Wednesday, February 28, 2007

More flowers for me!!

I work for the best company ever!

While I was sick, my recruiter, Eric, sent me a e-Hallmark card, telling me to rest and relax, and get better. Also, as I mentioned before, the hospital where I am working, brought me a get well care package.

Well, today I had a knock on the door, and it was some flowers. A beautiful get well bouquet of wild flowers, from Eric, and my travel liaison, Allison.

How cool is that?

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Better

I feel better today. I actually feel like I could eat/drink without any problems. I still feel weak, and I slept in until 1130am, but I feel better. I was worried my night of sleep was gonna be like it had been all day, wake up every hour. It started out like that, but after about 11 or 12, I slept till 730 this morning.
I hurt all over from sleeping/laying too much, but I just feel so weak standing and sitting. I hope that passes soon. Off to eat some chicken soup.

Monday, February 26, 2007

I *think* it finally stopped

So, it is 5:30 now. I have kept some water down for at least 4 hours. Yeah!

This whole time I was freezing cold, and I am finally warm again. I am gonna try to eat some food. Oh yeah. I almost forgot. My new hospital is awesome.

I called about 1 o'clock to get some advice from the nurse contact I have there. And, she sent someone over with two cans of chicken noodle soup, some cracker, and some jello.

How cool is that? I mean, not only did I call in sick and make it so they have to have a crappy day, but they went out of their way to make sure that I had some "comfort" food, and that I would be okay.

Wow. Talk about God's wonderful children. Thanks!!

The Good Ol' PB

No, it doesn't stand for peanut butter. It stands for Pepto Bismol.

I love that stuff.

Unfortunately, I don't seem to have that same excitement when I wake up at 5 am, sick to my stomach, weak, and shaking. And I don't have ANY PB in the apt.

So, I wake up thinking, this too will pass. It didn't. So, I called work, letting them know I wasn't going to make it in today. They seemed nice about it, but you never know what they are thinking.

I got dressed, made my way to my car, headed to the store.

First stop Weis Markets. It is the grocery store just around the corner. But, I pulled up at 5:30am, and they don't open until 6. Yeah for me.

So, I headed to the nearest gas station, and they were open, and had a small bottle for sale. I say "I'll take it."

That will be $3.59 please. Oh my goodness....I can buy three regular sized bottles at that price from the store. But, I don't care. I am sick, and I want my comfort PB.

I head back home, and as I am walking up to the door, I am feeling really sick. As I get in the door I have just enough time to throw my coat on the floor and run to the bathroom. Short of going into details of what happened in there....the toilet was my friend.

So, afterwards, I don't feel sick anymore. Of course that is the way it usually works. But, because I felt instantly better, it led me to believe it was something I ate. I had a tuna sandwich last night for dinner. I didn't think tuna went bad, does it?

Well, even though I felt better, I still took my PB. I thought about calling work back to say I could come in now, but I think I will take the day to sleep, and get better. You always feel weak after throwing up. It just takes so much out of you.

I have a couple days off after today, so I might work a shift to make up for today. My job requires me to make up hours not worked. Of course, I have put in plenty of extra hours...I wonder if those will count toward make-up. I don't know.

I am off to bed to get some sleep. I feel better, but a little bit of "uncomfortable-ness" is starting again. I hope it passes.

UPDATE: (9am) Still at it, that makes three trips to the bathroom.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Brandi's Blog

Brandi, if you are reading this...I can't read your blog. Please send me an email, so I can read your blog. I miss hearing how McKenna is growing. It says I have to be on the "list" of acceptable readers. Of course, that is if you still want me to read it. :)

It's Snowing...Again

I can't believe it. I thought we were done with this mess. I woke up this morning, and it had freezing rained (that didnt sound right, but oh well). The weather man was right. HE said it would be a wintry mix early am, and into late morning. But by morning, would be over.

Well, After I got up this morning, I noticed it has started to lightly snow. Ok. No big deal. It will be over soon.

WRONG!

I decided to go back to bed for an hour or so. Now, as I wake up (okay a few hours later, it wasn't just an hour. You would think I would learn, but I don't), it is heavily snowing and an inch or two is accumulated on my car.

Still snowing hard as I write this. So, I am going to go take a shower, get dressed, and go somewhere, because I do not want to get snowed in again. I had better get going, or there will be four inches on my car soon.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Almost Home

I was just about to purchase a ticket to come home. I found a $400 round trip ticket into Pasco. I had assigned my seating, it was a perfect flight. I was just about ready to push purchase...then I didn't.

I am sorry mom. I can't come home. I came here to have fun on my days off, and if I use my 4-day-in-a-row to come home, then that will take away from seeing something here.

I haven't decided what to do yet on those four days, but I am sure I will go somewhere. Maybe back to New York, maybe somewhere else.

I really miss everyone at home, but I have only been gone for a month. I can last just a little longer. Please give my Grason and Kaitlyn big kisses for me. I miss them so much. (And everyone else too).

Love you all bunches...

What is it with Credit Cards?

I am currently working really hard to get my credit cards paid off. Matter of fact, I am about 4 weeks away from having them ALL paid off.

The point of this post...I just noticed my credit limit shot up about $5000 on each credit card. There are two from the same bank. How come when I needed the extra credit, and I promised it would get paid back, they wouldn't give it to me. Now, when I don't need it, they don't have any problem jacking up my credit limit.

What is up with these people? I swear. Now, I have to make a call to the bank, telling them to lower my credit limit, because I don't want all that "possible" money hanging over my head. I know in the business world there are names for all these things...but I don't care. All I know is I don't want it.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Happy Birthday MOM!!


Happy Birthday Mom!!





I love you!! I hope you have the bestest day ever.

Trip through Amish Country

I just made reservations to stay in Lancaster, PA. It is really close to Amish Country, so I will get to see it up close and personal. I have always admired their way of living, and thought it would be cool to really see them.

I won't be able to take pics of them because they believe that you hold the soul if they are in pictures...something about souls, and not believing in pictures. Ok, so some things I don't agree with, but still. I need to respect their choices.

My trip. I am gonna head up to Gettysburg, Pa. Spend half a day touring that area. Then head up to Lancaster. Stay in a guest room of a working farm. The owners are Mennonites. They have a guest room, named "Pigs Palace" I reserved that room. Yippee. Unfortunately they don't have any real pigs on their farm, but goats and horses, and chickens, and um, maybe cows. I can't remember. I would love to learn how to milk a cow. It just seems cool, and something I have never done before.

Then, I will head up the next day to Philadelphia. Stay one night there, then come home Sunday night. This will all take place March 16-18. Yeah. I am so excited. I have me another trip planned.

Now, I have to decide when to go to DC.

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is March 31-April 15th. With a parade on Saturday April 14th. It would be cool to go during that time, so I will have to see. I may go once before then, and go again during the festival. I think it will be really pretty, and I head the festival is cool, and they have special exhibits at the museums during that time.

Ching, Ching $$

I have decided to pick up an additional shift. I will do an extra day shift on Thursday. I haven't felt burned out yet (way too early for that), so I still like coming to work. Plus, when it is bad weather, I would rather be working, making contacts, and more importantly, making money.

Ching, Ching. $$$$

I will just rack up the money. I love it. Since I am working a night shift right now, it won't really even seem like extra shifts.

Tonight I am doing ok. I am just past half way, and approaching the push hour. Usually from 3-5, I have to really keep myself awake, but I think I will do okay tonight.

Addendum: (5am) Yeah!! I did ok, now I just have afew more things to do, give report to the next nurse, and go home. Yippee!!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

I'm out

I finally got out of my parking space. The maintenance crew was driving by, and I asked if I could use their shovel. They offered to come help me. Yeah.

It didn't take too long either. A little shovel here, a little shovel there, and a big push, and I was out. Yippee!!

I got to go to the store today, got some stuff. Bought a new pair of tennie runners, and got my brows done.

I was only out for a few hours, because I didn't get started until about 3, as I took a nap because of my night shift tonight. So, it was nice to be able to get a few hours before working tonight. Which I am off to, before I am late! Tata!

Another change

I have agreed, yet again, to switch shifts. I was supposed to work tomorrow, but they called me today and asked if I would be willing to work tonight, and have tomorrow off. Good thing is...if I have tomorrow off, I get three days off in a row, but I have to sleep all day, so that throws things off, and basically cancels out that day.

Oh well. Today I took a little nap until 2. Now I am gonna go get my car out of the snow, head to the store, and maybe go out to eat dinner. That sounds good.

Mom, sorry but your card is going to be late. I appologize. It will get sent out today, but I think it will arrive a day late. I love you.

Have a great day/night all, I will see how my night shift goes. Hopefully it will go as smooth as last night shift, however I doubt I will have flowers waiting for me when I arrive. Oh well.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Ambulance

Yesterday I was headed to my car to see if I could get out of the snow yet. I wanted to go out to get a card for mom, and something for my friend, as she is having a baby in March. I wasn't getting anywhere with the car situation. I am still stuck. This week it is supposed to be in the 40-50's with one day high of 61 I think, so it will melt, and soon I will be able to move again.

Back to my story. Well, Hospital called and asked if I was able to do a transport. NOt quite sure what that meant, I said sure. She told me that someone in ER needed to be transported to a hospital in Baltimore, and they needed a Critical Care Nurse to ride with...just in case something happened.

So, I arrived at the hospital and met my patient. She is fairly young, and came in with chest pain. I think because of her insurance, she needed to go there. She needed to have a cardiac catheterization done on her heart, to see if/where a blockage was, and to hopefully fix it.

I had a non-eventful ride with my patient. I, on the other hand, didn't. There was a few times I got the icky feeling of "motion sickness". I felt bad for the paramedic in the cab, because he basicly now had two patients on his hands. I was riding in the back, on the side of the ambulance, and I could see out the front window, but all I could see is the side of the road rushing past. It was a very bumpy ride, and the wind was making the cab swerve. So, I think my motion sickness was well deserved. I don't think that is the word I am looking for, but you get my drift.

I switched places with the medic, so I could sit above the patient, and face forward. After that, smooth sailing. Didn't have any problems. Then on the way back, I sat up front and had a great conversation with the EMT. He is in nursing school, so we had a lot to talk about. He was really nice and very easy to talk to, so it was cool.

Overall, I got about 5 hours of extra work in yesterday, so that was cool. If I pick up an extra shift this week, then I will get some overtime. I like overtime. I don't like working for it, but it has to be done. I figure while it is icky, cold, and wet outside, I might as well work some extra shifts now, that way when I want to go play....I have some extra money. Sweet.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Extra

I am working extra today. YEsterday after my shift, I mistakenly offered that if there weren't enough people today, I would be willing to work extra.

The only reason I am saying I mistakenly did it, is because it is early, and I am tired. I am sure the day will go fine, and I will be happy that I worked extra. I figured, there is no reason I shouldn't do it. It is icky out again this weekend, at least supposed to be, and I will just stay in. So I might as well get some extra work in.

So, I am off to work this morning. I have to call security because my (rental) car is still snowed in, so I can't get anywhere. I hope they don't get mad for having to pick me up twice. I think the staffing office wasn't happy about it, but the security guard yesterday said he was more than willing, and I should call anytime I needed a ride.

So I am gonna call today, and if they have a problem with it, then I just will have to tell them that I can't come in extra then. Too bad.

Have a great day!

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Happy Birthday to me!!

Tonight I arrived at work, okay yesterday night. And I introduce myself to a crew I have never met before. The first thing they say is...are you Kathleen S******, I say yes. They tell me I have a package that arrived today, over on the counter. I glance over and it is a box of flowers. I think to myself...I have no one that would send me a Valentine, why am I getting flowers...at work none-the-less. I was afraid to open it.

So I get report, and about an hour passes. Now my curiosity has gotten to me. I go ahead and open the box. Everyone waiting in anticipation. The card says Happy Birthday Kathleen! We appreciate all the hard work you do. Hope you have a fantastic day. From, Access Nurses.

How sweet. My company sent me tulips...they were pink tulips btw...to me at work on Valentine's Day. Of course, it isn't my birthday, so they obviously messed that one up. I will have to tell them. Of course, I will do it after expressing my great pleasure in receiving them.

My recruiter knows when my birthday is because he wished me Happy Birthday back in Jan, when it really was. Also, he called me today and wished me Happy Valentine's Day, so I am not sure why there is a mix up with the rest of the company. Oh well. I don't mind getting flowers...ever. I will post a pic of them as soon as I can.

Tonight's shift was awesome. Time went by really fast, and everyone is really nice. Oh yeah one more tid bit. I went outside about 6pm to leave early get to work and eat, and be ready to start by 6:30. Well, when I went outside my car was buried, there was no way I could get out of it. So, I locked my car, bundled up, and walked to work. Of course when I got there, I met someone from the place I am staying, just a few buildings away. She has offered to take me home. How sweet, I don't have to walk home in the cold. Actually it wasn't so bad. I stopped 3/4 of the way at McD's and got me some dinner. That helped me warm up a bit.

Well, I am still at work, and it is about time to give my 6 oclock meds and finish my notes, then I can go home. Night wasn't as bad as I remember it to be. Of course, if I do lots of them, it may start again.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Switch

Today the hospital called and asked if I would be willing to work tonight, instead of tomorrow. I didn't have anything going on today, so I agreed. I figure too many people called, and said they wouldn't be available to come to work because of the storm. Lots of the other nurses live in the outlying areas. Some have up to an hour commute. That really isn't possible in this storm. I think we got like 4 inches of snow, and last night/this morning it was freezing rain.
I on the other hand, live just half mile away, so I can go to work. They also said that if I wasn't able to drive, security would come to pick me up. That is sweet. I think I will be fine though. It really is just down the street.
So, today, when I need to take a nap...of course, I won't be able to. I think I am gonna go try to sleep for an hour or so. I haven't worked a night shift in a long time, so this may be a rude awakening for me. We will have to see.

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy

Happy Valentine's Day!!

No romantic date to report. No pretty roses on my doorstep this morning. No candy in the mailbox.

But I am ok with that. It is just another day, that is here. I have today off, so I might head out to shop the outlet mall, or maybe the Valley Mall. However, it is now freezing rain out there, so I think it best I stay inside for now.

Maybe that is why my roses and candy haven't arrived...hmmm?

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Grrr

Still snowing. Luckily it is now a fine snow. Of course that is after a couple inches have fallen already. I haven't been outside yet, I decided to go take a nap. Yes. Just after I woke up. You know me.
It was only about an hour long, so not my usual.

Maybe I will go see if it is running weather...tata.

Snowed In


I guess I won't be going anywhere. The weatherman was actually right this time. There is a BIG winter storm hotting the Midwest ans stretching across over to Maryland, and Washington DC area. So, I don't want to go walking around DC in the snow and rain. So far, it has snowed here about an inch+, and its still going strong. Supposed to last all day, turning to freezing rain later in the day.
I can't believe it. I was looking forward to going and doing something on these days off. Oh well. I guess hot cocoa and movies will do too. Can't really go explore around here, because it is all wintery. I might go for a run if it is warm enough. 30's is good, 10-20's not good.
Of course, I haven't ran in over a month, so I am not sure how that will go. I need to get back into it soon though. It is making me so mad, I just keep eating and eating, and no running. I am gonna be back to where I was if I don't watch carefully. Jeffrey...I need to get started on that Meltdown Monday. I guess this Monday is as good as any to start. You have motivated me to get going on it.
Maybe tomorrow the snow will let up, and I can go to DC then. Of course the winter storm alert is in effect until 2pm EST tomorrow. Grrr!

Monday, February 12, 2007

A day in the life of the President

Okay, not really, it will be more like a day in the life of a tourist, but that wasn't as catchy of a title. I am sure you can guess...I am off to DC. I have a couple days off, and DC is just a few miles south of me. Okay...more like 70, but who's counting. There is a park/ride metro that I can get on just 50 miles away. That way I can pay WAY less for parking, and not have to deal with traffic.

I am so excited. I will just go for the day, and if I find I didn't have time to see/do all I want to see/do...then I can go again on Wednesday.

Don't worry, I will take pics. I have always wanted to go and sit on President Lincoln's lap. You know, the one with him in the big chair, in front of the Lincoln Memorial. At least, I think that is where it is at. Hehe. I will pretty dumb, if it isn't. Oh well, I have never been there before, so that is my excuse for not knowing.

So, wish me luck as my first sightseeing tour gets underway. I will leave here about 8:30 or 9, and be there by 10am. Don't worry, I will bring my pepperspray, but I doubt I will need it. Just in case though...I will have it!

Saturday, February 10, 2007

5:30am

Wow. This sucks. I hate getting up early. Especially when I awoke almost every hour after getting to sleep at 1am. I think subconciously, I was afraid my alarm wasn't going to go off, or something. All I know, is I am DEAD tired, and I have to work today. Here goes nothing...

Thursday, February 08, 2007

I'm going to NY

I just made reservations for my first trip to the big apple. I can't wait. I have a stretch of three days off in early March, and I am taking advantage of it. Yippee!!
I managed to get onto travelocity's website, thought I would check flight prices to NY from DC. $100 round trip. Wow, can't beat that. The next thing I know, I am checking out hotels, and costs. Then checking out attractions vouchers. Wow.
I am so excited. I am headed up on Monday March 5, returning March 7. I am staying at a Manhattan 2 star hotel. Nothing major, but I won't be in my hotel all that much. I also got a 3 day NY pass, that gets me into lots of cool attractions like Empire state bldg, Statue of Liberty, and lots of museums. I also reserved a dinner cruise (sounded like fun), a massage a fancy spa, broadway play ( I have ALWAYS wanted to go to a Broadway play), and then I will go visit Central Park, and just go visit places all over. I know I am not staying long, and I won't get to see it all. That is fine. I will go back. But, I just can't wait to go. I will see/do as much as I can. DOn't worry, I will take pictures.
Woohoo. NY City here I come!!

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Angel of Death

So, I started my job yesterday. I think it is going to be good. I really like everyone that I will be working with...well at least those that I have met. YEsterday was paperwork day, and orinetation. Finished paperwork about 10 am, then headed to the PCU and worked with Sarah. She is really nice. I didn't really do much nursing, mostly just watching and seeing how things are done there.

Today I got to orient in ICU. I will be working days in either the ICU or the PCU. Sweet. I like switching, that way I don't get bored, and it keeps things interesting.

I did however, mess up already. I set my alarm last night, thought I turned it on, but apparently didn't. So this am, I wake up about 5:15, think...great, I have another 15 mins to snooze. So, I doze off, and wake up at 6:31. I am supposed to be at work by 6:30. So, my first day on the floor (still in orientation) and I am calling in late. I just about, actually, I did, bawl. It was horrible, I was so embarrassed. I don't live far, so washed my face, got dressed, brushed my teeth, and I was outta there. I was on the unit ready to work at 6:45. Record time.

Day went well. I had a patient that didn't do well. Due to confidentiality reasons, I can't divulge any more info, but my patient won't make it. I didn't do anything wrong, except bad luck. I was dealt the wrong hand. I haven't gotten the title Angel of Death yet, lets just hope my next patient is alive and well when I get done with them...or I just might become the "Angel of Death".

Basically a title we give to anyone who frequently gets patients who are about to die, or actually do die. I have many patients that have died, just not in a row, or not that frequently. So, here's hoping I don't get another one anytime soon, so that I don't get named appropriately.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

I'm an East Coast gal

So, I am here. It was a long journey, but I made it. Yesterday I flew into Dulles Int'l Airport. That was a flight. Left Spokane, 2 hour + flight to Vegas, then had about one and half hour layover. I lost $20 on the slot machines. I had fun, so who cares, right? Then a 5 hour flight to DC from there. Got into town late last night. About 11:30 my (new) time. Took a shuttle bus to my hotel, couldn't sleep until about 4 am. Yuck. Then woke up at 8am, tried to sleep in till 9, then got up and got ready to go.

Called for a taxi. It was gonna be $74 to get a ride to the Greyhound station, for the second set of my journey. Yeah, like I have $75. So, I finally called around and found one for $55. It was right on the nose too. Total was $55.65 (after $2 baggae fee for excess baggage). He was great though, showed me the sites and pointed out what they were. Even gave me the low-down on what part of town to stay away from. He said if you find yourself in Southeast, turn around immediately, and get out. Too many innocent people get shot. He said thats were the mofia are. Scary, I know. The rest, all the other parts of town, he said were good. As long as I stay out of SE mom, I won't get shot. I hope! :)

Managed to get to Greyhound, the bus ride was semi-non-eventful. The only funny thing was when we reached the top of a hill, I saw a sign that read " Braddock Mountain, elev. 985 ft" Ha. You call that a mountain? That's the distance up my parents driveway. Okay, I am exaggerating a little (okay, a lot), but you get my point. Next hill was elev 1200 ft. A bit better, but not a mountain.

There was a McD's right by the station, but I didn't eat there, because I had too much luggage, and I was afraid of leaving it be while I standed in line. A lot of people were very helpful. While I was calling 411 for a taxi company, this lady handed me a phonebook. I called three cab companies before someone finally picked up. The gentlemen was very pleasant. The great thing was...cab ride only $5 even. There was no meter, I think anywhere in Hagerstown is $5. I might have to keep him in mind for later. He even helped carry my bags to my front door. Which brings me to my new furnished apt.

Certainly not an apt I would rent for myself. Then the furniture...well, think Grandma and you might have a good idea of what it looks like. However, the dresser, nightstand, and armoire are Stanley furniture. Very nice. I didn't know we made furniture, but ok. The bed...well, we will have to see. Some walls have a mint green paint on them. Nice touch, I like it. However, there is a smell. I can't pinpoint what it is, but it does smell. My guess I will get used to it. I don't want to, but I will.

I went ahead and unpacked what I brought. Deosn't seem like much, but it will do until my packages get here. I can't wait for them. At least I will have a few more things to make it feel like home. Oh, and I don't have a DVD player like they said, I have a VCR. Which is cool, I can record my shows, but how will Ibe able to watch all my DVD's that I brought along. Oh well, I will be too busy to watch tv. Yeah right. It's me were talking about.

Well, I am off to get some groceries, and explore my new city a bit. Not too many things terribly close, but I will get my exercise in.

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Traveling

Travel day is here. I am off to Spokane to catch a plane to Washington DC. East Coast, here I come!!!

Plane leaves at 12:45 , and we still need to drive to Spokane. I have a few more things to take care of at home, then we are off. Mom is driving me, and Ashley has decided to come along. How nice.

Well better get going, see you on the other side!