The scale has mocked me for the last time. The evil machine snarls and snaps and most importantly lies in attempts to make me feel fat. I am tempted to cast it out of the third floor window and watch as it shatters once it hits the pavement. It fills me with delight to even imagine such a move, but I am afraid the feeling would be short lived. Soon I would be out shopping for a new scale. A kinder more gentle scale that will tell me what i want to hear even though deep inside I would know the truth.
Today marks a sad and dark day in the life of Rob. He stepped on the scale and hit a horrid and extremely high number. A number that caused him to silently shudder. Since February 5Th Rob has gained 25 pounds - gasp -!
I read where Christian Bale gained 100 lbs in a mere six weeks, but he was trying too and I am sure he involved nutritionists and physicians and maybe a touch of steroids. All that is well and good, but I packed on my weight without trying and without the advice of well knowing practitioners.
I am touchy about my weight and a few years ago I worked my ass off to drop a cool 100 pounds and it frightens me when the weight attempts to creep back on like a sneaky little bastard. Five pounds was not cause to worry and 10 pounds - well I thought I could just increase my exercise. Fifteen pounds and it reminded me to get serious, but I skipped all the was to 25 and now I am in a cold sweat!.
From here on out I am going hard core! No more excuses! No more putting off runs and exercise until later or until I feel better.
I reach a point and I get super focused and nothing gets in my way. So instead of waiting to start Monday I am starting at this very moment to get my act together. Well right after I take a hammer to that damn scale!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
downsizing...
The big move looms at the year and many things go through my mind. I have some work left to do the the house in efforts to ready it for the market. Some windows need replacing, some touch up painting and we planned to spruce up the basement to make it look a little less creepy.
The next home will be SMALLER and have a larger yard. The exact opposite of what we have now. We will be living with what we need and not swayed by character or charm that the older homes always hold. So downsizing from 4000 square feet to something in the range of 1500 to 2000 square feet. Under no circumstance will we go over 2000 square feet. I am not furnishing, cleaning and especially not heating more than 2000 square feet. I am so looking ready for the change.
I have owned four homes in my life and the homes have progressively gotten larger with each move. The first home I ever bought was 1440 sq feet and aside from the layout it suited my life fine at the time. The funny thing about that home was that I moved there from a one bedroom apartment and upon unpacking from the move I had already filled every closet in the home - a feat I still find mind boggling.
In efforts to prepare for the big move we have gone about getting rid of many things. The piano in the living room is gone, many of our clothes have been donated to the VA and we have started going through all the storage to get rid of what is not needed. It is a difficult process deciding what is a necessity and what we really do not need or use.
The basement in this house is enormous and an entire room of it is jam-packed with Christmas decor. We are huge Christmas freaks and any and everything Christmas is stuffed in that room. Including 12 trees, yard creatures, table clothes, dishes, things that make noise, things that glow, and everything that people send us to encourage our unhealthy obsession with all things Christmas. The sad part is that we have not been able to properly decorate the last two years due to being out of town for the last two Christmases. It is still unknown where we will be for this upcoming holiday.
So the process of deciding what to take and what to get rid off continues. I am debating selling my dining room furniture. Mind you, this is a BIG DEAL. I LOVE my dining room and it took me four years to locate the all time perfect dining room set. A set that garners many a gasp and quite a few oohs and awws, so parting ways with it will cause much emotional pain. However, it is very large furniture and that is fine for this size of a home, but not that practical for where we are going. In the next few months I will either decide to sell it or be damned and take it with me.
Downsizing is not without pain and sacrifice.
I am trying to see the bright side of the move and the new way of living. Fewer things to pack, shopping for new furniture and having maybe a reasonable heating bill. One thing I am hell bent on having with the next home is a working fireplace. This old home was built with four, but now they are all non-working and that just ticks me off! I also want a nice porch, a finished basement and a little larger yard - I see gardening in my future.
We will not know for sure when the move will take place until July. Until then we move from room to room and decide what furniture we like and what needs to go. It amazes me how much stuff we have accumulated over the years. The kitchen alone has so many gadgets and items that all seem so needed at times, but take up so much space.
It is time to attempt to live a life a little less cluttered.
The next home will be SMALLER and have a larger yard. The exact opposite of what we have now. We will be living with what we need and not swayed by character or charm that the older homes always hold. So downsizing from 4000 square feet to something in the range of 1500 to 2000 square feet. Under no circumstance will we go over 2000 square feet. I am not furnishing, cleaning and especially not heating more than 2000 square feet. I am so looking ready for the change.
I have owned four homes in my life and the homes have progressively gotten larger with each move. The first home I ever bought was 1440 sq feet and aside from the layout it suited my life fine at the time. The funny thing about that home was that I moved there from a one bedroom apartment and upon unpacking from the move I had already filled every closet in the home - a feat I still find mind boggling.
In efforts to prepare for the big move we have gone about getting rid of many things. The piano in the living room is gone, many of our clothes have been donated to the VA and we have started going through all the storage to get rid of what is not needed. It is a difficult process deciding what is a necessity and what we really do not need or use.
The basement in this house is enormous and an entire room of it is jam-packed with Christmas decor. We are huge Christmas freaks and any and everything Christmas is stuffed in that room. Including 12 trees, yard creatures, table clothes, dishes, things that make noise, things that glow, and everything that people send us to encourage our unhealthy obsession with all things Christmas. The sad part is that we have not been able to properly decorate the last two years due to being out of town for the last two Christmases. It is still unknown where we will be for this upcoming holiday.
So the process of deciding what to take and what to get rid off continues. I am debating selling my dining room furniture. Mind you, this is a BIG DEAL. I LOVE my dining room and it took me four years to locate the all time perfect dining room set. A set that garners many a gasp and quite a few oohs and awws, so parting ways with it will cause much emotional pain. However, it is very large furniture and that is fine for this size of a home, but not that practical for where we are going. In the next few months I will either decide to sell it or be damned and take it with me.
Downsizing is not without pain and sacrifice.
I am trying to see the bright side of the move and the new way of living. Fewer things to pack, shopping for new furniture and having maybe a reasonable heating bill. One thing I am hell bent on having with the next home is a working fireplace. This old home was built with four, but now they are all non-working and that just ticks me off! I also want a nice porch, a finished basement and a little larger yard - I see gardening in my future.
We will not know for sure when the move will take place until July. Until then we move from room to room and decide what furniture we like and what needs to go. It amazes me how much stuff we have accumulated over the years. The kitchen alone has so many gadgets and items that all seem so needed at times, but take up so much space.
It is time to attempt to live a life a little less cluttered.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
just a bit freaky.....
I was looking up homes in a city that we may relocate to when I came across the above photo. It is the realtor for a particular home I liked. I am not sure when glamor shots became appropriate to use for realtors and this one sort of looks like Ally Sheedy...sort of spooked me out!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
stupid stupid me...
Phantom is coming to Pittsburgh. It is the one play I have never seen, not that I have seen a lot. However, it is the one play I have always wanted to see - well sort of.
A few years back on a trip to London friends treated us to a play. The seats were great and the show was Chicago and I was hooked on live theatre ever since. I see things here and there when I have extra time and money, but a few shows I will move heaven and earth to see. One such show was Wicked - Loved it!
Anyway, since I buy here and there the cultural district sends out promos to people who have seen shows prior. This particular promo allowed me to buy Phantom tickets before they go on sale to the rest of the public - sweet!
This morning I am on my trusty laptop searching for the absolute best tickets. I find 4th row center in the grand circle (not sure what makes it grand) and I click a few times and submit my payment. Seconds later the horror, I have the wrong tickets!
The theatre is set up with the grand circle having seats AA to FF, then comes orchestra that starts with A to W. I thought I was purchasing DD, but the receipt showed D. That is a six row difference - gasp! The total of my blunder $269.
So I then did what any rational person would do. I ordered more tickets on a different day. This time I obtained DD tickets. The funny thing is that the total is $183. I am scratching my head over this one. Why are closer grand circle tickets more expensive than orchestra tickets? I am confounded and need to seek someone who knows.
My plan is to keep one set and either return the other or sell them. I am pretty sure I can sell them for face value as the date approaches. Even though I will be out $452 total I should recoup some of the money at a later date.
A few years back on a trip to London friends treated us to a play. The seats were great and the show was Chicago and I was hooked on live theatre ever since. I see things here and there when I have extra time and money, but a few shows I will move heaven and earth to see. One such show was Wicked - Loved it!
Anyway, since I buy here and there the cultural district sends out promos to people who have seen shows prior. This particular promo allowed me to buy Phantom tickets before they go on sale to the rest of the public - sweet!
This morning I am on my trusty laptop searching for the absolute best tickets. I find 4th row center in the grand circle (not sure what makes it grand) and I click a few times and submit my payment. Seconds later the horror, I have the wrong tickets!
The theatre is set up with the grand circle having seats AA to FF, then comes orchestra that starts with A to W. I thought I was purchasing DD, but the receipt showed D. That is a six row difference - gasp! The total of my blunder $269.
So I then did what any rational person would do. I ordered more tickets on a different day. This time I obtained DD tickets. The funny thing is that the total is $183. I am scratching my head over this one. Why are closer grand circle tickets more expensive than orchestra tickets? I am confounded and need to seek someone who knows.
My plan is to keep one set and either return the other or sell them. I am pretty sure I can sell them for face value as the date approaches. Even though I will be out $452 total I should recoup some of the money at a later date.
Monday, April 26, 2010
ED Flashback....
A patient comes in with a complaint of chest pain...
One of the many orders are for SL Nitro every five minutes times three for chest pain.
One of the residents is assessing the patient while I am taking vitals and popping nitros under the patients tongue.
After the second nitro the patient states he is pain free.
The resident pulls me to the side and ask, "do you still give him the third nitro if he is pain free?"
Hmmmmm.
One of the many orders are for SL Nitro every five minutes times three for chest pain.
One of the residents is assessing the patient while I am taking vitals and popping nitros under the patients tongue.
After the second nitro the patient states he is pain free.
The resident pulls me to the side and ask, "do you still give him the third nitro if he is pain free?"
Hmmmmm.
step-down hell....
On a step-down unit I receive an admit from the ED. Patient is 84 years old who lives alone. She tells me her problems started as she attempted to get out of a chair a little too fast, became dizzy and took an express trip to the floor. She claims that she never lost consciousness and big surprise this is not the first time grandma has taken a floor dive.
As she is delivered to the room I help the transporter slide her from the stretcher to the bed. Immediately, she tells me she needs pain medication and a hamburger.
It always amazes me that no matter what these patients come in with they all expect the kitchen to be open and serve them three squares and snacks.
I ask the woman about her pain and she becomes angry that I am not spending the same effort to locate her meal. At this point I have had enough. It has been a busy day moving from unit to unit and I have no remaining empathy left in my tank. With the last remnants of composure I have left I explain that I will work on obtaining something for her to eat and try to help her with her pain.
Her admit order do not provide squat for pain - surprise! I never understand how patients who are admitted with falls, cuts, accidents or any complaint that involves pain are never ordered medications to address the pain.
It is the afternoon so I must page the resident who is covering the hospital. She calls back very quickly and when I give her the background information:
R1: (imagine a slight accent - or maybe not so slight) Lady so old - I not give her narcotic.
Me: Well, regardless of her age she is in pain.
R1: Ok, give her Tylenol 325mg time one.
Me: and...
R1: Call me back if that no help.
So, I give the patient 650mg Tylenol.
Patient: I am hurting and you want to give me Tylenol??!!??
Me: I am sorry, that is all the resident will order. If it does not help - I will call her back.
An hour passes and surprise the lady is not happy! So I call the resident again.
Me: Our little is writhing in pain 10/10 and the Tylenol did squat.
R1: Oh..
Me: Can we perhaps give her a little something to help her out? She takes Vicodin at home.
R1: Let me call you back. I am not familiar with her so I need to get a better understanding of her history.
almost an hour passes and by now the patient is livid and not a happy camper! So I give the resident another call.
Me: Remember me? The patient is still waiting for some relief.
R1: Oh..
Me: Can we give her the Vicodin?
R1: But I don't want to give her narcotic because her age.
Me: So you want to leave her in pain? She is completely A&O, her vitals are great, no renal problems and did I mention she is in severe pain. Plus, she is a DNR/DNI.
R1: Oh..
Me: So....Vicodin??
R1: Ok, you give her one Vicodin.
Me. and...???
R1: If that no work - call me back.
I am so tired of working these shitty step-downs!!
As she is delivered to the room I help the transporter slide her from the stretcher to the bed. Immediately, she tells me she needs pain medication and a hamburger.
It always amazes me that no matter what these patients come in with they all expect the kitchen to be open and serve them three squares and snacks.
I ask the woman about her pain and she becomes angry that I am not spending the same effort to locate her meal. At this point I have had enough. It has been a busy day moving from unit to unit and I have no remaining empathy left in my tank. With the last remnants of composure I have left I explain that I will work on obtaining something for her to eat and try to help her with her pain.
Her admit order do not provide squat for pain - surprise! I never understand how patients who are admitted with falls, cuts, accidents or any complaint that involves pain are never ordered medications to address the pain.
It is the afternoon so I must page the resident who is covering the hospital. She calls back very quickly and when I give her the background information:
R1: (imagine a slight accent - or maybe not so slight) Lady so old - I not give her narcotic.
Me: Well, regardless of her age she is in pain.
R1: Ok, give her Tylenol 325mg time one.
Me: and...
R1: Call me back if that no help.
So, I give the patient 650mg Tylenol.
Patient: I am hurting and you want to give me Tylenol??!!??
Me: I am sorry, that is all the resident will order. If it does not help - I will call her back.
An hour passes and surprise the lady is not happy! So I call the resident again.
Me: Our little is writhing in pain 10/10 and the Tylenol did squat.
R1: Oh..
Me: Can we perhaps give her a little something to help her out? She takes Vicodin at home.
R1: Let me call you back. I am not familiar with her so I need to get a better understanding of her history.
almost an hour passes and by now the patient is livid and not a happy camper! So I give the resident another call.
Me: Remember me? The patient is still waiting for some relief.
R1: Oh..
Me: Can we give her the Vicodin?
R1: But I don't want to give her narcotic because her age.
Me: So you want to leave her in pain? She is completely A&O, her vitals are great, no renal problems and did I mention she is in severe pain. Plus, she is a DNR/DNI.
R1: Oh..
Me: So....Vicodin??
R1: Ok, you give her one Vicodin.
Me. and...???
R1: If that no work - call me back.
I am so tired of working these shitty step-downs!!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Should have stayed home...
It was described as the biggest loss in the 100+ year team history and i suffered through most of it. That is right my Pirates lost 20 to zip!! Not even a single lousy run. So in a three game home stand they lost 36 - 1. Makes ya proud!
We sat in the upper deck today. Seats were pretty good even though the people directly behind us had a child on the loose. The beer helped drown her out! I did notice one old woman shooting me a curious look when I arrived at my seat with beer in hand. Hello! This is Pittsburgh and people here drink!
We walked home from the park hoping to stop by Sushi Kim for some octopus rolls - they do not open until 1700 and we were in no mood to wait. We did stop by a new place, Tamari, but they were very empty and very expensive. I figured if it is not Sushi its not worth it! So we ended up at the local greasy pup for some fried cod and soaked onion rings.
Now I am home and the NFL draft is but a few hours away!!
We sat in the upper deck today. Seats were pretty good even though the people directly behind us had a child on the loose. The beer helped drown her out! I did notice one old woman shooting me a curious look when I arrived at my seat with beer in hand. Hello! This is Pittsburgh and people here drink!
We walked home from the park hoping to stop by Sushi Kim for some octopus rolls - they do not open until 1700 and we were in no mood to wait. We did stop by a new place, Tamari, but they were very empty and very expensive. I figured if it is not Sushi its not worth it! So we ended up at the local greasy pup for some fried cod and soaked onion rings.
Now I am home and the NFL draft is but a few hours away!!
play it again...
A Pirates game, some tasty beer and a beautiful night. The only negative was the Pirates got smoked! That is right - same old Pirates. They lost 8-0 and the night before lost 8-1. In two nights the Brewers have pasted them 16-1! Ouch!
I went ahead and got tickets for today's game. It is a 1235 game - Yikes! That is a quick turnaround. It was a bit rough waking up this morning, but the coffee helps!
I rode the bus to to the game yesterday and it was a full bus. I had to sit next to some fat guy who stunk like I don't know what. He then got on his cell and that nasty ass breath caused me to nearly burst from the bus. Thankfully, after a few stops another seat became available I I got the hell away from stank fat guy! Is soap and toothpaste so expensive?
On the bus ride home we called the pizza joint and ordered a calzone that was ready when we arrived. It was delicious! We tore that bad boy up! I cannot believe how hungry we were!
So, off to be by midnight and off to the early game today! It might be asking a lot for a win today, but I at least hope the game is close!! I am also hoping for an empty bus!
Cheers!!!!
I went ahead and got tickets for today's game. It is a 1235 game - Yikes! That is a quick turnaround. It was a bit rough waking up this morning, but the coffee helps!
I rode the bus to to the game yesterday and it was a full bus. I had to sit next to some fat guy who stunk like I don't know what. He then got on his cell and that nasty ass breath caused me to nearly burst from the bus. Thankfully, after a few stops another seat became available I I got the hell away from stank fat guy! Is soap and toothpaste so expensive?
On the bus ride home we called the pizza joint and ordered a calzone that was ready when we arrived. It was delicious! We tore that bad boy up! I cannot believe how hungry we were!
So, off to be by midnight and off to the early game today! It might be asking a lot for a win today, but I at least hope the game is close!! I am also hoping for an empty bus!
Cheers!!!!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
my strip trip..
I hopped the bus and headed to the strip yesterday. I love the strip district with all its shops and restaurants. I shopped the produce stands yesterday and made a huge haul of salad staples that should keep me eating green for a week.
The strip is something I am so going to miss when I leave Pittsburgh later this year. It is filled with all sorts of ethnic stores. I cannot visit the strip without hitting Penn Mac for some cheese and pasts. I swing by Kim Bok for some tofu and red pepper paste or maybe some bok choi or pick up some unusual ingredient suggested by the lady who works there. I love Wholey's because it has every seafood related item imaginable and it is all so fresh - yumm! And for the sweet tooth there is Fugie Wudgie for the richest fudge on the planet!
I met a friend for lunch at Rolands and we had some yummy fried seafood and tasty beers. It was a bit too cold to sit outside, but we sat by the window to check out the foot traffic and judge others as they walked by. On warm days many of the restaurants in the strip have huge sliding doors that open up to let the outdoors in - such fun!
The best part of the day is that I can shop, eat, drink and then wither hop the bus home or take a stroll. Since coming back to Pittsburgh in January I have used my car very little. In fact, I have purchased one tank of gas in close to 4.5 months. I will miss that too!!
Tonight is a Pirates game and more drinks! Go Bucs!!!
** Photos below include views of the strip, Rolands, Primanti, and Wholey's all in the strip district ***
The strip is something I am so going to miss when I leave Pittsburgh later this year. It is filled with all sorts of ethnic stores. I cannot visit the strip without hitting Penn Mac for some cheese and pasts. I swing by Kim Bok for some tofu and red pepper paste or maybe some bok choi or pick up some unusual ingredient suggested by the lady who works there. I love Wholey's because it has every seafood related item imaginable and it is all so fresh - yumm! And for the sweet tooth there is Fugie Wudgie for the richest fudge on the planet!
I met a friend for lunch at Rolands and we had some yummy fried seafood and tasty beers. It was a bit too cold to sit outside, but we sat by the window to check out the foot traffic and judge others as they walked by. On warm days many of the restaurants in the strip have huge sliding doors that open up to let the outdoors in - such fun!
The best part of the day is that I can shop, eat, drink and then wither hop the bus home or take a stroll. Since coming back to Pittsburgh in January I have used my car very little. In fact, I have purchased one tank of gas in close to 4.5 months. I will miss that too!!
Tonight is a Pirates game and more drinks! Go Bucs!!!
** Photos below include views of the strip, Rolands, Primanti, and Wholey's all in the strip district ***
tech-envy...
A year ago I updated my ATT plan and bought a new phone. I made a rational decision and bought a phone that had a QWERTY keyboard and no other bells and whistles. I resisted the fancy smancy Blackberry and Iphones figuring I could use the extra money for frivalous thinks like food and water.
About a month into my new two year contract I started regretting not going for the Iphone or Blackberry. Everyone I work with has phones that surf the web, record videos and have access to all sorts of cool Apps. I had my sad little phone that could send texts but not much else.
I started surfing the web comparing different contracts and phones. I would build a plan and place it into the online cart and come oh so close to pushing enter only to stop just short. To upgrade I would have to pay a fee and then pay an outrageous amount of money just to obtain the phone. I am cheap by nature and I just can not justify the expense.
Now, the internet is all abuzz about the new Iphone and I am swept up in the excitement and cannot resist the temptation of getting my greedy little hands on the on the bloody thing. I figure it comes out the end of June so it gives me time to set aside funds to pay for changing contracts and purchasing the new phone.
I was not caught up in the Ipad frenzy, because I plan to purchase a new laptop towards the end of the year. I am far more responsible when purchasing computers and televisions and the like, but phones cause me to go so crazy.
About a month into my new two year contract I started regretting not going for the Iphone or Blackberry. Everyone I work with has phones that surf the web, record videos and have access to all sorts of cool Apps. I had my sad little phone that could send texts but not much else.
I started surfing the web comparing different contracts and phones. I would build a plan and place it into the online cart and come oh so close to pushing enter only to stop just short. To upgrade I would have to pay a fee and then pay an outrageous amount of money just to obtain the phone. I am cheap by nature and I just can not justify the expense.
Now, the internet is all abuzz about the new Iphone and I am swept up in the excitement and cannot resist the temptation of getting my greedy little hands on the on the bloody thing. I figure it comes out the end of June so it gives me time to set aside funds to pay for changing contracts and purchasing the new phone.
I was not caught up in the Ipad frenzy, because I plan to purchase a new laptop towards the end of the year. I am far more responsible when purchasing computers and televisions and the like, but phones cause me to go so crazy.
bad haggler...
I posted an ad on craigslist for some tickets to a Pirates game. I thought if someone wanted to sell extra tickets I could take them off of their hands.
A few responses came in and I was a bit amazed that people were all expecting face value and one wanted me to drive 30 miles to pick up the tickets - WTF! I can easily head to the stadium and purchase some cheap tickets just before the game and no need to drive across town.
I am already heading to a game today and wanted the ticket for Thursday. I had not expected to go to Thursdays game but it is an early game and it will not make me too tired for working the following day. Plus, I love baseball!
Last night I entered Ebay for the first time in years. I had a bit of a problem with Ebay in the past. I ordered and bid on everything and had packages coming in everyday so I had to stop. It does get addictive! I returned because I have been wanting to purchase Battlestar Gallacta the complete series (I know geek - right). It has been $149-$159 on Amazon forever, but last night I picked it up for a cool $90 - sweet!
I thought about looking for Star Trek Voyager, but I should stop while I am ahead!
A few responses came in and I was a bit amazed that people were all expecting face value and one wanted me to drive 30 miles to pick up the tickets - WTF! I can easily head to the stadium and purchase some cheap tickets just before the game and no need to drive across town.
I am already heading to a game today and wanted the ticket for Thursday. I had not expected to go to Thursdays game but it is an early game and it will not make me too tired for working the following day. Plus, I love baseball!
Last night I entered Ebay for the first time in years. I had a bit of a problem with Ebay in the past. I ordered and bid on everything and had packages coming in everyday so I had to stop. It does get addictive! I returned because I have been wanting to purchase Battlestar Gallacta the complete series (I know geek - right). It has been $149-$159 on Amazon forever, but last night I picked it up for a cool $90 - sweet!
I thought about looking for Star Trek Voyager, but I should stop while I am ahead!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
too much...
Ever want to shake someone? I mean shake some freakin sense into them? It is so easy to be outside a problem and have the clarity of sight to dissect exactly what needs to be done.
I have a few friends with problems who continue making the same bad choices over and over again. It reminds me of the saying by Mark Twain, "if you always do what you have always done you will always get what you always got".
One friend likes the adult beverages a bit too much. He has a long history of problems associated with his drinking. There have been arrests, jail time, crashes, a lost job and finally the revocation of his license. He is fortunate that in all his drinking and driving in the past there was not real damage done. He no longer drives and for a good 4 years he stopped drinking completely. However, he now feels some beer and wine is not that bad and that he can handle it.
He can't handle it! Sure he is okay with a drink or two in a social situation, but his problem is that once he starts drinking he is unable to stop. I have seen him go through bottles of wine and over a case of beer in on binge. He is a friend and I have told him that I don't like his drinking and will no longer have anything to do with him when he starts getting drunk. It saddens me, because I know where he is heading. Nothing good ever comes from doing anything to excess.
I cannot keep nagging him and I am afraid I am getting to the point where I will have to walk away from a friendship because I do not want to see where this will end.
The other friend that needs a good shaking it one of my favorite people. In fact, her and her husband are two of my favorite people, but trouble has landed at their doorstep. They have been married 18 years and about two years ago my friend discovered her husband had been having an affair. Not a one night stand, but a full blown affair that went on for months. My friend was shattered. The couple have children and she only works part-time and thoughts of what to do next nearly crippled her with fear.
She had always been suspicious in the past as there where slip ups on his part. Secret emails, flirting and she busted him for kissing another woman years back. But the affair took her legs out from under her. They worked through it and he was not to see the other woman again (did I mention the other woman was married) and he re-devoted himself to her and their marriage.
We all know that men always learn from their mistakes. Oh I wish that were true. Fast forward to three months ago and another little secret gets revealed. The guy is still carrying on with the woman he had the affair with and my friend is again devastated. She tells me that she thinks she should get out of the marriage that she has no trust for this man. I feel so bad for her and seriously want to shake the shit out of him. He has turned from a really great guy to a selfish, self-absorbed, idiot! I do not know what my friend will do. Financially she cannot afford to pick up the children and leave, but her sanity cannot take staying.
Did I mention he had other slip ups along the way? Some she knows of and a couple that she doesn't.
I feel bad that I have not called or written to see what she is going to do, but I really do not know what to say to her. Plus, I just feel so bad for what she is going through.
I have a few friends with problems who continue making the same bad choices over and over again. It reminds me of the saying by Mark Twain, "if you always do what you have always done you will always get what you always got".
One friend likes the adult beverages a bit too much. He has a long history of problems associated with his drinking. There have been arrests, jail time, crashes, a lost job and finally the revocation of his license. He is fortunate that in all his drinking and driving in the past there was not real damage done. He no longer drives and for a good 4 years he stopped drinking completely. However, he now feels some beer and wine is not that bad and that he can handle it.
He can't handle it! Sure he is okay with a drink or two in a social situation, but his problem is that once he starts drinking he is unable to stop. I have seen him go through bottles of wine and over a case of beer in on binge. He is a friend and I have told him that I don't like his drinking and will no longer have anything to do with him when he starts getting drunk. It saddens me, because I know where he is heading. Nothing good ever comes from doing anything to excess.
I cannot keep nagging him and I am afraid I am getting to the point where I will have to walk away from a friendship because I do not want to see where this will end.
The other friend that needs a good shaking it one of my favorite people. In fact, her and her husband are two of my favorite people, but trouble has landed at their doorstep. They have been married 18 years and about two years ago my friend discovered her husband had been having an affair. Not a one night stand, but a full blown affair that went on for months. My friend was shattered. The couple have children and she only works part-time and thoughts of what to do next nearly crippled her with fear.
She had always been suspicious in the past as there where slip ups on his part. Secret emails, flirting and she busted him for kissing another woman years back. But the affair took her legs out from under her. They worked through it and he was not to see the other woman again (did I mention the other woman was married) and he re-devoted himself to her and their marriage.
We all know that men always learn from their mistakes. Oh I wish that were true. Fast forward to three months ago and another little secret gets revealed. The guy is still carrying on with the woman he had the affair with and my friend is again devastated. She tells me that she thinks she should get out of the marriage that she has no trust for this man. I feel so bad for her and seriously want to shake the shit out of him. He has turned from a really great guy to a selfish, self-absorbed, idiot! I do not know what my friend will do. Financially she cannot afford to pick up the children and leave, but her sanity cannot take staying.
Did I mention he had other slip ups along the way? Some she knows of and a couple that she doesn't.
I feel bad that I have not called or written to see what she is going to do, but I really do not know what to say to her. Plus, I just feel so bad for what she is going through.
Monday, April 19, 2010
I heart Chilis...
I admit it, I am hooked! Addicted to the tasty chips and salsa - that includes free refills and chips to go. Taken in by the lovely and helpful servers who tend to my every whim. Filled with elation as I am recognized every time I enter the restaurant. My name is Rob and I am a Chili's-aholic!
I tend to visit my local Chili's about once a week - sometimes twice. See, I do not always like to cook and the restaurant I hit is located in my favorite part of town. I usually hit Chili's and go across the way to the Giant Eagle and do a little grocery shopping. Or I can go the other direction and buy some dog food/treats at the WalMart. Sometimes I find it necessary to stop in the local package store and stock up on Cabernet or something else to chill with in the late evenings.
So here is the deal! Chili's has a wonderful group of servers who are always so nice and over the past year or so they know what I want before I even ask for it. I always have the bean burger on a wheat bun with a tall Sam Adams! It is the all time perfect meal! I get all giddy even thinking about it!
Mind you I am not a big fan of chain restaurants, but this particular one had burrowed its way into my heart.
There are other chain restaurants that provide special meals that make me smile. Carina's provides an awesome calamari, The Cheesecake Factory has the crab cake sandwich to die for and red Lobster has the worlds best lobster nachos (to be honest - I have not had them anywhere else).
So chains are not all bad. Some have even provided my tummy with some happy memories and meals!!
I tend to visit my local Chili's about once a week - sometimes twice. See, I do not always like to cook and the restaurant I hit is located in my favorite part of town. I usually hit Chili's and go across the way to the Giant Eagle and do a little grocery shopping. Or I can go the other direction and buy some dog food/treats at the WalMart. Sometimes I find it necessary to stop in the local package store and stock up on Cabernet or something else to chill with in the late evenings.
So here is the deal! Chili's has a wonderful group of servers who are always so nice and over the past year or so they know what I want before I even ask for it. I always have the bean burger on a wheat bun with a tall Sam Adams! It is the all time perfect meal! I get all giddy even thinking about it!
Mind you I am not a big fan of chain restaurants, but this particular one had burrowed its way into my heart.
There are other chain restaurants that provide special meals that make me smile. Carina's provides an awesome calamari, The Cheesecake Factory has the crab cake sandwich to die for and red Lobster has the worlds best lobster nachos (to be honest - I have not had them anywhere else).
So chains are not all bad. Some have even provided my tummy with some happy memories and meals!!
need a push...
Okay, I am in a rut. i do not know how I arrived in this situation, but I need a kick-start to make things happen.
Last year in Indiana I got motivated to lose weight and get into shape. I started eating right and exercising and the weight started to melt away. When I was working in Texas I was running 3-4 times a week and my runs were getting longer and my times were really improving. I felt great about myself and all the running allowed me to eat anything i wanted and remain slim.
Sure, I had some nagging aches and pains from all my running but I learned how to have rest days to allow me to heal. I found that it was not good for me to run more than three days in a row and that Ibuprofen helped to alleviate some of the minor aches and pains running can bring.
Leaving Texas I went to visit family in Florida and Virginia and my work outs took a bit of a holiday. I still tried to monitor what i ate and the weight stayed in check. I returned to Pittsburgh amidst the cold and slew of snow. So, gone were the 60 degree December runs in Texas and my running stopped.
In early February I started back on the treadmill. I got up to 6-8 miles 3-4 times a week on the treadmill, because it was way too icy and snowy to be running outside. I stopped my other work outs and do not really have an excuse as to why.
March came and the snow melted and I kept promising to abandon the treadmill and hit the roads, but here it is April (practically May) and I am still treadmill dependant. I still have not returned to working out and am running out of excuses. I do not know what is wrong with me.
Another bad note is that I have gained 12 pounds! Okay, 15 pounds! I am still wearing my thin clothes but without as much wiggle room. This weight gain alone should be enough to kick start my routine, but I am still rutted. I set dates to begin my routines again, but get side tracked. My last kink in the plan came when my friends and their wicked children came for a visit. Then I got bad awful sick - which I am still reeling from. However, I am off today and feel I should do something productive. It hasn't happened! In fact, I just devoured an entire package of Velveeta shells and cheese I think that counts as 50000000000 calories and about a billion fat grams. Now I just want a nap!
It doesn't help that it is cold again. Gone are the few weeks of 70-80 degree weather and replaced with 50-60s. It is hard to get motivated when it is cold out and I am still coughing up lung biscuits!
I will at least drag my ass to the treadmill today! I have to do something! Maybe I am just waiting for spring to take a firm grip and shake me out of these doldrums!
Last year in Indiana I got motivated to lose weight and get into shape. I started eating right and exercising and the weight started to melt away. When I was working in Texas I was running 3-4 times a week and my runs were getting longer and my times were really improving. I felt great about myself and all the running allowed me to eat anything i wanted and remain slim.
Sure, I had some nagging aches and pains from all my running but I learned how to have rest days to allow me to heal. I found that it was not good for me to run more than three days in a row and that Ibuprofen helped to alleviate some of the minor aches and pains running can bring.
Leaving Texas I went to visit family in Florida and Virginia and my work outs took a bit of a holiday. I still tried to monitor what i ate and the weight stayed in check. I returned to Pittsburgh amidst the cold and slew of snow. So, gone were the 60 degree December runs in Texas and my running stopped.
In early February I started back on the treadmill. I got up to 6-8 miles 3-4 times a week on the treadmill, because it was way too icy and snowy to be running outside. I stopped my other work outs and do not really have an excuse as to why.
March came and the snow melted and I kept promising to abandon the treadmill and hit the roads, but here it is April (practically May) and I am still treadmill dependant. I still have not returned to working out and am running out of excuses. I do not know what is wrong with me.
Another bad note is that I have gained 12 pounds! Okay, 15 pounds! I am still wearing my thin clothes but without as much wiggle room. This weight gain alone should be enough to kick start my routine, but I am still rutted. I set dates to begin my routines again, but get side tracked. My last kink in the plan came when my friends and their wicked children came for a visit. Then I got bad awful sick - which I am still reeling from. However, I am off today and feel I should do something productive. It hasn't happened! In fact, I just devoured an entire package of Velveeta shells and cheese I think that counts as 50000000000 calories and about a billion fat grams. Now I just want a nap!
It doesn't help that it is cold again. Gone are the few weeks of 70-80 degree weather and replaced with 50-60s. It is hard to get motivated when it is cold out and I am still coughing up lung biscuits!
I will at least drag my ass to the treadmill today! I have to do something! Maybe I am just waiting for spring to take a firm grip and shake me out of these doldrums!
torn...
I was "down staffed" for my sole weekend shift. I am not sure how I feel about it. On one hand I so did not want to go into work and be forced to work med/surg or step-down in some corner of boring hell. But, I lose an entire day of pay. I find I need funds to remain living the glamorous life!
The disturbing trend is that I am being cancelled for one shift per week. Not a trend that I am liking. To boot they cancel for four hour increments and expect me to wait around for their needs - fuck that! I am not receiving "call-pay" so why should I stick around for free. I am still seething over that bit of shit.
Anyway, I am not sure what I should do next. I am told I must stay in this horrid pool position for a full six months before I can escape. However, I do not think this idiotic place has proper cancellation policies in effect. I am full-time and there should not be a single causal or prn person working whilst I am cancelled. Part of me just wants to quit and go back to travelling.
I am torn! When I first applied to this hospital I applied for a specific position and the nurse recruiter stated she put my file in that manager's hand. Now I find out she lied to me and that manager never even knew I applied. So I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder.
I also promised to stick around the city until September and I have tix for baseball games and theater tickets. Leaving early would be like pissing the money spent on tickets down the drain. But I really hate my job and this cancel business is hitting me in the wallet.
If I voice my displeasure to the manager I am afraid i will put her on the spot. She is nice, but not the brightest bulb in the drawer and there is no way she can show me cancellations are done in a manner that is fair to me and that will cause be to rip her a new one.
So, I am sitting back for now. At least that is my plan. I am going to play it cool, but will note the future cancellations. I figure I still have a little under three months until I can escape and stirring the pot at the moment is not going to advance my evil scheme! Plus, this gig is short time anyway.
The disturbing trend is that I am being cancelled for one shift per week. Not a trend that I am liking. To boot they cancel for four hour increments and expect me to wait around for their needs - fuck that! I am not receiving "call-pay" so why should I stick around for free. I am still seething over that bit of shit.
Anyway, I am not sure what I should do next. I am told I must stay in this horrid pool position for a full six months before I can escape. However, I do not think this idiotic place has proper cancellation policies in effect. I am full-time and there should not be a single causal or prn person working whilst I am cancelled. Part of me just wants to quit and go back to travelling.
I am torn! When I first applied to this hospital I applied for a specific position and the nurse recruiter stated she put my file in that manager's hand. Now I find out she lied to me and that manager never even knew I applied. So I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder.
I also promised to stick around the city until September and I have tix for baseball games and theater tickets. Leaving early would be like pissing the money spent on tickets down the drain. But I really hate my job and this cancel business is hitting me in the wallet.
If I voice my displeasure to the manager I am afraid i will put her on the spot. She is nice, but not the brightest bulb in the drawer and there is no way she can show me cancellations are done in a manner that is fair to me and that will cause be to rip her a new one.
So, I am sitting back for now. At least that is my plan. I am going to play it cool, but will note the future cancellations. I figure I still have a little under three months until I can escape and stirring the pot at the moment is not going to advance my evil scheme! Plus, this gig is short time anyway.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
home cooking....
I was inspired today to make something at home. I have been eating out way too often and today was time to do it up in the kitchen old school. So I decided to make my specialty - spaghetti!
I am particular and unusual in exactly how I like my spaghetti. Mine is anything like a tradionalist would have it and that is just fine with me. Spaghetti is one dish I NEVER order from any restaurant. I find restaurant spaghetti akin to squirting ketchup on noodles with very little flavor and absolutely no kick! The kick is the key!!
Foods that have spice and heat are near and dear to my heart. If I have a meal that puts fire to my mouth and causes my face to sweat - then I am one happy camper. However, todays version of spaghetti was toned down a bit due to my friend who decided to come by and sup with me.
I am particular and unusual in exactly how I like my spaghetti. Mine is anything like a tradionalist would have it and that is just fine with me. Spaghetti is one dish I NEVER order from any restaurant. I find restaurant spaghetti akin to squirting ketchup on noodles with very little flavor and absolutely no kick! The kick is the key!!
Foods that have spice and heat are near and dear to my heart. If I have a meal that puts fire to my mouth and causes my face to sweat - then I am one happy camper. However, todays version of spaghetti was toned down a bit due to my friend who decided to come by and sup with me.
Spaghetti - My Way!
3 stalks of celery diced (celery was getting old and needed to be used).
1 large red onion - loosely diced
3-4 anchovies
1 jar prego - as a base
2 cans tomato sauce
2 cans diced tomatoes
few chopped roasted red peppers (I had jar)
Garlic- as much as I had in the house
Butter
Olive oil
fresh mushrooms (again going bad soon)
2 cans mushrooms
Crystal Hot Sauce (the only great hot sauce)
Boca Crumble (cause we do not eat meat)
Normally I throw in jalapenos, but company and all.
Melt about half a stick of butted with a few tablespoons of olive oil. Add anchovies (yummy) and stir until the fishes dissolve. Now throw in the celery, garlic and onion (fresh bell pepper - if ya got) and let it sweat with some pepper and salt thrown in for good measure. Hey, I have some white wine so I will pour in a cup - oh the smell is heaven. Once the veggies have softened I pop in the prego and the cans of sauce and tomatoes. Let is come to a simmer then throw in the roasted red pepper the fresh and canned mushrooms with several angry shakes of Crystal. Seasoning as on hand - I had some Cajun penszy spice in the pantry and I threw it in. I let my sauce simmer and mix every now and then until ready to serve. I had an old parmigan rind I threw in the sauce, some basil and chives from the garden and that is that.
I mixed some butter, chopped garlic, minced basil, grated fresh Parmesan and pepper together to makes some tasty garlic bread.
For noodles I used some wheat noodles and dinner was served!!!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
wondering....
I am watching some random band playing on some out-there cable station. The lead singer was wearing skinny jeans and a belt. You know the skinny jeans that fit skin tight and I am not sure but I believe some even have elastic in them to help them fit snug as possible. So why would one need to wear a belt with those pants?
It got me thinking about all the kids who wore the baggy pants and never used a belt. I never got the appeal of wearing pants 20 sizes too big and have your underwear shown to the world. I grew up in the day where we tried not to expose our underwear to the public and to allow ones pants to slip down would have garnered a slap to the back of my head from my mother.
Skinny jeans do fascinate me a bit. It is for the guy making the statement, I have no muscle and have no plan to ever develop any.
The only thing worse are those who insist on wearing the skinny jeans who look very bad. The chunky girl who insist that skinny jeans should come in plus sizing.
It got me thinking about all the kids who wore the baggy pants and never used a belt. I never got the appeal of wearing pants 20 sizes too big and have your underwear shown to the world. I grew up in the day where we tried not to expose our underwear to the public and to allow ones pants to slip down would have garnered a slap to the back of my head from my mother.
Skinny jeans do fascinate me a bit. It is for the guy making the statement, I have no muscle and have no plan to ever develop any.
The only thing worse are those who insist on wearing the skinny jeans who look very bad. The chunky girl who insist that skinny jeans should come in plus sizing.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Serenity...not just for drunks..
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful worldas it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things rightif I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with HimForever in the next.
Amen.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
demons be gone...
The friends left today and with them they also took away the three ill-behaved demon-children. I have never been so happy to see a car drive out of sight in all my life. Then again I am not sure if I can lay all the blame on the children, the parents did little to curb their destructive behavior.
Now, comes the time for rest then repair. The upstairs hallway needs repainting as it is stained and scratched beyond repair from dirty little hands. The living room floor now needs refinishing as they found a way to use an ottoman as a ride and there are scratches on the cabinets and on the new counter tops. I may decide never to have children after having those little bastards in my home.
I love my friends, but I think they are failing miserably as parents! Just my two cents!
Now, comes the time for rest then repair. The upstairs hallway needs repainting as it is stained and scratched beyond repair from dirty little hands. The living room floor now needs refinishing as they found a way to use an ottoman as a ride and there are scratches on the cabinets and on the new counter tops. I may decide never to have children after having those little bastards in my home.
I love my friends, but I think they are failing miserably as parents! Just my two cents!
Friday, April 9, 2010
my weight in ...
Today has involved lots and lots of coughing and with it loads of thick tenacious phlegm. I an not one of those frail type nurses who are grossed our by or run from phlegm, but I am amazed at the amount of the junk I was bringing up.
The color also fascinated me. It variated from greenish to grayish and thick as hell. It never ended and I have gone through two tissue boxes and one roll of toilet paper. Toilet paper is always the tissue backup. So now I am propped up in bed with the trusty roll of toilet paper at my side. It makes me especially happy that I splurge of good quality toilet paper.
Did you know that phlegm contains the dead white cells used to fight off the current infection. So coughing it up a plenty is good sign. It means my immune system is kicking ass even though it took a sneaky blow to the mid-section. it is just a messy business dealing with all the little gooey wads of paper.
The color also fascinated me. It variated from greenish to grayish and thick as hell. It never ended and I have gone through two tissue boxes and one roll of toilet paper. Toilet paper is always the tissue backup. So now I am propped up in bed with the trusty roll of toilet paper at my side. It makes me especially happy that I splurge of good quality toilet paper.
Did you know that phlegm contains the dead white cells used to fight off the current infection. So coughing it up a plenty is good sign. It means my immune system is kicking ass even though it took a sneaky blow to the mid-section. it is just a messy business dealing with all the little gooey wads of paper.
day three,,,
The wicked sickness has loosened its grip upon me, but it is not totally done toying with me. This morning as I awoke to screaming children running through my home (at 0600) I decided to take my temperture. I was 102.4 and overnight I started coughing up some nasty colored lung biskets.
So I call work and tell them I am not feeling the need to come into work.
If I were working in a unit full time instead of a float position I may have forced myself to go in, but the whole thought of working step-down was way more than I could bear today.
So I am missing two full shifts and my check will me next to nothing.
So I call work and tell them I am not feeling the need to come into work.
If I were working in a unit full time instead of a float position I may have forced myself to go in, but the whole thought of working step-down was way more than I could bear today.
So I am missing two full shifts and my check will me next to nothing.
children of the corn ..
Did I mention that some friends are staying with us with their three boys under 10 years old? Now I love my friends and the children, but this is not exactly a child friendly home. Plus, these are parents who turn the children loose to run amuck and this leaves me running behind them saying no an stop.
Over the past few days I have had to remind and re-remind the children the following:
* use a cutting board when cutting on the counter top.
* close the fridge door
* please stop jumping on the stairs at 0600
* don't lock the dog in the closet
*no food or drink allowed outside the kitchen
* If you are going to hit your brother make it hard enough that he doesn't get back up
* please don't attempt to climb out the window to the roof
* don't eat the dog food
* don't play in the toilet
* where the fuck are your parents?
If I ever wanted children before those dreams are crushed now.
Over the past few days I have had to remind and re-remind the children the following:
* use a cutting board when cutting on the counter top.
* close the fridge door
* please stop jumping on the stairs at 0600
* don't lock the dog in the closet
*no food or drink allowed outside the kitchen
* If you are going to hit your brother make it hard enough that he doesn't get back up
* please don't attempt to climb out the window to the roof
* don't eat the dog food
* don't play in the toilet
* where the fuck are your parents?
If I ever wanted children before those dreams are crushed now.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
death warmed over...
I never learn the lesson. Recently I bragged to a few people about never getting sick. Well, the gods of nasty sickness have had the last laugh at my expense.
We had friends visiting this week with their dog and three very noisy children in tow. One of the wee tykes had a little stomach flu which somehow I managed to catch.
Yesterday was bad bad day. I woke up to a little dizziness which progressed to near death flu symptoms. The worst is the aching bones. The only thing that made me feel any better was sitting in a smoking' hot shower. I loaded up on Ibuprofen for the aches and diphenhydramine to help me sleep and hoped to ride out the vile and wicked virus that had taken me down.
I called into work, something I never ever do. But, I was sick and the only thing worse than being sick is being sick while working with sick people.
This morning I woke up feeling 60% better. My voice is gone to sound like Suzanne Pleshette after chain smoking two cartons of cigarettes. I have a low grade temp, but I feel I have turned the corner. I am still popping pills like Rush Limbaugh, but I have the aches under control.
I am scheduled to work tomorrow and my primary goal is to get better so that I do not need to call off for a second day in a row. You know you are really a sick puppy when the thought of returning to work sounds like a good thing.
We had friends visiting this week with their dog and three very noisy children in tow. One of the wee tykes had a little stomach flu which somehow I managed to catch.
Yesterday was bad bad day. I woke up to a little dizziness which progressed to near death flu symptoms. The worst is the aching bones. The only thing that made me feel any better was sitting in a smoking' hot shower. I loaded up on Ibuprofen for the aches and diphenhydramine to help me sleep and hoped to ride out the vile and wicked virus that had taken me down.
I called into work, something I never ever do. But, I was sick and the only thing worse than being sick is being sick while working with sick people.
This morning I woke up feeling 60% better. My voice is gone to sound like Suzanne Pleshette after chain smoking two cartons of cigarettes. I have a low grade temp, but I feel I have turned the corner. I am still popping pills like Rush Limbaugh, but I have the aches under control.
I am scheduled to work tomorrow and my primary goal is to get better so that I do not need to call off for a second day in a row. You know you are really a sick puppy when the thought of returning to work sounds like a good thing.
Friday, April 2, 2010
the ick...
Another thing....Yesterday, my shift is half over and the bowel obsessed patient's family comes in for a visit. There was the wife, who was nice enough and then the son - yikes.
Some of these patients come from the woods of West Virginia and not the sharpest knives in the drawer. The sone was a particular dunce that I could not escape from fast enough. He accompanies his mother to the unit and procedes to stop outside to room to engage in a chat with me. At one point I tell him, "go in the room and visit" so he will leave me the fuck alone. He did not take the hint, so I seek and escape route via a call light down the hall (not my patient).
The idiot follows me!! I am like WTF!!! I had to close the door to the other patient's room for this WV inbred to get the clue.
The patient only wanted his table closer to his bed and was somewhat confused when I came in and closed his door and waited a few minutes (to ensure I had escaped Jethro). Once the coase was clear, I took off in a different direction.
Some of these patients come from the woods of West Virginia and not the sharpest knives in the drawer. The sone was a particular dunce that I could not escape from fast enough. He accompanies his mother to the unit and procedes to stop outside to room to engage in a chat with me. At one point I tell him, "go in the room and visit" so he will leave me the fuck alone. He did not take the hint, so I seek and escape route via a call light down the hall (not my patient).
The idiot follows me!! I am like WTF!!! I had to close the door to the other patient's room for this WV inbred to get the clue.
The patient only wanted his table closer to his bed and was somewhat confused when I came in and closed his door and waited a few minutes (to ensure I had escaped Jethro). Once the coase was clear, I took off in a different direction.
my stupid..
About a week ago I floated to a particular part of hell know as a step-down. I had my assignment and was rounding and passing meds. Well, I had a room with two ladies who had similar names. I am running my mouth and placing their meds into the little plastic cups and handing the cups to them all at the same time.
I leave the room and sit down to chart the meds on the ancient computer system and then I realize what I have done wrong. I have mixed them up and given the wrong meds to the wrong patient. I was gobsmacked! I have never done such a stupid thing.
The funny thing was I had confused the names and called the ladies by the incorrect name and they each responded like it was their own. It is my fault for not looking closer at the wrist bands and not taking the time to make sure I was doing my job correctly.
Thankfully, their meds were remarkably similar minus a synthroid or different dose of lisinipril.
I leave the room and sit down to chart the meds on the ancient computer system and then I realize what I have done wrong. I have mixed them up and given the wrong meds to the wrong patient. I was gobsmacked! I have never done such a stupid thing.
The funny thing was I had confused the names and called the ladies by the incorrect name and they each responded like it was their own. It is my fault for not looking closer at the wrist bands and not taking the time to make sure I was doing my job correctly.
Thankfully, their meds were remarkably similar minus a synthroid or different dose of lisinipril.
blah..
yesterday was a blah of all blah shifts. This pool business is leaving me with the blahs. As a float nurse you do not get the sicker patients and this causes one to become bored and this translates into blah.
So, I go in yesterday to take an assignment so the nurse I relieve can take a heart. Ugghhhh! I want to take the heart. I miss having assignments that make me think and get me in the middle of the mess.
Instead I get two bowel obsessed patients - no kidding! One got up and back to the bedside commode 18 times in my 12 hour shift. All but one was nothing but air. I was so frustrated, exhausted and pissed off by the end of my shift that I could not get out of there fast enough. He did have one huge bowel movement, but that was not until he was in bed. I so wanted to rub his nose in it and say, "bad patient!". However, I think the hospital higher-ups would tend to frown on that type of behavior.
What really started to get to me was after all the times I helped to old fuck to and from the bed side commode not once did he say please or thank you. That type of behavior tends to wear me down and make me not care so much say if old man fell out of bed and whacked his head particularly hard.
I am hating my job! I am really hating my job and seriously looking into plan "B" whatever that will be.
So, I go in yesterday to take an assignment so the nurse I relieve can take a heart. Ugghhhh! I want to take the heart. I miss having assignments that make me think and get me in the middle of the mess.
Instead I get two bowel obsessed patients - no kidding! One got up and back to the bedside commode 18 times in my 12 hour shift. All but one was nothing but air. I was so frustrated, exhausted and pissed off by the end of my shift that I could not get out of there fast enough. He did have one huge bowel movement, but that was not until he was in bed. I so wanted to rub his nose in it and say, "bad patient!". However, I think the hospital higher-ups would tend to frown on that type of behavior.
What really started to get to me was after all the times I helped to old fuck to and from the bed side commode not once did he say please or thank you. That type of behavior tends to wear me down and make me not care so much say if old man fell out of bed and whacked his head particularly hard.
I am hating my job! I am really hating my job and seriously looking into plan "B" whatever that will be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)