October's weather was kind of all over the place. We had a lot of really nice summery days and a few "oh my god, it's so cold it's going to snow any minute" days. Vic and I have gone thru a heap of wood already making fires. Every year we rent a wood splitter to split the larger pieces of wood so they'll fit into our little wood-burning stove. (We haven't split yet this year.) We moved the remaining outdoor plants inside and put away any patio stuff that was still lurking about. We had a really good wind last night that knocked down any of the little yellow leaves that were clinging onto our backyard trees, so now we have a yard filled with yellow and red. Autumn is always my favorite time of year ~ I love the leaf colors and the crispness in the air.
One of the two big events this month were the addition of our new family member, Erin. She is a black lab we "rescued" off of Craigslist. I don't think her previous people took very good care of her at all. She's about 17 months old and has a great disposition. We got her mainly as a companion for Meg and the two of them get along wonderfully. She's been with us now for a week and there haven't been any fights with any of the kids. She does have some sort of skin condition, but the vet thinks it should be cleared up easily enough with some antibiotics.
The other major event is Vic's health. She has been out of work since the beginning of September. After many x-rays, MRIs, and blood tests, the doctor seems to think she may be suffering from fibromyalgia. Vic suffers from all the symptoms of it and pretty much confined to the house due to the terrible pain she's always in. Hopefully we'll know something for sure in the next couple of weeks so that we can begin to actively treat it. Until then, she's a house-wife. And we are a one-income family. Not such a good thing to be around the holidays. I'm hoping for a merrier November.
Work is still going well. I'll be leaving the world of 12-hour shifts and will start my 8-hour days in November. I really looking forward to getting home while it's still light out. I'm starting to feel more and more confident in my surgical abilities with each passing case. I actually had a patient code on me a few days ago. The doc started administering CPR and there was just total controlled chaos for about 15 minutes. My job in those situations is to just get out of the way, which I did. She came in for a "routine" procedure, but the day was anything but routine for any of us. Just goes to show you how precious life is.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Saturday, October 03, 2009
september in review
September was definitely a "do nothing" month. My brother and his wife came for a visit last weekend, so the few weeks before that were spent cleaning the house. I think we need to have guests come more often ~ it's really the only way the house ever gets cleaned! They just came up for the day. I think they wanted to get away for a while and our house was within driving distance. It was a nice visit ~ nothing special.
Vic's been off work since Labor Day with her back problems. She sees the neurosurgeon next week. I hope he can offer an alternative to back surgery. Now that I know a few more things about surgery, I think it should definitely be a person's last resort. Right now, there's no telling when or if she'll go back to work, so most of my month has been spent working and worrying about money problems. Actually, it's an all-consuming thought. And Vic isn't really one to make sacrafices. We still have to buy the most expensive fucking cigarettes and we still have to have cable TV.
We STILL have dog issues. I think Megan has actually gotten a bit worse. Before, she never wanted to leave the living room. Now she refuses to leave the couch. We have to drag her outside to go potty. She doesn't look or act sick, she eats and gets plenty of water, and once outside she chases squirrels and runs around the yard, but she won't play ball and refuses to walk thru doorways. I'm so incredibly frustrated by the whole thing that I've just given up completely. She's Vickie's dog now.
September was not a good month.
Vic's been off work since Labor Day with her back problems. She sees the neurosurgeon next week. I hope he can offer an alternative to back surgery. Now that I know a few more things about surgery, I think it should definitely be a person's last resort. Right now, there's no telling when or if she'll go back to work, so most of my month has been spent working and worrying about money problems. Actually, it's an all-consuming thought. And Vic isn't really one to make sacrafices. We still have to buy the most expensive fucking cigarettes and we still have to have cable TV.
We STILL have dog issues. I think Megan has actually gotten a bit worse. Before, she never wanted to leave the living room. Now she refuses to leave the couch. We have to drag her outside to go potty. She doesn't look or act sick, she eats and gets plenty of water, and once outside she chases squirrels and runs around the yard, but she won't play ball and refuses to walk thru doorways. I'm so incredibly frustrated by the whole thing that I've just given up completely. She's Vickie's dog now.
September was not a good month.
Friday, September 11, 2009
lately
I haven't been the best blogger lately. As a matter of fact, I kinda suck at it right now. But I'm not even sure if anyone still checks in any more. I know I check everyone's blog (I may not always leave a post, tho), but I've noticed fewer blogs there, too. Summer is just a hectic time ~ lots going on. Sometimes you just don't have the time to sit down and post something. Also Facebook has cut down on the number of bloggings, too. I guess it's just easier to jot down a quick line or two about what you're doing instead of composing an entire paragraph. I'm on FB, but I'm not a very good poster there, either. I'm more of a reader and occasional commentor.
Lately I've been so busy with work, that I just can't find the time to do anything. Our house is a mess and I think the dog is feeling a bit neglected. Working three days a week is nice because it gives me two days off, but on the days I work, all I do is work and sleep. Kind've a bummer right now. So that's why I've been a bad blogger.
I thought I'd let you in on some things on my mind of late.
* My brother is planning a trip here in a few weekends. He may or may not bring my mom. Either way, our house is a mess and we really really really need to start tidying up soon.
* Meg is putting on some weight, which is good because we both thought she was a bit undernourished when she first came to live with us. But I think she's putting on a bit too much weight. I feel partly responsible because I never have time to walk her.
* Money. I know we don't have it as bad as some other people, but it's definitely not good here, either. I'm so tired of always worrying about how to pay this bill or that bill. And every time I think that we'll finally get caught up, some calamity happens that puts us back in the hole again.
* Vic isn't feeling well ~ problems with her back. She goes for another MRI today to hopefully determine what the problem is. She's been off work for the past week (calamity) and just feels awful. We both really hope it's nothing serious. I have a feeling it's not something that will require surgery, but then I'm not really a doctor, am I?
* Speaking of health care...I'm not going to use this as a forum to give you my views on the whole subject, but remember there is no such thing as free health care. Nothing is free. And to think that uninsured people aren't receiving free health care now is silly. Every time you go to the hospital and are charged $30 for an aspirin it's because the last 10 patients before you were treated even though they didn't have insurance or money in their pocket, so we pass along the bill to you in the form of overinflated pricing. And to think that you'll be able to keep your present insurance is also misleading. You may be able to continue with your present company's insurance plan, but at a much higher premium. Just ask any of the Canadian patients I see every day what they think about socialized medicine. Why do you think they are crossing the border to seek medical attention? It's because they are on long waiting lists for much needed surgeries. I just think there are a lot of flaws in this proposal.
* Vic and I would like to move. Preferably further north and in an area without screaming kids or neighbors who work on cars until 1am. We'd also like a snowblower. And a snowmobile. With a basket to carry our groceries home from the Krogers.
Lately I've been so busy with work, that I just can't find the time to do anything. Our house is a mess and I think the dog is feeling a bit neglected. Working three days a week is nice because it gives me two days off, but on the days I work, all I do is work and sleep. Kind've a bummer right now. So that's why I've been a bad blogger.
I thought I'd let you in on some things on my mind of late.
* My brother is planning a trip here in a few weekends. He may or may not bring my mom. Either way, our house is a mess and we really really really need to start tidying up soon.
* Meg is putting on some weight, which is good because we both thought she was a bit undernourished when she first came to live with us. But I think she's putting on a bit too much weight. I feel partly responsible because I never have time to walk her.
* Money. I know we don't have it as bad as some other people, but it's definitely not good here, either. I'm so tired of always worrying about how to pay this bill or that bill. And every time I think that we'll finally get caught up, some calamity happens that puts us back in the hole again.
* Vic isn't feeling well ~ problems with her back. She goes for another MRI today to hopefully determine what the problem is. She's been off work for the past week (calamity) and just feels awful. We both really hope it's nothing serious. I have a feeling it's not something that will require surgery, but then I'm not really a doctor, am I?
* Speaking of health care...I'm not going to use this as a forum to give you my views on the whole subject, but remember there is no such thing as free health care. Nothing is free. And to think that uninsured people aren't receiving free health care now is silly. Every time you go to the hospital and are charged $30 for an aspirin it's because the last 10 patients before you were treated even though they didn't have insurance or money in their pocket, so we pass along the bill to you in the form of overinflated pricing. And to think that you'll be able to keep your present insurance is also misleading. You may be able to continue with your present company's insurance plan, but at a much higher premium. Just ask any of the Canadian patients I see every day what they think about socialized medicine. Why do you think they are crossing the border to seek medical attention? It's because they are on long waiting lists for much needed surgeries. I just think there are a lot of flaws in this proposal.
* Vic and I would like to move. Preferably further north and in an area without screaming kids or neighbors who work on cars until 1am. We'd also like a snowblower. And a snowmobile. With a basket to carry our groceries home from the Krogers.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
august in review
Happy September! Looking back, August seemed to be spent doing a lot of what Megan is doing in this photo. We’ve had a really mild Summer and have been doing lots of yard work, so I think we kind’ve took August off to just lay around a bit. We started a few projects, but really didn’t do anything big. I’ve been at my new job now 2 whole months and still like it! The people are nice and I actually like what I do (most of the time). So I guess things are just moving along nicely ~ nothing new or exciting to blog about.
August in review:
* I started working 12-hr shifts at work. It’s nice having 2 days off during the week, but standing on my feet for 12 hours at a time is a real killer. I may get a new schedule next month. We’ll see.
* I painted our Adirondack chair Caribbean Blue. It was a nice shade of Forest Green, but the paint was chipping off and it needed to be repainted. I thought I would try a more vibrant color to shake things up a bit. I’m glad I did.
* Our sunflowers bloomed...for a few weeks. They lasted about 10 days before the squirrels discovered them and devoured their little sunflower faces, leaving us with a lot of naked sunflower stalks. We’ve got big plans for the gardens next year, but as with most things in life, it will all probably depend on the money situation.
* I read only one book this month,The Missing by Thomas Eidson. We picked it up for a quarter at a garage sale. It was made into a movie a few years back ~ Indians kidnap Cate Blanchett’s daughter, so she and Tommy Lee Jones hunt them down and get her back. It was a pretty good read (definitely worth a quarter!).
* We (mostly Vickie) started painting the upstairs bedroom. I just can’t get motivated to paint, so I haven’t been much help (sorry Vic). First we have to Kilz everything and then paint. It will really look nice if it ever gets done.
August in review:
* I started working 12-hr shifts at work. It’s nice having 2 days off during the week, but standing on my feet for 12 hours at a time is a real killer. I may get a new schedule next month. We’ll see.
* I painted our Adirondack chair Caribbean Blue. It was a nice shade of Forest Green, but the paint was chipping off and it needed to be repainted. I thought I would try a more vibrant color to shake things up a bit. I’m glad I did.
* Our sunflowers bloomed...for a few weeks. They lasted about 10 days before the squirrels discovered them and devoured their little sunflower faces, leaving us with a lot of naked sunflower stalks. We’ve got big plans for the gardens next year, but as with most things in life, it will all probably depend on the money situation.
* I read only one book this month,The Missing by Thomas Eidson. We picked it up for a quarter at a garage sale. It was made into a movie a few years back ~ Indians kidnap Cate Blanchett’s daughter, so she and Tommy Lee Jones hunt them down and get her back. It was a pretty good read (definitely worth a quarter!).
* We (mostly Vickie) started painting the upstairs bedroom. I just can’t get motivated to paint, so I haven’t been much help (sorry Vic). First we have to Kilz everything and then paint. It will really look nice if it ever gets done.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
the minutia of my life
On this, my day off, I thought I would introduce you to the things on my desk: a touch lamp (one of the greatest inventions EVER), a small frame with a pic of Shannon in it (world's greatest dog), a spamalope cartoon, a London water globe, calculator man, a basket filled with scrap pieces of writing paper, an Air Force mug rug, cell phone, a squeezy ball shaped like the globe, a pocket-sized calendar with my paydays highlighted, a picture of a bucktoothed squirrel, the latest Smithsonian magazine, a little 3-drawer thing that holds address labels and stamps, and various computer stuffs.
My day off has been spent washing things. Washing the dishes, some rugs, and the towels. I've also been waiting for the mailman to bring my new book on Elizabeth I. So far, no mail. Is this some kind of postal holiday or something? With all the recent cutbacks, has the government decided to do away with mail or is my mailman just taking his sweet ass time getting here today? I really want that book.
I also went to the grocery store and bought a tomato and a head of lettuce in anticipation of eating BLTs later when Vic gets home. Curiously, I don't like tomatoes and I actually prefer lettuce shreds to lettuce pieces.
I wonder if I'll like working 12-hour shifts more in the Winter. Right now, my days off are spent catching up on housework and watching the dog sleep all day.
My day off has been spent washing things. Washing the dishes, some rugs, and the towels. I've also been waiting for the mailman to bring my new book on Elizabeth I. So far, no mail. Is this some kind of postal holiday or something? With all the recent cutbacks, has the government decided to do away with mail or is my mailman just taking his sweet ass time getting here today? I really want that book.
I also went to the grocery store and bought a tomato and a head of lettuce in anticipation of eating BLTs later when Vic gets home. Curiously, I don't like tomatoes and I actually prefer lettuce shreds to lettuce pieces.
I wonder if I'll like working 12-hour shifts more in the Winter. Right now, my days off are spent catching up on housework and watching the dog sleep all day.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
my busy days
I wish I had a really good reason for not blogging more lately...but I don't. It just seems like I've been busy with the normal everyday boring-type of things that fill my days. I only work three days a week, but they're all 12-hour days; when I get home I am totally exhausted. Sometimes I struggle to stay up an hour or two and then pour myself into bed. And my days off are usually spent running all over the place getting chores done. The one luxury I've afforded myself recently has been trying to devote more time to reading. As a matter of fact, I just ordered a book on Queen Elizabeth I and hope to get it sometime this week. When the cool weather starts back up, I'll be spending more time inside and I'll get back to scrapbooking again. So I guess my blog has suffered a bit lately. But I wonder if the people who would normally read this are all too busy with their lives to spend some time here. So maybe we can all get together on a more regular basis in the next couple of months.
Friday, August 14, 2009
today
Today is my day off. I told myself I wasn't going to do any work-type thing today, just read and relax. But I think I'll cut the grass. (I've already read and relaxed.) It's hard not to do something around a house that is filled with so many "to do" projects. Most of them are too big for just one person, so I have to wait for Vic. Others of them are just extremely tedious and I just keep avoiding them. I really don't mind cutting the grass, though. When I was a teenager I absolutely hated mowing and would bitch and whine about it endlessly. But that was then and now it's different. This is my grass. (Well, actually it's the bank's grass, but they let me borrow it for about 30 years.)
It seems like yardwork is the only exercise I get these days. On workdays, I'm on my feet for 12 hours, so I don't feel much like doing anything more strenuous than crawling into a nice warm bubble bath. And on my days off, I'm just not motivated to do anything. That's not really true. I am motivated, but I don't have anyone to go walking or cycling with, so I just stay home and do little stuff around the house instead...like cutting the grass. So off I go ~ the back yard awaits me!
It seems like yardwork is the only exercise I get these days. On workdays, I'm on my feet for 12 hours, so I don't feel much like doing anything more strenuous than crawling into a nice warm bubble bath. And on my days off, I'm just not motivated to do anything. That's not really true. I am motivated, but I don't have anyone to go walking or cycling with, so I just stay home and do little stuff around the house instead...like cutting the grass. So off I go ~ the back yard awaits me!
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
experimenting with the tripod
Here are a few pics of the previously blogged blue chair. She's a beut, no?
And here is a lovely picture of me sitting in the beautiful blue chair. As you can see, I've started using my tripod a bit.
I tried several times to get a shot of me and Meg, but every time the camera's timer started beeping, she'd run off. This was the best I could do. I think heads in photos are overrated.
And here is a lovely picture of me sitting in the beautiful blue chair. As you can see, I've started using my tripod a bit.
I tried several times to get a shot of me and Meg, but every time the camera's timer started beeping, she'd run off. This was the best I could do. I think heads in photos are overrated.
Monday, August 03, 2009
july in review
This was a pretty busy day~my day off from work. Vic continued applying Kilz to our hallway and upstairs bedroom (a project we've talked about doing for about 4 years now!), I pained our old dark green adirondack chair a charming shade of Caribbean Blue (I'll include a pic when it's done drying), and then I cut the grass and am now doing laundry. These 12-hr shifts are going to kill me! On workdays, I'll be on my feet for at least 11 hours, and on off days I'll bust my butt doing stuff around the house!
July seemed like a nice calm month. Vic & I hit a lot of garage sales and went to the city's farmer's market a few Sundays. We got lots of stuff we really didn't need at both venues. We took a trip to visit my brother in Cleveland and got to attend the Irish Festival there ~ both very enjoyable. This was the month I found out I was officially certified as a surgical technologist, a test I studied months for. And I finished the new Maeve Binchy book Heart and Soul. I've only read 6 books so far this year. I know that a large portion of the year was spent studying my school books, but still, 6 seems like such a small number! I've also been busy working on a hookrug (something I haven't done for years!) and my cross stitch. Can't wait to see what August will bring!
July seemed like a nice calm month. Vic & I hit a lot of garage sales and went to the city's farmer's market a few Sundays. We got lots of stuff we really didn't need at both venues. We took a trip to visit my brother in Cleveland and got to attend the Irish Festival there ~ both very enjoyable. This was the month I found out I was officially certified as a surgical technologist, a test I studied months for. And I finished the new Maeve Binchy book Heart and Soul. I've only read 6 books so far this year. I know that a large portion of the year was spent studying my school books, but still, 6 seems like such a small number! I've also been busy working on a hookrug (something I haven't done for years!) and my cross stitch. Can't wait to see what August will bring!
Friday, July 31, 2009
the cleveland trip
Today was my last day of 8-hr shifts at work ~next week I start my 12s. I've never liked 12-hr shifts, but since I wasn't really given a choice, I guess I'll make the best of it. It'll be nice having to work only 3 days a week, but I dread being on my feet for 12 hours at a time. Oh well...
Vic, Meg, and I had a great time in Cleveland last weekend! Meg did really well in the car, so the drive there and back was very smooth. Except for a little rain Saturday afternoon, the weather cool and breezy and made for great relaxing outside weather. We stayed at my brother's house and Meg got to meet her cousin Bootsie. She (Meg) was a little shy and skittish the first night, but then she came around and seemed to play nicely with her cousin.
Saturday afternoon Vic & I checked out the Irish Festival ~ Kenny and Nikki weren't interested in going, so they babysat. The festival was pretty good. Some good music and lots of vendors. It lasted pretty much all night, but Vic & I left early because my mom and dad were coming to my brother's house that evening. We just threw some burgers on the grill and then played cards afterward. It was actually a very nice night ~ no "mom drama" at all.
Kenny, Nikki, and Bootsie are planning a visit to our house later next month or possibly in September. It was really nice seeing them, so now that we live within a few hours of each other, maybe we can visit more often.
Vic, Meg, and I had a great time in Cleveland last weekend! Meg did really well in the car, so the drive there and back was very smooth. Except for a little rain Saturday afternoon, the weather cool and breezy and made for great relaxing outside weather. We stayed at my brother's house and Meg got to meet her cousin Bootsie. She (Meg) was a little shy and skittish the first night, but then she came around and seemed to play nicely with her cousin.
Saturday afternoon Vic & I checked out the Irish Festival ~ Kenny and Nikki weren't interested in going, so they babysat. The festival was pretty good. Some good music and lots of vendors. It lasted pretty much all night, but Vic & I left early because my mom and dad were coming to my brother's house that evening. We just threw some burgers on the grill and then played cards afterward. It was actually a very nice night ~ no "mom drama" at all.
Kenny, Nikki, and Bootsie are planning a visit to our house later next month or possibly in September. It was really nice seeing them, so now that we live within a few hours of each other, maybe we can visit more often.
Friday, July 24, 2009
the weekend ahead
It's early Friday morning and I'm preparing for work ~ which means I'm working on waking up. In about 9 hrs. Vic, Megan, and I will be on our way to Cleveland to visit with my brother and hopefully (if it doesn't pour rain) take in the Irish Festival. I'm really hoping for a smooth drive, and a relaxing weekend with no drama from my mother. I'll let you know how it goes.
Friday, July 17, 2009
outside
I recently found out that I passed my certification exam! I can now put a CST after my name! Other exciting news...our first sunflower blossomed (on the day I found out about the exam). There are more that are just yearning to burst forth (I can see it in their almost hidden faces). All of our sunflowers are from the seeds the birdies drop while eating. We actually planted a few from starter plants last year, but they weren't near as nice.
Vic & I decided early on that this was going to be the "Year of the Yard" meaning we were going to spend most of the Summer right here in our own backyard. This is due partly to having no money and partly to having a great backyard. We would both like to do more, but right now it looks very inviting and extremely relaxing.
Speaking of staying home...we won't be next weekend. We are going to take Meg for a trip to visit her Uncle Kenny and her cousing Bootsy in Cleveland. The Cleveland Irish Festival is next weekend and we thought that would be a great time for a visit! I'm actually looking forward to getting away for a few days.
Friday, July 10, 2009
blogging
It seems like fewer people are blogging now that Facebook has come along (myself included). I miss reading my favorite blogs on a daily basis =( But I understand the reason behind the lack of posts ~ now that it's nice out nobody wants to sit and compose a paragraph or two, and Facebook is a lot easier to maneuver. I'm going to try to get better at blogging, though. And Facebooking. I'll just pass along little tidbits about the goings on in my life as they happen. For instance...
* Today was my first payday at the new job! We're still poor, but a little less so.
* I've been working solo in the OR all week. This is a pretty big deal. It means they trust me enough to not have another person scrubbed in with me. I was given some rather easyish cases, but still this is a pretty big step!
* Megan is doing well and is actually laying on the floor at my feet right now. I think she's much happier with her new family.
* I'm hoping to talk Vic into taking me out for Mexican food this weekend!
* Today was my first payday at the new job! We're still poor, but a little less so.
* I've been working solo in the OR all week. This is a pretty big deal. It means they trust me enough to not have another person scrubbed in with me. I was given some rather easyish cases, but still this is a pretty big step!
* Megan is doing well and is actually laying on the floor at my feet right now. I think she's much happier with her new family.
* I'm hoping to talk Vic into taking me out for Mexican food this weekend!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
stuff & work
Well, the July 4th weekend was long and very relaxing. Vic & mostly just hung around the house ~ we grilled, worked in the yard, and just enjoyed sitting. Nothing too taxing at all!
Work seems to be going pretty good. Today I had a day of hoo-h00s (hysterectomy and some D&Cs). The GYN stuff is my favorite. The docs are super nice and the cases usually don't have that much instrumentation. I've been there about a week and I've already worked overtime once! And I get my first paycheck this week! They've got great benefits, too ~ I can claim Vic on my insurance which is very exciting because her insurance sucks butt. I'm always tired now and my poor feeties always hurt. I think I'm just old and out of shape.
Work seems to be going pretty good. Today I had a day of hoo-h00s (hysterectomy and some D&Cs). The GYN stuff is my favorite. The docs are super nice and the cases usually don't have that much instrumentation. I've been there about a week and I've already worked overtime once! And I get my first paycheck this week! They've got great benefits, too ~ I can claim Vic on my insurance which is very exciting because her insurance sucks butt. I'm always tired now and my poor feeties always hurt. I think I'm just old and out of shape.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
june
One of the great things about starting work this week is that I get a paid day off tomorrow for the holiday! How exciting! I don't think Vickie & I have any big plans for the long weekend ~ I know Vic is going to make her wonderful kavics (like kabobs, but made by Vic), and I think that most of our weekend is going to be spent relaxing and maybe hitting a few yard sales.
And now a review of June:
* Well of course the biggest event of June was my graduation from college. Finally. After 25 long years, I finally have a 2-year degree. The ceremony was very nice and I actually got a little teary thinking of all I had been thru in the last year. I couldn't have done it without the love and support of Vickie. She was wonderful throughout this whole long battle.
* I finished reading Band of Brothers. It was actually a much better book than I thought it would be. Some of the Army lingo was a bit confusing at times, but overall a good read.
* We planted or hung a lot of flowers this past month. Our backyard really looks nice and cheery.
* I started a hook-rug project. I know I haven't finished the cross-stitch one yet, but I was looking for something else crafty to do. I really need to get back to scrapbooking, but I just can't get motivated. I need a scrapping buddy.
* The other major event of the month was my new job. I've only been there a few days, but I like it. It helps that I did my 6 months of clinicals there and know all the people already! I hope I'll be able to catch on quickly to all the procedures. Like with anything, some of stuff is pretty straightforward and easy, but then there are other procedures that have hundreds of instruments and difficult doctors.
And now a review of June:
* Well of course the biggest event of June was my graduation from college. Finally. After 25 long years, I finally have a 2-year degree. The ceremony was very nice and I actually got a little teary thinking of all I had been thru in the last year. I couldn't have done it without the love and support of Vickie. She was wonderful throughout this whole long battle.
* I finished reading Band of Brothers. It was actually a much better book than I thought it would be. Some of the Army lingo was a bit confusing at times, but overall a good read.
* We planted or hung a lot of flowers this past month. Our backyard really looks nice and cheery.
* I started a hook-rug project. I know I haven't finished the cross-stitch one yet, but I was looking for something else crafty to do. I really need to get back to scrapbooking, but I just can't get motivated. I need a scrapping buddy.
* The other major event of the month was my new job. I've only been there a few days, but I like it. It helps that I did my 6 months of clinicals there and know all the people already! I hope I'll be able to catch on quickly to all the procedures. Like with anything, some of stuff is pretty straightforward and easy, but then there are other procedures that have hundreds of instruments and difficult doctors.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
work
My real first day of work actually went pretty well. I was quite nervous last night and had a hard time falling asleep, but I think it was all for naught. Everyone was very happy to see me, I got a new locker and name badge, and all my cases went smoothly. I had 3 ortho procedures: a total knee replacement, removal of some screws from a foot, and a knee arthroscopy. Tomorrow I think I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy and a laparotomy (they open up your belly and look around at stuff).
Monday, June 29, 2009
sorta 1st day
Today was my first day of work at the new job. But not really. The whole day was spent in orientation. These are my favorite kind of workdays ~ you get paid to sit around listening to other people drone on about "the mission," "the vision", workplace diversity, zero-tolerance regarding all forms of abuse, and most importantly, the proper way to wash your hands. And they feed you donuts and lunch and other assorted snackies! If I could just find a job that involves 40 hour orientation sessions every week I'd be in heaven!
I also got my employee badge. It doesn't look bad!
I also got my employee badge. It doesn't look bad!
Friday, June 26, 2009
stuff
Some things going on at my house:
* Our hanging baskets and container gardens are doing better this year than our "in the ground" garden is. Not sure why, but the result is beautiful. We've got about a dozen or so pots and containers and a gorgeous purple Clematis. It really brightens up the patio.
* It's been unbelievably hot here the last few days. The oppressive heat was one of the reasons we moved out of Florida and now here it is! I was really hoping to hold out until July before we cranked up the window AC, but 100 degree temps forced us into early cranking.
* Still no word on my certification results.
* I'm still working on the cross-stitch project I started just after Christmas. Most of my stitching takes place on the porch or in front of a Tigers game. It was slow going while I was in school, but I'm making some nice progress now.
* Recently, a Hobby Lobby opened up near my house. I might make a trip to mecca this weekend.
* Our hanging baskets and container gardens are doing better this year than our "in the ground" garden is. Not sure why, but the result is beautiful. We've got about a dozen or so pots and containers and a gorgeous purple Clematis. It really brightens up the patio.
* It's been unbelievably hot here the last few days. The oppressive heat was one of the reasons we moved out of Florida and now here it is! I was really hoping to hold out until July before we cranked up the window AC, but 100 degree temps forced us into early cranking.
* Still no word on my certification results.
* I'm still working on the cross-stitch project I started just after Christmas. Most of my stitching takes place on the porch or in front of a Tigers game. It was slow going while I was in school, but I'm making some nice progress now.
* Recently, a Hobby Lobby opened up near my house. I might make a trip to mecca this weekend.
Monday, June 22, 2009
in casey you were wondering...
* I can’t cook ~ not a bit. Nor do I want to learn. I absolutely hate preparing, chopping, measuring, and anything that has to do with the whole “pre-eating” phase of mealtime. I recently discovered (just a few months ago) instant pancake mix. Oh. My. God. This is one of the best inventions in the modern world! Prior to shaky pancakes, I would go thru an entire box of Aunt Jemima and get nary a flapjack out of it. I think I’m mixing deficient. My pancakes were either too watery or too lumpy or became something closer to paste. But now I am pancake barren no more! I just add the exact amount of water it says to add on the shaky container (never estimate, always use a measuring cup!), shake vigorously for 30 seconds, and voila! a pancake Mardi Gras instantly appears in my very kitchen!
* I always try to locate the big toe indentation on my socks before I put them on. Sometimes that’s not easy to do, but when I do find the end of the sock that looks more pokey-outty than the other, I make sure to place that end on the little toe. My goal is to have a more even wear on my socks. I’ve achieved moderate success thus far.
* When I start a new book, I try to choose a bookmark that somehow follows the theme of the book. For instance, I’ll use the Sherlock Holmes Museum card I got in London when reading a mystery. I recently used one with a falcon on it while reading Band of Brothers because their patch had a screaming eagle on it. I just chose a postcard from Ireland for the Maeve Binchy book I’m about to start. I've actually been known to spend 15 or 20 minutes debating on which bookmark to use and then trying it out in the book to make sure I got a good vibe from it. Vickie uses pieces of toilet paper.
* I always try to locate the big toe indentation on my socks before I put them on. Sometimes that’s not easy to do, but when I do find the end of the sock that looks more pokey-outty than the other, I make sure to place that end on the little toe. My goal is to have a more even wear on my socks. I’ve achieved moderate success thus far.
* When I start a new book, I try to choose a bookmark that somehow follows the theme of the book. For instance, I’ll use the Sherlock Holmes Museum card I got in London when reading a mystery. I recently used one with a falcon on it while reading Band of Brothers because their patch had a screaming eagle on it. I just chose a postcard from Ireland for the Maeve Binchy book I’m about to start. I've actually been known to spend 15 or 20 minutes debating on which bookmark to use and then trying it out in the book to make sure I got a good vibe from it. Vickie uses pieces of toilet paper.
Friday, June 19, 2009
job
I was offered a job today at the hospital where I performed clinicals. Vickie & I are very happy...as are the electric company, cable company, and water company. I have to take a cursory physical and go thru a day of orientation before I start work on the 30th of this month. The hospital has domestic partner benefits, which means Vickie can drop her incredibly shitty insurance and pick up mine instead. This is the first place I've ever worked that has had domestic partner benefits. What's next ~ the right to vote?!
Still no word on whether or not I passed my certification exam. It's killing me. I should find out "within 4 weeks of taking the exam." Whatever, I want to know NOW.
Still no word on whether or not I passed my certification exam. It's killing me. I should find out "within 4 weeks of taking the exam." Whatever, I want to know NOW.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
post-graduation
Since I’m now a graduate and still unemployed, I’ve decided to put my days off to good use. So far I’ve tidied up the craft room, washed tons of things, weeded, pulled, dead-headed and planted tons more things, read at least 8 magazines, helped clean up the garage, and applied for every job I could find. Hopefully I’ll have some good news to report next week regarding both a job at the hospital I did my clinical work at and my certification exam results. I’ve included a picture of my kitty Caleb helping me do some last minute studying ~ he’s always such a big help! Today is kind’ve a rainy, icky day, so I think I’m just going to sit out on the porch and read a bit while Megan plays in the backyard. Then we’ll watch the Tigers later tonight. Megan is a big Tigers fan!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
finished!
Saturday morning was my graduation! I can't believe I'm finally finished with school!! After the ceremony, I was so pent up with stress from the last 12 months that when I finally realized it was all over, I cried. I am soooo looking forward to not studying, not taking tests, and not working for free. I've actually read 4 magazines so far this weekend!
Of course, I still don't have a job, so I guess I'll have tons of free time to read anything I want for a while. I think (hope!) I shouldn't have to wait too long, though. The director at my hospital offered me a position as soon as she can have HR post it online ~ so that's good-ish news, I guess. Until then, I'm going to work on a few little projects around the house, and of course, read as much as I can!
Of course, I still don't have a job, so I guess I'll have tons of free time to read anything I want for a while. I think (hope!) I shouldn't have to wait too long, though. The director at my hospital offered me a position as soon as she can have HR post it online ~ so that's good-ish news, I guess. Until then, I'm going to work on a few little projects around the house, and of course, read as much as I can!
Monday, June 08, 2009
monday doings
Our porch is finished! As you can see in the before and after photos, it looks a heck of a lot better now. It’s quite a bit larger and really makes sitting outside in the morning a pleasure. We affixed some lattice to the side for a little bit of added privacy and will add some more baskets of flowers to give it a little more color. Flea loves it! I think our next major outside project is going to be new siding for the house, but that’s going to be quite a while before we can do that. I’ll probably start with something small like re-organizing the garage ~ again! (Hang your head in shame Vickie!)
Today was my last day of school...sorta. I don’t have any more classes, but I still have to report to the hospital tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday. We have Friday off because we take our certification exam in the morning. Thursday night is our pinning ceremony and Saturday afternoon is our graduation. I can’t believe it’s all almost over. When I started this program waaaaay back in June of last year, I never thought I would make it through to the end. This has been the most intense and stress-filled year of my life! We had to learn a ton of information in just 6 months and then we were thrown into the very scary world of the operating room for another 6 months of terror. I really can’t believe I’ve come this far.
I wish I had some good news to report about prospective job offers, but there just aren’t any jobs out there. My OR director told me that as soon as something comes available she’ll let me know, but she can’t be 100% sure there will be anything soon. I’ve applied for everything I possibly can, but haven’t heard anything yet. Maybe I’ll get some good news before the week is up.
Today was my last day of school...sorta. I don’t have any more classes, but I still have to report to the hospital tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday. We have Friday off because we take our certification exam in the morning. Thursday night is our pinning ceremony and Saturday afternoon is our graduation. I can’t believe it’s all almost over. When I started this program waaaaay back in June of last year, I never thought I would make it through to the end. This has been the most intense and stress-filled year of my life! We had to learn a ton of information in just 6 months and then we were thrown into the very scary world of the operating room for another 6 months of terror. I really can’t believe I’ve come this far.
I wish I had some good news to report about prospective job offers, but there just aren’t any jobs out there. My OR director told me that as soon as something comes available she’ll let me know, but she can’t be 100% sure there will be anything soon. I’ve applied for everything I possibly can, but haven’t heard anything yet. Maybe I’ll get some good news before the week is up.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
may in review
May, happily, was a bit more interesting then April. We seemed to get a lot done around the house and got a new addition to our family!
* Vic and I assembled our new patio swing. It looks great NOW. It looked like (and was) a very daunting project unassembled in its cardboard box. And once again, it was confirmed that Vic and I don’t work well together. We always seem to get the project finished, but it’s never “yell-free.”
* We got a new back porch. Actually it’s still not 100% finished. Porch guy is coming back today to reattach the fence and hang some lattice. We’re very pleased with it, though, and hopefully I’ll have some pics to post next week.
* I started reading “Band of Brothers.” I really wanted something to read that had nothing to do with anatomy or dissection of any kind. I still have one week of school left, so I haven’t read as much of the book as I would’ve liked (too much studying), but I’m hoping to dive back into it next week.
* Vic and I attended our first Toledo Mudhens game. We had a blast. Minor league baseball games are a lot more fun to watch in person than the major league games. There’s more fun stuff to do between innings and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper!
* We welcomed Megan to our family. She’s been with us now for two weeks and seems to be adjusting well. But slowly. She’s still afraid to walk thru any doorway without her leash and collar, but sometimes she’ll accidentally drift into the kitchen before she realizes what she’s done, so I think that’s a small bit of progress. Also, we think she’s learned her new name (she was previously called Coco). I try to say it whenever I speak to her, so I think that helps. She loves to play ball (and crinkle the water bottle) and we’re still working on coming when called. We’ll never be able to replace Shannon, but Megan is a great dog and I’m glad she’s with a family that loves her!
* Vic and I assembled our new patio swing. It looks great NOW. It looked like (and was) a very daunting project unassembled in its cardboard box. And once again, it was confirmed that Vic and I don’t work well together. We always seem to get the project finished, but it’s never “yell-free.”
* We got a new back porch. Actually it’s still not 100% finished. Porch guy is coming back today to reattach the fence and hang some lattice. We’re very pleased with it, though, and hopefully I’ll have some pics to post next week.
* I started reading “Band of Brothers.” I really wanted something to read that had nothing to do with anatomy or dissection of any kind. I still have one week of school left, so I haven’t read as much of the book as I would’ve liked (too much studying), but I’m hoping to dive back into it next week.
* Vic and I attended our first Toledo Mudhens game. We had a blast. Minor league baseball games are a lot more fun to watch in person than the major league games. There’s more fun stuff to do between innings and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper!
* We welcomed Megan to our family. She’s been with us now for two weeks and seems to be adjusting well. But slowly. She’s still afraid to walk thru any doorway without her leash and collar, but sometimes she’ll accidentally drift into the kitchen before she realizes what she’s done, so I think that’s a small bit of progress. Also, we think she’s learned her new name (she was previously called Coco). I try to say it whenever I speak to her, so I think that helps. She loves to play ball (and crinkle the water bottle) and we’re still working on coming when called. We’ll never be able to replace Shannon, but Megan is a great dog and I’m glad she’s with a family that loves her!
Monday, June 01, 2009
nice, relaxing weekend
Saturday night Vic & I attended our first ever Toledo Mudhens game! The Mudhens are the AAA affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. We really had a nice time. The stadium was quite a bit smaller than Comerica Park (where the Tigers play), but I think the hot dogs were better and the tickets were a heck of a lot cheaper. I wouldn't mind going again.
Sunday was spent just relaxing in the back yard. I studied a bit and Vic grilled a steak and we just vegged the whole day. This was a nice, relaxing weekend.
Note ~ our back porch is about 90% complete now. Finished photos should be coming soon!
Sunday was spent just relaxing in the back yard. I studied a bit and Vic grilled a steak and we just vegged the whole day. This was a nice, relaxing weekend.
Note ~ our back porch is about 90% complete now. Finished photos should be coming soon!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
yesterday, today, & two weeks from now
Yesterday...I lost my temper with Megan and yelled at her.
Today...I felt bad about it all day.
She has a few socialization issues. I think her former people were just nutbags or something, because she absolutely refuses to leave one room for another or go out the door unless she has on both her leash and collar. It's just so frustrating.
Just two weeks until graduation! Then I'll be unemployed with a degree instead of just unemployed. And I'll get the opportunity to wear a gown with a tasselly thing hanging from a flat hat!
Today...I felt bad about it all day.
She has a few socialization issues. I think her former people were just nutbags or something, because she absolutely refuses to leave one room for another or go out the door unless she has on both her leash and collar. It's just so frustrating.
Just two weeks until graduation! Then I'll be unemployed with a degree instead of just unemployed. And I'll get the opportunity to wear a gown with a tasselly thing hanging from a flat hat!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
my memorable weekend
Friday – I came home from work to be greeted by our new puppy, Megan! She’ll be two years old in August and she’s just beautiful! Vic found her on Craigslist ~ her other people have 3 kids all under the age of four and just didn’t have time for her. We think she spent most of her time outside with a shock collar (one of those invisible fence things) and in a crate when she was inside. We don’t believe in crating a dog, so Megan has full run of the house, but she won’t leave a room unless we put a collar and leash on her! I think she must think there is an invisible fence at every threshold because she just won’t walk thru any doorway. How strange!
Megan on her first day at her new home!
She’s potty trained and knows “sit,” but that’s about it. We can’t leave food in her bowl to munch on all day like we did with Shannon because she’ll just scarf it all down at once. She has a great disposition and I know that with some time and patience we can help her get over her fear of doorways. Luckily, she has no fear of kitties.
We've already lost the "No Dogs On the Couch" battle
Saturday – We took Megan over to Grandma’s house for a visit. We grilled some hamburgers and had a nice relaxing day visiting.
Sunday – The weather was gorgeous, so a friend came over and Vic made some kabobs on the grill. The day was spent drinking beer (wine coolers for me) and playing with Megan.
Monday – The guys finally came back to work on our porch. They spent all day here and almost finished it up. They still have to attach the steps and put some lattice around the bottom. I already took a “before” picture and will include it with the “after” shot when there is one. I’m hoping they can come back and finish up this week.
Monday, May 18, 2009
small new addition
I think we may have a new outside kitty. Her name is either Patti (since we first discovered her on the patio) or Calliope (because she likes to be on the swing and Calliope can be turned into Calliopeanut (she’s still so small)). We think she may be Flea’s daughter because they are very affectionate and he is uncommonly patient with her kitty ways. She also looks a lot like him. Ever since he brought her over, though, she’s spent most of her time on the patio swing. She lets us hold her, but still hisses to let us know that she’s “the boss.” She also hisses at birdies, lawnmowers, cars, windchimes, and anything that moves or makes a noise. She’s really a cutie!
And our porch was not completed over the weekend. The boys cemented in the posts and said they’ll be back later this week to finish the project. I’m really hoping they’ll have it done before this weekend. Since it’s a long weekend, Vic & I could stain it or urethane it or do whatever one does to a wood deck. We’d also like to plant a few flowers and pretty much just stick around the house. We still haven’t switched out our summer and winter clothes, so maybe we can do that, too.
And our porch was not completed over the weekend. The boys cemented in the posts and said they’ll be back later this week to finish the project. I’m really hoping they’ll have it done before this weekend. Since it’s a long weekend, Vic & I could stain it or urethane it or do whatever one does to a wood deck. We’d also like to plant a few flowers and pretty much just stick around the house. We still haven’t switched out our summer and winter clothes, so maybe we can do that, too.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
hoping for great things
Wow, where did the week go?! It seems like now that I'm getting closer to graduating, the weeks are just flying by at break-neck speed. And they're not even filled with anything much interesting. My days are usually spent studying or working on some class project and my nights are spent falling asleep to Tigers games. Not very exciting in the least.
This past week was a bit different, though. Tuesday I was invited to my college's advisory board meeting. It turned out to be a 3-hour yawnfest, but I got fed, was given some bling (a very nice leather attache thingy), and scored a few brownie points with the director of my program. Not exactly how I wanted to spend my Tuesday night, but all in all not a bad night out.
Vic was home sick from work on Thursday & Friday, so this gave me the chance to spend some time with her that I normally don't get. I know she was sick and a little puny-feeling, but still it was nice having her around for a few more hours than I normally do. Speaking of her work...she works security at GM and things are starting to look a little bleak over there. Gobs of GM people are being laid off or fired weekly. Vic doesn't work directly for GM, but if there aren't any employees to guard there really won't be a need for guards. We won't worry about it until there's something to worry about!
We are supposed to be getting a new back porch installed today. The porch guys (who were supposed to be here an hour ago) are going to build us a pretty wood deck-type porch over our existing falling-apart concrete one. I'm hoping for great things!
This past week was a bit different, though. Tuesday I was invited to my college's advisory board meeting. It turned out to be a 3-hour yawnfest, but I got fed, was given some bling (a very nice leather attache thingy), and scored a few brownie points with the director of my program. Not exactly how I wanted to spend my Tuesday night, but all in all not a bad night out.
Vic was home sick from work on Thursday & Friday, so this gave me the chance to spend some time with her that I normally don't get. I know she was sick and a little puny-feeling, but still it was nice having her around for a few more hours than I normally do. Speaking of her work...she works security at GM and things are starting to look a little bleak over there. Gobs of GM people are being laid off or fired weekly. Vic doesn't work directly for GM, but if there aren't any employees to guard there really won't be a need for guards. We won't worry about it until there's something to worry about!
We are supposed to be getting a new back porch installed today. The porch guys (who were supposed to be here an hour ago) are going to build us a pretty wood deck-type porch over our existing falling-apart concrete one. I'm hoping for great things!
Monday, May 11, 2009
monday
I spent all weekend studying for today’s test ~ I mean REALLY studying. My brain actually hurt a little. So I took the test this morning and I must say I was thoroughly underwhelmed by my score. I passed, but my grade in no way reflected all the hard work I put into studying for it. So when I got home, instead of pulling out the books or working on our group project, I read. I read a real book about real people and authored by a non-medical person. I plopped down on the new patio swing and swung (swang? swinged?) for about an hour and just relaxed. It was very calming.
The book I started is Band of Brothers ~ the same book the miniseries was modeled after. I figured that since I’ve seen the TV version dozens of times I wouldn’t have to concentrate as hard on the storyline ~ I still have 5 weeks of studying left, too! This way I can read little snippets when I get the chance and just take my time getting thru the whole book. I read the first 30 pages this afternoon and so far I like it. Of course it helps that there are no pictures of intestines anywhere in the book.
The book I started is Band of Brothers ~ the same book the miniseries was modeled after. I figured that since I’ve seen the TV version dozens of times I wouldn’t have to concentrate as hard on the storyline ~ I still have 5 weeks of studying left, too! This way I can read little snippets when I get the chance and just take my time getting thru the whole book. I read the first 30 pages this afternoon and so far I like it. Of course it helps that there are no pictures of intestines anywhere in the book.
Friday, May 08, 2009
pizza friday
This week at the hospital I touched a heart (while it was still beating inside the patient!) and the small intestine (while it was resting outside of the abdomen!). Pretty cool, huh? I also scrubbed in on a gastric bypass and a couple of breast biopsies, among other stuff. For the most part, I really like my job ~ although I think I would like it better if I was getting paid for it. I graduate in 5 more weeks and really hope I'll be able to find a job.
For the last couple of months, Vic & I have been celebrating the onset of the weekend with "Pizza Friday." I order the pizza (hot wings for Vic) and she picks it up on her way home from work. We usually eat while watching the Grey's Anatomy we recorded the previous night and then I fall asleep on the couch while she watches Ghost Hunters or something like that. Tonight will be no exception!
And, today is our 11-year anniversary! We're going to celebrate it tomorrow by going out to eat and then just spending the day doing nothing special. I have another big test on Monday that I have to study for and Vic is going to Canada with her mom on Sunday to visit her aunt. I'm hoping we can take a big trip for our 15th, but in the mean time we'll celebrate in small bits all summer long. There are a lot of festivals in Michigan and we're planning on attending quite a few this year!
For the last couple of months, Vic & I have been celebrating the onset of the weekend with "Pizza Friday." I order the pizza (hot wings for Vic) and she picks it up on her way home from work. We usually eat while watching the Grey's Anatomy we recorded the previous night and then I fall asleep on the couch while she watches Ghost Hunters or something like that. Tonight will be no exception!
And, today is our 11-year anniversary! We're going to celebrate it tomorrow by going out to eat and then just spending the day doing nothing special. I have another big test on Monday that I have to study for and Vic is going to Canada with her mom on Sunday to visit her aunt. I'm hoping we can take a big trip for our 15th, but in the mean time we'll celebrate in small bits all summer long. There are a lot of festivals in Michigan and we're planning on attending quite a few this year!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
april in review
Looking back, it seems like April was a pretty tame (meaning boring) month. The only two big events that took place were 1.) I painted the craft room a pleasing shade of Bibbidi Bobbidi Blue, and 2.) Vic and I cleaned up the patio after the effects of winter. Right now it’s livable, but we have some grand plans for the upcoming months. The biggest is to have our back porch redone. It is presently composed of concrete, but we are going to have someone build us a nice wooden porch instead. It’ll be a little bigger than what we’ve got now and it’ll definitely be a lot prettier to look at! We love to sit outside and just watch all the animals that come to visit. Vic’s got bird feeders and houses, so we’ve always got company.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
swinging weekend
This weekend’s merriment centered mostly around the yard & yard stuff.
On Saturday, I finally got the swamp mowed. It’s still pretty soggy out there, but at least now the grass isn’t blocking the beautiful view of the dandelions. Saturday evening Vic made potato salad and grilled some ribs ~ delicious! The rest of the night we just relaxed.
Sunday afternoon was spent assembling our new patio swing. For some reason, Vic & I don’t work well together on “house-y projects.”Anything project that requires me to know the proper name of a tool or for Vic to actually follow the instructions turns out to be a big yellfest. Sunday was no different. I’m really not sure why either, because we get along swimmingly on long car rides and when we’re forced to shop together. Who knows! But our swing looks grand sitting on the patio. I know it can’t wait for school to be over so that I can sit on it all afternoon long. But until then, it’s found a new sitting buddy.
On Saturday, I finally got the swamp mowed. It’s still pretty soggy out there, but at least now the grass isn’t blocking the beautiful view of the dandelions. Saturday evening Vic made potato salad and grilled some ribs ~ delicious! The rest of the night we just relaxed.
Sunday afternoon was spent assembling our new patio swing. For some reason, Vic & I don’t work well together on “house-y projects.”Anything project that requires me to know the proper name of a tool or for Vic to actually follow the instructions turns out to be a big yellfest. Sunday was no different. I’m really not sure why either, because we get along swimmingly on long car rides and when we’re forced to shop together. Who knows! But our swing looks grand sitting on the patio. I know it can’t wait for school to be over so that I can sit on it all afternoon long. But until then, it’s found a new sitting buddy.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
a capital day
No hospital today. Instead my class had to journey down (and over) to Lansing, the state capital. The state assembly for surgical technologists was presenting a mock surgery for state reps and whoever else showed up. The purpose was to encourage the passing of a bill making it mandatory for all surg techs to be certified ~ right now it’s a voluntary thing.
The “surgery” was held in the rotunda of the capitol building. The presentation was a bit lame, but the capitol was really neat. (I’d like to go back some day when I have a little more time to explore it.) I guess I just don’t see what the big deal is about making certification mandatory. I mean I’d like to be certified, but I just don’t see why it’s so important to make it mandatory ~ it doesn’t mean more money. But our bat-shit crazy instructor is the president of the Michigan ST association and she’s really geeked about it, so we have to be geeked about it, too.
So the highlight of my day was eating breakfast at the Flap Jack House in Lansing and getting lost both going to Lansing and coming home. I sat in the backseat and was just happy not to be driving.
The “surgery” was held in the rotunda of the capitol building. The presentation was a bit lame, but the capitol was really neat. (I’d like to go back some day when I have a little more time to explore it.) I guess I just don’t see what the big deal is about making certification mandatory. I mean I’d like to be certified, but I just don’t see why it’s so important to make it mandatory ~ it doesn’t mean more money. But our bat-shit crazy instructor is the president of the Michigan ST association and she’s really geeked about it, so we have to be geeked about it, too.
So the highlight of my day was eating breakfast at the Flap Jack House in Lansing and getting lost both going to Lansing and coming home. I sat in the backseat and was just happy not to be driving.
Monday, April 27, 2009
weather & test
We had kind of an odd weekend ~ at times it was really freaking hot, and then it would just pour. We had a hailstorm that lasted about 10 minutes, and hurricane-like winds. But mostly it was hot. Vic planted some hyacinths and weeded the garden while studied for my impending test. It was a pretty relaxing weekend ~ no drama or trauma, and a lot of sitting around planning the future of our landscape.
Then came today. I had the first of only two tests I have this semester. They are both supposed to be indicators of how well we’ll do on the certification exam in June. I need somewhere around 70% to pass the exam. I got 84% on today’s test. Yea! What an incredible relief. I know I still have a way to go, but at least this gives me a little relief until the big test.
I’m mentally exhausted. I think I’ll take a quick nap before the Tigers game starts.
Then came today. I had the first of only two tests I have this semester. They are both supposed to be indicators of how well we’ll do on the certification exam in June. I need somewhere around 70% to pass the exam. I got 84% on today’s test. Yea! What an incredible relief. I know I still have a way to go, but at least this gives me a little relief until the big test.
I’m mentally exhausted. I think I’ll take a quick nap before the Tigers game starts.
Friday, April 24, 2009
today
Today is was 80 degrees outside. That's eight-oh degrees. In Michigan. In April. It'll probably snow next week. But no snow today, so I spent the late afternoon/early evening reclining outside with my study guide, This Old House magazine, a refreshing beverage, and Flea. I really missed Shannon today. I've missed her every day since her passing, but even more so today because she would've loved laying on the patio with me. She also would've loved running in our swamp of a backyard and getting muddy feetie prints all over everything!
She was my best outside buddy. In her younger years, she would play until I got worn out throwing it. In her later years, I'd throw the ball once and then she'd get it and hide it so we would be forced to just sit and relax and enjoy the day instead of running all over the yard. We'd sit for hours reading, listening to the Tigers, and watching squirrels. My heart aches for her.
She was my best outside buddy. In her younger years, she would play until I got worn out throwing it. In her later years, I'd throw the ball once and then she'd get it and hide it so we would be forced to just sit and relax and enjoy the day instead of running all over the yard. We'd sit for hours reading, listening to the Tigers, and watching squirrels. My heart aches for her.
Monday, April 20, 2009
raining & studying
Rain, rain, rain. It has poured all day ~ perfect weather for finishing my paper! Actually, it’s not just my paper. I belong to a group and we have to give a presentation and write a paper, so I guess I technically finished just my portion of the aforementioned paper. I have a feeling, though, that I’ll probably get stuck writing the whole thing. I hate working in groups. Inevitably someone ends up not pulling their weight and everyone else in the group has to do a little bit more than they should. I really can’t wait for school to be over.
This whole semester is devoted to preparing for the certification exam in June. We take practice exams and quiz each other every week. So far I’m less than thrilled with my progress. I consistently score in the low 70s on these tests ~ I need to be closer to 75 or 80 to pass. I’m going to be sooo disappointed if I don’t pass the certification exam. I study every single day, so I just don’t know what else to do. I know it’s a ways off, but I’m starting to get a little concerned. Maybe I need to light a candle or plant a tree or something for a little good mojo.
This whole semester is devoted to preparing for the certification exam in June. We take practice exams and quiz each other every week. So far I’m less than thrilled with my progress. I consistently score in the low 70s on these tests ~ I need to be closer to 75 or 80 to pass. I’m going to be sooo disappointed if I don’t pass the certification exam. I study every single day, so I just don’t know what else to do. I know it’s a ways off, but I’m starting to get a little concerned. Maybe I need to light a candle or plant a tree or something for a little good mojo.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
a nice, quiet weekend
Since I spend most of the workweek working and studying, I try to take at least one of the weekend days off to do nothing related to school stuff. That day was yesterday. The temp was somewhere in the 70s, so Vic and I did a little yard work interspersed with lots of sitting on the patio discussing our future planting plans. Of course today my old body is really feeling all the bending I did yesterday.
Today is the day I set aside to work on my abdominal aortic aneurysm paper. And I did. For a bit. But now the Tigers are on TV, so I’m taking a break to watch the game with my kitty, Caleb. That aortic aneurysm will still be there tomorrow.
Today is the day I set aside to work on my abdominal aortic aneurysm paper. And I did. For a bit. But now the Tigers are on TV, so I’m taking a break to watch the game with my kitty, Caleb. That aortic aneurysm will still be there tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
my tuesday
Tuesdays are usually Ortho Day at the hospital. What that meant for me was two knee surgeries and one surgery where we rammed a really freaking long rod down a guy’s femur (thigh bone). It’s not that I mind these surgeries, it’s just that I have to wear what looks a lot like a space helmet, there are heaps and heaps of instruments I have to know, and there is almost always a lot of blood spurting all over the floor and all over anyone standing nearby (that’s the reason for the space helmet). I’m sure that once I get more familiar with the instrumentation and the order of “what comes next,” I’ll feel more confident about my ortho abilities and not feel so much like a blood-splattered moron.
Today is also the day that I get to put the trashcans out and hope that the garbage Nazis don’t catch me doing it before the appointed hour. I think they can’t be put out until after 5:00 ~ I usually have them out by 4:00.
And, last but not least, tonight is the night of Office reruns. It makes no difference that I've seen every episode about a dozen times, I still laugh out loud at this show. The only bummer is that I usually fall asleep before they come on at 10:00, so I record them and actually watch them on Wednesdays. But every Tuesday, I still try to stay up for them!
What an exciting life I lead.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
easter at my house
Happy Easter! The bunny to the right looks amazingly enough just like my cat Earl. They have the same eyes and nose! Today’s holy day will be celebrated by studying, doing some laundry, watching the Tigers, and perhaps finishing painting the window trim in the craft room (I haven’t decided for sure on that one yet.) It’s finally starting to warm up, and our dafodills are just now sprouting, but it’s still a bit too cold to do outside yard work yet, so I think I’ll be staying indoors for the remainder of this weekend.
Vic started a cricket ranch in one of our unoccupied fish aquariums. She filled it with all the amenities a cricket would love to have and then dropped in about 50 crickets to test it out. And we’ll be providing free transportation (via plastic bag) over to the gecko aquarium for weekly lunch dates. If it all works out well, we’ll keep a steady supply of them in their house, saving us numerous trips to the pet store. It’s the sounds of camping out in our house!
Vic started a cricket ranch in one of our unoccupied fish aquariums. She filled it with all the amenities a cricket would love to have and then dropped in about 50 crickets to test it out. And we’ll be providing free transportation (via plastic bag) over to the gecko aquarium for weekly lunch dates. If it all works out well, we’ll keep a steady supply of them in their house, saving us numerous trips to the pet store. It’s the sounds of camping out in our house!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
great expectations
I think everyone, including myself, expects more out of me knowledge-wise now that my final 10 weeks of school have begun. I look at Bobby who has been here 40 years (40 years!) and I wish I could be where she’s at ~ confident in her abilities, respected by the surgeons, and possessing just a wealth of knowledge. I tell myself that some day I’ll be there too (not the 40 years part because that would make me an 83 year old scrub, and at 83 I’d like to think I’ll be enjoying retirement!), and that it just takes time. And work. A lot of work.
My first week back, after our two-week break, went pretty smooth. I remembered quite a bit, and was able to adapt quickly to the new stuff thrown at me. Now I just have to concentrate on passing all my tests and remembering all the surgeries, and not worry so much.
I’m really enjoying my newfound profession. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about all the blood and guts and yuck, but it’s actually pretty cool. I could do without some of the oderific body smells, but no job is perfect, right? And with all the handwashing I’m doing, I haven’t even been close to getting a cold all season. Bonus!
My first week back, after our two-week break, went pretty smooth. I remembered quite a bit, and was able to adapt quickly to the new stuff thrown at me. Now I just have to concentrate on passing all my tests and remembering all the surgeries, and not worry so much.
I’m really enjoying my newfound profession. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about all the blood and guts and yuck, but it’s actually pretty cool. I could do without some of the oderific body smells, but no job is perfect, right? And with all the handwashing I’m doing, I haven’t even been close to getting a cold all season. Bonus!
Monday, April 06, 2009
school & Tigers & Sparty...oh my!
Today was a day of firsts...
First day back to school, first game of the season for the Tigers, and the first time in 30 years that the Michigan State Spartans have made it to the NCAA basketball championship! I can honestly say that I wasn't too thrilled about the school thing, but I'm very very excited about the Tigers and Spartans things!
I've been looking forward to this baseball season since about this time last year when the Tigers were sucking so bad. Since there is no way possible they could have a worse season than they did last year, this is going to be a spectacular baseball season.
And the NCAA basketball championship is being held in Detroit this year, so this gives MSU a sort of home court advantage. Nobody picked the Spartans to go all the way this year, so this is a pretty big deal!
Needless to say, tonight I'll be parked in front of the TV switching back and forth between the Tigers and the Spartans. And trying not to be nervous about my first day back at the hospital tomorrow morning. I've just got to psych myself up and keep telling myselft that I can do it!
Go Tigers!
Go Spartans!
Go Me!
First day back to school, first game of the season for the Tigers, and the first time in 30 years that the Michigan State Spartans have made it to the NCAA basketball championship! I can honestly say that I wasn't too thrilled about the school thing, but I'm very very excited about the Tigers and Spartans things!
I've been looking forward to this baseball season since about this time last year when the Tigers were sucking so bad. Since there is no way possible they could have a worse season than they did last year, this is going to be a spectacular baseball season.
And the NCAA basketball championship is being held in Detroit this year, so this gives MSU a sort of home court advantage. Nobody picked the Spartans to go all the way this year, so this is a pretty big deal!
Needless to say, tonight I'll be parked in front of the TV switching back and forth between the Tigers and the Spartans. And trying not to be nervous about my first day back at the hospital tomorrow morning. I've just got to psych myself up and keep telling myselft that I can do it!
Go Tigers!
Go Spartans!
Go Me!
Saturday, April 04, 2009
hiding out
Today will be a day of laying low. Vic’s mom and a friend of ours are both coming over this afternoon to make pasties (short “a”) with Vic. Right now there are mixers, choppers, and bags of flour, potatoes, meat, and starch strewn all over our kitchen. It’s important to realize that I’m not a cooker-baker person. To me, the kitchen is a room in the house to store my cookies and Diet Pepsi. So this gaggle of women-folk chopping, dicing, and rolling food bits on my kitchen table kinda freaks me out a tooch. I will probably spend most of the day in another room of the house, studying or poking toothpicks in my eyes or doing something altogether different than they will be doing and praying to God that they won’t ask my opinion on whose pastry shell has the prettier fork pokey things on the edges.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
bibbidi bobbidi new
Would you believe that I painted today?! And yesterday?! Well believe it! I drug out all that painting crap last week so that Vic & I could finally paint the bedroom. Well after 10 days of watching it just sit there, I finally decided I was going to paint something. Instead of tackling our very big bedroom all by myself, I instead took on the craft room. It's been an icky shade of "really dirty white" for at least a little over 3 years, and I finally just got fed up with it. It's not very inspiring to look at while treading or scrapbooking. Bibbidi Bobbidi Blue, on the other hand, is very inspiring. (It's also what was left over from painting the kitchen last year.)
I finished the walls yesterday and the trim (white) today. All that's left is the ceiling and then it'll be ready for me to hang a few pictures and shelves full of knick-knacky tidbits. And just in time for school ~ it starts next week. I'm going to spend the rest of my vacation finishing my book and studying for the gaggle of tests I'll have this upcoming semester. Fun.
I finished the walls yesterday and the trim (white) today. All that's left is the ceiling and then it'll be ready for me to hang a few pictures and shelves full of knick-knacky tidbits. And just in time for school ~ it starts next week. I'm going to spend the rest of my vacation finishing my book and studying for the gaggle of tests I'll have this upcoming semester. Fun.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
marching out
March is just about over, so it’s time again to reflect on what this month hath brungest unto me.
* I finished The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory. A mostly biographical account of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. This was kind of a roller coaster sort of book ~ parts of it were really interesting, and then it would nosedive into an unbelievable yawn-fest. But I was determined to finish it and am glad that I did.
* After The Constant Princess, I segued right into The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir. I’m about ¾ of the way thru it (Jane Seymour just died) and I’m hoping to finish it by the time school starts back up on Monday.
* I caulked bathtub. (It’s actually this adhesive molding type stuff.)
* Vic & I visited the holocaust museum, something we’ve wanted to do since we moved here almost 4 years ago.
* We purchased a new swing for the patio. I’m still on the lookout for a reclining type of patio chair, too. I found a great set at Kmart, but I really don’t want to pay $300+ for it. I’m sure once I stop looking, I’ll find the perfect chair.
* Vic weeded the small garden that runs along our driveway. Little signs of Spring are already springing forth! When we first moved in, we planted literally 100s of tulip bulbs ~ the squirrels must’ve been watching, because exactly 3 blossomed. We’ve since planted daffodils and some other stuff and are looking forward to a colorful April. (We made sure the squirrels were out of town when we planted this time!)
* This month brought the sad passing of Nate, our eldest kitty. We think the loss of both Shannon and Nate has taken a small toll on some of the remaining kids. Caleb, for one, has been overly clingy for the last month or so. Any time I sit down, he dives into my lap and makes a little cubbyhole for himself between my legs. It’s actually kind of cute, but it makes us wonder what he’s been up to. He's really a great boy, but he has a tendency to get himself into trouble quite a bit.
* I started exercising again on the treadmill. Nothing too strenuous, but something is better than nothing. I’m hoping I can keep up with it once school/hospital rounds start back up next week.
I’m already looking forward to April ~ warm days, flowers budding, baseball season, and one month closer to graduating!
* I finished The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory. A mostly biographical account of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. This was kind of a roller coaster sort of book ~ parts of it were really interesting, and then it would nosedive into an unbelievable yawn-fest. But I was determined to finish it and am glad that I did.
* After The Constant Princess, I segued right into The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir. I’m about ¾ of the way thru it (Jane Seymour just died) and I’m hoping to finish it by the time school starts back up on Monday.
* I caulked bathtub. (It’s actually this adhesive molding type stuff.)
* Vic & I visited the holocaust museum, something we’ve wanted to do since we moved here almost 4 years ago.
* We purchased a new swing for the patio. I’m still on the lookout for a reclining type of patio chair, too. I found a great set at Kmart, but I really don’t want to pay $300+ for it. I’m sure once I stop looking, I’ll find the perfect chair.
* Vic weeded the small garden that runs along our driveway. Little signs of Spring are already springing forth! When we first moved in, we planted literally 100s of tulip bulbs ~ the squirrels must’ve been watching, because exactly 3 blossomed. We’ve since planted daffodils and some other stuff and are looking forward to a colorful April. (We made sure the squirrels were out of town when we planted this time!)
* This month brought the sad passing of Nate, our eldest kitty. We think the loss of both Shannon and Nate has taken a small toll on some of the remaining kids. Caleb, for one, has been overly clingy for the last month or so. Any time I sit down, he dives into my lap and makes a little cubbyhole for himself between my legs. It’s actually kind of cute, but it makes us wonder what he’s been up to. He's really a great boy, but he has a tendency to get himself into trouble quite a bit.
* I started exercising again on the treadmill. Nothing too strenuous, but something is better than nothing. I’m hoping I can keep up with it once school/hospital rounds start back up next week.
I’m already looking forward to April ~ warm days, flowers budding, baseball season, and one month closer to graduating!
Monday, March 30, 2009
on my mind
Thought #1
Our computer was running a little sluggish, so I took her in for a checkup last Wednesday. I just got her back today!! Talk about separation anxiety! Vic & I were really lost without our lifeline to the internet. I attempted (at least twice!) to post something to my blog and found myself sneaking longing looks at my naked-ish desk. Needless to say, the bluebirds are again twittering happy tunes around my head and all is right in Caseyland.
Thought #2
I have two new obsessions. Not the “camp out in your bushes stalker” type of obsessions; mine are more the “I think this is really cool and I can’t get enough of it” obsessions. They are my recent book, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, and Rachel Maddow.
The book is great great great! I give it 5 thumbs up! This is such an interesting and engrossing book that I find it really difficult to put down. (This is my excuse for not painting yet.)
And Rachel Maddow is just cool. She’s got a mostly political show on MSNBC that I accidentally stumbled upon a couple of weeks ago that I just can’t put down. She delivers political stories in a smart, funny way that makes them easier for me to understand. And she’s got a great smile. She’s definitely not the snappiest dresser, but her smile and the weird way she contorts her face when making fun of Bush or Cheney more than makes up for her wardrobe deformities. I find myself gravitating toward her every night at 9:00 pm to find out just how little I know about our government. I call her Rache. I have no idea what she calls me.
Our computer was running a little sluggish, so I took her in for a checkup last Wednesday. I just got her back today!! Talk about separation anxiety! Vic & I were really lost without our lifeline to the internet. I attempted (at least twice!) to post something to my blog and found myself sneaking longing looks at my naked-ish desk. Needless to say, the bluebirds are again twittering happy tunes around my head and all is right in Caseyland.
Thought #2
I have two new obsessions. Not the “camp out in your bushes stalker” type of obsessions; mine are more the “I think this is really cool and I can’t get enough of it” obsessions. They are my recent book, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, and Rachel Maddow.
The book is great great great! I give it 5 thumbs up! This is such an interesting and engrossing book that I find it really difficult to put down. (This is my excuse for not painting yet.)
And Rachel Maddow is just cool. She’s got a mostly political show on MSNBC that I accidentally stumbled upon a couple of weeks ago that I just can’t put down. She delivers political stories in a smart, funny way that makes them easier for me to understand. And she’s got a great smile. She’s definitely not the snappiest dresser, but her smile and the weird way she contorts her face when making fun of Bush or Cheney more than makes up for her wardrobe deformities. I find myself gravitating toward her every night at 9:00 pm to find out just how little I know about our government. I call her Rache. I have no idea what she calls me.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
how a plan comes together...at my house
So it’s been almost 4 years since we’ve moved into this house and we’ve painted every room but 3: the laundry room which is really dinky and shouldn’t count, the craft room which nobody but me ever goes in, and our bedroom. The bedroom takes up the whole upstairs and is paneled half way up. What this means is that we will have to apply liberal amounts of Kilz before we can even start painting the walls. But this really needs to be done, so we got semi-serious about it this week.
Friday~Vic & I decide that this week would be the perfect time to paint the bedroom because I’ll be off for the next 2 weeks. That’s it ~ nothing else is discussed about the project from hell.
Saturday~We finally decide on a color for the room. Makes no difference that we’ve had swatches of colors taped to the bedroom walls for about the last 6 months. So we set off to Home Depot to buy us some Sugared Peach. Of course we get sidetracked along the way and end up purchasing a new swing for the patio and do a little grocery shopping on the way to Vic’s mom’s house for dinner and a rousing game of dominoes.
Sunday~We totally ignore the bedroom, the swatches, and the rollers, and are both very careful not to utter anything that may even sound like the word “paint” for the entire day. Instead of going to Home Depot, we take a trip to the holocaust museum and to Applebee’s.
Monday~Okay, enough is enough! We take inventory of items we have/need and get serious (sort of). We go to The Depot and buy Kilz and a few rollers, and then I haul everything up to the bedroom, fully intending on at least taping a drop cloth down or something. Instead, I clean out my dresser junk drawer. (Doesn’t everyone have a dresser junk drawer?)
Today~I’m starting to think that paneling and putrid white isn’t such a bad color combination after all.
Friday~Vic & I decide that this week would be the perfect time to paint the bedroom because I’ll be off for the next 2 weeks. That’s it ~ nothing else is discussed about the project from hell.
Saturday~We finally decide on a color for the room. Makes no difference that we’ve had swatches of colors taped to the bedroom walls for about the last 6 months. So we set off to Home Depot to buy us some Sugared Peach. Of course we get sidetracked along the way and end up purchasing a new swing for the patio and do a little grocery shopping on the way to Vic’s mom’s house for dinner and a rousing game of dominoes.
Sunday~We totally ignore the bedroom, the swatches, and the rollers, and are both very careful not to utter anything that may even sound like the word “paint” for the entire day. Instead of going to Home Depot, we take a trip to the holocaust museum and to Applebee’s.
Monday~Okay, enough is enough! We take inventory of items we have/need and get serious (sort of). We go to The Depot and buy Kilz and a few rollers, and then I haul everything up to the bedroom, fully intending on at least taping a drop cloth down or something. Instead, I clean out my dresser junk drawer. (Doesn’t everyone have a dresser junk drawer?)
Today~I’m starting to think that paneling and putrid white isn’t such a bad color combination after all.
Monday, March 23, 2009
the weekend
This past weekend, Vic & I finally made it out to America's first free standing holocaust museum, located just 20 minutes from our house. We've been wanting to stop by to spend an afternoon there since we moved here almost 4 years ago, but this was the first time we actually made it out there. As you can imagine, it was very sobering, and educational.
We also bought a new patio swing for our old patio. It was on sale and very comfy, so we couldn't resist. Only thing is, it needs to be assembled. So I'll pick a nice sunny afternoon when Vic is in a direction-taking mood and we'll put it together then. For right now it's safe in its box in our garage.
Other than visiting with Vic's mom for most of Saturday afternoon, our weekend was spent mostly catching up on stuff we DVR'd over the past week. It was nice sleeping in this morning and knowing I don't have to be anywhere for the next two weeks. I do have a few projects planned for around the house, though, to keep me busy. And some homework I have to have completed before our first day back in class ~ it just never ends!
We also bought a new patio swing for our old patio. It was on sale and very comfy, so we couldn't resist. Only thing is, it needs to be assembled. So I'll pick a nice sunny afternoon when Vic is in a direction-taking mood and we'll put it together then. For right now it's safe in its box in our garage.
Other than visiting with Vic's mom for most of Saturday afternoon, our weekend was spent mostly catching up on stuff we DVR'd over the past week. It was nice sleeping in this morning and knowing I don't have to be anywhere for the next two weeks. I do have a few projects planned for around the house, though, to keep me busy. And some homework I have to have completed before our first day back in class ~ it just never ends!
Friday, March 20, 2009
boinging & squishing
Happy Spring! Our daffodils are starting to “boing” out of the chilly ground ‘neath our Flower Gnome’s feet! We’ve had some wonderful weather this week (although today is a bit chilly). People at work insist that we’ve got at least one more snow left in us, though. I refuse to believe it! Speaking of work, I scrubbed in on a laparoscopic cholecystectomy today. (Fancy medical name for gallbladder removal.) Lap choles are fairly common, but for some reason I spent my first 9 weeks at the hospital having done exactly none of them. And then this week I had two! I know, it’s not very exciting for you, but I was mildly geeked about it. The gallbladder is actually very squishy. I try to touch as many organs as I can so I can get a better idea of what they’re actually like. I also touched a labia today ~ not really a big deal though; I’ve touched those before.
I’m now officially on Spring break from school and this means no more work for two glorious weeks. Yea!! I actually have a short list of things I want to get done on my time off, but I’m not going to share them just yet ~ don’t want to jinx myself, ya know. I’ll let you know how it all turns out. Wish me luck!
I’m now officially on Spring break from school and this means no more work for two glorious weeks. Yea!! I actually have a short list of things I want to get done on my time off, but I’m not going to share them just yet ~ don’t want to jinx myself, ya know. I’ll let you know how it all turns out. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
"that's nice"
I work with a really nice girl (let’s call her Renae) at the hospital. Today Renae came into work all giddy with the news that her boyfriend of 7 months proposed to her last night. Now, Renae isn’t normally a giddy person (even at age 23), so I was very happy for her when I saw her this morning ~ not because she’s getting married, but because she was happy. If she had come in all giddy about a new pair of socks she bought, I would have been just as happy for her.
I just can’t seem to share in the happiness of someone’s wedding plans knowing that I am denied that same right under the antiquated laws of our government. This is the United States of America in the year 2009 for god’s sake! We’re not in the jungles of Iraq back in the 1700s! I just can’t believe that I am still being discriminated against because I made the unfortunate mistake to “choose” to fall in love with someone of the same sex.
Really, what is the moral majority afraid of? That I (age 43) and my partner (age 47) are going to start procreating willy-nilly and have, oh let’s say 14 kids, that we’ll force welfare to pay for? Or perhaps that we’ll have homosexual relations with other people’s kids when we all go on overnight boy scout camping trips or when we’re alone in the altar boy room at church? Or perhaps it’s just the fact that Vickie and I have been in a committed, monogamous relationship for the past 11 years that scares them.
This is just insane!
So when it seemed like the conversation in every room I entered today was about Renae’s wedding, the ring, the honeymoon, how happy her mom is, blah blah blah ~ I just smiled, said “that’s nice,” and then left the room to go watch body parts being removed thru someone’s belly button instead.
I just can’t seem to share in the happiness of someone’s wedding plans knowing that I am denied that same right under the antiquated laws of our government. This is the United States of America in the year 2009 for god’s sake! We’re not in the jungles of Iraq back in the 1700s! I just can’t believe that I am still being discriminated against because I made the unfortunate mistake to “choose” to fall in love with someone of the same sex.
Really, what is the moral majority afraid of? That I (age 43) and my partner (age 47) are going to start procreating willy-nilly and have, oh let’s say 14 kids, that we’ll force welfare to pay for? Or perhaps that we’ll have homosexual relations with other people’s kids when we all go on overnight boy scout camping trips or when we’re alone in the altar boy room at church? Or perhaps it’s just the fact that Vickie and I have been in a committed, monogamous relationship for the past 11 years that scares them.
This is just insane!
So when it seemed like the conversation in every room I entered today was about Renae’s wedding, the ring, the honeymoon, how happy her mom is, blah blah blah ~ I just smiled, said “that’s nice,” and then left the room to go watch body parts being removed thru someone’s belly button instead.
Monday, March 16, 2009
sunshine & tears
Today was a bright and sunshiney day ~ something of an anomaly for SE Michigan at this time of year. Trees are budding and birds are twittering more and more each day. The one cloud hanging over our sunny winter day is the sad passing of Vickie’s beloved Nate. Nate was 23years old. Today he was welcomed into his new home by Shannon, Sashi, Tori, and Katy ~ all who have been waiting patiently for his arrival. We knew the time to say "good bye" was near, but it's still hard. Nate was a good boy, and at 23, he could sometimes be an ornery old man! He’ll be missed by his moms, brothers, and sisters.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
a day of winkies
Usually my day is filled with a variety of surgeries from all across the surgical spectrum. Not so today. Today I had 3 cystoscopies. For those of you unfamiliar with what a cysto is, it amounts to shoving a camera up your hoo-ha or winkie (depending on if you are a girl or a boy) and either looking at "stuff" or removing stones or implanting something to cure incontinence or some other thing. It also involves shooting x-rays or fluoroscopies or laser, which means I have to wear a lead vest and thyroid shield and possibly laser-protective eyewear. And at the end, I get to dump out copious amounts of pee-pee. I've seen more shriveldy naked penises in the last 8 weeks than any self-respecting lesbian should ever see in her lifetime. At least now when I see one in the movies I'll have something to compare it to.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
two more weeks
For some reason, this past week really seemed to drag at work. I thought Friday would literally never get here ~ we'd just skip right to Monday again! And now it's Sunday morning already! Geez. The entire weekend is going to be rainy and dreary, and spent studying for a test tomorrow and maybe catching up on some DVR stuff we taped. I really can't wait for Summer weather to get here.
Two more weeks and the semester will be over ~ for two weeks. Looking back on the first few weeks, I know I know more than I did back then, but sometimes I feel like I may never get it all by the time graduation rolls around in June. I want to be a great scrub, not a mediocre one. I try to absorb as much as I can, try to retain as much as I can, and just try as hard as I can. I think it'll all be okay, but right now it's very frustrating not knowing it all.
The plan for my two-week vacation is to paint the bedroom and/or the craft room. I hate painting and absolutely suck at it, but it needs to be done. We've lived here almost four years and those are the only two rooms we haven't painted yet, so I think it's about time. Also, my friend from Pensacola is not going to be able to visit, so I'll have the extra time to do the painting thing slowly and maybe even start studying for my June certification exam.
Two more weeks and the semester will be over ~ for two weeks. Looking back on the first few weeks, I know I know more than I did back then, but sometimes I feel like I may never get it all by the time graduation rolls around in June. I want to be a great scrub, not a mediocre one. I try to absorb as much as I can, try to retain as much as I can, and just try as hard as I can. I think it'll all be okay, but right now it's very frustrating not knowing it all.
The plan for my two-week vacation is to paint the bedroom and/or the craft room. I hate painting and absolutely suck at it, but it needs to be done. We've lived here almost four years and those are the only two rooms we haven't painted yet, so I think it's about time. Also, my friend from Pensacola is not going to be able to visit, so I'll have the extra time to do the painting thing slowly and maybe even start studying for my June certification exam.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
my day
Today at work (if you can call forced labor for no money work) I assisted on a total hip replacement for one patient and a total knee replacement for another patient. The pictures below show the prostheses for both procedures. What the pictures don't show is the buckets of blood splattered all over me and the OR floor. It was cool!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
stuff & things
Stuff I did in February:
* I started a new book, The Constant Princess. It's about the life of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. I think it's mostly true with a little bit of fiction thrown in here and there. Unfortunately, I've only been able to read about the first 50 pages so far. Back in the non-school days, it would take me 2 or 3 days to read a book ~ now it takes me 2 or 3 months!
* The Reese's peanut butter Easter eggs came out and I've eaten an Easter basketful of them already! Salmonella be damned!
* I've had more blood splashed on me in the last 4 weeks than I have in my entire life. And none of it has been mine!
* I helped to save lives one instrument at a time.
Things I'm doing now:
* Finishing up my final two school projects.
* Replacing icky bathroom towels with new, fuzzy ones.
* Hanging blinds in the craft room. A craft room I recently tidied up, by the way!
* Wishing I had an IPod. It seems like lately the radio music sucks. It's not an especially big deal right now, though, because work is only 5 minutes from the house. Maybe I'll get one as a graduation present in June (hint hint).
* Babysitting Vic's mom's friend's dog, Christy. She's about the size of one of our cats and just as squeaky.
* I started a new book, The Constant Princess. It's about the life of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. I think it's mostly true with a little bit of fiction thrown in here and there. Unfortunately, I've only been able to read about the first 50 pages so far. Back in the non-school days, it would take me 2 or 3 days to read a book ~ now it takes me 2 or 3 months!
* The Reese's peanut butter Easter eggs came out and I've eaten an Easter basketful of them already! Salmonella be damned!
* I've had more blood splashed on me in the last 4 weeks than I have in my entire life. And none of it has been mine!
* I helped to save lives one instrument at a time.
Things I'm doing now:
* Finishing up my final two school projects.
* Replacing icky bathroom towels with new, fuzzy ones.
* Hanging blinds in the craft room. A craft room I recently tidied up, by the way!
* Wishing I had an IPod. It seems like lately the radio music sucks. It's not an especially big deal right now, though, because work is only 5 minutes from the house. Maybe I'll get one as a graduation present in June (hint hint).
* Babysitting Vic's mom's friend's dog, Christy. She's about the size of one of our cats and just as squeaky.
Friday, February 27, 2009
tgif
I'm so glad it's Friday. This has been a totally exhausting week at work. It seemed like every afternoon I came home ready to drop. I had a couple of really long days in surgery. It's really hard to stand for 3 or 4 hours at a time with no potty breaks and the added pressure of remaining sterile (you can't scratch your head or blow your nose!). And then I when I got home I had to work on school stuff. Geez!
Well today, I finished my paper on gastric bypass surgery, which means I can spend the rest of my weekend working on my other projects for school. I think I may take Saturday night off, though, and watch DVR stuff we've recorded this past week. I also need to color my hair, although you wouldn't notice the greys now because I wear a "cafeteria worker bonnet" on my head all day long now. Oh well...
Well today, I finished my paper on gastric bypass surgery, which means I can spend the rest of my weekend working on my other projects for school. I think I may take Saturday night off, though, and watch DVR stuff we've recorded this past week. I also need to color my hair, although you wouldn't notice the greys now because I wear a "cafeteria worker bonnet" on my head all day long now. Oh well...
Monday, February 23, 2009
because we just don't have enough animals
My weekend was spent studying for today's test and making many fires to ward off the blustery winds and snow. And we increased our household by two. Meet Bridget & Mark, our leopard geckos. We're not 100% sure that they are Bridget & Mark (they could be Bridget & Bridget or Mark & Mark), but those are their new names regardless. We can worry about possible identity crises later.
Bella welcoming the new additions to the fold
What a cute smile!
Getting used to the new home
Not much else new around the house. I only have three more weeks until Spring Break and I'm really looking forward to the time off. I think a friend of ours from Pensacola will be coming up for a visit for a few days during my time off, so I'll spend some time catching up with her and just relaxing.
Bella welcoming the new additions to the fold
What a cute smile!Wednesday, February 18, 2009
procrastination
Okay, so I should be studying for my test (especially since I didn't do so hot on the last one!), or I should be working on one of the two projects I have due for school. But instead, I'm procrastinating.
Did I ever tell you that I really enjoy doing breast biopsies? They're quick, easy, and I like to think that in some small way, I'm combatting breast cancer. My second favorite case is anyone where the doctor doesn't yell or throw something at me.
I soooo can't wait for school to be over. I don't ever want to learn another thing again! I'm just going to sit in a lawn chair and let my brain turn to mush. Really, I am.
Did I ever tell you that I really enjoy doing breast biopsies? They're quick, easy, and I like to think that in some small way, I'm combatting breast cancer. My second favorite case is anyone where the doctor doesn't yell or throw something at me.
I soooo can't wait for school to be over. I don't ever want to learn another thing again! I'm just going to sit in a lawn chair and let my brain turn to mush. Really, I am.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
get a life, ken starr
I was never a big email forwarder. I enjoy getting them from other people, but really, by the time the forwarded item reaches me, just about everybody I know (all 5 of you!) have already gotten it. So usually I just read and delete and that's the end of it.
I got something today, however, that I wanted to share with everyone. It seems Ken Starr and his Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund are attempting to invalidate all the gay marriages that took place in California. I just don't understand why gay marriage frightens so many people. Nobody loses anything and we can all celebrate the union of two people who really love each other. I just shake my head in non-understanding.
"The Courage Campaign has created a video called "Fidelity," with the permission of musician Regina Spektor, that puts a face to those 18,000 couples and all loving, committed couples seeking full equality under the law."
I thought this was a great video The Courage Campaign came up with and I wanted to share with all my blog friends. I hope you enjoy!
I got something today, however, that I wanted to share with everyone. It seems Ken Starr and his Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund are attempting to invalidate all the gay marriages that took place in California. I just don't understand why gay marriage frightens so many people. Nobody loses anything and we can all celebrate the union of two people who really love each other. I just shake my head in non-understanding.
"The Courage Campaign has created a video called "Fidelity," with the permission of musician Regina Spektor, that puts a face to those 18,000 couples and all loving, committed couples seeking full equality under the law."
I thought this was a great video The Courage Campaign came up with and I wanted to share with all my blog friends. I hope you enjoy!
Monday, February 09, 2009
fave day
I think Mondays have become my new "favorite day of the work week" day. If for no other reason than becuase I don't have to actually go to work. This is the only day of the week when I don't have to put in hours at the hospital ~ instead, I have class for half the day and then spend the rest of the day catching up on stuff.
Today's catching up stuff will be laundry and homework (it's usually the same every Monday). Vic is working on my taxes, so I don't have to worry about that, thank God. So far today I've accomplished the following: ordered contacts online, started laundry, brought in firewood, vacuumed, bought ink for the printer, and have procrastinated on starting schoolwork. Not a bad day, so far!
We've had a heat wave today ~ a sultry 44 degrees right now! I still have a fire going, though, to get the chill out of the house. I'm sure with this warmish weather, plenty of people will be getting pneumonia and other assorted weather-related crud. BTW, did you know that most cases of pneumonia occur in the right lung? It's a straight shot down your trachea to your right lung, but to get to your left, the pneumonia monster has to curve a little and go up. Those thousands of dollars in tuition are really paying off, huh?
Today's catching up stuff will be laundry and homework (it's usually the same every Monday). Vic is working on my taxes, so I don't have to worry about that, thank God. So far today I've accomplished the following: ordered contacts online, started laundry, brought in firewood, vacuumed, bought ink for the printer, and have procrastinated on starting schoolwork. Not a bad day, so far!
We've had a heat wave today ~ a sultry 44 degrees right now! I still have a fire going, though, to get the chill out of the house. I'm sure with this warmish weather, plenty of people will be getting pneumonia and other assorted weather-related crud. BTW, did you know that most cases of pneumonia occur in the right lung? It's a straight shot down your trachea to your right lung, but to get to your left, the pneumonia monster has to curve a little and go up. Those thousands of dollars in tuition are really paying off, huh?
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
good day
I had another good day at work today. I call it work not because I get paid (I don't), but because I work my butt off while I'm there, come home exhausted, and struggle to stay awake past 8:00. I consider that to be work.
A good day at the hospital is any day where I don't get yelled at, I don't maim anyone, and I leave the hospital feeling a sense of accomplishment. My preceptor, Renae, is really great. She's very patient, explains everything to me in detail, and gives me the opportunity to jump right in there and do stuff. And I had all that today! All of my cases were GYN-related, which is kind've nice because I haven't had that many GYN procedures lately and I really want to learn as many new setups as possible. I'm not sure what tomorrow's day will look like, possibly ophthalmic, but I'm already excited to find out!
On an unrelated note...I'm ready for winter to be over and baseball season to start.
A good day at the hospital is any day where I don't get yelled at, I don't maim anyone, and I leave the hospital feeling a sense of accomplishment. My preceptor, Renae, is really great. She's very patient, explains everything to me in detail, and gives me the opportunity to jump right in there and do stuff. And I had all that today! All of my cases were GYN-related, which is kind've nice because I haven't had that many GYN procedures lately and I really want to learn as many new setups as possible. I'm not sure what tomorrow's day will look like, possibly ophthalmic, but I'm already excited to find out!
On an unrelated note...I'm ready for winter to be over and baseball season to start.
Monday, February 02, 2009
the month in review
Every December I look back at the preceding 12 months and can never seem to remember what the heck I did or didn’t accomplish. It’s almost like I blocked out 300+ days of my life. So I’ve decided to try to keep up with my rather tedious existence 1 month at a time. And, I’ve decided to start the tallying with this past January.
Last month…
* I read 2 books that had absolutely squat to do with school; Santa Clawed by Rita Mae Brown, and The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. These books couldn’t be farther apart in content if they tried. I liked that.
* I nervously began the clinical portion of my Surg Tech program. So far, I think everything is working out quite well. I haven’t maimed anyone. Yet.
* On the last day of the month, the wall of ice on our roof started melting. Into our house. Our living room ceiling is leaking and the tiles look as if they are just minutes away from dropping a few dozen gallons of water on top of our worldly goods. The insurance person is coming out tomorrow to “assess.”
* We’ve been without a dog in our lives for just over a month now. I think I’ve persuaded Vic to wait until after my graduation (June) to adopt a new family member, but it’s killing her. She really misses Shannon and really misses having a dog around. I just really miss Shannon.
By the end of February I hope to feel more at ease at the hospital ~ sometimes I just feel like a know-nothing twit. It would be nice to feel I’m making some kind of contribution instead of just taking up space. I’m also hoping to read at least one book and make leaps of progress on my current cross-stitch project. I also want to try to get out to the art museum this month. Otherwise, I’m looking forward to a nice, quiet, stressless month!
Last month…
* I read 2 books that had absolutely squat to do with school; Santa Clawed by Rita Mae Brown, and The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. These books couldn’t be farther apart in content if they tried. I liked that.
* I nervously began the clinical portion of my Surg Tech program. So far, I think everything is working out quite well. I haven’t maimed anyone. Yet.
* On the last day of the month, the wall of ice on our roof started melting. Into our house. Our living room ceiling is leaking and the tiles look as if they are just minutes away from dropping a few dozen gallons of water on top of our worldly goods. The insurance person is coming out tomorrow to “assess.”
* We’ve been without a dog in our lives for just over a month now. I think I’ve persuaded Vic to wait until after my graduation (June) to adopt a new family member, but it’s killing her. She really misses Shannon and really misses having a dog around. I just really miss Shannon.
By the end of February I hope to feel more at ease at the hospital ~ sometimes I just feel like a know-nothing twit. It would be nice to feel I’m making some kind of contribution instead of just taking up space. I’m also hoping to read at least one book and make leaps of progress on my current cross-stitch project. I also want to try to get out to the art museum this month. Otherwise, I’m looking forward to a nice, quiet, stressless month!
Monday, January 26, 2009
stuff i'm doing
I feel like my semester is going pretty well, so far. I'm keeping up with my homework and the hundred other pieces of crap she assigns us on a daily basis, and I still have time for other frivolities. I've been cross-stitching, reading (non-school stuff), and have recently acquired a slight addiction to Mahjongg.
I got it free from somewhere online, loaded it onto the computer, and now Vic & I are trying to like heck to beat it! It's not the regular Mahjongg; there are other Jongg-like games and we've made it our mission to win them all. I think it just gives us both something extra to bitch about.
I got it free from somewhere online, loaded it onto the computer, and now Vic & I are trying to like heck to beat it! It's not the regular Mahjongg; there are other Jongg-like games and we've made it our mission to win them all. I think it just gives us both something extra to bitch about.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
random things
Random things:
* It's been really freaking cold here lately. So cold, that we're almost out of wood again! We really love our fires.
* I was really sick Monday. I just couldn't stop yakking. Vic says it's the peanut butter M&Ms I ate the night before. Whatever it was, I'm fine now.
* It seems as though our cell phone bill is way too high. My phone is at least 3 years old, so I don't think I should have to pay as much as people with really nice tricked-out phones.
* Having other people's blood and body parts on me doesn't gross me out as much as I think it should. I actually think it's kinda cool.
* I'm making nachos for dinner tonight.
* My jeep needs desperately to be washed. It's all the salt used to melt the snow on the roads. My black jeep is almost white!
* Invariably, my nose always itches after I'm gowned & gloved in the OR.
* It's been really freaking cold here lately. So cold, that we're almost out of wood again! We really love our fires.
* I was really sick Monday. I just couldn't stop yakking. Vic says it's the peanut butter M&Ms I ate the night before. Whatever it was, I'm fine now.
* It seems as though our cell phone bill is way too high. My phone is at least 3 years old, so I don't think I should have to pay as much as people with really nice tricked-out phones.
* Having other people's blood and body parts on me doesn't gross me out as much as I think it should. I actually think it's kinda cool.
* I'm making nachos for dinner tonight.
* My jeep needs desperately to be washed. It's all the salt used to melt the snow on the roads. My black jeep is almost white!
* Invariably, my nose always itches after I'm gowned & gloved in the OR.
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