Life Goes On

Baby Steps

2010-02-22T17:14:00.000-08:00

I'm one step closer to completing #3 on the list. I've applied and been accepted to the Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training and I'm so excited! I've got the time of work (an ordeal in itself as it had to be approved through Human Resources) and officially registered for the program today.

In June, you will find me at Kripalu completing the 200-hour teacher certification program. :)

People photos

2010-01-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

Taking portraits is intimidating to me. One of my goals in completing the 365 project is to become more comfortable with portraits.

How am I going to accomplish that? By starting with a familiar subject.

And, up close to an unusually still dog, Maggie.

Finally, my personal favorite of the day....

Wish me luck! My ultimate goal is to complete this.

31 things to do before 32

2010-01-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

1. learn to sew

2. purchase a pair of rain boots

3. complete a yoga teacher training

4. start a stranger project (www.100strangers.com)

5. take a photograph every single day

6. practice yoga daily

7. eat golden tomato sauce made with produce from my garden

8. apply for senior

9. race my bike

10. send mailart

11. plant bulbs in the fall

12. own a bike with a basket

13. turn my photographs into postcards

14. go to a tulip festival

15. paint the two bedrooms

16. take an overnight bike tour

17. be a guerilla artist

18. fill a jar with positive affirmations

19. host a game night

20. pick apples in the fall

21. learn to knit flowers

22. attend at least 5 live performances

23. become a pet partner with finn through the delta society

24. build a snowman

25. learn 2 new constellations

26. volunteer with big brothers/big sisters

27. play in the leaves

28. ride my bike to the berry farm and pick berries to bring home

29. finally open a flickr account. done

30. learn to crochet

31. pick fresh flowers

Personal Space

2008-08-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

Why?

I am sitting in an entirely empty coffee shop on one of their comfy couches on this gorgeous Tuesday minding my own business and working on a couple of projects. This older man comes in, scouts out the place, and sits right next to me on the couch with nary a word. Um, excuse me?

Why not sit in one of the other empty couches? Why must you sit with me in an empty coffee shop?

Why?

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2008-06-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

A fitting title after my last post from far too long ago, I know...

We had a record breaking snow fall this winter which has led into a record breaking flood. I have been sandbagging this week, trying to help protect the town and the university from complete inundation. I am off to go do some more sandbagging today, but thought I would provide links for you all to follow along with me from afar.

http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

http://www.gazetteonline.com/

http://www.kcrg.com/

http://www.icgov.org/default/?id=1874

http://uiflood.blogspot.com/

I'll update as I can with more information and pictures...

Snow, Snow, Go Away...

2008-02-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

I am tired of all the snow. It is just ridiculous. According to the local paper, we have had 51.5 inches of snow before this storm today which was supposed to add another 5 to 8 inches of snow upon us. More than double the normal amount of snow for the season. And we still have at least 4 weeks of winter. How has this affected everyone? Here's some happenings that are just odd to me...

1. I have a studded tire on my bike for commuting.

2. The muffler fell off my low riding car from plowing its way through unplowed streets.

3. One of my classmates is wearing shoe chains on her shoes whenever she leaves her house.

4. I am seriously considering buying an avalanche shovel to store in my car. It seems that would be far more effective than the broiler pan I have used to this point.

Is winter over yet? I am more than ready for it to be...

Ice Storms and a Bike

2007-12-14T08:37:00.001-08:00

Winter Wonderland no. 1

And, to deal with the inclement weather better than my fun little single speed was meant to handle, a new bike that is set up much better to make it through all this slip-sliding fun...

A beautiful day in New Mexico

2007-12-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

Tent Rocks National Monument

Towards the beginning of the hike...

At the top...

Peek-a-boo

2007-11-21T21:29:00.001-08:00

Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

Albuquerque

2007-11-20T12:54:00.001-08:00

The vibrant colors of Albuquerque

Recap

2007-11-16T11:59:00.000-08:00

It's been a while again, I know. A lot going on, too busy, not enough time to do nearly the amount of stuff I want to get done or to the quality that I want it done. Not complaining, as most of it has been good, so I'll recap it for you.

Got a 93 on my last organic test, which was a high A with the curve. Not so well on my physics test...55 on that sucker, which was still a B with the curve.
Won a trophy in the last cyclocross race I did. It's a 3rd place trophy, and it's actually a girl on a bike.
I'm allergic to the trees...Or so says my doctor. I'm not buying it. After 3 sets of antihistamines and 2 of steroids, I'm definitely ready for a different answer. And, not one that involves the trees or more drugs.
Selling my car as I just can't afford it when I've sliced my income to roughly a third of what it was before I went back to school. Bummer to sell my car, as I really love it. But, there's so many other things I'd rather do with my money. Saving for a house, paying for school, traveling...
Speaking of traveling...I'm sitting in the airport on the way to Santa Fe to visit my dear friend Annie. It's my birthday treat, my escape from school (although school is following me since I have 2 tests the week I return), and my reunion with Annie and Ben whom I haven't seen since March and April.

That's the brief recap for now. I hope to add some pictures and stories with this coming trip to Sante Fe. Enjoy the day.

Thank You to the Street Cleaner

2007-10-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Commuting on a bicycle has given me a whole new appreciation for the people who clean the streets. Having a clean road to ride on makes the commute so much safer and easier. So far, I have seen the street cleaner on my route 4 times. Each time, I sit up, wave my entire arm, and yell "Thank you." I'm sure the guy driving the machine can't hear me, but I wonder if he understands what I'm trying to tell him. I sure hope so.

Update

2007-10-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a tad bit, I know, but I do have an update. Finn's results came back and his tumor is benign. Thank goodness. It hasn't been all rosy, though, as his wound (it's about 2.5 inches in length) dehisced, leading to infection, emergency vet fees, and the like. Ugh...But, he has gotten the drain out, and (I hope) he'll be getting his sutures and staples out next Wednesday. He's slowly returning to his normal self, so I think we're on the road to recovery.

I also made it through my first series of exams. I got an 85/100 on the first organic chemistry exam, and the results are still pending for my physics exam.

I also did my first cyclocross race of the year. I got last in the field, but I felt pretty good when I was done. I definitely have some work to do to get my fitness up, but I also had fun. Here's a picture of a part of the course that scared me initially, and I rode it during every lap of the race.

Finn and Leif

2007-09-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Bit of a rough day here. Finn, my buddy, had surgery today to remove a tumor from his chest. The vet said that the surgery went well, that Finn tolerated it well, and that they sent the tumor to Iowa State University for analysis. I should find out in about a week what's going on, what kind of tumor it is, etc. Meanwhile, his lab work was within normal limits, the vet thinks I caught whatever it is early, and his prognosis should be good. I'll rest a lot easier when the verdict comes back from ISU...

As some of you know and some of you don't, I had another Norwegian Elkhound before named Leif. I lost him at the much too young age of 2 due to cancer, an aggressive, rare form of cancer that strikes dogs most commonly under the age of 2. I'm scared that the nightmare is happening all over again...

Leif, my beloved.

Punk Rock Cycling

2007-09-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

I met some of the strongest, most independent, and beautiful women this weekend when I went to Des Moines as part of this newly formed women's cycling team. We all met at this club (seriously, I had no idea Des Moines could have such a cool night spot...) called Liar's Club. All of us dressed per strict specifications for the team photo shoot. We met each other and some of the sponsors. We talked about the upcoming season and plans for the year. It was an awesome night.

I have not been this excited about riding, racing, and women's cycling in a long time. I feel as though this is long overdue. We have an amazing group of women who are all dedicated to making this happen and want to see women's cycling promoted in the state. We have support from our sponsors. We have a team manager/director who wants to see us dominate and I'm confident that he will help us do just that.

What an inspiring and empowering evening...

Training and A Trophy

2007-09-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

Today, after my morning classes, I was walking across the river from the east side of campus to the west side to go to the gym. It was a windy day today, the kind the campus is notorious for, especially in the winter when everyone dreads having to cross the river. The wind just whips through there, chilling you to the core. Today, the wind was whipping my hair across my face so much I could hardly see where I was going. I had just tossed my hair back and was trying to tame it with an elastic when I saw a guy sprinting past on a bike in hospital scrubs. He looked familiar and it took me a minute to place him. He's an anesthesiologist that races with the team I used to ride for. The last time I saw him was at a time trial I did over in Illinois. We both won trophies that day. I had to leave early and missed out on collecting my trophy. Somewhere, he has my trophy. I was thinking that I'll have to get it one of these days.

Nah, I'll just have to win some more this year.

Adventure Racing

2007-09-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

Never even heard about this sport called adventure racing until a bunch of friends started doing it. They've done a couple now, but nothing as intense as the one they did this weekend - a 24 hour race full of trekking, mountain biking, paddling, rappelling, and orienteering. It started at midnight Friday night and went until midnight Saturday night.

A friend and I went to go pick up the 2 teams of 3 each that we knew Saturday evening. The winning team did the 24 hour race in 13 hours and 17 minutes. Teams straggled in the entire time that we were there and the stories were just amazing. (As were the stars that we got to see while waiting.) One team got stalked by a mountain lion while they were orienteering in the dark. One of the points they had to find was in a field of stinging nettles. They paddled past tug boats and barges to find islands in the middle of the Mississippi River. One of our guys fell in a sink hole bigger than him when the edge of the bank gave way underneath him. Two got their hands stuck in the rope rappelling into a natural amphitheater.

The best stories come from the drive home. One of the teams refused to let me drive them home, so I rode back with the other team. They insisted that they were fine, and they seemed to be fine. At the time. On the way home, sleep deprivation hit and the hallucinations started. They saw owls sitting outside their window on the interstate, went 40 mph on the freeway, and stopped more than a half block back from stoplights in town. This morning, every single one of the said, "I don't know why we didn't let you drive."

Next time, I'm driving home, even if I have to fight them for the keys.

Goals For The Year

2007-09-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

It's been an intense past week with juggling the return to school, trying to maintain my level of performance at work, and riding in preparation for the upcoming races. It's a lot to manage, and the procrastinator in me is struggling with time management yet again. With that in mind, I wanted to publish my goals for the year in the hopes that you all will help keep me on track when I start slipping. They're lofty, but I do better with challenges, so here it goes...

1. Straight A's in my courses. Organic Chemistry and Physics.

2. Top 1 or 2 tier MCAT score.

3. Learn to do a track stand.

4. Stay with the pack in local/regional races.

5. Revamp the student program at my hospital.

6. Become a certified brain injury specialist.

7. Travel abroad for 4 weeks.

Alright, there you have it - two goals each for school, work, and riding plus a goal for myself. Time management will definitely be key in getting them all met. Wish me luck!

Ride-By's

2007-08-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

There were a lot of people out riding tonight despite the wind. (The wind sucked, by the way. One of those days where it's easier to ride up the hill because you have the windbreak than it is to ride on the flats or even downhill.) A lot of people out riding apparently equals a few crazies.

A girlfriend and I were out riding on a high traffic road. We were riding a fair pace with the wind at our backs, but certainly not pushing any speed envelopes. I saw another biker coming up behind us as I was staring at the livestock out in the fields and told my friend "Biker back" as we were riding two abreast. I didn't really pay too much attention as he passed us until he had pulled ahead a bit. Then, I turned and looked over at him and my riding partner. He was leering at us. Seriously, full body turned toward us with the most disgusting leer on his face. I don't know how to describe it better than that. My friend had turned towards me and was cringing at me. We slowed the pace way down to let him get far ahead of us, and I almost feel off my bike laughing. The combination of this nasty guy leering at us and my friend cringing was a picture of extremes that I only wish I had a picture of to share with you all.

So, a couple of notes to people out there who ride upon a couple of girls that you perhaps find attractive.

Don't leer.
Wear a jersey. Especially if you have a mat of chest hair that could be better described as a rug over a pot belly. It's not attractive.
Try starting a conversation. I promise it works out much better to pick up a couple of girls by talking to them versus leering at them. Seriously.

Cars

2007-08-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

I took my 2 year old car in for its 60,000 mile service the other day.

I got it back to find that someone had reprogrammed all of my radio stations to completely new ones.

Why???

On My Mind

2007-08-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

Two funny patient interactions...

This cute, tattooed, and pleasantly confused older man leans into me and whispers in my ear as I'm walking him to the bathroom, "They put a worm in my penis, and I've been trying all day to get it out." He was referring to his catheter. I smiled, tried not to laugh, and explained what it was and why it was there.
My other cute, demented guy wearing a bright blue trucker cap who pointed at my nose ring as I was asking him orientation questions. "What's that?" he asks, and then fake sneezed 7 times in a row.

One staff interaction...

I had just talked with the charge nurse and care coordinator for clarification for an order I had received. I was walking away when I heard, "Hey, you! Come back here!" I kinda half turned around, wondering who she was talking to like that, only to realize that she was talking to me. First, I've been working here all summer. Second, I have a name. Third, who addresses others like that, especially a colleague in a professional environment??? "Excuse me, but my name is Christina. I would appreciate it if you addressed me that way." And, I walked away.

A Stick, A Carrot, and One Check

2007-08-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

I rode my bike into town on Friday (ah, a day off...) and ran a bunch of errands.

Yes, I rode my bike to town. Yes, I did my errands on a bike and carried my purchases home on said bike. Yes, a bike can be a viable alternative to your automobile. What's this all about?

The US House of Representatives approved an energy conservation bill that includes, among other things, a tax break of $20 per month for bike commuters, which takes effect at the beginning of next year.

The vote on HR 2776 was largely split along party lines, and was preceded by inspired testimony from Congressman Patrick McHenry, a Republican representing the 10th District in North Carolina.

Here's McHenry, as quoted in the Congressional Record:

A major component of the Democrats' energy legislation and the Democrats' answer to our energy crisis is, hold on, wait one minute, wait one minute, it is promoting the use of the bicycle.

Oh, I cannot make this stuff up. Yes, the American people have heard this. Their answer to our fuel crisis, the crisis at the pumps, is: Ride a bike.

Democrats believe that using taxpayer funds in this bill to the tune of $1 million a year should be devoted to the principle of: "Save energy, ride a bike.'' Some might argue that depending on bicycles to solve our energy crisis is naive, perhaps ridiculous. Some might even say Congress should use this energy legislation to create new energy, bring new nuclear power plants on line, use clean coal technology, energy exploration, but no, no. They want to tell the American people, stop driving, ride a bike. This is absolutely amazing.

Apparently, the Democrats believe that the miracle on two wheels that we know as a bicycle will end our dependence on foreign oil. I cannot make this stuff up. It is absolutely amazing.

Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you the Democrats, promoting 19th century solutions to 21st century problems. If you don't like it, ride a bike. If you don't like the price at the pumps, ride a bike.

Stay tuned for the next big idea for the Democrats: Improving energy efficiency by the horse and buggy.

He's so proud of this that he even posted a video on his website.

So, a stick to Congressman Patrick McHenry and what a shame he's not in my state to vote him straight out of office.

On the other hand, a carrot to all who put together the concert Friday night downtown. It was phenomenal, as it always seems to be when Orquesta de Jazz y Salsa Alto Maiz plays. They're better known as Alto Maiz and they had the entire downtown dancing to the salsa beat. I left after dancing the evening away, grinning ear to ear. What an incredible night. Catch a bit of their music here. Props, kudos, and a big hand to Alto Maiz and all who organized that night.

Then, I wrapped up the weekend with trip to the Iowa State Fair. Did you know that the Iowa State Fair is listed in the book "1000 Places to See Before You Die" and that it's the only Iowa destination and the country's only state fair listed? Hmmm...I had no idea. Not sure what to make of that one.

But, for the mind-boggling and laughing til tears were rolling down our faces quote that came out of this little road trip, I have to share. It's early and my friend and I were heading out for the day when my roommate (who was talking on the phone with her boyfriend) had a strange request. "Jim wants you to take a picture of the world's largest boar penis." Okkkaaaaayyyyyy.

"Excuse me, sir, can you tell me where the world's largest boar penis is? I have to take a picture for my roommate's boyfriend."

Utter Decadence and a Bit More

2007-08-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

I've felt spoiled of late. In the past week, I've

gotten my SLR camera back from repair (It's like having a brand new toy after being without it for months. I love the feel of it, the weight of it in my hands. Oh, the ability to control my images again! Sadly missing in my pocket point and shoot camera. Ahhhh.)
built up an old pink bike frame as a single speed and tricked it out with blue handlebars, a blue chain, and spokey dokes (Having a combo of friends with ties to the industry in some way or another, I got everything and built it for under 85 bucks! My sweet new commuter bike.)
bought myself a feather bed. This last one takes the cake for my week of luxurious self-indulgence. I just got tired of my hip bones being rubbed raw every night from sleeping on the foam mattress on my futon. The feather bed has solved that problem, and I've had to drag myself out of bed every morning since.

Moving on to my genius (sarcasm, folks) stories for the day...

This news article must win an award for highlighting people's stupidity. It surely made me chuckle in disbelief.

Finally, which would you rather have for your spouse? The one who noticed that her spouse was having a stroke in the morning, went out for breakfast at a local pancake house, and then took him to the emergency room OR the one who stepped over his spouse after she had tripped in the entrance for the store and fallen, breaking her hip, continued shopping and let the store employees and patrons call the ambulance and take her to the hospital?

How Not to Pick Up a Girl...

2007-08-10T16:46:00.000-07:00

"You smell good. What is that?"

"That would be my bug spray."

WTF?

2007-07-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

Story #1

I'm riding my bike along the country road leading to my house after a couple hour ride, anxious for a shower and starving for some food, when I notice a guy pointing a rifle in my direction. I slammed on my brakes, almost catapulting myself over the handlebars. I don't recall exactly what I yelled (and it probably couldn't be printed here anyhow), but it really doesn't matter. Isn't there some sort of law about guns that makes this whole situation illegal???

Story #2

I was on my way out of a store after purchasing dog food when I saw a sight that is still disturbing me. I had turned around towards the cashier that was behind me as that was the way towards my car. The cashier was talking to this overweight guy and gal. The girl was dressed in a denim miniskirt, a tank top, and flip flops. As soon as I turned around, this girl propped her leg up onto the counter, showing my forever sorry eyes and the whole world her crotch. Classy...

Who Needs Sleep?

2007-07-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

Ah, brings fond memories of the Barenaked Ladies and the song by the same title. It seems appropriate for me in the past couple of days. Not because I couldn't sleep but because there was just way too much to do.

It all started on Friday. After a normal day of work, and a normal Friday evening, we went to the Harry Potter release party. Definitely a phenomenon all it's own. People were dressed up as the characters, there were raffles, contests, and games, they gave away Gryffindor keychains, and we even had a countdown to 12:01 when the books were sold. I was number 541 in line and got my book just before 1 am. Back home to read the book until 7am when the book had to be put down for my return to work, a busy day of all evaluations.

I struggled to stay awake at the end of the day while documenting and got home in one piece with the idea that I would eat and go to bed. I made some food, sat down to eat it, and promptly opened up the book, which I couldn't put down. After 42 hours of being up, I finally went to bed out of utter exhaustion and with the realization that I had a bike race the next day.

Up to early again in the morning, we were off to bike race to find there were only 5 girls. It was a very low key race, with the more experienced girls teaching the beginners cornering and drafting before it broke apart about halfway through the race. The spectators were cool, cheering us around the course, and flashing us as well. (One of the racers yelled "What are we going to see next?" as the guys had raised their shirts.) I was tired, stayed with the girls until it broke apart, and never caught up with them again. Made it home after a while, and slept hard, only to wake up and continue reading Harry Potter until 1 or 2 am before succumbing to sheer exhaustion again.

Thank goodness I had today off. I finished Harry Potter around 11 this morning. I think she ended things perfectly, and that's all I'm saying in case others haven't finished yet. Slept, ate, spun out my legs a bit, and finally made it to the truck pull! I'm posting pictures for your viewing pleasure.

My friend driving his truck, Force Fed, vibrating every cell in my body as he powered past me.

A cool shot of one of my friend's favorite trucks called the Corn Burner.

Thanks for reading.

In Review

2007-07-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Wedding Crashers
- Went to a wedding with a friend. Only remotely knew the people and felt like I was crashing the wedding. Memorable quotes from the evening... "Falling in love is like peeing your pants. Everyone sees you do it, but only you can feel it." "Welcome to the Midwest, the only place corn is considered a vegetable. Everywhere else it's a grain."

Ballet
- The local theater/auditorium is celebrating their anniversary in conjunction with the Joffrey Ballet. Together, they put together an absolutely fabulous performance, highlighting works from "The Nutcracker" (of course), "Billboards" (fantastic, I want to see the whole performance now), "Untitled" (a comedy), "Light Rain" (exotic), and "Allegro con Sabor" (hot, seductive performance). It was wonderful to see highlights from these different, full-length performances, and to see them outside on Hancher's front lawn. It was a fantastic production.

Harry Potter
- Went to the movie this past weekend. Liked it better than I have the last two, probably because it followed the book better. Looking forward to the 7th book, coming out this weekend. I'm almost done with reading all the prior books, so that I can be completely up to speed on all the details when I read the latest, and final, installment. I know, I know, I'm a fanatic...

Biking
- Been biking a bunch, which takes up a lot more time than I remember it doing. Get up in the morning to take Finn running, go to work, come home and ride, eat dinner, and go to bed. Makes me tired just thinking about it. Been on some interesting rides, including our 4th of July ride, where we came upon a tiny town's parade, complete with everyone and their lawn mowing tractor. There was even a kid hopping along on a pogo stick. And, the marshal offered to stop the parade to let us through. We just stayed and watched. It was fun. Welcome to small town Iowa. But, the first trial race is coming up this weekend in Davenport. Wish me luck.

Truck Pulls
- I've made two attempts to go to a friend's truck pulling competitions. I find them oddly captivating. Haven't made it to either one because of the weather. Last night, there was even a tornado in the town where the truck pull was supposed to be. We stopped before we got there, but the damage is just unreal. Will try again this coming week and see if the third time really is a charm.

The Sky

2007-07-09T18:52:00.001-07:00

After opening the day with a beautiful run with Finn and the rising sun amongst the clouds, vibrant pinks and purples against the lightening blue sky, I closed the day with another walk with Finn during the sunset. This time, the sunset was illuminating massive thunderheads, turning their undersides brilliant hues of red, against the dramatic backdrop of the threatening, black clouds.

I was lost in thought, walking along the sidewalk, thinking this was something I'd missed while out West. They didn't have these dramatic skies, clouds, sunsets, and sunrises out there. Maybe the mountains obscured them. Maybe they just didn't get the right cloud formations. Whatever. Something was missing. I certainly hadn't seen the sky comparable to what I'd seen tonight while out West.

As I was walking along, with my dog, a cattle dog ran up to us, one that reminded me very much of one I had met while out West. A Bisbee dog. A guy's voice called over my shoulder, "It's alright, she's friendly." The two dogs played for a minute, and I stared at the sky. The guy said, "I just moved from California, and they don't have sunsets like this out there." I laughed. "I just moved back from Oregon, and I agree." "Maybe it's the mountains blocking it or something," he said.

Who knows? There's something special about the skies here, though.

Sleep

2007-07-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

Sleep is such an odd requirement. Luckily, it's a requirement I'm typically very good at, but that doesn't mean it hasn't had its share of odd happenings.

Last night, I was exhausted. I've been working far more than I thought I would be as well as doing a lot outside of work. I told myself I was just going to have a relaxing evening on my lonesome, read, and hang out with my animals. I snuggled up with a book, and before I knew it, I must have been passed out cold. I slowly woke up, ever so groggily, with my dog sitting on my chest, pawing my face, and shaking.

I tried to push him off of me. No easy feat, as the dog weighs half of what I do, I'm still mostly asleep, struggling to breath with him on top of me, and it's slowly dawning on me that he's scared. He's not moving. What's going on? I'm slowly coming out of the fog, and trying to figure out why my dog is so scared.

Boom! Crack! Crack! Boom!

Ah, I got it. The windows were open, and someone was setting off firecrackers right outside of them. I don't think I would have woken up if I hadn't had a 60 lbs dog on my chest making my breathing a challenge.

I can't believe the firecrackers hadn't woken me up on their own. But, then, I guess I have a history of sleeping through some pretty bizarre happenings. The story I'm sharing today happened during the summer when I was taking 6 hours of summer school and working full-time second shift in the OR. It was a hectic summer, to put it mildly, and I didn't get much sleep.

This particular night I remember was stormy, and I do remember lightening forking across the sky when I got home to our tiny efficiency apartment and poured myself onto the air mattress that was my bed for the summer. I don't remember much after that until my roommate, a nursing student, walked into our place that morning sometime after 7am. She walked into the kitchen and said, "What the hell happened?"

Sometime during the night, the storms had crashed half of the tree outside through our kitchen window.

I slept right through it.

Name Calling and Props

2007-07-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

So, one of my patients called me rude, disrespectful, and forceful...

Nice, eh? Since I consider myself to be none of these, I was highly ticked. He tried to pull a power trip on me. "I was a government employee for 20+ years. You wouldn't talk to me that way if you knew the information that I knew," he said.

First, there's no way I was speaking to him in any manner that justified what he said. Second of all, what do I care if he was a government employee for 20+ years? After being raised as a military brat, someone trying to pull rank because he was a government employee is just laughable. Enough said.

Moving on to the props...

Most of you know I just moved to an apartment with not much character. I've been struggling trying to embrace it and make it my own. It's been a challenge. A friend of mine helped me move in initially and saw the place when it was bare. She hasn't seen it since and just came over the other day. Her first words after she walked in..."It feels so homey!" She couldn't have given me a better compliment, as that's what I've been trying to do.

Props to me!

Thunderstorms

2007-06-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

It was humid, and I told people that it needed to rain. My mistake...

So, rain it did. Stormed, to put it more accurately. It thundered and lightened like I haven't seen in a long time. And poured. And the wind howled through the windows. And my puppy was scared...

He spent the entire night in my bed. On top of me. Hyperventilating. And shaking.

Once, he got down, and I thought he was OK. I found him huddled in the farthest corner of the closest, still shaking.

I didn't get much sleep. It's hard to sleep with a 60 lbs dog on your chest. He didn't sleep, either.

In the morning, there were flood warnings all over. Standing water around my place, and all my running routes flooded.

It had rained 6 inches over night.

I don't think I'll be requesting rain any time soon.

Clothes Shopping

2007-06-12T18:03:00.002-07:00

Let's be honest. I hate shopping. And, there's no shopping I hate more than clothes shopping.

Today, I found myself clothes shopping. I have an important meeting tomorrow that I was told to dress up for. I rarely wear "dress up" clothes. It's not my style. Most of what I have is far too casual for a meeting in which I want to impress. The one thing I do have that would be dressy enough, I have typically worn to the symphony and is far too low cut to wear to a professional meeting. Bummer.

So, forced to the stores, I found myself clothes shopping. I hate clothes shopping. (Have I emphasized that enough?) I'm picky about clothes and have sensory issues, which is why I tend to find one brand, one clothing line, one thing that works and buy a bunch of it. It's too tight, too loose, too girly, too rough, too itchy, too short, too binding, not long enough or soft enough. The list goes on and on. It gets even harder to find clothes when I'm shopping for "dress up" clothes, which are notorious for being everything I hate about clothes. Hard to fit, fabrics I hate, hard to care for, etc.

I went to 4 different stores before I lost my patience and my frustration tolerance had reached it's limits.

I bought a pair of pants.

Any suggestions for what to do about shoes and a top?

In the past 4 days...

2007-06-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

I've driven 2200 miles in 36 hours. Craziness. I don't recommend it.
I've been back in the Midwest for all of 48 hours and sat through 2 tornado warnings already. Welcome home.
I've moved into a new apartment, gotten a new driver's license, registered my car, registered my animals, applied and been accepted to the university, eaten at my 2 favorite bagel shops, and hung out with old friends. More tomorrow as I start my new job. A whirlwind of largely bureaucratic processes.

I'm tired.

Adorable, Heartwarming

2007-05-25T20:00:00.001-07:00

Ah, isn't he adorable? My puppy, Finn. He's 2 now, but this was his first picture when I got him.

He's still got a ton of puppy energy and is as cute as ever. Just a tad bit older...

And, let's not forget my cat, my baby, who's still as pissed as ever that I brought home Finn in the first place...

Intuition and Death

2007-05-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

As I grew up, my mom worked as a hospice nurse. I paid attention to everything, asked tons of questions, and learned more than I think I even realize. One of the things I learned, and I believe to be true, is that people know when they are going to die. A premonition or sense of intuition. They might not be able to tell you, or themselves, but they get themselves and/or those around them ready in their own ways.

So, I find it interesting when my patients talk about death, especially their own. Last week, I had a patient start talking about her impending death, telling me that she didn't think she was going to make it. Medically, there was really no reason for her to say that. Yes, she was weak, but she'd been in the hospital for 3+ months and in the ICU for a solid month of that stay. She'd pulled out of all of that and was one step from going home when she looked me in the eye and told me she wasn't going to make it. It was chilling. She quoted poetry to me, Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "Requiem" which is the epitaph on his gravestone:

Under the wide and starry sky,
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And laid me down with a will.

This be the verse you grave for me:
Here he lies where he longs to be.
Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.

As a therapist, as a medical professional, my job is to get her back to her daily life, to get her home alive and well. I countered with a poem intended to put some fight back into her, using the words of Dylan Thomas "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night."

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against of the dying of the light.

Maybe it was a feeble attempt to motivate her. A fruitless attempt to even try. Maybe she just knew better than I, in that intuitive way that people know, how they are truly doing.

In my remembrance of her, my acknowledgment of her, I leave you with the quote she told me on the very first day we met, as told by her and written down by me that same day...

"They may not be mine - the loaf, the kiss, or the kingdom - for beseeching,
But I know that my hand is an arm's length nearer the stars for reaching."
Anonymous

Friends

2007-05-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

I have some of the best friends I could ever hope to have. After this weekend, and the time spent with some of my friends who have known me the longest, this realization hit me hard as I was driving home from the weekend with them.

To Pomeranian, Portobello, Portico, and Palomino,
(LIAR! Er, I mean BULLSHIT! LIAR!)
Thank you all for a wonderful weekend, many laughs, and complete relaxation (even though I'm utterly exhausted) among true friends and a reminder of how truly lucky I am to have your friendship.
Love,
Palindrome

To my antisocial best friend,
I never see enough of, but who lets me come over with whole piles of dirty laundry, asks no questions, and gives me fun stuff. I'm hoping I actually get to see you a bunch this summer at the races around...

To my traveler companions,
Thank for exploring the west with me. For your support in ways I’m not even sure you realize or I can begin to explain. You have helped me heal, learn, and grow in so many ways this past year. I’ll see you soon, and then it’s your turn to visit me!

To my IC gal,
For the pizzas, pints of Ben and Jerry’s, many rides, listening, helping me escape, and helping me find a new place. I will see you soon, and we can do it all some more...

Thanks to all of you and, to those who aren't mentioned, I promise you are not forgotten. Thank you as well.

Shorts

2007-05-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

More religious commentary...I'm sitting in the Christian coffee shop, feeding my internet addiction. They have their wireless up and running, which is encouraging, as I have been using the city's free WiFi. It has been temperamental at best. It requires a password to access it, so I get it from the barista. Any guesses as to what it is?

Have you guessed yet?

John3:16

Moving on...

As for the decision making, I have my application turned in for my old job. I have a friend looking at an apartment for me tomorrow. Essentially, I'm playing a waiting game, just waiting for the cards to play out. I'd just like to have things settled. I want to feel settled. I've had enough drama to last me for quite a while.

Updates from this current assignment...

I've apparently inspired one of my coworkers to pierce her nose. She's 60 and has wanted to pierce her nose since she was 21, or so she says. I find the whole situation oddly amusing. It has caused quite a stir at work.
One of my coworkers did range of motion on a dead guy. I thought this was an urban legend, the infamous joke of the therapist that did range of motion on a dead patient and billed Medicare. Well, this guy didn't bill Medicare, but he did do range of motion on a dead guy. When did he stop? When the mortician came to pick up the body.
The washer is apparently fixed, although I haven't tried it yet. I don't have high hopes, as it's supposedly been fixed three times now. Instead, I did laundry at my friend's in Bend when I was there this weekend. Will probably do the same when I visit Ms. Trouble and crew this weekend in Seattle. See you soon!

That's all for now. Talk to you all later.

Upheaval

2007-05-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

Way more changes in this last week than I ever could have anticipated, and I'm still working my way through them all. My little life's plan for the next couple of months has been shot to hell. Someone described it best for me when she said it was as though my life were in a little cardboard box and someone dumped and scattered it, leaving me to scramble and pick up all those little pieces. That's what I feel like.

My travel contracts have fallen apart - one of my choosing, one not. I feel such a strong pull to return to the midwest, to Iowa. To go home. To recover, recuperate. To heal.

I had planned on returning to school in January. With the events of this past week, somehow it just makes sense to go back to school in August. What am I waiting for? No clue, so just do it, as the now infamous Nike slogan goes.

Now, the decisions I'm left with seem to come down to what to do for the summer. Do I be financially responsible, take a travel assignment, and make some money this summer? Or, do I have fun this summer, find a place of my own, work PRN at my old job that I loved, and enjoy the summer before becoming a slave to school?

Let's hear your votes!

St. Louis

2007-05-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of weeks since my trip to good ole St. Louis, but I have a couple of cool pictures that I wanted to share. The first picture is one that I originally took in black and white film for a photography class. I've enjoyed it so much, and it was such a gorgeous day in St. Louis with an old school friend, I couldn't resist and layed down flat underneath the Arch for the photo op.

The other picture was taken on an outing with my parents to the Botanical Gardens. I love tulips. I have vivid memories of going to the tulip farms in the Netherlands, of seeing the multitudes of tulips, of enjoying their bright colors in fields after fields exploding with them.

Hope you've enjoyed the pictures as I have.

Work Stories

2007-05-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

A collection of stories from my current caseload of patients...

* I got called a boy again last week. This is becoming somewhat amusing. The first time it happened was on the dementia unit of a nursing home. (I should probably add that I had super short, spiky hair at the time and was wearing a button down shirt.) It worked to my advantage as this lady thought I was attractive and I could get her to practice transfers with me by pretending to dance. This time, the patient is a smelly, unattractive, scary looking guy who told me that I look like a boy and then asked me if I was offended. (I should add that I now have long hair and was wearing huge hoop earrings at the time.) I found the whole situation both amusing and bizarre.

* My most confused patient today said his first 2 sentences that were appropriate in the context of the conversation. Neither one of them particularly flattering, but highly entertaining, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing at him. I walked into his room today, intending on having him practice toilet transfers, so I grabbed his walker. He saw me doing it, and says "God d*mn it, I am not f*cking walking today!" Then, after I managed to see him for my 35 minutes of torture (for both me and him, I think), I rolled him out the nursing station and told him that I would see him again tomorrow. As I was beating a hasty retreat, he says, "I f*cking hope not." His first 2 appropriate contextual sentences.

* I have a patient recovering from a left MCA stroke. He's been very rewarding for me to work with and very refreshing from my largely orthopedic population of broken hips and shoulders. He's been making some good gains in recovering functional use of his right arm. Sweet! But, he's a larger guy and has issues with his shorts binding him in his nether regions. So, I've (apparently) gotten good at adjusting his shorts for him. I had no idea going into this profession that I would become quite adept at adjusting male genitalia, making slings for them, positioning them, and problem solving male issues. The things they don't teach you in school...

* And, finally, for the health link that has the local area buzzing...or clicking...
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/05/07/spiderboy.ap/index.html

That's all for now. Hope you've enjoyed.

Flaming Liberals and Other Random Tidbits

2007-05-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

The washer is still broken...

I tried it because I had no idea if it worked or not, and this was the result. Back to the laundry mat I go...

The other highlights and stories from the week include:

*I'm now known as the flaming liberal at work. I was talking about this with one of my friends from Iowa, thinking that it was pretty entertaining. I'm not conservative, but I didn't consider myself a flaming liberal in such a derogatory way as I was called at work this week. Interesting...We chalked it up to my having a nose ring, being pro-choice, and not a bible thumper.

* My bike is here!!! I forgot to take pictures to share with you all, but it is sweet, gorgeous, fabulous...I love it. So smooth, so fast, so easy to ride. Definitely will be spending some time riding away this summer.

* The washer is still broken...

*My high school friend is here to visit, causing trouble (Miss Trouble), and falling down dunes. We rented ATV's and went up and down the dunes and over to the beach. Terrifying initially, but so much fun.

* Another big decision to make within the week...Some changes in my life this last week. I found out that I can break my next contract if I decide to do so within the next week. My next contract is in a place I've been before, I really liked the area, and there's definitely plenty to do there outside work (biking, hiking, theater, live music, etc). Do I bail and explore somewhere else, somewhere new, or keep the contract? Let me know what you think...

* Have I mentioned that my washer is still broken???

Oddities

2007-05-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

Quick stories and highlights to tell from the past days. Unfortunately, just short tidbits and highlights of the stories as having to travel for an internet connection is a pain, but wanted to share some of these with you all.

Still no working washing machine...3 weeks and counting...

Religion surrounds me in this current assignment. I've always been around religion in some way, shape, or form, but never as in-your-face as it is here. Two examples to share (that have nothing to do with the coffee shop from the previous post). A couple of days ago, over lunch with a couple of coworkers, one brought up the pope's decision to say that newborns can go to heaven without being baptized instead of going to purgatory. Before he'd even finished what he was saying, the other coworker interrupted, "That's blasphemy!"

The other story is regarding the recent ruling on partial birth abortions. Another traveler and I were charting when two others walked into the charting room talking about how relieved they were that partial birth abortions were banned. This led to a discussion about how often this procedure is performed and about abortion in general. The other traveler basically asked these two, if it came down to the mother or baby living or dying, what should be done? "They should both die, " said the religious conservative.

Running with Finn this morning, and he stopped to take care of business. The sun's just coming up, and I started to look at all the litter strewn around me. I realized I was standing amid a dump of used syringes and needles. Disturbing.

The vice president from my first travel assignment called me very unexpectedly after work tonight, trying to recruit me to come back and sign on as a permanent employee. Very unexpected. Very flattering.

Lastly, for tonight, my bike should be here on the 3rd!!!

The Only Coffee Shop in Town

2007-04-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

I walked into the only coffee shop in this run-down town in a desperate search for an internet connection. I wasn't expecting much; the town is a fishing and logging community - not the type of people I would expect to frequent a coffee shop. My initial reaction was surprise. It looked like a coffee shop I would have found anywhere else. The lighting seemed dim to me, but leather sofas, small tables and chairs, a fireplace all set up just as I would expect in any coffee shop. I ordered a drink and sat down.

Then, I started looking around. First, at the little table placard they gave me to find me when my drink was ready. It had a verse from Psalms 23. Then, at a sign hanging from the ceiling amidst a bunch of stars which said something about God in the heavens. Then, at a sing hanging over the door leading to the connecting business - a Christian bookstore. Or, at the big basket of bibles near the door.

Hmmm, very interesting. Not quite like any other coffee shop I had ever been to. I pulled out my laptop and connected to the internet. If nothing else, I was successfully connected to the internet. I started checking my email and catching up on all the news I had missed over the last week.

The lady brought my drink over and I started sipping it and observing the other patrons. I started hearing bits of their conversations and noticing what they were doing. They were holding bible studies, reading the bible, and discussing God's involvement in their daily lives. I can't say that I have ever been to a coffee shop quite like this one.

I went back to reading the news and catching up with my email. I was writing one to my friend when I noticed that a guy in a wheelchair had rolled up to my table. I looked up when he cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be a bug," he says " but I noticed that you are wearing red to white to green."

I looked down at my shirt and, sure enough, I have on my Rainbow Brite sweatshirt, complete with rainbows up and down the sleeves and on my chest. Not quite red to white to green, but close. I looked back at the guy, wondering where this was going.

"The bible says that red to white to green are the colors of the devil, and you're going to hell" he continues.

Surely, he must be joking. Is this really happening? Am I being told that I'm going to hell in the middle of a coffee shop by some random stranger in a wheelchair because I'm wearing rainbows? Surely, this isn't happening.

I looked around and noticed a girl about my age sitting across the coffee shop, laughing. I looked at her, looked back at the guy, and started laughing myself. I couldn't help it. I couldn't believe that I had been told that I was going to hell from a random stranger in a wheelchair because I was wearing a Rainbow Brite sweatshirt.

My laughing didn't helped the situation. He continued to reiterate his belief that I was going to hell because the bible said that red to white to green were the colors of the devil and I was wearing those colors. I refocused my attention on my computer, laughing the whole time, until the guy wheeled himself away.

After that, I quickly finished up my email and headed out, thinking that I desperately needed to find another coffee shop. No such luck, as this appears to be the only one in town. I guess I'll be frequenting the Christian coffee shop for my internet fix.

Contrasts and Transitions

2007-04-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks have been filled with some amazing contrasts and crazy changes. I've been from Seattle to Hawaii briefly back to Seattle and on to Oregon. From cool and drizzly to warm and sunny to cool and alternating between pouring rain and brilliant sunshine. From downtown city living to tourist trap to an isolated small town. From acute care hospital to much needed time off to a skilled nursing facility.

The transition has not gone quite as smoothly as I would have hoped. My company put me in a hotel that said it was pet friendly. The hotel's definition of pet friendly meant that the pets needed to be supervised at all times while in the room. That's a tad bit difficult to do when you are expected to work full time. After a tense couple of days, I've landed in a house out in the country. I commonly tell people that I live in the sticks and I'm not joking. (I'll try to tell stories as I go. That has proven to be a challenge as I have no internet access and my phone is on roaming and frequently drops calls.)

The house is entertaining. The inside has been remodeled and looks and smells new. There's no central heat or air conditioning. It's heated by an electric fireplace and a space heater. There's two bedrooms on the main floor and a "loft" according to the landlord who told me about the place as I picked up the keys. The "loft" is the attic and you need to pull the string to pull down the stairs to get up there. The kitchen is wonderful (but has no dishwasher or garbage disposal which the lease says that it has) and I spend most of my time there. The dishes leave something to be desired as they are all teddy bears. There's just not something right about eating your morning bowl of cereal and finding a teddy bear at the bottom of the bowl. Last, but not least, I have a new collection of pets. There's a horse in the backyard, a couple of roosters to wake me every morning, and even a peacock. Yes, there's a peacock who frequently visits.

With that said, the Oregon Coast is gorgeous. I've been there a couple of weeks now, and I am still amazed at how gorgeous it is. It doesn't matter if it's gray, cold, rainy, and windy or warm and brilliantly sunny, it's still just beautiful.

Cape Arago on a cold, cloudy, and windy day. My first outing to the coast after moving there, and I was absolutely amazed. The sounds, smells, sights...Amazing, but in a completely different way from Hawai'i.

Taken on the same day, looking down the coast line from up on a cliff.

The lighthouse a little further down the coast and taken on a beautiful, sunny day.

Photo shot looking at Shore Acres, a state park on the coast. This is the lookout point at Shore Acres, which is apparently quite notorious as the place to watch storms come ashore. I can only imagine, as this picture was shot on a gorgeous day and just look at the spray from the wave.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Let me know what you think, and I'll post more stories as I can. Smile.

Sweet Relaxation

2007-04-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

Back from a much needed and wonderful trip to Hawai'i. And, per multiple requests, photos to share with you all...

Taken from the balcony of the room. A wonderful view. (Sorry, guys, I can't figure out how to rotate it, and I'm too tired and frustrated to mess with it right now.)

The sunsets were spectacular.

The ocean views entrancing. This one is taken from the Olivine Pools, which are behind me, as I'm looking out over the ocean and watching the surf beat against the lava rocks below me. Jeff, you would love the rocks on this island.

The Nakalele Blowhole on the way up...

And, crashing back down... (Sorry again for the unrotated pictures. I'll figure it out one of these days.)

One of the whales that was soooo cool to watch. Seen from the room, this whale was smacking his tail against the water. Repeatedly. I still haven't a clue as to what the whale was up to, but so amazing to watch.

These were the whales we saw on the return trip from snorkeling at Molokini. As explained by the captain, this is a competition pod, a bunch of males duking it out for the attention of the female. There were 4 or 5 whales altogether at this sighting, and I think you can see 3 in this picture fairly clearly.

Annie, this sign is for you. Taken at the top of 10,000 foot high Haleakala, I found it amusing.

The view from the summit of Haleakala. I was amazed. I don't know how else to describe it, but find that description completely lacking. This is looking down at Kihei and the ocean and over the clouds we climbed through on the way up the mountain.

And, last but not least, the view from up above Honolua Bay, and one of the snorkeling spots. A gorgeous view.

I'm not missing too many pictures, but there are a few missing. I didn't get any of the turtles or of any of the fish from the snorkeling trips. Next time, I'll definitely get an underwater camera. I had no idea what to expect.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. Let me know what you guys think.

Smile and enjoy.

Honesty

2007-02-24T22:39:00.000-08:00

Honesty is the best policy.

Or, is it?

I worked today. My first patient was an evaluation of this little old lady who fell and has dementia. She was scared, nervous, and painful. She didn't want to move or get out of bed because of her pain. We'd move a little bit, she'd cry, and I'd distract her by asking about something completely not related to what I wanted her to do. It's a great little technique I've used with success for people who have dementia and don't remember from one minute to the next.

Today, this lady had fallen and beaten herself up pretty badly, but didn't break anything, cut anything, or need surgery. As I was moving her around, I noticed she had blood all over her fingers and couldn't figure out why she would, so I asked.

"What happened to your fingers? You have blood all over them."

She replies, "It's from picking my nose."

Sometimes, there's things you just don't want to know.

What?!?

2007-02-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

I was walking back from dinner tonight with a coworker. We had slices at a local pizza joint. We both live nearby and just met for dinner, so we were not carrying anything. No messenger bags, backpacks, shopping bags. It was a little chilly, so we both had our hands in our coat pockets. We walked past the McDonald's, which always seems to have some slightly sketchy people loitering outside. Tonight, what bizarre question does one of them ask of the two of us who are carrying absolutely nothing?

"Do you have any diapers?"

Striking a Chord

2007-02-19T20:01:00.000-08:00

I got an opportunity to do something I have not done in a while and wandered through a museum. In this case, it was the Museum of Glass located a hop, skip, and jump down the road and nearly vacant on President's Day. For as long as I can remember, I have been intrigued by glass objects with a special affinity for colored glass (yes, yes, blue glass). The museum had a couple of different exhibits, but the one that I spent the most time at was entitled "Contrasts: A Glass Primer." This exhibit focused on different words you could use to describe works rather than saying "I like it," "I don't like it," or "I don't get it." One of my favorite contrasts, or the one that provoked the most thought for me was the one comparing fact versus fiction. Here's the blurb they had about fiction:

Sometimes a dragon may be preferable to a squid, as a novel may be preferable to a textbook. A fondness for fiction may depend upon a desire for delight rather than information, an inherently poetic rather than scientific disposition, or a mood that favors imagination over reality.

This just perfectly described why I tend to read fiction rather than fact when I read for pleasure. I read to escape, plain and simple. My fancy for Harry Potter explained wonderfully.

One of the other contrasts I found particularly thought provoking was the one comparing science and art. The placard they had posted for this contrast asked, "Can there be great craft without artistry and great art without craftmanship?"

It sounds like the prompt for an essay question that I'd like to read the responses to. In my opinion, the two go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other. I think so many of the great masters have demonstrated that, and the reason they have done great things is their ability to tie together two seemingly unrelated ideas in their respective fields such as art and science.

Laughs from the Day

2007-02-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wish you could see yourself, to watch yourself as other people perceive you?

Today, I had two experiences that I wished exactly that. I wanted to see how I reacted as I bet I would have laughed at myself, at seeing my reactions to the situations.

Bathroom humor...I'm working at a hospital built in the 1930's. The facilities are old. What else would you expect from a building from that era? The hospital has been through huge expansion projects, though, and some portions of the hospital are much different from others. Today, I spent my day in one of the oldest parts of the hospital. I went to the bathroom. I sat down on the toilet, and the toilet was much lower than I was anticipating. I felt like I was going to fall down or into the toilet. Neither is an experience I particularly want to have. So, there I am in the bathroom, flailing my arms so that I don't fall. I wish I could have seen it...

In the afternoon, I sat through a 30 minute CPR refresher segment. I'd just finished a 15 minute break immediately prior and was still nursing the Pepsi I'd bought to help keep me awake. The instructor was going over some of the changes that have been made to the CPR protocol, and I was paying attention (for once, I know) as there were changes I wasn't familiar with. For this particular change, the instructor was talking about how the landmark for chest compressions had switched from the xyphoid process to the nipple line. There was a nurse in the class questioning this, particularly in reference to well-endowed women. As I was taking a swig of my Pepsi, the instructor made a comment about how this landmark still stands as nipples "go east and west, not north and south." I came thisclose to spraying that mouthful of Pepsi out of my mouth and nose, and all over the leather coat of the guy sitting in front of me. I'm sure it would have been funny to see that play out.

Seattle Pictures To Share

2007-01-28T21:47:00.000-08:00

I've been in Seattle about a month now. It's taking me a while to adjust to living in a city. More than I thought it would. Maybe I'm not as much of a city girl as I thought, and I'm still trying to find where it is that I fit best.

Seattle has been fun and interesting, though. So, I have pictures to share that I hope you all enjoy.

First, for the Iowa readers, I found this bike humorously reminiscent of the cow girls on America's Dairyland. This was taken across the street from Pike's Place Market, a weekly shopping excursion for my produce.

In Seattle, I have found precious few quiet retreats. Quite a challenge for a girl who's realizing how much she relies on that to regroup, recollect, and continue with life's daily tasks. So, a place that somewhat meets the criteria (somewhat because you can still hear the traffic in the background) is Kubota Garden, a japanese garden.

And, finally, the weekends have been full of snow-packed adventures. Plenty of mountains to choose from in relatively short driving distances. So far, the sampling has included Crystal Mountain for a trial of downhill skiing (a lesson in the morning and some spectacular crashes in the afternoon) and Olympic National Park for snowshoeing at Hurricane Ridge. The picture below is taken at Hurricane Ridge.

A smattering of the pictures I have to share. I hope you enjoyed them.

Pink

2007-01-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

I have a strong aversion to pink. I am not sure when it began. Maybe my mom can provide some input on that, but I know it became especially apparent living in Turkey. We had a 3 bedroom apartment, and I had to share a room with my sister. A Pepto-Bismol pink bedroom. It traumatized me. I hated all things pink.

I have worked hard on taming this beast, this somewhat irrational aversion to pink. I am getting better. Slowly. It has taken many years. I now have a hot pink fleece, a lilac vest and jacket, a pink scarf, and a couple of other random pink items. I even voluntarily bought pink flowers for myself the other day.

Today, I had a confrontation with this pink beast. I was shopping for soccer shoes. I knew exactly what I wanted. The same shoes I wore when I played in high school. They had them at the store, but not my size in the classic color which is black with white stripes. They did, however, have the same shoe for 30% off in another color combo. White with pink stripes.

Oh, boy. I bought them. They fit the same and cost 30% less. I just don't know if I can keep them. They're pink.

I called my mom. I told her the whole story. She alternated between laughing and saying "Oh, dear."

Do I keep the shoes?

Mayhem

2007-01-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

Snow in Seattle turns the city into madness, mayhem, chaos. Choose the words, I'm sure they'd be appropriate. Please keep in mind that here in downtown Seattle there was less than an inch of snow.

I got home just fine last evening. Others did not. This morning, I went to work and heard the most unbelievable stories regarding coworkers daily commutes home. Truly astounding. Commutes that took 4 hours. People taking 2 hours to go 1.5 miles. People abandoning their cars and walking home. Literally walking miles.

This morning, there was snow on the grass and just a dusting on the sidewalks and roads. As I was walking to work, I saw a girl driving her car, complete with chains, up the hill, spinning her tires the entire way up the hill. I do believe that takes some talent. I was in awe. I must say, I was warned that snow shut down the city (yes, they closed the schools, and people did not make it in to work), but I was not prepared for how little snow it took to do that. Astonishing.

Just in case you don't believe all that I'm writing, the link for the Seattle Times...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003520634_webstalled11.html

Welcome Home

2007-01-10T20:57:00.000-08:00

So, my hope did not come true. I did not wake to a winter wonderland and get to see Seattle's reaction to a trace to 2 inches of the fluffy white powder we call snow.

But, this afternoon, I did get to walk home in a wonderful combination of snow, sleet, and rain. And, I got the distinct pleasure of walking my dog in that wintry mix. Dear Finn loved it...

A reminder of the weather I'm more accustomed to during the winter. A strange welcome home.

Snow in Seattle

2007-01-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

I started my new job this week and have been in orientation for the past couple of days. The talk of the 40-50 people in this group has been of the weather forecast. Namely, that we'll get snow this week. Honestly, I haven't thought too much of it. I've been adjusting to my new surroundings and trying to feel more settled. Today, the talk of snow picked up in a big way. People were asking how to get to work tomorrow, talking about alternate routes and transportation, all with an edge of panic in their voices. It made me start to wonder exactly what the weather forecast was.

This evening, I came home and checked the weather forecast...

Tonight
Partly cloudy with scattered showers. Snow showers expected late. Snow accumulations a trace to 1 inch. Lows 29 to 35. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph.

Wednesday
Snow showers in the morning...then snow showers likely in the afternoon. A chance of thunderstorms. Snow accumulation a trace to 2 inches in the morning. Highs 33 to 38. Light wind becoming northwest around 10 mph in the afternoon.

People are in an uproar over a trace to possible 2 inches of snow??? Unbelievable. It makes me kinda hope that it does snow so that I can see the reaction.

People Watching

2006-12-30T10:10:00.000-08:00

Flying back to Seattle today. I have a long layover in Minneapolis, so I'm getting an opportunity to do something I love. People watching. My first memory of this is sitting with my dad on the beach in the fall. They'd pushed the sand up into big dunes for the winter. The beach isn't as busy, but it's my favorite time at the beach. It's cooler, there aren't as many people, and it seems more peaceful to me. It's also the time when some interesting people come to the beach. My first experience with people watching was complete.

Flying always leads to some entertaining times people watching. So far, a couple of stories are standing out.

First, in the restroom, with a mom and her daughter in the 2 stalls next to mine. The girl is screaming at her mom because the toilet paper is apparently stuck in the holder and she can't get any out. The mom is telling her to hold on. The girl keeps screaming, and the mom keeps telling her to hold on until she's finished. Then, the screaming ceases. The girl picked up the toilet paper scraps from the floor, and then told her mom that she didn't need help anymore.

Now, I'm sitting in the airport, drawing all sorts of looks and comments as people see my cat sitting next to me in the concourse. It's very entertaining. Traveling with animals in tow has drawn some interesting comments, looks, etc. The couple sitting next to me on this last flight were enthralled with my cat and even more amazed that I had a dog along. The woman was also apparently in the restroom with me, as she kept telling me that she thought she heard a cat meowing, but couldn't believe there'd be one there. A family of 4 just came up and petted my cat through her carrier. The little boy told me all about his gray kitty at home that would grow up to be just like mine.

Did you know that there's a bike cop in the airport? I've never seen a bike cop inside an airport before. He keeps riding past, on the carpet, weaving in and out of the masses.

And, to clear up some alarm and misunderstanding regarding the ER topic from the last post...First, my dad is fine. No need to worry. The misunderstanding is regarding my last ER visit with my parents prior to this last excursion. That's either when I broke my wrist or passed out from dehydration. I've been to the ER on my own since. Twice, I think, now that I'm thinking about. Once 3 years ago for abdominal pain in which I learned first hand the wonders of lidocaine and once a couple of months ago for accidental exposure at work in which I got trach secretions in my eye. Say it with me, people...Nasty.

Good things can happen in ER visits, and that will be a story for another time...

Some Firsts and Two Questions

2006-12-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

It's been an interesting trip back home thus far, full of new and exciting adventures, good, not-so-good, and indifferent. A not all inclusive list includes:

- The first flight I've taken on my own, Seattle to St. Louis with a layover in Minneapolis/St. Paul. I didn't do it the easy way, but I definitely did it the story telling way. My first flight on my lonesome, and I did it with my cat and dog in tow. The cat flew in the cabin in her carrier under the seat. The dog flew with my luggage. A very scared dog. He was shaking when I dropped him off, and he was still shaking when I picked him up at the other end. Poor puppy.

- My first speeding ticket. Coming back from visiting friends in Iowa, I got pulled over doing 78 in a 65. The state trooper asks, "Is there any justifiable reason?" So, my question for anyone reading this...Is there a justifiable reason for speeding and what is it?

- My first visit to the ER with my parents. Not when I was in need of medical attention, but when my dad was. Interesting having those positions reversed. The last time we went to the ER was either when I broke my wrist sliding into 3rd base or when I passed out from being dehydrated. I can't remember which one was last. Last night, we went because my dad couldn't breathe. He's doing fine, but definitely a different position to be in, taking your parent to the ER.

- My first visit to the tattoo studio with the intention of getting a tattoo. I've been to my share of studios already as I have my share of piercings. Never a tattoo. I've always been very hesitant to get a tattoo. The whole permanent thing was just too much for me. Now, I have an idea that I'm comfortable with, is original, and something I'm ok with being on my body permanently. I went with my friend who is no stranger to the tattoo studios and is friends with the tattoo artist. We talked about my idea, I got approval for the general idea, and we started talking about the details. The question he wanted to know..."Am I a girly girl or butch?" To those who know me, I'm curious. How would you answer that question?

Those are the firsts and questions that I'm sharing tonight. Enjoy, and let me know the answers to those 2 questions.

Whirlwind

2006-12-14T21:57:00.000-08:00

My assignment in Oregon is winding quickly to a close. Which means I have one full day of work left and less than 48 hours to pack all my worldly belongings into my car, ship things to my folks, clean my apartment, and say goodbye to life as I've known it for the last 4 months. Odd. It's a strange job, this traveling gig. Have I mentioned that I have hardly packed a thing?

Apropos

2006-12-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, songs just strike a chord. This week, I've had an interesting encounter with my past, and this song has stuck with me all week. It's from the Indigo Girls.

Let Me Go Easy

Come pleasure me again. I'm so tired of digging in.

I've done my share, don't need to win, just let me go easy.

For two years my body fights. At this point it don't seem right.

Just to do it out of spite and keep hanging on.

Go on let me go easy.

Won't you let me go easy, you let me go right now.

I see the numbers dwindling, of my enemies and my friends.

And still I know it never ends, so I'm passing you this torch.

Fight the greed and the federals. Fight the need and the toxic spills.

Drink from that wishing well, but may it never quench your thirst.

Let me go easy.Go on let me go easy.

Won't you let me go easy,you let me go right now.

Let me go easy.Go on let me go easy.

Won't you let me go easy,you let me go right now.

So when you get to Ladenville, 'fore the tears and the fare thee wells,

for a moment stand real still and you'll feel me moving on.

You go ahead with your plans, you won't be seeing me again,

but you'll feel me in the hand, the hand that holds the plough.

Let me go easy.Go on let me go easy.

Won't you let me go easy,you let me go right now.

Let me go easy.Go on let me go easy.

Won't you let me go easy,you let me go right now.

Oregon Coast

2006-11-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

What took so long?

I've been a couple hours (ok, 3 hours) from the coast for the last 3.5 months. Why haven't I made the trip before? I attempted to once and got lost trying to find the scenic route through the mountains to the ocean. Then, I guess I got too busy exploring other things. I should have gone earlier.

This time, we just took the highway. We went through the tip of the California Redwoods. Absolutely amazing. My imagination didn't even touch the size of those trees after actually seeing them in real life. Unfortunately, no pictures of the redwoods.

Drove up the coast a bit, and found a wonderful beach. My first ocean view in over a year, and my, oh my, was it a beautiful view. Every time I see the ocean again, I remember how much I miss it.

Comments from Portland

2006-11-26T18:48:00.000-08:00

I made a trip to Portland last weekend. Oh, what an amazing city! I could easily see myself living there. It's almost perfect. Small, with funky neighborhoods, but still has that big city feel, yet I managed to get around with minimal difficulty. Two stories that stand out in my mind to share...

I was walking down the side street off a busy shopping area heading to the car when a car full of girls drives by me. One of them rolls down her window and shouts at me. "Cool pants!" Any city in which some random girl likes my pants enough to say so out of her moving car is alright by me.

The other comment just illustrates the city atomsphere. Maybe I'm missing a city too much after living in this more rural area that I'm in right now. You be the judge. It's Sunday morning, and I'm in the streetcar heading downtown. There's, perhaps, 4 people on the car besides my friend and I. We're standing by the doors, which are 2 double doors, and we are not blocking them be any means. A person could, in fact, comfortably hold onto the rails on either side of the door. My friend and I are getting off in 2 stops. An older lady and her gentleman friend move to get off the train at the next stop. My friend and I don't move. They both can easily get on and off the streetcar and hold the rails on either side of the door. The lady body checks me, and then yells at me as she's getting off the car. "You wouldn't move for someone that's old enough to be your grandma." So, first of all, she was not any where near old enough to be my grandmother. Second, there was no need for me to move as she had easy access to the door and the hand rails. Ah, my city visit was complete as I got properly scolded for no good reason.

Portland...I had so much fun that I'm going back this weekend.

P.S. Jeff, if you're reading this, I visited Mount Tabor while there. One of the only cities with an extinct volcano within its boundaries and made into a beautiful city park.

Alarm Clock Radio

2006-11-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

I have no idea what radio station I listen to. When I moved, I plugged in my alarm clock and turned on the radio when I was setting the alarm. Whatever radio station it was set on came through clear, with no static, and wasn't something I considered offensive. And, as luck would have it, when the alarm went off in the morning, I awoke to the news and the weather report. Perfect.

Perfect, that is, until this week. Let's remember what time of the year it is. It is November. It is NOT yet even Thanksgiving. I know it is in a couple of days, but it has not passed yet.

So, why, oh why, am I waking each morning to Christmas carols???

Unbelievable Snippets

2006-11-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

I am a traveling health care professional currently on assignment on the West coast. I also have a nose piercing. This is background for the stories I'm sharing tonight.

I was working with a 70 something year old female who'd just had surgery. She was quizzing me about my nose piercing. Usually, at this point, I try to redirect the conversation AWAY from this. Coming from the conservative Midwest, nose piercings aren't regarded highly by the elderly. This lady was not being redirected. She wanted to know EVERYTHING. How was it done? Did it hurt? Did it get infected? Could you choose between a stud or a hoop? Then, she tells me that she's thinking about getting her nose pierced. I was floored. That's right. This 70 something lady wanted a nose ring. Wow. She wanted a nose ring. Unbelievable.

The second and final story for the evening is regarding an 80 something year old male who'd broken his leg. It's pretty common for me to work with older people after they've broken their legs. Usually, they break their hips falling in some way or another. Not this gentleman. Nope. He broke his leg while doing a motocross race. Wow. A motocross race. Unbelievable.

Only on the West coast.

Monster Trucks

2006-11-12T19:01:00.000-08:00

A girlfriend and I went to a Monster Truck Challenge last night. Neither of us had ever been to one. My girlfriend is a huge fan of big trucks. The bigger, the better. What better place to go, then, than a monster truck challenge? I just figured I could get some good pictures. (This one is taken with my camera phone. I forgot my real camera. Definitely not the best quality.)

Before heading out for the evening, we'd called a couple of others who had expressed some interest in going with us. My girlfriend also called a guy friend she's interested in, but who's currently unavailable. The conversation went something like this:

A: "Whatcha doing tonight?"

Guy: "Just hanging out. How about you?"

A: "Heading to the Monster Truck Challenge. Wanna go?"

Guy: "NO!" Emphatically spoken, no hesitation, in a "What in the hell are you thinking?" tone.

For the rest of the evening, with any yes/no questions, the answer, as you might guess, was always an "are-you-crazy?", unflinching NO response.

What are friends for?

"What? You can't afford a coat with sleeves?"

2006-11-11T16:41:00.000-08:00

It was a little cold the other morning as my dog and I headed out for our morning run. Probably in the upper 30's. Not bad. It was supposed to be in the 60's for the day. A crisp autumn start for the morning. A couple of people were actually warming up their cars before going to work. I didn't think it was that cold.

I took my dog out once again before leaving for the day. Still a little chilly. I could see my breath. I grabbed a vest before making the daily jaunt to work. I didn't think it was that cold.

I walk into the office at work with my hands wrapped around a steaming cup of chai.

"What? You can't afford a coat with sleeves?" was how I was greeted to start the work day.

I laugh and look at a coworker who also hails from a colder climate. She shakes her head. These California boys...They don't even come out of the house if it's below freezing.