The Dreaded Drawl

Two independent sources have confirmed this week that I'm developing a West Texas drawl. (NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Sip just laughed at me and gave me a hard time, but Mindy was a bit more encouraging. She said that it was probably due to the fact that I've had to learn various languages and dialects in the past few years and am used to picking up speech patterns. (Like the way I speak English when I'm in the Asian market here in town) So, hopefully this is just temporary and should I move elsewhere it will change again.

Of Bed Baths and Other Nursing School Adventures....

Today was hailed by my classmates as the dreaded bed bath day. Yes, to truly empathize with our patients we had to pair up with a classmate and give each other a sponge bath in a hospital bed while donning a lovely hospital gown. So, after a morning of watching graphic videos we went to the lab rooms in groups of 10. Luckily for us we could wear a pair of shorts under the skimpy gown and didn't have to do the COMPLETE bath. There are moments when we are going over procedures (like yesterdays long lab on bed making) that I think, "Um, what am I doing??"

So far I've still been enjoying things, but today I started to loose my calm attitude at one point when forced to practice taking a BP on a new "high-tech" mannequin. Yes, I accept the fact that my professors consider me ignorant. However, I tried to assure the proctor that the other teacher had confirmed I was very good at BPs. (How many did we do EVERY morning in our maternity clinic?!?!) Though she had set the mannequin to a certain BP in the computer that was NOT the reading I was getting. She finally consented to check and realized that indeed the mannequin was not working correctly. Finally in frustration she told me that I was fine and brushed me off.

So, there was definitely something there I need to address. I guess there is still a little defensive pride I need to be willing to lay down. Still learning...

I've made Tuesday nights my "fun" nights. Yesterday I went to a potlock thrown together at the last minute to introduce people looking for some fellowship and prayer. Afterward Della and I headed downtown.

I need to get back to my patho notes....

The First Test

Monday we have our first unit test...followed by 2 more for various subjects later in the week. The first test is always a little scary as you try to figure out what they will be asking/how its set up. I'm getting to know some of my classmates and doing short activities with them. Three of us had a hillarious time at HR getting our ID badges made. We all look like puffy, dark eyed, criminals. "Have no fear, I'm your student nurse"

I'm a member of the student nurse association and trying to be involved with various projects. This week I'll be running for class government. I can picture Andrea laughing at me as she reads that. I'll have to watch Legally Blonde for some tips. =0))

Its been a challenge to balance work and school and I'm looking at limiting my hours. They installed a bike rack at the school so I can use my car less. I'm still enjoying it. Though I have a lot of background experience, there are differences in nursing philosophy or laws that I'm having to memorize. At this point I'm not allowed to do vitals on my own without a nurse checking =0)) Funny how you go from managing cases and emergencies to being "unable" to check a pulse.

God uses people to remind me of his care...the Walmart card from mom and the card from Liza with kind words made the horrid stress at work a little more manageable. (L I just got it and I'm sending you a note)

I downloaded Misty Edwards song about Isa 49 and remind myself of God's care.

Sweet Technology & Textbooks

When I took classes in '99 we received a cd with electronic content. I wasn't too impressed. So, when we were required to buy a pile of expensive books for nursing school with this supposedly WONDERFUL new technology and electronic texts I was skeptical.

This morning the rep came to show us how it works. All I can say is WOWWWWWWWWWWW. All of my big heavy textbooks are now in my computer and I can highlight in any color...make flashcards...search all titles....make custom folders and import content. Will it make me a better nurse? Um...maybe not. However it will reduce the time I have to spend flipping to find stuff (just search all the texts in one box) and save my back from hauling all those books. Think of say picasa and itunes merging and that's the format...easy to use and good layout. Scholarships here I come. =0))I've rearranged some things in my efficiency and added a chic fold-up love seat a la Big Lots. =0))

Yeah, Its Bad (for Texas...Michiganders would laugh)

My parents in Michigan were enjoying breakfast out and watching the Weather Channel. Apparently my city was on the national spotlight for the layer of ice we have. Nursing school was closed yesterday. Unfortunately retail establishments are still open because people are addicted to their shopping...meaning I am at work every night.

Soaking It Up

Today most people were bored with the content on legal scope of practice, but I was soaking it up. After wrestling with questions of teaching students and "discussing" implications with my supervisors in my previous job I was quite frustrated. I enjoyed the discussion today and history of implications of laws.

I've thrown myself into enjoying things and I'm signed up for my first volunteer event this weekend. Tonight its American Idol night at Dellas. I'm sure a breakdown is coming in the next few weeks, but I'm soaking it up for now.

Late this afternoon I went for a run then went to pay my final installment for my hospital uniforms. I noticed a clearance bakery with corn tortillas nearby and was pleased to find a large stack for 80 cents and a GREAT selection of Bob's mixes that are gluten free!

On my way home I stopped across the street at a little consignment shop I had heard about earlier. Turns out everything was 50% off and next week will be 75%. The quality was amazing compared to the generally dumpy ghetto thrift stores we have around here.

The Snowball....

Saturday afternoon:
It took about 35 minutes for me to defrost and de-ice my car enough to face the roads and head to work. As the ice on the windshield began to melt off I noticed I had a LONG crack in my windshield. At least 14 inches coming from the bottom. Lovely.

Sunday morning:
Many churches closed and we are advised to stay off the roads. I call the glass place and get an estimate.

Monday morning:
First day of class and our school is moved to a new building. We are to arrive extra early due to the ice and due to the craziness of a new facility. When I go to my car the sun is dawning and the windchill is about 5 below.

Monday lunch:

My basmati rice that was in my lunch bag in the car is frozen. Since we get out of class early on lunch break I decide to head to Big Lots and check on the clearance sofa beds I've been watching (yes, a true sign of high society) Upon entering the parking lot I realize I have a flat tire. After futile attempts at removing the hub caps a father and daughter offer to brave the winds and assist me.

Monday after school:
Run to my apartment to change into my work uniform. Computer flashes me the "blue screen of death"...I lay hands on it and pray and the system restore pulls it back into line. I head to a tire place to get the tire reparied. Rush to work a little later than normal, but still ontime.

Monday night:
Manager informs me that I don't get a meal break since I'm not working enough projected hours tonight. Grab a drink and go back to work.

Monday later that night:
Memo on the board informs me that there was a reporting error in my time punches this weekend. I go to my boss with the proper paperwork, but am informed since I did not get this turned in before 4:30pm today I will not get paid until next month.

BUT OTHER THAN THAT IT WAS A GREAT FIRST DAY. =0)) The girl next to me in class spent a year studying abroad in a rural part of Central America and plans to join the Peace Corps or overseas travel nursing. The girl in front of me is a paramedic. As each event unfolds I'm reminded of what is really important and in the big picture God really is in control. (But man, do I have some things to say to Andrea when she steps back into Lubbock - j/k)

Sometimes You Just Need A Snow Day

This past week was hyped as my last week of freedom before nursing school. However, I spent most of it at work, in bed, or near a toilet due to the 3-day migraine I "enjoyed". The weather out here has been bad and I hope my head will lighten when the pressure outside lets up. This morning they were telling people to stay home and many churches canceled services. At first I was a bit bummed about the day, but I read some chapters in Genesis and mused about life.

After checking email and myspace and getting yet another round of wedding announcements I decided to make it a good day. I did have to venture out on some ice covered side streets to get a meal to a family at church with a new baby. However, as the afternoon wore on I decided it was just time to put on the reindeer fleece pjs and make it my personal snow day. As the stereo pumped out tunes I pulled out my scrapbook bag. I have not scrapbooked since leaving Asia. (almost a year now)

My pot of soup is brewing on the stove and perhaps I will get back to my book on the perspectives of election. Yes, this is a fun snow day. Sometimes you need that!

O, and just a note to all my TX friends...um...no one told me about all this cold and snow and ice!

Pictures of My "Holiday"

Hope C prays for me every day and had prayed I would get to visit MI for the holidays. The day after the new year dawned, three red-eye flights got me to MI to enjoy a week with family and friends. Christmas was busy for me at work, so we celebrated a bit late with gifts I brought from Texas. Mindy joined us the next day and kept me up until the crack of dawn saying , "one more episode of the Office?"Dad opening the annual gift of a wallet (i quit giving ties a few years ago)

Mom opening a few gifts for the house.
Amanda the the completely coordinated baby Kate and one of many visits to Panera Bread

Congrats!

Its official!!! Congrats to the soon-to-be Mr & Mrs "Atchow" Macad!
And those from the Trinidad team may remember Sheena ...congrats are in order for her too since she is about to pop. Such a cute momma.

Bargins!!!

As a public service to my readers I'd like to make you aware of a few sales.

For the fellow classical music nerds:
Itunes is currently offering any of YoYo Ma's CDs for $7.99

For the cheap fashionistas:
Walmart has marked down their Metro Seven skinny jeans (featured in the November issue of In Style magazine) for $11. Some are available online and I find a good selection at my local store.

A Shocking Landing

Before dawn I left my parents house and flew back to West Texas. Its hard to explain the odd feeling I had as DFW and the following puddle jumper to my town took me "home". Della picked me up and said she could relate to that weird feeling. So, we at a big lunch and caught a movie before I had to go to work. Nothing like a sappy movie in a town out in the plains to just help you with transitioning in the new year. =0)) The ride home was a bit quieter and she mused, "We don't even have ONE single guy in our church over 23...not even a weird one you could blow off...NOT ONE"

O well. School starts on Monday and I'll be busy beyond my imagination. I'll try to post about the trip to MI later.

New Years Lunch

Missing old traditions I called Amber and asked if I could take her and Chris out to lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. Yummmm...here we are huddled outside in teh cold afternoon wind.

An Unexpected Consult

When I went to work on New Years Day I expected to see young people with bloodshot eyes and headaches. However, it was my 70-some year old co-worker who came to me complaining of a migraine and hangover. People at work don't know that I've been a midwife (except for my one filippino friend) but word has gotten around that I have a few home remedies and tricks up my sleeve when they are sick. (O, and I did assisted a customer who fainted the other day)

So I asked my co-worker to tell me everything and every time he'd taken something that day. Between Asprin, Ibuprofen, Excedrin and his current meds I was pretty sure he shouldn't take any more. I recommended a large Coke and apparently it got him through. So maybe in two years when I have more letters behind my name I'll have a more technical answer, but sometimes its just the simple things that work.

The New Year

Tonight I was at work until 11pm. I'm not one prone to homesickness, but today I missed "home" and my dog so much that my stomach hurt. (Good thing I'll see them soon) There is no way I could compete with the amazing new years last year when the whole Asian city turned into one big street party. (to see pics click on Jan 2006)

Many of my friends went on a big ski vacation or were out of town, so I didn't have any plans. The guys at work were willing to take me out to get drunk, but I declined. Earlier in the afternoon I sat with people from church eating a home cooked meal and discussing Reformed Theology. So, I came to my place at about 11:30, put on my stilettos and celebrated.

I can't remember a time I've been more excited about life. I hate my job in retail and I'm really not sure what God is doing in this whole nursing thing. BUT I'M SOOOO EXCITED. As a pessimist that is quite rare. I'm just enjoying the moments! I look forward to my visit back east and starting nursing school.

Last year New Years was a great party, but I was in a weird place of not knowing what would happen in the future. Fast forward a year and I'm still not really sure, but I'm so blessed to see how the Lord walked me through treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder early in '06 and began to open a new vision in my life.

Can't wait to see what 2007 holds. My friend Crystal said she thinks 2007 will be a great year for us and I agree!!!

I'm going to try to switch to the new Blogger format, so if you don't see an update in at least a week it didn't work...so just email me and I'll give you the 411.