Until recently, my roomate and I only had 1 cabinet of food in our kitchen. Granted our kitchen is itsy-bitsy, the ratio of cooking utensils/prep-ware to the actual amount of food was comical.
About a month ago, we bought a fabulous hutch to put our dishes in, thus giving us back 1 1/2 cabinets. Despite my OCD nature, I hadn't really had any time to properly organized our newly acquired space....that us until today.
I was up at the crack of dawn and got right to work. While sorting the goods, I came across the bulgar wheat (I could have sworn I used it all up before), some dried cranberries, a few boxes of raisins, some dried mixed fruit, sesame seeds, organic clover honey, seaweed sheets for sushi rolls, and some sunflower seeds. Because they were all almost gone, I found myself annoyed. I didn't want to arrange my cabinet with a bunch of stuff that would be used up soon, leaving the cabinets again disorganized.
And so I began to think...what could I make? Well aside from the seaweed sheets, what about something warm for breakfast? Adding a few other basic ingredients, here is what I came up with:
Baked Fruited Bulgar Wheat
1 1/4 c. bulgar wheat
1 c. milk (vanilla soy, plain, or cow's milk)
1 egg
1TB melted margarine
1 TB honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 c brown sugar
* 1/3 c raisins
*1/3 c. dried cranberries
*1/3 c. chopped dried pineapple (unsweetened)
*1/4 c. sunflower seeds
*1/4 c. chopped Walnuts
Oven to 350
1. Whisk the melted margarine, egg, milk, vanilla, and honey in a large bowl.
2. Mix together bulgar wheat, cinnamon, baking powder, and sugar
3. Fold the dry mix into the egg mixture
4. Once folded, stir in the fruit, nuts, and seeds with a fork
5. Pour mixture into baking dish prepared with no-stick spray
6. Cook in oven for 15-20 minutes...avoid over drying.
7. Remove! Enjoy! Warm up!
Let me know your thoughts. Feedback always welcomed. :)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
About a Scorpio
I'm not into Astrology, but today I found myself reading my daily horoscpe in the newspaper. It was spot on for my day and week. It got me thinking, and so I "googled" what my sign says about me. Since the least exciting part of my life (lately) is my love life, I thought I'd check out what sort of wisdom the astrological gods could bestow upon me. Read on:
*Commentary: Umm, I'm so not aggressive and I AM sensitive. I love deeply and always try to see the best in people. I seldom get visibly angry, I usually don't say anything; I hate conflict and would prefer to forgo an argument.It takes a lot to make to blow my blow....but let's just hope you aren't on the receiving end.
*Commentary: This horoscope is more accurate than the first. I am determined and intuitive. We all know, from my previous posts, that I am slightly obsessive and compulsive (clean sink anyone?)
Source #1
The first thing that you will notice about a Scorpion is the spellbinding gaze of his/her eyes. It will look as if they are piercing deep into your soul and getting access to your deepest feelings. Indecisiveness is not a scorpion trait. Their answers are either yes or no. They are passionate in love and can hate with equal aggressiveness. Flattery is not their cup of tea. People born under the Scorpio zodiac sign find it difficult to emote and they hardly display any visible emotions like blushing or frowning. Others opinion hardly matter to them as they know what they are.
Scorpio Love Traits
Scorpios are extremely passionate as well as loyal in any relationship.
They have a very magnetic personality that makes people notice them when they walk by.
You can lose yourself trying to understand their mysterious personality.
They tend to overlook even the biggest faults of the people they love.
Their sensitive side is seldom displayed. It is normally kept buried under an aggressive persona.
*Commentary: Umm, I'm so not aggressive and I AM sensitive. I love deeply and always try to see the best in people. I seldom get visibly angry, I usually don't say anything; I hate conflict and would prefer to forgo an argument.It takes a lot to make to blow my blow....but let's just hope you aren't on the receiving end.
Source #2
Scorpio Positive Traits:
Determined and forceful
Emotional and intuitive
Powerful and passionate
Exciting and magnetic
Scorpio Negative Traits:
Jealous and resentful
Compulsive and obsessive
Secretive and obstinate
Scorpio Personality Profile
The sun sign Scorpio is one of the most powerful astrological signs in the zodiac. Dynamic and forceful, they make excelent leaders. One the list of famous Scorpio people on the left you will find several leaders. This is what they do best, lead. They are very determined and forceful, and do not accept failure as an option. It is not a good idea to get on Scorpio's bad side!
Only one thing hurt's scorpio, and that is their tendency to be emotional. However, being extremely intuitive, it helps them deal with this, and even gives them a physic edge in some situation. They live hard and love hard, and give their hearts fully and unconditionally. Woe be the one to break Scorpio's heart! There will be a price, the sting of this scorpion can be deadly!
Powerful, passionate, exciting and magnetic, these people also make some of the best sales and marketing gurus when they decide to enter this field. They also do well as stock brokers and finacial advisers because they are not afraid to question anything, and look outside the box and think creatively.
Scorpio does have a problem with jealousy sometimes, and they really do have to work on it. Most of them will require proof before actually accusing, but some will go with their instinct. Since they are so intuitive, sometimes they "know" without proof, so if you are with a Scorpio, stay true or get out, because your secret (if you have one) will not stay secret for long.
*Commentary: This horoscope is more accurate than the first. I am determined and intuitive. We all know, from my previous posts, that I am slightly obsessive and compulsive (clean sink anyone?)
Because it's time for 4 Foods on Friday
Here are this week’s four questions.
#1. Do you ever use scissors to cut any foods? Which? Raw or cooked?
the only thing I can ever remember using sciscors for was to cut gum drops for my gradmothers special gumdrop cookies. I'd share the recipe, but she'd turn in her grave if I gave away her secret.
#2. Popcorn. Homemade, microwave, bagged, hot, cold. How do you like it?
Homemade airpopped with I Can't Believe it's Not Butter Spray and a little bit of salt! Yum!
#3. Sushi. Love it or hate it?
Despite not eating anything that Moos, Baahs, Oinks, Clucks, etc, I will dive into some delicious sushi! My favorite: Ahi Tuna sashimi, Rainbow Roll, and Sweet Potato tempura (so worry the artery clogging).
#4. Share a dessert recipe.
I came up with this recipe when I suddenly found myself with an apartment full of friends craving something light, sweet, and guilt free! (This is New York afterall, haha.)
Strawberry Cream Delight
1- package of strawberries
1 -bag of Heaven Scent All natural Vanilla Wafers
1- box (4 serving size) of sugar free/fat free Vanilla Jello Pudding Mix
3- cups of Stoney field All Natural Fat free Vanilla Yogurt
-Arrange wafers around bottom rim of bowl (stacked liked toppling dominos)
-Take about 10 of the wafers and break them up into pieces (not crumbs) and place in the center of wafer ring.
-Mix the pudding into the 3 cups of yogurt- stir well, and let sit for 5 minutes
-Chop 1/3 of the strawberries; slice the tops off the remaining 2/3 (set aside)
-Pour 1/3 of the pudding over the wafers, then sprinkle the chopped strawberries over the pudding
-Cover with the rest of the pudding.
-Place strawberries in decorative fashion on the top pudding layer
-Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving (it helps soften the wafers).
Once again, go here to join Valmg's meme.
#1. Do you ever use scissors to cut any foods? Which? Raw or cooked?
the only thing I can ever remember using sciscors for was to cut gum drops for my gradmothers special gumdrop cookies. I'd share the recipe, but she'd turn in her grave if I gave away her secret.
#2. Popcorn. Homemade, microwave, bagged, hot, cold. How do you like it?
Homemade airpopped with I Can't Believe it's Not Butter Spray and a little bit of salt! Yum!
#3. Sushi. Love it or hate it?
Despite not eating anything that Moos, Baahs, Oinks, Clucks, etc, I will dive into some delicious sushi! My favorite: Ahi Tuna sashimi, Rainbow Roll, and Sweet Potato tempura (so worry the artery clogging).
#4. Share a dessert recipe.
I came up with this recipe when I suddenly found myself with an apartment full of friends craving something light, sweet, and guilt free! (This is New York afterall, haha.)
Strawberry Cream Delight
1- package of strawberries
1 -bag of Heaven Scent All natural Vanilla Wafers
1- box (4 serving size) of sugar free/fat free Vanilla Jello Pudding Mix
3- cups of Stoney field All Natural Fat free Vanilla Yogurt
-Arrange wafers around bottom rim of bowl (stacked liked toppling dominos)
-Take about 10 of the wafers and break them up into pieces (not crumbs) and place in the center of wafer ring.
-Mix the pudding into the 3 cups of yogurt- stir well, and let sit for 5 minutes
-Chop 1/3 of the strawberries; slice the tops off the remaining 2/3 (set aside)
-Pour 1/3 of the pudding over the wafers, then sprinkle the chopped strawberries over the pudding
-Cover with the rest of the pudding.
-Place strawberries in decorative fashion on the top pudding layer
-Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving (it helps soften the wafers).
Once again, go here to join Valmg's meme.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
*OVERHEARD*
Today while waiting for my physical with my new doctor, who is fabulous BTW, I was sitting in the waiting room minding my own business. New York was hit with a slushy/snow mess Thursday night, so I got stuck at work until 11 am Friday morning (yuppers a 15 hour shift).
Because my appointment was across the street at 11:30, I didn't bother to walk home, shower, change, etc...it was too gross out. I looked LOVELY, mind you, but I digress.
As with most inclement weather, the physician was running behind, so I had plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds of the waiting room. Although the cast of patients were entertaining to watch, people's snow attire never ceases to amaze me, I was flabbergasted at the unprofessional ism of the front desk staff.
Maybe it had to do with the layout of the office, but I overheard every single word of the clerical staff's PERSONAL phone calls and they were so inappropriate. One clerk was on the phone referring to "how gay" the person was (I don't think she was referring to a jovial state). The other clerk proceeded to give a patient the pointer finger ("1 minute") as she gabbed on and on about the boyfriend of her friend and how he's a low-life, dead beat, etc. Real nice, hunh? When the first clerk was done "gay-a-fying" the first person, she then went on to start calling everything "retarded." Call me old fashioned, but the inappropriate use of those two terms/free interchange with generation X slang, is not okay.
When did "gay" become an acceptable adjective to describe something that isn't quite to one's own taste/satisfaction? Why is something that you don't agree with or asaine "retarded"?
Let's take a look at what dictionary.com has to say about these choice words:
GAY
RETARDED
Umm, okay, see what I mean. It's fascinating to look at how language has evolved and how common place words can be used in such a derogatory and offensive manner.
Before I climb down off my soap box, I'd just like to a take a minute to remind you to think before you speak. You never who is listening or who you could offend.
OK, Thanks!
Because my appointment was across the street at 11:30, I didn't bother to walk home, shower, change, etc...it was too gross out. I looked LOVELY, mind you, but I digress.
As with most inclement weather, the physician was running behind, so I had plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds of the waiting room. Although the cast of patients were entertaining to watch, people's snow attire never ceases to amaze me, I was flabbergasted at the unprofessional ism of the front desk staff.
Maybe it had to do with the layout of the office, but I overheard every single word of the clerical staff's PERSONAL phone calls and they were so inappropriate. One clerk was on the phone referring to "how gay" the person was (I don't think she was referring to a jovial state). The other clerk proceeded to give a patient the pointer finger ("1 minute") as she gabbed on and on about the boyfriend of her friend and how he's a low-life, dead beat, etc. Real nice, hunh? When the first clerk was done "gay-a-fying" the first person, she then went on to start calling everything "retarded." Call me old fashioned, but the inappropriate use of those two terms/free interchange with generation X slang, is not okay.
When did "gay" become an acceptable adjective to describe something that isn't quite to one's own taste/satisfaction? Why is something that you don't agree with or asaine "retarded"?
Let's take a look at what dictionary.com has to say about these choice words:
GAY
gay Pronunciation Key - [gey]
Pronunciation adjective,[gey]+ -er, -est, noun, adverb
–adjective 1. having or showing a merry, lively mood: gay spirits; gay music.
2. bright or showy: gay colors; gay ornaments.
3. given to or abounding in social or other pleasures: a gay social season.
4. licentious; dissipated; wanton: The baron is a gay old rogue with an eye for the ladies.
5. homosexual.
6. of, indicating, or supporting homosexual interests or issues: a gay organization.
–noun 7. a homosexual person, esp. a male.
–adverb 8. in a gay manner.
RETARDED
re·tard 1 (rĭ-tärd') Pronunciation Key
v. re·tard·ed, re·tard·ing, re·tards
v. tr.
To cause to move or proceed slowly; delay or impede.
v. intr.
To be delayed.
n.
A slowing down or hindering of progress; a delay.
Music A slackening of tempo.
Umm, okay, see what I mean. It's fascinating to look at how language has evolved and how common place words can be used in such a derogatory and offensive manner.
Before I climb down off my soap box, I'd just like to a take a minute to remind you to think before you speak. You never who is listening or who you could offend.
OK, Thanks!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
* 4 Foods on Friday* You should play too!
#1. Steak. Plain, steak sauce, hot sauce, ketchup or something else?
Well I'm a vegeterian, so no steak for me, but I'll put ketchup on just about anything.
#2. Water. Flavored, plain, carbonated. How do you like it?
There is nothing as refreshing as an ice cold glass of plain water that you can gulp down.
#3. What’s your favorite kind of waffle?
Homemade Belgian with fresh banana and natual maple syrup....yum!!
#4. If you could have any one new small appliance for your kitchen what would it be and why?
Kitchen Aid stand mixer. I've always wnated one, but growing up my mom used her grandmothers antique relic hand mixer, and now I don't have the counter space for it. But every time I see Ina Garden on Barefoot Contessa use hers, always making it look fun and care free, I yearn for one. And lets face it...she make some pretty yummy food!
If you want to join the meme, go here
Well I'm a vegeterian, so no steak for me, but I'll put ketchup on just about anything.
#2. Water. Flavored, plain, carbonated. How do you like it?
There is nothing as refreshing as an ice cold glass of plain water that you can gulp down.
#3. What’s your favorite kind of waffle?
Homemade Belgian with fresh banana and natual maple syrup....yum!!
#4. If you could have any one new small appliance for your kitchen what would it be and why?
Kitchen Aid stand mixer. I've always wnated one, but growing up my mom used her grandmothers antique relic hand mixer, and now I don't have the counter space for it. But every time I see Ina Garden on Barefoot Contessa use hers, always making it look fun and care free, I yearn for one. And lets face it...she make some pretty yummy food!
If you want to join the meme, go here
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Status Quo
No real improvement on the health front. Although I finally stopped throwing up,my body still aches, my head hurts, the thought of food makes me gag, and all I do is sleep. Correct me if I'm wrong, but any normal person would call these days a wash and just move on. However, I feel the need to whine, so bear with me....
-Why now!?!? These are my first days off since January 19th.
-My normal eating habits are my enemy now. Normal staples in my diet: fresh fruit and veggies, hummus, hard boiled eggs, Kashi Vive cereal, soy milk.....NONE of these appeal to a churning stomach...crudite with hard-boiled eggs for dinner? Not so much.
-I haven't gone to the gym in 2 days....I'm going crazy...my trainer actually called to see if I was okay...my face is that familiar to that place
-I've taken 4 showers in 2 days...each one gets longer and longer making it harder and harder to get out, I just can't get warm
-I've been wearing the same sweatpants and tank top for 2 days
-I've drank 2 Liters of Diet Ginger Ale, I feel like I fell off the wagon....I don't even like ginger ale!
-At least 7 people have offered me Chicken Soup....I REALLY appreciate the sentiment, but think about what you are offering :)
Okay, those are my gripes. thanks for reading. hopefully nurse kelly will be back in action soon.
-Why now!?!? These are my first days off since January 19th.
-My normal eating habits are my enemy now. Normal staples in my diet: fresh fruit and veggies, hummus, hard boiled eggs, Kashi Vive cereal, soy milk.....NONE of these appeal to a churning stomach...crudite with hard-boiled eggs for dinner? Not so much.
-I haven't gone to the gym in 2 days....I'm going crazy...my trainer actually called to see if I was okay...my face is that familiar to that place
-I've taken 4 showers in 2 days...each one gets longer and longer making it harder and harder to get out, I just can't get warm
-I've been wearing the same sweatpants and tank top for 2 days
-I've drank 2 Liters of Diet Ginger Ale, I feel like I fell off the wagon....I don't even like ginger ale!
-At least 7 people have offered me Chicken Soup....I REALLY appreciate the sentiment, but think about what you are offering :)
Okay, those are my gripes. thanks for reading. hopefully nurse kelly will be back in action soon.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Under the Weather
I made it through my four in a row without incident. It was a lovely four night stint. I had the same 3 or kids; I knew their routine, got along well with the families, it was satisfying to go to work. Despite the fact that all of my kids were febrile and having diarrhea and/or vomiting, I continued about my work. I took all the correct precautions: gloves, gown, & cap, plus surgical mask during burn care. Life went on.
My schedule really hasn't allowed me to see much of my friends, as I have worked every single weekend since the beginning of January, so I made plans to have the girls over for dinner on Monday night. (All those 9-5'ers had the day off!) Because I would be off for the next 3 days, I wanted to switch back to a day schedule meaning I wouldn’t sleep until Monday night (yes, after 32 hours of being awake). Not having had time to buy anything at the store, I figured that I would get it on Monday morning after I left work. And that is just what I did.
I left work, huge grin on my face, came home and changed, went to the gym, sweated out all my stress and frustration, and then went to the market to get the goods for dinner.
What was on the menu?
Pesto Goat Cheese Crustini
Honey Balsamic Pork Medallions
Caramelized Onions
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Spinach Salad w/ Goat cheese, Craisins and Oranges Mandarin Sesame Dressing
Anyways...after coming home from the market I showered and read for a little bit. (Check out this good read!) I decided that I really needed a manicure and pedicure, so I left to treat myself to a little fixing up. When I got there my mouth felt dry, like I had a cotton ball stuck in the back of my throat. I tried drinking water, but it only made me feel sick. Oh well. I relaxed in the massage chair and closed my eyes. next thing I know, the manicurist is shaking me to wake up. I moved over to the table and she did my finger nails.
I came home to finish dinner. I had done most of the prep work earlier but now I was just not feeling well. I was a little achy and my head was pounding. While standing at the counter, the smell of the food was making me nauseous. I threw the pork in the oven and lied down...6:50p.m.
7:10 p.m. -Uh, oh....run into bathroom and vomit, violently, everything in my empty stomach...stomach juice, yum. But boy do I feel better. *It's too late to cal the girls, plus what the heck will I do with this carnivorous delight?*
Brush my teeth, wash my face and hands, finish dinner...smells still churning my stomach.
7:40p.m.- Liz arrives. I greet her, we chat for a minute....here comes the nausea...excuse myself to the bathroom, heave, get sick, heave, get sick, heave ...funny, I didn't think there was anything left. Brush teeth, wash face.
7:47- Ellen arrives. We chat, and wait for Lilly.
7:55- Lilly arrives, the girls chow down on appetizers. I'm sitting on the couch, my vision is a little blurry, I continue to make conversation. I can't stomach any food. I sip water.
8p.m.- dinner is served. It was so good to catch up with the girls. It made me realize how much I miss seeing them. Then, like something out of a movie, we all made a pact that at age 25 (oh so far away, haha) we are taking a week long trip to Sonoma Wine country. Only detail decided upon, we will be hiring a driver...no drunk driving for us!
8:45p.m.- clearing the table, dishes in sink, girls eating dessert. I excuse myself again...sick again. This time it came out my nose. Oh God, it's burning my eye balls.
9p.m.- girls decided to call it a night. We say our goodbyes and I send them home with the leftovers. We joke, "Hey. You have my Tupperware, good excuse to meet up again soon!"
9:02p.m.- I put on sweatpants, a long sleeve shirt, a fleece, and wool socks. I take my temperature, lie on the couch....no fever, but I have the chills
9:30p.m.- my roommate comes home, fully expecting to see all my friends and looks at me...I looked like death.
I need some fresh air, plus something to drink, so I walk across the street to the pharmacy. I bought out the Propel and (brace yourself) diet giner ale. Yup, after 9 months of no soda, I had to break down...something needs to settle my stomach (or so I hoped).
I knew I was sick...I left all the dirty dishes in the sink.
I lied on the couch for three hours fighting off the nausea waves. I eventually crawled into bed, but son was stripping off all my clothes, I broke out into a sweat. (Seriously, dehydration is imminent). I drink a bottle of propel and lie back down.
1:15a.m.- Sit up, lean over trash barrel, vomit all that propel. My head is spinning, my heart is racing, ugh, I feel like death.
2a.m.- chills again
3a.m.- get sick again...at this point, I'm just throwing up water.
5a.m.- get out of bed to take some Advil, my head is pounding....let's hope it stays down.
9a.m.- wake up, drink some ginger ale, go back to bed
2p.m.- wake up, feel like shit, get out of bed, move to couch, try to eat something....no such like
And here I am now. Still sitting on the couch, unable to focus on much of anything. I know I'm sick, I’m skipping the gym today.
And as I sit here, slowly passing away the day, I ask you...Who's going to play nurse to the nurse?
My schedule really hasn't allowed me to see much of my friends, as I have worked every single weekend since the beginning of January, so I made plans to have the girls over for dinner on Monday night. (All those 9-5'ers had the day off!) Because I would be off for the next 3 days, I wanted to switch back to a day schedule meaning I wouldn’t sleep until Monday night (yes, after 32 hours of being awake). Not having had time to buy anything at the store, I figured that I would get it on Monday morning after I left work. And that is just what I did.
I left work, huge grin on my face, came home and changed, went to the gym, sweated out all my stress and frustration, and then went to the market to get the goods for dinner.
What was on the menu?
Pesto Goat Cheese Crustini
Honey Balsamic Pork Medallions
Caramelized Onions
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Spinach Salad w/ Goat cheese, Craisins and Oranges Mandarin Sesame Dressing
Anyways...after coming home from the market I showered and read for a little bit. (Check out this good read!) I decided that I really needed a manicure and pedicure, so I left to treat myself to a little fixing up. When I got there my mouth felt dry, like I had a cotton ball stuck in the back of my throat. I tried drinking water, but it only made me feel sick. Oh well. I relaxed in the massage chair and closed my eyes. next thing I know, the manicurist is shaking me to wake up. I moved over to the table and she did my finger nails.
I came home to finish dinner. I had done most of the prep work earlier but now I was just not feeling well. I was a little achy and my head was pounding. While standing at the counter, the smell of the food was making me nauseous. I threw the pork in the oven and lied down...6:50p.m.
7:10 p.m. -Uh, oh....run into bathroom and vomit, violently, everything in my empty stomach...stomach juice, yum. But boy do I feel better. *It's too late to cal the girls, plus what the heck will I do with this carnivorous delight?*
Brush my teeth, wash my face and hands, finish dinner...smells still churning my stomach.
7:40p.m.- Liz arrives. I greet her, we chat for a minute....here comes the nausea...excuse myself to the bathroom, heave, get sick, heave, get sick, heave ...funny, I didn't think there was anything left. Brush teeth, wash face.
7:47- Ellen arrives. We chat, and wait for Lilly.
7:55- Lilly arrives, the girls chow down on appetizers. I'm sitting on the couch, my vision is a little blurry, I continue to make conversation. I can't stomach any food. I sip water.
8p.m.- dinner is served. It was so good to catch up with the girls. It made me realize how much I miss seeing them. Then, like something out of a movie, we all made a pact that at age 25 (oh so far away, haha) we are taking a week long trip to Sonoma Wine country. Only detail decided upon, we will be hiring a driver...no drunk driving for us!
8:45p.m.- clearing the table, dishes in sink, girls eating dessert. I excuse myself again...sick again. This time it came out my nose. Oh God, it's burning my eye balls.
9p.m.- girls decided to call it a night. We say our goodbyes and I send them home with the leftovers. We joke, "Hey. You have my Tupperware, good excuse to meet up again soon!"
9:02p.m.- I put on sweatpants, a long sleeve shirt, a fleece, and wool socks. I take my temperature, lie on the couch....no fever, but I have the chills
9:30p.m.- my roommate comes home, fully expecting to see all my friends and looks at me...I looked like death.
I need some fresh air, plus something to drink, so I walk across the street to the pharmacy. I bought out the Propel and (brace yourself) diet giner ale. Yup, after 9 months of no soda, I had to break down...something needs to settle my stomach (or so I hoped).
I knew I was sick...I left all the dirty dishes in the sink.
I lied on the couch for three hours fighting off the nausea waves. I eventually crawled into bed, but son was stripping off all my clothes, I broke out into a sweat. (Seriously, dehydration is imminent). I drink a bottle of propel and lie back down.
1:15a.m.- Sit up, lean over trash barrel, vomit all that propel. My head is spinning, my heart is racing, ugh, I feel like death.
2a.m.- chills again
3a.m.- get sick again...at this point, I'm just throwing up water.
5a.m.- get out of bed to take some Advil, my head is pounding....let's hope it stays down.
9a.m.- wake up, drink some ginger ale, go back to bed
2p.m.- wake up, feel like shit, get out of bed, move to couch, try to eat something....no such like
And here I am now. Still sitting on the couch, unable to focus on much of anything. I know I'm sick, I’m skipping the gym today.
And as I sit here, slowly passing away the day, I ask you...Who's going to play nurse to the nurse?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
wHeN uP iS dOwN aNd DoWn Is Up
Yes, that is how I feel today. I just can't quite reach normalcy. Do you know those kinds of days? I feel like I'm just floating through the motions of life...in auto pilot.
Work has been fine, but tonight is my 4th night in a row and I think I'm hitting a wall...actaully, I know am
First of all, I don't really remember getting home from work Sunday morning; However, I do recall saying to L as I left the hospital, "I feel drunk. Like I'm just floating along. I'm in that happy place." (That 'happy place'...is really exhaustion.)
When I got home from work this (Sunday) morning, I showered, put on my pajamas, set my alarm for 2:15p.m., and crawled into bed. I think I was asleep in approximatly 0.2seconds because I don't even remeber closing my eyes. Next thing I know, I sit straight up in bed and look around my room frantically...searing for that pump, that vent, that monitor that is alarming. But I see nothing. I take a look down at what I'm wearing and my heart skips a beat... pink and green plaid flannel pants! wool socks! Fleece top!! Wear are my scrubs? I'm going to get written up by JACHO for not wearing my surgical cap and hospital issued scrubs!
I jump out of bed and look around...then I realize that I'm at home and not at work. But what is that sound? Ah-ha! I start banging my alarm clock but it won't stop beeping. I'm hitting every button but it just won't stop. Wait, it's only 1p.m. it can't be my alarm clock. Ah-ha! My cell phone, I pick up the gadget that is now vibrating across my bookshelf; I flip it open; I drop it; I disconnect the person. Whoops. I check the number, it's C. What do they want? I call them back. I think our converstaion went something like this..."Yes, I did work last night. Yes, I was sleeping. No, I'm not going to the gym quite yet. Yes, I think later would be a better time to chat. Bye." (Sorry C, I wasn't mad at you, just a bit disoriented. We'll chat real soon, I promise.)
I ended up sleeping until 2:15, went to the gym, showered, made some food to bring to work, grabbed some coffee, made my "commute" (oh that agony of walking 5 blocks!LOL).
The workout and coffee helped, but I'm still a little foggy. Oh well, c'est le vie.
Thanks for reading (typing and spelling and all)!
Work has been fine, but tonight is my 4th night in a row and I think I'm hitting a wall...actaully, I know am
First of all, I don't really remember getting home from work Sunday morning; However, I do recall saying to L as I left the hospital, "I feel drunk. Like I'm just floating along. I'm in that happy place." (That 'happy place'...is really exhaustion.)
When I got home from work this (Sunday) morning, I showered, put on my pajamas, set my alarm for 2:15p.m., and crawled into bed. I think I was asleep in approximatly 0.2seconds because I don't even remeber closing my eyes. Next thing I know, I sit straight up in bed and look around my room frantically...searing for that pump, that vent, that monitor that is alarming. But I see nothing. I take a look down at what I'm wearing and my heart skips a beat... pink and green plaid flannel pants! wool socks! Fleece top!! Wear are my scrubs? I'm going to get written up by JACHO for not wearing my surgical cap and hospital issued scrubs!
I jump out of bed and look around...then I realize that I'm at home and not at work. But what is that sound? Ah-ha! I start banging my alarm clock but it won't stop beeping. I'm hitting every button but it just won't stop. Wait, it's only 1p.m. it can't be my alarm clock. Ah-ha! My cell phone, I pick up the gadget that is now vibrating across my bookshelf; I flip it open; I drop it; I disconnect the person. Whoops. I check the number, it's C. What do they want? I call them back. I think our converstaion went something like this..."Yes, I did work last night. Yes, I was sleeping. No, I'm not going to the gym quite yet. Yes, I think later would be a better time to chat. Bye." (Sorry C, I wasn't mad at you, just a bit disoriented. We'll chat real soon, I promise.)
I ended up sleeping until 2:15, went to the gym, showered, made some food to bring to work, grabbed some coffee, made my "commute" (oh that agony of walking 5 blocks!LOL).
The workout and coffee helped, but I'm still a little foggy. Oh well, c'est le vie.
Thanks for reading (typing and spelling and all)!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Hey! Those Are Mine
What is it about laundry that is so intimate? Maybe it isn't and it's just me? Either way, I view laundry as something personal. Actually, I only view my laundry as personal. I have always folded and done other people's laundry, but the thought of stranger doing mine, makes me quiver. I don't need (or want) someone knowing my business. I guess because laundry reveals a lot about someone, it intimidates me...a slight fear of being judged? (Oh God, here comes my perfectionism again)
Although there are many perks and possibilities with city, one downfall of apartment living is the communal laundry room; Could be a perk, it beats going to the launda-mat?!?! However, in my building we have 3 washers and 3 dryers for 50 apartments. Most people work Monday-Friday 9-5,meaning the washers and dryers are tied up Monday-Friday 5-11, and all day saturday and sunday. Luckily for me, I'm blessed to work the graveyard shift (7:30p-8a), so I don't usually run into issues, one would think. However, I never seem to get the laundry done on those random Tuesdays when everyone else is sitting behind their desks. No, instead I don't realize that I need to wash things until I notice that I have no clean sports bras and only thongs and it's 5pm on a night that I have to work. *FYI, never wear a thong with scrubs. #1- You feel dirty, #2- if your top so happens to ride up, or you are wearing scrubs 3 sizes too big and your pants slip down, granny panties are much more discrete.*
Sigh...
In an attempt to avoid the laundry room rush, I zoom down to the basement, toss in a load of darks and a load of whites, pour in my detergent, shell out $2.00 for each load, and note that I have 36 minutes until they are done. 34 minutes later I prepare to haul it back to the basement. Wait, my phone is ringing. ugh, it's the chattty friend who always has drama and whose phone calls I try and avoid. But this is the 3rd time she's called, so I must pick up.
20 minutes and 4 attempts at hanging up later, I race to the basement to change over my laundry. But what do I See? MY laundry, thrown on top of the folding table, colors and whites alike. Oh yeah, there are few stray pairs of granny panties on the floor.
I feel so violated!
Someone else touched MY laundry.
I know it's silly, but the though of someone pulling my clothes out of the dryer, someone that I don't know, and touching them creeps me out. I know that 99% of the people in my building could care less about what I wear and just want to get their own laundry done, but still I'm distressed. Needless to say, there is only 1 free dryer so it all goes in and I pray that it's done before I have to leave for work. It takes 38 minutes, yup, I should be fine.
It's not as though any harm was done in the above scenario, but it got me thinking. Why can I wash and fold other people's clothes without bother? Maybe it's because I know them? In college, I used to help the boys in my hall out with their laundry (especially after a few of them ended up with pink sheets and socks). I've done ex-boyfriends laundry. I've done laundry of the people I babysit for...heck, I've even done my grandpa's laundry.
Suddenly, the meager 3 washers and dryers have a whole new appeal. For the sake of privacy and modesty, I'll stay up until all hours of the night and/or plan much better to get it done because one thing is for sure...I'll never jump at the NEw York trend of sending my laundry out!
So to all those of you whose laundry I've done, apologies if I have invaded your intimate zone., but I'm pretty sure you would have told me. Just know that it's not your laundry that weirds me out, it's complete strangers seeing mine.
Although there are many perks and possibilities with city, one downfall of apartment living is the communal laundry room; Could be a perk, it beats going to the launda-mat?!?! However, in my building we have 3 washers and 3 dryers for 50 apartments. Most people work Monday-Friday 9-5,meaning the washers and dryers are tied up Monday-Friday 5-11, and all day saturday and sunday. Luckily for me, I'm blessed to work the graveyard shift (7:30p-8a), so I don't usually run into issues, one would think. However, I never seem to get the laundry done on those random Tuesdays when everyone else is sitting behind their desks. No, instead I don't realize that I need to wash things until I notice that I have no clean sports bras and only thongs and it's 5pm on a night that I have to work. *FYI, never wear a thong with scrubs. #1- You feel dirty, #2- if your top so happens to ride up, or you are wearing scrubs 3 sizes too big and your pants slip down, granny panties are much more discrete.*
Sigh...
In an attempt to avoid the laundry room rush, I zoom down to the basement, toss in a load of darks and a load of whites, pour in my detergent, shell out $2.00 for each load, and note that I have 36 minutes until they are done. 34 minutes later I prepare to haul it back to the basement. Wait, my phone is ringing. ugh, it's the chattty friend who always has drama and whose phone calls I try and avoid. But this is the 3rd time she's called, so I must pick up.
20 minutes and 4 attempts at hanging up later, I race to the basement to change over my laundry. But what do I See? MY laundry, thrown on top of the folding table, colors and whites alike. Oh yeah, there are few stray pairs of granny panties on the floor.
I feel so violated!
Someone else touched MY laundry.
I know it's silly, but the though of someone pulling my clothes out of the dryer, someone that I don't know, and touching them creeps me out. I know that 99% of the people in my building could care less about what I wear and just want to get their own laundry done, but still I'm distressed. Needless to say, there is only 1 free dryer so it all goes in and I pray that it's done before I have to leave for work. It takes 38 minutes, yup, I should be fine.
It's not as though any harm was done in the above scenario, but it got me thinking. Why can I wash and fold other people's clothes without bother? Maybe it's because I know them? In college, I used to help the boys in my hall out with their laundry (especially after a few of them ended up with pink sheets and socks). I've done ex-boyfriends laundry. I've done laundry of the people I babysit for...heck, I've even done my grandpa's laundry.
Suddenly, the meager 3 washers and dryers have a whole new appeal. For the sake of privacy and modesty, I'll stay up until all hours of the night and/or plan much better to get it done because one thing is for sure...I'll never jump at the NEw York trend of sending my laundry out!
So to all those of you whose laundry I've done, apologies if I have invaded your intimate zone., but I'm pretty sure you would have told me. Just know that it's not your laundry that weirds me out, it's complete strangers seeing mine.
Four Foods on Friday
#1. What’s your favorite potato chip?
Lay's baked barbecue. The baked chips a much crisper and the sweet/salty tang of the BBQ is heaven
#2. Do you use butter, margarine, both or neither?
I use butter to bake, but neither on a regualr, daily basis
#3. What’s your favorite mixed alcoholic (or virgin) drink?
Mojhito. Heaven in a glass
#4. What’s your favorite vegetable and how do you prepare it?
Oh, this is a loaded question. I'm not sure I can pick. But for the sake of being decisive, I'll say
1) broccoli- steamed with salt and pepper
or
2) sweet potatoes (recipe below)
1 c of orange juice
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped candied ginger
1/2 cup orange marmalade
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon of white pepper
1 TB butter
3 large sweet potatos cut into small chunks
1/4 cup E.V. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1. peel and chop the sweet potatoes
2. toss in olive oil and spread over 2 baking sheet (thin layer). Sprikle with salt and pepper
3. Roast in 450 degree oven until edges are brown. Flip once or twice while baking. *Length of time depends on thickness of chunks*
4. Mix orange juice, marmalade, ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and white pepper and bring to a boil.
Reduce and thicken. Set aside.
5. Remove chunks from oven and place in over proof bowl
6. Pour glaze over potato chunks and toss.
7. Return to warm oven for 10 minutes.
8. Enjoy!!
Lay's baked barbecue. The baked chips a much crisper and the sweet/salty tang of the BBQ is heaven
#2. Do you use butter, margarine, both or neither?
I use butter to bake, but neither on a regualr, daily basis
#3. What’s your favorite mixed alcoholic (or virgin) drink?
Mojhito. Heaven in a glass
#4. What’s your favorite vegetable and how do you prepare it?
Oh, this is a loaded question. I'm not sure I can pick. But for the sake of being decisive, I'll say
1) broccoli- steamed with salt and pepper
or
2) sweet potatoes (recipe below)
1 c of orange juice
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped candied ginger
1/2 cup orange marmalade
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon of white pepper
1 TB butter
3 large sweet potatos cut into small chunks
1/4 cup E.V. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1. peel and chop the sweet potatoes
2. toss in olive oil and spread over 2 baking sheet (thin layer). Sprikle with salt and pepper
3. Roast in 450 degree oven until edges are brown. Flip once or twice while baking. *Length of time depends on thickness of chunks*
4. Mix orange juice, marmalade, ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and white pepper and bring to a boil.
Reduce and thicken. Set aside.
5. Remove chunks from oven and place in over proof bowl
6. Pour glaze over potato chunks and toss.
7. Return to warm oven for 10 minutes.
8. Enjoy!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
why no one should eat, drink, or be merry...
Life was blissful for one night... but back to the craziness that is my life as nurse.
I love you all as readers (friends and strangers alike) but a let me give you a glimpse of our stepdown census and then some practical advice on how to avoid being one of my patients...
Scald burn to the L hand-hot oil-bumped the frying pan at work
Flame burn to Right leg-flames-firefighter injured on the job
Scald burn to R leg- hot tea- fell asleep while drinking it
Scald burn to groin and bilateral thighs-hot coffee-dropped the coffe pot into lap
Contact burns to bilateral palms-radiator pipe-grabbed the pipe in anger when found out wife was having an affair
Scald burn to face-shower water-tested temperature of water with their face
Contact burn to left eye-curling iron- didnt want to disturb sleeping husband, getting ready for work in the dark (wouldn't want to see thank make-up job!)
Contact burn to the chest and flank-iron-noticed wrinkles on his shirt after he was dressed...ironed the shirt WHILE wearing it!
Scald burn to scrotum-hot water bottle exploded- I don't want to know why the said item was in the aforementioned place
Scald burn to anterior chest and thighs-hot water-patient drank too much wine while preparing dinner and had "butter fingers" when trying to drain the pasta
Flame burn to back of neck and shoulders-candle- (as per patients description,"I had a smelly poop so I lit I candle. I had to go again and when I sat down I caught my shirt on fire") Seriously, I could have lived without the first half of that scenario
Burns to bilateral cheeks and nose-flames-thought it was a good idea to smoke while wearing oxygen
Burns neck, right arm, right chest, stomach-flames-smoking in bed
There are a few more, but I think you get the picture. So like the title says, I'd like you remind you all a few things...
1. Smoking- bad habit, quit. However if this isn't possible, under NO circumstances should you smoke in bed, or while wearing oxygen
2. Drinking- is lovely, I do it myself. But it impairs your judgement and cearly your coordination...please:
a) prepare then indulge
b) don't drink hot beverages when sleep is imminent
c) watch wear you pour (and drop) the coffee pot
3. Grooming-
a) for the love of G*d, turn on a light, or use another bathroom
b) ever heard of the dry cleaner?
4. Working- okay, some hazards can't be avoided, I'll take care of an FDNY man any day! :)
5. Cooking-watch your oil level, don't try and multi task, make sure you have a clear path around your feet, see # 2a
AND
4. Being Merry- don't involve hot water bottles
And there you have it. Nurse Miss Kelly's Tips for staying out of the Burn Unit.
Cheers!
I love you all as readers (friends and strangers alike) but a let me give you a glimpse of our stepdown census and then some practical advice on how to avoid being one of my patients...
Scald burn to the L hand-hot oil-bumped the frying pan at work
Flame burn to Right leg-flames-firefighter injured on the job
Scald burn to R leg- hot tea- fell asleep while drinking it
Scald burn to groin and bilateral thighs-hot coffee-dropped the coffe pot into lap
Contact burns to bilateral palms-radiator pipe-grabbed the pipe in anger when found out wife was having an affair
Scald burn to face-shower water-tested temperature of water with their face
Contact burn to left eye-curling iron- didnt want to disturb sleeping husband, getting ready for work in the dark (wouldn't want to see thank make-up job!)
Contact burn to the chest and flank-iron-noticed wrinkles on his shirt after he was dressed...ironed the shirt WHILE wearing it!
Scald burn to scrotum-hot water bottle exploded- I don't want to know why the said item was in the aforementioned place
Scald burn to anterior chest and thighs-hot water-patient drank too much wine while preparing dinner and had "butter fingers" when trying to drain the pasta
Flame burn to back of neck and shoulders-candle- (as per patients description,"I had a smelly poop so I lit I candle. I had to go again and when I sat down I caught my shirt on fire") Seriously, I could have lived without the first half of that scenario
Burns to bilateral cheeks and nose-flames-thought it was a good idea to smoke while wearing oxygen
Burns neck, right arm, right chest, stomach-flames-smoking in bed
There are a few more, but I think you get the picture. So like the title says, I'd like you remind you all a few things...
1. Smoking- bad habit, quit. However if this isn't possible, under NO circumstances should you smoke in bed, or while wearing oxygen
2. Drinking- is lovely, I do it myself. But it impairs your judgement and cearly your coordination...please:
a) prepare then indulge
b) don't drink hot beverages when sleep is imminent
c) watch wear you pour (and drop) the coffee pot
3. Grooming-
a) for the love of G*d, turn on a light, or use another bathroom
b) ever heard of the dry cleaner?
4. Working- okay, some hazards can't be avoided, I'll take care of an FDNY man any day! :)
5. Cooking-watch your oil level, don't try and multi task, make sure you have a clear path around your feet, see # 2a
AND
4. Being Merry- don't involve hot water bottles
And there you have it. Nurse Miss Kelly's Tips for staying out of the Burn Unit.
Cheers!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Why I do What I do
It seems I only post about my crazy nights at work, my annoying patients, and/or the little things that urk me. However, I don't want you all to think that I'm Nurse Ratchet, so I wanted to share the softer side of my job.
For the entire month of February, I'm being floated out of the Adult BICU, into the Pediatic BICU and Adult step-down units (our sister units). Last week, I was not having a good night, but my return back last night was a different story.
*The kid who was puking down my back? Gave me a huge grin and wailed his arms for me to pick him when I popped in to say hi to the family.
*My patient grabbed my hand at change of shift and said, "Thank You. You were so kind and patient. You're parents raised you well. Don't ever change."
*My kids all made their I/O's and I didn't have to inserted feeding tubes!
*A young male patient said (while looking at my class ring), "You're boyfriend sure is lucky. You have a gently touch." Ehh, maybe inappropriate but flattering nonetheless
*Another nurse said, "Oh. I'm so thrilled you are over here. Good crew! Will be a good night!"
* I successfully anticipated the sequela of my patients illness. Easier to be prepared than practice crisis intervention.
*All my lab draws were successfull on the first stick!
*N was working and we got to chat!
*There were no CODES!
*I got a "dinner" break. and by that I mean 45 minutes to eat/rest/pee at 4 am!
* The resident (no, not the one from last week) who banged all the nurses on the neurology service gave N and I "the wink". Flattered you think we are cute, but FYI weren't not dumb and easy....keep it in your pants pants buddy. You are there to take care of the patients, not your own sexual desires.
*I got out at 7:59am! (1 minute early!!)
These may be little things, but seriously, they're what keep me sane and recharge me for life in the BICU.
For the entire month of February, I'm being floated out of the Adult BICU, into the Pediatic BICU and Adult step-down units (our sister units). Last week, I was not having a good night, but my return back last night was a different story.
*The kid who was puking down my back? Gave me a huge grin and wailed his arms for me to pick him when I popped in to say hi to the family.
*My patient grabbed my hand at change of shift and said, "Thank You. You were so kind and patient. You're parents raised you well. Don't ever change."
*My kids all made their I/O's and I didn't have to inserted feeding tubes!
*A young male patient said (while looking at my class ring), "You're boyfriend sure is lucky. You have a gently touch." Ehh, maybe inappropriate but flattering nonetheless
*Another nurse said, "Oh. I'm so thrilled you are over here. Good crew! Will be a good night!"
* I successfully anticipated the sequela of my patients illness. Easier to be prepared than practice crisis intervention.
*All my lab draws were successfull on the first stick!
*N was working and we got to chat!
*There were no CODES!
*I got a "dinner" break. and by that I mean 45 minutes to eat/rest/pee at 4 am!
* The resident (no, not the one from last week) who banged all the nurses on the neurology service gave N and I "the wink". Flattered you think we are cute, but FYI weren't not dumb and easy....keep it in your pants pants buddy. You are there to take care of the patients, not your own sexual desires.
*I got out at 7:59am! (1 minute early!!)
These may be little things, but seriously, they're what keep me sane and recharge me for life in the BICU.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Four Foods...yum!
#1. What is your favorite kind of juice to drink?
Crystal Light Fruit Punch. It's great now that it comes in the individual portable packs to-go!
#2. Pizza. What’s your favorite?
Regular Crust Vegetable, light on the cheese. Actaully, I just pick all the toppings off, so the heartier the veggie slection, the better!
#3. Mustard. Yellow, brown, depends.
Brown. Random FYI, mustard is commonly ussed as an emulsifier when cooking
#4. Share a side dish recipe that uses rice or pasta.
Spinach & Feta Rice
Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/2 tsp (or to taste) salt
6 cups baby spinach leaves
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring rice, broth, and water to a boil. Stir, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook onion, mushrooms, and garlic over medium heat until onion is tender. Stir in lemon juice and oregano. Add to rice. Add spinach, cheese, and pepper to rice; toss lightly until spinach is wilted.
Crystal Light Fruit Punch. It's great now that it comes in the individual portable packs to-go!
#2. Pizza. What’s your favorite?
Regular Crust Vegetable, light on the cheese. Actaully, I just pick all the toppings off, so the heartier the veggie slection, the better!
#3. Mustard. Yellow, brown, depends.
Brown. Random FYI, mustard is commonly ussed as an emulsifier when cooking
#4. Share a side dish recipe that uses rice or pasta.
Spinach & Feta Rice
Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/2 tsp (or to taste) salt
6 cups baby spinach leaves
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring rice, broth, and water to a boil. Stir, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook onion, mushrooms, and garlic over medium heat until onion is tender. Stir in lemon juice and oregano. Add to rice. Add spinach, cheese, and pepper to rice; toss lightly until spinach is wilted.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Whoops I did it Again...
I had 11 lovely days off.
!REALITY CHECK!
I came back to work.
This is my 4th night in a row.
Our census is at maximum.
I have had 3 different patient assignments in 4 shifts.
The clerk is getting on my (and everyone else's) nerves.
Someone ate my orange from the report room.
The scrub machine is out of Small scrubs: Saturday night I wore Mediums. Tonight I'm wearing Larges. *I feel like Jared from the S*bway commercial~BEFORE and AFTER*
My Spanish (and sleep deprived brain) failed me tonight. I meant to call the baby "Guapo" (handsome), I called him "Gordo" (fat and ugly). I felt like an a$$.
While attempting do unclog a feeding tube, I sprayed myself in the face. Yum.
While changing a diaper, I got farted on. (classier word choice??)
My pen fell in the toilet in the bathroom; that's a lost cause.
Last night I chewed out a resident about the orders he wrote (or didn't write) for my patient; he begrudginly complied with my bitching; the fellow commended the residnet's"orders" during rounds...tonight the said resident is much nicer to me.
Tonight is the new intern's first night; he cannot figure out what way is up.
My feet hurt.
I really want some coffee right now.
My patients monitor is going off.
Crisis averted.
GLAMOROUS by Fergie is stuck in my head.
I'm yearning for my bed.
I was doing burn care during the Sperbowl and missed the game. Oh well, my boys blew it. Guess all those"F*ck New England" shirts around here worked out.
I've run out of things to complain about. Thanks for listening.
!REALITY CHECK!
I came back to work.
This is my 4th night in a row.
Our census is at maximum.
I have had 3 different patient assignments in 4 shifts.
The clerk is getting on my (and everyone else's) nerves.
Someone ate my orange from the report room.
The scrub machine is out of Small scrubs: Saturday night I wore Mediums. Tonight I'm wearing Larges. *I feel like Jared from the S*bway commercial~BEFORE and AFTER*
My Spanish (and sleep deprived brain) failed me tonight. I meant to call the baby "Guapo" (handsome), I called him "Gordo" (fat and ugly). I felt like an a$$.
While attempting do unclog a feeding tube, I sprayed myself in the face. Yum.
While changing a diaper, I got farted on. (classier word choice??)
My pen fell in the toilet in the bathroom; that's a lost cause.
Last night I chewed out a resident about the orders he wrote (or didn't write) for my patient; he begrudginly complied with my bitching; the fellow commended the residnet's"orders" during rounds...tonight the said resident is much nicer to me.
Tonight is the new intern's first night; he cannot figure out what way is up.
My feet hurt.
I really want some coffee right now.
My patients monitor is going off.
Crisis averted.
GLAMOROUS by Fergie is stuck in my head.
I'm yearning for my bed.
I was doing burn care during the Sperbowl and missed the game. Oh well, my boys blew it. Guess all those"F*ck New England" shirts around here worked out.
I've run out of things to complain about. Thanks for listening.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Nurse Miss Kelly Takes A Trip To Suburbia
It is with both sadness and joy that I write this post. Sadness as it marks my return to work after a LOVELY stint off, and joy as I am full of amazing memories and have had my fix of suburban life (for a few months anyways).
For most of January, I've been commuting back and forth to Philly to spend Monday-Thursday with the L's while O & T work and R's preschool is on hiatus. Not only did I get to spend time with the Philly family, but I got to catch up some Philly friends. It was WAY overdue. Hard to believe I graduated almost nine months ago. Oh, there's a thought. I guess there could be some graduation babies almost due! haha
It feels like I spent a little bit of time on Wisteria Lane (minus all the sex and drama). It's been wonderful. I'm going to miss waking up every morning to J saying, "Why good morning Nurse Miss Kew-wee. I had a GREAT sweep!", R asking for, "Pancakes with syrup...please?????" EVERY morning, having a fresh brewed pot of coffee waiting for me, and of course the vociferous tone of a 4 year old regarding his choice attire for the day. *Side note- if it ain't got Th*omas, don't even offer it up*
Then there was all the culinary greatness... J is turning into quite the little gourmet...how many 2 year olds around can use of fork to whisk eggs? R, or course, is still interested in any and all things chocolate or with sprinkles. (Double high five to Dunk*n D*nuts for their chocolate frosted M&M variety). I do believe R & I had a conversation about how sprinkles, even if they do match the ketchup and mustard (Chi *mega colors anyone?), don't belong on hotdogs. And in the kitchen, I was in absolute heaven. I had a captive audience, dare I say guinea pigs, with whom I could cook, bake, and experiment. Loyal readers, I forgot how nice it is to have a complete set of pots and pans, extra spatulas, and enough counter space to multitask; wait, make that quadruple task!
As for getting around? Well, I was back behind the wheel. Nevertheless, if you ask R, he will tell you that I'm not that good, "It's too bouncy." Err, it took a week to get used to the brakes.
Seriously people, it was the little things that made me happy!
I got a haircut, blow dry, and eyebrow wax for $35.00!! She was fantastic. I felt like I was robbing her for such a great deal. I mean, after all, the estimation consult (yeah, here in NY you need to get a consult before you go for the big snip-snip) was $125 just for a CUT!! Give me a break.
I did laundry just because I could! I wasn't having to scope out when a machine was available, nor was I doing laundry at 2a.m. on my days off while suffering the backlash from flip-flopping a day/night schedule. Oh yeah, and it was FREE! Okay, maybe that's only because I wasn't paying the water bill, but for my sense of elation, it was free!
Now maybe this will verify what many of you were already thinking, this girl is slightly Obsessive/Compulsive, but I got so much satisfaction out of my organization projects in the 'burbs. I think because I don't have enough space here in NY to accumulate stuff that needs organization, it was a mild endorphin high when the cabinets were organized, stocks shelved, and cars vacuumed out. Okay, wow, reading that makes me feel slightly embarrassed, but hey since when is cleanliness and order a bad thing?
Now don't get me wrong, as amazing as this experience was, it made me realize a few things ...
*I appreciate my life in NY as a young professional. Quick trips to the ATM. In and out of the market. No strings attached.
*Nothing is fast with a 2 and 4 year old in tow. You can't just go to the ATM.
Question: Is it illegal to park in front of the ATM and leave the kids in the car, even when you can see them?
Well, I didn't know, but the better judgment in me said, suck it up, gather the kiddos, and make it an adventure. A 3 minute quickie, now is 10 minute event.
*Grocery shopping equals a great cardio workout!
Even if you are only getting two items at the grocery store, get a cart and put one kid in it...one less kid to chase through the market. As for chasing kids through the market, now I get why mom's don't wear heels to grocery shop (well neither do I, but you know)!!! One must be ready to bolt on a moment's notice!
**Bless you trainer Greg for those a$$ kicking workouts. I was ready to sprint!**
*As much as I love spending day in and day out with the kids, I don’t think I’m quite ready to be a parent. Do you remember this post? I'm still a little too selfish. I need a little bit of "Me Time", as in 2 hours at the gym, and enjoy being spontaneous. I live so much of life by my planner that I do love being able to take advantage of whatever pops up for the day. Oh well, I can say FOR SURE, that my car rides and outings were NEVER dull with R & J .
Despite appreciating my life in NY, every time I go back to Philly I get that urge, that itch, to go back to PA. It's not like I don't have that option, I've already been accepted to grad school there, but I have to remember that the second round of schooling at Penn will not be a carbon copy of the first time around. My friends aren't there, my social scene will be different (God help me if I am still going to Karaoke at Blarney on Thursday night with the undergrads, no matter how tempting!), and chances are I will have to get a part time job to support myself. The fact alone, of living as a student, makes me a little leery. To add to the confusion is the fact that while back in Philly I reunited with the ex-boyfriend K. Did I mention that he works all of 3 minutes from the L's house? No, it wasn't one of those "wink, wink, nudge nudge" kind of reunions (although I wouldn't have objected, okay TMI, sorry!) but it was a real CHIVALROUS date. As in: he paid for dinner at a nice restaurant, came to the door when he picked me up, opened car and restaurant doors, helped me out of the car when I was near the curb, helped me with my coat, drove me home, and walked me back to the door at the end of the "date." I know I really need to get a grip, but that boy still makes my stomach flip flop and my knees go weak. We get along so well, it's a shame we met when we did and not a later point in the future. Let's just say that if he is still available when my commitment in NY is up, he could play a factor in going back to PA. But for now, it's just a far fetched scheme and I need to focus on the great life I have here now. But seriously, Thanks L’s for an amazing month.
Err, back to reality. And on that note, my patients need me, so I'm off.
For most of January, I've been commuting back and forth to Philly to spend Monday-Thursday with the L's while O & T work and R's preschool is on hiatus. Not only did I get to spend time with the Philly family, but I got to catch up some Philly friends. It was WAY overdue. Hard to believe I graduated almost nine months ago. Oh, there's a thought. I guess there could be some graduation babies almost due! haha
It feels like I spent a little bit of time on Wisteria Lane (minus all the sex and drama). It's been wonderful. I'm going to miss waking up every morning to J saying, "Why good morning Nurse Miss Kew-wee. I had a GREAT sweep!", R asking for, "Pancakes with syrup...please?????" EVERY morning, having a fresh brewed pot of coffee waiting for me, and of course the vociferous tone of a 4 year old regarding his choice attire for the day. *Side note- if it ain't got Th*omas, don't even offer it up*
Then there was all the culinary greatness... J is turning into quite the little gourmet...how many 2 year olds around can use of fork to whisk eggs? R, or course, is still interested in any and all things chocolate or with sprinkles. (Double high five to Dunk*n D*nuts for their chocolate frosted M&M variety). I do believe R & I had a conversation about how sprinkles, even if they do match the ketchup and mustard (Chi *mega colors anyone?), don't belong on hotdogs. And in the kitchen, I was in absolute heaven. I had a captive audience, dare I say guinea pigs, with whom I could cook, bake, and experiment. Loyal readers, I forgot how nice it is to have a complete set of pots and pans, extra spatulas, and enough counter space to multitask; wait, make that quadruple task!
As for getting around? Well, I was back behind the wheel. Nevertheless, if you ask R, he will tell you that I'm not that good, "It's too bouncy." Err, it took a week to get used to the brakes.
Seriously people, it was the little things that made me happy!
I got a haircut, blow dry, and eyebrow wax for $35.00!! She was fantastic. I felt like I was robbing her for such a great deal. I mean, after all, the estimation consult (yeah, here in NY you need to get a consult before you go for the big snip-snip) was $125 just for a CUT!! Give me a break.
I did laundry just because I could! I wasn't having to scope out when a machine was available, nor was I doing laundry at 2a.m. on my days off while suffering the backlash from flip-flopping a day/night schedule. Oh yeah, and it was FREE! Okay, maybe that's only because I wasn't paying the water bill, but for my sense of elation, it was free!
Now maybe this will verify what many of you were already thinking, this girl is slightly Obsessive/Compulsive, but I got so much satisfaction out of my organization projects in the 'burbs. I think because I don't have enough space here in NY to accumulate stuff that needs organization, it was a mild endorphin high when the cabinets were organized, stocks shelved, and cars vacuumed out. Okay, wow, reading that makes me feel slightly embarrassed, but hey since when is cleanliness and order a bad thing?
Now don't get me wrong, as amazing as this experience was, it made me realize a few things ...
*I appreciate my life in NY as a young professional. Quick trips to the ATM. In and out of the market. No strings attached.
*Nothing is fast with a 2 and 4 year old in tow. You can't just go to the ATM.
Question: Is it illegal to park in front of the ATM and leave the kids in the car, even when you can see them?
Well, I didn't know, but the better judgment in me said, suck it up, gather the kiddos, and make it an adventure. A 3 minute quickie, now is 10 minute event.
*Grocery shopping equals a great cardio workout!
Even if you are only getting two items at the grocery store, get a cart and put one kid in it...one less kid to chase through the market. As for chasing kids through the market, now I get why mom's don't wear heels to grocery shop (well neither do I, but you know)!!! One must be ready to bolt on a moment's notice!
**Bless you trainer Greg for those a$$ kicking workouts. I was ready to sprint!**
*As much as I love spending day in and day out with the kids, I don’t think I’m quite ready to be a parent. Do you remember this post? I'm still a little too selfish. I need a little bit of "Me Time", as in 2 hours at the gym, and enjoy being spontaneous. I live so much of life by my planner that I do love being able to take advantage of whatever pops up for the day. Oh well, I can say FOR SURE, that my car rides and outings were NEVER dull with R & J .
Despite appreciating my life in NY, every time I go back to Philly I get that urge, that itch, to go back to PA. It's not like I don't have that option, I've already been accepted to grad school there, but I have to remember that the second round of schooling at Penn will not be a carbon copy of the first time around. My friends aren't there, my social scene will be different (God help me if I am still going to Karaoke at Blarney on Thursday night with the undergrads, no matter how tempting!), and chances are I will have to get a part time job to support myself. The fact alone, of living as a student, makes me a little leery. To add to the confusion is the fact that while back in Philly I reunited with the ex-boyfriend K. Did I mention that he works all of 3 minutes from the L's house? No, it wasn't one of those "wink, wink, nudge nudge" kind of reunions (although I wouldn't have objected, okay TMI, sorry!) but it was a real CHIVALROUS date. As in: he paid for dinner at a nice restaurant, came to the door when he picked me up, opened car and restaurant doors, helped me out of the car when I was near the curb, helped me with my coat, drove me home, and walked me back to the door at the end of the "date." I know I really need to get a grip, but that boy still makes my stomach flip flop and my knees go weak. We get along so well, it's a shame we met when we did and not a later point in the future. Let's just say that if he is still available when my commitment in NY is up, he could play a factor in going back to PA. But for now, it's just a far fetched scheme and I need to focus on the great life I have here now. But seriously, Thanks L’s for an amazing month.
Err, back to reality. And on that note, my patients need me, so I'm off.
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