Thursday, October 31, 2013

Thursday 10.31.2013 Spooky Day

Drizzly but warm (at 61 degrees)--I went out for a run in the drizzle. The birds had been noisy when I went out, but were quiet when I got back in.  And the wind gusted a couple of times and it rained pretty good for several minutes before easing back into the light rain/drizzly stuff. I timed that right.

Breakfast, helped Frank for an hour or so, then showered and got ready to go in for the last 4 hours of the shift (so someone could be with their little one for Halloween).

We had a great afternoon.

Back home, I fixed my lunch for tomorrow and had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you God for a great day.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Wednesday 10.30.2013

Another Beautiful Day!!

Blue sky, sunshine, low 60's.  Cruising right into winter....

Went to a meeting this morning. Frank was at the house when I got back. We spent some time together and ran errands before he went off to work.

I did a little outdoor stuff, and was really sleepy in the late afternoon.

A bite to eat for supper, and I had to close my eyes for a short time.

Tomorrow I'm working the last four hours of the shift.

Hope I'm rested by then...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Tuesday 10.29.2013 A Day

A busy day today--lots of discharges, and admissions.  And the whole smash of people leaving, housekeeping and their equipment to "turn the room over" (clean thoroughly for the next patient), clean beds being to taken to Recovery, new patients coming down the hall in wheelchairs or walking, each with their entourages of varying numbers of participants, often including the baby in the bassinet. Surgical patients coming in by bed with two people moving the bed. Staff--the assortment of physicians, nurses, maintenance, pharmacy, dietary, and others--walking briskly up and down the hall to meet their needs, most often pushing their own equipment; computers on wheels (laptops mounted to a mobile platform), blood pressure machines,  carts, IV pumps mounted on poles, etc. Oh, Yes, and Visitors. Starting about 0830, growing to a crescendo about 2pm. By 4:30, the dust had settled, quieted down, and we had time to breathe.

In fact, we staffed down.

And had a surprisingly quiet last hour and a half. (thank you God)

And within the bustle, in the space of their own rooms, I had the remarkable opportunity to share in the first hours of life.

Skin to skin, the newborn lies on it's mother's chest. Warm, familiar. She pushes herself with her arms and legs, stretches her neck, and with open eyes, looks into her mother's face. I can hardly breathe as I watch these two connect with their eyes, looking into what they have each grown to know. Moms smile, often coo, and most always marvel at how their baby is looking at them.

Dads reach out, touch baby's hand.   He and mom look at each other;  I stay quiet, or speak soft and low to encourage or explain or reposition.  Baby drops her head on mom's chest, sometimes bobbing, with open mouth, tongue exploring.

I may ask about feeding, or if I know, I'll gently guide arms and pillows and bodies and next thing we know--baby is suckling.  Her eyes open again, looking at mom, knowing that this is right, being nourished.

This intimacy, this realization, this most life-changing moment, is my gift from God. That I am able to facilitate this experience for them, to be allowed into this most intimate space, is humbling.

My heart swells, sometimes I have difficulty speaking. Saying "thank you" to my patients often comes out with the difficulty of emotion.

And they "get it".

This is my work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Monday 10.28.2013

Worked today.

We actually had a couple of times to "sit".  I was actually surprised, and wondered if I was missing something that I was supposed to be doing.....

The others felt the same way. That we hadn't had a "breather" in several weeks.

Whew.

That doesn't mean to say that we weren't busy.  Surgicals coming back, and babies interspersed, throughout the day.

I am blessed to work with the best group ever.

Tired tonight--I did some yoga for my back, which helped immensely.

Tomorrow is another workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Sunday 10.27.2013

What a great day today!!

A nice morning watching the birds, falling leaves, squirrels feeding, and the sun came out.  Bonus!

I went out for a couple of errands, and putzed around in the yard for a bit, looking at what could be done. Went downstairs and spent the majority of the evening shifting and settling things down there. I'm pleasantly surprised how bright it is when the sun is shining.

Tomorrow is a work day.

 Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Saturday 10.26.2013

Another Great Day!!!

I was able to do all the things I wanted today, thank you God!

Run, (shower), groceries, prepare and eat yummy stuff. Kitchen chores, outdoor chores.  Woo Hoo!

I hope to enjoy tomorrow, too!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Friday 10.25.2013

I've had a restful day today.

Didn't do much physically, but did some computer stuff.

I just couldn't (more like didn't) go out to the store. I think I dozed off at least twice throughout the day.

Tomorrow I'll be going out for the errands I need to do.

*yawn*

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Thursday 10.24.2013

Worked today.  All day long.

Enjoyed lunch at 11, and didn't get to eat again.  Ugh.

So, a light snack at home.

And ready for bed.

Tomorrow is rest and groceries.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Wednesday 10.23.2013

Worked, tired, hope to sleep tonight.

Heard folks talking about seeing snow today--it sure felt that cold this morning, and smelled like snow, too.

Hope we have a nice sunshine-y winter...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Tuesday 10.22.2013

Didn't sleep last night--

I take sudafed to help with the ear pressure when I fly, and yesterday's flights were longer than the 4 hour dosing interval. So I took a second tablet before leaving Atlanta. (I still had ear pain about half way through the flight--enough that I had to close my eyes, deep breathe, and consciously relax and not let my eyes leak.  I could have jabbed a sharp pencil in my ears to relieve the pain. Fortunately, the Ear Planes ear plugs finally did their thing, and I was not that uncomfortable again.)

And sudafed keeps me awake.  Like jiffed up, too much caffeine kind of awake.

So I laid in bed and rested, deep breathed, quieted the brain.  I would doze off, then wake again.

Good thing I didn't work today.

I did have a meeting, though, from 9-12noon. I got up, dressed, and breakfasted.

Lively discussions with some conclusions.

I did the banking, then stopped for fresh groceries on the way home.

And a quiet rest of the day, trying to stay awake.

Hoping to sleep--tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Monday 10.21.2013

Kind of a cool morning in South Carolina.

Matilda had a good night, and a good morning, and even did a nap without difficulty.

I got packed and ready to go; after Matilda woke, we played for a bit before her lunch. Then it was time to go to the airport...

She fell asleep just before we got there, but as I bent to smooch on her, she woke. So I got to tell her good-bye, and that I'd see her on the computer.

A safe journey home, thank you God.

I had a 2 1/2 hour layover in Atlanta, so it was dark when we took off to Detroit.  We saw the red moon rising on the horizon before the clouds obstructed the view. The next view out the window were the stars going by. That's how it looked, anyway. I couldn't see down below because of the clouds. That was pretty neat, too.

I found my car in the parking structure without difficulty (thanks again) and have arrived home without incidence.

Unpacked, unwound, and with sore eardrums.

Tomorrow is a morning meeting and groceries.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Sunday 10.20.2013

Another Great Day today!!

The weather was cooler--high 60's and overcast this morning when I was out for a run, with sunshine and 72-ish late afternoon.

Matilda slept well through the night, finally getting up after 8am.  Didn't/wouldn't nap for either her dad or mom; I stepped in and took over her care so they could get their weekend chores done.  And after an hour or two of one-on-one time--walking outdoors, playing in the playroom, and a few attempts to go in her bedroom--we finally got to sleep.

I continued with her when she woke, as Jenny and Jeremy were fixing supper. When it smelled like food was just about ready, we went downstairs.

Sweet as can be, and ate well.

After supper walk around the block, bath, and .... screeching.  I had her for 20 minutes or so, then Jeremy came in and took over, finally getting her quietly into bed about a half hour later.

I sure remember those challenges. Parenting is one of the most difficult things to do, I think.

Tomorrow I'll pack up and leave.

Praying for an easy and uneventful return to Michigan.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Saturday 10.20.2013 Checking the Look....

Matilda had a couple "episodes" today with her teeth. But with the oragel and the "tincture of time", we got through them.

After an hour nap, we loaded up and went out to the Street Fair.

She's so sweet--saying "hi" to people and grinning when they say HI back. Like she's figured out a real word in this language we speak.

She enjoyed the musicians that were on every corner, literally. Each with a little different sound, each eliciting a bop and a smile from our Little One. Daddy took her out of the stroller and she walked through the loose crowd, stood in front of the band, smiled and boogied, moving her little body to the music.  So much fun.

But it was warm, near 80, barely a breeze, and she got a bit irritable.  So off we went, back home.

Where she cried, and fussed, and had supper and a bath and another early bedtime.

Mom and Dad went out for some adult time while I stayed in with her.

And about a half hour after they left, she wailed again.  Uh Oh....

I picked her up, she was screaming and drooling--I talked to her in a quiet voice, applied the oragel (to her protest). Her shuddering sobs finally quieted, I wiped her nose again, and I held her snug and rocked her. A half hour later she was back to sleep and in her crib.

Whew.

So far, no more "attacks".

I have one more full day with her, then Monday she goes to day care and I come home.

I am so blessed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Ready to go to the Old Town Art and Seafood Festival!!





Friday, October 18, 2013

Friday 10.18.2013

Poor little Matilda is cutting molars. She will stop, freeze in place actually, let her mouth drop open, hold your eye, and wail!!!  Drool everywhere, nose running, pulling her ears.  Oragel for the immediate relief, tylenol for a couple hours, and after 3 hours, added motrin. She had a rough afternoon.

But was so tired (only slept an hour during the day today, and had been up a couple times in the night) she was bathed, rocked, and in bed shortly after seven.  Hoping for a better night.

I was asked to make one of Jeremy's favorites--chicken and dumplings--for supper, which I did. And a nice salad to go with.

It's still 79 degrees and humid here at 10:30pm. Instead of hearing the furnace running, it's the A/C.  And thankful for it.

Tomorrow we may be going to an Art and Seafood fair in Old Town Bluffton. Said to be a pretty big gig.  Hope 'Tilda is up for it.  Shoot--hope I'm up for it. The heat can get to me...

Having a great visit.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Thursday 10.17.2013

Whew--it's a bit warm down here....

Matilda slept all night--the parents say she's not been sleeping well for several nights due to a molar coming in. They did their morning stuff, going off to day care and work.

I rested fairly well, for being "not at home".  This morning I went out for a run. The sun was quite warm, and I noticed this evening my face is even a little pink, which surprised me.  I was very perspire-y when I was done.

Breakfast, shower, and a quiet rest of the day.

I went with Jeremy to fetch Matilda, who sounds a little congested this evening.

The three of us went for dinner, and brought back food for Jenny, who had an inconveniently timed meeting to attend.

I'm tired again this evening.

Hope to sleep--tomorrow is my day for child care. Aack!!  Hope she takes naps!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Wednesday 10.16.2013

I made it!!

Overall, a good trip. Lingering ear discomfort, especially in the right ear, which has never resolved it's issue from almost a year ago.

Jeremy picked me up (the end of his work day) and we went on to pick up Matilda. She looked at me, I saw the flash of recognition in her eyes, and she broke out in huge smile and giggle and came right to me! Made my day!!

Jeremy and Jenny prepared supper while Matilda and I played. After supper is a walk around the block, bath, and bed. Such a sweet girl.

We adults had a quiet evening, and I'm having a hard time staying awake.

Hoping to sleep tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Tuesday 10/15/2013

Whew!!

Finished the work day.

Busy--don't think I was able to sit for more than a total of an hour, from the time I got out of the car at 0615 until...7:20 pm.  Exhale...

Home, last load of laundry done, 40 minutes of yoga (which helped my body more than anticipated), a bite to eat (hmm, that little naggy headache is probably because I didn't have dinner....), and I'm ready for bed.

Tomorrow I'll finish packing and head to the airport.

I've been a little anxious to see my g'baby--now a year old. Plus 1 month.  I hope she still likes me!!  Oh yes, and her parents, too.

Hug 'em while you got 'em.

Thank you for reading.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Monday 10.14.2013

Another great day!!

Worked--steady busy, yet at a fair pace.

I did need to eat my supper "after hours", though.

Tomorrow is another work day.

Hope to sleep tonight.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.


Sunday, October 13, 2013

Sunday 10.13.2013

I'm loving all these great days!!

Blue skies again today.

I went out for a run in the late morning. Temp was about 60, and the sun--so warm. Was glad for long pants, though, as the air was still a bit cool.

Breakfast, shower.

Got everything crossed off of today's list.

Except Frank didn't come over.  He had a bit of the yuck yesterday--and I'm ok with him staying away. I sure don't want it.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Saturday 10.12.2013

What a great day!!

Sunshine, blue skies, 70+ degrees.  For most of the day, anyway. Became half cloudy this afternoon.

I was able to exercise, then go out and take care of the errands.  And I crossed off items on my list.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow I hope to run, and Frank is coming over sometime.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Friday 10.11.2013

Worked today, tired tonight.

Can't hardly stay awake.

Chores tomorrow.

Thank you for reading.

Hugs.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Thursday 10.10.2013

Another great day today!!

Sunshine, blue skies, low 70's.

Went out for a run this morning after the sun burned through the heavy fog. It was low 50's when I wet out--and low 60's by the time I got back in.  Beautiful!

Certainly smells like Fall. Wet, fallen, leaves.

Breakfast, shower, paperwork.

Meeting in the evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Wednesday 10.09.2013

I did it!  I did it!!  I really sleepted!!

Yup--a 4 hour block, uninterrupted!!

Didn't wake up to have a hot flash or a bathroom trip.  When I first realized it, I looked at the clock again and checked myself.  Everything seemed ok....then I got up and went into the "necessary room".

I was able to go back to sleep, too, and woke about 20 minutes before the radio came on.

Up and at 'em.

Went in for a meeting with senior management at the J.O.B.  This happens at least twice during the year, as it is deemed important to keep the staff "informed".  The president of the hospital had sobering information to pass on to us about the trickle down effects of the non-payments due to the government shutdown. It's a big mess any way it's looked at.

Those members of the cabinet, and anyone else involved in the decision making process, need to get their head where it belongs before the country's downward spiral is unstoppable.

I was able to sit outside for a bit in the glorious sunshine. Also did a load of laundry, and an hour or so of yoga.

And I'm tired again tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Tuesday 10.08.2013

Worked today.

Tired.

Can't hardly keep my eyes open tonight.

Maybe I should go to bed so I can be awake???

Tomorrow is a morning meeting.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Monday 10.07.2013

Up and ready for work.  Last couple bites of breakfast, lunch ready, shoes on.

Ring Ring

Hope you haven't left yet.  You're "on call".

Ugh.

Not that I mind being home. 

I'm ready to leave....

So I unpacked my bag, put the food back in the fridge.

I looked at the computer for a little bit, then laid back down.

Didn't really sleep.

Went in the basement and vacuumed a few dead bugs, organized a little more.  At some point it might be done....????

Had a bit for lunch, then went out for a few groceries.

Found some clothes on clearance.

Came back and fixed supper, ate, and about fell asleep on the sofa.

So I'm hoping I can sleep tonight.

And I'll be working tomorrow...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Sunday 10.06.2013

Had a nice day today.

Heavy overcast--and since it was not raining, I went out for a gentle run. It was quiet and still, mid 60's with 97% humidity.

Breakfast, shower, and a quiet, rainy afternoon.

Frank came over for a couple hours this evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Hope to sleep tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Saturday 10.05.2013

What a nice day today!!

Funny weather--96% humidity, mid 70's, overcast.  And it is "leafing" out there.  You know, like snowing, but it is the leaves that are falling.

I made a pot of soup and fresh bread in the bread machine, and a fresh pear tart, or pie-like thing. My guests, LoLo and Diane, arrived about 4pm.

We had a nice visit, enjoyed the food, Frank stopped over, Diane played piano for us, and they left.  I was happy that the house accommodated LoLo's wheelchair easily.

Frank stayed a bit longer, and we looked on the internet at cars for sale. He's looking for another vehicle, something less than $2,000, for the winter. That beautiful Mustang just doesn't like snowy roads.

He left, and I had a quiet rest of the night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Friday 10.04.2013

Worked today.

My turn to "float" to another unit in the hospital.

And it turned out to be another one of God's Gifts.

I'm thankful for the people I meet, and how we are able to share this gift, each of us receiving unknown facets.

Like sparkles on the water.

And glitter on snow.

Thank you.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Thursday 10.03.2013

Worked.

Almost chaotically busy.

Better after a few discharges, and a couple staff went over to open the overflow unit to accept the many new patients coming at us.

And I'm tired this evening.

And I get to do it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Wednesday 10.02.2013

Finally.

Massage day.

And she did another great job, as usual.

It always surprises me, the knots she finds, the hidden areas under muscles that are tight, sore, or tender.

And when she did the lymph drainage today, it wasn't ten minutes later that my bladder got full. Good news that the lymph is draining--scary that it's all been backed up in there somewhere....and most patients aren't even aware that there is a problem.

I am truly blessed to have Leah in my life.

I fixed a yummy supper tonight and cleaned the kitchen, showered, and had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Wednesday 10.01.2013

Gosh--October 1.  Last quarter of the year.

And 15 days before I go to see Matilda.

I went for a run this morning. 97% humidity, 62 degrees, gray, overcast, quiet. Kind of nice to hear the birds and other outdoor sounds.  Kind of made me miss sitting on the deck at the lake, in the quiet, listening.

Breakfast, shower, and off for a meeting.

As I approached the door to the meeting room, I saw another of the members.  "Cancelled", she said.  Oh. When?  "Just now".

That's really not nice to do. Cancel a meeting at meeting time.

I was a bit miffed.

So miffed, it took me several hours to settle down.

I chose to use the energy to move some things out to the back garage, rearranging some things for winter storage.

Dinner, and a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a massage.

I'm ready.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.