The final day took a whole lot of fussing and threats and drama - always drama. However, in the end the house closed! The funding arrived the very next day and now it is time to exhale.
The stress-filled day found me drinking one or maybe eight too many sam adams and I was very well lit when the final information came around. I should never be allowed to talk on the phone, text or email when I am shit-faced. I sent an overly exuberent email to the new agent (where I am buying). Whew!
So I am now homeless with a fat bank account - too bad that all must soon change. I am paying off every bill I have and find the next place to live.
My goal (when I decided to leave Pittsburgh) was to change things up a bit. Down size the home, change my way of life and follow a different path. I am on my way!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Enough
The house is going to be the death of me. I have writen about the long process of selling the home in PA. The horrible inspection, the money for the repairs, the incorrect appraisal and so on. It has been one delay after another that has included a realtor who is not doing her job.
The original closing date was to be 11/30 and then we extended twice. The buyers had their walk through last week and we were set to close finally. The get a call this morning and it seems the buyers did a second walk through last night and want more money set into excrow because they fear there was some moisture in the roof following the recent snow.
First, we were never informed regarding another walk through and were not given the opportunity for our agent to be present and second it is something else. So, I have had it. I told our agent and broker it closes today or we pull the home from the market! I have had enough!
The main problem is that we are selling a 100 year old home to first time home buyers and they expect it to be in brand new condition. I am so tired of all the excuses, jumping trough hoops and delays. I tempted to shut it down now, but I am giving them one last opportunity to put up or shut up!
I can affort to carry the home for as long as it takes. Hell, I carried the Florida home 3.5 years until it finally sold.
The broker phoned and tried to drone on about the market and whatever, but I don't care. I have had enough of we are closing but we want this and that and why not this too.
They have until 1700 and I expressed if we do not close I want the signs off my house and my keys returned.
The original closing date was to be 11/30 and then we extended twice. The buyers had their walk through last week and we were set to close finally. The get a call this morning and it seems the buyers did a second walk through last night and want more money set into excrow because they fear there was some moisture in the roof following the recent snow.
First, we were never informed regarding another walk through and were not given the opportunity for our agent to be present and second it is something else. So, I have had it. I told our agent and broker it closes today or we pull the home from the market! I have had enough!
The main problem is that we are selling a 100 year old home to first time home buyers and they expect it to be in brand new condition. I am so tired of all the excuses, jumping trough hoops and delays. I tempted to shut it down now, but I am giving them one last opportunity to put up or shut up!
I can affort to carry the home for as long as it takes. Hell, I carried the Florida home 3.5 years until it finally sold.
The broker phoned and tried to drone on about the market and whatever, but I don't care. I have had enough of we are closing but we want this and that and why not this too.
They have until 1700 and I expressed if we do not close I want the signs off my house and my keys returned.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Redneck Rivera
Here we are in Biloxi, MS. You know I had actually forgotten what it was like to be among the rednecks! This will take a bit of an adjustment.
House shopping is going and a not so good pace. I cannot find much in the areas I want to be. Today, we have a few more homes and will be taking a second look at two we saw yesterday and then we head off tomorrow.
House shopping is going and a not so good pace. I cannot find much in the areas I want to be. Today, we have a few more homes and will be taking a second look at two we saw yesterday and then we head off tomorrow.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Leaving Mexas!!!!
Well I discovered the one thing Att does quickly. Disconnect your service! We told them we wanted to stop Saturday, thinking we would have service Saturday- wrong! Woke up at 0500 and the shit was off! I guess they turned it off last night - the bastards! I cannot express how much I hate Att!
Anyway, today is pack up day. We load the car and get ready to drive to MS. We will spend a few days house shopping before heading to fla!
About the pa home! After four weeks and endless delays the second appraiser came back 50k higher than the one done wrong by the BOA guy! So we wait for the underwriter to rubber stamp it and we close within a week!!!
I am happy to be leaving Texas! The longer I am here the more I hate it!
Anyway, today is pack up day. We load the car and get ready to drive to MS. We will spend a few days house shopping before heading to fla!
About the pa home! After four weeks and endless delays the second appraiser came back 50k higher than the one done wrong by the BOA guy! So we wait for the underwriter to rubber stamp it and we close within a week!!!
I am happy to be leaving Texas! The longer I am here the more I hate it!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tick Tock and all that...
It is the 2nd of December!! I am on the home stretch now..I have a total of six shifts left at work. The killer is that all those shifts are in a row! So, while I still have a positive attitude before starting day one I want to say wooo hooo!
When I am done with this murderous schedule we still have a few days remaining in TX. Still to do is get the car serviced, the windows tinted, some christmas taken care of and then we roll out of here on the 12th. woo hoo!!
Heading to MS to do a bit of house shopping! Yea, does not sound that sexy! But it is what it is. After a few days there it is off to Florida for the holidays and to deprogram after working at some really shitty places.
I am so looking forward to stepping off the track and staying lazy.
The house is STILL unresolved. We are waiting on the second appraisal! I don't expect any word this week and this delay has had a ripple effect on my plans. Oh well I have waited this long!!
Oh God!! Jake and Taylor Swift photos just popped up on the tele - I think I just threw up a little in my mouth!
When I am done with this murderous schedule we still have a few days remaining in TX. Still to do is get the car serviced, the windows tinted, some christmas taken care of and then we roll out of here on the 12th. woo hoo!!
Heading to MS to do a bit of house shopping! Yea, does not sound that sexy! But it is what it is. After a few days there it is off to Florida for the holidays and to deprogram after working at some really shitty places.
I am so looking forward to stepping off the track and staying lazy.
The house is STILL unresolved. We are waiting on the second appraisal! I don't expect any word this week and this delay has had a ripple effect on my plans. Oh well I have waited this long!!
Oh God!! Jake and Taylor Swift photos just popped up on the tele - I think I just threw up a little in my mouth!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Black Friday
I am awake at the crack of dawn, but my ass is not heading to any mall or store for shit! I briefly thought about but then I could not think of one thing that I needed bad enough to deal with all the stores packed with inbreds. So I may surf the internet and check out some things on cyber monday.
There are a few items I am shopping for like a new laptop and I want to replace my GPS with a newer bigger one - maybe a 5 inch touch screen!! They are dirt cheap and I do not need one but I want one.
The laptop may wait until my home closes. I have been looking for about a month and sort of know what I want and what I want to spend. Maybe nextweek I will head out to the stores and poke around a bit.
There are a few items I am shopping for like a new laptop and I want to replace my GPS with a newer bigger one - maybe a 5 inch touch screen!! They are dirt cheap and I do not need one but I want one.
The laptop may wait until my home closes. I have been looking for about a month and sort of know what I want and what I want to spend. Maybe nextweek I will head out to the stores and poke around a bit.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The search
So the complex I am being housed in plastered a flyer to my door over the weekend. It seems that the annual fire inspection will take place this week. This involves the maintenance people inspecting the apartment to ensure all the fire alarms are in working order and the extinguisher is working and stuff like that.
We have our dogs here for the last few weeks of my contract and have not paid the fee to the complex. So this little inspection throws a wrench into our arrangement. So, today we will hide all evidence of the critters. We will take them to the park and hide out until the fire inspections are complete.
I am more than sure these inspections are also to root our any proplems within the complex such as illegal dogs, messy people or apartment destruction. This is why I hate apartments - because they find a way into your home and snoop around.
We have our dogs here for the last few weeks of my contract and have not paid the fee to the complex. So this little inspection throws a wrench into our arrangement. So, today we will hide all evidence of the critters. We will take them to the park and hide out until the fire inspections are complete.
I am more than sure these inspections are also to root our any proplems within the complex such as illegal dogs, messy people or apartment destruction. This is why I hate apartments - because they find a way into your home and snoop around.
The final stretch
Less than three weeks left in Texas! Thirteen days until the house closes - I am not holding my breath on that one. We still have no work on the second appraisal and it seems like it is dragging by. If it takes them three weeks to even obtain an appraisal then what are the chances all the approvals will be done in under two weeks? I am trying not to think about it too much!
I have a total of 11 shifts remaining. I am betting that more than half of them I am going to be floating to other units. Floating to another critical care area is not a bad thing, but floating to one of the horrid step-downs or telemetry units is just a miserable day.
I am trying to keep an open mind, but it is all I can do to stay positive in one of those wretched areas.
It seems that the unit I was contracted to has dwindling census and the hospital organization has decided to shift some of the overflow to the main hospital causing lower census and thus causing contracted labor to be dumped in the float pool. Not what I signed up for and I have no problem cutting a running if it appears I will be floated in excess.
The fun starts tomorrow!!
I have a total of 11 shifts remaining. I am betting that more than half of them I am going to be floating to other units. Floating to another critical care area is not a bad thing, but floating to one of the horrid step-downs or telemetry units is just a miserable day.
I am trying to keep an open mind, but it is all I can do to stay positive in one of those wretched areas.
It seems that the unit I was contracted to has dwindling census and the hospital organization has decided to shift some of the overflow to the main hospital causing lower census and thus causing contracted labor to be dumped in the float pool. Not what I signed up for and I have no problem cutting a running if it appears I will be floated in excess.
The fun starts tomorrow!!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What Time It..
This daylight saving time has screwed me up. That along with my recent travel has my sleep to wake inner clocked all screwed up.
Last night I went to be at 8pm and am wide awake at 3am. Some of that is thanks to the dogs! I saw one of them out of bed with that, 'I should pee here on the floor' look in her eyes. So I get up and walk her all around the complex.
I am starting to focus on their bowel movements. She did not poop yesterday. This is unusual because the dogs usually poop multiple times per day. So for her to go an entire day without pooping it is cause for concern.
Maybe I will try sleep one more time..
Last night I went to be at 8pm and am wide awake at 3am. Some of that is thanks to the dogs! I saw one of them out of bed with that, 'I should pee here on the floor' look in her eyes. So I get up and walk her all around the complex.
I am starting to focus on their bowel movements. She did not poop yesterday. This is unusual because the dogs usually poop multiple times per day. So for her to go an entire day without pooping it is cause for concern.
Maybe I will try sleep one more time..
Monday, November 8, 2010
fat nasty troll two
One more little gem from the fat nasty troll manager.
It seems one of the pool nurses was searching for something online. The chubby manager called this nurse out where she was sitting. She said, "I will have no online shopping on my unit."
I did not witness this little exibition, but I was told about it later. It seems the nurse online was looking up a diagnosis or something medical that she wanted more information about and chubs had to stick her fat nose in it.
I so wish it had been me! I would have cruicified the fat bitch! I have a few weeks left and God help me if I land there on my last day! I will personally make it my goal to bait this fat woman and take great pleasure in putting her right!
I know I am being petty, but I hate these underqualified people who are placed in a semi-management position and feel they deserve to talk down to staff. It serves no purpose and I will be happy to release my venting on one who clearly deserves it!.
It seems one of the pool nurses was searching for something online. The chubby manager called this nurse out where she was sitting. She said, "I will have no online shopping on my unit."
I did not witness this little exibition, but I was told about it later. It seems the nurse online was looking up a diagnosis or something medical that she wanted more information about and chubs had to stick her fat nose in it.
I so wish it had been me! I would have cruicified the fat bitch! I have a few weeks left and God help me if I land there on my last day! I will personally make it my goal to bait this fat woman and take great pleasure in putting her right!
I know I am being petty, but I hate these underqualified people who are placed in a semi-management position and feel they deserve to talk down to staff. It serves no purpose and I will be happy to release my venting on one who clearly deserves it!.
fat troll manager
I am filled with dread! I have had a full seven days off and my return to work looms near. I don't hate the unit where I work, I hate the floating to another unit. The step-down units are horrid and as bad as I remember from my last assignment with this hospital.
The units are unorganized and poorly staffed. The charting system has been bloated with so many mandated requirements that it takes forever. Equipment does not work and the whole system there is flawed.
A week ago I was working in one of the nasty step-down areas. I arrived late because there were mixups in the staffing department. Anyway, I am there working a few hours when this woman approaches me. I amtold later she was the manager of the unit.
This woman says, "do you have room XX?"
me, "yes I do, what cha need?"
her: "we seem to have a problem."
me: "okay?"
her: "you have failed to fill out your hourly rounding sheets!"
me: "what is that?"
her: "Excuse me! We had a meeting about this just this morning where all of YOU were instructed of the importance of completing the hourly rounding sheets!"
Unit Secretary: "He was not here this morning - staffing had him all over the place"
her: "oh! Well you should still know about the forms they are required throughout the hospital."
me: "I am not from this hospital. I am a traveller and I floated here and we do not use them in the unit where I come from."
her: (in a very condesending tone) "and just where would that be?"
Me: "I am ICU we pretty much are in the rooms more often than every hour."
It was all I could do not to get up in this plump woman's face and tell her to get the fuck away from me. The hourly rounds are a fucking joke! The stupid rounding is just another idea of lazy administration thinking they are being proactive. The truth is the nurses fill the form in at one time at the end of the shift - effective!
The form itself has every hour listed to the left and about 10 boxes to be completed each hour. The first box is initial, the second is time! WTF? The time is preprinted.
So, after talking to this frumpy ass woman I went back and placed little smiley faces on my forms - if I am floated on my last day I will spell out fuck you on each line!
The units are unorganized and poorly staffed. The charting system has been bloated with so many mandated requirements that it takes forever. Equipment does not work and the whole system there is flawed.
A week ago I was working in one of the nasty step-down areas. I arrived late because there were mixups in the staffing department. Anyway, I am there working a few hours when this woman approaches me. I amtold later she was the manager of the unit.
This woman says, "do you have room XX?"
me, "yes I do, what cha need?"
her: "we seem to have a problem."
me: "okay?"
her: "you have failed to fill out your hourly rounding sheets!"
me: "what is that?"
her: "Excuse me! We had a meeting about this just this morning where all of YOU were instructed of the importance of completing the hourly rounding sheets!"
Unit Secretary: "He was not here this morning - staffing had him all over the place"
her: "oh! Well you should still know about the forms they are required throughout the hospital."
me: "I am not from this hospital. I am a traveller and I floated here and we do not use them in the unit where I come from."
her: (in a very condesending tone) "and just where would that be?"
Me: "I am ICU we pretty much are in the rooms more often than every hour."
It was all I could do not to get up in this plump woman's face and tell her to get the fuck away from me. The hourly rounds are a fucking joke! The stupid rounding is just another idea of lazy administration thinking they are being proactive. The truth is the nurses fill the form in at one time at the end of the shift - effective!
The form itself has every hour listed to the left and about 10 boxes to be completed each hour. The first box is initial, the second is time! WTF? The time is preprinted.
So, after talking to this frumpy ass woman I went back and placed little smiley faces on my forms - if I am floated on my last day I will spell out fuck you on each line!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
mello sunday..
I sit on the sofa watching television with two snoring dogs next to me. Life is good today!
New Countdown...
I always have some sort of countdown going on. In days past, it was the countdown to a class ending, graduation, vacation etc... There is always something I am looking forward to or working towards. I guess we are all like that, but I love to see the numbers get smaller as the event draws near.
I downloaded a countdown program for my computer that displays the month, day, minute and second of the upcoming event. Everytime I sign on my laptop there is the reminder staring me in the face and it helps to motivate me and comfort me all at the same time.
I countdown shifts at the hospital and at any given time I know the percentage of the day that remains. So that even a bad day has the end in sight. It is just one of those things that helps me get through the day.
I currently have two pretty important coundowns that I am paying very close attention to at the moment.
The first is the countdown for my current contract here in Mexas. As of today I have four weeks and six days remaining. There is the possibility I will work one additional week, but at this moment I am not counting that. Should the sell of the house fall through - I will be staying that extra week and maybe one more. We will see!
The second countdown is the one that marks the day my new job starts. It stands at nine weeks and one day. It is a big date for me and I have not mentioned much about it here on this blog and am up in the air as to if or when I will.
I downloaded a countdown program for my computer that displays the month, day, minute and second of the upcoming event. Everytime I sign on my laptop there is the reminder staring me in the face and it helps to motivate me and comfort me all at the same time.
I countdown shifts at the hospital and at any given time I know the percentage of the day that remains. So that even a bad day has the end in sight. It is just one of those things that helps me get through the day.
I currently have two pretty important coundowns that I am paying very close attention to at the moment.
The first is the countdown for my current contract here in Mexas. As of today I have four weeks and six days remaining. There is the possibility I will work one additional week, but at this moment I am not counting that. Should the sell of the house fall through - I will be staying that extra week and maybe one more. We will see!
The second countdown is the one that marks the day my new job starts. It stands at nine weeks and one day. It is a big date for me and I have not mentioned much about it here on this blog and am up in the air as to if or when I will.
Douch Spotting..
So I arrive at the airport bright and early and coast through the security. It is a little before 0500 in the morning and I am not yet fully awake. I find a nice spot at my gate and set my backpack down and close my eyes for a brief moment.
At this time of morning most of the shops on the concourse are closed and there is very little foot traffic. At the gate were less than ten people and we were all just about in the same tired condition.
Then it happened! Some guy with his teenage daughter sat directly across from me. They had the whole place they could have selected to sit, but no they chose the seats directly in front of mine. Which normally would be no big deal - except today.
The father, in his mid to late forties, and his daughter around 17 sat there and he proceeded to go through his phone mail and loudly talk about every fucking thing. Apparently some of the emails were about his daughters school calender and he felt at 0500 in the morning in a quiet airport was the prime venue to discuss his daughter's schedule.
He was one of those guys who has the bluetooth earpiece permanently affixed to his ear - as if a flood of calls were coming in at 0500! I thought after ten or so minutes he would shut the fuck up - but NO! he kept blathering loudly on and on.
I decided to put my headphones on to drown him out and seconds later a heavy set Mexican lady sat next to me with perfume that was bot extremely sweet smelling and very strong that caused me to leave the area and stand far away from this group.
Ten minutes later they called to load the plane. When they load the plane it is done with certain protocol. The first class people get on first - yea I get it you paid four times too much for your ticket so get on and lets get moving. Next they load the people in the back to front. so that loading can be done smoothly without waiting for too many people to store their overhead luggage and get everyone seated as quickly as possible.
Well, some people do not believe these instructions apply to them and feel they should just board when they feel like it. Case in point, the douche bag father and daughter. They were on row 10 and decided they should board before people in the back of the plane. And they took forever to store their seven pieces of carry on luggage. So much that it filled the overhead for their seat and half of another row.
I swear sometimes I fucking hate stupid people!
At this time of morning most of the shops on the concourse are closed and there is very little foot traffic. At the gate were less than ten people and we were all just about in the same tired condition.
Then it happened! Some guy with his teenage daughter sat directly across from me. They had the whole place they could have selected to sit, but no they chose the seats directly in front of mine. Which normally would be no big deal - except today.
The father, in his mid to late forties, and his daughter around 17 sat there and he proceeded to go through his phone mail and loudly talk about every fucking thing. Apparently some of the emails were about his daughters school calender and he felt at 0500 in the morning in a quiet airport was the prime venue to discuss his daughter's schedule.
He was one of those guys who has the bluetooth earpiece permanently affixed to his ear - as if a flood of calls were coming in at 0500! I thought after ten or so minutes he would shut the fuck up - but NO! he kept blathering loudly on and on.
I decided to put my headphones on to drown him out and seconds later a heavy set Mexican lady sat next to me with perfume that was bot extremely sweet smelling and very strong that caused me to leave the area and stand far away from this group.
Ten minutes later they called to load the plane. When they load the plane it is done with certain protocol. The first class people get on first - yea I get it you paid four times too much for your ticket so get on and lets get moving. Next they load the people in the back to front. so that loading can be done smoothly without waiting for too many people to store their overhead luggage and get everyone seated as quickly as possible.
Well, some people do not believe these instructions apply to them and feel they should just board when they feel like it. Case in point, the douche bag father and daughter. They were on row 10 and decided they should board before people in the back of the plane. And they took forever to store their seven pieces of carry on luggage. So much that it filled the overhead for their seat and half of another row.
I swear sometimes I fucking hate stupid people!
Tis Over...
What a whirlwind of activity... I worked Monday, Tues, wed. stayed up well past 10pm packing and organizing for my trip Thursday. Woke up at 3am and took a cab to the airport for my 0545 flight to Pittsburgh.
Arrived in Pittsburgh at 1130 and I was off to an appointment. After my appt. I picked up a bud and we went to Chili's for lunch and a few beers. From there a quick stop at the market to pick up supplies for the road trip and back home for a few hours.
The plan was to hit Hambones for a farewell drink. Well, I overdid it. In fact the bill came and the two of us downed $115.00 worth of beer - ouch! But it was a special occasion. I will most likely never step foot in Pittsburgh again and there were many parts of the experience I enjoyed and I would miss. So an expensive beer soaked farewell was okay.
The price however did not stop at the $115.00! We walked home from the pub and I must have passed out and before you know it - morning arrived. With it a massive hangover! See, I had not been drinking much and oh I paid the price.
Nothing in this world can be as horrible as being horribly hung over and on a road trip with two dogs that covers 1500 miles. However, I had only myself to blame and it was time to suck it up and get going - which I did.
We left at 0900 and stopped for the night around 10pm. I travelled 800+ miles and we found a nice rest area. I had a van where all the seats were stoed and we make a little bed on the floor and me an the two dogs slept all cuddled up - just like in out bed back home.
I awoke around three and it was a bit cold out - plus some fucking yokels parked directly beside the van and discussed their shitty car for an hour before leaving. Of all the spots that they could have selected to park they had to park directly beside me. Figures.
So, day two found me feeling much better and we set off for the remaining 600+ miles. We finally arrived around 1pm. I walked the dogs in the complex and unloaded the van. Some 20 trips up and down three flights and I was literally exhausted! I made a little dinner and crashed!! I cannot believe all that took place in just three days.
Today, is a recovery day. Yes, I may still run this morning but will not do much else. I am gonna plant my ass on the sofa and me and the dogs will watch football until our eyes explode - sweet!
Arrived in Pittsburgh at 1130 and I was off to an appointment. After my appt. I picked up a bud and we went to Chili's for lunch and a few beers. From there a quick stop at the market to pick up supplies for the road trip and back home for a few hours.
The plan was to hit Hambones for a farewell drink. Well, I overdid it. In fact the bill came and the two of us downed $115.00 worth of beer - ouch! But it was a special occasion. I will most likely never step foot in Pittsburgh again and there were many parts of the experience I enjoyed and I would miss. So an expensive beer soaked farewell was okay.
The price however did not stop at the $115.00! We walked home from the pub and I must have passed out and before you know it - morning arrived. With it a massive hangover! See, I had not been drinking much and oh I paid the price.
Nothing in this world can be as horrible as being horribly hung over and on a road trip with two dogs that covers 1500 miles. However, I had only myself to blame and it was time to suck it up and get going - which I did.
We left at 0900 and stopped for the night around 10pm. I travelled 800+ miles and we found a nice rest area. I had a van where all the seats were stoed and we make a little bed on the floor and me an the two dogs slept all cuddled up - just like in out bed back home.
I awoke around three and it was a bit cold out - plus some fucking yokels parked directly beside the van and discussed their shitty car for an hour before leaving. Of all the spots that they could have selected to park they had to park directly beside me. Figures.
So, day two found me feeling much better and we set off for the remaining 600+ miles. We finally arrived around 1pm. I walked the dogs in the complex and unloaded the van. Some 20 trips up and down three flights and I was literally exhausted! I made a little dinner and crashed!! I cannot believe all that took place in just three days.
Today, is a recovery day. Yes, I may still run this morning but will not do much else. I am gonna plant my ass on the sofa and me and the dogs will watch football until our eyes explode - sweet!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Put A Lid on it..
The house is packed. I leave at the ass crack of dawn tomorrow to Pittsburgh to pick up my dogs and say goodbye to our home. The whole sell is still a bit tenuous but I cannot dwell on the deal falling through - I have to move forward.
I am suppose to work today and the nasty part is I most likley will be floated to some suck ass unit. I had toyed with the idea of calling in today, but with being off a week and sort of needing the money as the house deal is not finalized - I thought it best to take the shift and just suck it up!
The possibilities are another ICU (Fingers crossed), step-down (full of nasty bitches) or the vile and evil tele floor - suck ass big time!!!
I am suffering this morning. My neck has a crick in it and it hurts to turn from side to side. I guess I spent too much time pulling up fat nasty bitches. The unit has a tech, but I still do not know what the hell that person does. It sure doesn't seem to be help with any sort of patient care.
More coffee!!
I am suppose to work today and the nasty part is I most likley will be floated to some suck ass unit. I had toyed with the idea of calling in today, but with being off a week and sort of needing the money as the house deal is not finalized - I thought it best to take the shift and just suck it up!
The possibilities are another ICU (Fingers crossed), step-down (full of nasty bitches) or the vile and evil tele floor - suck ass big time!!!
I am suffering this morning. My neck has a crick in it and it hurts to turn from side to side. I guess I spent too much time pulling up fat nasty bitches. The unit has a tech, but I still do not know what the hell that person does. It sure doesn't seem to be help with any sort of patient care.
More coffee!!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
If it could go wrong...
This house thing is making me nuts. Here we thought we had all of our ducks lined up and we were ready for closing this month when we got the call.
It seems the buyers bank refused to reconsider the appraisal. Details are schetchy at best and our realtor has once again not proven to be a wealth of information. I do know the first appraisal omitted little things like a bathroom, a garage oh and an entire third floor. So I cannot understand the reasoning for their bank not reconsidering the unusually low value.
So, the new plan is the buyers are going to go with another lender. Our realtor expected us to pony up $400+ to pay for a new appraisal. I seriously do not where this womans's head is. She is so getting an earful when this process comes to an end.
However, the realtor will be present for the new appraisal so they don't overlook the pesky little details that cause a lazy appraiser to omit three bedrooms, a bath and a garage.
The movers are doing their thing today and radon mitigation will be completed. I fly back in two days!! I cannot wait!! Hopefully, the next appraisal will be correct, but at this point nothing would surprise me.
It seems the buyers bank refused to reconsider the appraisal. Details are schetchy at best and our realtor has once again not proven to be a wealth of information. I do know the first appraisal omitted little things like a bathroom, a garage oh and an entire third floor. So I cannot understand the reasoning for their bank not reconsidering the unusually low value.
So, the new plan is the buyers are going to go with another lender. Our realtor expected us to pony up $400+ to pay for a new appraisal. I seriously do not where this womans's head is. She is so getting an earful when this process comes to an end.
However, the realtor will be present for the new appraisal so they don't overlook the pesky little details that cause a lazy appraiser to omit three bedrooms, a bath and a garage.
The movers are doing their thing today and radon mitigation will be completed. I fly back in two days!! I cannot wait!! Hopefully, the next appraisal will be correct, but at this point nothing would surprise me.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Moving in that direction...
it is the close of October and I thought I would provide a little update on the move.
All the repairs are done with the exception of the radon mitigation which will be completed Tuesday. The movers will also take all the household belongs away on that day. Most of the items we wanted to get rid of have either been sold or just given away and we have trimmed down our belongings considerably. The only area we did not reduce was the Christmas decor that filled a large portion of the basement. We remain with nine trees and hope to purchase one or two more after the holidays this year. Cannot help it - we love the Christmas commercialism and the decorations make us feel good.
The Pittsburgh home will be completely empty Tuesday evening. I fly back on Thursday morning to pick up the dogs and a few items we want to take with us. I have the car booked and will leave for Texas bright and early Friday morning in efforts to reach San Antonio sometime Saturday evening.
There are still some loose ends as to the sell of the home. The appraisal has not been corrected and this has gone on for two weeks now. Our realtor has not been the most honest with us and I really am unhappy with the job she has done. She really let us down.
However, I am focused on being positive! The many hurdles have been completed and now the home is ready to close. The buyers have indicated that they welcome an early closing so we will inform our realtor that after the 5th we can close when they are ready.
We can then close this chapter of our lives and look forward to all the unexpected adventures ahead.
All the repairs are done with the exception of the radon mitigation which will be completed Tuesday. The movers will also take all the household belongs away on that day. Most of the items we wanted to get rid of have either been sold or just given away and we have trimmed down our belongings considerably. The only area we did not reduce was the Christmas decor that filled a large portion of the basement. We remain with nine trees and hope to purchase one or two more after the holidays this year. Cannot help it - we love the Christmas commercialism and the decorations make us feel good.
The Pittsburgh home will be completely empty Tuesday evening. I fly back on Thursday morning to pick up the dogs and a few items we want to take with us. I have the car booked and will leave for Texas bright and early Friday morning in efforts to reach San Antonio sometime Saturday evening.
There are still some loose ends as to the sell of the home. The appraisal has not been corrected and this has gone on for two weeks now. Our realtor has not been the most honest with us and I really am unhappy with the job she has done. She really let us down.
However, I am focused on being positive! The many hurdles have been completed and now the home is ready to close. The buyers have indicated that they welcome an early closing so we will inform our realtor that after the 5th we can close when they are ready.
We can then close this chapter of our lives and look forward to all the unexpected adventures ahead.
They Graze Here?
When I am off from work I run early in the mornings. I especially enjoy running early on the weekdays, because the trail I run has far fewer people cluttering up the path. The only down side is the road crew that I have to cross as the trail is interrupted by a road that is being widened.
I dislike the weekend runs on the trail. There are more people on the trail and 99% of them are fat walkers. I know, at least they are off the sofa and actually moving. However, when did the mere act of walking count as real exercise? This makes me think that if these land masses in sweatpants did not walk around the track once a week they would never have any use for their stubby legs. I mean I walk miles on my job and just walking on my day off is not gonna break a sweat.
I guess my real problem with the chubby waddlers is that they always seem to walk in pairs and side by side. This causes their wide bodies to obscure and passing lanes as I am running. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to leave the the trail and pass their wide bodies on the grass. It makes me furious! And I know as soon as these chubby waddlers get home they will dig into a can of frosting as a reward for their hard work.
Another thing that really bothers me on the trail is when dog owners walk their dogs and do not bother to scoop uo the shit. There are several areas on the trail where dogs have left piles and the fat lazy owners have failed to clean up after their pets. It is not the dogs fault. It is the lazy owners.
Hell, even here at this complex there are grassy areas littered with dog shit. Something about Mexicans incapable of cleaning up after animals. My feelings on that are if you cannot clean up after your pet then you do not deserve them.
I dislike the weekend runs on the trail. There are more people on the trail and 99% of them are fat walkers. I know, at least they are off the sofa and actually moving. However, when did the mere act of walking count as real exercise? This makes me think that if these land masses in sweatpants did not walk around the track once a week they would never have any use for their stubby legs. I mean I walk miles on my job and just walking on my day off is not gonna break a sweat.
I guess my real problem with the chubby waddlers is that they always seem to walk in pairs and side by side. This causes their wide bodies to obscure and passing lanes as I am running. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to leave the the trail and pass their wide bodies on the grass. It makes me furious! And I know as soon as these chubby waddlers get home they will dig into a can of frosting as a reward for their hard work.
Another thing that really bothers me on the trail is when dog owners walk their dogs and do not bother to scoop uo the shit. There are several areas on the trail where dogs have left piles and the fat lazy owners have failed to clean up after their pets. It is not the dogs fault. It is the lazy owners.
Hell, even here at this complex there are grassy areas littered with dog shit. Something about Mexicans incapable of cleaning up after animals. My feelings on that are if you cannot clean up after your pet then you do not deserve them.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Morning Coffee
I have an odd ritual for my mornings. I start with some delicious coffee with much foo foo creamer and turn on the television to Fox News & Friends. Yikes! I know, what semi-educated person in their right mind would subject themself to such garbage? Well, it wakes me up! I sit here watching their horribly slanted opinion and it causes me to yell back at the television and gets my blood a pumping.
Also, the other morning news programs are just as irritating. CNN is on some short story loop and the local news is really lame. Morning Joe on the other network has that smug asshole whose name I cannot remember. When did "news" become so Jerry Springer?
I do also watch some of the Fox programs just to see what sort of garbage those idiots are spewing into the atmosphere and I believe their programming is having a dangerous effect on the small minded people in America. It is stirring them up into action without solid reason and based on lies and fear.
Case in point. Rachel Maddow was in Alaska and briefly interviewed some Joe Miller supporters. One theme among these inbreds was that Obama was against guns! Rachel followed up by asking what policy has Obama supported to demonstrate his stance on guns. None of the teabagging trash knew anything but remained hard in their opinion. All the lies and bullshit fed to them by Beck they gobble up without question. All the conspiracy theories and whack-a-doodle fear tactics these simple take as gospel.
Scarry world we live in where people can be so easily swayed by hate and fear. News is no longer news but has been bought and paid for by the wealthy or corporate america.
Also, the other morning news programs are just as irritating. CNN is on some short story loop and the local news is really lame. Morning Joe on the other network has that smug asshole whose name I cannot remember. When did "news" become so Jerry Springer?
I do also watch some of the Fox programs just to see what sort of garbage those idiots are spewing into the atmosphere and I believe their programming is having a dangerous effect on the small minded people in America. It is stirring them up into action without solid reason and based on lies and fear.
Case in point. Rachel Maddow was in Alaska and briefly interviewed some Joe Miller supporters. One theme among these inbreds was that Obama was against guns! Rachel followed up by asking what policy has Obama supported to demonstrate his stance on guns. None of the teabagging trash knew anything but remained hard in their opinion. All the lies and bullshit fed to them by Beck they gobble up without question. All the conspiracy theories and whack-a-doodle fear tactics these simple take as gospel.
Scarry world we live in where people can be so easily swayed by hate and fear. News is no longer news but has been bought and paid for by the wealthy or corporate america.
Friday, October 22, 2010
No Sleep For the Wicked...
With all the events going on I am having a very hard time getting to sleep or staying asleep. Last night I woke up no less than 10 times. I finally crawled out of bed an hour early.
Now, I have the pleasure of going into work. I have floated two of the past three shifts and I am sure I will be floated today. I just hope it is not to a bad area..
On the positive note, I have seven weeks left for this assignment before I start a four week holiday break. I think I leave here December 13th and do not return to any kind of work until Jan something - party on Garth!
Now, I have the pleasure of going into work. I have floated two of the past three shifts and I am sure I will be floated today. I just hope it is not to a bad area..
On the positive note, I have seven weeks left for this assignment before I start a four week holiday break. I think I leave here December 13th and do not return to any kind of work until Jan something - party on Garth!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Seriously..
Selling a home can be a stressful process. Selling a 100 year old home can drive one to drink.
News of the day. The plumber came out to fix some sort of leak in the basement and cha-ching two grand down the drain. Okay, not a big deal, deep cleansing breaths and we will move on. Still a few big ticket repairs right around the corner and we can check off the box marked plumbing.
The electrician makes a cameo tomorrow and we are getting early mixed messages on what the costs will be. Again, deep cleansing breath and take it all one step at a time.
The phone rings and a little unexpected news is discovered. Apparantly the buyers appraiser did a shitty job and out home appraised well below expectations and far below recent sales. WTF!!
Per the realtor the appraiser dropped the ball and made several very obvious mistakes. He omitted a floor of the home and called it an attic? Huh? He counted the bathrooms incorrectly and used old outdated comparables. Just about everything he could do wrong, he did!
So, per the realtor this is not the end of the world. It just causes more work for everyone to have the appraisal reconsidered or redone. Hopefully tomorrow will shed some light on this issue.
I swear everything that could possibly go wrong has! I am just waiting for the next shoe to drop. The bottom line is that the appraisal was unacceptable and no way in hell would I allow the home to be sold for that low of an amount.
Oh well another day! Why do these things have to be so dramatic and stressful? I promise I am never buying a home this old or this big again. Give me a small home that is brand spanking new!
News of the day. The plumber came out to fix some sort of leak in the basement and cha-ching two grand down the drain. Okay, not a big deal, deep cleansing breaths and we will move on. Still a few big ticket repairs right around the corner and we can check off the box marked plumbing.
The electrician makes a cameo tomorrow and we are getting early mixed messages on what the costs will be. Again, deep cleansing breath and take it all one step at a time.
The phone rings and a little unexpected news is discovered. Apparantly the buyers appraiser did a shitty job and out home appraised well below expectations and far below recent sales. WTF!!
Per the realtor the appraiser dropped the ball and made several very obvious mistakes. He omitted a floor of the home and called it an attic? Huh? He counted the bathrooms incorrectly and used old outdated comparables. Just about everything he could do wrong, he did!
So, per the realtor this is not the end of the world. It just causes more work for everyone to have the appraisal reconsidered or redone. Hopefully tomorrow will shed some light on this issue.
I swear everything that could possibly go wrong has! I am just waiting for the next shoe to drop. The bottom line is that the appraisal was unacceptable and no way in hell would I allow the home to be sold for that low of an amount.
Oh well another day! Why do these things have to be so dramatic and stressful? I promise I am never buying a home this old or this big again. Give me a small home that is brand spanking new!
Blob
It is one of those days where energy has been zapped from my body. I woke up at 0500 with all the best of intentions. I was going to pull a 5 mile run, clean the apartment and take the garbage to the dumpster. I had even planned a trek to the mail box. However, somewhere after the first cup or two of coffee all my plans fizzled and the sofa seemed too comfortable to abandon.
The sad part is that I know deep down in my soul that is I just pried myself off of the sofa and went for a run it would actually jump start my day, but I lack desire. I work the next three days so I will not run again until Monday. In my mind I am telling myself it will be good to give my shin splints a break, but I also know the Monday run will be extra rough after not running for five days.
I did just enjoy some lovely soup. It was tasty. I am staring at the trash I placed at the front door as a reminder to take the stuff out. I guess it can wait until tomorrow.
I am in the throws of apathy. I do not want to do anything except relax and find a way to recharge my desire batteries to face then next three days. Also, I know this is the brief calm before the storm. The next two weeks will see loads of money being paid to contractors, movers, airlines and rental companies. There will be continues back and forth between realtors and insurance people also all the forwarding of mail and accounts - ugghh this is making me more tired to even think about it. To top it all off I get the thrill of driving that 1500 mile trex all over again with two dogs in tow...If I make it to November 10th I will have won.
So, for today I will grab my pillow from the bedroom, curl up on the sofa and pretend it is raining outside and enjoy one of the few remaining moments of quiet before all hell is put into motion.
The sad part is that I know deep down in my soul that is I just pried myself off of the sofa and went for a run it would actually jump start my day, but I lack desire. I work the next three days so I will not run again until Monday. In my mind I am telling myself it will be good to give my shin splints a break, but I also know the Monday run will be extra rough after not running for five days.
I did just enjoy some lovely soup. It was tasty. I am staring at the trash I placed at the front door as a reminder to take the stuff out. I guess it can wait until tomorrow.
I am in the throws of apathy. I do not want to do anything except relax and find a way to recharge my desire batteries to face then next three days. Also, I know this is the brief calm before the storm. The next two weeks will see loads of money being paid to contractors, movers, airlines and rental companies. There will be continues back and forth between realtors and insurance people also all the forwarding of mail and accounts - ugghh this is making me more tired to even think about it. To top it all off I get the thrill of driving that 1500 mile trex all over again with two dogs in tow...If I make it to November 10th I will have won.
So, for today I will grab my pillow from the bedroom, curl up on the sofa and pretend it is raining outside and enjoy one of the few remaining moments of quiet before all hell is put into motion.
One Step Closer...
The dreaded email arrived with the list of repairs that the buyers wanted. I laughed a bit becasue some of the items were a bit much. I took a moment and composed a reply with items I agreed to fix and that will be it.
Along the way a few emails were send between me the other realtor and I guess between her and the buyers. Bottom line is that they agreed to what I wrote.
A bug along the way was the condition of the roof. Funny that! The home is 100 years old and the timbers that support the roof are intact but where some meet the underlying beams there is a gap of 1 maybe 1.5 inches - like a give. So when the inspector walked on the roof and noticed a "give" he claimed the roof to be sagging. This has since become an issue. The roof is fine and the sag is a non-issue on my end.
I considered just walking away from the sale and keeping the house. I am always seconds away from telling them all to get lost! I try not to be so impulsive, but it is what it is. The roof could be corrected by placing a strip of wood on the cross beam and waalaa - but I am done with it.
Also, my realtor forwarded an email she received from the buyer's agent and I did not care much for the tone. Good thing I read it late because once again I would have immediately shot back a terse response.
I have someone who is handling 90% of the communication with the realtor. I need that much of a buffer, because I have a very short fuse when it comes to the selling side of the equasion.
So, we have some repairs to get started with and hopefull everything will be completed next week. We can arrange movers to pick up the stuff by the first and I fly down to pick up my dogs on the 4th. The next couple of weeks is going to be packed with activity and loads of stress!!! Should be interesting!!
Along the way a few emails were send between me the other realtor and I guess between her and the buyers. Bottom line is that they agreed to what I wrote.
A bug along the way was the condition of the roof. Funny that! The home is 100 years old and the timbers that support the roof are intact but where some meet the underlying beams there is a gap of 1 maybe 1.5 inches - like a give. So when the inspector walked on the roof and noticed a "give" he claimed the roof to be sagging. This has since become an issue. The roof is fine and the sag is a non-issue on my end.
I considered just walking away from the sale and keeping the house. I am always seconds away from telling them all to get lost! I try not to be so impulsive, but it is what it is. The roof could be corrected by placing a strip of wood on the cross beam and waalaa - but I am done with it.
Also, my realtor forwarded an email she received from the buyer's agent and I did not care much for the tone. Good thing I read it late because once again I would have immediately shot back a terse response.
I have someone who is handling 90% of the communication with the realtor. I need that much of a buffer, because I have a very short fuse when it comes to the selling side of the equasion.
So, we have some repairs to get started with and hopefull everything will be completed next week. We can arrange movers to pick up the stuff by the first and I fly down to pick up my dogs on the 4th. The next couple of weeks is going to be packed with activity and loads of stress!!! Should be interesting!!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
More On That...
I touched a little on the process I go through on shopping for a home and I thought I would take a moment to expand on my boring ass theories on home buying.
Currently I have begun the process of finding a home in MS. The first part if online searches to get an idea of what is available and how the market is moving. there are about five areas I have focused in on and the homes are all fairly similar. From my research I have found that MS is a bit of a depressed market (putting it mildly) and homes are sitting on the market for a while. This gives the buyer a little leverage but is a concern in a few years when I go to sell.
Once I am a little better aquainted with the area and what the inventory is like I will research tax rates, insurance rates, crime, schools and public transportation access. The bummer with MS is the insurance rates are astronomical the closer to the ocean you purchase - this has to be considered when finding the correct home.
I start to make a list of possible homes located in my target area and chare my list with someone who has an opinion I value. I listen to the feedback and eliminate some homes from the list. In the final review of my list I want to know what I would change to increase the value of the home. This time around I really want to gut a kitchen so I want a galley style kitchen because I believe this will make the process easier and less expensive. I have never done a kitchen top to bottom and it is very high on my list. I want to stay away from bathroom remodles unless it is minor. When I say minor I mean I can switch out a vanity-counter and sing but I do not want to re-tile anything.
I am also looking to maybe re-floor a whole home. Ripping up carpet and placing wood floors down. Many of the homes I have been looking at have tile throughout the home and this is so not my style and I fear it would be way too expensive to replace - so most of those homes do not make my list. I just think that tile throughout the home is so limiting and hurts the re-sale. Wood floors are most desired by buyers and it is worth the investment.
Lot wise I want to keep it small and tight. I feel I can landscape a small yard much easier than a huge yard and I do not want to spend all my weekends mowing and doing yardwork.
So I have a list, know what improvements I want to do, find an ideal location, managable yard and I need to examing the home layout to help weed down the list even more. The ideal home layout is a split floor plan. The bedrooms are on opposite ends of the home. This appeals to me as I will make one of the bedrooms a little lounge for television and the other end will be my sleep chamber!! Believe it or not this is a big consideration when you have guests or you live with someone who stays up late watching television and you are a light sleeper. I know people out there claim to want open floorplans, but I think is everything else is in line they will forget about the whole open floorplan thing.
Now my list has maybe 5 to 10 homes and now I can tour the homes and examine the neghborhoods. This is a huge step!! This is when I get the whole vibe of the area which for me is the most important step! If the area does not feel livable and I cannot see myself there the home gets cut! The will eliminate half of my homes remaining on my list. I then rank the remaining homes 1 to whatever is left and the offer process begins. I will fill out offers for house number one, but my realtor will understand I most likely will make an offer on more than one home to get the price I want and I want the seller to understand I will be making a quick decision and I have multiple homes to consider.
This is the most fun part as a buyer. I see the seller squirming in my mind and this brings a huge smile to my face and I love it when they counter with a ridiculous counter. Say the home is listed for $350 and my research tells me $310 is more reasonable and the home has been on the market for 6 months with several price drops - this is like candy! I go in with an offer of $280, the seller comes back with $348 - I always love those offers. This is when I like the realtor to tighten the screws a bit. So I come back at $290 and spill the beans that another home nearby also catches my eye - they also let the buyer know I expect to close quickly and I am a serious buyer. The offer comes back and is usually headed in the right direction. The seller is over the initial insult and has maybe had some time to understand it may be another six months for another serious offer. If all goes well I get a price I was actually aiming for and it helps to walk away for a day or two to make the seller believe he has lost the buyer - it helps to sweeten the process.
I have actually walked away from the negotiation process to have my realtor contact me days later to inform be the seller had a change of heart. They realise that a solid offer may be few and far between in this economy and sometimes you have to take what is on the table - I LOVE IT!! That is the best part about this horrible economy! If I had more money I would be out there buying as many homes as possible, because eventually the market will stabilize and things will get much better. Not that we will live long enough to see the kind of market that got us into this trouble but it move again at a better pace with far fewer foreclosures.
Currently I have begun the process of finding a home in MS. The first part if online searches to get an idea of what is available and how the market is moving. there are about five areas I have focused in on and the homes are all fairly similar. From my research I have found that MS is a bit of a depressed market (putting it mildly) and homes are sitting on the market for a while. This gives the buyer a little leverage but is a concern in a few years when I go to sell.
Once I am a little better aquainted with the area and what the inventory is like I will research tax rates, insurance rates, crime, schools and public transportation access. The bummer with MS is the insurance rates are astronomical the closer to the ocean you purchase - this has to be considered when finding the correct home.
I start to make a list of possible homes located in my target area and chare my list with someone who has an opinion I value. I listen to the feedback and eliminate some homes from the list. In the final review of my list I want to know what I would change to increase the value of the home. This time around I really want to gut a kitchen so I want a galley style kitchen because I believe this will make the process easier and less expensive. I have never done a kitchen top to bottom and it is very high on my list. I want to stay away from bathroom remodles unless it is minor. When I say minor I mean I can switch out a vanity-counter and sing but I do not want to re-tile anything.
I am also looking to maybe re-floor a whole home. Ripping up carpet and placing wood floors down. Many of the homes I have been looking at have tile throughout the home and this is so not my style and I fear it would be way too expensive to replace - so most of those homes do not make my list. I just think that tile throughout the home is so limiting and hurts the re-sale. Wood floors are most desired by buyers and it is worth the investment.
Lot wise I want to keep it small and tight. I feel I can landscape a small yard much easier than a huge yard and I do not want to spend all my weekends mowing and doing yardwork.
So I have a list, know what improvements I want to do, find an ideal location, managable yard and I need to examing the home layout to help weed down the list even more. The ideal home layout is a split floor plan. The bedrooms are on opposite ends of the home. This appeals to me as I will make one of the bedrooms a little lounge for television and the other end will be my sleep chamber!! Believe it or not this is a big consideration when you have guests or you live with someone who stays up late watching television and you are a light sleeper. I know people out there claim to want open floorplans, but I think is everything else is in line they will forget about the whole open floorplan thing.
Now my list has maybe 5 to 10 homes and now I can tour the homes and examine the neghborhoods. This is a huge step!! This is when I get the whole vibe of the area which for me is the most important step! If the area does not feel livable and I cannot see myself there the home gets cut! The will eliminate half of my homes remaining on my list. I then rank the remaining homes 1 to whatever is left and the offer process begins. I will fill out offers for house number one, but my realtor will understand I most likely will make an offer on more than one home to get the price I want and I want the seller to understand I will be making a quick decision and I have multiple homes to consider.
This is the most fun part as a buyer. I see the seller squirming in my mind and this brings a huge smile to my face and I love it when they counter with a ridiculous counter. Say the home is listed for $350 and my research tells me $310 is more reasonable and the home has been on the market for 6 months with several price drops - this is like candy! I go in with an offer of $280, the seller comes back with $348 - I always love those offers. This is when I like the realtor to tighten the screws a bit. So I come back at $290 and spill the beans that another home nearby also catches my eye - they also let the buyer know I expect to close quickly and I am a serious buyer. The offer comes back and is usually headed in the right direction. The seller is over the initial insult and has maybe had some time to understand it may be another six months for another serious offer. If all goes well I get a price I was actually aiming for and it helps to walk away for a day or two to make the seller believe he has lost the buyer - it helps to sweeten the process.
I have actually walked away from the negotiation process to have my realtor contact me days later to inform be the seller had a change of heart. They realise that a solid offer may be few and far between in this economy and sometimes you have to take what is on the table - I LOVE IT!! That is the best part about this horrible economy! If I had more money I would be out there buying as many homes as possible, because eventually the market will stabilize and things will get much better. Not that we will live long enough to see the kind of market that got us into this trouble but it move again at a better pace with far fewer foreclosures.
The Process...
Mr Toad, when does this ride end?
The entire moving and arrangement of moving is an enormous pain in the ass. Throw in the fact that we are moving out of state and doing a two part move with storage time thrown in and you reach cluster fuck levels of complications.
The house is under contract and we seem to have a couple of eager first time buyers. The home inspection was as nit-pickey as humanly possible and this led to follow-up inspections by roofers, plumbers and electricians (oh my). We are still waiting for the final requests from the buyers but the initial feedback is not that bad. I think we will have to replace a dated electrical box and have some minor wiring work completed - but that is not bad. We just need to see the request in writing so we can accept or deny.
There is the selling of as many things as possible in progress. A 3500 sq ft home with additional basement storage is crap-loads of junk to get rid of. Furniture, televisions, exercise equipment and most everything must go. I have a huge dining room set that is not selling and our next home will be much much smaller - so I am not sure what to do with the furniture. Things are selling - slowly and here and there. The more we unload the less we have to move.
The movers are coming this week to assemble their quotes. What is going to happen is we will have out belongings moved to storage and my new employer will move the items from storage to their final destination. The time frame is the bitch. Because we must pay for the first part and the final move is paid by the company. The good thing is the moving expences will be tax deductable and I have tons of deductions this year!!
So, if the repairs get straighened out and we arrange a moving company then slow bus back in pittsburgh must get in gear and organize packing and preparing for the actual move as well as arrange the home repairs - whew!
I have a plane ticket to PA for November 4th and I am renting a van and driving back to Texas with the dogs and whatever else must move with us. If all goes extremely well that will be the final trip to Pittsburgh, but I am not holding my breath. What most likely will happen is I get the dogs and items and the slow one will need to return to Pittsburgh to tie up lose ends- Yuck!
Here is the real kicker. When my company moves me I have to send someone back to Pittsburgh to supervise the move from storage provider to moving fan and they must sign on the spot. This will mean I need to arrange a POA before January.
When I return to Texas around november 6th, I will be here about another month. From here I am heading to MS to house hunt and on to Florida for holidays. If all goes smoothly and I am not expecting a smooth ride, but at least the process has started.
I have bought and sold about 5 homes now and I must admit I despise the selling process, but love the buying process. In selling you have no real power and just sit and wait until you get a nibble and must be ever so careful not to scare the home buyer away.
As a buyer I go in make an offer and low ball as much as I can. I demand everything and dare the seller to flinch. See, I do not fall in love with a home and can easily move to choice two, three or four to get the deal I feel good about. Plus, in buying I put is mad amounts of research to ensure the home will sell when I am ready to move on. I will take a dump of a home in an excellent location and do the repairs so that it sells when I am ready. The truth is the home can be changed, but you are pretty much stuck with the location so the location is the only really important factor. From location I look at layout and what needs to be changed and how difficult it will be.
The entire moving and arrangement of moving is an enormous pain in the ass. Throw in the fact that we are moving out of state and doing a two part move with storage time thrown in and you reach cluster fuck levels of complications.
The house is under contract and we seem to have a couple of eager first time buyers. The home inspection was as nit-pickey as humanly possible and this led to follow-up inspections by roofers, plumbers and electricians (oh my). We are still waiting for the final requests from the buyers but the initial feedback is not that bad. I think we will have to replace a dated electrical box and have some minor wiring work completed - but that is not bad. We just need to see the request in writing so we can accept or deny.
There is the selling of as many things as possible in progress. A 3500 sq ft home with additional basement storage is crap-loads of junk to get rid of. Furniture, televisions, exercise equipment and most everything must go. I have a huge dining room set that is not selling and our next home will be much much smaller - so I am not sure what to do with the furniture. Things are selling - slowly and here and there. The more we unload the less we have to move.
The movers are coming this week to assemble their quotes. What is going to happen is we will have out belongings moved to storage and my new employer will move the items from storage to their final destination. The time frame is the bitch. Because we must pay for the first part and the final move is paid by the company. The good thing is the moving expences will be tax deductable and I have tons of deductions this year!!
So, if the repairs get straighened out and we arrange a moving company then slow bus back in pittsburgh must get in gear and organize packing and preparing for the actual move as well as arrange the home repairs - whew!
I have a plane ticket to PA for November 4th and I am renting a van and driving back to Texas with the dogs and whatever else must move with us. If all goes extremely well that will be the final trip to Pittsburgh, but I am not holding my breath. What most likely will happen is I get the dogs and items and the slow one will need to return to Pittsburgh to tie up lose ends- Yuck!
Here is the real kicker. When my company moves me I have to send someone back to Pittsburgh to supervise the move from storage provider to moving fan and they must sign on the spot. This will mean I need to arrange a POA before January.
When I return to Texas around november 6th, I will be here about another month. From here I am heading to MS to house hunt and on to Florida for holidays. If all goes smoothly and I am not expecting a smooth ride, but at least the process has started.
I have bought and sold about 5 homes now and I must admit I despise the selling process, but love the buying process. In selling you have no real power and just sit and wait until you get a nibble and must be ever so careful not to scare the home buyer away.
As a buyer I go in make an offer and low ball as much as I can. I demand everything and dare the seller to flinch. See, I do not fall in love with a home and can easily move to choice two, three or four to get the deal I feel good about. Plus, in buying I put is mad amounts of research to ensure the home will sell when I am ready to move on. I will take a dump of a home in an excellent location and do the repairs so that it sells when I am ready. The truth is the home can be changed, but you are pretty much stuck with the location so the location is the only really important factor. From location I look at layout and what needs to be changed and how difficult it will be.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Things You Notice...
I like to run in the early morning. If I am on my game I get my run in before 9am. It is cooler that time of morning and it leaves me the rest of the day to do whatever I want.
I run a trail not to far from the apartment. The trail was build just to get San Antonioians off their fat asses and get them moving. It is a three mile lap and for the most part every morning there is a smattering of people walking the trail. A few runners but not many.
The trail crosses a street in two places and I usually stop and walk across the road. In one part there has been much construction going on and loads of Mexicans doing whatever as part of the road crew.
I have noticed over the past three weeks these road crew workers do as little as possible. In fact, the last four or five times I have run the trail I have noticed every single worker sitting in the trucks not doing anything. It is no wonder it takes 8 months to finish one small stretch of road.
Not attempting to be racist, but the people of latin decent seem to not be overly motivated to work around these parts. In the complex they are the maintence people and here they are all over 300 lbs and zip around the complex in golf carts. I have yet to see any of them walk more than 10 feet.
this part of the country is very unhealthy with obesity, heart disease and diabetes much higher than the national average. It would be a CV surgeons dream to set up shop in this part of the country and that also allows me to come here to work as a traveller. So when i read the blogs about new nurses not finding jobs and willing to move anywhere to work I think maybe they should all relocate to texas, because there are so many unhealthy here to allow all of us to work for a very long time.
I run a trail not to far from the apartment. The trail was build just to get San Antonioians off their fat asses and get them moving. It is a three mile lap and for the most part every morning there is a smattering of people walking the trail. A few runners but not many.
The trail crosses a street in two places and I usually stop and walk across the road. In one part there has been much construction going on and loads of Mexicans doing whatever as part of the road crew.
I have noticed over the past three weeks these road crew workers do as little as possible. In fact, the last four or five times I have run the trail I have noticed every single worker sitting in the trucks not doing anything. It is no wonder it takes 8 months to finish one small stretch of road.
Not attempting to be racist, but the people of latin decent seem to not be overly motivated to work around these parts. In the complex they are the maintence people and here they are all over 300 lbs and zip around the complex in golf carts. I have yet to see any of them walk more than 10 feet.
this part of the country is very unhealthy with obesity, heart disease and diabetes much higher than the national average. It would be a CV surgeons dream to set up shop in this part of the country and that also allows me to come here to work as a traveller. So when i read the blogs about new nurses not finding jobs and willing to move anywhere to work I think maybe they should all relocate to texas, because there are so many unhealthy here to allow all of us to work for a very long time.
My Two Pesos!
I have cable television once again and with it comes tons of news programs and some no so news programs. I am addicted to political opinion shows and this political season has been like crack to an addict.
We have candidates like Christine O'Donnell who was busted for claims of being a witch (delicious) and her warped views on just about everything. I spend each night watching Rachel Maddow and others point out all her many lunitic statements and it is pure entertainment. I am just thankful there are more rational voters in that state and that nut case is well behind in the polls.
Paladino is another whacko who found his name in the ballot for govenor of new York. What are these people thinking who support this freak? He is funny and keeps the one liners coming. I especially love his Soprano-like threat he make to a reporter, "I will take you out."
Meg Wittman in California who on occasion has let the three 6s in her forehead show through her thinning hair. Yikes! And in California no less.
There are a few others in Nevada and that wrestler woman in CT. What the hell is this world coming to when these Tea Baggers are supporting and financing such extreme nut jobs??
Now, the Democrats have their own issues. Obama and and his hands off approach to the whole Don't Ask Don't Tell issue is one that leaves me head scratching. he claims to support its repeal and even promised over and over again that within the year it would be history. When the vote comes to the senate floor where was Obama? Where was his support? Why was he not making call or speaking to sway republican votes? And why is the DOJ fighting so hard to reverse the recent court decision to bar implementation of the DADT based on constitionality?
I think Obama is showing very poor leadership in this whole ordeal and the latest is that he has asked Biden to remain on the ticket for 2012 effectively squashing the rumors that Hillary would have been added to the ticket. Hmmm.
Yup, this has been an interesting political season with much more to come...
We have candidates like Christine O'Donnell who was busted for claims of being a witch (delicious) and her warped views on just about everything. I spend each night watching Rachel Maddow and others point out all her many lunitic statements and it is pure entertainment. I am just thankful there are more rational voters in that state and that nut case is well behind in the polls.
Paladino is another whacko who found his name in the ballot for govenor of new York. What are these people thinking who support this freak? He is funny and keeps the one liners coming. I especially love his Soprano-like threat he make to a reporter, "I will take you out."
Meg Wittman in California who on occasion has let the three 6s in her forehead show through her thinning hair. Yikes! And in California no less.
There are a few others in Nevada and that wrestler woman in CT. What the hell is this world coming to when these Tea Baggers are supporting and financing such extreme nut jobs??
Now, the Democrats have their own issues. Obama and and his hands off approach to the whole Don't Ask Don't Tell issue is one that leaves me head scratching. he claims to support its repeal and even promised over and over again that within the year it would be history. When the vote comes to the senate floor where was Obama? Where was his support? Why was he not making call or speaking to sway republican votes? And why is the DOJ fighting so hard to reverse the recent court decision to bar implementation of the DADT based on constitionality?
I think Obama is showing very poor leadership in this whole ordeal and the latest is that he has asked Biden to remain on the ticket for 2012 effectively squashing the rumors that Hillary would have been added to the ticket. Hmmm.
Yup, this has been an interesting political season with much more to come...
The Grades are in...
My goal when I drove away from Pittsburgh and towards Texas was to use the time alone here to good use. I had a plan of things that I needed to accomplish and now 1/3 into the program I need to re-evaluate my progress.
First, I was determined to lose weight. My goal was 25 pounds and I thought within three months that was a doable goal. Not so fast, I got off to a slow start but now have only healthy foods in my kitchen. To date I have lost 4 pounds and this makes me VERY DEPRESSED. I took today off of counting calories and exercising because starting tomorrow I am to begin diligently counting every single last calorie. I giving the newer stricter plan four weeks before I move to a far more drastic plan. So after one month I will give myself a D-.
Second, on the game plan was to increase my run times along with goals set for push-ups and sit-ups. The first few runs were horrible and took some time to get back into the swing of things. A month into my runs and I am almost to where I was when I left San Antonio last December. I need to shave off about a minute from my times and increase my distance runs, but on the positive side I am not having any tendinitis and I feel great about my runs. I think with some of this weight off I could easily exceed my goals. the Push-ups and Sit-ups have almost exceeded my three month goal I set before coming down here. Grade A-.
Third, I was to save money and pay off some debt. So far I have controlled my spending and the increase in hours worked has allowed me to make a few deposits into savings. Grade A.
I still have some minor goals set that I have yet to really attack, but with two months remaining I feel fairly confident I will be in good shape when I leave here for good.
First, I was determined to lose weight. My goal was 25 pounds and I thought within three months that was a doable goal. Not so fast, I got off to a slow start but now have only healthy foods in my kitchen. To date I have lost 4 pounds and this makes me VERY DEPRESSED. I took today off of counting calories and exercising because starting tomorrow I am to begin diligently counting every single last calorie. I giving the newer stricter plan four weeks before I move to a far more drastic plan. So after one month I will give myself a D-.
Second, on the game plan was to increase my run times along with goals set for push-ups and sit-ups. The first few runs were horrible and took some time to get back into the swing of things. A month into my runs and I am almost to where I was when I left San Antonio last December. I need to shave off about a minute from my times and increase my distance runs, but on the positive side I am not having any tendinitis and I feel great about my runs. I think with some of this weight off I could easily exceed my goals. the Push-ups and Sit-ups have almost exceeded my three month goal I set before coming down here. Grade A-.
Third, I was to save money and pay off some debt. So far I have controlled my spending and the increase in hours worked has allowed me to make a few deposits into savings. Grade A.
I still have some minor goals set that I have yet to really attack, but with two months remaining I feel fairly confident I will be in good shape when I leave here for good.
Deep In The Heart of Mexas...
Okay Kiddies, I have been nestled in San Antonio for one entire month now. I have about two months remaining before I move on. I have to say, this time around in San Antonio has been nice. I enjoy the facility where I work, the parking is great and I am not in the float pool anymore - YEA!
It is also nice being on assignment where I know my way around and not needing to rely so much on the GPS. Little things like the roads are much larger here than those tiny little streets in Pittsburgh. The weather is also much better here this time of year with temperatures in the 70s to 90s and very mild. When I am working the unit is so cold that when lunch time rolls around I enjoy walking outside and soaking up the heat.
People here seem nice with the exception of an asshole physician here or there and on a recent float shift to step-down I did run across a nurse who was a major C-word, but other than that it has been pretty smooth.
It is also nice being on assignment where I know my way around and not needing to rely so much on the GPS. Little things like the roads are much larger here than those tiny little streets in Pittsburgh. The weather is also much better here this time of year with temperatures in the 70s to 90s and very mild. When I am working the unit is so cold that when lunch time rolls around I enjoy walking outside and soaking up the heat.
People here seem nice with the exception of an asshole physician here or there and on a recent float shift to step-down I did run across a nurse who was a major C-word, but other than that it has been pretty smooth.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Rip Roaring
Still working on getting all setteled in here in Texas. I am glad to be away from the horrid hospital where I worked in Pittsburgh, but I am starting all over here and there is the learning curve. That lovely period of time where I feel like a total idiot until I find my routine and know my way around a little better.
The people here at this hospital are very nice and I remember the last time I worked in this area the one thing that stood out was how friendly everyone was sepecially for being a red state.
The apartment is okay - I mean it is an apartment. The furniture is random and not my taste and I am sleeping in a queen size bed. I miss my dogs and just all the things I had back home. I am having a difficult time finding a routine. I have been running, but the damn rain here is making my run days inconsistent. My times have been horrible and I really need to work on that.
I am here until the end of December and I have a little time to get everything in gear.
The people here at this hospital are very nice and I remember the last time I worked in this area the one thing that stood out was how friendly everyone was sepecially for being a red state.
The apartment is okay - I mean it is an apartment. The furniture is random and not my taste and I am sleeping in a queen size bed. I miss my dogs and just all the things I had back home. I am having a difficult time finding a routine. I have been running, but the damn rain here is making my run days inconsistent. My times have been horrible and I really need to work on that.
I am here until the end of December and I have a little time to get everything in gear.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Cable and no happy
Another issue I had on the road was setting up cable/internet. The complex I am placed has an exclusive contract with AT&T U-verse and my first few calls to the account manager went unreturned. This is a no-no in the land of Zane.
Finally get a hold of the AT&T guy and I am told that nearly two weeks will pass until I am installed. The two weeks ended today and I have never been so happy in my life. I am hooked up again and things are finally right with the world.
Since I rolled in here I have watched (on DVD) the entire Lost, Glee and started on Mad Men series.
There will be a big fat complaint letter to AT&T regarding the horrid customer service, but not today. Today I am surfing the net and watching television! I am planted on this couch until I pass out from exhaustion! Life is good again!
Finally get a hold of the AT&T guy and I am told that nearly two weeks will pass until I am installed. The two weeks ended today and I have never been so happy in my life. I am hooked up again and things are finally right with the world.
Since I rolled in here I have watched (on DVD) the entire Lost, Glee and started on Mad Men series.
There will be a big fat complaint letter to AT&T regarding the horrid customer service, but not today. Today I am surfing the net and watching television! I am planted on this couch until I pass out from exhaustion! Life is good again!
Finally!
Where to even start!
I left Pittsburgh on the 8th at a wee early hour and headed for San Antonio. It took all of two days for the trip and the drive was fairly smooth without too many events.
Since I was a day early I decided to quickly reserve a room at a Howard Johnsons Express. A few Orbitz clicks later the room was booked and a few hours later I arrived in San Antonio.
I arrived at noon and the check in for the hotel was 2pm. So I stopped for lunch at Chili's where I enjoyed a lovely bean burger and a few frosty Sam Adams! Yumm! A hair after 1pm I arrived at the Howard Johnson's express.
I pulled in the parking lot and immediately had more than a few second thoughts, the place was a dump! But, it was cheap and only for one night. I decide to cowboy up and go inside. I walk in the lobby and at the counter was a middle eastern fellow very briefly glanced up at me from his paper. I walk to the desk and tell him I made a recent reservation. He glances at the computer and confirms by saying my name. He looks me up and down and turns to look at the clock on the wall and proceeds to tell me the room will not be ready for 90 minutes. I noted the time was 1:20pm.
Okay, I was tired and obviously being fucked over. So I say, "okay I will go." He asked, "are you going to return?" I tell him, "wait and find out."
I go next door to the Econolodge and get a room right away for less money. I tell the manager who is behind the desk about what happened next door and she tells me, "that sounds fishy."
The killer thing was the lot at the Ho-Jos was ghost-town empty. The Econo was what it was and in the morning I was clean and ready to make the final few miles to the apartment.
Later, I discover that the Howard Johnson's charged my card and refused to refund. To make a very long story short, a few phone calls to Orbitz and the credit card company accompanied by several lies by the Howard Johnson's desk staff they will be removed for the local Orbitz. See the middle eastern manager stated he was there when I walked in at "8:30am demanding a room", the reservation was made at 10:00 and the same card had the Chili's bill on it at well. The Orbitz people caught them in the lie and then the Ho-Jo manager attempted to back track.
In the end, my gut instinct about the place was spot on from the beginning!
I left Pittsburgh on the 8th at a wee early hour and headed for San Antonio. It took all of two days for the trip and the drive was fairly smooth without too many events.
Since I was a day early I decided to quickly reserve a room at a Howard Johnsons Express. A few Orbitz clicks later the room was booked and a few hours later I arrived in San Antonio.
I arrived at noon and the check in for the hotel was 2pm. So I stopped for lunch at Chili's where I enjoyed a lovely bean burger and a few frosty Sam Adams! Yumm! A hair after 1pm I arrived at the Howard Johnson's express.
I pulled in the parking lot and immediately had more than a few second thoughts, the place was a dump! But, it was cheap and only for one night. I decide to cowboy up and go inside. I walk in the lobby and at the counter was a middle eastern fellow very briefly glanced up at me from his paper. I walk to the desk and tell him I made a recent reservation. He glances at the computer and confirms by saying my name. He looks me up and down and turns to look at the clock on the wall and proceeds to tell me the room will not be ready for 90 minutes. I noted the time was 1:20pm.
Okay, I was tired and obviously being fucked over. So I say, "okay I will go." He asked, "are you going to return?" I tell him, "wait and find out."
I go next door to the Econolodge and get a room right away for less money. I tell the manager who is behind the desk about what happened next door and she tells me, "that sounds fishy."
The killer thing was the lot at the Ho-Jos was ghost-town empty. The Econo was what it was and in the morning I was clean and ready to make the final few miles to the apartment.
Later, I discover that the Howard Johnson's charged my card and refused to refund. To make a very long story short, a few phone calls to Orbitz and the credit card company accompanied by several lies by the Howard Johnson's desk staff they will be removed for the local Orbitz. See the middle eastern manager stated he was there when I walked in at "8:30am demanding a room", the reservation was made at 10:00 and the same card had the Chili's bill on it at well. The Orbitz people caught them in the lie and then the Ho-Jo manager attempted to back track.
In the end, my gut instinct about the place was spot on from the beginning!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Packing...
Drink me many to beers. Bad morning feel very me. Yes, I have been living like a slob the past few days since my liberation from the bowels of hell.
My manager at the place (who is a very nice person) called me once she had my resume. I agreed to be available this week if they had a dire need, but I knew there was no way in hell I would step foot back in that place unless it was as a patient and I were taken their against my will.
So I have been hitting my favorite pub and seeing a few Pirates games. Oh the life of the unemployed - I could seriously get use to this...
Yesterday and today I have been in packing mode. I have my dining room table covered with clothes and stuff that I am packing for my 1500 mile drive to Texas. I will begin work in a week and it is a three day drive there. So I am milling about deciding what absolutely must go and what can stay - tougher job than I thought it would be.
With the house on the market and expecting an offer any day there is much to do in the next few months. What I take to Texas is what I am going to have until I reach mu final destination in MS sometime in March. So clothes and other items are going in storage for almost six months. This is why these decisions are so important.
I dread the drive, but I am a bit excited to return to Texas. I know my way around and there are many places I am excited to see again along with a few people.
My manager at the place (who is a very nice person) called me once she had my resume. I agreed to be available this week if they had a dire need, but I knew there was no way in hell I would step foot back in that place unless it was as a patient and I were taken their against my will.
So I have been hitting my favorite pub and seeing a few Pirates games. Oh the life of the unemployed - I could seriously get use to this...
Yesterday and today I have been in packing mode. I have my dining room table covered with clothes and stuff that I am packing for my 1500 mile drive to Texas. I will begin work in a week and it is a three day drive there. So I am milling about deciding what absolutely must go and what can stay - tougher job than I thought it would be.
With the house on the market and expecting an offer any day there is much to do in the next few months. What I take to Texas is what I am going to have until I reach mu final destination in MS sometime in March. So clothes and other items are going in storage for almost six months. This is why these decisions are so important.
I dread the drive, but I am a bit excited to return to Texas. I know my way around and there are many places I am excited to see again along with a few people.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Specks of crazy here and there
A few nights ago I was working and starving. It was one of those shifts where all anyone seemed to talk about was food. So after work I called a friend and forced him to go with me to chili's to grab a quick bite and down tons of beers.
We got to chili's around 8:30pm and stayed until almost 10pm, but I wanted some more to drink so we drove to my home and walked to a nearby pub. This particular pub maintains a collection of unusual beers on tap that I cannot find anywhere else and I have grown to love their selection.
The night was not particularly busy in the pub and we got a seat at the end of the bar. The perky and super nice bar tendress came to greet us immediately and of course she recognized us as regulars.
In the bar was a fellow about late twenties or maybe early early thirties who was drinking and seemed to be having a good time. The odd think was he was wearing sun glasses at close to 1100 pm. Not just any old glasses but the welder type of glasses that old people are so fond of.
That was not the only odd thing about the dude. He was also wearing a hoodie. Something like 90+ degrees and the sun glass wearing dude is wearing a hoodie.
As our time there stretched into a few hours the sun glass hoodie wearing guy spoke to us here and there and later he just sat there and stared at us. Gave me the heebie-jeebies. Within 15 minutes he was face down on the bar and the people around him did not seem all that concerned. It was at this time we had our fill of way too many adult beverages and walked back to my house to sleep it all off!
***************************
Today, my home had a way too early showing so we decided to take the dogs to the park. Thirty minutes passed and we headed back to the house. We noticed the showing was still taking place. So we popped around to the alley way to sit on the curb and let a little more time pass.
Ten minutes passed and I had my friend walk around to the front while I had the dogs with me. While he was gone this woman appeared from no where.
This woman was a black lady in her fifties wearing what I think was a dirty track suit. Again another hot day and another questionable outfit.
She peered around and saw me sitting on the curb in the ally and said:
Crazy: "Oh, you here taking a break?"
Me: "sure"
Crazy: "Well, I think I takes me one too."
(she walks to the opposite curb and sits down)
Crazy: "I think I partied way too much last night."
Me: "hmm"
Crazy: "You looking to sell on of those dogs."
Me: " Uh, no."
Crazy: "..cuz I could use me one a those dogs like that."
It was at this point I was scanning the area for my escape route. The my friend comes back and we decide rather quickly to take the dogs and enter my house through the back yard. As we walked away I could still hear the crazy babbling about something. I have a sneaky feeling she was on something. Safe bet! However, I was off the clock and not dealing with crazy on MY time.
We got to chili's around 8:30pm and stayed until almost 10pm, but I wanted some more to drink so we drove to my home and walked to a nearby pub. This particular pub maintains a collection of unusual beers on tap that I cannot find anywhere else and I have grown to love their selection.
The night was not particularly busy in the pub and we got a seat at the end of the bar. The perky and super nice bar tendress came to greet us immediately and of course she recognized us as regulars.
In the bar was a fellow about late twenties or maybe early early thirties who was drinking and seemed to be having a good time. The odd think was he was wearing sun glasses at close to 1100 pm. Not just any old glasses but the welder type of glasses that old people are so fond of.
That was not the only odd thing about the dude. He was also wearing a hoodie. Something like 90+ degrees and the sun glass wearing dude is wearing a hoodie.
As our time there stretched into a few hours the sun glass hoodie wearing guy spoke to us here and there and later he just sat there and stared at us. Gave me the heebie-jeebies. Within 15 minutes he was face down on the bar and the people around him did not seem all that concerned. It was at this time we had our fill of way too many adult beverages and walked back to my house to sleep it all off!
***************************
Today, my home had a way too early showing so we decided to take the dogs to the park. Thirty minutes passed and we headed back to the house. We noticed the showing was still taking place. So we popped around to the alley way to sit on the curb and let a little more time pass.
Ten minutes passed and I had my friend walk around to the front while I had the dogs with me. While he was gone this woman appeared from no where.
This woman was a black lady in her fifties wearing what I think was a dirty track suit. Again another hot day and another questionable outfit.
She peered around and saw me sitting on the curb in the ally and said:
Crazy: "Oh, you here taking a break?"
Me: "sure"
Crazy: "Well, I think I takes me one too."
(she walks to the opposite curb and sits down)
Crazy: "I think I partied way too much last night."
Me: "hmm"
Crazy: "You looking to sell on of those dogs."
Me: " Uh, no."
Crazy: "..cuz I could use me one a those dogs like that."
It was at this point I was scanning the area for my escape route. The my friend comes back and we decide rather quickly to take the dogs and enter my house through the back yard. As we walked away I could still hear the crazy babbling about something. I have a sneaky feeling she was on something. Safe bet! However, I was off the clock and not dealing with crazy on MY time.
Sun in T minus 3 hours
It is 0400 and sleep is nowhere to be found. I woke up to make the requisite visit to the bathroom and upon my return to bed (and the ensuing fight for pillows with the dogs) I cannot sleep.
My mind is swimming with way too many things to be able to sleep.
1) I turned in my notice yesterday without speaking to the people in the office and it was a shortened notice.
2) I have not actually signed the contract with my travel company and the new recruiter is slow to respond to my emails.
3) My old recruiter with another company found a position in a state that is much more convienant and preferable than the one found by the non-emailing recruiter.
4) There is an early showing of the house - a third showing to the same couple and this one smacks of a soon to be made offer.
5) Two more homes on my street just listed - although mine shows a million times better, so it may not be such a bad thing.
6) I am technically unemployed in this horrible economy.
7) My legs hurt from a particularly strenous run yesterday.
I am sure I could list many more reasons as to why I am awake at 0400 in the morning, but my desire for coffee is now out weighing my desire to blog.
My mind is swimming with way too many things to be able to sleep.
1) I turned in my notice yesterday without speaking to the people in the office and it was a shortened notice.
2) I have not actually signed the contract with my travel company and the new recruiter is slow to respond to my emails.
3) My old recruiter with another company found a position in a state that is much more convienant and preferable than the one found by the non-emailing recruiter.
4) There is an early showing of the house - a third showing to the same couple and this one smacks of a soon to be made offer.
5) Two more homes on my street just listed - although mine shows a million times better, so it may not be such a bad thing.
6) I am technically unemployed in this horrible economy.
7) My legs hurt from a particularly strenous run yesterday.
I am sure I could list many more reasons as to why I am awake at 0400 in the morning, but my desire for coffee is now out weighing my desire to blog.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I am ready to Jump!
I walked out the door and turned on my Ipod and glaring in my ears was "Jump" by Madonna the first line I heard, "There’s only so much you can learn in one place
The more that I wait, the more time that I waste."
Hearing these words as I walked away from the hospital for the last time was a bit empowering. It was not the worst place one could work, but it smelled of hospital death. Years of poor management and every day you went to work more and more staff had quit and more units had been closed.
Someone told me the other day, "it is sad when you come to work and discover one of your friends has left for another job and this happens pretty much every week."
This week is to be the biggest exodus from the facility as people were resigning in order to have Labor day off before starting a new job.
I am off until the 13th and there is even a slight chance I will be working by the 9th. Though I should not mention that possibility as it is a wild long shot and I have a position in the bag now.
So, for two weeks I will be jobless and making no money. Even though I could never get full time hours at the facility I just left. I was sent home after four hours on my very last day!
The one bright spot is that my last working shift was spent on my favorite unit in the hospital and my last walk home was spent listening to some good music.
The more that I wait, the more time that I waste."
Hearing these words as I walked away from the hospital for the last time was a bit empowering. It was not the worst place one could work, but it smelled of hospital death. Years of poor management and every day you went to work more and more staff had quit and more units had been closed.
Someone told me the other day, "it is sad when you come to work and discover one of your friends has left for another job and this happens pretty much every week."
This week is to be the biggest exodus from the facility as people were resigning in order to have Labor day off before starting a new job.
I am off until the 13th and there is even a slight chance I will be working by the 9th. Though I should not mention that possibility as it is a wild long shot and I have a position in the bag now.
So, for two weeks I will be jobless and making no money. Even though I could never get full time hours at the facility I just left. I was sent home after four hours on my very last day!
The one bright spot is that my last working shift was spent on my favorite unit in the hospital and my last walk home was spent listening to some good music.
Freedom!!!! Sweet Glorious Freedom!!!
It is crisp and warm, the ink has yet to fully dry and yet it gives off an intoxicating smell that I just cannot explain. I am giddy with excitement and the page finishes its last few lines of text and it getly rest in the printer basket.
This is it what I have been dreaming about since the beginning of the year. My resignation sits just inches from my greedy little hands and nothing could make me happier at this moment.
I had planned to give a full two weeks notice, but events moved at a much faster pace than I accounted for and thus I am giving a few days notice. It actually comes down to the fact this will be my VERY LAST SHIFT! Woo Hoo!!
I should feel some pangs of guilt for not providing much notice, but I don't. The hospital feels no guilt for cancelling my shifts at a whim, for mismanaging the organization and closing the hospital - so fuck 'em!
We had a discussion about responsibility at work last night. The hospital can cancel multiple shifts a week with no recourse we can take against them. They can terminate you without notice or even a reason. However, they frown upon more than two call offs in a year and expect a minimum of two weeks notice for employees leaving. Why should everything be on their terms in at at will state? Hell, they should be grateful I let them know that I am not coming back.
The place has been sad lately. With the expected closing of the ED and considerable downsizing in progress you never know which unit will be tagged for closure on any given day. So far, five units have been closed - the latest being a med/surg unit. I am guessing the next to go will be one of the stepdowns. People are finding other jobs and it is getting difficult to staff some shifts.
The facility is actively hiring for the ED and other departments. Seriously! They will hire in September and be shown the door January first. Who wants that job?
Oh well, at least I am released back into the wild! I am returning to travel nursing for the next three months. I have a break in December and return to full time employment in January. Sweet!
This is it what I have been dreaming about since the beginning of the year. My resignation sits just inches from my greedy little hands and nothing could make me happier at this moment.
I had planned to give a full two weeks notice, but events moved at a much faster pace than I accounted for and thus I am giving a few days notice. It actually comes down to the fact this will be my VERY LAST SHIFT! Woo Hoo!!
I should feel some pangs of guilt for not providing much notice, but I don't. The hospital feels no guilt for cancelling my shifts at a whim, for mismanaging the organization and closing the hospital - so fuck 'em!
We had a discussion about responsibility at work last night. The hospital can cancel multiple shifts a week with no recourse we can take against them. They can terminate you without notice or even a reason. However, they frown upon more than two call offs in a year and expect a minimum of two weeks notice for employees leaving. Why should everything be on their terms in at at will state? Hell, they should be grateful I let them know that I am not coming back.
The place has been sad lately. With the expected closing of the ED and considerable downsizing in progress you never know which unit will be tagged for closure on any given day. So far, five units have been closed - the latest being a med/surg unit. I am guessing the next to go will be one of the stepdowns. People are finding other jobs and it is getting difficult to staff some shifts.
The facility is actively hiring for the ED and other departments. Seriously! They will hire in September and be shown the door January first. Who wants that job?
Oh well, at least I am released back into the wild! I am returning to travel nursing for the next three months. I have a break in December and return to full time employment in January. Sweet!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
This is Hell
I feel like I have just returned from war! I am beaten and battered, ears ringing and feet aching. The shift from hell. No the shift from the region beyond hell and I made it to the other side.
It all started during report. The night nurse tells me that of the five patients on is lucid all the others are nuts! During report, three calls were fielded from family and residents - yikes!
The entire shift was fielding phone calls, shipping patients to and from procedures, sorting out family drama, keeping patients dresses and in bed and cleaning poo and piss from here to eternity.
The particular unit I was working on had an unusual way of tracking one down. The unit secretary would SCREAM your name until you came to the desk )for call, physician or family member). So I heard my name screamed so much I was having flash backs to my childhood.
At one point I was called out of a room because a patients adult son needed a physicians note for work. HUH? So I get to page the intern who said, HUH. She was the sweetest little thing and she came right up and delt with crazy family member #7. I have seen her on the other floors and the intern is always so sweet and nice and her senior is a bit of a well, not so nice.
One of my crazy patients was convinced there were squirrels running through his room. He tried to throw his food at them so they would go away and stop trying to attack him - good times!
Another patient was convinced his foley was a snake swiming up his penis and he was determined to pull it out - good times!
My 93 year old demented female patient wanted someone to scratch her vagina because it itched ever so bad - scarry times!
It is days like that where I know somewhere along the way i have made some bad career choices. Oh well, I made it through 12 hours and missed like a ton of orders. No one died, nobody fell and I did not strangle the unit secretary - so all is well that ends well!
It all started during report. The night nurse tells me that of the five patients on is lucid all the others are nuts! During report, three calls were fielded from family and residents - yikes!
The entire shift was fielding phone calls, shipping patients to and from procedures, sorting out family drama, keeping patients dresses and in bed and cleaning poo and piss from here to eternity.
The particular unit I was working on had an unusual way of tracking one down. The unit secretary would SCREAM your name until you came to the desk )for call, physician or family member). So I heard my name screamed so much I was having flash backs to my childhood.
At one point I was called out of a room because a patients adult son needed a physicians note for work. HUH? So I get to page the intern who said, HUH. She was the sweetest little thing and she came right up and delt with crazy family member #7. I have seen her on the other floors and the intern is always so sweet and nice and her senior is a bit of a well, not so nice.
One of my crazy patients was convinced there were squirrels running through his room. He tried to throw his food at them so they would go away and stop trying to attack him - good times!
Another patient was convinced his foley was a snake swiming up his penis and he was determined to pull it out - good times!
My 93 year old demented female patient wanted someone to scratch her vagina because it itched ever so bad - scarry times!
It is days like that where I know somewhere along the way i have made some bad career choices. Oh well, I made it through 12 hours and missed like a ton of orders. No one died, nobody fell and I did not strangle the unit secretary - so all is well that ends well!
Friday, August 20, 2010
5 months
My baby blog is 5 months old! Still too young to walk or go without a diaper but I have not killed it. Sure no one on Earth knows it exists, but that is okay. It gives me an avenue to express my thought or thoughts - who am I kidding, it is a place to bitch without giving my true identity! Sweet!!
Here is to however many more months I can tolerate this lame ass experiment! Cheers bitches!
Here is to however many more months I can tolerate this lame ass experiment! Cheers bitches!
8 and skate, but 4 is great...
Yesterday was a good shift! Scheduled for eight and sent home after four hours. I feel like a kid with a new bike whenever I get out of work early - who cares that is cost me about well never mind!
I was on one of the medical surgical floors. I a very good four hours. I went in with one angry lady as a patient. She was fuming because she was on her call bell and no one answered. The lady needed to pee and needed help to the pot. I immediately helped her and checked on her often and she became the sweetest thing. She would wanted to know someone was around when she needed them. Cannot blame her for that!
In fact, all the patients I had were very low acuity and very nice. I like surgical patients. I love the SICU especially, but medical surgical are okay. I think I like them because the majority have their surgery, get better and return back to their normal life. There is hope at the end of the process and that is a good thing. CVICU has the same thing happening. Patients have a bad ticker, get some new grafts and fell better - it just takes them a little longer.
I love seeing someone going from the worst possible to walking and feeling like they can recover all in a few days. It makes me feel like maybe I am doing something good!
I was on one of the medical surgical floors. I a very good four hours. I went in with one angry lady as a patient. She was fuming because she was on her call bell and no one answered. The lady needed to pee and needed help to the pot. I immediately helped her and checked on her often and she became the sweetest thing. She would wanted to know someone was around when she needed them. Cannot blame her for that!
In fact, all the patients I had were very low acuity and very nice. I like surgical patients. I love the SICU especially, but medical surgical are okay. I think I like them because the majority have their surgery, get better and return back to their normal life. There is hope at the end of the process and that is a good thing. CVICU has the same thing happening. Patients have a bad ticker, get some new grafts and fell better - it just takes them a little longer.
I love seeing someone going from the worst possible to walking and feeling like they can recover all in a few days. It makes me feel like maybe I am doing something good!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Head Bashing 101
I follow a couple of nursing related threads and I am getting tired of them. Nurses, mainly female, are unhappy and inflexible creatures whe see things one way and one way only. I get so frustrated discussing anything with crusty old nurses.
I try to remain open and admit I love playing devils advocate - because I think it helps one see a different view. Hell no that ain't working with crusty nurses. it is this way and only this way. End of discussion. Even if you can produce a study to the contrary. "Don't believe it." "This is how we have always done it and this is THE correct way."
Pain rushes through my brain and I cannot take them anymore! When will they all die off and be replaced my a new generation with a tad more open mindedness (if that is even a real world).
It is like watching the fanatical religious zealots debate abortion, gay rights or the right to kill criminals - there can be no reasoning with crazies, but yet I try again and again.
Well no more! I am cutting my ties with those stubborn people in the nursing threads and I hope to never work with any of them for I fear they may take a nasty fall from a ninth story window - accidentally of course.
I try to remain open and admit I love playing devils advocate - because I think it helps one see a different view. Hell no that ain't working with crusty nurses. it is this way and only this way. End of discussion. Even if you can produce a study to the contrary. "Don't believe it." "This is how we have always done it and this is THE correct way."
Pain rushes through my brain and I cannot take them anymore! When will they all die off and be replaced my a new generation with a tad more open mindedness (if that is even a real world).
It is like watching the fanatical religious zealots debate abortion, gay rights or the right to kill criminals - there can be no reasoning with crazies, but yet I try again and again.
Well no more! I am cutting my ties with those stubborn people in the nursing threads and I hope to never work with any of them for I fear they may take a nasty fall from a ninth story window - accidentally of course.
The Vile Unit
There is a particular unit in the hospital that I hate working. Not just me, but every float nurse hates working. It is grimey, the nurses there are all former truck drivers or long shoreman and the aids are fat and particularly at playing hide and seek.
Anyway, I was (cursed) assigned to that wicked vile unit and decided instead on throwing my usual tantrum I would be the bigger person and accept my fate. I was determined to get through the day as best I could.
I arrive and ready myself for report. The nurse who is giving report is a particularly rough around the edges and very loud. I picture her giving report with a lit marlboro dangling from her lips. Yup, there will be no dainty nurses spotted on this unit!
The report started by her telling me there were no aids on the floor that night so she had to fend for herself with her three patients. So there were no baths given and no dressings done.
WTF?? Three measly patients and the lazy smoker cannot do one fucking bath? I know those lazy bitches sit arround most of the night eating and blathering at the mouth. I have worked nights and had way more than three patients by myself and was still bored out of my mind!
Anyway, sunshine goes on to tell me it is VERY important that a particular patient gets a bath this morning before returning to her nursing home. She goes on and on about how important it is. I am thinking if it was so damn important she should have done one during the 12 hours she worked.
I escape from her rotten breath and my ears are still ringing as I go meet my patients and begin assessing them. I hear her outside in the halls telling people how the woman needs a bath. C'mon go the fuck home already!
I am almost to the room that requires a STAT bath and I hear the loud one. She comes to my room to tell me that she bathed the patient. She stated she knows how time passes in the morning and she wanted to help out. No, she wanted to milk the fucking clock.
When I finally reach this patient she is a very alert elderly lady who goes on to tell me that the nurse had not been in to see her the whole night until she raced in to give a two minute bath. The woman was not happy and she went on to explain how she called her daughter to complain about being left alone all night and apparantly the daughter called rotten breath and that was why the bath was so important.
Upon leaving the room I see rotten breath still going on about how she has gone above and beyond her job staying late to care for this patient. All I want to do it hit her with the chart I was holding in my hand. The gall of that fat lazy heifer proclaiming herself as a super nurse for barely doing parts of her job!
This is a prime reason people hate this sorry ass unit!
Anyway, I was (cursed) assigned to that wicked vile unit and decided instead on throwing my usual tantrum I would be the bigger person and accept my fate. I was determined to get through the day as best I could.
I arrive and ready myself for report. The nurse who is giving report is a particularly rough around the edges and very loud. I picture her giving report with a lit marlboro dangling from her lips. Yup, there will be no dainty nurses spotted on this unit!
The report started by her telling me there were no aids on the floor that night so she had to fend for herself with her three patients. So there were no baths given and no dressings done.
WTF?? Three measly patients and the lazy smoker cannot do one fucking bath? I know those lazy bitches sit arround most of the night eating and blathering at the mouth. I have worked nights and had way more than three patients by myself and was still bored out of my mind!
Anyway, sunshine goes on to tell me it is VERY important that a particular patient gets a bath this morning before returning to her nursing home. She goes on and on about how important it is. I am thinking if it was so damn important she should have done one during the 12 hours she worked.
I escape from her rotten breath and my ears are still ringing as I go meet my patients and begin assessing them. I hear her outside in the halls telling people how the woman needs a bath. C'mon go the fuck home already!
I am almost to the room that requires a STAT bath and I hear the loud one. She comes to my room to tell me that she bathed the patient. She stated she knows how time passes in the morning and she wanted to help out. No, she wanted to milk the fucking clock.
When I finally reach this patient she is a very alert elderly lady who goes on to tell me that the nurse had not been in to see her the whole night until she raced in to give a two minute bath. The woman was not happy and she went on to explain how she called her daughter to complain about being left alone all night and apparantly the daughter called rotten breath and that was why the bath was so important.
Upon leaving the room I see rotten breath still going on about how she has gone above and beyond her job staying late to care for this patient. All I want to do it hit her with the chart I was holding in my hand. The gall of that fat lazy heifer proclaiming herself as a super nurse for barely doing parts of her job!
This is a prime reason people hate this sorry ass unit!
Should I stay or should I go now...
I am toying with the idea of accepting a travel assignment. I keep coming back to the idea of traveling as a way to escape the horrid working situation I find myself in currently.
The ups are that I can get out of here and just stay in a critical care area, preferably a CVICU.
The downs are that I would have to leave the house while it is on the market and that adds expense to ensure that it is being maintained. Plus, if it sells it would require coming back and coordinating the move as well as packing up some stuff and taking it with me.
Another down is that I would be many many hours from here and it would a considerable drive to return here for all the packing and such.
However, in September I will reach the point of no return. Meaning if I do not take an assignment by then I will not be able to take one after. Assignments are usually 13 weeks and I need to have to completed the assignment by no later than mid december to arrange the other move to my final destination.
I decided if there are no offers on the house by the end of this month I will submit for a few assignments. There are tons of assignments out there as prior companies are ringing my phone off of the hook.
So hopefully the next two weeks I have an indication on what to do.
The ups are that I can get out of here and just stay in a critical care area, preferably a CVICU.
The downs are that I would have to leave the house while it is on the market and that adds expense to ensure that it is being maintained. Plus, if it sells it would require coming back and coordinating the move as well as packing up some stuff and taking it with me.
Another down is that I would be many many hours from here and it would a considerable drive to return here for all the packing and such.
However, in September I will reach the point of no return. Meaning if I do not take an assignment by then I will not be able to take one after. Assignments are usually 13 weeks and I need to have to completed the assignment by no later than mid december to arrange the other move to my final destination.
I decided if there are no offers on the house by the end of this month I will submit for a few assignments. There are tons of assignments out there as prior companies are ringing my phone off of the hook.
So hopefully the next two weeks I have an indication on what to do.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
I smell ripe...
I off today and I did exactly nothing! I slept in, made coffee, ate some very bad meals and did not even bother to bathe. So now I am a sticky smelly mess and I am good with that.
See I am alone this week as me better half is off doing good deeds elsewhere. So, I am left to my own sloth-like devices.
What I should have done today includes cleaning the house, running, working out and maybe watering the droopy plants. If the plants survive I will tend to them in the morning and maybe even attempt to eat one healthy meal - but I doubt it.
Okay, here is the totally sick bit! I was craving something sweet and even contemplated getting in the car and driving to the market to buy ice cream or some other empty caloried treat. However, that would have required a bath and clean clothing, as if! I found a can of sweetend condensed milk and did what any other filthy sloth would do, I opened it at started eating it by the spoonful. After I consumed half of the can I decided to brew another pot of coffee and pretend it was an ingredient instead of a snack and sweetened my coffee with the second half of the can. Good Times!
I am not one of those people who thrive when left alone. If alone long enough I would most likely turn into a shut in who never bathed or trimed my tonails. I would close all the windows and blinds and become very pasty white and totally fat. I require another half to nag me into eating well and cleaning behind my ears and every so often exposing my skin to the sunlight.
I become far more productive with someone nearby. I find ways to avoid them and that is when I pick up a book, take a class or go for a good 10 mile run. Avoidance becomes my driving force.
So this day being an ode to all my manly dusgusting habits I shall embrace the few waning hours. Tommorrow I shall awaken, peel the sticking sheets off my filthy body and return to my healthy ways, or maybe I will break down and eat a carton of Ben & Jerrys.. I will see how I feel when I awaken.
Cheers!
See I am alone this week as me better half is off doing good deeds elsewhere. So, I am left to my own sloth-like devices.
What I should have done today includes cleaning the house, running, working out and maybe watering the droopy plants. If the plants survive I will tend to them in the morning and maybe even attempt to eat one healthy meal - but I doubt it.
Okay, here is the totally sick bit! I was craving something sweet and even contemplated getting in the car and driving to the market to buy ice cream or some other empty caloried treat. However, that would have required a bath and clean clothing, as if! I found a can of sweetend condensed milk and did what any other filthy sloth would do, I opened it at started eating it by the spoonful. After I consumed half of the can I decided to brew another pot of coffee and pretend it was an ingredient instead of a snack and sweetened my coffee with the second half of the can. Good Times!
I am not one of those people who thrive when left alone. If alone long enough I would most likely turn into a shut in who never bathed or trimed my tonails. I would close all the windows and blinds and become very pasty white and totally fat. I require another half to nag me into eating well and cleaning behind my ears and every so often exposing my skin to the sunlight.
I become far more productive with someone nearby. I find ways to avoid them and that is when I pick up a book, take a class or go for a good 10 mile run. Avoidance becomes my driving force.
So this day being an ode to all my manly dusgusting habits I shall embrace the few waning hours. Tommorrow I shall awaken, peel the sticking sheets off my filthy body and return to my healthy ways, or maybe I will break down and eat a carton of Ben & Jerrys.. I will see how I feel when I awaken.
Cheers!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Royalty
A few days ago I was fortunate to work a stepdown unit that was blessed to have a princess as one of the patients. Yes, she was dear old thing who insisted that everything around her be just right. This included being bathed twice per day and always at shift change. Her meals were to be set aside for exactly 30 minutes and then immediately rewarmed and fed to her while her royal husband pointed out everything the staff did incorrectly.
Her highness graced us all with her lovely demeanor and shared her opinions at will. She so loved the minorities in the unit and would give them all special nicknames so they could feel her love. Her highness could not be bothered with such trite tasks like changing the channel on her television and would insist on having one of the servants (ie. nurses) come in to change the channels for her what her husband looked on with disapproval.
In fact the only think the royal one could do with any regularity was press the call button repeatedly. She had a beautiful voice and most of the times the staff could hear her loving voice as her call light was sometimes overlooked. She was unable to walk without the assistance of two staff members unless her requests were not met within an appropriate time frame and in those rare cases she was lifted from her bed like a feather and floated to the door to gently wave down a staff member as only she could.
Oh the joys of tending to the needs of her royal highness. Fluffing her pillow every twenty minutes, rubbing her feet with only warmed lotion and rearranging the cards on her windowsill so that the sun would not fade them throughout the day.
If only all our patients shared her pedigree and class, but I guess West Virginia does not have that many princesses in the state. It is a shame that she was transferred to a rehab facility. However, she should feel special in that every single staff member felt something very real as she was wheeled out of the building.
Her highness graced us all with her lovely demeanor and shared her opinions at will. She so loved the minorities in the unit and would give them all special nicknames so they could feel her love. Her highness could not be bothered with such trite tasks like changing the channel on her television and would insist on having one of the servants (ie. nurses) come in to change the channels for her what her husband looked on with disapproval.
In fact the only think the royal one could do with any regularity was press the call button repeatedly. She had a beautiful voice and most of the times the staff could hear her loving voice as her call light was sometimes overlooked. She was unable to walk without the assistance of two staff members unless her requests were not met within an appropriate time frame and in those rare cases she was lifted from her bed like a feather and floated to the door to gently wave down a staff member as only she could.
Oh the joys of tending to the needs of her royal highness. Fluffing her pillow every twenty minutes, rubbing her feet with only warmed lotion and rearranging the cards on her windowsill so that the sun would not fade them throughout the day.
If only all our patients shared her pedigree and class, but I guess West Virginia does not have that many princesses in the state. It is a shame that she was transferred to a rehab facility. However, she should feel special in that every single staff member felt something very real as she was wheeled out of the building.
Cooking experiment
So, once again there is next to nothing to eat in this house. I scour through the cabinets and found some old dusty cans of salmon. Agasint my better judgement I decided to make salmon patties.
I emptied the can of salmon into a bowl after straining (looks a lot like cat food). I picked out as many bones as I could and maybe a tail (wait salmon does not have tails). Crushed up a sleeve of saltines (the wheat ones) threw in three eggs and a handful of cooked brown rice (leftover). I cut some basil, chives and rosemary from my wee little garden and mushed it all together.
Cooked the patties up in a bit of cooking spray and smoked up the entire kitchen. The end result was not the most horrible thing in the world and the dogs loved it. I ate one with bread, tomato and tons of hot sauce, I froze the others.
I emptied the can of salmon into a bowl after straining (looks a lot like cat food). I picked out as many bones as I could and maybe a tail (wait salmon does not have tails). Crushed up a sleeve of saltines (the wheat ones) threw in three eggs and a handful of cooked brown rice (leftover). I cut some basil, chives and rosemary from my wee little garden and mushed it all together.
Cooked the patties up in a bit of cooking spray and smoked up the entire kitchen. The end result was not the most horrible thing in the world and the dogs loved it. I ate one with bread, tomato and tons of hot sauce, I froze the others.
Levels of care
yesterday was an uneventful shift, for the most part. Sure I had a slew of discharges, trouble with a dim-witted resident and a fat lazy social worker who made arrangements for a discharge and the family informed me of the details. But, nothing that caused me to throw a girl scout tantrum.
I have been all over this hospital as a float nurse and I am starting to see some differences. Not just differences in skill level or work load, but differences in which un its have the most fun people.
The cardiac critical care units (CVICU & CCU) have the most fun people. Everyone gets along with everyone and it is a great place to work and people are ever so friendly. I really enjoy my time in those units and I feel like I am home in a critical care environment. I really miss having a full time position in a critical care area.
The MICU is still with nice people, but not near as fun. They seemed more stressed and their patients are really not that interesting. This group also seems to "freak out" much more easily than their counterparts in the cardiac areas.
The stepdowns are so different from one another. There are three stepdowns and it goes from okay to wretched real quick. One area has been refurbished and people are nice, but dull. The second one is not refurbished and people are a little more rough around the edges but okay. The evil vile stepdown if where all the wicked nurses get dumped. It is like a unit of female truck drivers but with much worse language skills. I hate that unit and for the most part so does everyone else in the facility.
There are two med/surg areas I am sent to. One is a surgical floor where all the fresh post ops are placed (who are not monitored). People are nice, but the unit is a mess. Nothing works and never any supplies. There are these old computers in each room, but they have not worked for years and they do not bother to get rid of them. They require computer charting but most of the computers at the nurses station are broken as well. The few that do work usually have have one of the obese social workers camped out wasting space and getting cheetos crumbs all over the keys.
The regular med/surg area is not that bad. It is a nicely refurbished area and the majority of the patients are very low acuity and besides requests for food and pain meds it is a lo key area. The nurses are not very gifted in their overall knowledge base, but very nice. I imagine this is an area where nurses who just squeeked by in nursing school carve out a career.
The last area I end up is the rehab area. It is basically like a nursing home and I hate working that area. It reeks of piss and the patients are almost always total care and all incapable of controlling their bowels or bladders. There are techs on the floor but they play hide and seek all shift long. The staff vary from nice to semi-drunk, and one I am sure has some serious psychiatric issues.
If anything good came from this idea of working as a float nurse it is that I cannot wait to return to a full time critical care position. A nice fast paced surgical intensive care unit please with lots of belly surgeries and some open heart procedures please. I want swans and alines with loads of drips and strict visitation hours. Soon very soon!
I have been all over this hospital as a float nurse and I am starting to see some differences. Not just differences in skill level or work load, but differences in which un its have the most fun people.
The cardiac critical care units (CVICU & CCU) have the most fun people. Everyone gets along with everyone and it is a great place to work and people are ever so friendly. I really enjoy my time in those units and I feel like I am home in a critical care environment. I really miss having a full time position in a critical care area.
The MICU is still with nice people, but not near as fun. They seemed more stressed and their patients are really not that interesting. This group also seems to "freak out" much more easily than their counterparts in the cardiac areas.
The stepdowns are so different from one another. There are three stepdowns and it goes from okay to wretched real quick. One area has been refurbished and people are nice, but dull. The second one is not refurbished and people are a little more rough around the edges but okay. The evil vile stepdown if where all the wicked nurses get dumped. It is like a unit of female truck drivers but with much worse language skills. I hate that unit and for the most part so does everyone else in the facility.
There are two med/surg areas I am sent to. One is a surgical floor where all the fresh post ops are placed (who are not monitored). People are nice, but the unit is a mess. Nothing works and never any supplies. There are these old computers in each room, but they have not worked for years and they do not bother to get rid of them. They require computer charting but most of the computers at the nurses station are broken as well. The few that do work usually have have one of the obese social workers camped out wasting space and getting cheetos crumbs all over the keys.
The regular med/surg area is not that bad. It is a nicely refurbished area and the majority of the patients are very low acuity and besides requests for food and pain meds it is a lo key area. The nurses are not very gifted in their overall knowledge base, but very nice. I imagine this is an area where nurses who just squeeked by in nursing school carve out a career.
The last area I end up is the rehab area. It is basically like a nursing home and I hate working that area. It reeks of piss and the patients are almost always total care and all incapable of controlling their bowels or bladders. There are techs on the floor but they play hide and seek all shift long. The staff vary from nice to semi-drunk, and one I am sure has some serious psychiatric issues.
If anything good came from this idea of working as a float nurse it is that I cannot wait to return to a full time critical care position. A nice fast paced surgical intensive care unit please with lots of belly surgeries and some open heart procedures please. I want swans and alines with loads of drips and strict visitation hours. Soon very soon!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Boxes and uhhhhhh
I had stupid run down to the spirits store and buy another box of wine. My liver must be drowning in cheap wine. i cannot imagine that to be a pleasant way to die, but it does provide a cheap buzz.
Now onto so you thing you can dance. Yum!
Ever notice that Kat chick cannot pronounce Rs. She calls Robert Wobbert. It makes me laugh!
Yikes!
okay, maybe I should lay off the boxed wine _ I am scheduled to work in the morning!
Now onto so you thing you can dance. Yum!
Ever notice that Kat chick cannot pronounce Rs. She calls Robert Wobbert. It makes me laugh!
Yikes!
okay, maybe I should lay off the boxed wine _ I am scheduled to work in the morning!
Smoke and Motor Oil
Yesterday, I had a hankering for some pizza! (see delicious pic below),,\
Anywho, what is pizza without a salad prior? However, we were out of salad dressing and wine - yikes!
This required a trip to the spirits store and some other store to locate salad dressing. The spirit store was fun and I discovered my local spirit store carried sweet tea vodka in lemon - score! But, we were there for wine and that is what was purchased.
Next was a stop by a little store I had never been in. When I entered I discovered I was in a store that could only exist in Pittsburgh. At the counter was a pasty white woman with fat flabby arms and a huge straw hat. She was smoking away as she rang up customers.
The store had some of the oddest combinations on shelfs that I had ever seen. An example was a section with mens "sexy briefs" next to jars of apple sauce??? WTF!!
The store had very little inventory of anything and the very back of the store was completely empty. We did locate some very off brands of salad dressing right next to cans of motor oil (of course) and we checked out, but not without giggling like school girls as we exited the smoke filled establishment.
Funny that the bar next door is smoke free but a store that also sells sandwiches has a human smokestack behind the register!!!
We walked to the pizza place and picked up a very yummy pizza and the evening was near perfect!
Anywho, what is pizza without a salad prior? However, we were out of salad dressing and wine - yikes!
This required a trip to the spirits store and some other store to locate salad dressing. The spirit store was fun and I discovered my local spirit store carried sweet tea vodka in lemon - score! But, we were there for wine and that is what was purchased.
Next was a stop by a little store I had never been in. When I entered I discovered I was in a store that could only exist in Pittsburgh. At the counter was a pasty white woman with fat flabby arms and a huge straw hat. She was smoking away as she rang up customers.
The store had some of the oddest combinations on shelfs that I had ever seen. An example was a section with mens "sexy briefs" next to jars of apple sauce??? WTF!!
The store had very little inventory of anything and the very back of the store was completely empty. We did locate some very off brands of salad dressing right next to cans of motor oil (of course) and we checked out, but not without giggling like school girls as we exited the smoke filled establishment.
Funny that the bar next door is smoke free but a store that also sells sandwiches has a human smokestack behind the register!!!
We walked to the pizza place and picked up a very yummy pizza and the evening was near perfect!
Too Damn Early
Morning shows are getting on me last nerve this morning!
Granted the Jet Blue flight attendant story is cute, but to see the doughy attendant skip from court to car with that dumbass smirk on his face is getting a bit old! Is his 15 minutes over yet?
Julia Roberts?? Huh? An entire movie of her shoving food in her face and getting physical with men half her age. I think I will pass! Have you seen her lately? Her face is looking like yikes! She is turning into a big ole hot mess!
Jennifer Anniston or however the hell you spell her name. How many hopeless flops can she make? Does she ever PASS on a film? The new flick smells a lot like the last J-LO flop! Please someone stop putting Jennifers in movies!! Enough bad acting!!
Sylvester Stallone? Okay, I give him a little credit for having one movie with so many has beens in it. However, one morning show wanted to put his wife and children on the show - hello breakfast? Please! The last thing I want to see while coffee is still fresh on my lips is some 60+ actors 3 year old child! Next!
Will Ferrell! Okay, who left on this planet still thinks he is funny. Maybe I should only ask those who have IQs above say 20. If a movie has Will Ferrell it is a safe bet to pass on that one!
Granted the Jet Blue flight attendant story is cute, but to see the doughy attendant skip from court to car with that dumbass smirk on his face is getting a bit old! Is his 15 minutes over yet?
Julia Roberts?? Huh? An entire movie of her shoving food in her face and getting physical with men half her age. I think I will pass! Have you seen her lately? Her face is looking like yikes! She is turning into a big ole hot mess!
Jennifer Anniston or however the hell you spell her name. How many hopeless flops can she make? Does she ever PASS on a film? The new flick smells a lot like the last J-LO flop! Please someone stop putting Jennifers in movies!! Enough bad acting!!
Sylvester Stallone? Okay, I give him a little credit for having one movie with so many has beens in it. However, one morning show wanted to put his wife and children on the show - hello breakfast? Please! The last thing I want to see while coffee is still fresh on my lips is some 60+ actors 3 year old child! Next!
Will Ferrell! Okay, who left on this planet still thinks he is funny. Maybe I should only ask those who have IQs above say 20. If a movie has Will Ferrell it is a safe bet to pass on that one!
On House Call??
This house will be the death of me! On the market two days and two showings, but nary a sign in the yard.
Tuesday, we were out to grab some lunch and do some much needed grocery shopping only to get called back to the house for a showing. We insisted that showings be by appointment only because we have two small dogs and do not want them to be at risk.
We rush home and fluff up a bit and when the realtor appears we head out the back with the dogs. The showing was quick and the feedback was very good. The house was too big for the buyers and there was a mention about the heat level of the third floor (we never go up there).
Yesterday, another last minute showing and we repeat the entire process of fluffing and making the house look wonderful. That was a longer showing and we have yet to get any feedback.
There are still many things to finish around the home. A few windows need replaced, the basement bath room is in process and the AC on the second floor is on the fritz. It never ends!
An offer on the home would make it all worth while! I am predicting that an offer will be received before September 1st. We will see!!
Tuesday, we were out to grab some lunch and do some much needed grocery shopping only to get called back to the house for a showing. We insisted that showings be by appointment only because we have two small dogs and do not want them to be at risk.
We rush home and fluff up a bit and when the realtor appears we head out the back with the dogs. The showing was quick and the feedback was very good. The house was too big for the buyers and there was a mention about the heat level of the third floor (we never go up there).
Yesterday, another last minute showing and we repeat the entire process of fluffing and making the house look wonderful. That was a longer showing and we have yet to get any feedback.
There are still many things to finish around the home. A few windows need replaced, the basement bath room is in process and the AC on the second floor is on the fritz. It never ends!
An offer on the home would make it all worth while! I am predicting that an offer will be received before September 1st. We will see!!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Did someone get the tag on that truck....
I think I have tire marks in my forehead! The nap hit me out of the blue. Oh my!
Work up this morning starving without a grain or morsel of food in the house and no way I was going shopping - yuckk! So I did the next best thing, I bitched and moaned to everyone I know about the fact I have no food in the house.
I could not workout or run because I would pass out from lack of energy.
So, I guess I had to pick up something to eat somewhere. Italian or better yet a hoagie. Yup hoagie was the food of choice.
I ordered a 13 incher and 6.5 incher with fried and guess what?? I ate every bit of it! The I was overcome with exhaustion! I napped for 4 hours! Wow, a 4 hour nap!
Now, I am awake and the day is officially wasted! I debate on heading to the wine and spirits shop, but understand if I go that will lead to wasting tomorrow as well. Maybe I should skip it! Resume my workout in the morning...yes that sounds better and yes I will drag my sorry ass down to the grocery store.
Work up this morning starving without a grain or morsel of food in the house and no way I was going shopping - yuckk! So I did the next best thing, I bitched and moaned to everyone I know about the fact I have no food in the house.
I could not workout or run because I would pass out from lack of energy.
So, I guess I had to pick up something to eat somewhere. Italian or better yet a hoagie. Yup hoagie was the food of choice.
I ordered a 13 incher and 6.5 incher with fried and guess what?? I ate every bit of it! The I was overcome with exhaustion! I napped for 4 hours! Wow, a 4 hour nap!
Now, I am awake and the day is officially wasted! I debate on heading to the wine and spirits shop, but understand if I go that will lead to wasting tomorrow as well. Maybe I should skip it! Resume my workout in the morning...yes that sounds better and yes I will drag my sorry ass down to the grocery store.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Observation...
The news is on and the story of family members waiting on the return of some Army Reservists who have been stationed in Afghanastan. Looking at the crowd waiting I notice it looks more like a weight watchers meeting. None of these people look like they have seen the inside of a gym ever!
Seriously they were all obese. I would expect some, but every damn one of them.
Oh well, this is America. Home of the whopper!
Seriously they were all obese. I would expect some, but every damn one of them.
Oh well, this is America. Home of the whopper!
Clean Kills...
lord! The vapors! I am chocking, gagging and I am not done yet! That is right, I am doing industrial cleaning in preperation for the home officially going on the market. I think I have Pine Sol poisoning! Call 911, but please life flight me to a hospital way outside this city!
There I was on my hands and knees whiping down the kitchen floor and all the dog fur scattered all over the floor. Damn these dogs shed a lot. Then I was outside scooping up the little presents the dogs left for me. It was like and easter egg hunt, but those were not eggs I was finding. Damn, these dogs poop a lot too.
Oh well, hopefully all these domestic chores will pay off in someone buying my home. I am already too tired to go for a run. I need a nap ot am just losing consciousness from the Pine Sol fumes...It is getting dark in here..Toto aunty Em...
There I was on my hands and knees whiping down the kitchen floor and all the dog fur scattered all over the floor. Damn these dogs shed a lot. Then I was outside scooping up the little presents the dogs left for me. It was like and easter egg hunt, but those were not eggs I was finding. Damn, these dogs poop a lot too.
Oh well, hopefully all these domestic chores will pay off in someone buying my home. I am already too tired to go for a run. I need a nap ot am just losing consciousness from the Pine Sol fumes...It is getting dark in here..Toto aunty Em...
Crackheads & Residents
Life as a float nurse. A dull moment here and there but at least you are always on the move. Also, you know when the assignments are made on the floor you are getting the patient the rest of the staff want nothing to do with - for real!
Yesterday, I was given crackheads in two different units. Crackheads can be amusing if you are not so busy to appreciate them. They tell stories about normal home lifes and about their hopes and dreams and seconds later they are screaming because the remote does not work! Good times!
I had a resident order 10mg IV Ativan for a 93 year old confused patient so she would be still for her MRI. I think at that dose she may have laid still for MUCH longer. But I also say physician orders are merely suggestions and sometimes we have to tweak them a bit so that the residents do not kill grandma and make the grandchildren cry come Christmas!
How many days do I have left?? Too many!!
Yesterday, I was given crackheads in two different units. Crackheads can be amusing if you are not so busy to appreciate them. They tell stories about normal home lifes and about their hopes and dreams and seconds later they are screaming because the remote does not work! Good times!
I had a resident order 10mg IV Ativan for a 93 year old confused patient so she would be still for her MRI. I think at that dose she may have laid still for MUCH longer. But I also say physician orders are merely suggestions and sometimes we have to tweak them a bit so that the residents do not kill grandma and make the grandchildren cry come Christmas!
How many days do I have left?? Too many!!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
118 and counting!!
Wooo Hooo! 118 days and counting until I race to freedom! If I can only last that long! I am praying that my home sells early and I can skip out earlier.
Just under 17 weeks. Please hurry!
Just under 17 weeks. Please hurry!
Be a Duck
Work kicked my back side yesterday! Sometimes those 3p to 11p shifts can be as exhausting as the 12 hr shifts, but it does feel good to stop at only eight or so hours.
What made yesterday so draining was that I walked into a mess from hell and spent the first two hours making call and coordinating things for a discharge. It is not the first time I have had to come along and clean up a mess that should have been handled by others, but I got through it and in the end everything was wrapped in a nice tidy bow.
I did do one thing last evening that I am proud of. I held my tongue when the idiot house supervisor made a rude comment directed at me. I just ignored her! I was tired and I understand she is an idiot and who knows if she even knows better. I catch up with her once my notice is handed in - then I can be in a position not to hold back.
So home I came and did not even want a glass of wine. I just needed my cool pillows and my soft bed! Now I get to do it all over again.
What made yesterday so draining was that I walked into a mess from hell and spent the first two hours making call and coordinating things for a discharge. It is not the first time I have had to come along and clean up a mess that should have been handled by others, but I got through it and in the end everything was wrapped in a nice tidy bow.
I did do one thing last evening that I am proud of. I held my tongue when the idiot house supervisor made a rude comment directed at me. I just ignored her! I was tired and I understand she is an idiot and who knows if she even knows better. I catch up with her once my notice is handed in - then I can be in a position not to hold back.
So home I came and did not even want a glass of wine. I just needed my cool pillows and my soft bed! Now I get to do it all over again.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Box of Wine and Too Much Time..
It is 0038 and my butt is awake. I feel like I have not done a single thing all day long. I woke up, made coffee, went for a run, worked out, washed clothes, ate and ate again. Oh yea I also worked worked on a box of wine - don't ask!
I spent hour online chatting with friends, tweeting, blogging and then surfed apps on my phone. I watched clash of the Titans and watered plants. And I feel like the day has been wasted!
Happy Shark Week!!!
I have to work five of the next six days and I am dreading it. The next three are 3-11 and then off a day then bang out two 12s on the weekend. Good news is that I am off for 4 straight after that - sweet!
Tommorrow is a lite morning. I am going to run, tan, work out and eat a lite lunch then off to work.
I was depressed today. I tried on a pair of shorts I purchased at the end of last summer. last summer they fit me awesome - made my ass look amazing. This summer they are too tight! See what 20 extra pounds can do. So the month is boot camp. I am working out every day and eating only healthy foods (the exception is the wine). I am dropping 10-20 this month is it kills me! I will wear these shorts out before the summer waves goodbye.
I spent hour online chatting with friends, tweeting, blogging and then surfed apps on my phone. I watched clash of the Titans and watered plants. And I feel like the day has been wasted!
Happy Shark Week!!!
I have to work five of the next six days and I am dreading it. The next three are 3-11 and then off a day then bang out two 12s on the weekend. Good news is that I am off for 4 straight after that - sweet!
Tommorrow is a lite morning. I am going to run, tan, work out and eat a lite lunch then off to work.
I was depressed today. I tried on a pair of shorts I purchased at the end of last summer. last summer they fit me awesome - made my ass look amazing. This summer they are too tight! See what 20 extra pounds can do. So the month is boot camp. I am working out every day and eating only healthy foods (the exception is the wine). I am dropping 10-20 this month is it kills me! I will wear these shorts out before the summer waves goodbye.
On the clock...soon
okay, I am a posting whore today. What else do I have going on!
In a few days our home goes on the market. I am anxious and nervous all at the same time. The realtor believes the home will sell quickly, but I am a bit more skeptical!
When we placed a bid on this home four years ago it had only been on the market a few days and she stated it was a popular property. The location is perfect. The house is an easy walk to everything and a 5 minute bus ride to the center of downtown. Our walking score is 97 and that is pretty dang hard to beat.
However, we are priced a lot higher than what we bought the home for four years ago. Granted we pumped lots of money and sweat in fixing this home, but I can see so much more we could have done.
The problem was MONEY! We had all these dreams of what we could do to the home, but the Florida home stayed on the market 3.5 years and the money we paid in both mortgages prevented us from doing more here.
The realtor told us that within the first few weeks we should know if the home is priced correctly based on the number of showings. There are homes a few streets over that sold at higher prices, so maybe we are not that far off. Those homes had exposed brick walls which is something I really wanted to do but we just did not have the time to get to that.
Selling is such a horrid process as buyers have zero imagination!! I despise the selling process especially while I am still living in the property. The last two homes we owned we sold after we moved to our new home, but with this economy and the ordeal with the last home I am not buying another home until this one sells. If that means we have to rent when we move then so be it!
If the home sells quickly the best news possible is that I get to quit my horrible job and go on holiday early! I want to be on a beach with a drink in my hand while my skin roasts in the hot sun - dare to dream!!!
In a few days our home goes on the market. I am anxious and nervous all at the same time. The realtor believes the home will sell quickly, but I am a bit more skeptical!
When we placed a bid on this home four years ago it had only been on the market a few days and she stated it was a popular property. The location is perfect. The house is an easy walk to everything and a 5 minute bus ride to the center of downtown. Our walking score is 97 and that is pretty dang hard to beat.
However, we are priced a lot higher than what we bought the home for four years ago. Granted we pumped lots of money and sweat in fixing this home, but I can see so much more we could have done.
The problem was MONEY! We had all these dreams of what we could do to the home, but the Florida home stayed on the market 3.5 years and the money we paid in both mortgages prevented us from doing more here.
The realtor told us that within the first few weeks we should know if the home is priced correctly based on the number of showings. There are homes a few streets over that sold at higher prices, so maybe we are not that far off. Those homes had exposed brick walls which is something I really wanted to do but we just did not have the time to get to that.
Selling is such a horrid process as buyers have zero imagination!! I despise the selling process especially while I am still living in the property. The last two homes we owned we sold after we moved to our new home, but with this economy and the ordeal with the last home I am not buying another home until this one sells. If that means we have to rent when we move then so be it!
If the home sells quickly the best news possible is that I get to quit my horrible job and go on holiday early! I want to be on a beach with a drink in my hand while my skin roasts in the hot sun - dare to dream!!!
Bucket List
i am sitting here enjoying my morning coffee and watching the news (of course) with my sweet little dog snoring on the bed beside me. A report comes on about the recent Pittsburgh Triathelon and it causes my mind to race.
I am one of those people who have always wanted to run a marathon. i guess you could say it is on my 'bucket list'. i run now, but there is an enormous difference between my 3-5 miles a few times a week and 26.2 miles all at once.
I started running a smidge over a year ago and I remember being in Texas and there was this wonderful trail near where I was staying that was newly created for the locals to get in shape. It was clay/dirt and was 2.5 miles through all sorts of wooded area and close to all the medical centers in San Antonio.
My first run almost killed me and I literally had to stop and walk 10 or more times and it took about 30 minutes to finish. The next morning I was sore in areas I did not realise I could be sore! I pulled muscles in my groin! Ouch!
It took almost three months until I could finish the entire coarse. there were hills that killed me and the head was horrid. However, eventually I could finish the loop and started to work on improving my times! By the time I left I could finish the 2.5 miles in about 16 minutes, not exactly record speed.
I remember one guy (a little fellow) who would haul ass on that trail. He would lap me a few times before I could finish my one lap. I kept thinking as he blew past me that I could run for 50 years and never be as fast as he was or in as good of shape. It was then I lowered my standards. I thought don't expect to be like him, just be the best me I can be.
But still lurking in my mind is the marathon and maybe a mini-triathelon! Maybe I should go for a run today.
I am one of those people who have always wanted to run a marathon. i guess you could say it is on my 'bucket list'. i run now, but there is an enormous difference between my 3-5 miles a few times a week and 26.2 miles all at once.
I started running a smidge over a year ago and I remember being in Texas and there was this wonderful trail near where I was staying that was newly created for the locals to get in shape. It was clay/dirt and was 2.5 miles through all sorts of wooded area and close to all the medical centers in San Antonio.
My first run almost killed me and I literally had to stop and walk 10 or more times and it took about 30 minutes to finish. The next morning I was sore in areas I did not realise I could be sore! I pulled muscles in my groin! Ouch!
It took almost three months until I could finish the entire coarse. there were hills that killed me and the head was horrid. However, eventually I could finish the loop and started to work on improving my times! By the time I left I could finish the 2.5 miles in about 16 minutes, not exactly record speed.
I remember one guy (a little fellow) who would haul ass on that trail. He would lap me a few times before I could finish my one lap. I kept thinking as he blew past me that I could run for 50 years and never be as fast as he was or in as good of shape. It was then I lowered my standards. I thought don't expect to be like him, just be the best me I can be.
But still lurking in my mind is the marathon and maybe a mini-triathelon! Maybe I should go for a run today.
A growing concern
I have been watching far too much local news lately. I catch thirty minutes before work, check out the evening news and again watch one of the local news reports before watching the late show. I do not know why I have found the local news so interesting lately, but I have.
One thing that reallu stands out is the amount of murders going on in this city the last couple of months. The main issue with all these murders is that 99.9% of these homicides are being committed by young black men. Not a good sign!
This morning a story about a 15 year old black youth shooting and killing a 28 year old law student when attempting to steal a cell phone. Last week was some sort of drug shoot out where two more black youth were gunned down in the street and the week before someone got shot in the head for refusing to provide a ride downtown.
Over the past month one murder was committed by a white guy, but that was outside the Pittsburgh city limits. In that one the one guy shot the other in a dispute over weed!
Too many murders lately and I hate to say it but way too many by black youths. People scream racism if you point out that the black community needs help raising responsible young adults! However, there is a lack of adequate parenting in the black community and crime follows.
The small minority of sorry ass parents produces enough jail fodder to fill as many jails as the government can build. Then there are the parents who work hard and raise responsible children who become productive members of society. Those are the parents who should be applauded and held up as an example within the black community.
Just the other day I was at the hospital and one of the residents was asking me some questions. He was a black male and I could not help but think how this bright articulate man made it when so many of young blacks fail miserably. I wondered if his parents were wealthy or had college educations. I wanted to know if he went to a public school where it is perceived as "uncool" to excel. So many things swam through my head, but I kept these to myself.
In this age of political correctness i dare not speak such things in public. But, if a few young black men can make it why not a few more. How long will the black community stand by with so many of their young making the wrong decisions. Maybe this is more of an inner city problem, but it affects us all.
Oh well, just my two cents!
One thing that reallu stands out is the amount of murders going on in this city the last couple of months. The main issue with all these murders is that 99.9% of these homicides are being committed by young black men. Not a good sign!
This morning a story about a 15 year old black youth shooting and killing a 28 year old law student when attempting to steal a cell phone. Last week was some sort of drug shoot out where two more black youth were gunned down in the street and the week before someone got shot in the head for refusing to provide a ride downtown.
Over the past month one murder was committed by a white guy, but that was outside the Pittsburgh city limits. In that one the one guy shot the other in a dispute over weed!
Too many murders lately and I hate to say it but way too many by black youths. People scream racism if you point out that the black community needs help raising responsible young adults! However, there is a lack of adequate parenting in the black community and crime follows.
The small minority of sorry ass parents produces enough jail fodder to fill as many jails as the government can build. Then there are the parents who work hard and raise responsible children who become productive members of society. Those are the parents who should be applauded and held up as an example within the black community.
Just the other day I was at the hospital and one of the residents was asking me some questions. He was a black male and I could not help but think how this bright articulate man made it when so many of young blacks fail miserably. I wondered if his parents were wealthy or had college educations. I wanted to know if he went to a public school where it is perceived as "uncool" to excel. So many things swam through my head, but I kept these to myself.
In this age of political correctness i dare not speak such things in public. But, if a few young black men can make it why not a few more. How long will the black community stand by with so many of their young making the wrong decisions. Maybe this is more of an inner city problem, but it affects us all.
Oh well, just my two cents!
Home Alone
First off, my other half left this morning and will be gone for an entire week! Leaving me alone with the dogs, chores and nothing to do! I get a little stir crazy when left alone and am not one who handles too much alone time all that well.
The first day is great! I can make messes and not clean up, I can surf the net and download porn for hours and play video games until my hands and arms hurt. After that I miss having someone around to talk/argue with. I spend the rest of the time calling on the phone and sending emails! Pathetic, I know!
I have started the morning doing something I should not have done. I placed a VERY large order for shoes online. I had permission to purchase four pair (1 for him, 1 for his son and 2 for me), but the initial order was denied because I used an expired credit card. This morning I placed a new order and instead of ordering 2 pair for me I ordered 8 pair! Oops! I am going to need to be creative on hiding these when they come in.
I am a bit of a shoe whore, but to be honest I am not so sure that is a bad thing. I have so many that I can rotate them all and my shoes last forever! I literally have shoes that are over 10 years old and look almost new. Occasionally, I have to toss shoes that are worn a bit too much - but we all do!
I am making a personal promise to myself not to shop online for the rest of the week!
Okay, 0638. What am I going to do for the rest of the day? Hmmm there is a bottle or two of cabernet downstairs. How early is too early to start drinking?
The first day is great! I can make messes and not clean up, I can surf the net and download porn for hours and play video games until my hands and arms hurt. After that I miss having someone around to talk/argue with. I spend the rest of the time calling on the phone and sending emails! Pathetic, I know!
I have started the morning doing something I should not have done. I placed a VERY large order for shoes online. I had permission to purchase four pair (1 for him, 1 for his son and 2 for me), but the initial order was denied because I used an expired credit card. This morning I placed a new order and instead of ordering 2 pair for me I ordered 8 pair! Oops! I am going to need to be creative on hiding these when they come in.
I am a bit of a shoe whore, but to be honest I am not so sure that is a bad thing. I have so many that I can rotate them all and my shoes last forever! I literally have shoes that are over 10 years old and look almost new. Occasionally, I have to toss shoes that are worn a bit too much - but we all do!
I am making a personal promise to myself not to shop online for the rest of the week!
Okay, 0638. What am I going to do for the rest of the day? Hmmm there is a bottle or two of cabernet downstairs. How early is too early to start drinking?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Easy Breezy
The day is done and to be honest it was a very slow day. i had a total of one patient the entire day. She was not a critical patient. She was non-monitored and her vitals were due once on my 12hr shift. All her meds were done by 0900 and the remainder of the day was spent surfing the net and shopping for shoes.
As far as days working goes it was a peach! I have not had a 12hr shift this easy in umm well probably ever.
Now I am home in my bed with a glass of wine and I am looking at two days off. Right now, life is pretty freakin good! Cheers!!
As far as days working goes it was a peach! I have not had a 12hr shift this easy in umm well probably ever.
Now I am home in my bed with a glass of wine and I am looking at two days off. Right now, life is pretty freakin good! Cheers!!
Of to see the witches of burn
Too good to last! The last two days I was in CVICU, my favorite unit in all the hospital. My favorite unit of all time is SICU, but this facility has none of that.
Si, CVICU has been packed and short of nurses and I actually had a chance to put my skills to good use. I assured of making three days in a row, but got the call that I am being sent to burn unit. Ewww. I just do not see the burn unit as being very acute. It is like being a skin care nurse.
The burn nurses in this facility are rude and have the idea that they can walk on water. I hate going there and I know that this will be a long ass day of speaking to no one.
Thank God I have my phone and can spend the better part of the day surfing the web and twittweing my ass off!
Wish me luck as I go off to pull 12 hours of skin care! Ugghhh!
Si, CVICU has been packed and short of nurses and I actually had a chance to put my skills to good use. I assured of making three days in a row, but got the call that I am being sent to burn unit. Ewww. I just do not see the burn unit as being very acute. It is like being a skin care nurse.
The burn nurses in this facility are rude and have the idea that they can walk on water. I hate going there and I know that this will be a long ass day of speaking to no one.
Thank God I have my phone and can spend the better part of the day surfing the web and twittweing my ass off!
Wish me luck as I go off to pull 12 hours of skin care! Ugghhh!
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