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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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).

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!

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.

in casey you were wondering...

Shaky Pancakes
Originally uploaded by wahoo1265

* 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.

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.

post-graduation

Caleb
Originally uploaded by wahoo1265

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!

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!

monday doings

Porch Before & After
Originally uploaded by wahoo1265

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.

may in review

May
Originally uploaded by wahoo1265

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!

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!

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!

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.