A New Opportunity

So its been a while.

I've been a terrible blogger.

For me blogging has been a way to meet and learn from interesting people...and to navigate the cray life I live.  Its been an outlet for my (limited) creativity that generally has been very rewarding and fun.

But blog-fatigue and bloggers-block are a real thing.And I hit a wall so I took a break to re-group and re-consider.  And right when I was about to totally give up and just stop blogging all together, I got an email.

The email invited me to join a collaboration blog, specifically for Mormon YSAs (if you don't know what I mean check THIS out!)

At first I wasn't sure.  I was done with blogging.  Did I want to get involved with something and make a commitment?
Did this collaboration have the feel and the vibe I wanted to connect my blog with.


And honestly I still don't have the answers to either of those questions.

BUT....I do know that I want to keep blogging and I want to stay excited and interested.

And I think that means throwing myself into it.
Getting really involved in the bog world and making it a happy and fun and exciting place to be for me.



So check out my new second blogosphere home on http://mormonysa.blogspot.com/

And here's hoping y'all will have some fun and interesting posts to read in the next few days, weeks and months!!!!!


Be Happy Be Healthy

High Five For Friday

Lots of Fun Happenings This Week!!!

But guess I can only do 5......



Thanksgiving...pie.....HELLO



Catching Fire Sibling Bonding.....good film....great book...awesome company

(Please excuse this terrible picture!)


Cleaned out my locker/mailbox/said goodbye to my first hospital....bittersweet day


Picked up THIS sister from the AIRPORT....so glad to have her for a bit




NOW what...Black Friday shopping...favorite singer/songwriter over for Thanksgiving dinner.....decorating my future room (moving soon to be closer to new job)...awesome parade watching moments...completed crochet projects????



I can't decide....sorry to break da rules.....

Hope all had a blessed and happy thanksgiving!

So many blessings I don't know where to begin!


Be Happy Be Healthy!!!

Because I'm a Nurse

1. I'm addicted to smarties.  Some people drink coffee.  I eat smarties.

2. Every time I meet someone new/shake someone's hand I turn it just a little bit to see how their veins look.  Its worse if you date me cause then I can look at your whole arm with out it being tooooo weird.

3. I eat at 2 AM almost nightly.  Nights on and Nights off work...always get munchy at 2 AM.  And yes I have left my bed for a midnight kitchen raid.

4. Nailing/blowing an IV both makes and RUINS my day

5. I diagnosis myself constantly...I am a self proclaimed hypochondriac

6. I'm a crazy germaphobe.  Like for REALS.  We have these purple wipe things...death wipes I call them.  I do a thorough wipe down at the beginning and end...and sometimes the middle of EVERY shift!

7. Every 3 months I go around with the "Booty Patrol" and examine the backsides of EVERY patient in the hospital.  In the space of roughly 5 hours I usually see...hmmm I'd say at least 75 butts!

8. Very few sights and smells gross me out anymore...unless they are fake. The fake stuff is always worse than the real stuff.  Weird I know!

9. I can identify and locate any beeping on the floor...oral thermometer dying, IV occluded vs complete vs dying, chair and bed alarms, monitor red and yellow alarms, dinamaps dying

10. Some nights are crazy and some nights I feel like a failure...but more often than not...I am able to leave my shift feeling like I might have actually made a difference.


Thanks Anna and Paige for running this one!


Keep Smilin Everybody
Be Happy Be Healthy

What Nurses Think About Medical TV Shows

September LINK UP!!!!!

Yeah for nursing bloggy link-ups!

I adore Anna from "The Days When I'm Not a Nurse"
Frankly I adore all nurses...because they get it.
We live a hard life.  Night Shifts..12 Hour Shifts...Poo Pee and Uh Oh What Exactly is That On My Pants

But I love how Anna makes the most of her days off.
I need to be better about that!

And so...on the days when I am not a nurse....
I usually catch up on my TV shows.
And YES..I am embarrassed to say...I'm a Grey's Junkie.

But ever since nursing school I have resented the show.
And here is why.

1. Really NO hospital in SEATTLE has EVER or will EVER be in a flood...a tropical storm...a boat crash...a shooting...and all the rest of the junk they have had in...what 9 years?  I mean REALLY????????

2. Seriously how do all the most ridiculous crazy unheard of cases all end up in the same hospital?

3. Since when do surgical interns...and residents...and attendings cover all sorts of patients? Where are the internalists...and the hospitalists????

4.YOU DON'T SHOCK ASYSTOLE!!!!!!
Also...V-Fib looks like..

NOT...

(PS...dont shock this one..you'll kill em!)

5. Why does it seem like the nurses in this show are only good as Sloan's booty girls??  We don't have time to hook up with doctors...we are too busy trying to actually SAVE LIVES

But despite it all....I STILL WATCH IT!!!!

It was rough for a couple of seasons..but its gotten good again.  SHOOT  I was so going to drop this one...guess not!

Also..best moment of nursing school??

When one of my classmates answered a complicated question making our professor VERY proud.

This same classmate then leaned over and said "Learned that from House"

check out Anna and all the other link ups!!!!!!

Be Happy Be Healthy!

Nurses Week: Day One

Happy Nurses Week everyone!!!

I wasn't sure what I wanted to talk about today...until Anna posted her pay it forward, pay it backward plan!

And it seemed perfect!!!!!!



First to pay it forward-to all my current co-workers who are in their first years of nursing.

We've all gone through a lot the past few months.  And I can honestly say there is not a group of nurses that I would want to work with more!  And someday we seriously are gonna be that group of crazy smart nurses who can do everything.  And the more I work with you ladies-the more I think that someday-is not very far away at all!  Thanks for making me laugh, making sure I actually waste that morphine (hahaha....jk), getting me through long shifts, always asking me if I need anything,....and saving my patients with me when they start bleeding out ;)

Second to pay it backward-to my first nursing mentor

I really knew absolutely nothing at that point.  But she patiently guided me and helped me figure it out.
On my last day of that practicum I remember telling her I was terrified that someone was about to trust me to be a "real nurse".  And then she gave me one of the best compliments ever "You already are a real nurse".
And someday (hopefully sooner rather than later) I hope to be a nurse just like her!


Be Happy Be Healthy everyone!!!!

Linky Party: a Nurse's Routine

I love our little community of nursing bloggers-and its time for another link-up!!!!

Today lets talk about my routine.


Nurses are creatures of habit-so its not surprising that we have patterns!
12 hour shifts are long.
It takes a little bit to get prepared.
And in my opinion, it takes a little bit more to come down off the adrenaline that kept you going for that long (especially on a very stressful night/day)

But in both-music of course (its me!) plays a pretty crucial role.



I don't have much of a before routine.  I usually wake up (from either a 2 hour nap or a whole day of sleeping).  If its early enough, I will sometimes study my scriptures, watch some TV or blog.  Then I grab some dinner, pack a "lunch" and change into scrubs.

I have a roughly 15 minute drive, and I always try to leave 30 minutes early.  This usually gives me 5-10 minutes of wiggle room-and it is usually spent in the car, in the parking garage "preparing".  I usually try and find a calm song I like on the radio, and I close my eyes, lay my head on the steering wheel and just be for a bit.
Then right before I get out of the car I turn off the radio and say a little prayer.  I know it sounds all righteous and spiritual and stuff, but seriously there have been nights I haven't done this and they have ALWAYS been terrible.




My wind down is generally more of a deal.  Again the 15 minute car ride is important.

15 minutes is just right for me...long enough to have good distance but short enough to not create resentment for my commute.

I take the back way home, since the highway just has too many cars and merging that I don't want to deal with that early in the morning.  Plus the back way is much more scenic.
If I had a good night, I usually go for the loud peppy "rock-on" type music.  A hard/long night usually means a sad/calm song.

Usually once I get home, I chat with my mom (this actually is the BEST decompressing....what will I do when I live alone!?).  I usually hop on FB/blog/email just to make sure I am connected to the world.
And then I shower, lotion, stretch (yoga poses and stretches to help you sleep) read my scriptures for a bit and head right to bed!


And that is my routine.  Not much to it!  I'm a boring person I guess.

But here's the wrap-up/sum-up/take home message......
Nursing can be stressful, and a wind up and wind down routine can really help you cope...and not bring too much work home with you.
Leave work at work!


And Be Happy Be Healthy!

High Five For Friday!!!!!!

Happy Friday Blogging World!!!!!

And shout out to Lauren Elizabeth!!!

1. TOTALLY spent too much of my extra shift pay today :)  But hey-got some GREAT stuff!!!

2. Food for Fines????  Pay off your library overdue fines with cans...YES PLEASE.  Did I only save about 75 cents??  Yes.  But it was for a good cause!!!

3. Partner in Crime and Bell Boy and I tried out the gelato place on Grand....and LOVE!!!!!

4. Its concert season for Baby Sister......terribly blurry shot...but LOVE HER!!!

5. Didn't lose a single patient this week!!!!  And we came awful close too many times!!!!!!!

Anyways...Be Happy Be Healthy!!!!!!!!

dear boys

dear jon jay
you are single...eligible...rich...
and baseball pants.......what else do i need to say???
love
a major cards fan!


dear felon
i still just don't know what to make of you!!!!
love
bewildered


dear tractor boy
YOU are the one i like.  your 'alternative personality'...not so much
love
.....this is just getting ridiculous!!!!!!!!


dear bell boy
UH OH...this could get interesting.
love
uh...betta not


dear bell boy
ITS NOT INTERESTING!!!!!
ITS PERFECT!!!!!!
I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER!!!!!!!!!
seriously....i couldn't
love
crayon girl....aka....the girl who just made you her BESTEST FRIEND!!!


And that is all she wrote folks!


Be happy and be healthy.......

High Five For Friday

Lets throw out some lovin to Lauren @ From My Grey Desk!

And here we go!!!

1.   Its payday!!!

Though this incentive thing has totally got me burned out and wanting to die/never go to work again it certainly makes my pay checks pretty!

2.   I'm almost to my "vacation" 

After tonight, I will not have to go back to work until THURSDAY...can anyone say weekish off!!!???

If only I didn't have a list of A MILLION things to do!!!!!  Catch up time!

3.   GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEKEND

(for more info about conference...check this out!)

This weekend ALSO means GIRLS NIGHT and BRUNCH with the YSA peeps!

4.   French Quarter Happy Hour...at 8 AM

Seriously I work with some CRAZIES!  I could so not work this job if it wasn't for my amazing coworkers! We have officially found our "drunk huddle" spot hahaha  Thank goodness they have me to stay sober and make sure they don't make poor choices!!!  hehehe

5.      "I LOVE to see the temple!  

              

Got to hang out on the temple grounds with a good friend...and it totally made my week!

(for more info about temples...check this out!)

BE HAPPY BE HEALTHY!!!!!

High Five for Friday

A good friend encouraged me to read the blog of a sister of one of my FAVE bloggers.

AKA....Kate from the Small Things Blog (the girl who does my hair online!)
AND  her sister Lauren from From My Grey Desk (who I am about to get dangerously obsessed with!)

Love em!!!!

Anyway Lauren does High Five Fridays...so I thought I would join up for the day!

So here are 5 cool things from my week!




1. MONEY SHIFT!!!!!  Thursday I picked up an extra shift for 3x my normal hourly pay.  FOR REALS peeps...  Its great but when the 4 weeks of this is over I'm likely going to want to kill anything living in my path....but...hey MONEY MONEY MONEY!!!!!

2. Date with a person new to my circle tomorrow.  Should be fun-cause we all know how I love adding people to my circle!

3. The weather is getting warmer.  It might not stay warmer....but it still is warmer.  And that means spring is coming.  ITS COMING ITS COMING!!!!!!!!!!

4. The Easter Bunny is hopping around my branch.  AND I LOVE IT!!!!!!!  Doorbell ditching candy filled eggs???  How sweet is that????

5. I tried on my new work uniform.  All black is NOT cool. But I do like the style.  And let me just say-whatever material these new scrubs are made of--feels SUPA nice and soft :)









 

LIEBSTER!!!!!!! AND a VLOG!!!!!!!!!!!

Huge thanks to Big Sister who nominated me for a Liebster Award!!!!

(see her blog HERE!)


There are a lot of 11s in the instructions for this. And though it would be SUPA fun...I don't have that kinda time/energy #nightshiftproblems

So I'm amending it a bit.....sorry to stop the fun with me...but pretty sure everyone I would nominate has been nominated so.......

BUT...I'm gonna add a fun twist-aka VLOG!!!!!


Its been forever since I've done one of these so...thought it might be fun!!!

Be Happy Be Healthy!!!!

Dear Boys-A Kind One

So usually this is the time when I vent my frustrations with guys..both in my life and in the lives of my friends.


HOWEVER...today we are going to mix it up a bit....and be nice haha

But really.

dear guys...who are our friends

alright guys.  we girls are pretty hard on you sometimes.  we complain and whine and sometimes even straight up bash you.  BUT  we really do love you.

girl friends are great-super important...you need them to be your shopping buddies,  the ones who you can watch Nicholas Sparks movies with, the ones who are there for all your boy problems and tell you honestly if that dress makes you look fat or that lipstick makes you look like a hooker.

but every girl NEEDS one or two good guy friends.  guys can do things girls can't.
like give guy hugs.  seriously there is NOTHING better than a good guy hug.
and they give us guy perspective.  they tell us to stop freaking out and stop over-analyzing.
they give us chill drama-free fun (ok generally drama-free).

you make us feel special and cared about.
your compliments mean more than any ever given by our girl friends.
you "protect" us from scary things like the dark and creepy people
plus you can reach stuff on the top shelf and lift our heavy stuff!

and when we don't have you...we really miss it.
like REALLY miss it

so guys-thanks for being our friends.  please know that you are appreciated.
you are excellent.  and we like you A LOT!

love
the girls that are your friends




dear guy friends....of mine
why are you all not here!!!!????  I MISS YOU!!!!
please be prepared for skype/texts/calls.  
a needy girl is on the loose and she is coming for you!!! (please don't be concerned or frightened)
love
a girl who can't seem to find good guy friends in her town!!! 

(don't worry...I won't post a million and a half pics of you...i know it'll weird you out hahaha)


Anyways..Be Happy Be Healthy



Shout out and love to our host-ELISE!!!!!!!
(you really should check out her blog cause she rocks!)

WORST DATE EVER

I wrote this a while ago

And I thought I would bring it back.....with an INVITATION.

Write about your own worst ever date and put it or the link to it down in the comments section.

Can't wait to hear what ya'll have been through.

Best story may get a guest post spot!!!!!!  ;)

so here we go...hold onto your hats.

DISCLAIMER:  Names and places have been changed to protect the pathetic.

Tonight I went on a date with A GUY I know from church. He's a very sweet boy. He wanted to show me a place called CAVE here in town. Apparently it is a place you have to see if you are living HERE. So we went to go see it and hike around the park it is in.

As we were going along we stopped for a break and he literally pulled out wine glasses and sparkling cider. Yes my friends...we apparently fast forwarded to the proposal part of our relationship ;)

We chatted for a while just about random things. And then started to head back to the car. And this is when the wheels came off the wagon. There was another trail that apparently lead to a sink hole we thought might be interesting to check out. So we followed it. And kept following it. And kept following it. We started on a "green" trail, and suddenly found ourselves on the yellow trail. But of course....we had started on this second trail around 7 PM. So we were now racing against time hoping to be able to get out of the interesting predicament we were in.

As we kept walking it kept getting darker. We were so turned around and lost it wasn't even funny. He kept turning to me thinking that some how I was the more spiritual of the two of us and would get a sudden prompting leading us down the right path. But like I had any idea. I might have been praying the entire time to get out of there...but I don't know if

"Oh my gosh I am stuck in the woods in the dark with a kinda weird 25 year old who hasn't done much with his life yet and I am likely going to DIE...PLEASE GET ME OUT OF HERE" 

is really the best method of getting spiritual guidance. 

I've gotta say my favorite part of the night was when he suggested we start singing hymns. Not sure if the purpose was for comfort or bringing the Spirit. I mean I love singing..and love hymns...and I know we were lost...but still on a DATE! 

Lets not sing...lets focus on getting out of this FREAKING FOREST!!!!!

I wanted to call 911 but he seemed to be protesting and not wanting to call. I think it was a pride thing. He wanted to get us out himself I guess. MEN! (insert serious eye roll here) So I called my family hoping they could look up a map or give us a number for the park ranger who could point us in the direction of the parking lot. They couldn't really help us out. And by this point it was about 8:15 and seriously dark. He tried his family. But they preferred to make fun of us in our woe and couldn't help either. 

Suddenly we saw a light...a light that looked like a street lamp. So we starting going for it as fast as we could. Then we realized there was a fence and a HUGE field between us and the light. Yeah we had likely make it to the WHOLE OTHER END OF THE PARK!!!! At this point I had had enough. I didn't care if I wounded his pride. I was NOT going to be stuck in these woods for another minute. I was tired..and hungry...kinda thirsty..I had a blister (found a few more later that night)...and I will be honest...I HAD TO PEE!!! And there was NO WAY I was going off into the unknown woods...ON A DATE...even a bad date!!!!

And so I called and talked to a very nice operator who was very understanding and kind. I described as best I could where we were and how everything had happened. And assured them at least 20 times we were ok. Not too cold, not wet, not injured, not starving or dehydrated (not that this info was completely true...but I was on a date...so I had to be positive!) Then they triangulated my signal (THANK YOU VERIZON!!!!!) And we stayed on the line roughly 45 minutes (it began to rain at this point ps!) until the search and rescue  came to get us. They helped us hop the fence and then we walked across the field to their truck. They then drove us about 10 MINUTES back to the parking lot where the car was. WE WERE SOOOOO LOST. But thankfully were rescued.

As we pulling into the parking lot, we were greeted by a fire truck, ambulance and several police cars, plus the park rangers. HOLY COW!!!! We got bombarded with questions amongst flashing lights. I felt like I was at a crime scene. But after getting all our information for their reports we were able to head out.

The guy I was with asked me if I wanted to get dinner. And call me rude...but I told him "I think I need to get home" It was 9:30 and we had left my apartment at 5:30. And first dates should not be marathons!
I felt bad....because of all the people to get stuck in the woods with..he was better than most.
He is a perfect gentleman and did not take advantage of the situation like some guys might have. And he remained upbeat and cheerful instead of cranky. And he wasn't an obnoxious person to be around.
And he felt SOOOOO bad! The poor guy was not planning on that being the way the night would go. But it was certainly a memory.

So when I got home...I called my mom to assure her that I was ok (hindsight being 20/20 I prolly shouldn't have called my mother and worry her...better to tell her the story afterwards right??) And I explained more of the story to her. I also texted my best guy friend and made him come give me a hug...cause yeah it had been a LONG night.  He I would have enjoyed being lost with!  His response to my statement..."I wouldn't have gotten us lost!"



And I know what you are all thinking.....no none of this was made up.  You can't make this kind of stuff up!!!!!!!

Can't wait to hear yours!

Be Happy Be Healthy!

My Pinterest Successes

So I am OBSESSED with Pinterest.

This is a very clear thing to anyone who lives with me.

I am constantly telling my family....
"Pinterest says"    or     "My Pinterest people say"    or      "I could look it up on Pinterest"


I have tried several of my pins
But not as many as I would have liked to....


BUT I have made a goal to change that!!!!
And Trish is going to help me!
She is running a pinterest link party my older sister turned me on to.

AND so....this October I plan to be a Obsessed Pinner! (aka level 3 all the way!!!)

but until then....may I show you what I have done already?????????

Source: smittenkitchen.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Martha Stewart Mac and Cheese.
I used bread crumbs instead of cubes...so mine looked different. It was good. But not very creamy. More like a mac and cheese casserole not mac drenched in yummy creamy cheesey-ness. So good, but prolly won't make it again. (also made enough for an ARMY and I made a half batch!!!

Source: tasteofhome.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Mexican Lasanga
This one was REAL REAL good!!!!!! Would make it over and over for sure. The missionaries I made it for agreed too! (but then again they like everything...they are 19 year old boys!)

Source: jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Made this one for my lil sis while the rents were "MIA". She liked it....I thought it was really rich. But adjustments are worth some thought.....

Source: thenoshery.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Better than Take-Out Orange Chicken
This one was good....but honestly it was way more work than I wanted to put forth!!! I think I might stick to take out! hahaha

Source: onegoodthingbyjillee.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

THIS WORKS!!!!!! Like seriously!!!!! FOR REALS!!!!! Add in a little baking soda for some scrubbing power and your yellow stained shirts will become brand new clean. Its NUTS!!!!

Source: cmae-adayinthelife.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

this one will prolly matter more when I have more keys hahaha but I did do it!

Source: teresadoesit.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Fave pin ever!!!! I get sooooo many compliments on these shoes..... wanna see my version????

There are lots of hair-dos too...I would HIGHLY suggest http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/  This Kate girl is known in my house as "The girl online who does my hair!!!"

So yeah!  I'm pin obsessed a little already.

For the love of PETE!!!!

Be Happy    Be Healthy!!!

TODAY IS A BIG DAY!!!!!!!  Its NCLEX DAY!!!!!
Don't worry..I drank gallons of Hot Chocolate this morning.  And I have studied my brains out.  So it will all end up ok......I hope
(I would not turn away prayers or good vibes sent my way though haha)

Anyway...in honor of this big day...I'm jumping in on a Nursing Link-up Party
CHECK IT OUT!!!!


And check me out....hmm that sounded weird.  Check my VLOG out???
Sounds weird too but oh well.  Guess I'm just a weird duck :)

Here's the questions...in case you need to follow along (cause as always its all scattered!)

1. Where do you see yourself and your nursing practice in 10 years?
2. What was your first doctor confrontation like? (or most memorable, if you can't remember the first)

3. Which would your rather: heavy GI bleed patient, trach patient with copious secretions, a projectile vomitter, or a patient with a colostomy bag that will not stay on? (spell check is telling me vomitter isn't a word)
4. If you could warn your patients to avoid one thing off the hospital menu, what would it be?
5. Do you have a nurse idol? If so, who and why?
6. If you could push one piece of medical equipment out the window, which one would it be?
7. What do look forward to MOST when you go to work? (or clinical?)
8. What body system intimidates you most? (neuro, cardio, respiratory, GI, GU, Musculoskeletal, integumentary, endocrine? did I miss any?)
9. What advice would you give to someone who is considering the nursing profession?
10. If you hadn't become a nurse, what would you have done?

Be Happy...Be Healthy

The Time I Was a Patient Linky Party

So ever since I became a graduate nurse..I am OBSESSED with nursing (ask my family...its practically all I ever talk about!) (I need a JOB!!!  I NEED PATIENTS!!!  Then I can put my energy and obsession to use and stop bugging people!)

ANYWAY!

I recently discovered a few nursing blogs....LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE
There is a sisterhood in the nursing community (I believe other professions have the same deal....the only people who can understand what you do are other people who do it!)
And I love being able to be part of the blogging nursing community.

I had a busy day yesterday so I didn't get a chance to join up with this linky party yesterday---but a day late isn't too bad right????


The time I was a patient the longest was way back when I was 4 years old.  And actually it was an experience that didn't directly push me to be a nurse, but has played a role in the kind of nurse I am.

When I was 4 I was admitted into National Children's Hospital to have surgery on my kidney.  Basically the tube (ureter) that connected my bladder and kidney was not attached correctly.  This lead to build up...and infection and inflammation.  For the first four years of my life I'm pretty sure I rarely went a week without getting a UTI (urinary tract infection)  I took antibiotics like they were candy (trust me they did NOT taste like candy!).  I had a lot of fevers...some getting so high I vomited and had to take medication rectally.
Thank goodness I had a father who held the priesthood and great hometeachers cause I for SURE got dozens of blessings in those 4 years.

(Mormons believe strongly that prayer has healing power, and that men who hold the priesthood, or literally the power of God, can say special prayers that can aid those who need to be healed)

This condition is not uncommon in children.  But most grow out of it.  Its genetic-my brother also had it but he grew out of it.  The way I think of it--once you get a little longer, your "tubes" can stretch out a little more.  But unfortunately for me--mine didn't.

For a while I had periodic tests performed to determine if the frequent infections and inflammation was causing any damage to my kidneys or urinary tract.  I'm not sure what type of tests were performed-but I have VERY vivid memories of the pain associated with them.  They were radiological in nature and the dye they used burned REALLY bad!

When I was four one of the tests showed that damage was beginning to occur.  My nephrologist decided to go ahead and perform the surgery before more damage occurred.  A surgery was scheduled.

I actually have quite a few memories of my 3 days in the hospital.  I remember how cold I was before I went into surgery.  I remember being terrified of the needle they used to do the blood work before the procedure.  I remember the cool toys in the waiting room before I went in.  I remember waking up from the procedure and the nurse/tech/person saying (in what appeared to a scared cold 4 year old very cranky grumpy voice) "She's awake"

I remember the doll I brought.  Her name was Catherine and my grandma had recently given her to me.  She was a more life-like baby than any of my other dolls and she was for sure my favorite.  I made my mom PROMISE to babysit her while I was gone.  After I went under my mom found out she could leave her with me and have her be there when I woke up.  But my mom was worried I would be mad at her for not following my very specific bossy 4 year old instructions so she kept Catherine. Apparently while my parents where waiting in my room for me, a nurse walked by surprised I was back already (my mom was holding Catherine).  She was so life like-the nurse thought it was the patient!

I remember getting wheeled back to my room with the cranky nurse.
I remember the discomfort I felt the entire time, especially walking. (now that I know how important ambulation is...I'm sure I totally drove my nurses nuts by REFUSING to)
I had a crazy annoying roommate "Roommate, roommate are you awake."  My mom always responded 'Go to sleep Bianca"
I remember stories of a very painful night--with a very unhelpful nurse.  And the day nurse coming in and making a big fuss to comfort my mom and me.


My experiences of pain and fear...knowing my mothers feelings and experiences-both have always colored my nursing care of families and patients.
We as nurses always have to be aware of the fear our patients have.  And that it is not just about the patient either.  You've gotta remember the family too.

So thats when I was a patient.  Enjoy and check out Anna and Renee :)

Be Happy...Be Healthy

Dear Since Its Sunday

Its a Since its Sunday Linky Party!!!!

I Love linky parties. They give me ideas of what to write about. Plus I feel like I get to be in the cool kids club haha. And there is the added bonus of possible look-in readers that could turn into followers :) And who wouldn't want that.

Last week I "talked" about a song.

This week I find myself again talking about a song.

Its another one that is very near and dear to my heart...and has honestly gotten me through many of the ups and downs my career has brought me the past 5 years.

So lets rewind as I tell you the story.

Picture me....a young college freshman at BYU

this should help haha

I came to BYU not only for the overall good education and the fun social scene-but also for its nursing school.  It had a high reputation.

So I am sitting in a pre-nurse meeting about applying for the program and all that blah blah blah administrative stuff.

And one of the speakers is talking about the program...its mission, its goals, its philosophy.

Being a church school, it of course had a very spiritual twist.

So what was the motto you ask?

"I would learn the healer's art"

Recognize it?  It is a line from this song:

Savior, may I learn to love thee, Walk the path that thou hast shown,

Pause to help and lift another, Finding strength beyond my own.

Savior, may I learn to love thee-Lord, I would follow thee.

Who am I to judge another When I walk imperfectly?

In the quiet heart is hidden Sorrow that the eye can't see.

Who am I to judge another? Lord, I would follow thee.

I would be my brother's keeper; I would learn the healer's art.

To the wounded and the weary I would show a gentle heart.

I would be my brother's keeper-Lord, I would follow thee.

Savior, may I love my brother As I know thou lovest me,

Find in thee my strength, my beacon, For thy servant I would be.

Savior, may I love my brother-Lord, I would follow thee.

The whole song is essential for nursing.  But the third verse has been my favorite ever since.

It got me through anatomy, bio-organic chemistry, physiology and nutrition (which was not hard just positively TERRIBLE!)

When a year later I found out I was not accepted into the BYU nursing program...this song got me through the crushing disappointment.  It didn't matter what BYU said....I was going to be a nurse anyway.

When I went through the stress of applying for accelerated programs, this was the song in my mind as I wrote essays and wrote my name on so many forms, I'm pretty sure I may have made a deal with the devil I didn't know about!

When I was accepted into all 4 programs, and had to choose, the words of my roommate and this song came to mind.  "What is your goal?  To be a nurse...to hold their hand and give them a smile.   Then why does it matter where you go to school if either one will help you do that?"

As I moved to a new place and went through the rollercoaster that is nursing school-it was my rock. The song I listened to when I came home from a horrible clinical day. The song that ran through my head during amazing clinical days

.

And now that I am coming to a close on my education and on my way into the big girl nursing world...it is the song I will take with me.

I hope I never forget that I am there to show a gentle heart to the wounded and the weary.

I am a stand in for their Savior.  He has asked me to take care of His children.

And I do it-gladly.

Dear Come Thou Fount

WAHOO for link-up parties!

This one is over at Shaylee Ann's

She is someone I have recently discovered...LOVE LOVE!!!

SO....Since It's Sunday.......

I listened to church/efy music on my drive back from St Louis to Columbia (made it in 89 minutes this time WOOOHOOO!!)

But ANYWAY...point IS...the song Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing came on.

I feel like I should have a lot to say about it. But honestly as I sit here the words don't seem to want to come.

And everytime I hear this song it feels like something brand new.

Everytime a new line sticks out...a new part touches me.

So here is what I will do. I will let you listen. I will let you feel what you should feel.

What part sticks out to you today??

 

Please excuse the crazy 80s hair and outfits!  hahaThis is the best arrangement I have ever heard of this song.It is so powerful!(but maybe I'm biased cause its the Y...and Mac Wilberg....and I've sung this version before and it is THE BOMB.COM!!!!)

Dear People of the World

Its a dear boys and a dear girls day.....
DEAR EVERYONE!!!!

don't forget to check out Elise-y





dear tasmanian devil
You are terrible!  Trust me...I will be getting an A in this class if I have to fly to Tasmania myself and enter it into your gradebook myself!!!!
love
a girl who is mad..so watch out!

dear summer sales boys
ooo la la!  Hold onto you polos, khakis and clipboards...cause we, my friends, are gonna have a ROCKIN summer!!!!!!
love
super excited for the upcoming showing of AWESOMENESS

dear noah
you can have all of me...forever...everyday...
just saying.....
love
wishin i was Allie

dear guy on the diamond ring commercial
I'll take it if she won't!!!!
love
diamond's best friend

dear beard boy
Too bad you are dating that one other girl...
who is prolly more your type anyway but....
love
the girl in the leather jacket

dear ben folds fan
Too bad we can't get to know each other better.
What CRUMMY timing!
love
resigned girl

and finally...


dear UNAVAILABLE BOYS
Why are you always the ones I am attracted to??
The ones who I could have I don't want.
But if you are unavailable...of course I find you attractive!
love
girl who hates murphy's law of dating!!!

TAG YOURE IT!!!!

I've been tagged!!!!!!
Check out my favorite walking fashion crime Elizabeth
Lets play a little game of blog tag!!!!!

1. post these rules.
2. post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.
3. answer the questions set for you in the original post.
4. create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5. go to their blog and tell them they've been tagged.

MY 11 RANDOM FACTS!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. I was so squirmy and ticklish when I was a baby..my parents sometimes called me Goosey Loosey.  You even looked like you were going to tickle me and I would squeal.  

2. If I was not a good little Mormon girl...I would have 3 more piercings than I do now......a little stud in my nose, another one in my tragus (that inner flap in your ear where it connects to your head), and then a belly button ring

3. I have a poster of the Jonas Brothers hanging up in my room...do not judge.

4. I have been in love only once

5. I have gone to midnight showings of 3 movies.....Pirates of the Caribbean 2, New Moon, and Eclipse (only the first did I really want to see at midnight)

6. I am scared of needles.  I can't watch when I get blood drawn or shots.  But I have no problem putting them in others :)  (GO NURSES!)

7. Eyes give me the heebie-jeebies.  Or at least eye injuries and eye drops.  I can't watch/do it without my own eyes beginning to water.

8. I have a mom/Mary Poppins bag for a purse. Everything but the kitchen sink!!!!

9. Every boyfriend I have ever had has found their wife right after me (Just call me Good Luck Chuck!)

10. I am terrified -to the point of paralyzed fear- of heights!

11. I have been to 3 official concerts in my life...2 David Archuleta concerts and one Rascal Flatts

MY "TAG YOU'RE IT" QUESTIONS

Have you ever been to Disneyland?

Nope!  Someday though I am sure!

Tell us an obscure fact about yourself.

I have a scar on my lower abdomen from a kidney surgery I had when I was four

Was your first kiss good or bad?

Good.  Very much good ;)

What's your favorite photo? Post it.

you mean of people or other wise....check out my favorite landscape shots HERE

My favorite picture of people??  prolly one of these two......

Its all about the honest happiness...

We are FAMILY!  I've got all my sisters with me!

Have many jobs have you had in your lifetime?

hmmmm  Lots of babysitting/nanny jobs.  Officially: 2 preschool/daycare jobs, 1 secretary job, 2 library cataloging jobs.....so 5 total

Texting: yes or no?

I do.  But only for quick messages.  I don't feel the need to be attached at the hip to my phone.  And I hate having real conversations about real things...or get to know you texting...eh not so much

Would you rather drink body spray or eat candle wax?

ew to both??  but if you insist....candle wax???

Do you have a favorite item from your childhood? If so, what is it?

Sammi my monkey.  I got her when I was 10ish.
My dad called me Monkey all growing up.

She has caught many tears...and given much comfort.

(Don't tell...but even at 23, she still sleeps on my bed)

What's your favorite accessory?

Oh that is hard!!!!  probably my big chunky necklaces.  They can dress up a simple solid shirt easily with a pop of color and interest.

Do you like slides or swings?

SWINGS!!!!!!!!!  I LOVE SWINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's your favorite style of wedding dress? (ie: A-line, trumpet, etc.)

gentle trumpet.  Not drastic. like this one..

NOW YOUR QUESTIONS

What is your favorite movie of all time?

What is your strongest childhood memory?

Who is your guilty pleasure band/artist/song?

How many countries have you been to (tell us which one too please)?

Which is better...the Harry Potter books...or the Harry Potter movies?

What is your most prized possession?

What would you consider to be your greatest regret?

In oppositeness...what is your greatest success/accomplishment

What is your favorite holiday and why?

What is one talent you wish you had?

You can do ANYTHING right here...RIGHT NOW!!  What do you do????

TAG YOU'RE IT!!!!!!!!!!

Tessa--The True Gritt

Bree--Bubbly Giggles ans Enchanting Smiles

Jessie--The Hornibrook Stories

Christi--You Are So Deer To Me

Elizabeth--love is the adventure