Friday - And Happy Boxing Day

And how was your Christmas? I spent Christmas Eve and Day working but before that Hannah and I had a night out shopping while Caleb was at his Dad's. This picture was taken in Target. Hannah said "I'm tired and my feet hurt, I wish I could get in the basket just like Caleb." So I told her to go ahead and climb in, which she obviously did, lol. I pushed her around the whole store and she declared this to be "The Best Christmas EVER!" Wow, if I had only known she was so easy to please I wouldn't have bought that 120gb ipod classic, ha ha.

We picked up Caleb tonight and went for our Christmas dinner at Olive Garden. I said "so much for traditional fare" to which Hannah responded, "well what do you think the Italians eat for Christmas". Pictures of turkey spaghetti entered our heads to which we both said "ewwww". I think we'll just stick with the regular pasta, thanks. We did splurge and got desert too, cause what is Christmas without the sweets.

After dinner we came home and opened our presents that were under our little Christmas tree and our little stockings that were hung by the electric fireplace with care (ummm maybe not so much with care as with a hammer and nail :p). Caleb made me a Phoenix Coyote's Calender got me a juicer, and Hannah got me a gift certificate from Victoria's Secret (she evidently got tired of me saying "I don't even have enough money for a bra") and some of my favorite candy (butterfingers and snickers). The kids seemed pleased with their gifts as well, but the best part was that we are all home together, as corny as that sounds.

Work was fairly busy on Christmas Eve, but we only admitted two-three people, with the one heart attack that I had predicted (sorry sir I was right, hope you are doing okay). Christmas Day was very busy as well, and we admitted about twelve people. It finally died off about 1:00am and the rest of the night was cake. I controlled myself enormously and did not graze at the trough that was presented to us. I've lost 5 pounds since Thanksgiving and I'm not going backwards, no way (being told by your ex that you are fat is a very big motivator).

So here's to you and yours with warm wishes for a very pleasant holiday. Enjoy your time with your family and be safe!

Ciao! De ;)

Sunday - And It's Someone's Birthday

Many of you have heard me mention Betty more than one time, but what you may not know is that today is her birthday. Oh she didn't mention it on her blog, but I can on mine, he he.

So pop on over and wish my very dearest friend a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Love ya, girl!!

Ciao! De ;)

Saturday - And The Plate In My Head Wasn't Big Enough

Remember in the movie "Vacation" when Cousin Eddie was complaining about not having enough money? "I got laid off when they closed that asbestos factory, and wouldn't you know it, the army cuts my disability pension because they said that the plate in my head wasn't big enough." Well it seems to me that people, just like Cousin Eddie, are always wanting something for nothing and I really get tired of them always expecting the government (i.e. you and me) to pay for everything. I get it alot at work. Now don't get me wrong, there are always the people who need the assistance, but more often than not, I run into the ones who try to work the system anyway they can and still complain they are not getting enough...like the lady who brought in her 1yr old the other night.

So this cute little 1yr old was seen in the ER for difficulty breathing, cough, and wheezing with a history of asthma. She got a few breathing treatments and scripts for home antibiotics and an inhaler. The Mom started complaining why don't we give her a nebulizer because it is easier and I explained how that has to come from the baby's pediatrician. Then Mom tells me the baby doesn't have a pediatrician because her ACCESS (welfare here in AZ) was denied because she couldn't find the little girl's social security number. "How dumb is that?" she asks, "Why do I have to show her social security card. They should just give it to her." Well I started explaining about verifying who people are, making sure they are here legally, etc and the Mom continues complaining about how their benefits keep getting reduced more and more and the little girl's big brother is drinking all the baby's milk, etc etc etc. Mom then goes on to complain about how she is pregnant and due in February and hasn't even had an ultrasound to find out what sex the baby is and how is that right? So I go "Well you know women had babies for thousands of years without knowing what the sex of the baby is and everyone survived." She said "Well I'm on a fixed income and I need to know." Excuse me but do you even see the correlation between the two? Me either. Then she starts talking about how her boyfriend (baby's father) after sleeping all day wakes up and drinks all the baby's milk, "sometimes a whole gallon at a time". Sheesh. Will someone get a job and quit making babies already? **Major sigh**

So then Mom gathers up everything and wants to know where the bus stop is. So I tell her as I walk her out front to check out and I'm like "where is the baby's jacket?" "Oh I left it at home cause I had too much to carry," she says as I notice she is putting her jacket on. Okay so this is at 6:00am and it's dark, cold, and misting. The baby was just in for breathing problems and you want to wait outside in the cold without a jacket for the baby? So my bleeding heart or Christmas spirit (not sure which at this point) kicks in and I get her a cab voucher that the hospital will eat so the baby won't get any sicker, all the while explaining to the Mom that this is a one-time deal and knowing that she is filing it away in her small, self-centered brain that this is one more way to get something for nothing. Okay, now onto more happier subjects, lol.

How is everyone's Christmas shopping coming along? Me? Ha! Almost NOTHING bought. I can't believe it! I have never been less prepared for Christmas than this year, not even when I was far more broke than I am now. Well, it will all work out. Caleb is over here this weekend so that leaves me one more day (Tuesday) before Christmas to buy a few things for him when he is not around. Hannah's main present is the computer I got her in August, but I plan on getting her a few little things too. The only saving grace is at least my tree is up, ha ha.

Well I work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so I think we are either going to the Christmas service on the 23rd, or before I go to work on the 24th. Caleb will be back on the 26th and we'll do Christmas then. What are your plans? What are your traditions? What are you cooking?

If I don't pop on before....Merry Christmas!!!

De ;)

PS: This video is for Katie...

Sunday - And It's Movie Review Time

Hannah and I had a girl's night out on Thursday as I had a night off in between several and Caleb was at his dad's. First off we decided to splurge and went to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, certainly not something you can do every day or very often for that matter. Very nice, pricey, but just want we needed. We laughed our way through dinner (annoying the couple next to us of course) and indulged in some decadent cheesecake. Again, not something you can do everyday, especially if you are making a half-hearted attempt at dieting (ha ha).

For the second part of our night out we decided to take in the midnight showing of The Day The Earth Stood Still. In case you are too young (and I hate you if you are, lol), or you live in a vacuum (and I do at times) then you might not realize this is a remake of the 1951 classic. (alas Hollywood is becoming uncreative). The movie stars Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly, and they each do a fair job of acting. The movie also stars Jaden Smith, Will Smith's son who you met in The Pursuit of Happyness. I jokingly say that Keanu Reeves is perfect for the part of the alien who shows no emotion because I really don't think the man is capable of a facial expression or anything more than a monotone voice. I enjoyed the movie for the most part except for the political theme, but once again I wouldn't recommend paying anything more than matinee price. You wouldn't miss anything by waiting for the DVD either.

I think the most interesting thing that occurred was after the movie and we saw this guy get tased by the police. We are walking out of the theater and there was this drunk guy who had been trying to get into the theater when we arrived, and he was still in the parking lot causing havoc. The manager had evidently grown tired of this guy, called the police, and he was, by all appearances, resisting arresting. All of a sudden he jerked and fell straight down and Hannah was "omg what happened?". I said "omg he just got tased!". We were in no immediate danger as we were observing this from a safe distance, and it was certainly more suspenseful than the movie, lol.

In case you can't tell, I am in better spirits than my last entry. Oh David is still messing with my mind, but getting back to work was really the best thing for me. Routine stuff to fill your day so you don't wallow in self-pity. Who needs expensive therapy? I've got a great family who listen to my woes and good friends to lend a shoulder to cry on when I need it. And if I am really feeling sorry for myself, then I just have to take a look at the lives of the homeless drunks who come into the ER on a daily basis. I am healthy (albeit overweight), have a job (thank you God!), have a place to live, have money to pay my bills, put food on the table, and buy a few Christmas presents for the kiddos. Life could be less stressful with the support money I'm entitled to, but overall, life is good. Really...life is very good, especially when both my kids are here with me, as they are tonight.

Apparently Veronica and Melissa have deemed me worthy of the Marie Antoinette Award. I'm not quite sure that I'm worthy, but apparently all you have to do is write about everyday life. While I feel honored, I don't know that what I have to say is particularly inspiring, but then again, maybe it doesn't have to be. So thank you Veronica and Melissa, and I pass on the rules and nominate the following:

The Rules:
1. Please put the logo in your blog (let me know if you need the file)
2. Place a link from the person, from whom you received the award
3. Nominate at least 7 or more
4. Put the links of those on your blog
5. Leave a message on their blog to let them know

And I nominate:
1. Betty of A Corgi in Southern California
2. Lyn of Brit's Blog
3. Dawn of Carpe Diem
4. Julia of Julia's New Journal
5. Lily of I Guess I'm Dreaming
6. Marti of Porch Stories
7. Robin of The Yellow Brick Road

Wow...that was hard to limit this to just seven.

Well tonight starts another three day stretch for me. I did get a short recess and have a chance to go to church and dinner tonight with the kids. It's finally cooler here in Phoenix (highs in the 60s this week) and maybe, just maybe, it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Ciao! De ;)

PS: New entry and title just for you Kat! :p

Thursday - And I Like My Men Cold, Undead, and Sparkly

Okay, so in case you can't figure out by my title, I saw the Twilight movie last week and now I'm hooked. The movie itself starts out a little awkward like the author was in a hurry to get the story going and forgot to let you get acquainted with the characters, but it builds into a nice plot and the acting is superb. And of course Robert Pattinson as "Edward" is absolutely hot!

And to make my new obsession even worse, Hannah goes and gives me the first two books in the series for my birthday. I don't know whether to hug her or ground her, ha ha. I've been sleep deprived by reading. Seeing the movie doesn't ruin the first book, as the book fills you in more on everyone's backgrounds more thoroughly. I'm well into the second book, New Moon, now.

Part of me wishes I hadn't seen the movie or read the books. It makes me wistful and a little depressed. I've joked that I wish I was 17 again (no way, honestly)...but 29 would really be nice. I can feel Bella's anguish, longing, and depression (which means the author does a good job of pulling you into the story) which is not good for me right now. It has nothing to do with being older, fatter, or uglier than I was when I was 17. It has nothing to do with wishing I had a boyfriend, husband, or a vampire. It just has to do with where I am in my life right now and the tough time I am having. My self-esteem isn't the highest and I'm constantly stressed with figuring out the budget issues (and no the jerk still isn't paying me the court ordered support). And I'm upset trying to figure out how to give the kids some sort of Christmas. **Sigh** I should've warned you this was going to be a depressing entry, lol.

I should get off here before I bore you or make you depressed at this time of the year. I'll just leave by saying this...every girl deserves an Edward.

Ciao! De ;)

Friday - And I Have The Best Friends Part Deux

Well I have to tell you about Maren. She has been my hairdresser for almost 4 years now and she has the sweetest soul. Maren always lends a compassionate ear and is always inviting me somewhere, like to church, the Easter pageant, and to her ladies night out. I went to the Easter Pageant last year that her church puts on and it is absolutely amazing, and last night I met her and some friends for a quick ladies night out. I couldn't stay long (only about an hour) but is was so nice to get out among friends. No agenda, just a night out for a few hours among women.

Maren was the first person who donated to my cause, lol. She and her new husband of only a couple of months, along with her awesome sister, brought us over our first table and chairs. So here is another person who, after working all day on her feet, took the time to come over and help me out. I really am blessed!

So on another note, I am about to work a 3 day stretch and then fly out Monday night (0n my birthday) to Texas for the week. I plan on getting some good pictures if the camera cooperates, that is. Everyone will be there including Elizabeth and Hannah with her boyfriend, Justin. So a good time is to be had I'm sure.

Gotta pop off and get the boy up for school. Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, and a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Ciao, De ;)

Tuesday - And I Have The Best Friends

Most of you know I'm going through a divorce, but what you may not know is that even after a year of separation I still don't have much furniture as I just really don't have the extra moola right now. Well one of the things I really haven't had was a full-fledged dining table and chairs, but looky at what one of my friends brought over to me today! How cute is that? Caleb and I are sooo excited and we've already have had our first meal at the table....together. Kewl beans!

Oh and you know what my friend wanted in return for the table/chairs? Just to help someone else who needs it when I can. So that goes right to the point Betty is making in her journal about the goat. That table is my goat right now, but someday I'm going to buy someone a share in a well.

Ciao! De ;)

Sunday - And I Don't Have a Title

Ha ha...me without words. No I'm just sitting here staring at the computer screen still trying to wake up. Gotta get in the shower soon if Caleb and I are going to the 5pm service at church as we are meeting his Dad at 6:30pm to exchange since I've gotta work tonight and tomorrow **Sigh**

I can't wait for my Thanksgiving holiday cause boy do I need a week off. The only thing I'm dreading is flying...actually had a panic attack about it earlier this week. Breath!

Oh I changed my music to only come on if you click on it. I noticed it was could be rather annoying if you weren't in the mood to listen anything. :)

Well, hope you all have had a wonderful weekend!

Ciao! De ;)

Thursday - And I'm Thankful

Well Betty has asked that we each participate in Thankful Thursday, so here are mine:



1. I, too, am thankful for the Lord and all that He bestowes upon me.

2. I am thankful for Hannah and Caleb who I love without measure and who I don't get to spend enough time with. It must be very difficult being my children. Enough said.

3. I am thankful for Elizabeth. She lived down the street and somehow snuck into my heart and became my third child. I am so proud of her for graduating from nursing school and the hard and often unthankful job she is doing.

4. I am thankful for my sister, Kathryn (yes dahling, you are my favorite, lol). She and I have been through so much and have a common thread in life. We should band together to fight the evil men of the world.

5. I am thankful for my Mother who listens tirelessly, or so it seems to me, to my endless gripes about my ex.

6. I am thankful for my job, my promotion, and my raise in an economy where many are losing theirs.

7. I am thankful for patients who come into the ER, whether they need to be there or not, for they are job security.

8. I am thankful for friends near and far, and in the cyber world. I have met such wonderful people but none have touched my heart like those unseen.

9. And that leads me to my conclusion where I have to say I wouldn't be participating in this Thankful Thursday if it wasn't for Betty. She is a wonderful, selfless person and I hope she knows what a special place she holds in my heart. Betty, I do hope we get to meet one day in this world before we meet in the next.



And now for a movie review....

88 Minutes
Very disappointing! What a waste of an awesome actor. Al Pacino is too good for this movie. Hokey music, predictable plot, poor acting, even poorer directing. Only reason I kept watching was to see if I was right about who was the actual villain. Glad I didn't waste my money at the theater, sorry I wasted it on the DVD. Wait till it comes out on TV and then skip it.

Speaking of dramas, that was the theme of things last night at work. Everyone had their agenda, or so it seemed. The one that is the winner of the night was a 25yr-old girl who came in basically for a medication refill. Now usually we medically screen these people out because that is not what the ER is for, but this girl was like "oh well I have pelvic pain and discharge" (my favorite, right Veronica?). So since I had the gyno room last night I inherited her. Boy was she a piece of work. Kept asking for Xanax, constantly. NP said no, no, no, and hell no. I gave the patient an antibiotic shot to help her with her PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and told her it would be 20 minutes before she was discharged. "Um no, I need to go now and get my prescriptions" (she already knew NP wrote for 4 Xanax. I advised the patient that we hold people the 20 minutes after medications to make sure they don't have a reaction. "Well I won't so get me my prescriptions now." Not even a please. No, I told her, the best I could do was 15 minutes. This started a bargaining phase to which I won of course. I had no longer walked out of that room when she was on the call light telling the tech she was ready for her prescriptions now. I told him to tell her she was welcome to leave but it would be without her prescriptions as it wasn't 15 minutes yet. So she stayed. And when I went in to let her go, I told the patient she was not to ever try and bargain behind my back when I've already told her what the plan was and that we have rules in place to save people's lives. That girl came up off the bed and literally flew across the room at my face. I used one of my TKD moves on her and shoved her out of the way. I threw open the curtains to draw attention and get help if needed, then I yelled at her to get out of the ER before I had her arrested for assault and all the way out she was cussing and threatening me. OMG! Can I please have "real" sick patients and not those who just want drugs? Like I said...full moon drama.

On that pleasant note I think I'll call it a night.


Ciao! De ;)

Tuesday - And Happy Veteran's Day

Just want to do a quick shout out to all the men and women of the armed forces and say Thank You for everything you do, have done, or will do for this great country. Your sacrifices are unlimited and appreciated. Freedom isn't free and you above all know the ultimate price.

And a special note of thanks to my Uncle Fred...thank you so much for being who you are and for everything you did to make our great nation free. I can only hope and pray that my son will grow up someday and be half the man you are.

God Bless our Military and God Bless the United States of America!

Ciao! De ;)

Saturday - And it's Movie Review Time

Well once again the boy has picked a pretty good movie to take me too. Caleb had been saying he wanted to see Madagascar 2 so I surprised him when I picked him up from school yesterday and we went right away (after stopping to pick up some snacks at the local Circle K that is). It picks up where the first one left off, but the group is leaving to head back to New York, or so they think, and end up in Africa. Pretty cute movie. You'll enjoy it more than the first one, but with some crude humor, hence the PG rating. It is cute though and I found myself laughing out loud plenty of times. Once again though, I recommend not spending more than the matinee price.

I spent the last three days off and either not sleeping, or sleeping the night away. I swear I couldn't stay awake to save my life last night and fell asleep about 8 or 8:30. I attempted a couple of times to get up and stay up since I have to work tonight, but my body said "No! No more! Sleep you must!" lol. So here I am up since 8:30 this morning. I guess I will try and take a nap later on as I have to work the next three nights.

I guess I didn't tell you that I got my job promotion plus a pretty decent raise. I found out on last Friday. They came up from their original offer and I accepted. We had our first Clinical Coordinator meeting Thursday night, and they want me to orient for relief House Supervisor. That would be another notch in my resume so why not. I laughed when they asked me and said "do you think i will make it through the night without telling someone to kiss my ass?" I have a problem with being diplomatic when doctors call screaming, but I suppose I will have to bite my tongue to a degree. But at any rate, I will be orienting for the first several times so there is hope, lol.

Oh I am all set ticket wise for Thanksgiving. Looks like I will make it back from Texas after all, lol, but we will be staying a whole week. I can't believe how much it is costing to fly this year! Oh well, it will be worth it to spend time with my family, at least I think so right now, ha ha. But the down side is I HAVE TO FLY! OMGosh, I really hate to fly, right Betty? Oh man, I gotta move closer.

Yesterday was my baby sister's birthday. Happy Birthday Kathryn!!!

(Hannah & Kathryn 12/07)

Well, I'm bugging off to visit your blogs. Have a good weekend and don't get into too much trouble.

Ciao! De ;)

PS...here is a little meme fun from Patrick

Saturday Six - Episode 239
Tag: Saturday Six — Patrick @ 2:09 am

Here are this week’s “Saturday Six” questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal…but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as “first to play,” you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. If you had to fill in as a substitute teacher at a local middle school, what subject would you be most comfortable teaching? History or Science.

2. When you were in school, what was a better indication of your true understanding of what you were learning: class participation, the accuracy of your homework, or your test scores? Class Participation.

3. You meet someone for the first time and have a brief conversation with them. If you run into them the next afternoon, how likely are you to remember their name? Well it depends on what kind of impact they had on me, but I usually can remember the next day.

4. Take the quiz: Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge?

There Are 2 Gaps in Your Knowledge

Where you have gaps in your knowledge: Philosophy Art Where you don't have gaps in your knowledge: Religion Economics Literature History Science

Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge?

5. If you had “gaps” in your knowledge, did you expect to have them where they were predicted? If you had none, which of the listed subjects would be the ones you’d most expect gaps to be? I expected Art and Philosophy...some science.

6. If you could go back to school for one semester free of charge and “try again” with any subject, which one would you choose and why? Oh I’d choose Spanish instead of French for a foreign language. Would really help me out now living in the SW.

Tuesday - And I Voted

Well, in case you can't figure it out (ha ha) I voted this morning. And if I can work the last three nights, stay up, stand in line, and VOTE, and go back to work tonight, then you had better get your butt out there and vote too. So, no matter which way you vote, to the right or to the left or somewhere in between...JUST VOTE!

Don't disappoint me! Now I had better hit the sack so I can go save some more lives tonight.

Ciao! De ;)

Friday - And Happy Halloween!

Just a little political humor I got from my Stepmom to get you going for the day. The boy and I are going to dress up (well he is at least) and go to the church carnival tonight. It's called Hallowpalozza and sounds like tons of fun including some fireworks. Hope you have a safe trick and treating night!

If you don't hear from me the next few days it is because I'm working Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues. But I'm going to VOTE no matter how tired I am. Here's hoping you do the same.

Ciao! De ;)

Wednesday - And Sometimes It Would Be Easier if I Were Lazy

Well you know the old saying "be careful what you wish for"? That's exactly what I got at work last night. Sunday and Monday were down right weird with hardly any patients after midnight. I mean we only had one patient for two hours on Sunday night (unheard of) and we didn't have any patients several times for about 15-20minute intervals on Monday night. Being charge I don't usually take a room assignment until the 3pm-3am nurse goes home, that way it's easier to facilitate the flow of the ER and be a resource for whoever needs it. I usually "swat" meaning I triage the patients from the lobby and all incoming ambulance and help out whoever needs it. Well I had felt like a tech (and don't get me wrong, please, i love techs...I'm just not one) Sunday and Monday only doing the barest minimal nursing, so what did I do? I wished for us to be busy last night, and I wished for me to take rooms. Well, I got both, lol.

I decided come hell or high water (which I think we got both of last night) I was taking rooms and that I did. Okay...we got hammered, and I had two ICU patients at one time. One of them I wasn't surprised ended up in the ICU. She was 81yrs old, has been undergoing radiation for mouth cancer, and was feverish. Good golly, her WBCs were 1.4 and her H&H were in the toilet. Poor thing needed emergent blood transfusions which we initiated in the ER. Poor sweet thing.

The second one kinda snuck up on me. I was busy with my 81yr old and my other patients got placed unintentionally on the back burner. Well I had a 60yr old diabetic woman who had a UTI and all I had to do was give her some insulin, antibiotics, fluids and then send her home when her glucose got more under control (she started out with a blood sugar of 405 and normal is 80-110). Well I kept popping back in there when I could and was all ready to let her go after checking her blood sugar at 255, but while I was taking her blood pressure it read 55/32. I'm like "oh let me adjust the bp cuff and retake this". 60/36. Grrrrr. "Hey hon, let's sit you up in bed, there you go. I'm gonna switch this cuff to the other arm." 72/54. **Sigh** Okay, hang some more fluids to get the pressure up and recheck later...68/50. **double sigh**. Hang some more fluids and recheck later **80/52** Get PA to look at her as something obviously isn't right (and no, Veronica, she was not tachycardic, pulse was in 70s, or have a fever). He does and agrees. Big, big workup, more work on my part, lots more work. Her WBC went from 12.4 (normal 4-10) at 6:30pm to 16.8 at 12:30am. Big jump for four hours considering we were already giving her antibiotics IV. Another thing which caught my attention was that she was soooo lethargic, I mean she couldn't stay awake long enough to finish a sentence. That's not right either. I think she must have been about to go into septic shock when I caught it because the other thing that led me to believe she might be headed there was when I placed the foley catheter she only put out about 200mls of urine when she had received 2000mls of fluid. Doesn't equal out. I really do think I kept her from crashing, even the PA said "thanks for keeping such a close eye on her". Lots of work later, got her settled into the ICU. BP was 104/66 by then. Must of cured her, lol.

Yep, sometimes it is definitely easier to be lazy.

Ciao! De ;)

Monday - And A Meme for Lyn

1. Do you believe in seeing a rainbow after the rain? I love rainbows, they always seem to appear when I need to see them the most.

2. If you have a dream come true, what would it be? Health, happiness, no money problems, and world peace (yes I said that).

3. Do you believe in eternity love? Used to.

4. What feeling do you love most? Love and hugs from my kids.

5. What feeling do you hate the most? Helplessness.

6. Do you cherish every single friendship of yours? Yes!

7. Do you believe in God? Absolutely!

8. Who cares for you most? My family.

9. What do you think is the most important thing in your life? My family, especially my kids.

10. What emotion do you like to show? Happiness!

11. If you have something troubling you, what do you do? Get in what I call my "hermit mode" where I just hunker down and don't talk to anyone.

12. Who do you admire most? People who give up themselves for the good of others...thank you going out to our soldiers!

13. Who did you last chat with in a chat room? I don't ever do that.

14. What kind of person do you think the one we stole this meme from is? A meme lover.

15. What color did you use to dye your hair? Blonde and red mixed with my natural brown.

16. Why are you doing this meme? Because I just got pushed back two hours for work, so why not?

17. What do you do when you're moody? Try to get over it.

18. At which age do you wish to or did you, get married? I got married at 23 and at 32...and I'm never getting married again (right Betty?)!

19. If today is the last day of your life, what will you do? I'm going to steal Lyn's answers and say spend time with my family making memories.

20. Who is the person you trust the most? my Mom.

21. Last time you smiled? When I spoke with my son about 30minutes ago.

22. What are you listening to right now? Nothing.

23. Who was the last person you saw in your dream? I don't remember my dreams lately.

24. Are you talking to someone while doing this? Veronica.

25. Do you walk with your eyes open or closed? Eyes wide open..very wierd question.

26. Is there a quote you live by? I will not die an unlived life.

27. Do you want someone you cannot have? Does Johnny Depp count? ;)

28. Who always makes you laugh? My kids, family, friends, and some of the patients at work.

29. What was the worst idea you've had this week? Tell staffing to push a night shift person back to 9p if we are slow that way the 9a person will get more of their hours...they called 20minutes ago and pushed me back, lol.

30. Do you speak another language other than English? A minute amount of French left over from high school and what I call my "caveman" Spanish.


Now, wasn't that fun children?

Ciao! De ;)

Sunday - And It's Movie Review Time

Well, yesterday the boy took me to see HS3, and having never seen the first two didn't really care whether I saw this one or not. The boy, however, was totally psyched, lol. I have to admit that I did enjoy the movie, all though it was just a tad cheesy (tell me you are not surprised). And, I have to admit, that Zac Efron is a total babe (about right now Hannah is puking, ha ha). Music is catchy, making you want to stand up, sing, and dance along. Acting is Disney level, but well done. Looking forward to seeing what these kids can do in other venues. My sister Kathryn tells me that Zac has been tapped for the next Pirates of the Caribbean and he has a movie coming out soon along the lines of the 13 going on 30, boy style. Recommendation: Go see it at the matinee price or wait for the DVD, unless you are a die hard fan that is.

Well for an update on my job situation, I did go for an interview at another hospital on Wednesday, placed an application at another, and told my Clinical Manager that I will need to know by Tuesday whether he is going to put me in the Clinical Coordinator position I have been doing all year except in pay only. Interview went very well as far as I could tell, lasted about 2 hours. Will need to call the other hospital I dropped the application off at as I haven't heard from this after a week. But I have to tell you something funny...apparently my Clinical Manager has been receiving heat from several different sources, because Friday afternoon he called me and asked if I was interested in the Clinical Coordinator position. I was like what? and asked him if we lived on the same planet. He said "I'm new at this so help me out here". Okay. Well of course I am why do you need to ask after our conversations I asked. "Because I'm offering you this position if you are still interested". Well yes I am, depending on what you can offer me financially I told him. So tomorrow morning we are sitting down and going over the pay and then I will make my decision. This isn't the best corporation to work for, but I have been with them for over three years and like the people I work with and would like to stay, especially since I enjoy my current responsibilities. So I'll let you know how it goes. As far as the other hospital is concerned, they promised to get back with me this week after my background check is complete, standard stuff.

Now for my support issues...went to the settlement conference on Tuesday but never went before the Judge because we came to some agreements. David came in all huffing and puffing and spouting off about how what we were doing was illegal and he doesn't owe me any money, etc and the mediator put him in his place "sir, I do realize you have come here with your own agenda, but we are not here for that...what we are here for is to discuss when you are going to pay this woman the money you are legally obligated to pay". Ohhhhh Snap! I loved it. Throughout the whole conference she kept him in line. End result...didn't get any money that day (darn it) but he will begin paying the ordered amount in Nov and begin catching me up on the arrearage with monthly payments, plus pay me back for court fees and service on this motion. Now he better do it because the mediator told him if we had to return on this issue then he would be sanctioned by the Court (yes!). So I just have to hold on a little bit longer, and I can do that.

Well while we were in this conference, David's daughter, Stephanie, went and filed his response to my divorce petition (darn it because he was almost up on time for another default). Do you know he said that there is only one issue between us and that is my arrest, and that we should go to counseling and get back together (for those of you who are knew to my blog, you can read up on this issue on my old AOL journal De's Lost Thoughts). The man is totally delusional and I told him so. I said that our marriage was irretrievably broken before my arrest and that there is not an ounce of hope for us to get back together, so let's move forward with our lives and work together to make sure Caleb is raised in healthy and emotionally stable environments. Jeez!

Okay, now there are three fun-filled days ahead as I have to work, so I wish you a good week. The boy and I are going to the early service this morning so I can take a nap before work.

Ciao! De ;)

Friday - And I'm Officially Mad

Okay, so it’s Friday and I’m just sitting here all mad. Why? Well you see, this is the second time I have been put on call at work this week. Sunday, I voluntarily came off the schedule as there were too many and it benefited me to do so (no sitter). Monday night I was low censused home. Tuesday, I was put on call, but got called in before 7pm meaning no call pay. And tonight, I had arranged with the new clinical manager for him to work WITH me to see how night shift runs, but I got a call at 4:30 telling me he instructed staffing to put me on call and was working INSTEAD of me. So I am officially mad as hell!! The man is dumber than a box of rocks and states we are overstaffed on nights, but our numbers consistently support the staff we have. When it doesn’t, someone goes home early. But really, this is dangerous for an ER because you have to staff for what potentially could come in your door, not what actually does. At a certain point during the shift, when it is not a danger to do so, then we start sending people home early, usually no more than 2 hours early. Another thing is that you cannot have the nurse/patient ratio too high (Julia, Melissa support me here) because it could be a disaster just waiting to happen if you can’t take care of all of your patients and someone unintentionally gets ignored and gets sicker. No other hospital in the Valley staffs this way and I can’t believe this hospital gets away with it like it does.

Another thing I am furious about is that I just got my raise and it was only 75cents. I know, I know, the economy is horrible, but let me explain. I didn’t get a raise last year because I was four days late on a couple of our mandatory education units. Not one single person was ever told we wouldn’t get a raise, just be taken off the schedule if the education wasn’t complete, so imagine my surprise when I got a 95% evaluation at year end and no raise. This year, we got our raises early so the corporation could save money, 2.25% instead of 3%. But what really makes me mad is that in January I applied for an open position of Clinical Coordinator and was given the job, only to have it “frozen” by corporate before my raise could go through. So all year long I have not only been doing the charge position, but everything that goes along with the Clinical Coordinator position including attending hospital meetings, evaluations, etc. I was promised that my raise would reflect my dedication and hard work, and would be promoted Oct 1st, neither happened. Instead I was told I would have to re-apply for the Clinical Coordinator position and would be considered along with all other applicants. I told the Clinical Manger (he has only been at this hospital 2 months) I have never been more insulted and wouldn’t be staying if I was not recognized as already being in this position and my raise reflected accordingly. He said “you do what you have to do”. Okay I will!

So, Sunday night I applied for a position with another hospital group and have an interview on Wednesday. I haven’t left my current employer not because I feel like we have been treated fairly (our pay was reduced in April to “accurately reflect the current market value” and our overtime restricted and they got rid of bonuses for extra shifts – I am now making $7.50 LESS than when I moved to this state), and not because I like who I work for, but who I work with, but it’s time to move on. I am on schedule for tomorrow and I had better NOT get put on call. As it is I won’t be able to pay all my bills after payday next Friday so I will have to choose what I will have to push off and pay late.

This job situation is made worse by the fact that my soon-to-ex is STILL not paying me the child/spousal support he is Court ordered to do. My case with the DES is finally opened and I have a hearing on my motion to enforce the support on Tuesday, but I’m sure not to get any money. Ugh!

Money, or the lack of it…what a horrible subject for a blog entry. Oh well…wish me luck and have a good weekend!!

De ;)

Thursday - And the Face of Socialism

I know that everyone has their own political beliefs, but this ought to scare you. Obama wants to take your hard earned money, tax you more if you have worked hard and are at a place in your life where you make more, and "spread the wealth". This is about as close to the definition of socialism as you are going to get from the man who wants to be your next President.

Ciao! De ;)

Friday - And settling into the new spot

Hey all, looks like we are all getting used to this new “spot”. I have been a little conflicted on whether or not to stay here in my new home or continue where I left off on my AOL journal, which I was able to get transferred the other day. I already had this journal set up prior to AOL dissing their journals, and I think I’m just gonna stay here. Time for something new all the way around, don’t you agree? There are definitely some fun options, like the music. But tell me, honestly, do you like it, or does it bug you to hear music when you click on my journal? I have it set to shuffle so you shouldn't hear the same thing every time you get on.

So how’s it in your neck of the woods with the economy taking a nose dive? I keep saying there is no recession in health care because people just don’t stop getting sick because there is not as much money these days, but really, there is. What do you think happens when people don’t have much money? Do you think “I will just pay off that hospital/doctor/dentist bill?” No heck, they think just the opposite so we are definitely feeling the pinch at work. It started in April when they took aware our bonuses for extra shifts, then they decreased our pay (a market adjustment they called it), then they are severely limiting our overtime by migrating employees over from the other sister hospitals and canceling us (grrrr). Another thing our corporation did was combine two hospitals calling it “one hospital on two different campuses). The biggest noticeable effect is administration and management is slowly but surely being combined, and not only between the two, but now to include the third. The only part of that I’m really worried about is the staffing, which is being switched to the third hospital. Will I be called off a bunch and if I am how the frick and I going to pay my bills? Egads! I know that as a nurse I shouldn't’t have to worry about job security, but I am about to have an MI! Do you know I am making $7 LESS an hour than when I moved to this state almost 4 years ago? Hey Melissa, I’m curious how it is in Kentucky. Do you see some budget crunches at your hospital. And Betty, what about Jim, is he seeing cutbacks where he works as well?

Now onto a lighter note, I found this over at Lyn’s and decided to play along…

A blast from the past...one of my old school surveys...
1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? Girl you are F-A-T!
2. How much cash do you have on you? $20.00
3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR? Ummmmm...bore
4. Favorite planet? I have to agree with Lyn and say Pluto because it is just a little wanna-be according to the new mind-set, but I still love it.
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? “restricted”
6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? “So What” by Pink. Perfect for my current situation.
7. What shirt are you wearing? A raggedy old navy tshirt
8. Do you label yourself? Determined.
9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing? I’m barefoot.
10. Bright or Dark Room? Dark is always better, muahahaha!
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? I think she is a hoot.
12. What does your watch look like? Gold/platinum.
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? Awake rearranging my closet (yes, I have no life)
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? Miss you cmb.
15. Where is your nearest 7-11? Can hardly find one around here, mostly in Phoenix proper.
16. What’s a word that you say a lot? Jeez
17. Who told you he/she loved you last? My wonderful son.
18. Last furry thing you touched? Ummmm, I try to avoid furry things, lol.
19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? Just the same ole boring otc and rx ones. I think I get plenty of highs from just being at work and taking care of my patients thank you.
20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? Two.
21. Favorite age you have been so far? I would have to say 29 (and all who know me well should get a pretty big laugh out of that answer).
22. Your worst enemy? Easy to say...myself.
23. What is your current desktop picture? Thunderclouds with the bible verse “I am with you always” Matthew 28:20. Kinds reflects where my life is right now and keeps me grounded when I despair.
24. What was the last thing you said to someone? “Oh you scared me!” to my son.
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? Well this won’t be a surprise to anyone who knows me, especially Betty….A million bucks any day over flying!!!
26. Do you like someone? As in just “like”? I like a lot of people. As in “crush”, just my Hollywood fantasies and thank you that is where it needs to stay. Boy’s are stupid.
27. The last song you listened to? “Release Me” Wilson Phillips
28. What time of day were you born? Ummmm I think after 10pm on a Sunday
29. What’s your favorite number? 7
30. Where did you live in 1997? Midwest City, OK. I was single and just starting to date David…can I go back and change time…no never mind I wouldn’t have Caleb.
31. Are you jealous of anyone? No…
32. Is anyone jealous of you? Of course, isn’t everyone?
33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? Taking Hannah to school.
34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Cuss and hit them.
35. Do you consider yourself kind? Yes, for the most part.
36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? Well, I already have about five, and there is one I REALLY want to rework. NEVER do names guys!
37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? Spanish, and only because it would benefit me at work.
38. Would you move for the person you loved? I already did and now I’m stuck in Phoenix with my family 1100 miles away from my family
39. Are you touchy feely? Not at all
40. What’s your life motto? I’m never getting married again!
41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? My cell phone so my peeps can get hold of me, no really, so my kids can, lol.
42. What’s your favourite town/city? Ooo that is a hard one, I really don’t know. I do love Fort Worth.
43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? Dinner at work.
44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? Hmmm, does a Court motion count?
45. Can you change the oil on a car? Nope.
46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? Jeesh, I have absolutely no clue, ha ha
47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? To Europe.
48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? Ummmmm, that’s sad.
49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? Yeah, my freakin back. I’ve got to lose weight.
50. Have you been burned by love? I have to agree with Lyn and say “yes and there is no pain like it in the world”. Living it right now.

Okay that was painful, lol. Play along why don’t ya!

Ciao! De ;)

Wednesday - And The Top 10 Things I Notice When the Kids Are Not Here

10. It is terribly quite here, but I can listen to whatever music I like;
9. Quite can get boring after a bit, even with the TV going;
8. When I get up no one is there to laugh at my "sticking up hair".
7. There is no one to threaten to kill if they don't get along;
6. No one is hogging the computer or phone day and night;
5. There is no one to blame when the ice cream or chips are all eaten except me;
4. There is no one here to just walk with me while I take out the trash, or check the mail, or run to the store;
3. The house is still a mess;
2. I can save money on groceries, electricity, etc but it is a poor substitute for missing your kids; and the number one thing I notice when the kids are gone is...
1. Nobody wakes me up "just to say I love you Mom"

Ciao! De ;)

Sunday - And It's Movie Review Time

Caleb took me to see Igor yesterday. It was actually cuter than I thought it was going to be. Had both adult (snuck in) and kiddie humor. The blind orphans singing "I can see clearly now" was hilarious!!! We went to the matinee. Even though it was cute, save your money for the DVD.

Caleb also took me to his school carnival on Friday night, a yearly event that "we have been waiting for all year, right Mom?" Sure, dear, lol. It was better than the previous two years as a cool front rolled through and it wasn't sweltering. Nice comfortable 80s. More "rides" such as bouncers and rock climbing. Games were good too. Caleb met up with some friends and had a ball. Great event that raises money for PTO. I have to admit, this school is excellent at raising money, and you can clearly see where it is spent.

Another thing about Caleb's school is their lunch time. I have to admit that last week was the first time I went to lunch with him in the three years he has been at the school. I was more thank just a little bit surprised when he was able to sit wherever he wanted, with whomever he wanted, and talk as much as he wanted. What a difference from when Hannah was in grade school sitting boy/girl/boy/girl and not allowed to talk during lunch. I was so impressed that I made a point of telling the school office. They just looked looked at me and said "well that's their social time". Exactly! Something I pointed out repeatedly to Hannah's school. No wonder those kids acted out more in class.

Well, I'm off to get ready for work. Three in a row. Yea! Have a great few days.

Ciao! DE ;)

Thursday - And A New Beginning

Hello....welcome to my new home. Sit down, take your shoes off, stay for awhile. Let's pick up here where we left off...
Ciao! De ;)