for your prayers for the baby. I haven't read any of the posts on your blog yet, but promise to leave at least one comment so you know I've been there (see above comment...I'm a "lurker" by nature!).
To Marcie...wow, you went WAY back and read a LOT of my posts! You must have been VERY bored to spend that much time reading about me :o) I like what you said about "defending Catholics"...I appreciate that! Yes, I DID visit Laguna Beach when I was in California. That is where I met my friend when we were 10 years old, so it was really fun to go back there 18 years later (even though it wasn't a very warm day!). And, if ONLY my mom knew what I was doing right now on her computer (at least since my computer is gone right now, I can't post any photos of her!). I'll be sure say hello when I come visit your blog.
So, it is about 9:30 and my parents are headed to bed. This whole not having my computer at my house thing REALLY stinks! Their printer also does not work, so I probably will have to go to work tomorrow to do the test for my class on Tuesday (either that or the library...SO annoying!). I suppose I should go home and do some studying, so I will have time tomorrow to do other things (like, read blogs!).
Good night from mom and dad's. (now, I have to see how this whole changing text colors throughout this post worked out...hopefully I won't have to do any "editing!")
So, I had my few weeks of getting to work "super early" to pick my "super special A-team patient" (even though that was mostly for my benefit because it doesn't seem like anyone would have tried to fight me...unfortunate for them, but true). Since then, I have decided that I should "lay low", show up pretty close to start time, and take whatever I get. That seems to be working quite well for me. On Friday, I did "pick" one of my kids (after it had already been decided which "side" I would be on), and ended up having a really easy day. Today, my assignment was pretty much chosen for me and I was actually a little bored (spent quite a bit of time on the computer getting my "blog fix"). At least I can say that it wasn't MY fault that everyone else was busy because they chose their assignments AND mine! :o) Tomorrow I am off, but I need to study for my advanced life support class I have on Tuesday (I'm a little freaked out by it, so need to make sure I'm prepared!).
Last week, I took care of a little baby who was very sick and in need of a transplant. I found out today that a donor was found for the baby over the weekend. My heart just didn't know what to feel when I heard that. I knew that the donor had to have been a little baby too, and my heart immediately thought about the baby of a fellow nurse here in town (as far as I know now, that baby is still alive). Rarely do I let my mind go to the place where the organs for these babies come from. It is much "easier" celebrating the potential for a better life with the recipients and remembering the donor families in my prayers, without thinking about what happened to make them donors. It made me very sad today to think that something equally as tragic could have happened to the baby who gave new life to another baby who was dying. I really don't like thinking about this, and am tempted to delete this part because it seems kind of morbid, but it is on my heart, so I will leave it. Today, I also overheard one of the surgeons on the phone talking about a potential donor...someone about my age...motor vehicle accident. So sad, but yet, those families who "get the call" today will have hope for a better life. Organ donation is SUCH an amazing gift. I have seen SO many lives be changed for the better because someone chose to "give life" at the worst time of their lives. As one mom told me--you don't pray for someone else's child to die so yours may live...you pray that if someone is faced with the choice to donate their child's organs or not, they choose yes. Okay, enough with the "deep thoughts" for today!
As this month comes to a close, I'd like to do a little "shout out" to the four people who have left comments on my blog in March. Prior to the month of March, I had received comments from SIX other people (that was in TEN MONTHS!). Of course, that is mostly my fault for making this an anonymous blog and having a not-very-exciting life, but as I have written before, I would rather have no comments than one unkind one!
So, to Laurie...thanks for being a faithful visitor to my blog. Your kind words are much appreciated, and I'm looking forward to being blessed by more of your "words of wisdom". You haven't commented today...where are you?! I'm the one who is supposed to be lost without a computer, but you are gone too!
To Jody...thanks for leaving a comment on my blog the first time you visited...I'm really bad at "lurking", but I do pray for the people whose blogs I visit, whenever I visit (even if it is 10 times a day on my really "bored" days off work when I don't want to do anything but sit at the computer!). Thanks for sharing your story.
To Tasha...thanks for your prayers for the baby. I haven't read any of the posts on your blog yet, but promise to leave at least one comment so you know I've been there (see above comment...I'm a "lurker" by nature!).
To Marcie...wow, you went WAY back and read a LOT of my posts! You must have been VERY bored to spend that much time reading about me :o) I like what you said about "defending Catholics"...I appreciate that! Yes, I DID visit Laguna Beach when I was in California. That is where I met my friend when we were 10 years old, so it was really fun to go back there 18 years later (even though it wasn't a very warm day!). And, if ONLY my mom knew what I was doing right now on her computer (at least since my computer is gone right now, I can't post any photos of her!). I'll be sure say hello when I come visit your blog.
So, it is about 9:30 and my parents are headed to bed. This whole not having my computer at my house thing REALLY stinks! Their printer also does not work, so I probably will have to go to work tomorrow to do the test for my class on Tuesday (either that or the library...SO annoying!). I suppose I should go home and do some studying, so I will have time tomorrow to do other things (like, read blogs!).
Good night from mom and dad's. (now, I have to see how this whole changing text colors throughout this post worked out...hopefully I won't have to do any "editing!")
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Getting Better
Yay! Right now, my biggest "complaint" is having a sore neck and shoulders from sleeping so much! Nothing a little Tylenol can't help (or maybe a different pillow!). Last night, I got to coughing quite a bit and this morning I still felt pretty cruddy, but now my nose isn't running too much, and I only cough occasionally (and, while it is a lot deeper cough than what I had yesterday, at least it doesn't feel like my eyes are going to pop out or like a hammer is hitting my forehead from the inside anymore!). Thank goodness for 12-hour shifts and four days off a week...they couldn't have come at a better time!
My mom cooked brunch this morning for my sister, brother-in-law, and me. My sister made "cheese eggs", and my mom made French toast, some kind of blueberry strudel thing, and monkey bread...can you say sugar overload?! It was pretty darn yummy though :o) She also made some green tea, and I made a really bad pot of coffee, but drank a bit of it anyway. I hung out "here" for a while after that, trying to take care of some of my Internet "needs" :o)
After that, I went to exchange a shirt I bought a week or two ago (I got a plain light pink shirt and was about to hang it up with the three other light pink shirts I had and decided that COULD be one too many light pink shirts!). I spent about thirty minutes talking to a friend on the phone who I hadn't talked to in months. She used to work at my hospital, but changed jobs and we haven't been able to "connect" recently. It was GREAT visiting with her! I stopped by a couple garage sales and ended up getting a REALLY cool jacket for my dad. Oh how I wish I had my computer so I could post a picture of it! My dad is CRAZY and loves to dress in very crazy clothes when he coaches (the girls love it!). He has shoes in every color in the rainbow (so he can match all his crazy shirts!). He absolutely LOVED the jacket (it is cashmere and wool, and actually women's)...I'm thinking you may be able to call the color "kiwi". Not bad at all for $3! We watched the "Florida Derby" together before I went to church (we LOVE to watch horse races together!).
That's my day in a nutshell. I'm doing okay with using my mom and dad's computer, but it may drive me crazy that once I leave here (after I finish typing this), there will be no more Internet until some time at work tomorrow, or after I get off! I'm still rather annoyed that my computer won't even get SHIPPED until Monday afternoon sometime...that probably gets it to Texas on Wednesday and THEN they have to get around to doing whatever work is necessary, and then ship it back to me...argh! I can't even think about it!
Thanks for the prayers for the baby and her family. There have not been any media updates today that I can find (I'm glad that the media is giving the family privacy). The parents did make a statement last evening to say thank you to the community for their support and asking for continued thoughts and prayers.
I suppose I should go home...I haven't been there all day (except to take a REALLY long bath...I think I forgot to mention that I did that! It was REALLY nice!). I need to read a book for my CPR class I take on Tuesday. I hear there is a pre-test I have to take as well.
Good night from Mom and Dad's. :o)
P.S. I just realized THIS is POST #175!! AND, I STILL don't really have anything to say! But, thanks to those of you who come and read anyway! :o)
My mom cooked brunch this morning for my sister, brother-in-law, and me. My sister made "cheese eggs", and my mom made French toast, some kind of blueberry strudel thing, and monkey bread...can you say sugar overload?! It was pretty darn yummy though :o) She also made some green tea, and I made a really bad pot of coffee, but drank a bit of it anyway. I hung out "here" for a while after that, trying to take care of some of my Internet "needs" :o)
After that, I went to exchange a shirt I bought a week or two ago (I got a plain light pink shirt and was about to hang it up with the three other light pink shirts I had and decided that COULD be one too many light pink shirts!). I spent about thirty minutes talking to a friend on the phone who I hadn't talked to in months. She used to work at my hospital, but changed jobs and we haven't been able to "connect" recently. It was GREAT visiting with her! I stopped by a couple garage sales and ended up getting a REALLY cool jacket for my dad. Oh how I wish I had my computer so I could post a picture of it! My dad is CRAZY and loves to dress in very crazy clothes when he coaches (the girls love it!). He has shoes in every color in the rainbow (so he can match all his crazy shirts!). He absolutely LOVED the jacket (it is cashmere and wool, and actually women's)...I'm thinking you may be able to call the color "kiwi". Not bad at all for $3! We watched the "Florida Derby" together before I went to church (we LOVE to watch horse races together!).
That's my day in a nutshell. I'm doing okay with using my mom and dad's computer, but it may drive me crazy that once I leave here (after I finish typing this), there will be no more Internet until some time at work tomorrow, or after I get off! I'm still rather annoyed that my computer won't even get SHIPPED until Monday afternoon sometime...that probably gets it to Texas on Wednesday and THEN they have to get around to doing whatever work is necessary, and then ship it back to me...argh! I can't even think about it!
Thanks for the prayers for the baby and her family. There have not been any media updates today that I can find (I'm glad that the media is giving the family privacy). The parents did make a statement last evening to say thank you to the community for their support and asking for continued thoughts and prayers.
I suppose I should go home...I haven't been there all day (except to take a REALLY long bath...I think I forgot to mention that I did that! It was REALLY nice!). I need to read a book for my CPR class I take on Tuesday. I hear there is a pre-test I have to take as well.
Good night from Mom and Dad's. :o)
P.S. I just realized THIS is POST #175!! AND, I STILL don't really have anything to say! But, thanks to those of you who come and read anyway! :o)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Terrible Patient
Nope, not one of the kiddos...
not because of the parents of one of the kiddos...
that terrible patient would be ME!
Oh thank GOD He made me a generally healthy person...the poor, poor folks who would have to deal with me if I were not. This little cold of mine and you would think I had been run over by a truck (although, I sure do feel like that, especially after working a 12-hour shift!). I was sniffling, and wiping away drips of snot, trying not to cough because that action shot pain through my forehead and eyes, drinking glass upon glass of water, sucking on Jolly Ranchers to try and prevent any coughing...I was a MESS (and I am SURE a rather annoying person to work with)! By the end of the shift, my eyes were watering and I had dark circles under my eyes...and THIS being AFTER I spent the last two days in bed! Oh my goodness...SUCH drama! At one point, one of the little kiddos was doing a bit of whining and I was like "aww, you're okay..." then, I thought, well, you DID have a super high fever and have an infection in your blood, and you probably have chronic stomachaches...okay, I'll stop my complaining for a little bit! :o) Boy oh boy, I hope this cold is gone by Sunday or God be with whoever has to work with me!
So, I had a meltdown AFTER getting home from work regarding my computer. Apparently, it seems to be running a bit too slow for the IT people at my mom's work. So, the EARLIEST it will be shipped is Monday. Now, this seems QUITE ridiculous to me that it would take so long. I wish I would have just copied my photos to a CD myself and be done with it. I REALLY do not think it would be that hard, or take that long (of course, then I would only have myself to blame if the computer came back without any files and I messed up on backing them up...). I am SO frustruated with the whole situation...I suppose "beggars can't be choosers", but I wouldn't have BEGGED if I had known it would take this long (I would have CHOSE to do it myself!). I feel pretty silly crying over a stupid computer, especially with what I will write about next, but it really DID make me cry (and, unfortunately, probably will not be the only day I cry about not having my computer...).
_____________________________________________
Prayer Request (Laurie, this is probably mostly for you, since you are the only one I know who reads my blog): Last summer when I was an extra in a movie, I met another nurse who works in the hospital. She works on an adult unit, but also cares for transplant patients. At the time, she was pregnant with her first child and very excited (of course!). I saw her at the movie premier with her husband, and she said that she had had a little girl. Today, I found out that her baby (now 4 months old) had been taken to another hospital in the city with life-threatening injuries. Apparently, the baby-sitter admitted to punching the baby and slamming her head into the wall. There have been no media updates of the baby's condition, but I am sure she will have a long road ahead of her, if she is able to survive these terrible injuries. Please keep this baby, and her family in your prayers.
_____________________________________________________
With that, I think I should go back home (at mom and dad's using their computer) and go to sleep. Tomorrow is another day...I'm planning to be there :o)
Good night.
not because of the parents of one of the kiddos...
that terrible patient would be ME!
Oh thank GOD He made me a generally healthy person...the poor, poor folks who would have to deal with me if I were not. This little cold of mine and you would think I had been run over by a truck (although, I sure do feel like that, especially after working a 12-hour shift!). I was sniffling, and wiping away drips of snot, trying not to cough because that action shot pain through my forehead and eyes, drinking glass upon glass of water, sucking on Jolly Ranchers to try and prevent any coughing...I was a MESS (and I am SURE a rather annoying person to work with)! By the end of the shift, my eyes were watering and I had dark circles under my eyes...and THIS being AFTER I spent the last two days in bed! Oh my goodness...SUCH drama! At one point, one of the little kiddos was doing a bit of whining and I was like "aww, you're okay..." then, I thought, well, you DID have a super high fever and have an infection in your blood, and you probably have chronic stomachaches...okay, I'll stop my complaining for a little bit! :o) Boy oh boy, I hope this cold is gone by Sunday or God be with whoever has to work with me!
So, I had a meltdown AFTER getting home from work regarding my computer. Apparently, it seems to be running a bit too slow for the IT people at my mom's work. So, the EARLIEST it will be shipped is Monday. Now, this seems QUITE ridiculous to me that it would take so long. I wish I would have just copied my photos to a CD myself and be done with it. I REALLY do not think it would be that hard, or take that long (of course, then I would only have myself to blame if the computer came back without any files and I messed up on backing them up...). I am SO frustruated with the whole situation...I suppose "beggars can't be choosers", but I wouldn't have BEGGED if I had known it would take this long (I would have CHOSE to do it myself!). I feel pretty silly crying over a stupid computer, especially with what I will write about next, but it really DID make me cry (and, unfortunately, probably will not be the only day I cry about not having my computer...).
_____________________________________________
Prayer Request (Laurie, this is probably mostly for you, since you are the only one I know who reads my blog): Last summer when I was an extra in a movie, I met another nurse who works in the hospital. She works on an adult unit, but also cares for transplant patients. At the time, she was pregnant with her first child and very excited (of course!). I saw her at the movie premier with her husband, and she said that she had had a little girl. Today, I found out that her baby (now 4 months old) had been taken to another hospital in the city with life-threatening injuries. Apparently, the baby-sitter admitted to punching the baby and slamming her head into the wall. There have been no media updates of the baby's condition, but I am sure she will have a long road ahead of her, if she is able to survive these terrible injuries. Please keep this baby, and her family in your prayers.
_____________________________________________________
With that, I think I should go back home (at mom and dad's using their computer) and go to sleep. Tomorrow is another day...I'm planning to be there :o)
Good night.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Let the Countdown Begin
Today was "Day 1" without my lap top. It actually spent the day in the IT department at my mom's work. One of the guys there is backing up my files for me. So, it actually won't get shipped until tomorrow. Then, they probably won't work on it until Monday. I have no idea when I will have it back! In the meantime, I will have to stay "in the loop" either from mom and dad's, the library, or work. Can I spell a-d-d-i-c-t-e-d?! Oh well, what do ya do?!
It actually worked out that I didn't have my computer because then I actually took a nice long nap. I think I slept for at least three hours this afternoon. I'm hoping that will make my cold disappear as quickly as it came. I also did a load of laundry, and picked up a few things around my living room.
Tonight, I'm helping with a fundraiser at my high school. I have to be there in about 20 minutes, so I should check on my "peeps" before I need to leave. Back to work tomorrow...hopefully without a drippy nose.
It actually worked out that I didn't have my computer because then I actually took a nice long nap. I think I slept for at least three hours this afternoon. I'm hoping that will make my cold disappear as quickly as it came. I also did a load of laundry, and picked up a few things around my living room.
Tonight, I'm helping with a fundraiser at my high school. I have to be there in about 20 minutes, so I should check on my "peeps" before I need to leave. Back to work tomorrow...hopefully without a drippy nose.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Whatever will I do?
Today I received the box to ship my lap top off to Texas to get fixed. I'm wondering what I will do without my computer here at my house! Maybe I can do some organizing, cleaning, scrapbooking, reading, letter writing, walking, running, cooking, SOMETHING! Actually, I'll probably be doing quite a bit of working...I'm scheduled to work Friday, Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Monday...and hopefully I'll have it back by then! I also have class all day Tuesday. So, there is a teeny tiny possibility I won't notice it is gone...although highly unlikely! I'm sure I'll end up making daily visits to mom and dad's to "check on my people" (and maybe even sneak a peek or two during a "break" at work...).
I ended up being "on call" until I had enough of that and called at 5:00 to see if I could go do something besides hang out close to home. I guess they were pretty busy at work, but didn't feel like calling me in because things didn't start getting "crazy" until about 4:00...oh well, I was pretty much ready to go (although VERY happy that I didn't end up having to go!). I did take a walk to the post office and grocery store. I talked to a friend on the phone for over an hour as we discussed a birthday gift we were going to have shipped to a mutual friend. I took a short nap before meeting up with my friend to go for another 3 mile walk. I had supper with my parents.
My nose continues to alternate between stuffy (one nostril only...annoying!) and drippy (again, only one nostril...crazy!). I did take some Claritin, so hopefully will be able to sleep well. I'm happy that I don't feel any worse than I did earlier. I hope that means that this cold (or allergies or whatever it is) isn't planning to stick around for long.
Good night!
I ended up being "on call" until I had enough of that and called at 5:00 to see if I could go do something besides hang out close to home. I guess they were pretty busy at work, but didn't feel like calling me in because things didn't start getting "crazy" until about 4:00...oh well, I was pretty much ready to go (although VERY happy that I didn't end up having to go!). I did take a walk to the post office and grocery store. I talked to a friend on the phone for over an hour as we discussed a birthday gift we were going to have shipped to a mutual friend. I took a short nap before meeting up with my friend to go for another 3 mile walk. I had supper with my parents.
My nose continues to alternate between stuffy (one nostril only...annoying!) and drippy (again, only one nostril...crazy!). I did take some Claritin, so hopefully will be able to sleep well. I'm happy that I don't feel any worse than I did earlier. I hope that means that this cold (or allergies or whatever it is) isn't planning to stick around for long.
Good night!
I didn't say it
...but I WAS thinking it...
and hoping that as long as it wasn't spoken, I would be "safe"...
Last week, I was thinking (it wasn't the first time I was thinking it, but the most recent time) that as far as I can remember, I didn't get so much as a "sniffle" or "tiny little cough" throughout the fall or winter. I managed to stay VERY healthy, even with colds and the flu running rampant around the hospital. At times, it seemed like EVERYONE got sick but me (it did help that the week we had an abundance of influenza patients was the week I was in California!). I decided that I was meant to stay healthy because throughout much of that time, I had friends with kids in the hospital. If I had been feeling even the tiniest bit sick, I would not have been able to visit them as frequently, or at all (because the LAST thing I would want to do is compromise their health!). So, I was thinking that I was protected from illness so I could be a good friend :o) Or, maybe because I'm not a very good patient and probably rather annoying to everyone if I don't feel well, so it was for the "greater good" that I remained "sickness free".
In any case, yesterday afternoon I started with a stuffed up nose. I went to bed with a bit of a sore throat and some "sinus pressure". Thankfully, I got a "lovely" phone call at 5:45 putting me "on call" for the day. So, I stayed in bed until nearly noon, which I am sure was VERY helpful in the "healing" process, although I still have a stuffy/runny nose and slightly sore throat! Now, I'm hoping that I can just stay home because blowing my nose every five minutes at work would be SUPER annoying. I'm wondering if it is a slight case of allergies after spending so much time outdoors yesterday. I can handle allergies (I think!). Well, I'm off to take a nice hot shower in hopes of ridding myself of any "toxins" (I should probably vacuum my house as well...I'm sure the dust won't help if indeed this is allergy related).
Enough of the whining...off to try and "heal myself" with some water and singing :o)
and hoping that as long as it wasn't spoken, I would be "safe"...
Last week, I was thinking (it wasn't the first time I was thinking it, but the most recent time) that as far as I can remember, I didn't get so much as a "sniffle" or "tiny little cough" throughout the fall or winter. I managed to stay VERY healthy, even with colds and the flu running rampant around the hospital. At times, it seemed like EVERYONE got sick but me (it did help that the week we had an abundance of influenza patients was the week I was in California!). I decided that I was meant to stay healthy because throughout much of that time, I had friends with kids in the hospital. If I had been feeling even the tiniest bit sick, I would not have been able to visit them as frequently, or at all (because the LAST thing I would want to do is compromise their health!). So, I was thinking that I was protected from illness so I could be a good friend :o) Or, maybe because I'm not a very good patient and probably rather annoying to everyone if I don't feel well, so it was for the "greater good" that I remained "sickness free".
In any case, yesterday afternoon I started with a stuffed up nose. I went to bed with a bit of a sore throat and some "sinus pressure". Thankfully, I got a "lovely" phone call at 5:45 putting me "on call" for the day. So, I stayed in bed until nearly noon, which I am sure was VERY helpful in the "healing" process, although I still have a stuffy/runny nose and slightly sore throat! Now, I'm hoping that I can just stay home because blowing my nose every five minutes at work would be SUPER annoying. I'm wondering if it is a slight case of allergies after spending so much time outdoors yesterday. I can handle allergies (I think!). Well, I'm off to take a nice hot shower in hopes of ridding myself of any "toxins" (I should probably vacuum my house as well...I'm sure the dust won't help if indeed this is allergy related).
Enough of the whining...off to try and "heal myself" with some water and singing :o)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Out and About
So, my house stays a mess, but at least I didn't spend the day sitting and staring at it! I was "out and about" and it was "super fun" :o)
I went to a lecture this morning at the hospital from 8-9. It was about nurses' work environment/patient safety. I was hoping I could get continuing education credit, but guess it was just "FYI". It was interesting, I guess, and SUPPOSE it was an okay use of my time, although some extra sleep would have been nice too! Oh well, at least I got a cinnamon roll and coffee out of the deal!
After the talk, I went to pick up a book for a class I'm taking next week. I was in the building where my friend in media relations works. So, since I was just two floors below, I decided to "pop up" and see if she happened to be in her office (and, if not, then I would leave a note or something). When the elevator opened, there she was, about to get on my elevator to go down (there are THREE elevators in that area, so this was a pretty crazy "coincidence"!). She was going to drive a co-worker's car to a parking lot a couple blocks away and walk back. Since I didn't have any plans, I decided to go along. So, we had a nice visit on the short drive and walk back. I'm SO happy I "ran into" her, especially since I wanted to talk to her about something that happened last week, and it was MUCH nicer to "chat" in person than over the phone :o) She is a fun friend to have (I think it is cool having a friend who works with the "media"...I think she likes having a friend who is a nurse!).
I went to Curves after that. I ended up "closing the place" (they close at 11). I am friends with the lady who works there in the mornings. She and I visited for quite a while when I was the only one there. That was fun too :o)
It was SUCH a nice day that I thought I should go for a walk. However, I decided to call the place where I bought my computer from because I've been having "issues" with the sound for a couple months, and also think my battery is bad. I discovered yesterday that my warranty is good for another 2 years, so I thought I should see if anything was covered. That ended up being quite a lengthy conversation with the "tech support guy". He helped me do a couple things that should make my computer run a little faster. He tried to help me "troubleshoot" the sound problem, but it seems to be a speaker issue. So, I am going to have to ship my laptop away to be fixed. I am NOT sure what I will do without it for up to two weeks, but am trying not to think about that TOO much tonight! :o)
So, I ended up NOT going on a walk at that time, and took a short nap instead before FINALLY taking a shower. I had a meeting at the hospital from 3-5:30. One of my friends is on the committee with me, so we talked about going to dinner after the meeting. Once the meeting was over, though, we thought we should enjoy the nice weather. We ended up going on a walk...probably close to THREE MILES! It was SO nice and WE had a nice visit! We went to our favorite place to eat (although I decided to try something different and it wasn't a good choice). Neither of us felt TOO guilty with our huge milkshakes for dessert since we DID go for quite a walk!
What a FUN day I had! I did LOTS of talking (three friends "in person", one "tech guy" on the phone, another friend over the phone, an email or two...) AND quite a bit of "working out".
The weather was SO great...I hope spring has arrived (although, I'm not holding my breath, I actually heard someone say the word "snow" today, so we shall see). I signed up to work an extra shift at the hospital tomorrow, but was hoping they wouldn't need me so I could enjoy another beautiful day off. I just called, though, and someone has already called in sick. So, "best case scenario", I will be "on-call". If they get a lot of patients, or if someone else calls in sick, then to work I will go. I'm pretty tired after all the working out and being outside. It's also quite a bit later than I usually stay up when I have to work, so I should quit the typing and get ready for bed!
Good night (hoping I get to sleep later than 5:30!).
I went to a lecture this morning at the hospital from 8-9. It was about nurses' work environment/patient safety. I was hoping I could get continuing education credit, but guess it was just "FYI". It was interesting, I guess, and SUPPOSE it was an okay use of my time, although some extra sleep would have been nice too! Oh well, at least I got a cinnamon roll and coffee out of the deal!
After the talk, I went to pick up a book for a class I'm taking next week. I was in the building where my friend in media relations works. So, since I was just two floors below, I decided to "pop up" and see if she happened to be in her office (and, if not, then I would leave a note or something). When the elevator opened, there she was, about to get on my elevator to go down (there are THREE elevators in that area, so this was a pretty crazy "coincidence"!). She was going to drive a co-worker's car to a parking lot a couple blocks away and walk back. Since I didn't have any plans, I decided to go along. So, we had a nice visit on the short drive and walk back. I'm SO happy I "ran into" her, especially since I wanted to talk to her about something that happened last week, and it was MUCH nicer to "chat" in person than over the phone :o) She is a fun friend to have (I think it is cool having a friend who works with the "media"...I think she likes having a friend who is a nurse!).
I went to Curves after that. I ended up "closing the place" (they close at 11). I am friends with the lady who works there in the mornings. She and I visited for quite a while when I was the only one there. That was fun too :o)
It was SUCH a nice day that I thought I should go for a walk. However, I decided to call the place where I bought my computer from because I've been having "issues" with the sound for a couple months, and also think my battery is bad. I discovered yesterday that my warranty is good for another 2 years, so I thought I should see if anything was covered. That ended up being quite a lengthy conversation with the "tech support guy". He helped me do a couple things that should make my computer run a little faster. He tried to help me "troubleshoot" the sound problem, but it seems to be a speaker issue. So, I am going to have to ship my laptop away to be fixed. I am NOT sure what I will do without it for up to two weeks, but am trying not to think about that TOO much tonight! :o)
So, I ended up NOT going on a walk at that time, and took a short nap instead before FINALLY taking a shower. I had a meeting at the hospital from 3-5:30. One of my friends is on the committee with me, so we talked about going to dinner after the meeting. Once the meeting was over, though, we thought we should enjoy the nice weather. We ended up going on a walk...probably close to THREE MILES! It was SO nice and WE had a nice visit! We went to our favorite place to eat (although I decided to try something different and it wasn't a good choice). Neither of us felt TOO guilty with our huge milkshakes for dessert since we DID go for quite a walk!
What a FUN day I had! I did LOTS of talking (three friends "in person", one "tech guy" on the phone, another friend over the phone, an email or two...) AND quite a bit of "working out".
The weather was SO great...I hope spring has arrived (although, I'm not holding my breath, I actually heard someone say the word "snow" today, so we shall see). I signed up to work an extra shift at the hospital tomorrow, but was hoping they wouldn't need me so I could enjoy another beautiful day off. I just called, though, and someone has already called in sick. So, "best case scenario", I will be "on-call". If they get a lot of patients, or if someone else calls in sick, then to work I will go. I'm pretty tired after all the working out and being outside. It's also quite a bit later than I usually stay up when I have to work, so I should quit the typing and get ready for bed!
Good night (hoping I get to sleep later than 5:30!).
Monday, March 24, 2008
Falling asleep
Well, I'm practically falling asleep sitting up, so probably should just go to bed! However, I thought I could muddle through a couple sentences to talk about today. I made it back to work...finally!...thankfully, I didn't have to work TOO hard, although that may have made it easier to stay awake. After SO many days of sleeping in and/or taking naps, having to stay awake for an entire day is TOUGH! Good thing I have tomorrow off (although, I must have had a crazy moment one of my days off last week and decided I could attend a speaker tomorrow morning at 8AM...that will be fun!).
When I got home, I "made dinner" (if you can call cooking noodles and adding cheese "making dinner). Then, I talked to a friend on the phone. My absolute bestest friend from college and we hadn't visited in WAY WAY too long! She has lots of exciting things happening in her life and I'm SO happy for her! I'm going to figure out how I can come visit her this fall.
My eyes are getting crossed, so I should stop here. Although, I AM a tiny bit nervous about going to sleep..."Medium" is my favorite show, but tonight's episode was quite disturbing and "creepy" (I actually freaked myself out enough that I'm not going to take my garbage out tonight, and hope that I can get it out before they come in the morning!). I guess I'll either go to sleep listening to Jay Leno or to the radio and pray for sweet dreams :o)
Good night!
When I got home, I "made dinner" (if you can call cooking noodles and adding cheese "making dinner). Then, I talked to a friend on the phone. My absolute bestest friend from college and we hadn't visited in WAY WAY too long! She has lots of exciting things happening in her life and I'm SO happy for her! I'm going to figure out how I can come visit her this fall.
My eyes are getting crossed, so I should stop here. Although, I AM a tiny bit nervous about going to sleep..."Medium" is my favorite show, but tonight's episode was quite disturbing and "creepy" (I actually freaked myself out enough that I'm not going to take my garbage out tonight, and hope that I can get it out before they come in the morning!). I guess I'll either go to sleep listening to Jay Leno or to the radio and pray for sweet dreams :o)
Good night!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter!
Just nine days ago, I thought that my Easter weekend would consist of working, not being able to go to church, and an abbreviated dinner with my immediate family following my second of three shifts in a row. I was not looking forward to it at all. My how things can change, and I am VERY grateful. My manager ended up giving me yesterday off, so I was able to have lunch with my mom's parents and some extended family. I was also able to attend the Easter vigil Mass. This morning, I received a call that I could have the day off. This meant that I was able to have brunch with my dad's parents, my mom, dad, and sister. I then was able to have lunch with some family that was there yesterday, but we were able to visit a LOT longer today. I had dinner with my mom, dad, sister, and brother-in-law (we didn't get any photos this evening, but did take quite a few during the day...so, I decided to make a slide show of all the Easter photos I had on my camera). So, I went from thinking Easter was going to be pretty sad to having lots and LOTS of family time! It was great (except for the end of the evening when I teased me mom a bit too much and hurt her feelings...I apologized, but we didn't leave in that great of terms...I suppose there is always a potential for "drama" at family gatherings...I feel badly that it happened, but it's done and we will move on...early to bed for both of us at our separate homes.)
Lots of things to be thankful for this Easter day. I am SO blessed.
Now I REALLY need to go back to work tomorrow! I may have forgotten how to do my job, it has been so long! I better get back into the swing of things before my student nurse comes to try and learn from me! Good night!
Lots of things to be thankful for this Easter day. I am SO blessed.
Now I REALLY need to go back to work tomorrow! I may have forgotten how to do my job, it has been so long! I better get back into the swing of things before my student nurse comes to try and learn from me! Good night!
Are you done whining?!
I'm wondering if God is asking me that this morning. If HE isn't, then there are a lot of people I have been in contact the past few weeks who are at least thinking it.
ALL these weeks of complaining about having to work Easter. The "drama" of getting yesterday off. And then, a WONDERFUL phone call at 5:00 in the morning (probably the ONLY good thing that could happen with a phone call at 5:00 in the morning!). Would I like to be "on-call" for the day, with the likelihood of being called in very slim. Why of COURSE I would LOVE to sleep in and then spend as much of the day with my family as possible!!
So, I didn't get up until after 9:30, I decided to stop getting ready for the day long enough to type these few words. I believe we will be headed to my grandparents' house this morning, possibly for brunch (I didn't pay attention to the details planned for today since I wasn't planning on being able to attend and it was easier to handle if I didn't know what kind of fun they were going to have).
So, HAPPY HAPPY EASTER!! More on the fun-filled excitement of my day off later :o)
ALL these weeks of complaining about having to work Easter. The "drama" of getting yesterday off. And then, a WONDERFUL phone call at 5:00 in the morning (probably the ONLY good thing that could happen with a phone call at 5:00 in the morning!). Would I like to be "on-call" for the day, with the likelihood of being called in very slim. Why of COURSE I would LOVE to sleep in and then spend as much of the day with my family as possible!!
So, I didn't get up until after 9:30, I decided to stop getting ready for the day long enough to type these few words. I believe we will be headed to my grandparents' house this morning, possibly for brunch (I didn't pay attention to the details planned for today since I wasn't planning on being able to attend and it was easier to handle if I didn't know what kind of fun they were going to have).
So, HAPPY HAPPY EASTER!! More on the fun-filled excitement of my day off later :o)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Not TOO bad!
I did NOT sleep well last night at all! Maybe that was "payback" for all those seemingly "extra" hours I have been sleeping. I tossed and turned ALL night long, but DID manage to get up by 9:00 so I could get ready for the day.
We made it to my aunt's around noon (she lives about 60 miles from where I live). There was a TON of VERY yummy food. It especially seemed like a lot, considering there actually were only seventeen of us for lunch, which is a SMALL gathering for our family. There are twenty-one grandkids on my mom's side of the family, so it was REALLY fun when we were younger (the first 10 are granddaughters, I am the oldest...those early days were CRAZY!). My mom and I left a little before 3:00 since she had other plans, so it was a short visit. The four "big girls" did hide some Easter eggs around the living room/kitchen for the three "little boys" (it was WAY too cold to do anything outside...we even had some freezing rain!). So, I guess it wasn't bad. Us older girls decided that we didn't really like being "grown up" though, and were wishing the little boys had the same kind of holiday experiences we did. I guess you just create new traditions and make the best of each moment spent together. It's all about perspective :o)
We made it to my aunt's around noon (she lives about 60 miles from where I live). There was a TON of VERY yummy food. It especially seemed like a lot, considering there actually were only seventeen of us for lunch, which is a SMALL gathering for our family. There are twenty-one grandkids on my mom's side of the family, so it was REALLY fun when we were younger (the first 10 are granddaughters, I am the oldest...those early days were CRAZY!). My mom and I left a little before 3:00 since she had other plans, so it was a short visit. The four "big girls" did hide some Easter eggs around the living room/kitchen for the three "little boys" (it was WAY too cold to do anything outside...we even had some freezing rain!). So, I guess it wasn't bad. Us older girls decided that we didn't really like being "grown up" though, and were wishing the little boys had the same kind of holiday experiences we did. I guess you just create new traditions and make the best of each moment spent together. It's all about perspective :o)
Cousins (9 of the 21 grandkids)
Mom and me
Silly!
Me and my cousin in our
"happy" spring shirts
(even though it was in the 30s or 40s!)
I took a nap after I got home. I ate frozen ravioli "on the go" by myself for supper (while trying to feel sorry for myself! it kind of worked, but not too much!). I went to the Easter vigil which was a really nice service/celebration. I always enjoy that tradition, so VERY happy that it worked out for me to attend (although, actually going to church on Easter Sunday would have been great too!). Well, I suppose I should go to bed since I actually have to get up early for work tomorrow. I'm glad that God knows to constantly place people in my life who remind me to put things into perspective! Whenever I try and whine or complain about something, THERE someone is to remind me that things could be a LOT worse! At least I have a family that I enjoy hanging out with. At least I HAVE a family. At least I live REALLY CLOSE to most of my family. Everyone in my family is healthy, and "basically" happy. Wow, those things are HUGE! AND, on top of all that, Jesus died for ME to save ME...that is what we are remembering and celebrating especially this weekend. Happy Easter!
Good Night!
Friday, March 21, 2008
I don't get it!
I feel like I have been sleeping A LOT this week. And yet, I still feel SO tired. I don't get how I could go to bed last night at 1/1:30 (okay, maybe this isn't such a good example because that is late) and stay in bed until nearly 10:00. That is almost NINE hours of sleeping/resting and it required much effort for me not to lay down for a nap at 1:00 this afternoon (instead I just sat on the couch and watched TV which is ALMOST like napping!). It was the same story yesterday...in bed for nine or so hours, and in "desperate" need for a nap a few hours later. It makes NO sense to me. I can't use the "working 12-hour shifts is really tiring" excuse because I've only worked one in the last WEEK. I can't use the "emotionally exhausted" excuse either because things are pretty good right now. I just don't know, but it is rather annoying (although, maybe I shouldn't complain TOO much because at least if I feel tired, I can just sleep...I could sleep for days and days and no one would care as long as I didn't miss any work). Maybe it's the weather...yeah, blame it on the weather! It has been SO up and down here...60s and sunny one day, 30s and cloudy the next. I don't know, though, I'm not much of an "outdoorsy" person, so it isn't like I'm longing for the outside. I suppose the only thing I COULD try is going to be at a decent hour (like, SOON since it is after 10:00 now).
I had a mini-meltdown this afternoon, which made me think that I SHOULD have taken a nap! I was so upset that I wouldn't even talk to my mom after church. I just left (and cried in my car during the five minute drive home). I guess I had too high of expectations of the "family time" that would occur this weekend. It was a HUGE ordeal for me to get tomorrow off, but it was WORTH IT to me because I thought it mattered to everyone else. I will be going to my aunt's house to see whatever extended family shows up. I probably will ride with my mom, but she isn't going to stay very long because she has "evening plans". My dad is working, so I will not see him at all. My sister and brother-in-law are working, so won't be going to my aunt's, and I will not see them either. Alrighty then, I am SO happy that I used a day of PTO for this. Oh, but I guess I can stop by mom and dad's after I get off on Sunday night and eat whatever is left from their Easter dinner (okay, maybe it won't be THAT bad, but it sure feels like it). It is SO disappointing (I believe I had "issues" at Christmas too, so maybe it's just me). My aunt was able to "console" me some when she told me that she has gotten to a point that whomever shows up for the family gatherings are the ones that matter, not the ones that aren't there (because you can't worry about them!). So, at least a couple of my cousins, aunts, and uncles will be at the "gathering" tomorrow, and I will have fun (even if I have to wear a winter coat during Easter weekend!).
Well, I better sleep so I'm not crabby tomorrow. My "March Madness" bracket got pretty screwed up with the upsets today, so there isn't really a need to stay up "super late" and see who wins these night games! (I have to make sure I get to choir early tomorrow for the vigil Mass...I haven't "made peace" with the new lady and tonight I received quite a few "looks"...I TOTALLY thought she was "tattling" on me to the director, but can't be sure about that! So crazy!)
I had a mini-meltdown this afternoon, which made me think that I SHOULD have taken a nap! I was so upset that I wouldn't even talk to my mom after church. I just left (and cried in my car during the five minute drive home). I guess I had too high of expectations of the "family time" that would occur this weekend. It was a HUGE ordeal for me to get tomorrow off, but it was WORTH IT to me because I thought it mattered to everyone else. I will be going to my aunt's house to see whatever extended family shows up. I probably will ride with my mom, but she isn't going to stay very long because she has "evening plans". My dad is working, so I will not see him at all. My sister and brother-in-law are working, so won't be going to my aunt's, and I will not see them either. Alrighty then, I am SO happy that I used a day of PTO for this. Oh, but I guess I can stop by mom and dad's after I get off on Sunday night and eat whatever is left from their Easter dinner (okay, maybe it won't be THAT bad, but it sure feels like it). It is SO disappointing (I believe I had "issues" at Christmas too, so maybe it's just me). My aunt was able to "console" me some when she told me that she has gotten to a point that whomever shows up for the family gatherings are the ones that matter, not the ones that aren't there (because you can't worry about them!). So, at least a couple of my cousins, aunts, and uncles will be at the "gathering" tomorrow, and I will have fun (even if I have to wear a winter coat during Easter weekend!).
Well, I better sleep so I'm not crabby tomorrow. My "March Madness" bracket got pretty screwed up with the upsets today, so there isn't really a need to stay up "super late" and see who wins these night games! (I have to make sure I get to choir early tomorrow for the vigil Mass...I haven't "made peace" with the new lady and tonight I received quite a few "looks"...I TOTALLY thought she was "tattling" on me to the director, but can't be sure about that! So crazy!)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Choices
I kind of feel like I made a lot of choices today. I probably make a lot of choices every day, but today, that is what I want to write about.
One choice I made that isn't different from most days is to continue to just "look" at the clean laundry that needs to be put away, the papers that need to be sorted, and the other "random things" that need to find a home (and THAT is just what I can see from the couch in my living room). Nope, no cleaning today (except for running the dishwasher...that I did choose to do!).
On Monday when I was at work for my meeting (before I had the "discussion" about the way I communicate), I found out that one of the patients in the PICU had passed away. Now, the hospital where I work probably has more than the average number of deaths simply because many of the kids come to us when they are "dying" because we MAY have something to offer them to give them more time. It is sad, but basically true. Because we have patients from all over the country/world, if they end up passing away, it is either hundreds of miles away at their home, or they return hundreds of miles away to be buried at their home. This tends to make "closure" a little more challenging, so sometimes we have memorial services. I think that is why it was SO important for me to attend the funeral in January, even though that one required a 60 mile drive. I wrote about my struggles with that here , here , and here . Anyway, this particular patient happened to live here with her foster/adoptive family, so I thought maybe I would be able to attend the visitation and/or funeral.
While I did not know this child very well, I did take care of her on Christmas, and visited her last Wednesday when I worked in the PICU. Her mom is SUCH a neat lady--she has grown kids, grandkids, is a widow, and has four or five special-needs foster/adopted kids (one passed away the beginning of December). She is SO special, so I decided that I would go to the funeral because of that, and as kind of a hospital representative (because I don't mind funerals or crying in public I guess!). It was a beautiful service, and it did my heart good to be able to attend. I was reminded that it doesn't really matter how many doctors or machines there are, God ultimately decides when our time here is done. To those left behind, it seems she was here an amount time that doesn't quite seem long enough, but her life was a blessing to those who knew her. The lives of many are now changed for having known her.
After that, I chose to sit on my couch at the computer for a very long time. I am pretty embarrased to type this, but it is true, so I will...I believe I spent about TWO HOURS typing a "note" to someone. I'm not sure if it took me that long because I kept trying to find the right words, or if I kept getting distracted, or what the deal was, but I can think of a lot of other things I could have been doing in those two hours! Oh well, I guess it's done, and I made that choice in that the moment (or lots of moments!). I chose NOT to go work out today, but DID take a walk ot the Post Office to mail off my tax stuff, and stopped at the grocery store on the way home to pick up a few things. (Oh, while I was on the computer, I also chose to buy five songs from iTunes...good ones, but still...at 99 cents a song...okay, that's a pretty good deal!)
Probably the most difficult choice I made today was regarding what I would do this evening. I LOVE going to Mass on Holy Thursday. At my church, they "recreate" the washing of the feet, we sing some of my favorite songs, and reflect upon the events The Last Supper leading up to the crucifixion, etc. I have ALWAYS tried to get Holy Thursday off, even if that meant working on Good Friday because it is such a meaningful experience for me. Last night, a friend invited me to attend a basketball game with her tonight. I told her then that I could not, because I had plans to go to church. Overnight, though, I decided that spending time with a friend, and attending these games (that had potential of being a "once in a lifetime kind of deal"...without giving away TOO many details!) could be an "okay" choice. So, I called my friend and told her I would go. We had a REALLY good time, so I suppose I don't really have regrets about the decision.
Now, the BEST choice for me to make right now is to go to bed BEFORE 1:00, and roll out of bed at a more decent hour than say, 10:00. I guess that means I have 20 minutes to "browse my blogs" again before hitting the hay :o)
Good night!
One choice I made that isn't different from most days is to continue to just "look" at the clean laundry that needs to be put away, the papers that need to be sorted, and the other "random things" that need to find a home (and THAT is just what I can see from the couch in my living room). Nope, no cleaning today (except for running the dishwasher...that I did choose to do!).
On Monday when I was at work for my meeting (before I had the "discussion" about the way I communicate), I found out that one of the patients in the PICU had passed away. Now, the hospital where I work probably has more than the average number of deaths simply because many of the kids come to us when they are "dying" because we MAY have something to offer them to give them more time. It is sad, but basically true. Because we have patients from all over the country/world, if they end up passing away, it is either hundreds of miles away at their home, or they return hundreds of miles away to be buried at their home. This tends to make "closure" a little more challenging, so sometimes we have memorial services. I think that is why it was SO important for me to attend the funeral in January, even though that one required a 60 mile drive. I wrote about my struggles with that here , here , and here . Anyway, this particular patient happened to live here with her foster/adoptive family, so I thought maybe I would be able to attend the visitation and/or funeral.
While I did not know this child very well, I did take care of her on Christmas, and visited her last Wednesday when I worked in the PICU. Her mom is SUCH a neat lady--she has grown kids, grandkids, is a widow, and has four or five special-needs foster/adopted kids (one passed away the beginning of December). She is SO special, so I decided that I would go to the funeral because of that, and as kind of a hospital representative (because I don't mind funerals or crying in public I guess!). It was a beautiful service, and it did my heart good to be able to attend. I was reminded that it doesn't really matter how many doctors or machines there are, God ultimately decides when our time here is done. To those left behind, it seems she was here an amount time that doesn't quite seem long enough, but her life was a blessing to those who knew her. The lives of many are now changed for having known her.After that, I chose to sit on my couch at the computer for a very long time. I am pretty embarrased to type this, but it is true, so I will...I believe I spent about TWO HOURS typing a "note" to someone. I'm not sure if it took me that long because I kept trying to find the right words, or if I kept getting distracted, or what the deal was, but I can think of a lot of other things I could have been doing in those two hours! Oh well, I guess it's done, and I made that choice in that the moment (or lots of moments!). I chose NOT to go work out today, but DID take a walk ot the Post Office to mail off my tax stuff, and stopped at the grocery store on the way home to pick up a few things. (Oh, while I was on the computer, I also chose to buy five songs from iTunes...good ones, but still...at 99 cents a song...okay, that's a pretty good deal!)
Probably the most difficult choice I made today was regarding what I would do this evening. I LOVE going to Mass on Holy Thursday. At my church, they "recreate" the washing of the feet, we sing some of my favorite songs, and reflect upon the events The Last Supper leading up to the crucifixion, etc. I have ALWAYS tried to get Holy Thursday off, even if that meant working on Good Friday because it is such a meaningful experience for me. Last night, a friend invited me to attend a basketball game with her tonight. I told her then that I could not, because I had plans to go to church. Overnight, though, I decided that spending time with a friend, and attending these games (that had potential of being a "once in a lifetime kind of deal"...without giving away TOO many details!) could be an "okay" choice. So, I called my friend and told her I would go. We had a REALLY good time, so I suppose I don't really have regrets about the decision.
Now, the BEST choice for me to make right now is to go to bed BEFORE 1:00, and roll out of bed at a more decent hour than say, 10:00. I guess that means I have 20 minutes to "browse my blogs" again before hitting the hay :o)
Good night!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Ready, Set...Nothing
I just KNEW (well, I was REALLY HOPING anyway!) that if I wrote a big long thing about how busy today could be, I would have an uneventful day at work. I can handle "uneventful", although, I did get a little "bored" and you can only check your email SO many times on work computers (and checking on "my blogs" on work time isn't QUITE "kosher", but I did do a little bit of that too). I sat on my behind a lot today, which isn't too much different than what I would have done had I decided to stay at home when they called me at 5AM to see if I was interested. I guess the difference was that I got paid for that! (I will say that I "picked" a good set of patients...the nurse who got "the left-overs" had quite the crazy morning...oops, so sorry, but I DID choose the one who has a um, to put it nicely, "challenging" father!). I guess I'll have to continue to be "on alert" for my "crazy busy day" because it didn't happen today!
Laurie, I LOVE what you wrote about messes! I am TOTALLY going to remember that (and probably share it with my mom!). "Messes are the most patient things I know." How great is that?! It makes me laugh out loud...if this is the case, there is a LOT of patience going on in my house (and not coming from me!)! Thanks also for the photo compliment...my sister would probably die if she knew I posted that photo of her without her hair and make-up done, my mom would freak out because she doesn't want her picture "on the Internet", I have a really crooked smile and that shirt doesn't look quite right (although it is one of my favorites), and my dad, well, that's what he looks like in pictures (except it is still hard seeing him with blond hair...he bleached his black hair blond for my sister's wedding in order to call himself "the Blond Bond"). So, thanks for looking past all that :o) (By the way, have you checked out this blog ? As if you needed another blog to read, but it seems like one you would want to know about.)
Well, that's about it for today...pretty boring day, so not much to journal. I have a sink full of dishes...maybe I should load the dishwasher before I have ice cream for the third night in a row (too bad someone asked me today if I have lost weight...I told her that ACTUALLY the scale yesterday said yes, but I'm trying to eat enough ice cream this week to counteract all that!).
Laurie, I LOVE what you wrote about messes! I am TOTALLY going to remember that (and probably share it with my mom!). "Messes are the most patient things I know." How great is that?! It makes me laugh out loud...if this is the case, there is a LOT of patience going on in my house (and not coming from me!)! Thanks also for the photo compliment...my sister would probably die if she knew I posted that photo of her without her hair and make-up done, my mom would freak out because she doesn't want her picture "on the Internet", I have a really crooked smile and that shirt doesn't look quite right (although it is one of my favorites), and my dad, well, that's what he looks like in pictures (except it is still hard seeing him with blond hair...he bleached his black hair blond for my sister's wedding in order to call himself "the Blond Bond"). So, thanks for looking past all that :o) (By the way, have you checked out this blog ? As if you needed another blog to read, but it seems like one you would want to know about.)
Well, that's about it for today...pretty boring day, so not much to journal. I have a sink full of dishes...maybe I should load the dishwasher before I have ice cream for the third night in a row (too bad someone asked me today if I have lost weight...I told her that ACTUALLY the scale yesterday said yes, but I'm trying to eat enough ice cream this week to counteract all that!).
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Family Day
On a Tuesday of all days!
This morning, I went to Curves for the first time in about 2 weeks. Much to my surprise, when I stepped on the scale, I actually weighed SIX pounds less than I did 2 months ago! I'm thinking it must have been a fluke (or, if it wasn't, then it probably won't last long seeing as I now have a freezer fully stocked of ice cream courtesy of last nights' cravings!). However, it was nice to see that number, even though it isn't close to my "goal", considering I have been doing quite a bit of "eating out" recently. Oh, did I forget to mention that it was nearly 10:00 by the time I rolled out of bed to GET to the gym?! Ahh, sleep is WONDERFUL!
After that was when my whole "family day" started! I was supposed to meet my mom at work because she was helping me ship some packages (my friend got to go home on Sunday but couldn't get all her stuff on the plane!). We met up for lunch before that and had a nice visit before she had to go back to work. Then, my sister came over and ate HER lunch at my house (She had gotten a pedicure, but my mom and I didn't end up being able to go at the same time so skipped it...maybe next time!). We ALSO had a nice visit, she took the rest of her wedding gifts and other random things from my house (so, now all the junk, clutter, stuff is really ALL MINE...). I also went with her to get her car washed (I guess the car wash freaks her out...she's a bit clausterphobic!). Later, after I took a nice long bath, my dad called me. He was headed to the simulcast horse races. That's one of our favorite things to do together, so I decided to meet him there. He paid for my dinner and we won one race. Not bad (mom also paid for lunch!).
So, needless to say, I didn't make a dent in the list of chores I wrote down yesterday! However, I will say that I feel better saying that my house stays a mess because I spent time with my family rather than the typical "my house is a mess because I like to sit on the couch while watching tv and reading blogs on the computer" (not to say that will not be my excuse the next time I have a day off!). I do spend a lot time on the computer...I should start sending regular emails to my family and friends in between my "blog reading sessions".
Back to work tomorrow. I think it will be a little strange going back when my friend isn't there (even though I'm super SUPER happy she's not!). I have no idea who my patients will be! At least I just work "one day in a row"...I think I can handle ALMOST anything for "just one day"! It will probably be a rude awakening having to actually WORK for a change! It has been a while since I had to run around like a crazy lady (I've been taking care of my little "A-team" patient for the past three weeks or so and that required very little nursing care since her mom does EVERYTHING! I spent MUCH MUCH more time working my mouth than working my behind...I suppose it is time for me to work for my money!). Oh well, like I have said before, I'm not afraid of working hard...and working hard for only ONE day...I am already counting my blessings!
Mom, Me, Sister, Dad
This morning, I went to Curves for the first time in about 2 weeks. Much to my surprise, when I stepped on the scale, I actually weighed SIX pounds less than I did 2 months ago! I'm thinking it must have been a fluke (or, if it wasn't, then it probably won't last long seeing as I now have a freezer fully stocked of ice cream courtesy of last nights' cravings!). However, it was nice to see that number, even though it isn't close to my "goal", considering I have been doing quite a bit of "eating out" recently. Oh, did I forget to mention that it was nearly 10:00 by the time I rolled out of bed to GET to the gym?! Ahh, sleep is WONDERFUL!
After that was when my whole "family day" started! I was supposed to meet my mom at work because she was helping me ship some packages (my friend got to go home on Sunday but couldn't get all her stuff on the plane!). We met up for lunch before that and had a nice visit before she had to go back to work. Then, my sister came over and ate HER lunch at my house (She had gotten a pedicure, but my mom and I didn't end up being able to go at the same time so skipped it...maybe next time!). We ALSO had a nice visit, she took the rest of her wedding gifts and other random things from my house (so, now all the junk, clutter, stuff is really ALL MINE...). I also went with her to get her car washed (I guess the car wash freaks her out...she's a bit clausterphobic!). Later, after I took a nice long bath, my dad called me. He was headed to the simulcast horse races. That's one of our favorite things to do together, so I decided to meet him there. He paid for my dinner and we won one race. Not bad (mom also paid for lunch!).
So, needless to say, I didn't make a dent in the list of chores I wrote down yesterday! However, I will say that I feel better saying that my house stays a mess because I spent time with my family rather than the typical "my house is a mess because I like to sit on the couch while watching tv and reading blogs on the computer" (not to say that will not be my excuse the next time I have a day off!). I do spend a lot time on the computer...I should start sending regular emails to my family and friends in between my "blog reading sessions".
Back to work tomorrow. I think it will be a little strange going back when my friend isn't there (even though I'm super SUPER happy she's not!). I have no idea who my patients will be! At least I just work "one day in a row"...I think I can handle ALMOST anything for "just one day"! It will probably be a rude awakening having to actually WORK for a change! It has been a while since I had to run around like a crazy lady (I've been taking care of my little "A-team" patient for the past three weeks or so and that required very little nursing care since her mom does EVERYTHING! I spent MUCH MUCH more time working my mouth than working my behind...I suppose it is time for me to work for my money!). Oh well, like I have said before, I'm not afraid of working hard...and working hard for only ONE day...I am already counting my blessings!
This is actually a pretty BAD family picture,
but it is the most recent one I could find! (I guess
it looks a little better being small like that,
but when I had it bigger...not good at all!)
Mom, Me, Sister, DadOff to bed...from what I have written in my last paragraph, I have prepared myself for a very busy day...I can do it! (but a lot better after a full night's rest!)
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