Its hard to encompass all the experiences of a vacation (or a week in general) in retrospect (though, in retrospect, everything except what is happening right now is that way). So, I am making it my aspiration to try to write about things nightly rather than on my return to the states when I am sure I will be exhausted from returning to work, packing, moving, and unpacking. So, lets commence with the blogging.
Our flight was unremarkable. Which is exactly what you want a flight to be. You know they will be cramped, overlong, and largely uncomfortable.........but that is no surprise to anyone who has traveled. Remarkable is now almost exclusively falls into the domain of the horrifying and awful in regards to air travel now, and thankfully we were wholly bereft of that. Plus, our bags arrived with us. Double bonus.
My first impression was that Hawaii is VERY different than I thought it would be. In fact, it is overwhelmingly akin to south Florida. Or, at least the area we are in is that way. If you took away the mountains, replaced the Hawaiian people with Cubans, and put some consonants on the road signs, I don't know if I could tell the difference. The weather is the same. The lush tropical plants are the same. Even the architecture (and general era) of the homes is the same. I don't know what I expected it to look like here, but I didn't expect the overwhelming sense of deja vu.
Other things that have stood out: Zippy's restaurant (the island version of Denny's and absolutely the only thing open past 10 on a Sunday night), is terrible. Poor Tia and her theoretically safe order of spaghetti that turned out to somehow be inferior to Chef Boy-R-Dee in every way except price and was served with the leavings of a can of Veg All (the only mixed vegetables that dare try to toss in lima bean). I had a far superior meal in every way, and that is only backhandedly complimentary. However, I guessed enough to at least order the national side dish (macaroni salad) which was quite good.
Lizard poop: Lizards poop here. A lot. They are also quite indiscriminate as to where. nuff said.
Smoothie meals: Yum! Take a smoothie and dump it into a bowl with an assortment of fruit, toss some granola, a sliced up banana, and some almond slivers on top. Coat with honey. Breakfast in a bowl that is far more filling than you can imagine and you don't feel guilty about eating it.
Mixed plates: These are yummy and evidently a staple of the cuisine here. WE finally found a place to eat this evening (they are not common away from the city.......bizarrely rare actually, to the point you wonder where people eat out at ever) and had our first mixed plate. Basically it includes: 2 scoops white rice, one scoop of macaroni salad, and any combination of meats you can think of. Quite good, even if the combo of white rice with another carb is a bit odd.
Other than, we saw some surfers, walked some beaches, and drove half the island. Perhaps some touristy stuff tomorrow.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
most recent big news
So, the last week has brought may changes. Some in evidence (see my bloated picture above) and some less visibly apparent. Obviously, foremost among the changes, my gall bladder is gone. It was, based on the surgeon's estimation, a much needed operation due to spreading inflammation. Sadly, I don't recall much of the day (or happily perhaps). I went in at 1, got an IV started, and fluids began to run. The surgeon and anesthesiologist stopped by and Versed was promptly administered. The next thing I remember, it was close to 7 that night. Thanks to morphine, I felt very little. Thanks to Versed, I remember even less. I stayed overnight for observation since I came out of the anesthesia a bit languidly. I have spent the intervening days on a slowly declining level of Percoset, kind of sleepwalking my way through the days. Its hard to believe it has already been 5 days since the surgery. I am very pleased that I was required to take 2 weeks off though, because it would be near impossible to work in my present condition (when I am up and about, I have little enough stamina). But, the doctor believes that this will lead to a vast improvement in my overall condition. Lets all cross em that proves true.
We also signed for our house this week. We don't officially close until next week (nor move until the week thereafter) but it is progress. Scarily rapid after so much languishing. It is amazing how quickly you can sign over your next 30 years.........honestly, it took longer to buy my last car. We are excited though. Now if we can just extricate ourselves from our current place without having to pursue litigation. The joys of renting be damned!
The last event is on its way in mere hours.............my first trip to Hawaii. An early thank you to Diane's boss for letting us use his place. The weather does not at present appear like it will be overwhelmingly cooperative, but I trust forecasts very little.
Off to finish packing.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
A compromised life
I always tell Tia that a good compromise leaves neither party truly happy. In that case, I made a good compromise with my health..........because certainly no one is happy, least of all me. I put off my surgery until the 25th of August because my work preferred to have 30 days notice for a leave of absence. So, I tried to make them happy. I thought I would be able to work until then and support my co-workers who have been wonderful to me. So, I tried to make them happy. Tia planned a recovery/vacation for after the surgery that I badly wanted to be part of, so I tried to make her happy. But mostly, I tried to make myself happy by playing the role of good employee, coworker, and husband. I have managed to mangle it all while being a misery myself. All the while I have to wonder how I ended up doing this.
In the intervening month, I have managed to have a spotty attendance record at work because my pain is sometimes unmanageable, even with medication. In the worst catch 22 of all, I cant take pain medication at work because it makes me too foggy and languid. However, without it, I am in enough discomfort that performing many facets of my job is an ordeal. I have managed to paint myself, in some ways, as less than reliable which pains me because I take a lot of pride in my work ethic. I may not be the best, but I at least show up :)
I managed to upset Tia because I hobble along when she believes, and not wrongly, that I should have just had the surgery earlier since the problems were relevant even then (though I was trying to satisfy the 30 day notice rule at work). In the meantime, she has to listen to me perform as my own disgusting one man band of bowel related noises all while complaining of myriad aches and pains. It is, suffice to say, more than one should have to bear and I owe her for doing so with such good humor.
I managed to destroy my own health to the point where the most basic of tasks is now a labor. I feel jags of exhaustion and fall asleep at the merest notion of comfort. I grimace at sudden shifts in my posture. The pain medication causes side effects that affect my bowels and make life even less pleasant (causing me to take even more meds to, um, expedite things).
Still, though I use this as a forum for my own bitchings, I try to understand that I am incredibly fortunate. I have a supportive group around me and I have a good life. I know many people do far more with much less. I am trying not to get caught up in the 'why me?' ness of it all.
One week to go now........well, 8 days, until the surgery. I look so forward to it though it terrifies me greatly, if only because I don't know if it will ultimately make things better.
I would say wish me luck on the surgery, but honestly I would just as soon if you were doing so that you wish it for me tomorrow and any other day of work from now until the surgery. I think I may need it.
In the intervening month, I have managed to have a spotty attendance record at work because my pain is sometimes unmanageable, even with medication. In the worst catch 22 of all, I cant take pain medication at work because it makes me too foggy and languid. However, without it, I am in enough discomfort that performing many facets of my job is an ordeal. I have managed to paint myself, in some ways, as less than reliable which pains me because I take a lot of pride in my work ethic. I may not be the best, but I at least show up :)
I managed to upset Tia because I hobble along when she believes, and not wrongly, that I should have just had the surgery earlier since the problems were relevant even then (though I was trying to satisfy the 30 day notice rule at work). In the meantime, she has to listen to me perform as my own disgusting one man band of bowel related noises all while complaining of myriad aches and pains. It is, suffice to say, more than one should have to bear and I owe her for doing so with such good humor.
I managed to destroy my own health to the point where the most basic of tasks is now a labor. I feel jags of exhaustion and fall asleep at the merest notion of comfort. I grimace at sudden shifts in my posture. The pain medication causes side effects that affect my bowels and make life even less pleasant (causing me to take even more meds to, um, expedite things).
Still, though I use this as a forum for my own bitchings, I try to understand that I am incredibly fortunate. I have a supportive group around me and I have a good life. I know many people do far more with much less. I am trying not to get caught up in the 'why me?' ness of it all.
One week to go now........well, 8 days, until the surgery. I look so forward to it though it terrifies me greatly, if only because I don't know if it will ultimately make things better.
I would say wish me luck on the surgery, but honestly I would just as soon if you were doing so that you wish it for me tomorrow and any other day of work from now until the surgery. I think I may need it.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
more lamentations about malfunctioning body parts
I swear I will stop the lamentations soon........as soon as the problem is resolved, which may need to occur sooner than originally planned. Evidently my body is not like a dinner party and cannot be planned like one (plus, there evidently aren't any hors d'oeuvres during or prior to the surgery. weak).
So, the original plan is for my gall bladder to be evicted on the 25th..............but now I am seriously contemplating the 14th (the next available). This will, unfortunately, cause some complications with my leave, the staffing at my job site (which I am sure they will overcome) and the sorta kinda vacation Tia and I were optomistically planning during week 2 of my recovery (if I have to sit around and do nothing, why not do that on a sandy beach in a more tropical climate?). Unfortunately, much like the whole planning thing, my GB is also entirely too unpredictable to negotiate with and seems to flare up without regard for my personal and professional schedule causing me to miss work and plans outside of work. So, whether missing a few days between now and the surgery is better or worse than just having the surgery and being done with it is a point of personal contention with me. I would, of course, just as soon have all the pieces fall into place and muddle through the next two weeks on a combination of anti-nausea and pain medication.
On the other side of the coin, the house is moving forward. We also locked in a stellar rate far below our anticipated one. Plus, the inspection was pretty clean. It is definitely getting exciting........if only because we wont know what to do with so much space! How fun.
Nothing else to report at the moment. Keep em crossed for me. The next few weeks will be hit and miss.
So, the original plan is for my gall bladder to be evicted on the 25th..............but now I am seriously contemplating the 14th (the next available). This will, unfortunately, cause some complications with my leave, the staffing at my job site (which I am sure they will overcome) and the sorta kinda vacation Tia and I were optomistically planning during week 2 of my recovery (if I have to sit around and do nothing, why not do that on a sandy beach in a more tropical climate?). Unfortunately, much like the whole planning thing, my GB is also entirely too unpredictable to negotiate with and seems to flare up without regard for my personal and professional schedule causing me to miss work and plans outside of work. So, whether missing a few days between now and the surgery is better or worse than just having the surgery and being done with it is a point of personal contention with me. I would, of course, just as soon have all the pieces fall into place and muddle through the next two weeks on a combination of anti-nausea and pain medication.
On the other side of the coin, the house is moving forward. We also locked in a stellar rate far below our anticipated one. Plus, the inspection was pretty clean. It is definitely getting exciting........if only because we wont know what to do with so much space! How fun.
Nothing else to report at the moment. Keep em crossed for me. The next few weeks will be hit and miss.
Monday, July 27, 2009
houses, heat waves, and gall bladders
This weather truly sucks. I sometimes forget exactly how hot it would be in the summer time in Florida. Only, unlike here, it would go on for months and months. Of course, also unlike here, air conditioning abounds. Thankfully our apartment gets very little sunlight (a fact we openly lamented during the cold grey winter), so we are able to, with the assistance of some timely opening and closing of windows and a room a/c unit, keep the place reasonably comfortable. However, the weather has had the same effect on me as the heat does in Florida.........it makes me want to do anything but go out in it. Hence, lots of reading, blog hopping, and general laziness.
I am not sure if I have blogged on it, but we have an accepted offer on a house. While the thought of the hunt being over and finally moving into a place of our own (especially since it is FAR nicer than we hoped have reasonably hoped or expected in our price range), it still sends little shivers of fear up my spine when I think about all the things that home ownership means. So long extra cash, hello large mortgage payments. Goodbye flexibility, hello stability. Of course, the hope is that the good will outweigh the bad and I certainly want to believe that is the case.
We had our home inspection today and, as we had hoped, the inspection revealed little of note. I didnt anticipate that it would, since the house is only a few years old, but you always worry. Just like when they do a routine blood test and you have the moment of worry that they will find some rare blood cancer even though you feel healthy. Of course, I havent really seen much to make me overly confident of home inspectors anyway and I can't help but think that you give them an awful lot of money for very little in return. If they encounter any issues, they just tell you to contact whatever specialist the malfunctioning equipment requires. I know it is still helpful, but I guess i expect more for what amounts to $175/hr for their time.
The gall bladder is set to depart my body on the 25th of next month, barring unforseen flare-ups. Right now my body and I have an uneasy truce that is shaky at best. I definitely pay manyfold times over for any indulgences and sometimes just for the hell of it, but the situation is largely bearable. Will it remain so until the 25th? Tune in next time to find out. I have never really had a surgery save for a tonsillectomy that I can only vaguely recall, so I am unreasonably anxious about the procedure. I think I would feel more firmly behind it if the results were virtually guaranteed, but they aren't. Too many people seem to have this done only to find themselves dealing with similar symptoms.
Saw Watchmen (finally!). My review is simple and I think agrees with most others. If you are a fan of the book (series), you will love it, or at least really like it. They stayed very true to the storyline. However, there were a number of parts edited out for brevity which were unfortunate, but necessary. The ending was also quite different from the book. That said, overall it was well done and stunning to watch.
I am not sure if I have blogged on it, but we have an accepted offer on a house. While the thought of the hunt being over and finally moving into a place of our own (especially since it is FAR nicer than we hoped have reasonably hoped or expected in our price range), it still sends little shivers of fear up my spine when I think about all the things that home ownership means. So long extra cash, hello large mortgage payments. Goodbye flexibility, hello stability. Of course, the hope is that the good will outweigh the bad and I certainly want to believe that is the case.
We had our home inspection today and, as we had hoped, the inspection revealed little of note. I didnt anticipate that it would, since the house is only a few years old, but you always worry. Just like when they do a routine blood test and you have the moment of worry that they will find some rare blood cancer even though you feel healthy. Of course, I havent really seen much to make me overly confident of home inspectors anyway and I can't help but think that you give them an awful lot of money for very little in return. If they encounter any issues, they just tell you to contact whatever specialist the malfunctioning equipment requires. I know it is still helpful, but I guess i expect more for what amounts to $175/hr for their time.
The gall bladder is set to depart my body on the 25th of next month, barring unforseen flare-ups. Right now my body and I have an uneasy truce that is shaky at best. I definitely pay manyfold times over for any indulgences and sometimes just for the hell of it, but the situation is largely bearable. Will it remain so until the 25th? Tune in next time to find out. I have never really had a surgery save for a tonsillectomy that I can only vaguely recall, so I am unreasonably anxious about the procedure. I think I would feel more firmly behind it if the results were virtually guaranteed, but they aren't. Too many people seem to have this done only to find themselves dealing with similar symptoms.
Saw Watchmen (finally!). My review is simple and I think agrees with most others. If you are a fan of the book (series), you will love it, or at least really like it. They stayed very true to the storyline. However, there were a number of parts edited out for brevity which were unfortunate, but necessary. The ending was also quite different from the book. That said, overall it was well done and stunning to watch.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
MY GD GB
Dear Gallbladder (GB),
God Damn You!
I thought we were a team. I eat, you help digest. Remember all the good times we had.........BBQ buffets, molten chocolate cakes, and cheeseburgers with onion rings? I remember them. Where did it all go so wrong?
Sure, most doctors now say that you aren't a necessary organ. Some even refer to you as an anachronism from early on in our development......but I stood by you. Well, no longer. This relationship has become abusive. I know from watching Oprah, that we need to just make a clean break. I'm am going to have to ask you to pack up your stones and go. And don't try to come back......I am already planning on replacing you with my liver.
Good day sir.
Regards,
Bryan
God Damn You!
I thought we were a team. I eat, you help digest. Remember all the good times we had.........BBQ buffets, molten chocolate cakes, and cheeseburgers with onion rings? I remember them. Where did it all go so wrong?
Sure, most doctors now say that you aren't a necessary organ. Some even refer to you as an anachronism from early on in our development......but I stood by you. Well, no longer. This relationship has become abusive. I know from watching Oprah, that we need to just make a clean break. I'm am going to have to ask you to pack up your stones and go. And don't try to come back......I am already planning on replacing you with my liver.
Good day sir.
Regards,
Bryan
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Revolutionary Road
Tia and I watched Revolutionary Road last night and it really made me think about the nature of life in general (perhaps that's why I prefer escapist fare that doesn't make me think at all.....thinking sucks! :) Anyway, the film is about a couple in the 1950s who meet while young and idealistic and then, flash forward about 10 years, they have two kids, a suburban home, and Kate Winslet is a housewife and Leo DiCaprio has a nondescript mid-level job. They are the picture of idyllic suburban life, epitomizing the American dream such as it is. Of course, they always thought of themselves as more than what they have become and are unhappy with their life of abject normality. This isn't a review, so I won't go much further into it....but it is worth a watch for the performances alone. Also, watch it if you want to think (see above for reminder about how much that sucks before you do however).
What this is, is my take on the film and what it made me think about. Tia and I have been going round and round about whether to buy a house or continue renting. We both have jobs that we are happy with, though neither is our dream job (Tia has more definite ideas about her dream job than I however). We have good incomes, drive reasonable cars, and enjoy the little things that life provides in Portland. The question that the film raised in my mind was: Do we have the things we have and want the things we want because we truly want them, or because we are conditioned to want them? I feel we are self-limited by our exposures and socialized to want certain things so I have to wonder if we aspire to the American Dream because it is the only dream we know.
For instance, I like the idea of a house, but hate that it means a 30 year mortgage and endless dollars poured into maintenance. And, owning a house means that there is less money to travel, more time spent doing house related things, and a sense of fixing ourselves into a location for the forseeable future. Its the same general concern I have about having children. There is an overwhelming sense (to me anyway) that gratification should be delayed for the trappings of adulthood (mortgage, children, career). And the further we delve into these trappings, the more remote spontineity and whimsy become because of the inertia created by such things. We end up doing things because of what we have to instead of wanting to, and trying to convince ourselves otherwise. Even the idea of the future is now so wound around whether or not one can afford to retire and concerns about how that will happen, that I find myself having to care about pensions and 403b plans far more than concerning myself with what happens today, this week, or this month.
Of course, I am sure I am considered immature for even having the notion. You tell people you dont want kids, people look at you crosswise and wonder why not (though to ask people who want children why they do causes the same peculiar looks). The same for home ownership. In the film, Kate Winslet has the notion to drop everything, sell the house, and move to Paris just because...........and most people treat the couple like they are certifiably insane. Am I insane for finding the same notion compelling?
This is kind of rambling, but I am in a rambling kind of mood. Now I am off to anesthetize myself through the escapism of an ambling walk and maybe some lighthearted comedy tonight.
What this is, is my take on the film and what it made me think about. Tia and I have been going round and round about whether to buy a house or continue renting. We both have jobs that we are happy with, though neither is our dream job (Tia has more definite ideas about her dream job than I however). We have good incomes, drive reasonable cars, and enjoy the little things that life provides in Portland. The question that the film raised in my mind was: Do we have the things we have and want the things we want because we truly want them, or because we are conditioned to want them? I feel we are self-limited by our exposures and socialized to want certain things so I have to wonder if we aspire to the American Dream because it is the only dream we know.
For instance, I like the idea of a house, but hate that it means a 30 year mortgage and endless dollars poured into maintenance. And, owning a house means that there is less money to travel, more time spent doing house related things, and a sense of fixing ourselves into a location for the forseeable future. Its the same general concern I have about having children. There is an overwhelming sense (to me anyway) that gratification should be delayed for the trappings of adulthood (mortgage, children, career). And the further we delve into these trappings, the more remote spontineity and whimsy become because of the inertia created by such things. We end up doing things because of what we have to instead of wanting to, and trying to convince ourselves otherwise. Even the idea of the future is now so wound around whether or not one can afford to retire and concerns about how that will happen, that I find myself having to care about pensions and 403b plans far more than concerning myself with what happens today, this week, or this month.
Of course, I am sure I am considered immature for even having the notion. You tell people you dont want kids, people look at you crosswise and wonder why not (though to ask people who want children why they do causes the same peculiar looks). The same for home ownership. In the film, Kate Winslet has the notion to drop everything, sell the house, and move to Paris just because...........and most people treat the couple like they are certifiably insane. Am I insane for finding the same notion compelling?
This is kind of rambling, but I am in a rambling kind of mood. Now I am off to anesthetize myself through the escapism of an ambling walk and maybe some lighthearted comedy tonight.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Guilty pleasures
Tia and I were unwinding last night and watching Daisy of Love. Now, I am not going to say that it is my proudest viewing moment, but it is not the worst television trash that I have subjected my brain cells to. It is junk food for the brain pure and simple. With that, I thought I would delve into other guilty pleasures.
Andrew Zimmerman: What won't he eat........actually what won't he eat with a smile on his face? The man has iron fortitude and I love watching him merrily masticate things that would elicit gastrointestinal revolt in most of us. Kudos mister Zimmerman.
Daisy of Love: As plastic as a barbie with as many tattoos as Kat Von D being vied for by guys with names like 12 pack and Sinister. Yet, somehow more realistic than the much more refined Bachelor/Bachelorette shows because the chase for fame is so blatant and the chase for love so comical. If you are going to pretend that these type of shows yield anything, at least pretend in vibrant technicolor I say.
Sweet Tea: In a world where tea yields so much goodness in the way of antioxidants, the south has figured out a way to chase that dragon and make it a near confection. I adore them for it. Is there anything better with BBQ or on a hot summer's day? I dare say not.
Asian food: When I was younger I would have said pizza, but now it is Asian food in most of its forms. Whether the fresh herbs and savory pork of my favorite Vietnamese dishes, a quite nosh of sushi on a go round, or a thai curry with just enough kick to get your nose running, I am hopelessly addicted.
Dresden Files Books: Like romance novels to the 60 plus set, these are to the geek at heart crowd: escapist trash. But, escapist trash with flare enough to stick with the adventures. Kudos also to the series the Hollows for the same.
Happy Hour: cheap food and slightly less expensive than normal drinks. Throw in a patio and friends. Nuff said.
I could go on and on, but then I would never post this and I have already been an absentee father for my blog.
Not much else to add on the personal front. No house. No job changes. No new pets. No babies. Got a swell new netbook though :)
Later taters.
Andrew Zimmerman: What won't he eat........actually what won't he eat with a smile on his face? The man has iron fortitude and I love watching him merrily masticate things that would elicit gastrointestinal revolt in most of us. Kudos mister Zimmerman.
Daisy of Love: As plastic as a barbie with as many tattoos as Kat Von D being vied for by guys with names like 12 pack and Sinister. Yet, somehow more realistic than the much more refined Bachelor/Bachelorette shows because the chase for fame is so blatant and the chase for love so comical. If you are going to pretend that these type of shows yield anything, at least pretend in vibrant technicolor I say.
Sweet Tea: In a world where tea yields so much goodness in the way of antioxidants, the south has figured out a way to chase that dragon and make it a near confection. I adore them for it. Is there anything better with BBQ or on a hot summer's day? I dare say not.
Asian food: When I was younger I would have said pizza, but now it is Asian food in most of its forms. Whether the fresh herbs and savory pork of my favorite Vietnamese dishes, a quite nosh of sushi on a go round, or a thai curry with just enough kick to get your nose running, I am hopelessly addicted.
Dresden Files Books: Like romance novels to the 60 plus set, these are to the geek at heart crowd: escapist trash. But, escapist trash with flare enough to stick with the adventures. Kudos also to the series the Hollows for the same.
Happy Hour: cheap food and slightly less expensive than normal drinks. Throw in a patio and friends. Nuff said.
I could go on and on, but then I would never post this and I have already been an absentee father for my blog.
Not much else to add on the personal front. No house. No job changes. No new pets. No babies. Got a swell new netbook though :)
Later taters.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Centralia
I have never thought much about Centralia Washington. Tia and I even stopped there once and didn't recall that we had been there before until we noticed the Burgerville we had eaten at on our way to Vancouver BC. It was wholly forgettable. Just another place off the interstate to fuel up the car and fill up on fast food.
However, once in BC, we met a couple from Centralia who recommended a more extended visit. Since it is less than 100 miles distant and Tia's birthday was near, it seemed like a good place for an overnight getaway. They even boast a McMenamins (Olympic Club Pub) which we decided to stay at. Evidently the town is known for its antique stores and an outlet mall. Sadly, neither proved impressive.
I should preface the rest of this entry by stating that we had a fun time. This was largely due to going to a nearby casino for a few hours and the cheap spirits proferred by the Olympic club after 10pm. The town itself resembles the kind of place where meth production probably began if for no other reason than because there was nothing else to do. The antique stores were chock full of expensive wares, though the houses in the surrounding area did not give the impression that anyone could afford them. The restaurants were the kind of cheap diner locales that sport tasty, inexpensive, and straightforward fare and the downtown lacked for most anything that was open after 8pm (save the place we stayed). The outlet mall was scattered about in three or four locations that were not near enough to one another to walk between and held about 30 stores, few of which were worth bothering with. The Olyimpic club itself was quite well preserved and has an interesting history behind it. The only failing of it was its proximity to fairly regularly used train tracks. The windows did little to dampen the sound of the horn blasts each time the train approached. However, the amber nitros did a fine job of mitigating that minor obstacle to restful slumber.
So, all in all it was a fun getaway, but I think Tia and I will probably not soon return to Centralia to stay........or shop for that matter. WE might, however, stop in for a pint at the Olympic club or some seasonal shakes at Burgerville on our way to more interesting destinations.
However, once in BC, we met a couple from Centralia who recommended a more extended visit. Since it is less than 100 miles distant and Tia's birthday was near, it seemed like a good place for an overnight getaway. They even boast a McMenamins (Olympic Club Pub) which we decided to stay at. Evidently the town is known for its antique stores and an outlet mall. Sadly, neither proved impressive.
I should preface the rest of this entry by stating that we had a fun time. This was largely due to going to a nearby casino for a few hours and the cheap spirits proferred by the Olympic club after 10pm. The town itself resembles the kind of place where meth production probably began if for no other reason than because there was nothing else to do. The antique stores were chock full of expensive wares, though the houses in the surrounding area did not give the impression that anyone could afford them. The restaurants were the kind of cheap diner locales that sport tasty, inexpensive, and straightforward fare and the downtown lacked for most anything that was open after 8pm (save the place we stayed). The outlet mall was scattered about in three or four locations that were not near enough to one another to walk between and held about 30 stores, few of which were worth bothering with. The Olyimpic club itself was quite well preserved and has an interesting history behind it. The only failing of it was its proximity to fairly regularly used train tracks. The windows did little to dampen the sound of the horn blasts each time the train approached. However, the amber nitros did a fine job of mitigating that minor obstacle to restful slumber.
So, all in all it was a fun getaway, but I think Tia and I will probably not soon return to Centralia to stay........or shop for that matter. WE might, however, stop in for a pint at the Olympic club or some seasonal shakes at Burgerville on our way to more interesting destinations.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Calvin pissing on Toyota
I was driving home from work one day last week and ended up behind a car sporting the, what I thought was long defunct, image of Calvin peeing on a car logo, this time a Toyota logo. Typically, these decals appear on vehicles either masking the insecurities of the driver, living out some kind of suspended adolescence, or a combination of the two (yes you a-holes with the jacked up trucks, the Freebird blasting Camaros/Mustangs, or the cars sporting decidedly homemade looking ground effects and exhaust systems that sound like a magnified version of baseball cards in bike tire spokes). However, this car was none of the above. In point of fact, it was a late model Toyota. So, I had to deduce that either: A. They hated their car, B. They were making a statement about the status of lost American autoworker jobs overseas, C. They were making an ironic statement about the stupidity of the decals or D. They were too dumb to understand the point of the decal. Take your pick as to my guess.
Other than that minor bit of diversionary whimsy, my week was hellacious. I was involved in more PICC lines in the span of the week that during the previous 2 months.....including my training on PICC lines. Insane. Even more frustrating was the fact that at least one line was removed the VERY NEXT DAY because the patient's treatment was completed. So, rather than putting in an extremely low risk inexpensive peripheral IV line, the doc opted for an expensive and far more technical PICC line. BTW, the risk of infection, despite the sterility of the procedure, is many times higher. The short sighted nature of some of the doctors is truly infuriating. Other than that, the job is going well although my new cropping of grey hairs would argue otherwise :)
Not much else has transpired of late. Just another batch of movies:
Frost/Nixon: great grownup entertainment by my account. Tia found it dull.
The Lookout: interesting and solid. Good acting overall. Good enough to see once and then not again.
Yes Man: not just awful, god awful! Truly terrible. Wasted the talents of all involved.
Off to play today. Work tomorrow.
Other than that minor bit of diversionary whimsy, my week was hellacious. I was involved in more PICC lines in the span of the week that during the previous 2 months.....including my training on PICC lines. Insane. Even more frustrating was the fact that at least one line was removed the VERY NEXT DAY because the patient's treatment was completed. So, rather than putting in an extremely low risk inexpensive peripheral IV line, the doc opted for an expensive and far more technical PICC line. BTW, the risk of infection, despite the sterility of the procedure, is many times higher. The short sighted nature of some of the doctors is truly infuriating. Other than that, the job is going well although my new cropping of grey hairs would argue otherwise :)
Not much else has transpired of late. Just another batch of movies:
Frost/Nixon: great grownup entertainment by my account. Tia found it dull.
The Lookout: interesting and solid. Good acting overall. Good enough to see once and then not again.
Yes Man: not just awful, god awful! Truly terrible. Wasted the talents of all involved.
Off to play today. Work tomorrow.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
We swim like lions through the crest and bathe ourselves in zebra flesh
It has been incredibly hard to post lately because there is very little that has really changed of any note. My work remains stressful but overall enjoyable. I still, weekly if not daily, encounter situations that I had heretofore no experience with and try piecing answers together with less direction than Ikea furniture comes with. However, I generally learn from my errors. So, the good news is that if you come down the pike in about 6 months I ought to be pretty well schooled.
My weekend workmate, partner in crime, has gone on her maternity leave early. This leaves me with people from the float pool who, hopefully, are versed in the clinic. The last time my cohort was out, I ended up being the MOST experienced member of the group with a number of patients scheduled for the clinic (an error quickly and mercifully remedied by the people up at the top). This could have been a bad thing. I have the capacity to perform a majority of the tasks required at this point........but only IF everything is ready to go and proceeds smoothly. If either aspect fails, then I end up with that blank stare that woodland creatures get when a car's headlights strike them. Hopefully the foresight of those in charge prevails and I dont have to develop a permanent thousand yard stare.
In other news, Tia actually had to turn down an intriguing opportunity this week. It would have taken quite an offer to pry her loose from her current position (she has a great work environment and a stellar group of coworkers) including about a 15% pay increase, and that wasn't part of the offered package. The job would have been more in line with her direct interests, but one always has to be careful what they wish for. They tried though and it is always nice to know you are in demand. I think we both realize how fortunate a position we are in when she can turn something like this down. This economy truly sucks.
The house buying, while not put to bed, is in its pjs waiting to be tucked in. The rise in interest rates caused a corresponding decrease in our interest in purchasing. Plus, it is increasingly clear that our residence is not a highly desirable commodity. Ah well........only a few more months. Int he meantime, my sis found a great place out in Beaverton.
My dad finally made it out to Portland. And not a moment too soon with the unbearable heat of summer already quite pronounced down in Florida. I spent one summer working with him out in the heat and I will forever be thankful that he did that for the family because the weather, especially on blacktop, is unbelievably cruel. I am overjoyed to think of him spending his retirement puttering and tinkering and doing it at his own pace while exploring all the Pacific NW has to offer. You deserve it dad!
Other than that I am agonizing (okay, that's hyperbolic) over the purchase of a netbook to replace my ill mannered laptop (it tries mightily to inflict third degrees burns on whatever surface it rests upon.......frequently the lap. Ouch!). I always take FAR too much time researching these things because I fervently hope that, somehow, I will make the best decision possible and end up with something that will actually last me. Of course, all the research really does is make me wonder aloud if, as soon as I pull the trigger, the next newest greatest will come along. My worst fear isnt that of course, but rather buying a lemon like the one I presently own. On the upside, a netbook is only a fraction of the cost of this POS. decisions decisions.
Saw Up! this past week. Quite good really. Is it sad that between that and Wall-E, I feel like they can now put more emotional depth in a cartoon than in real actors. Also recently watched Benjamin Button which, to me, felt a lot like a less humorous, slower paced, Forest Gump. Of course the acting and the look of the film was fantastic but the story, for whatever reason, didn't get me to emotionally invest in it. Also recently rewatched Back to the Future. Still holds up, though it doesn't have the 'magic' that I remember it having. Might have to rewatch the trilogy.
Well, I have the dreaded Friday (our busiest day of the week typically), Saturday, Sunday rotation this week, so I better shuffle off to lala land. I will try to be better about updates......but unless the mundane becomes the exceptional, it is dicey. Until next time, you stay classy Portland.
My weekend workmate, partner in crime, has gone on her maternity leave early. This leaves me with people from the float pool who, hopefully, are versed in the clinic. The last time my cohort was out, I ended up being the MOST experienced member of the group with a number of patients scheduled for the clinic (an error quickly and mercifully remedied by the people up at the top). This could have been a bad thing. I have the capacity to perform a majority of the tasks required at this point........but only IF everything is ready to go and proceeds smoothly. If either aspect fails, then I end up with that blank stare that woodland creatures get when a car's headlights strike them. Hopefully the foresight of those in charge prevails and I dont have to develop a permanent thousand yard stare.
In other news, Tia actually had to turn down an intriguing opportunity this week. It would have taken quite an offer to pry her loose from her current position (she has a great work environment and a stellar group of coworkers) including about a 15% pay increase, and that wasn't part of the offered package. The job would have been more in line with her direct interests, but one always has to be careful what they wish for. They tried though and it is always nice to know you are in demand. I think we both realize how fortunate a position we are in when she can turn something like this down. This economy truly sucks.
The house buying, while not put to bed, is in its pjs waiting to be tucked in. The rise in interest rates caused a corresponding decrease in our interest in purchasing. Plus, it is increasingly clear that our residence is not a highly desirable commodity. Ah well........only a few more months. Int he meantime, my sis found a great place out in Beaverton.
My dad finally made it out to Portland. And not a moment too soon with the unbearable heat of summer already quite pronounced down in Florida. I spent one summer working with him out in the heat and I will forever be thankful that he did that for the family because the weather, especially on blacktop, is unbelievably cruel. I am overjoyed to think of him spending his retirement puttering and tinkering and doing it at his own pace while exploring all the Pacific NW has to offer. You deserve it dad!
Other than that I am agonizing (okay, that's hyperbolic) over the purchase of a netbook to replace my ill mannered laptop (it tries mightily to inflict third degrees burns on whatever surface it rests upon.......frequently the lap. Ouch!). I always take FAR too much time researching these things because I fervently hope that, somehow, I will make the best decision possible and end up with something that will actually last me. Of course, all the research really does is make me wonder aloud if, as soon as I pull the trigger, the next newest greatest will come along. My worst fear isnt that of course, but rather buying a lemon like the one I presently own. On the upside, a netbook is only a fraction of the cost of this POS. decisions decisions.
Saw Up! this past week. Quite good really. Is it sad that between that and Wall-E, I feel like they can now put more emotional depth in a cartoon than in real actors. Also recently watched Benjamin Button which, to me, felt a lot like a less humorous, slower paced, Forest Gump. Of course the acting and the look of the film was fantastic but the story, for whatever reason, didn't get me to emotionally invest in it. Also recently rewatched Back to the Future. Still holds up, though it doesn't have the 'magic' that I remember it having. Might have to rewatch the trilogy.
Well, I have the dreaded Friday (our busiest day of the week typically), Saturday, Sunday rotation this week, so I better shuffle off to lala land. I will try to be better about updates......but unless the mundane becomes the exceptional, it is dicey. Until next time, you stay classy Portland.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
To buy or not to buy, that is the question
Though at the moment, the answer is not to buy. Of course, that is subject to change.........weekly perhaps. The summer is a hard time NOT to want to purchase something. To have a yard to hang out in, a garden to root around in, and space to spread out and soak up the sun's rays in private. Its the best way to enjoy all the wonderful things about a Portland summer. Mind you, that summer is, in the scheme of things, relatively brief. The remainder of the year the idea of a yard to maintain in the steady drizzling rain under the dead sky of winter is not at all appealing. So, looking for houses in the summer is the equivalent of beer goggles as far as I am concerned. Unfortunately sobriety doesnt happen the next AM, but rather months later after you are locked in for 30 years.
Other than the constant flip-flopping on housing, not much of note has occurred. Work is starting to smooth out. It is now down to just a few rough patches a day instead of the off-roading feeling it was before. The phone calls still flummox me and there are patient situations that I have no earthly idea how to manage, but mostly I am holding it together and seem to be progressing. I definitely feel fortunate to have landed somewhere that seems fairly stable........though I very much enjoyed my position with the clinic.
Been reading a lot of late, having stumbled upon a series of enjoyable new books. Just finished Lost on Plant China which was another great travel journal by Mr. Troost. I highly recommend his other books as well. I can say, with absolute certainty, that I am forever cured of wanting to visit China after reading this book. Also read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakuer that was fantastic. His personal accounts of the Everest disaster were simply amazing and he boasts a spectacular command of the language. His other books, such as Into the Wild, are also worthly reads. My next forays are back into my geek books, so I will spare anyone those recommendations.
I suppose I should collect myself and actually go out and enjoy the sun.........but lying here staring at it through the window for the time being is compelling in its own right. Such are the difficult decisions one has to make when you have a day off to yourself. Sometimes its nice to just feel content.............that is, until we see another house we want to buy :)
Other than the constant flip-flopping on housing, not much of note has occurred. Work is starting to smooth out. It is now down to just a few rough patches a day instead of the off-roading feeling it was before. The phone calls still flummox me and there are patient situations that I have no earthly idea how to manage, but mostly I am holding it together and seem to be progressing. I definitely feel fortunate to have landed somewhere that seems fairly stable........though I very much enjoyed my position with the clinic.
Been reading a lot of late, having stumbled upon a series of enjoyable new books. Just finished Lost on Plant China which was another great travel journal by Mr. Troost. I highly recommend his other books as well. I can say, with absolute certainty, that I am forever cured of wanting to visit China after reading this book. Also read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakuer that was fantastic. His personal accounts of the Everest disaster were simply amazing and he boasts a spectacular command of the language. His other books, such as Into the Wild, are also worthly reads. My next forays are back into my geek books, so I will spare anyone those recommendations.
I suppose I should collect myself and actually go out and enjoy the sun.........but lying here staring at it through the window for the time being is compelling in its own right. Such are the difficult decisions one has to make when you have a day off to yourself. Sometimes its nice to just feel content.............that is, until we see another house we want to buy :)
Friday, May 08, 2009
Sticken em
My skills at poking people with a small to medium gauge needle are improving markedly. Yeah for small steps. I am also learning more about the computers and getting the grasp of some of the medications. I still have no idea about most of the paperwork side and I am constantly learning new or better techniques from my coworkers which are a solid group. The weird thing is that the way the schedule works out, you often see certain people maybe once or twice a week tops. Actually, because of vacation, illness, and training, I have only seen my boss maybe one time in the past 4 weeks altogether.
Other than work, I am finally on the official mend. I am nearly normal. Tia, however, is still climbing up that hill. With hope, this will be the last dalliance with the flu for at least 6 months.
Saw Wolverine on the big screen. Kind of like the last Hulk movie........it was better than I expected it to be, entertaining with amazing special effects, and ultimately fluffy and forgettable. Perfect summer fluff.
Tia and I are off to Bend for the weekend to celebrate our 1 year anniversary which also means it has been a full year since I finished nursing school. Bizarre! Hopefully year 2 will yield more stability. I can't handle all this job hopping. It would be truly strange to only have one w-2 form at the end of a year.
Other than work, I am finally on the official mend. I am nearly normal. Tia, however, is still climbing up that hill. With hope, this will be the last dalliance with the flu for at least 6 months.
Saw Wolverine on the big screen. Kind of like the last Hulk movie........it was better than I expected it to be, entertaining with amazing special effects, and ultimately fluffy and forgettable. Perfect summer fluff.
Tia and I are off to Bend for the weekend to celebrate our 1 year anniversary which also means it has been a full year since I finished nursing school. Bizarre! Hopefully year 2 will yield more stability. I can't handle all this job hopping. It would be truly strange to only have one w-2 form at the end of a year.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The joys and perils of antibiotics
Ah, antibiotics, pharmaceutical's original laxative. How I abhor your side effects. I am, at writing, in my third and final go round with western medications answer to my sinus infection. Thankfully either it is working or something else has changed because the sinus infection is finally clearing. Of course, the rest of my body has been in an unusual state of shambles (a state shared by my now laryngitic wife). I was forced to call out ill on Friday and Saturday and was wiped out from working the majority of my shift on Sunday. I have spent the better part of the last two days prone with either tv remote, laptop, or novel glued to my palms. Thankfully, the weather has cooperated by being unusually damp even by Portland standards, detering all by necessary excursions.
As I have had little experience the past week, I have little to say. I did have opportune to speak to a supervisor and will hopefully get some more focused practice on specific skills rather than the more or less scattershot learning I have been doing. Still, for what I have experienced, the job is a good one. Now if I could get my own proverbial s%$t together.
Have, by and large, given up on the whole housing market for the time being. Or at least will try to ignore it as best as possible. We are intractably tied to this lease, and it would serve us best financially to stop struggling with the knots. A few more months is the mantra of the moment.
Three days in a row begin tomorrow...........then a nice mini-holiday anniversary away in Bend.
As I have had little experience the past week, I have little to say. I did have opportune to speak to a supervisor and will hopefully get some more focused practice on specific skills rather than the more or less scattershot learning I have been doing. Still, for what I have experienced, the job is a good one. Now if I could get my own proverbial s%$t together.
Have, by and large, given up on the whole housing market for the time being. Or at least will try to ignore it as best as possible. We are intractably tied to this lease, and it would serve us best financially to stop struggling with the knots. A few more months is the mantra of the moment.
Three days in a row begin tomorrow...........then a nice mini-holiday anniversary away in Bend.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Guess who's back?
Well, hopefully the troubles with the now only to be referred to as 'the clinic' are behind me as I have done what I could to ensure there is no reference to them. I did a lot of research and I was not in any way shape or form in conflict with anything that I have written regarding HIPAA, but I am not willing to fight about it when my livelihood is at stake. In the meantime, I have tried to keep up with some postings while the site was dark for maintenance. I hope you will take the opportunity to catch up with me and will be able to follow me forward into the many new and interesting predicaments that I find myself in.
In the meantime, I just finished watching the Wrestler, which was actually better than I had hoped it would be. I try not to expect much of critically acclaimed movies because, typically, that means they are slow and lack clear resolution. I don't mind complexity on occasion, but generally prefer my movies to be escapist in nature. That said, this one was solid fare and well done.
Watched Doubt as well. Really enjoyed the first 2/3, and kind of gradually lost interest as it played out. Again, critically acclaimed means not much happens and the resolution is lacking. Still, good acting.
Quantum of Solace - I am not, by and large, a huge fan of Bond films. I think they are entertaining, but I rarely get excited to see one. However, they have really pushed the stunts to a new level. Utterly unrealistic and insane............and fast paced and exhilarating. The story line, such as it is, just serves as a flimsy vehicle for explosions, shoot outs, and races across scenic locales. Pure popcorn and immediately forgettable. Escapism at its apex.
Off to bed. Tomorrow I get to hear the dentist bitch at me for my poor flossing (absent flossing?) habits.
In the meantime, I just finished watching the Wrestler, which was actually better than I had hoped it would be. I try not to expect much of critically acclaimed movies because, typically, that means they are slow and lack clear resolution. I don't mind complexity on occasion, but generally prefer my movies to be escapist in nature. That said, this one was solid fare and well done.
Watched Doubt as well. Really enjoyed the first 2/3, and kind of gradually lost interest as it played out. Again, critically acclaimed means not much happens and the resolution is lacking. Still, good acting.
Quantum of Solace - I am not, by and large, a huge fan of Bond films. I think they are entertaining, but I rarely get excited to see one. However, they have really pushed the stunts to a new level. Utterly unrealistic and insane............and fast paced and exhilarating. The story line, such as it is, just serves as a flimsy vehicle for explosions, shoot outs, and races across scenic locales. Pure popcorn and immediately forgettable. Escapism at its apex.
Off to bed. Tomorrow I get to hear the dentist bitch at me for my poor flossing (absent flossing?) habits.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Piccing on me
This past week was entirely devoted to PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) training. Quite terrifying since, ultimately, the goal is the thread the catheter from the basilic vein (ideally) just above the elbow on the inner arm to the superior vena cava just over the right atrium of the heart. This isn't exactly the complexity of a surgery, but it isn't as far off as I initially thought.
First, PICC placement involves complete and total sterility. What this means is a series of very VERY specific ways to do things to not contaminate your sterile field. You have to open sterile packages onto a sterile field without contaminating the field by actually touching anything within the field (including the things you are dropping onto the field). If things fall outside of the field, they go in the trash. If you touch inside the sterile field, you risk contaminating the whole thing and having to toss the whole lot and start again. Then, you yourself need to become sterile which involves a gown you cannot touch the exterior of and putting on sterile gloves through said gown (to mimic this at home, try putting winter gloves while your arms remain on the insideof a long sleeved shirt). You also have to be sure to drape the patient appropriately and not touch them or the bed shile sterile.
Once you are in your sterile gown with your surgical hat and mask on (including a plastic face shield) and you are gloved up, you can finally touch the things in your sterile field. There are too many things to really bother naming (and it wouldn't necessarily mean much), but suffice to say they have to be set up in a certain way and there is a specific order in which you progress through the procedure. It is a bit stressful trying to remember all that........especially with the patient awake and often alert waiting for you to begin.
Also, part of the procedure is using an ultrasound to locate the veins you are going to access. I fully appreciate the techs and other medical professionals that have to deal with them. It isn't always as clear a picture as one could hope for honestly. It is a lot of grey and black and exceedingly grainy. Like playing an old Caleco game on a black and white tv.
The actual procedure (don't read this if you are sqeemish............you've been warned) involves accessing the vein with a large needle that you place with the aid of the aforementioned ultrasound, then threading a wire into the vein and removing the access needle. After that, you place a larger holder in place over the wire and into the vein after making a small incision at the access point. You then de-access the guide wire and thread the catheter anywhere from 45-55cm in (depending on the person) and try to place it in the superior vena cava over the Right atrium of the heart. Then you wait for radiology to let you know if you hit the right spot, or if you need to pull it back/advance it. All in all, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours or more. I certainly NEVER expected that I would be doing something like this.
Another week begins soon enough. Now back to trying to figure out the clinical side of things.
First, PICC placement involves complete and total sterility. What this means is a series of very VERY specific ways to do things to not contaminate your sterile field. You have to open sterile packages onto a sterile field without contaminating the field by actually touching anything within the field (including the things you are dropping onto the field). If things fall outside of the field, they go in the trash. If you touch inside the sterile field, you risk contaminating the whole thing and having to toss the whole lot and start again. Then, you yourself need to become sterile which involves a gown you cannot touch the exterior of and putting on sterile gloves through said gown (to mimic this at home, try putting winter gloves while your arms remain on the insideof a long sleeved shirt). You also have to be sure to drape the patient appropriately and not touch them or the bed shile sterile.
Once you are in your sterile gown with your surgical hat and mask on (including a plastic face shield) and you are gloved up, you can finally touch the things in your sterile field. There are too many things to really bother naming (and it wouldn't necessarily mean much), but suffice to say they have to be set up in a certain way and there is a specific order in which you progress through the procedure. It is a bit stressful trying to remember all that........especially with the patient awake and often alert waiting for you to begin.
Also, part of the procedure is using an ultrasound to locate the veins you are going to access. I fully appreciate the techs and other medical professionals that have to deal with them. It isn't always as clear a picture as one could hope for honestly. It is a lot of grey and black and exceedingly grainy. Like playing an old Caleco game on a black and white tv.
The actual procedure (don't read this if you are sqeemish............you've been warned) involves accessing the vein with a large needle that you place with the aid of the aforementioned ultrasound, then threading a wire into the vein and removing the access needle. After that, you place a larger holder in place over the wire and into the vein after making a small incision at the access point. You then de-access the guide wire and thread the catheter anywhere from 45-55cm in (depending on the person) and try to place it in the superior vena cava over the Right atrium of the heart. Then you wait for radiology to let you know if you hit the right spot, or if you need to pull it back/advance it. All in all, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours or more. I certainly NEVER expected that I would be doing something like this.
Another week begins soon enough. Now back to trying to figure out the clinical side of things.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Week #2 & #3
Since I have been mostly lying around in bed today due to a crazy allergy flare that is sticking to me like Popsicle drippings, I thought I ought to blog and hope to post sometime in the nearish future. As a few are aware, I ran into some recent difficulties with a place I will heretofore refer to as 'the clinic' and I have to edit/remove some info that was evidently in question on my blog. In re-reading through it, I am honestly not finding said info, but I am not going to try to root it all out so I can make my blog fully public again. I am a scofflaw evidently.
Week 2 was nearly as busy as week 1 but with the added bonus of knowing some of what to expect. I also have a greater grasp on the new terminology, albeit it a rather tenuous one. I managed to not kill anyone for the second week in a row. Kudos to me! I am still learning a lot about well, everything and the constant switching from clinic to floor work makes it more, not less, confusing. I prefer to focus on one thing until I understand it and then move on to the next skill. Instead, I feel like it is hard to master anything at all.
Week 3 was more comprehensible because someone amongst the powers that be decided that I should spend the entirety of the week learning the clinic instead of bouncing back and forth. There is a lot to learn, but the people are great and seem more than willing to teach (to their benefit once I learn obviously, but it is amazing how some people dislike teaching others). I was able to focus a few days on just blood transfusions which let me practice IV starts, play with copious amounts of tubing, learn the blood pump, practice on Echarting, and learn all the intricacies of transfusions. I even, sadly, saw a reaction (thankfully not on my patient). The woman recovered, but it was alarming just the same. Good thing about working in a hospital though, she was taken straight to the ER (where she recovered nicely).
I am definitely liking the job thus far. A good blend of the things I thoroughly enjoy (clinic type settings, in and out of patient rooms, no total care) in conjunction with some intricate skills that will be very portable. It is also quite amazing how many of the skills I learned in 'the clinic' are coming in handy both in patient interactions and in a variety of needle sticks that I had copious practice with. I have PICC training next. I wish I had a better chance to cement some other skills first, but they will evidently have to wait. I admit, I am more than a little nervous after watching some other PICC procedures.
Week 2 was nearly as busy as week 1 but with the added bonus of knowing some of what to expect. I also have a greater grasp on the new terminology, albeit it a rather tenuous one. I managed to not kill anyone for the second week in a row. Kudos to me! I am still learning a lot about well, everything and the constant switching from clinic to floor work makes it more, not less, confusing. I prefer to focus on one thing until I understand it and then move on to the next skill. Instead, I feel like it is hard to master anything at all.
Week 3 was more comprehensible because someone amongst the powers that be decided that I should spend the entirety of the week learning the clinic instead of bouncing back and forth. There is a lot to learn, but the people are great and seem more than willing to teach (to their benefit once I learn obviously, but it is amazing how some people dislike teaching others). I was able to focus a few days on just blood transfusions which let me practice IV starts, play with copious amounts of tubing, learn the blood pump, practice on Echarting, and learn all the intricacies of transfusions. I even, sadly, saw a reaction (thankfully not on my patient). The woman recovered, but it was alarming just the same. Good thing about working in a hospital though, she was taken straight to the ER (where she recovered nicely).
I am definitely liking the job thus far. A good blend of the things I thoroughly enjoy (clinic type settings, in and out of patient rooms, no total care) in conjunction with some intricate skills that will be very portable. It is also quite amazing how many of the skills I learned in 'the clinic' are coming in handy both in patient interactions and in a variety of needle sticks that I had copious practice with. I have PICC training next. I wish I had a better chance to cement some other skills first, but they will evidently have to wait. I admit, I am more than a little nervous after watching some other PICC procedures.
Friday, April 03, 2009
4 days
I had the idea initially to try and post daily following my shift over the course of my first week of orientation at least. But, by the time I got home after more than 10 hours at the hospital, the last thing I could manage was sustained focus and I lacked any ambition to do more than shovel in some food and curl up to relax and hope to fall asleep so that I wouldn't be in abysmal spirits at 5:45 when I had to get up. So this journal will be a little more retrospective than I had intended.
Day 1: This day wasn't particularly vexing in any way, but left me drained nonetheless. A LOT of computer learning related to charting. They chart everything at the hospital. I would say that a fair chunk of the day is actually spent on the computer writing about what what you did, how long it took, and what equipment you used. I am a little surprised that you don't chart your charting time as well. I found this noteworthy considering just how many patients you see in a day when you are doing rounds. Other than that, I got to explore all areas of one of the hospitals. It is a nice sized hospital, manageable but large enough to accomodate some extremely varied patient acuities. Just the same, I think I will be much happier in the smaller and more sedate confines of Meridian Park. Beyond the computer stuff the day was most akin to my first day in nursing school: a blur of information spoken in terminology so foreign that I couldn't attest whether or not it was actually in English. I just smiled and nodded..........a lot.
Day 2: Returned with my brain still hurting from day 1. Spent the early part of the day learning how to start IVs and change bandages on a rubber arm and then accessed a power port and changed dressing on a rubber chest. If only real people had the delightful combination of bulging stationary veins and the ability to stoically sit motionless as I poked and prodded with my needle. Also, it is nice to have absolutely NO pressure. We spent the second half of the day on rounds looking in on a few patients. I went home exhausted again.
Day 3: Woke up feeling weird. My allergies were in their not uncommon hyperactive state and they were unwilling to leave me physically unscathed. I looked at the mirror to see blood red eyes staring back. Knowing that taking an antihistamine is not my best bet in the AM hours, but having no real recourse other than trying to explain to everyone I met that day that I was not in fact contagious, I opted to take something. Mistake.
We started the day taking one of the phones and two floors. This meant that we would be responsible for the patients on our units and any calls that came into our phone. Thankfully the phone was mercifully silent because, not long after 10, I observed my first IV start. It was evidently not a clear one as my preceptor was having a hard time getting a blood return. I started to feel very loopy and, shortly thereafter, plopped myself down on the chair so as not to pass out. I immediately felt shivers and broke out in a sweat as I willed myself to take slow deep breaths and not pass out in a patient room. I have passed out before, but only in high school for unknown reasons and after giving blood, so I know the feeling just before. However, this time I was able to staunch the wave that had heretofore always managed to overtake me. Would have made for an interesting day. The remainder of the day was uneventful and I learned even more seemingly foreign terminology and went home both confused and a bit concerned about whether or not this job would be a good fit if I couldn't maintain consciousness and all.
Day 4: Looks like it was the meds. We did 9 IV starts (I even managed my first successful one on a patient that was well medicated) and I didn't even feel a twinge of lightheadedness. No more AM antihistamines for me. I will just have to sport sunglasses when my eyes well up and tell people that I am in witness protection or something. The phone was ringing all day long and I got to see quite a bit. Left feeling quite successful and ready to tackle week 2............which will be a whole new orientation to a different hospital. Maybe I should just crawl in bed now so I will be ready for Monday.
1/4 update btw: I had a goal for new year to run 400 miles with aspirations to do 500 if at all possible. Well, 25% through, and I am above pace for 500 (close to 55o actually). I am pretty excited because most resolutions dont last me even this long. Will update again at the half way point. Wish my knees luck.
Day 1: This day wasn't particularly vexing in any way, but left me drained nonetheless. A LOT of computer learning related to charting. They chart everything at the hospital. I would say that a fair chunk of the day is actually spent on the computer writing about what what you did, how long it took, and what equipment you used. I am a little surprised that you don't chart your charting time as well. I found this noteworthy considering just how many patients you see in a day when you are doing rounds. Other than that, I got to explore all areas of one of the hospitals. It is a nice sized hospital, manageable but large enough to accomodate some extremely varied patient acuities. Just the same, I think I will be much happier in the smaller and more sedate confines of Meridian Park. Beyond the computer stuff the day was most akin to my first day in nursing school: a blur of information spoken in terminology so foreign that I couldn't attest whether or not it was actually in English. I just smiled and nodded..........a lot.
Day 2: Returned with my brain still hurting from day 1. Spent the early part of the day learning how to start IVs and change bandages on a rubber arm and then accessed a power port and changed dressing on a rubber chest. If only real people had the delightful combination of bulging stationary veins and the ability to stoically sit motionless as I poked and prodded with my needle. Also, it is nice to have absolutely NO pressure. We spent the second half of the day on rounds looking in on a few patients. I went home exhausted again.
Day 3: Woke up feeling weird. My allergies were in their not uncommon hyperactive state and they were unwilling to leave me physically unscathed. I looked at the mirror to see blood red eyes staring back. Knowing that taking an antihistamine is not my best bet in the AM hours, but having no real recourse other than trying to explain to everyone I met that day that I was not in fact contagious, I opted to take something. Mistake.
We started the day taking one of the phones and two floors. This meant that we would be responsible for the patients on our units and any calls that came into our phone. Thankfully the phone was mercifully silent because, not long after 10, I observed my first IV start. It was evidently not a clear one as my preceptor was having a hard time getting a blood return. I started to feel very loopy and, shortly thereafter, plopped myself down on the chair so as not to pass out. I immediately felt shivers and broke out in a sweat as I willed myself to take slow deep breaths and not pass out in a patient room. I have passed out before, but only in high school for unknown reasons and after giving blood, so I know the feeling just before. However, this time I was able to staunch the wave that had heretofore always managed to overtake me. Would have made for an interesting day. The remainder of the day was uneventful and I learned even more seemingly foreign terminology and went home both confused and a bit concerned about whether or not this job would be a good fit if I couldn't maintain consciousness and all.
Day 4: Looks like it was the meds. We did 9 IV starts (I even managed my first successful one on a patient that was well medicated) and I didn't even feel a twinge of lightheadedness. No more AM antihistamines for me. I will just have to sport sunglasses when my eyes well up and tell people that I am in witness protection or something. The phone was ringing all day long and I got to see quite a bit. Left feeling quite successful and ready to tackle week 2............which will be a whole new orientation to a different hospital. Maybe I should just crawl in bed now so I will be ready for Monday.
1/4 update btw: I had a goal for new year to run 400 miles with aspirations to do 500 if at all possible. Well, 25% through, and I am above pace for 500 (close to 55o actually). I am pretty excited because most resolutions dont last me even this long. Will update again at the half way point. Wish my knees luck.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Inspection day or, as I refer to it, time to freak out!
Well, our offer was accepted on the house. Good in a 'wow we have a nice place to live in' kind of way and bad in a 'what the hell do we do with our remaining lease on our current residence' kind of way. Moving is kind of like Jenga, you can make the whole thing collapse with just a few wrong moves. I wish our place just had a buy out clause, but instead we will be searching for subletters. Hopefully we find someone in the not too distant future.
As for the inspection, nothing major came up, but there were, of course, enough minor things to make me REALLY think about this whole buying a home notion. Good lord there are a lot of things that you just don't give a rip about when you are renting. Some cracks in the floor (how much is that too repair?). Using the wrong possible wiring combinations (electrical safety inspection now required). A furnace in the crawl space that would requiring cutting open the floor to remove it (what in the hell!?!?). Other than that, the usual litany of doors not hung properly, some shoddy worksmanship on the caulking, and other little time consuming but not generally financially onorous repairs. Hurm!
In other news, I finished up my 2 days of hospital orientation which, while somewhat tedious, were actually fairly informative. It is clear they do a WHOLE lot for their employees from discounts at local places to very comprehensive benefits including a traditional pension plan. I feel incredibly fortunate to have gotten a job there, especially in this economic climate. The computer training was a bit less useful, only because I was really only tasked with following a minimal amount of what was covered because my position doesn't require it. Odder still, I was exempted from a lot of the other general hospital training that my friend Bob had to go through when he oriented for the same position fresh out of school. I know I have some experience now, but most of the other people orienting that had to go through the training had far more (years worth) and I can safely assure you they need the general training less than I. Just the same, I am sure I will be fine and not feeling poorly educated and incompetent for two weeks will keep my confidence high.
I better get out to do some running so I can go get my allergy shots this afternoon. What would a weekend be without swollen itchy red arms after all?
As for the inspection, nothing major came up, but there were, of course, enough minor things to make me REALLY think about this whole buying a home notion. Good lord there are a lot of things that you just don't give a rip about when you are renting. Some cracks in the floor (how much is that too repair?). Using the wrong possible wiring combinations (electrical safety inspection now required). A furnace in the crawl space that would requiring cutting open the floor to remove it (what in the hell!?!?). Other than that, the usual litany of doors not hung properly, some shoddy worksmanship on the caulking, and other little time consuming but not generally financially onorous repairs. Hurm!
In other news, I finished up my 2 days of hospital orientation which, while somewhat tedious, were actually fairly informative. It is clear they do a WHOLE lot for their employees from discounts at local places to very comprehensive benefits including a traditional pension plan. I feel incredibly fortunate to have gotten a job there, especially in this economic climate. The computer training was a bit less useful, only because I was really only tasked with following a minimal amount of what was covered because my position doesn't require it. Odder still, I was exempted from a lot of the other general hospital training that my friend Bob had to go through when he oriented for the same position fresh out of school. I know I have some experience now, but most of the other people orienting that had to go through the training had far more (years worth) and I can safely assure you they need the general training less than I. Just the same, I am sure I will be fine and not feeling poorly educated and incompetent for two weeks will keep my confidence high.
I better get out to do some running so I can go get my allergy shots this afternoon. What would a weekend be without swollen itchy red arms after all?
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ah, the negotiations.
So, house #1 is a bust. We officially withdrew our offer Friday morning. The short-sale process was taking too long and, honestly, with the aptly named Ozie-Arkies (spell check that for me Tom) out back and the traffic out front, we were falling less and less in love with it. In retrospect, house #1 is too akin to the one we reside in now; wonderful to rent, iffy to purchase. Plus, the place was going to require a fair amount of work to get it to where we wanted it to be. Sadly, Labor costs money. Supplies cost money. The house itself costs money. Where this money actually would come from is anyone's guess. Unless you guessed from us, in which case I would applaud your vibrant imagination where we could live off of the cookie trees and it would rain gumdrops (yum). Combine the funding issue with a lack of time and a general disinterest in renovations of that scale, and you have a losing combination altogether.
Anyway, onward and upward...........we were poking around and found place #2. We are now in the stage where the sellers have our offer and we are awaiting word as to whether the negotiations are to begin in earnest. There is this difficult tightrope you walk when buying. You find out the cost they want to sell it at upfront, then you find the comps in the area (rarely are these two numbers congruent), and then you make an offer that you hope is not so high that they jump at it excitedly (making you feel like you are overpaying) or so low that they reject it outright. The thing that I find most difficult about this is that the response takes some time......1 or 2 business days. Then, you have the same amount of time (roughly) to respond to their response. And so on and so forth. But, we still need to sublet this place, so if it were to not come through, I would be sad but not crestfallen. The balance between finally having a place of our own and the relative savings of not having to move, sublet, and pay a higher monthly payment is difficult to accurately quantify, but still strangely compelling nonetheless. Word to follow when anything actually happens.
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link of the moment: who doesn't love the early 90s rap/dance of DJ Cool and also love the Fraggles? Like peanutbutter and jelly really :)
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