Tuesday 04.30.2013

Back to the J.O.B.

A steady busy day, in a nice way.

Stopped for milk and fresh foods on the way home.

Tired tonight.

Tomorrow is meetings.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 04.29.2013 Home, Finally

And safely.

When we got up this morning, the television "travel news" was that Charlotte, Chicago, and Detroit were all at 30 minute delays.  Ugh. Jeremy had to go to work, later than usual, because of the flight being changed to today. I geared up to spend a little more time at the airport....

But I had a couple pleasant surprises. 1. When I approached the kiosk to sign in, the woman came from around the desk and basically did it for me, maybe because what I had was just a printout of yesterday's transaction. She was very pleasant, and surprised that I had been seated in First Class!!!  She asked what had happened last night--I told her that the delay from Savannah made me miss a connection, etc., and that Jodi made the flight arrangements for me. 2. This flight was On Time.

3. In Charlotte, I walked the length of the terminal to the other to get from the arrival gate to the next departure gate.  I stopped to use the restroom, and went on. I approached the gate just as they started boarding. And since I was in Row 8, I didn't have to wait long.

4. My ears only bothered me on the last leg, from Charlotte to Detroit. And they are still sore and loudly ringing this evening.

5. I picked up my bag without difficulty, got to the parking deck without difficulty, found the car in the parking deck without difficulty, paid for the parking without difficulty (it's a ticket/credit card reader box), and even got on west bound I-94 without difficulty.  Woo Hoo!!

6. An uneventful drive home, even though traffic was picking up (approx. 3:30 when I left the ramp)

7. All was well when I got home.

Ahhh.

Unloaded, unpacked, showered, fed. Ready to go to bed this evening.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 04.28.2013 Travel Day???

Another beautiful day in South Carolina.

I was able to help with the chores--by watching the baby so the parents could do their weekend household stuff.  I know, tough job, and I'm happy to have been able to do it!!  Matilda and I get along juuust fine.

Yes, her shirt is soaked with drool. Working on those teeth....

We set out for Savannah to shop at Sam's Club first, then a bite to eat, then to the airport.  Success at Sam's, yummy food, and when I got back to my phone (which I had left in the vehicle) there was a message from the airline--flight delay.

Jeremy went in to the airport with me to check things out.  Since I would be missing my connecting flight, the nice lady at the counter took approximately 20 minutes to find flights for tomorrow that would work.  So, I'll be going to the airport earlier than I need to tomorrow morning, and Jeremy will be going in to work later than he should be. But it works.

And while we were driving back to the house, the girl who is covering the first four hours of my shift texted me to say that she had been "on call" today, so she could work all day for me tomorrow if I wanted her to.  Hey!!!  Cool!!

So I texted her back and thanked her.  Isn't it great how the Universe takes care of us??

Anxious to get traveling tomorrow, and to get back home. Pray for safe flights, with minimal to no delays.

Thanks to God, and thank you for reading.

Hugs.

Saturday 04.27.2013

A great day in South Carolina today!!

Although Matilda didn't sleep well during the night. She's 7 1/2 months and teething. Remember the sad cries??  Her Daddy does a great job with her, though, and she finally got back to sleep.

After a late morning breakfast, we packed up and went to Hunting Island State Park for a walk on the beach.  It was fun to see Jeremy and Jenny getting things together for the baby. They have a great stroller which made it easier to keep us portable and mobile.

Jeremy found this neat "driftwood" tree for our photo op.

The Putnam Family--Jenny, Matilda, Jeremy, and Lola the dog

And me and Matilda

She FIERCELY chews on whatever she can get in her mouth, which is most everything.

We enjoyed our time at the ocean shore, stopped on the way home for food, and in the evening we looked at pictures I had taken down to share with them. We had to take a break to bathe Matilda and get her to bed; we looked at more of them later.

Jeremy and Jenny went out for a bit, leaving me with a sleeping baby.

I'm a little pink on the back of my neck, and on the forehead, but the sunshine was sure nice.

Tomorrow the 'rents are thinking of taking advantage of me, and going out on the motorcycle, if the weather is good. And I have an 8:30pm flight to catch tomorrow evening.  *sigh*

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 04.26.2013

I had a good day today!

Slept fairly well, Jeremy went to work, and before Jenny started working, had gotten Matilda up, changed, and breakfasted. It was Matilda and me (mostly) throughout the day.

We played on the floor, shared my breakfast (who can't share 1 teaspoon of their banana...?), rocked to sleep (twice), had a bath, played outside. We did well together.

When Jeremy got home, we put together supper, and ate. Matilda liked it, too.

I'm tired tonight. My hips have been sore today, most likely from sitting on the planes and in the terminals.

Tomorrow we may go "out",  depending on the weather. Hope it is as nice as it was today.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 04.25.2013 Travel Day

I left Jackson around noon, driving in the "snain"--combination of snow and rain. It  eased up, and finally stopped by the time I got to the airport.

Parked, waited for a kiosk, then waited in the security line. Down to the gate, I settled in to wait for boarding time, getting the computer out and catching up on the email. Done with that, I still had a half hour or so to wait, so I took my new suitcase/bag for a walk after putting everything away. Yes, it rolls very nicely, and we had a lot of fun going up and down the shiny floors of our concourse area.

Then the announcement that we were going to be delayed.

And delayed again.

"Maintenance Issues"

Ok, I'd like to be in a safe plane.

We boarded our 3:25 flight at 4:50, but didn't leave the gate until 5:20. *sigh*

US Air announced several times that they were aware that many of us had connecting flights, and that when we got to Charlotte the "champions" or whatever they called themselves would call us by name to tell us what our next flight would be.  The flight to Savannah, however, had also been delayed (was the flight waiting for us??), and we had 20 minutes to get to another gate at the opposite end of the terminal.

I was walking briskly (my bag had been mandatorily "gate-checked" in Detroit) when the go-cart vehicle came up beside me and stopped.  "You in a hurry?" the driver asked. I told him yes, answered what gate I was going to, and he said to hop in. Cool!!

So I rode on the buggy through the terminal. That was neat--faster than walking all that way.  I made it in plenty of time to check in for the 6:30-now-7 o'clock flight.

Delayed until 7:35. Delayed until....the announcer said it was time to board.  Which was 8:10. *sigh* again.

We finally took off about 8:25, after 4 passengers had to show their tickets, three separate times, to different airline people. Don't know what it was about, but we were finally on the way.

In Savannah, now I had to wait for the bag. Seeing the carousel wasn't moving, I was on the way to the restroom when I saw Jeremy's truck outside. I went out there--so beautifully warm and balmy--put the computer bag in the truck and hugged Jeremy.  Went back in to use the restroom, waited til the bag came through, and we were on the way to Bluffton.

We finally got to the house about 10:30 pm.  Long day.

Of course, Matilda was sleeping, but Lola the granddog was happy to see me, as was Jenny. We visited for a bit, and we all turned in for the night.

Tomorrow the parents are going to work, and I'm with Matilda.  YIKES!!!   I hope we get along!!  I haven't taken care of an active, busy 7 1/2 month old in a loooong time.

I'm feeling pretty good after a day of safe travel, thank you God.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 04.24.2013

Nearly the end of April, and we have "snain" in southern lower Michigan. Snain--a mix of snow and rain.  Cold, kind of blowy, messy, doesn't stick on the ground, the roads are wet but not slippery. Just, well, yucky.

I've been picking at household chores today, collecting the little things that I want to take with me tomorrow.  Frank called; I met him over at K-Mart, where I found a bag/suitcase with the 360-degree wheels, way on sale.  So I have a new bag to take with me!

After leaving there, I had a couple other stops to make.

Back at home, laundry, clothing selection, and supper. Cleaned up the kitchen, did some computer research, and a shower.

I'm about ready to go to Detroit for a 3:30pm flight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 04.23.2013

Another workday.

With coverage for a meeting, which was a welcome break from the "running of the halls" and the "ringing of the nurse call lights".

When I got back to the unit, the wonderful woman that picked up those 3 1/2 hours had easily stepped into my day, and it was just as easy for me to step back in. She does a great job using my worksheet, and I can follow it again after. Thanks so much, JF. You Rock!

I took a few minutes to get my labs drawn before I left tonight, for the oncologist visit next week. One poke and done. Thanks, P!

Tomorrow I'll get packed and ready to go to South Carolina to see my grandbaby Matilda Skye. Seven and a half months, and growing fast....

Can't wait to see her and have a conversation with her.

Hoping to sleep tonight.

Thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Monday 04.22.2013

Worked. Felt like two days' worth.

Done now, home, tired.

Doing it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 04.21.2013

Beautiful sunshiny day today!!!

Went out for a run--it was colder than it looked....

Breakfast, shower, and before long it was time to go out to the park for Earth Day.

Just as I was leaving, Frank called, saying he had just woke up. I went on my way.

There was a good turn out, but boy was it cold. There was a very cool Raptor show, a woman and her birds from Howell.  Peregrine Falcon, Great Horned Owl, Screech Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, and a Bald Eagle. So Awesome!

Another woman from the Jackson Audubon Society said it was time to put out the Hummingbird feeders. There was a hummingbird at a feeder two days ago, and was back today.

Back at home, I was chilled. Fixed supper, finally warmed up. I did get the hummingbird food made and the feeder put up. Frank stopped over for a visit and we laughed while watching the Duck Dynasty shows.

Tomorrow is a workday. I'm tired and ready for bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 04.20.2013

Slept pretty good last night, thank you God.  Awake at intervals, but felt rested this morning.

Did a couple loads of laundry and moved some things around.

Sunshine mostly, today, but cold and windy. Smelled like snow. I went out in the yard and "harvested" the 11 daffodil blooms, as the temperature is predicted to be below freezing again, and I'm not sure they will survive another "freezing" night. They are all in full bloom and are beautiful. Thanks to the person who planted them in the first place!

Frank came over this afternoon for a while, using a computer. I was making a pot of goulash and we really didn't spend time together.

The rest of the evening I sorted the electronic recipes I had saved.

Tomorrow afternoon Frank and I are going out to the park for a community "Earth Day" event.  Could be interesting....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 04.19.2013

What a day.

Worked. It was nice to be fully staffed. I was able to do a couple of interviews, do what I needed to do with the patients, as well as finish the tutorial for for BLS/CPR renewal on Monday.

So now I'm home, tired, and ready for bed.

Not sure about tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 04.18.2013

Another workday.

Glad to have a job, glad to be done with a 12 1/2 hour shift.

Tired tonight, and my right shoulder is more sore than my left. I don't know...falling apart??

Tomorrow is another workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 04.17.2013

Woke earlier than I would have liked, but enjoyed the sun and the birdsong. After the sun warmed the air, I went out for a run.

Delightful! My lower back is much better today.

Breakfast, and a shower after a bit.

I also had a haircut today.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 04.16.2013 A Day Off??

Slept ok, the usual interruptions, woke to the birds welcoming the new day.

I was awake, maybe going to doze again, when the phone rang. "Could be busy later. Could you be on-call if we need you....??"    I thought about it for a moment.  Sure, but I don't want to work all day.

I got up and had breakfast, as it was drizzly outside and didn't want to run in it.  (I know, Party Pooper)  My shoulders and lower back were sore and achey. I stretched a little, which helped, but took tylenol and motrin and rested.

The phone rang again mid-morning. We'll need you about 1. Ok?  Ok.....

I got dressed and did a couple small tasks that needed done. And before I knew it, it was time to go. Huh.

We had a great afternoon with the best co-workers. Busy, but good.

Then back at home.

Still just a hint of low back discomfort. And still roaring white noise in my ears.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 04.15.2013 MRI Day; Tax Day; Another Bombing Day

Whew, what a day....

Got up and went to Lansing for the MRI of the breasts. I got to Registration about 0922 (told to be there at 0930). Called to Register at 0946. (Yes, I was anxious.) When we are nearly through the Registration process, Mo, the nice lady who was registering me, noticed that the Pre-Authorization number was from BCBS, not Priority Health.  And I forgot to pick up the Pre-Auth letter that I had received to take with. Ugh!!  Another nice lady went somewhere else to make a phone call to Priority Health, while Mo called Radiology to let them know I was there and it was their delay.  A few minutes later, Nice Lady #2 came in smiling, saying all was well, and I went on down to the Radiology window.

From there, the Volunteer walked me through the building back to where the MRI machine is. Another waiting room, un-staffed.  There is a phone to pick up and you announce yourself.  Carol answered, and I told her I was there.

Another several minutes, and she came to get me.

She's a nice lady--I think she's done each of the previous MRI's I've had.  She and her co-worker (forgot her name) said this was number 5. Probably is.

Carol showed me to the changing area, and she had her clipboard in her hand. She was talking away, completing the paperwork, and I quickly changed. She was surprised when she looked up from the forms and saw I had put on a gown already.  I knew that their schedule has now been totally put off schedule because of that pre-authorization snafu.

Anyway, we went into the room with the MRI machine, where Carol was talking with me like a long lost friend as she put the IV site in.  Tried to put the IV site in.  Got the needle in, but it wouldn't "flush".  Ack.  She looked around for another site, and finally got one in the hand.  Ok, now let's get positioned on the table.  Have you seen our new table yet??

I hadn't--this table has a wedge-shaped structure, so that the upper part of the body elevates, with rectangular openings for the breasts to suspend. As you might imagine, some breasts are quite large, and on some large women. The angle of the wedge was not comfortable for my lower back; my torso isn't very long and I didn't fit well on it. But the girls got me as comfortable as possible, with a folded up towel or sheet or something under my hip/pelvic bones. And the arms come forward to drape on the table, instead of down alongside the body. Again, being smaller, the device was a bit wide, and we adjusted me a few different times to get the pressure off of my underarm area and the edges of the frame.

With the fine tuning done, the contrast hooked up to the IV site,  my face resting on a horseshoe-shaped cradle that allowed my nose and mouth to be able to breathe, the little bulb to squeeze if I needed something was placed in my left hand, the headphones were put over my ears, and the procedure began.

45 minutes later, the rhythmic jack-hammering-like noise stopped and didn't start up again. Carol's voice came through the headphones saying we were done and they would be in in a few minutes to get me. Hold still....

I felt the IV being disconnected, and the table was moved out of the machine. Carol  removed the headphones from my head, and helped me get up.

Wow.

My back was out of whack from being hyperextended that long, and I was surprised at how "fuzzy" my brain felt.  My left hand/arm felt a little swollen, and my right foot had fallen asleep. She stayed right with me as I slowly pushed myself to my hands and knees on the table to stretch my back into place, and turned into a sitting position. Yikes.

She removed the IV site from my hand and helped me stand up. I went in to put my clothes back on, they got the room turned around for the next patient. I looked at my   images on the screen while they got that person set up.

Of course she can't say much about the images, other than they "look good, as usual".  I hope that means that she didn't see anything that might be cause for concern. The radiologist will look at them and send the report to Dr. Williams. I'll see him in a couple of weeks.

Carol hugged me and sent me on my way.

A safe drive home, thank you God.

I fixed lunch and ate, and went back out to pick up milk.  When I got back, the temperature was in the high 60's--I had to do something outside.

So I took the shop vac out,  moved the car out of the garage, put the convertible top down, and proceeded to get the interior of the car cleaned.

3 1/2 hours later, all vacuumed and armour-alled. I swept out the garage before putting the car back in.

A snack, a little television, and I'm ready for bed.

I'm thankful for the wonderful people God sends to take care of me.

Please pray for those affected by the bombing in Massachusetts...these killing events are becoming way to common....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 04.15.2013

Worked today.

"Floating out"  created big waves.  Hopefully, enough that there will be changes made to other units' staffing and scheduling.

Frank stopped over after I got home for a short visit, and I'm ready for a shower before I go to bed.

Tomorrow is my annual MRI of the breasts in Lansing. Praying for good people to take care of me and my anxiety.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 04.13.2013

Another workday.

I went to bed early last night (before 9:30) and slept lots of intervals. I actually felt pretty good throughout the day today.

Worked with the best co-workers ever; and had a good day.

Tomorrow we'll do it again.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 04.12.2013

I'm happy to say that I did sleep last night, and could have slept longer this morning if I didn't have an early meeting.

But the meeting was another lively one, with good discussions. After that, I went to a mandatory safety program. By the time I left, I was ready for lunch.

Got home, had a snack, got involved with some computer research.  After a while it was later than I thought; I fixed supper and ate.

I went out for a walk while the birds were very noisy.  I sure enjoy hearing them.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 04.11.20313

A pretty good day today.

We had a lively meeting this morning, defining a couple of problem areas.

Back at home, Frank came over before going to work, and we celebrated his 36th birthday. I sent him on his way to work with his birthday cake.

I took myself out to the grocery for fresh food. When I got back I made the best chili I had made in a long time. YUMMM!!!

Now I'm sleepy; tomorrow is another meeting, even earlier, to accommodate the night shift, and after that, a mandatory meeting. Ugh...

Hoping to sleep.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 04.10.2013

Didn't sleep well at. all. last night.  ugh.

But did not feel sleepy much during the day.

Got through the paperwork I wanted to.

Fixed food, ate, baked a cake.

Tomorrow is a meeting, and Frank's birthday.

Hoping to sleep tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 04.09.2013

I had the welcome opportunity to go back to sleep this morning, having been told I was "on call".

So I did, dozing, then getting up about 0830.

After a while, I went out for a run. It drizzled a little, or maybe a light rain, but just for a few minutes. It smelled like spring, and the birds are very noisy. What a joy!!

Shower, breakfast, and off to a meeting.

A quiet rest of the afternoon/evening.

Tomorrow I need to catch up on paperwork.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 04.08.2013

Worked today.

Not on my unit.

My turn to "float".

Again.

So, God put me where He needed me.

And I ended up (after being moved at 4pm) to a room with 2 gentlemen.

The one I was assigned to was sound asleep.

The roommate was awakened and told his dinner tray had arrived. Someone had come in and "set him up" to eat, handed him silverware, and left.

After watching him look at first his spoon in one hand, then the other hand picked up his fork by the wrong end, I thought.......

Hm. Wonder if he can feed himself??

So I approached his bedside and asked him if he needed help to eat.

He nodded his head.

He ate all of  his food.

Someone came in as we were having the last few bites---"oh, he's still eating..."

She came back several minutes later, and I helped her get him cleaned up and repositioned.

He smiled at me and went to sleep.

Thank you God for a Very Good Day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 04.07.2013

Another beautiful day...

I didn't sleep well, surprisingly. Dozing at intervals, and finally got up about 9.

Did some internet stuff, laundry, and used the solar dryer. So lovely...!

Went for a walk, fixed supper. Putzed around the basement, moving things around, "settling".   *sigh*   I'm pleasantly surprised that I'm not as sore as I was last night, from the physical stuff we did yesterday.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 04.06.2013

Another great day!!

The rain held off and I went outdoors to rake and burn.

I was about half done when Frank showed up. And since I had help, I was able to trim a lot more of the dead wood out of the growth between the neighbor's and my driveways. There was a lot more debris in there than I thought, but Frank and I worked hard and got it done. He especially liked tending the fire, I think.

A few hours later we came inside; he had brought a printer over and wanted to install it, to connect it to the desktop computer. Again, a few hours later, the desktop is almost done updated, it's connected to the internet, and the printer is connected and functional. I fixed supper, and we had a nice evening.

And I'm ready for a shower and bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 04.05.2013

Another workday.

Turned out pretty good, with the best co-workers ever.

Stopped for groceries on the way home, to beat the rain predicted for tomorrow.

A quiet evening.

Hoping to sleep tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 04.04.2013 Spring !!

Finally--the weather is breaking, turning into Spring.

Blue sky, kite-flying breeze, birds singing, temps mid-50's.  'Bout time....

Went out for errands today, and went for a walk this afternoon. So beautiful.

Tired tonight.

Work tomorrow.

Hope to sleep.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 04.03.2013

Woo Hoo!!

For the first time in a long time, like I can't think of when--I SLEPT almost ALL NIGHT!!!  Well, from midnight to six. I think I was aware that I repositioned about 2, but I actually had several hours of uninterrupted sleep.  Wow!

I got up sometime after 8. A beautiful morning--clear blue sky, but it was sure cold. I went out for a run close to noon, after it had warmed up to the high 30's. The wind was cold, but the sun was nice.

Shower, food, and off to see Leah for my massage.

Boy did I need that.

I knew I was a mess, but I was surprised that I was such a mess. And she moved the accumulated lymph fluid. I feel sooo much better tonight.

A safe drive both ways, thank you God, and a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is predicted to be 50 and sunny.  Hmmm, what to do....?

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 04.02.2013

Another workday.

Steady busy morning, with added chaos of merging another "functionality" to the overflow unit, which entailed moving equipment and supplies and lots of  other people doing it. All while we, the current staff and patients, were there. And I have to say at the end of the day, it went as well as it could.

The new functionality functioned and the existing functionality coexisted. It was a lot of commotion for a few hours, though.  I enjoyed the last hour or so in relative quiet.

And a quiet evening at home.

I looked at the pictures of the nest-site-preparing bird pair that I took the other day, and I happened to catch one going into the hole. Kind of cool, huh?

And while I'm having a bit of a time trying to identify it, I think it might be a white-breasted nuthatch. But I'm not sure. Regardless, I love watching them.

Here's one on branches.  Didn't quite get the head, but you can see the white neck and belly and black cap on the head and wing.

Tomorrow is massage day. Sooooo looking forward to it.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 04.01.2013 Foolish Day

Did you get your shenanigans on today??

We sure didn't.

Busy at the J.O.B. and needing to give the time the patients needed. Which can be a challenge when most of our patients today had needs.  We did our best to take good care of them. My co-workers ROCK.

And I'm tired tonight.

Tomorrow I'm scheduled to do it again.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.