1.31.2008

Facing Our Own Mortality

***Downer Alert***
This ain't no cheerful post.
I work in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit. I love my job, and most of our patients are quite old. So, although it is sad when they are this sick....it's not the same as when we have very young patients.
Right now, we have a 29 year old female with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (a.k.a. SAH, the most common diagnosis for patients in this unit). (*insert confession: I would include a link here, but I DON'T KNOW HOW. There, I admitted it.)
Her prognosis is grim. She had no health problems except for a recent diagnosis of hypertension, and was not a drug user (MANY of our patients are cocaine users. cocaine = bad. makes your brain bleed.)
Then tonight, we admitted a 27 year old woman, who also has a SAH and an IVH (intraventricular hemorrhage). Twenty-seven! I'm not used to having patients this young in the unit. It's sobering, to say the least. I have to look into their family's faces every time I leave the unit. It's absolutely heart-wrenching.
I look at the 29 year old's mother and know that she will probably outlive her beloved daughter. It pains me to no end to think about that.
And in a bizarre twist.....one of our nurses here knows the 27 year old. They went to high school together. If they were both local, it wouldn't be so odd, but this nurse is a travel nurse and this patient was flown in from out of state.
Needless to say, the nurse is quite shaken up. We face mortality daily, but not usually (in this unit) for people so young, and not people we know. She said "I am facing my own mortality". It happens to everyone, at some point.
Take care of yourselves, people. Not that I don't like you, but I don't want to see you HERE!

1.27.2008

Birfdays and Build-a-Bears


Princess's birthday was last Wednesday, so this evening we took her to Build-a-Bear. My parents, sister, niece, and niece's boyfriend joined us. Princess and my stepson, Spiderman, made BABs......she made a dog, and he made an alligator. Unfortunately, I had a huge brian fart and let her choose the dog that we'd already realized wouldn't work for what she wanted. For the longest time now, she's wanted a dog that she could put skates on and pull around with a leash. She saw a little girl at the mall with a dog like that and absolutely LOVED it. Well, the dog she liked wasn't made for that; it's very soft and its head faces too far down. But did we remember this when we got to BAB tonight? Noooo. So, she made that dog, got it all dressed, and went into the mall with it. And it proceeded to eat the tile floor. So, after we ate dinner, I took her back to BAB and let her get another dog that would do what she wanted it to do. My kids seriously are not spoiled rotten, but I just felt so bad for her; she had wanted this for so long and I know she was disappointed, but she didn't even complain. So, she went back and found a dog that would work, and now she's totally thrilled. And she still has the other dog just for cuddling!
Spidey wasn't sure initially if he wanted to Build A Bear or not. He said that it's embarassing. He doesn't like the part where you have to do all the silly things with the heart. So when the time came, he told the girl, "I just don't like doing all that stuff with the heart." So she asked him if he just wanted to get one and put it in, and he was cool with that. He dressed his alligator as a pirate and named him Turbo. It's very cute. After dinner and cake (his favorite, that boy LOVES cake!!), while Princess and I made dog numero dos, Mr Wonderful took him to the play area of the mall. There is nothing in this world that Spiderman loves better than running and playing. It's what he lives for. Cake is a very close second, though!
Princess's choice for dinner, by the way, was hitting the Food Court at the mall. Hey, whatever floats her boat! It was HER day. Now, the mall people do not approve of candles being lit inside of the mall. They also have sprinklers that can be quite sensitive. But....it was her birthday! And I brought cake. And she NEEDED to have candles! So...we whispered the Happy Birthday song, and I quick-lit all seven candles, and she blew them out FAST. I am so glad we didn't set off the sprinklers, I'd have been MORTIFIED!
Spiderman and Princess enjoy each other's company so much. They had a blast tonight.
Me, I was super-stressed.......I didn't get up in time to make her cake, so I had to go buy one last-minute, the older 2 kids were driving me insane and kept me from sleeping well today, and for some reason any birthday celebrations just stress me out. Even one as simple as this! And then my parents stress me out....they don't always mean to, but they do. It was nice to see everyone tonight though! It really went well overall, I just hate that I get SO dang stressed! Maybe if I'd slept better and the older 2 weren't acting like untrained monkeys.............
Princess had a great birthday. She totally loved all of her gifts, and she got a ton.
I forgot my camera tonight. (scream!) But my mom had hers, so hopefully I'll have some pics to share eventually.
Tomorrow I'm hoping for sunny skies so I can kick the kids out the door to run and play!

1.26.2008

Scrolling Saturday - Unfinished Business

Unfinished Business
Originally Posted 10/19/07

Is my husband the only man in the world who never finishes anything? Yeah right.
Now seriously, I adore this man and am not a man basher AT ALL. But I recently told him that I was going to start buying food, taking it all out and putting it in a pan, and just leaving it. He asked me, why? I reminded him of my fall scarecrow that fell down and he promised me that he'd secure it back in the ground. Mr. Scarecrow is still leaning on the front porch. Just chillin'. He'll probably still be there for Christmas. I guess I'll just stick a bow on him!
Then there's the picture I got that he promised to hang on the wall. It says "Live-Laugh-Love", my life motto. It's propped up against the wall, but somehow that just doesn't have the same effect as if it were actually hanging ON the wall. I mean, I'm no interior designer, but....I'm just sayin'.
He brought home a shovel to dig up the old mulch and clean off the front patio. Guess where the shovel is? Leaning against the wall out on the patio...........
I think tomorrow I will hand him freshly washed soaking wet clothes to wear to work. =D

1.25.2008

Habla Cheese Fries?

I'm working overnight tonight as usual. We ordered horrible, full-of-fat food for dinner. It took 40 forevers to get here, and when it did, my cheese fries were missing. Of course, we noticed this right after the delivery guy left. So I called the restaurant.
Wing Boy: Wing "Store", pickup or delivery?
Me: Actually, I'm calling about an order that was just delivered.
Wing Boy: Oh...you are? It was just delivered? Where to?
Me: XYZ Hospital.
Wing Boy: So what's wrong?
Me: There were no cheese fries.
Wing Boy: What do you mean, there were no cheese fries?
Me: I ordered cheese fries. He didn't bring cheese fries.
Wing Boy: Are you sure?
Here's what I want to say: Nope, I didn't even open the bag yet.
Here's what I say: Yes, I'm sure.
Wingy Dingy: Could there maybe have just been fries with no cheese?
He was serious.
Me: No, there are NO fries at all.
He keeps asking inane questions like did I order by phone or internet, etc. and then FINALLY says they'll bring me some cheese fries.
What do you think the chances are of this actually happening?

1.23.2008

My First Wordless Wednesday


Today is my baby girl's 7th Birthday. I can't believe it's been seven whole years!

1.22.2008

My Light

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~~Marianne Williamson

I want to shine! I am going to try to take this to heart; to shine, and make others shine around me.

1.16.2008

Ohh, that Princess and her Va....


I picked Princess up from after-school care today and she was in a great mood. I stopped for gas, and she got out and was twirling around, singing a song that she made up as she went along. "I'm dancing, la la la", etc.
While she was singing, she was climbing on one of the poles that they use to keep people from crashing into the pumps. She was straddling it, and here's how her song went.
"I'm gonna sing, I'm gonna dance, I just hurt my vagina, I'm dancing..."
VERY. LOUD.
I'm STILL hiding under the van. Anyone out there?

1.14.2008

The Best Compliment EVER



This morning, I took the girls to the bus stop so that I could figure out the real deal on the bus situation. On Friday, hubby took them to the bus stop, and we'd been told that both girls would ride the same bus, with the little one being dropped off first, then the middle schooler. Well, there was some confusion and the bus driver said that he wasn't even supposed to GO to little one's school, but he'd go ahead and take her. So obviously, I had to address that this morning.
When I got there, I figured out that the two girls don't even ride the same bus. Middle schooler rides the first bus to her school, then another bus comes to pick up the Princess.
No way, no how is that happening. She is not even seven years old, she's not riding a bus with no older person there to watch out for her. So, her bus-riding days were very short-lived....one whole day. LOL I drove her to school today and on Tuesdays thru Fridays, hubby will drop her off. She was bummed! Poor baby. But mama just can't do that.
So, while I was walking the Princess to class, I got the best compliment EVER! The librarian smiled and told us good morning, then said "You two are peas in a pod! [we're very Southern out here, lol] You look EXACTLY alike!"
What better compliment could I ever get, than to be told I look like my beautiful princess?? I beamed.
On another note, I've decided to get back into my groove of trying to send out positive energy and vibes. I really think that for the most part, if we send out positive energy, we get back positive energy. I try hard to do this, but with some people, it's VERY challenging. Particularly with a certain ex of mine. But I'm going to try very hard to do this. Our interactions have been quite unpleasant lately, and that's not productive to raising children together. I figure the worst that can happen is that he could be SO negative that my positive vibes will bounce off of him and back to ME. So, it's win/win!

1.13.2008

Stolen From Piper

When I went to read Bliss in Bloom today, Piper had one of these on her blog. I did the quiz, and it is startlingly accurate for me.

Your Aura is Blue

Spiritual and calm, you tend to live a quiet but enriching life.
You are very giving of yourself. And it's hard for you to let go of relationships.

The purpose of your life: showing love to other people

Famous blues include: Angelina Jolie, the Dali Lama, Oprah

Careers for you to try: Psychic, Peace Corps Volunteer, Counselor

1.12.2008

On the Monkey Bars


Today was my princess's second day in her new school. It was also her first time ever riding a school bus. She was very excited to see that one of her new friends also rode the same school bus. But her excitement was short-lived.
Her new friend, Savanna, asked her: "Can you do the monkey bars?"
Princess can do the monkey bars, but they give her blisters on her hands. So, she chooses not to do the monkey bars. She explained this to her friend.
Savanna informed her that she had planned for all of her friends to do the monkey bars today, therefore if Princess couldn't do the monkey bars, she couldn't be her friend.
And that was that. She was not her friend all day long.
First grade is vicious!

1.11.2008

New School, New Attitude


Today I was reminded of why I wanted to move back to my old town, and why I loved those schools so much.
It was the girls' first day at their new schools. I took Princess to school first. They acted like she was a rock star. To say they welcomed her is the biggest understatment! She was treated like royalty. They absolutely bent over backwards for her. She ate it up! It is just such a wonderful school, and I know she's going to love it. She had a great first day, until I came to pick her up from After-School. She was SO disappointed because they were about to go outside for Free Play and she wanted to stay longer. Sheesh!
Ladybug's school was new to me, and being a middle school I didn't expect quite the welcome that Princess got. Wrong! First we went into an office so that they could finalize her schedule, and she got to pick her electives. She picked Art and Agriculture! Sounds funny, but Ag was highly recommended to us. We were told the teacher is amazing, and that she does tons of fun stuff with the kids. They grow stuff and raise animals and really have a good time. When Ladybug heard "animals", she was all for it.
Anyway, after we got that settled, the office lady took us to all of the classrooms that Ladybug would be going to (except for her electives). Along the way, she was stopped at least 6 times by kids who just HAD to give her a hug! She had just come back to work from cataract surgery and the kids were so glad to see her. Everyone was SO friendly and helpful. Then finally she went to her first class, which is also her homeroom. They assigned her a buddy to help her out for the first few days. When she got home, she kept talking about her friends and "a bunch of her friends" did this, that, etc.......this was the FIRST DAY! I knew she'd make friends quickly but WOW!
It's just such a friendly little town, so different from where we moved from. I couldn't have imagined it going this well! Getting back to this town and getting my girls in these schools was one of my big goals, and I'm so glad to have achieved it already. One down! Many more to go! But we're getting there.
By the way, if you've never been to www.icanhascheezburger.com , check it out. I laughed all night last night. At work. They thought I was nuts.

1.09.2008

Bippity Boppity BOO

YAY we finally have cable at home! The guy who came out Friday hooked up the wrong cable line, so we still had no cable all weekend. They finally got it fixed on Tuesday morning. Woohoo! Although I must say that being without TV & the 'net had its advantages. We got a LOT done in the new house. It's pretty much like having a brand new house because it's been completely remodeled literally top to bottom, so it needed touches like towel racks, TP holders, etc. I had a lot of fun shopping for that kind of stuff. We found games 1/2 off at the mall (there are some crazy-awesome after-Christmas sales going on!) and got three different games, so hubby and I played them and then when the girls were home, we all played. We are totally unpacked, decorated, etc. The house looks great. And while the girls were gone, John and I had some quality time together. NIIICE.
I also got a lot of phone calls made, and had some really productive days in general. My baby girl is all regsitered for first grade in her new school, and my 12 year old will be registered tomorrow. I made a bunch of those pesky phone calls that I have been putting off, and did tons of errands. I also didn't sleep at all today. And now I'm at work. I did sleep all night last night though, so hopefully that will carry me through.
Otherwise, I'll be crashing a little later! ::::snore::::
The town that we moved to, is one that I lived in for years in my "past life". It's a quaint, small town and has such a nice atmosphere. Last night, we took the girls out for dinner on Main Street. We ate on the balcony (yes, the weather is nice enough for that here!). It was so nice, and relaxing. Our neighbors are nice, and things are going great.
Like.........have you ever been so happy it was scarey? Like, things were going so well that you almost afraid it was TOO good? That's how it is with me right now..........I think it has a lot to do with how I was brought up. But when things are this totally wonderful, I try not to say too much for fear of "jinxing it". So silly!
We really love our house, it's very cozy and homey. And we love the town. The girls, while they will miss their old friends, are very excited about the new schools they'll be going to. They love the new house and the big yard. Even the dogs are calmer, since there's not constant noise and foot-traffic like at the town house.
And now I'm going to register and start nursing school, as I've always wanted to do, and have so many positive things on the horizon for all of us.
And as always, I have the best husband on earth! He never ceases to amaze me.
Life is sooo good!

1.08.2008

Freakishly Insane Cravings

I used to really like Taco Bell.
I know....ew.
But I really loved it. Then, suddenly, out of the blue clear sky, the thought of Taco Bell began to nauseate me. I didn't even want to pass by Taco Bell, let alone eat anything they made. This was several years ago.
Then suddenly....last week.....I began having cravings.
For Taco Bell crunchy tacos.
I never even ate those when I DID eat at Taco Bell!
I gave in. I had one Saturday.
Then I had another one today.
I want more.
HELP!
What in the world has come over me? This is MADNESS!

1.03.2008

Crossing Fingers!

We haven't had our cable hooked up yet in the new place and I've been LOST without my 'puter! It may get hooked up today and I am SO excited! I still won't have much time to be online today since I worked 12 hours last night and work 12 hours again tonight, but just knowing it's there will make me happy. =D
GOOOO cable internet!!!

Tragic Result of BackYard Breeding

http://www.nsalamerica.org/campaigns/chihuahuas/?cid=1800_2leg120x400