Ever notice how a glue stick looks exactly like Chapstick?
Think this - then think... Wade.
(Enough said)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Updates, Updates, Updates...
Today is Meredith's 7Th birthday. She was so excited to head off to school with a hair comb that looks like a crown on. It looked cute - today is her special day.
Our pool heater is now working, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa. Bryan and I had inherited a pool heater from my brother and Patricia. They had been renovating their pool area over the summer and didn't want it, so it was free for us.
But the thing has been sitting idle on the side of our house for months because getting power to it would cost $800 and I just couldn't spend that $$$. Then, my parents stepped in. Paid for it to get power - only to find out that the thing was broken!
The broken valve would cost $500 to repair!! Of course, right? But my folks had already invested $$$, so they insisted on seeing it through. I feel bad that they had to pay for it but I refused to pay $$$ for service to a pool heater that I didn't even want in the first place.
A neighbor has one - same model. Told me her electric bill is $700/month when they have the pool warm!!! OMG!!! So, I thanked my parents but made sure that they knew that I was not into the whole thing. As far as I'm concerned, we didn't need it.
Well, now that it is working, we'll use it this weekend. Meredith - instead of a big party - was allowed to choose 3 friends to come over on Saturday. We are taking the girls to a movie and then back to our home for pizza, cake, and swimming. It should be fun and Meredith is really looking forward to it.
Her birthday is the first one each year - so it sets the tone of parties for the other kids. Can't go too big for her - the others will remember it and want the same.
Update on my neighbor's kid who has leukemia... Last weekend, after spending 5 days in Pediatric ICU (for a 'bug' and getting antibiotics) and 10 days total in the hospital - care to guess where this family took her???
You'll never guess so I'll just tell ya - CHUCK E CHEESE!!!!!!!!
Can you believe it? I'm done with them. I mean, it is bad enough to take the child to the mall, movie, or Publix, but to go to the most germ infested kid thing is just wrong.
I'm like - are they trying to put her into the grave?
Can they really be that clueless or just don't care? Either way - I mentioned to the Grandmother that I thought the child wearing a mask - at home or away - was a good idea and she told me that they weren't at that point yet.
I reminded her that the child just spent 10 days in the hospital for an infection of some kind... when did she think they had reached that point? She didn't answer.
I don't think they want the input.
So, I'm done giving it.
Sad, huh?
Our pool heater is now working, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa. Bryan and I had inherited a pool heater from my brother and Patricia. They had been renovating their pool area over the summer and didn't want it, so it was free for us.
But the thing has been sitting idle on the side of our house for months because getting power to it would cost $800 and I just couldn't spend that $$$. Then, my parents stepped in. Paid for it to get power - only to find out that the thing was broken!
The broken valve would cost $500 to repair!! Of course, right? But my folks had already invested $$$, so they insisted on seeing it through. I feel bad that they had to pay for it but I refused to pay $$$ for service to a pool heater that I didn't even want in the first place.
A neighbor has one - same model. Told me her electric bill is $700/month when they have the pool warm!!! OMG!!! So, I thanked my parents but made sure that they knew that I was not into the whole thing. As far as I'm concerned, we didn't need it.
Well, now that it is working, we'll use it this weekend. Meredith - instead of a big party - was allowed to choose 3 friends to come over on Saturday. We are taking the girls to a movie and then back to our home for pizza, cake, and swimming. It should be fun and Meredith is really looking forward to it.
Her birthday is the first one each year - so it sets the tone of parties for the other kids. Can't go too big for her - the others will remember it and want the same.
Update on my neighbor's kid who has leukemia... Last weekend, after spending 5 days in Pediatric ICU (for a 'bug' and getting antibiotics) and 10 days total in the hospital - care to guess where this family took her???
You'll never guess so I'll just tell ya - CHUCK E CHEESE!!!!!!!!
Can you believe it? I'm done with them. I mean, it is bad enough to take the child to the mall, movie, or Publix, but to go to the most germ infested kid thing is just wrong.
I'm like - are they trying to put her into the grave?
Can they really be that clueless or just don't care? Either way - I mentioned to the Grandmother that I thought the child wearing a mask - at home or away - was a good idea and she told me that they weren't at that point yet.
I reminded her that the child just spent 10 days in the hospital for an infection of some kind... when did she think they had reached that point? She didn't answer.
I don't think they want the input.
So, I'm done giving it.
Sad, huh?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Life's lessons...
Having avoided going back to school for ten years, I have just begun the journey of attaining a Master’s degree. Relearning the actions of medicines, at a molecular / cellular level, while working and raising a family, is challenging to say the least. It is a lot of difficult, dry reading that basically requires me to re-read paragraphs three or four times before I begin to understand it. I have a feeling that I’m only scratching the surface, which is frustrating. I’m quite positive that anyone who has worked towards a higher degree can relate and I have gained a whole new respect for them.
Frustrated with memorizing the details of the lessons, I was complaining to a co-worker that I don’t want to just memorize this stuff – I want to understand it.
A nursing student, sitting nearby, overheard our conversation and asked if he could explain it to me. This led to several conversations between us, where the student became the teacher.
Impressed with his knowledge, I commented about the level of organic chemisty taught in nursing school today. Turns out, he is a trained physician, new to our country, learning a new career in nursing. I questioned him about his path here. I learned about the years he spent practicing medicine in other countries and found out that he is happy for the opportunity he has to work in the medical field here in the USA; even though it means years of learning things he already knows.
His story was inspiring and I began to wonder how much we don’t know about our co-workers. How many of us don’t bother to ask each other about the paths we all took to come to work at Memorial West.
Many, myself included, are locally born and raised with deep roots within this community. A vast majority, however, have lived a lifetime elsewhere; coming from lands far away to raise their families here. We have much to learn about each other.
Working together, one weekend day, my co-workers and I were joking about how I was the only one present that wasn’t born on an island. The countries of Jamaica and the Phillipines were represented well that day. But this cultrual diversity is never negative. It is to be celebrated. I am blessed that many of my co-workers have taken it upon themselves to introduce me to foods and fruits I would have never had the opportunity to taste and love. I am truly grateful for each of them as they all have a unique story about how they came to live in Florida.
The point is… how much about our co-workers do we really know?
When we are at work, we have the wonderful opportunity to learn about cultures and traditions. Educating ourselves, about each other, goes beyond finding out who will relieve us for our lunch break. It is the element that turns strangers into friends.
Open up about yourself. Share your own life stories and listen closely when others tell theirs. You just might be surprised, as I was with the nursing student, at what you’ll learn when you take the time to be interested in someone else’s life story.
Frustrated with memorizing the details of the lessons, I was complaining to a co-worker that I don’t want to just memorize this stuff – I want to understand it.
A nursing student, sitting nearby, overheard our conversation and asked if he could explain it to me. This led to several conversations between us, where the student became the teacher.
Impressed with his knowledge, I commented about the level of organic chemisty taught in nursing school today. Turns out, he is a trained physician, new to our country, learning a new career in nursing. I questioned him about his path here. I learned about the years he spent practicing medicine in other countries and found out that he is happy for the opportunity he has to work in the medical field here in the USA; even though it means years of learning things he already knows.
His story was inspiring and I began to wonder how much we don’t know about our co-workers. How many of us don’t bother to ask each other about the paths we all took to come to work at Memorial West.
Many, myself included, are locally born and raised with deep roots within this community. A vast majority, however, have lived a lifetime elsewhere; coming from lands far away to raise their families here. We have much to learn about each other.
Working together, one weekend day, my co-workers and I were joking about how I was the only one present that wasn’t born on an island. The countries of Jamaica and the Phillipines were represented well that day. But this cultrual diversity is never negative. It is to be celebrated. I am blessed that many of my co-workers have taken it upon themselves to introduce me to foods and fruits I would have never had the opportunity to taste and love. I am truly grateful for each of them as they all have a unique story about how they came to live in Florida.
The point is… how much about our co-workers do we really know?
When we are at work, we have the wonderful opportunity to learn about cultures and traditions. Educating ourselves, about each other, goes beyond finding out who will relieve us for our lunch break. It is the element that turns strangers into friends.
Open up about yourself. Share your own life stories and listen closely when others tell theirs. You just might be surprised, as I was with the nursing student, at what you’ll learn when you take the time to be interested in someone else’s life story.
I had a very bad dream last night...
I have GOT to stop taking Tylenol PM's to help me sleep at night. Last night was one of worst dreaming nights of my life... it was terrible.
I dreamed that Paige (10 months) died. No one would tell me how she died - only that she was gone. The entire dream was about her funeral, with a teeny, tiny casket, and me trying to make it through the days that followed.
I was fighting with family who were trying to take down all the photos of her - in an attempt to help me forget her. I was begging everyone to answer why I wasn't allowed to hold her after she died.
My heart was breaking in the need to cuddle her; to protect her. I was crying because I couldn't imagine her going into heaven and being alone - she is so little - she would be lost without us to care for her and I was powerless to do anything... death is so final.
It was terrible - even now, my chest hurts from the anguish of knowing she was gone and trying to put the pieces back together.
What an awful night.
At 4am, Wade (3y) came in asking for a cup of milk. Ususally, I scold him for coming in my room in the dark. He knows better. But, last night, I was glad he woke me up. I happily gave him some milk and put him back to bed.... grateful for being done with that dream.
But, you know what happened? I fell back asleep and there it was still. Continued on until I got up again at 6am.
This must be on my brain because I know someone who just lost her 14 month old daughter in January. The child climbed out of the crib and fell between the crib and a dresser. Her head was wedged in an upward position and she couldn't breathe. She died.
Saddest part was that the parents were not home. They were up the street at a church picnic and had left their kids with a sitter who was supposed to dress the children and meet them at the party. Their 3 year old son found the baby.
I can only imagine the heartbreak that this couple has, but after my dream, I have kind of an idea.
Only mine was a dream... awful.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Me - looking pregnant still...
What do you think my reaction should be when people ask me if I'm pregnant?
You know that awkward moment when someone opens their mouth and inserts their foot?
This happens to me a few times every week.
I know that I look big in the tummy. I know that I can't wear clothes that bind under the breasts - it makes me look 6 months pregnant. I know that my tummy doesnt' match the rest of me.
However...
I know that I'm 20 pounds heavier than I was 10 years ago. Hello, I've had 4 kids in 8 years and all were delivered by c-section!!!
When I do a sit up, my stomach cones upward in the middle. That is a sign that the muscles are so stretched out, they are beyond repair with sit ups. If I want to look thin in the middle - I'll need a tummy tuck... just isn't happening anytime soon, right?
So, I must forge through the next few years with my head high and not react with anger when someone asks me how far along I am.
Last week, at work, I was assisting a patient moving from the stretcher to a bed. I was on the side that pulls the patient over. So another nurse, who doesn't know me, tells me to move out of the way, because I didn't need to be pulling patients when I'm about to pop one out!!!!!
OMG!!! I was like, 'that is not a new baby bump. That is an old baby bump.'
I think I can only use the 'I just had one' for another month or so, then I'll have to come up with something else. People don't react the same when you tell them that you just had a baby, so your tummy is still large and then tell them that the baby is 18 months!!
Yesterday, Bryan and I went to go have our taxes done. The same lady does them every year and last year we were about 7 months pregnant with Paige when we went in.
So, we show up and this lady gives me a hug and bends down and places her hands on my tummy and actually starts to talk to it!!!! I was like - what are you doing?
She was mortified, to say the least. I just didn't know what the most appropriate reaction should be.
I give up though, I have too much on my plate, for the next 3 years, to start a new work out routine, in the hopes that my stomach will shrink, when I've been told by several plastic surgeons at work that it won't without surgical intervention.
I guess I'm just sensitive, today.
You know that awkward moment when someone opens their mouth and inserts their foot?
This happens to me a few times every week.
I know that I look big in the tummy. I know that I can't wear clothes that bind under the breasts - it makes me look 6 months pregnant. I know that my tummy doesnt' match the rest of me.
However...
I know that I'm 20 pounds heavier than I was 10 years ago. Hello, I've had 4 kids in 8 years and all were delivered by c-section!!!
When I do a sit up, my stomach cones upward in the middle. That is a sign that the muscles are so stretched out, they are beyond repair with sit ups. If I want to look thin in the middle - I'll need a tummy tuck... just isn't happening anytime soon, right?
So, I must forge through the next few years with my head high and not react with anger when someone asks me how far along I am.
Last week, at work, I was assisting a patient moving from the stretcher to a bed. I was on the side that pulls the patient over. So another nurse, who doesn't know me, tells me to move out of the way, because I didn't need to be pulling patients when I'm about to pop one out!!!!!
OMG!!! I was like, 'that is not a new baby bump. That is an old baby bump.'
I think I can only use the 'I just had one' for another month or so, then I'll have to come up with something else. People don't react the same when you tell them that you just had a baby, so your tummy is still large and then tell them that the baby is 18 months!!
Yesterday, Bryan and I went to go have our taxes done. The same lady does them every year and last year we were about 7 months pregnant with Paige when we went in.
So, we show up and this lady gives me a hug and bends down and places her hands on my tummy and actually starts to talk to it!!!! I was like - what are you doing?
She was mortified, to say the least. I just didn't know what the most appropriate reaction should be.
I give up though, I have too much on my plate, for the next 3 years, to start a new work out routine, in the hopes that my stomach will shrink, when I've been told by several plastic surgeons at work that it won't without surgical intervention.
I guess I'm just sensitive, today.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
ice rink video - Meredith
I don't know how to turn these so they are straight. Sorry! This is Meredith coming right at the camera...
Took the kids to the ice rink
Took the kids to a birthday party at the ice rink last weekend. Here is some video of them skating... I'm hoping that the videos transfer ok.
So much to tell...
Wow! Can't believe I have been this bad about updating this thing, but so much has been going on! Where should I begin?
Well... to start I got into the anesthesia school!! I actually heard word that I was accepted last Thursday. The sent out an email but they also phoned me on my cellphone. Hearing the news was a double edged sword - Very excited to be picked to be a part of the class, yet worried about how to pay for it.
I am about to enter the world of student loans. I have never needed to borrow $$$ for school and when I'm done, I could have more than $60,000 owed. Ouch!
I've been panicking about the idea of going into further debt. In a time when many, many are losing their jobs, I'm planning on quitting mine and not taking a salary for two years. The idea of this school was much more exciting before I actually got in. Now, I'm learning about the fire you need to walk across to get $$$ to go back to school.
The hardest part is knowing that Bryan and I HAVE to refinance our home this year. We currently have an adjustable rate and it will hit the five year mark this year. We had our mortgage guy look at the houses prices in our area and the news is not good. Looks like the value of our home will be about $25,000 less than we owe on it. This is NOT good news.
Bryan is not all that worried about it. He refuses to worry about things we can't change. I'm trying to think like him, but I'm worried that - come August - I won't have a job! So, how am I going to qualify for this house??? We NEED to get this whole thing sorted out - soon.
Funny, how the idea of going back to school was very exciting until it came true - now I'm not so sure.
I'm not backing out, just scared about what lies ahead.
Well... to start I got into the anesthesia school!! I actually heard word that I was accepted last Thursday. The sent out an email but they also phoned me on my cellphone. Hearing the news was a double edged sword - Very excited to be picked to be a part of the class, yet worried about how to pay for it.
I am about to enter the world of student loans. I have never needed to borrow $$$ for school and when I'm done, I could have more than $60,000 owed. Ouch!
I've been panicking about the idea of going into further debt. In a time when many, many are losing their jobs, I'm planning on quitting mine and not taking a salary for two years. The idea of this school was much more exciting before I actually got in. Now, I'm learning about the fire you need to walk across to get $$$ to go back to school.
The hardest part is knowing that Bryan and I HAVE to refinance our home this year. We currently have an adjustable rate and it will hit the five year mark this year. We had our mortgage guy look at the houses prices in our area and the news is not good. Looks like the value of our home will be about $25,000 less than we owe on it. This is NOT good news.
Bryan is not all that worried about it. He refuses to worry about things we can't change. I'm trying to think like him, but I'm worried that - come August - I won't have a job! So, how am I going to qualify for this house??? We NEED to get this whole thing sorted out - soon.
Funny, how the idea of going back to school was very exciting until it came true - now I'm not so sure.
I'm not backing out, just scared about what lies ahead.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Update on Olivia
Aunt Linda - I know you've been calling to ask about Olivia. I don't know what happened last night - did you end up speaking with Wade? I noticed that you had called but no one brought us the phone.
Anyway, the pediatric endocrinologist saw Olivia after a two hour wait to see her. She listened to our story and examined Olivia then ordered all kinds of tests. Bloodwork, ultrasounds of her pelvis and an xray of her hand.
In the bloodwork, she is testing for hormones that are abnormal for her age. She also ordered a cholersterol level because my chub-o-lita is tipping the scales at 105lbs. (she is 4'8" tall)
The ultrasound will show if there is any cysts on her ovaries that could be triggering the spotting.
The xray of her hand will show her growth plates. She showed me a book that had the xray of the hand of a baby and every year up until the age of 16. The growth plates actually look like floating bones in the palm that fuse with the rest of the bones after the onset of puberty. If Olivia's growth plates are still floating around it is a good sign that this is NOT early puberty.
I scheduled the xray and u/s on Monday the 16th when the older ones have no school.
I gonna try to get her to labcorp on this Friday (before school). They open at 7am. I'm sure it will be the highlight of her day, right?
If she is starting puberty early - then the treatment is hormone injects (monthly) until age 12. Or she can have an implant placed surgically that lasts a year and will need to be changed out annually until age 12.
The doctor said that it could be early puberty or it could be just a fluke. We'll have to see.
As far as school goes, I have not heard back yet. Still waiting for the email of acceptance.
Once that email comes, my life will be upside down, as we will have 5 months to figure out how we are going to pay for it. $$$ everywhere is tight and I was counting on a sponsorship of a local anesthesia group to pay for school... they cut the program this month.
My luck, right?
Anyway, the pediatric endocrinologist saw Olivia after a two hour wait to see her. She listened to our story and examined Olivia then ordered all kinds of tests. Bloodwork, ultrasounds of her pelvis and an xray of her hand.
In the bloodwork, she is testing for hormones that are abnormal for her age. She also ordered a cholersterol level because my chub-o-lita is tipping the scales at 105lbs. (she is 4'8" tall)
The ultrasound will show if there is any cysts on her ovaries that could be triggering the spotting.
The xray of her hand will show her growth plates. She showed me a book that had the xray of the hand of a baby and every year up until the age of 16. The growth plates actually look like floating bones in the palm that fuse with the rest of the bones after the onset of puberty. If Olivia's growth plates are still floating around it is a good sign that this is NOT early puberty.
I scheduled the xray and u/s on Monday the 16th when the older ones have no school.
I gonna try to get her to labcorp on this Friday (before school). They open at 7am. I'm sure it will be the highlight of her day, right?
If she is starting puberty early - then the treatment is hormone injects (monthly) until age 12. Or she can have an implant placed surgically that lasts a year and will need to be changed out annually until age 12.
The doctor said that it could be early puberty or it could be just a fluke. We'll have to see.
As far as school goes, I have not heard back yet. Still waiting for the email of acceptance.
Once that email comes, my life will be upside down, as we will have 5 months to figure out how we are going to pay for it. $$$ everywhere is tight and I was counting on a sponsorship of a local anesthesia group to pay for school... they cut the program this month.
My luck, right?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Taking Olivia to the doctors today
Back in December, Olivia had one day of vaginal spotting. It wasn't much but you could see it on the paper after she went to the bathroom.
It happened again in January.
So, after carefully re-checking that this child is only 8 years old, I started making calls to get a doctor to look at her.
First, called the pediatrician. He told me to go see a pediatric gynocologist.
Excuse me????????? Has anyone ever heard of THAT as a specialty? I never have! How on Earth would a student doctor complete his residency in that specialty? Could you imagine the trauma to little girls?
Turns out that she needs to go to a pediatric endocrinologist. After the whole hoopla last week - crazy schedule with the GRE and the interview - I finally remembered to call them yesterday.
They made her an appt for today. I thought I'd be making an appt for March sometime. They told me that this could be a 'medical emergency' and that she needed to be seen right away.
Luckily, I have off work today, so I'll be picking her up at 10am from school. So much for studying at the library today - ALONE.
We'll see what they have to say - if they want to draw blood, which is a good chance - she will have a heartattack!
I'll let you know as this drama unfolds.
It happened again in January.
So, after carefully re-checking that this child is only 8 years old, I started making calls to get a doctor to look at her.
First, called the pediatrician. He told me to go see a pediatric gynocologist.
Excuse me????????? Has anyone ever heard of THAT as a specialty? I never have! How on Earth would a student doctor complete his residency in that specialty? Could you imagine the trauma to little girls?
Turns out that she needs to go to a pediatric endocrinologist. After the whole hoopla last week - crazy schedule with the GRE and the interview - I finally remembered to call them yesterday.
They made her an appt for today. I thought I'd be making an appt for March sometime. They told me that this could be a 'medical emergency' and that she needed to be seen right away.
Luckily, I have off work today, so I'll be picking her up at 10am from school. So much for studying at the library today - ALONE.
We'll see what they have to say - if they want to draw blood, which is a good chance - she will have a heartattack!
I'll let you know as this drama unfolds.
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