Sunday 03.31.2013 Easter Day

What a great day today!!

I got up early to put a quiche and cinnamon coffee cake in the oven, and Frank and Danielle arrived just before the timer went off. We enjoyed the food and the company and thanked the Lord for this life.

I had a quiet rest of the day.  The drizzly rain stopped, the wind picked up, and it was blue skies most of the afternoon.  I went outside for a couple hours, sitting in an area sheltered from the wind, but in the warm sun. The birds are noisy, flying around in pairs, and I watched the little birds still clearing out their nesting hole. So cool.

Supper, a couple of phone calls, and a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 03.30.2013

Another Glorious Day!!

Most of the day was sunshine in a clear blue sky.  I breakfasted and showered, and   Frank stopped over for a brief visit.  Early afternoon I went out for groceries with everyone else.  The store was very busy!

I spent the rest of the afternoon outdoors, picking up large twigs, and raking some around the house. I have a couple hyacinth that are well-budded, and some that are just coming through the ground. Also a couple of daffodils with buds coming, as well as peonies up a few inches near the house, and just poking through the soil back in the yard.  And a rhubarb leaf, about an inch and a half in diameter.  This rhubarb is nothing like the plant at the (former) JC. It looked like it needed a lot of nurturing last year.

The gray film of clouds moved in and the air got a little more chilly. I finished up and went inside for a bite to eat.

I've gotten the prep done for an early morning breakfast with Frank and his friend, Danielle, in the morning. I just need to put it together and get it in the oven.

And that's about all for tomorrow. Rain is predicted, so I won't be outdoors.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 03.29.2013

What a lovely day!!!

Sunshine and warm enough to open the windows.

I went out for a run this morning, listening to the birds.  Back in my yard, I heard light tapping in a tree. Close observation discovered a pair of small black and white birds clearing out nesting spot in a dead stalk of a lilac. There was "sawdust" and wood chips all around on the ground. Busy little creatures!!

I did several loads of laundry, washing my bedding and putting it out on the clothesline. That's the best! And not having to bundle up, or even put on a jacket, was most welcome.

Tomorrow is groceries and more sunshine. A little yard work, maybe??

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 03.28.2013

Started out a "good" workday.  Afternoon got busy and supper was not an option.

Clocked out late, went home, fixed food and ate.

Quiet night.

Tired.

Listening to the hissing in my ears.

Chores tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 03.27.2013

Of course, I didn't sleep much last night. Mostly awake. Ugh.

Worked today, and we finally had a nice day. Thank you God!

A quiet evening.

I'm going to sleep well tonight and work again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 03.26.2013

March is almost done. Geesh.

I finally felt rested this morning, as I dozed while it got light outside. I was surprised that it was 9:30...!

After a weather check, I went out for a run. Gentle jog is more like it. My back tried to tighten up again (which I still think is strange) and is sore where it spasmed yesterday. But I got my exercise, and the birdsong was a lovely serenade.

Breakfast, shower, and off to the meeting.

And back at home, supper and a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

I'm finally feeling more like myself, other than being tired and having "white noise" in the ears. But my voice is mostly back, and getting stronger. Praise God.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 03.25.2013

Slept pretty good with a few of the "usual" interruptions.

A nice morning, with a load of laundry done and put away, then off to the hospital for an equipment evaluation meeting. As I was leaving, my middle back muscles tightened up, spasming. To the point where I went into the bathroom and tried to stretch. Ouch!!  I had a vision of not being able to move myself!! But I did some deep breathing, moved around some, and was able to leave.

The meeting lasted a little longer than anticipated, and the back pain surprised me, but I was able to get the grocery shopping done on the way home.

Supper, kitchen cleaned up, and a quiet evening.

Tylenol and Motrin are helping. Hope it stays gone and doesn't come back....

Tomorrow is another meeting.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 03.24.2013

D.O.B. = D.O.D.

=  difficult day at the J.O.B.

Pray for God's peace.

Hug 'em while you got 'em.....

Saturday 03.23.13

Worked today, with the greatest co-workers ever.

And tired tonight.

Tomorrow I'll get up and do it again.

Praise God.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 03.22.2013

What a great day today!!

Slept pretty good, the sun came out, and I lunched with J & P!   Thanks, I enjoyed our visit!

I walked around the stores for a bit, and when I got home, I HAD to get outdoors. So, out for a run I went.

So nice.

The sun was out and the birds were noisy. I stayed out for a bit, listening and thanking God for this life.

A quiet evening, and a workday tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 03.21.2013

Another cold, windy, snow flurry day.

As I was taking care of the paperwork stuff yesterday, I ran out of printer ink. So today, I went over to the Rapid Refill store and changed out the cartridge. While I was out I stopped at a couple other places and looked around.

Back at home supper, and a quiet evening.

Looking to exercise tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 03.20.2013

A very laid back day today.

Got a good handle on the paperwork; sometimes my eyes tried to close and stay shut.

It was nice to be home all day with no "outings".

Cold with occasional snow flurries.

My ears have been loud.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 03.19.2013

Worked today.

On a different unit.

Yep. My turn to "float" again.  Already.

But I opened my heart, and let God put me where He needed me to be, and asked to let me do my best with what I've been given.

I ended up "sitting" with a person who really did need some one-on-one care. To be kind to him and speak up for him, to be a sort of buffer from all the interruptions/intrusions that happens to our patients. I helped with all 3 meals, washed him up, (more than once), and listened to him. By the end of the shift, he was animated and laughing. The staff was amazed at his behaviour.  What a little respect can do.....

And tonight I'm tired.

Catching up on the business end of a household tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 03.18.2013

Worked today.

Tired tonight.

Bedtime soon.

Feel kind of better, but noticed my eyes were glassy again today.  *sigh*

Keep smiling....sometimes it's hard to do.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 03.17.2013 Lucky Leprechauns

Had a great day today.

Sunshine.....

Went out for a run this afternoon, jog really, and though the sun was warm (it will be spring, it will be spring) that air was surprisingly cold.  I did meet the new neighbors on my way home, though, introduced myself, and welcomed them to the neighborhood.

Shower and food, then went out to pick up shelf brackets and then gasoline and fresh food.

I spent a couple hours putting shelves in the "dressing room" closet. That closet didn't have a hangar rod or shelves, just empty. The door is out in the garage. I may clean it and spray paint it and install it, if the hardware to attach it is still on it. If not, I'll have an area of recessed shelves.

Tired tonight, and work tomorrow. A big gob of greeny yellow stuff came out of my left nose hole. Kind of surprised me--and I'm glad it came out. Maybe I'll be able to get over this illness...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 03.16.13

I slept fairly well, woke up to another layer of white outdoors.  Not the 3 inches that were predicted, just an inch or so.

I made a list and tried to get organized.  Ended up making a pot of soup and fresh bread in the machine. Yum!

I also did some computer stuff, as well as put up another shelf in the bathroom. Lots of little things to do to make a house functional...

I'm feeling somewhat better, but still not well. Sinus drainage feels like fur in the back of my throat, and the ears continue to have "white noise".

Tomorrow I'll be better...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 03.15.2013

Another workday, which was a pretty good day, with marvelous co-workers.

Home tonight, winding down. I'm feeling a little better again today. My voice is a little stronger, and I'm sounding more like myself to myself, though still hearing the white noise in my ears. I may have to follow up on that...

Tomorrow is predicted to be shoveling 3 inches of snow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 03.14.2013

What a beautiful sunny day today!!

It was cold, though, to start the day.  I went out for a run about 1:45, after it warmed up to the high 30's.  I was surprised--when I started out, it felt like I was finishing up. Don't know why; I just kept on, treating myself gently.  I even walked a half a block sooner than usual.  ???  I don't know......  but it was beautiful out there.  I sat outdoors for a while, listening to the birds and enjoying the sun.

I had a quiet rest of the day. And I'm feeling better. Still not well, but better. With white noise in my ears.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 03.13.2013

Up and over to the hospital for that early presentation.  It went well, and was well received. One of the best parts was that I have more of a voice today.  That helped...!!

I made a few stops on the way home.

After lunch, I put additional hardware up for the window treatment in the living room. But I hit a piece of metal under the drywall, and the drill bit wasn't going through it. Instead of doing something I might not should do, I called big brother Jim and asked. With his advice and encouragement, I was able to complete the project. Thanks, Jim!

The rest of the afternoon I got some housework done, as well as a little computer stuff.

I'm really tired tonight.  Overall I feel a lot better. Having a voice that sounds almost like myself is a nice change. I don't have very much drainage, but I do have the white noise in my ears still. That can go away any time.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 03.12.13

Started out "floating" again this morning.  Was called back to my own unit by 0900--babies were being born.  We had a total of 8 babies between 0830 and 1630.  5 of the new couplets came to the "overflow" unit, where I had been called back so that we could open and accommodate the new moms and babies. I was able to attend a meeting because I had someone covering for me. That was a good thing.

And I'm tired tonight.

I had a lot of sinus drainage throughout the day today, with a raspy voice.  I feel a little better, though, this evening.

Tomorrow morning I'm going in to present with some of the other Education Council members to a Professional Practice group.  The word had gotten around about our Ed Fair in January; seems that others are interested in what we did and how we did it. We are unique in that our department consists of four unique but inter-related units--Labor and Delivery, Post Partum, Special Care Nursery, and Pediatrics.  And that we are the only Ed Council in the hospital. We are all wondering how they get their mandatory competencies done.

I'm hoping to sleep pretty good again tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 03.11.2013

Worked. Tired tonight.

My cough is about gone,  but now my sinus drainage is turning yellow. Uh Oh. Won't be able to go to doctor until Wednesday or Thursday, 'cause I work tomorrow. Hope this isn't really bad infection, and goes away.

Tomorrow is another workday, with a meeting in the afternoon.

Sleep well, I say to myself....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 03.10.2013

What a great day yesterday!!

Had a gentle run in the morning, then Frank and I went to Flint for a family party. Other than a holiday event (Christmas Sing) or a funeral, I don't recall getting together "just for fun" since....hmmm.....childhood???

I enjoyed being there and felt a bit more "connected" with my fam.

And even though I'm still not feeling well, I'm better than I was.


Today was a quiet day. I've felt like if I sat down, I'd snooze.  In fact, when I sat down, I snoozed.  So I tried to stay up and doing things.

A couple loads of laundry, picking up, kitchen chores. I also added a set of sheer curtains to one of the living room windows. And, the pleasant reality of a project that went better than anticipated, easier and faster! Thank you God!!

I couldn't do the other window, as the rod I had wasn't the right size. And I didn't want to go out and get another one. I did go outdoors, though, for a short walk. Temps near 60 and noisy birds. Love it.

As I ate my supper, I was looking at my email.  Our hospital was selected for a grant from Meridian Health Care that is separate from, but ties in with, our Best Fed/Baby Friendly project. Here is a link to the article in the WALL STREET JOURNAL  that cites the project and includes a quote from our Director, Jenny.

http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130226-913462.html?mod=crnews


Along with that article, our hospital also was recently named as one of the Top 100 Hospitals in the United States, which is an award which is achieved after 4 consecutive years of excellence.  Wow!!!

Allegiance Health, our community hospital in Jackson, MI, is becoming a nationally recognized institution!!


As the day has gone on, I've felt a little better. I've only coughed a few times, and am mostly breathing through my nose. I may be well yet!!

Tomorrow is a workday; I'm hoping to go to bed before long.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 03.08.2013

Another workday, and it was pretty good.  Other than not having a break after 11:30 this morning.  No supper.  *sigh*  But we got patient care done, and that's the priority. Right??  The good news is that my right ear had a major "pop" this afternoon. Surprised me, and kind of scared me, it was so loud when it happened. But it finally opened up. Now for the left ear, which has felt full with this current cold.

So after I got home I fixed a snack and ate.

Caught up on the computer a little, then I'm off to bed.

Tomorrow is a family gathering in Flint. Looking forward to it.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 03.07.2013

I slept intermittently--and when I woke this morning, the alarm had been on for a half hour. I was finally sleeping good....

Off to work.

It was my turn to "float" today. I was in the Critical Care unit, "sitting" with a patient.  Made for a long morning for me, but I was able to get some of my required reading done for the j.o.b. When I got back from lunch, my services were no longer needed.  I checked in with everyone I needed to check in with, and I was able to go home.

Which was good, because I was not feeling so good. Tired and punky.

The sun was out, and it was above freezing, so I went through the car wash on  the way home.

As I was resting, I had a couple important phone calls. I guess that's why I was home this afternoon.

A quiet evening, I'm feeling a little better.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 03.06.2013

Didn't sleep real well, and woke up tired.

Off to the meeting.

When I got back home, I fixed lunch and ate before going to the massage appointment.

Leah did what she does, focusing on the lymph system, helping to drain the junk that's been making me sick.

At home, I had a little bit to eat, and I was so tired, I slept off and on the rest of the evening.

So I'll go to bed, and hopefully sleep some more, before getting up at 0430 to get to the J.O.B.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 03.05.2013

prime number day???

I felt well enough that I wanted to try a jog this morning. It was cloudy/overcast when I went out, but not even halfway through, the clouds broke and the sun was in a bright blue sky. So beautiful.  The air (wait--I can actually smell the air, not having much of a "smeller" recently) smelled fresh and cold and like winter with spring coming through. Wow.

Not the fastest run I've done, but I got out and exercised.

Breakfast, shower, and out to the store for fresh food.

After fixing and eating supper, I went for a haircut.

And a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a meeting and a massage.

Tired tonight--still with a cough, but can breathe with my mouth closed most of the time. And by the way, my ears are still noisy. I may have to get "checked out" after all.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 03.04.2013

The sunshine sure was nice today.

When I saw the birds at the empty feeder, I went outside and put a suet cake in it. By the time I got back inside and looked out the window, there was a huge red-headed woodpecker feeding already.  That's neat.

After my own breakfast, (seated so that I could watch the feeder activity), I had enjoyed a quiet morning, catching up on some computer stuff.

This afternoon I went out to Big Lots, and found a good price on sheer panels for the living room windows. 

Supper, and a quiet evening.

Tired tonight.

Still have a cough, trying to get the junk out. And a little nasal congestion.

And I'll be better yet, tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 03.03.2013

I made it!!!

I made it through another workday, and although I had a couple of "good" coughing jags, and a couple times when I could have taken a nap, I feel a little better tonight than I did this morning.

I could actually talk with the patients today, doing the teaching and explaining that we do.

Tonight I'm a bit tired; tomorrow's day will be what I need it to be.

And I'm hoping to feel even better.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 03.02.2013

Well, I did it.

Got up and went to work today.

Several coughing jags interspersed throughout the day, and although it was rough at times, I do think I feel better tonight than I did this morning.

Thank you God.

Not all the way better, by any means, but better.

I'm hoping to sleep fairly well tonight so I can work again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 03.01.2013

I do believe that I turned the corner. Finally.

I slept pretty good, the first night without tissue wadded up and shoved in my nose holes. Not dripping when I'm upright. No "eye water" running down my face.  I don't look real good, but I don't look really sick, either.  Finally.

And when I spoke to myself in the mirror, I even had a voice!!

A couple of good coughing jags throughout the day.

I had the opportunity to go to the former daughter-in-law's place and return a few of their items, as well as pick up mine.  It was just a little awkward; special thanks to PG for offering to go with me. We had a nice visit on the drive there and back.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a workday. I'm thankful I'm getting over this crud.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.