Today I received my verification letter from the college stating that I completed my coursework (with an overall grade of A!!) and completed my clinical rotation. So now, I can apply for my certification! There goes another $100 in the blink of an eyelash!!
I'm excited yet nervous. What if I don't pass this test? I'm studying already and I'm feeling very confident that I know my tubes, additives, procedures, veins, etc etc etc. I'm excited that I'll be able to work in this new field.
LPN training starts in August - now THERE'S some tough stuff! 4-10pm four nights a week plus every other weekend 7-3pm. talk about no free time at all for 10 months!! I hope my kids don't forget who I am!!! It's going to be a struggle for all of us but I do have their never-ending support and encouragement! That's what keeps me going!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
WOW! What An Experience!
It's three days since my phlebotomy practicum ended and I'm totally psyched to keep working in this field! I learned more in three weeks that I thought possible! I started off doing very little and ended up doing quite a bit. I did get my 100 venipunctures and 25 dermal sticks (finger sticks) in a relatively short time. Actually, my ending numbers were 175 and 40 respectively! I am quite proud of my work; I feel confident that I can be a great asset to any practice or hospital as a phlebotomist.
My next stop is certification; I'm turning in my application this morning along with my reference letter and the required $100. Then, I'll get an appointment to take the test in either Concord NH, Worcester/Springfield MA or Providence RI. You know I'm hoping for Worcester/Springfield! It's the closest site to my house.
It was a great three week experience. I can't say enough about the providers and staff at my site. Everyone was so helpful and encouraging!! Only two fainters the entire week and of course they weren't the little guys - both were men well over 6' who went "down like a ton of bricks" when I was done doing their blood draw. At least I didn't end up with the 6'2 guy that hit his head on the FLOOR requiring three stitches to close the gash in his head! That guy was with the other student. THAT in itself was an EXPERIENCE I do NOT want to go through again thank you VERY much!!!
My next stop is certification; I'm turning in my application this morning along with my reference letter and the required $100. Then, I'll get an appointment to take the test in either Concord NH, Worcester/Springfield MA or Providence RI. You know I'm hoping for Worcester/Springfield! It's the closest site to my house.
It was a great three week experience. I can't say enough about the providers and staff at my site. Everyone was so helpful and encouraging!! Only two fainters the entire week and of course they weren't the little guys - both were men well over 6' who went "down like a ton of bricks" when I was done doing their blood draw. At least I didn't end up with the 6'2 guy that hit his head on the FLOOR requiring three stitches to close the gash in his head! That guy was with the other student. THAT in itself was an EXPERIENCE I do NOT want to go through again thank you VERY much!!!
Friday, January 05, 2007
I Think I'm in LOVE!!!
This week, I've been doing my phlebotomy practicum at a local family practice and boy, I think I'm in LOVE!! This job is such a challenge! Every day brings new skills, new experiences and new people! I haven't enjoyed anything as much as this in a very long time.
My first day, I "drew" 12 people successfully. Not too bad - I was pretty happy with that figure. Wednesday was slow - only 8. Thursday was interesting - I reached for gauze, the patient moved his arm and the needle fell out. Blood spurted across his lap (which made for cleaning up interesting!) and ran down from the hole in his arm. I do NOT need to say how many heart attacks I had when I EVER looked down and saw all that blood!! It was NOT pretty! Thank GOD he was good natured about the whole thing! I was drawing 5 tubes of blood and this happened on the 5th tube (OF COURSE IT DID!!)
Anyhow, today I learned how to do strep cultures (yes, I know - not phlebotomy related but it's a busy practice!) Interesting! I can hardly wait until LPN training starts in August! I'm excited and yep, I thinks I'm in LOVE with this job!!!
My first day, I "drew" 12 people successfully. Not too bad - I was pretty happy with that figure. Wednesday was slow - only 8. Thursday was interesting - I reached for gauze, the patient moved his arm and the needle fell out. Blood spurted across his lap (which made for cleaning up interesting!) and ran down from the hole in his arm. I do NOT need to say how many heart attacks I had when I EVER looked down and saw all that blood!! It was NOT pretty! Thank GOD he was good natured about the whole thing! I was drawing 5 tubes of blood and this happened on the 5th tube (OF COURSE IT DID!!)
Anyhow, today I learned how to do strep cultures (yes, I know - not phlebotomy related but it's a busy practice!) Interesting! I can hardly wait until LPN training starts in August! I'm excited and yep, I thinks I'm in LOVE with this job!!!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Post Holiday Madness
The storm called Christmas is now over - the grandparents are on their way home to Florida and I am left with a house full of papers, boxes, new toys and new pets.
We were thrilled to have Nana and Grampa here to visit for a week, as well as Uncle Dave and his new wife and their children visit twice. The entire clan went out for dinner one night and had a great time breaking bread together (we don't do it often enough we've decided). Christmas eve found us at church together for a beautiful carol and candle service. Nana and Grampa stayed home so it was just the kids and I. I've always liked the Christmas Eve service; somehow you can feel the Spirit floating throughout the sanctuary. Very peaceful...very nice.
Christmas morning the kids woke up to a tree overloaded with gifts both large and small. It took the better part of two hours to open all the lovely gifts that Santa left, as well as the gifts from Mom and Dad, the kids' gifts to each other and my gifts to everyone. It was lovely. The living room looked like Macy's at 10pm on the day after thanksgiving but we cleaned up quickly!
Dinner was interesting - I made a huge 20lb turkey with everything. Funny how it takes so long to cook yet is eaten in 30 minutes or less! Anyhow, I made four pies for dinner; a blueberry (for dad and my FIRST ever!), a pumpkin, a chocolate pudding pie and a rather decadent egg nog pie (which we will repeat but with not so much rum next time!!!) I collapsed for a few minutes after lunch and then started on the mountain of dishes!
The day after Christmas found me back at work and all the kids home with their grandparents. I got home at 1pm to find Uncle Dave and his family here for a visit! They had been invited to join us for a post holiday dinner so back in the kitchen I went to make a ham dinner for 12. No biggie!! Another two or three hours of cooking eaten in 30 minutes! I'm glad it's over though! I'm tired of cooking and have announced that I will be taking two days off from cooking so get ready - it's leftover city until Saturday!!!
So now the new year is upon us once again. For my family and friends, those near and far, I wish only good things. May blessing rain down on each and every one of you!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Christmas Picture
These are my beautiful 'babies' standing still for 30 seconds! Everyone was home, decently dressed and ready to smile for their dear old mother. Can't believe I have such big kids. They're 16, 15, and 10 already. The time has flown for sure! They're great to hang out with and are the nicest kids I know (nah, I'm not too biased am I?!)
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Christmas is Upon Us
It's the middle of December and yesterday was my son Brian's 15th birthday. He came into this world quite suddenly at 9:45 pm on December 20, 1991, nine weeks premature. It's hard to believe that this strapping young man struggled for the first few days of his life. He's over 6' tall, over 200 pounds and handsome as all get out :) I think he looks like a young Marlon Brando, don't you???
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Post Holiday Madness
It wouldn't be the Day after Thanksgiving if I didn't embark on the "day after" shopping experience with The Girls! We figure out at lunch that we have been making this pilgrimage for six years as a group. Without one, the trio doesn't have as much fun. With the quartet, watch out!!!!
I was the designated driver this year (we rotate each year) so I had the pleasure of getting up at the ungodly hour of 3:15 am to begin picking up at 4:00. Picked up Wanda at 3:45 am, Heather at 4am and Carrie last at 4:15 - we were at the local Wally World by 4:30 am, along with about sixty other nuts! At precisely 5am, we were let in and I'm happy to say that it was a rather mellow morning. No running, biting, pinching, screaming...actually, lots of laughter and "we must be C-R-A-Z-Y for doing this!"
We spent a better part of the day shopping, laughing so hard that we made Wanda snort Coke up her nose!!! I think Carrie needed a bathroom break every hour (or so it seemed). Poor Heather; she had an upset stomach at first but we shoved a hot tea down her throat and she was FINE!!! I ended up with a bear of a headache at about 4pm so I downed four tylenol and kept moving!
We drove 90 miles; spent the better part of 15 hours together and we are already making our plans to do it again next year! It's our one day out as girls; not as moms, but as girls on a mission! Crazy? You betcha! FUN? ALWAYS!! Can't wait until next year!! only 364 days left until next year :)
I was the designated driver this year (we rotate each year) so I had the pleasure of getting up at the ungodly hour of 3:15 am to begin picking up at 4:00. Picked up Wanda at 3:45 am, Heather at 4am and Carrie last at 4:15 - we were at the local Wally World by 4:30 am, along with about sixty other nuts! At precisely 5am, we were let in and I'm happy to say that it was a rather mellow morning. No running, biting, pinching, screaming...actually, lots of laughter and "we must be C-R-A-Z-Y for doing this!"
We spent a better part of the day shopping, laughing so hard that we made Wanda snort Coke up her nose!!! I think Carrie needed a bathroom break every hour (or so it seemed). Poor Heather; she had an upset stomach at first but we shoved a hot tea down her throat and she was FINE!!! I ended up with a bear of a headache at about 4pm so I downed four tylenol and kept moving!
We drove 90 miles; spent the better part of 15 hours together and we are already making our plans to do it again next year! It's our one day out as girls; not as moms, but as girls on a mission! Crazy? You betcha! FUN? ALWAYS!! Can't wait until next year!! only 364 days left until next year :)
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Holiday Memories
As we get ready for yet another feast of Thanksgiving, I remember the happenings of the past year. It's been a year of many changes, some positive, some negative.
My divorce is done as of October and I am now a single mother raising three kids alone. It's been an emotional roller coaster for the last month as I struggle to balance kids, work and school. I have been plagued with doubts but thank God I have a good therapist and someone to pat me on the back when I need it.
I have discovered quite a bit about myself and what I'm all about. There are several parts of me that I've been pulling apart and closely examining. The biggest thing I've discovered is that while I have three kids that are with me basically 24/7, I do miss the companionship of a guy. I don't need a guy to complete me; just nice to have someone to hang with, go out for a meal, see a movie. It's fun to do all these things with the kids too; sometimes it's just nice to be a girl for a while and not Mom. I'm getting used to being alone even though I don't like it.
I spent most of today running hither and yon picking up kids, dropping off kids, chasing dogs..lol I managed to make eight loaves of zucchini bread as well as a chocolate pudding pie (that MAY last until Thanksgiving but I seriously doubt it will!). Tomorrow I'm making cookies and a pumpkin pie (that WILL last until Thursday because it's not the kids' favorite pie). Dudley has requested several of the zucchini loaves (in fact, he just stopped by to pick up three of them!) I consider it payback for rescuing this damsel in distress Friday night. I went out to the movies by myself (the kids were with their father for the night) rather than stay home alone and stare at the dog. I even bought myself dinner!
Coming home from the movies, the car sputtered and died on the side of a rather dark, lonely backroad here in town. After waiting for about an hour, I broke down and called Dudley to come rescue my backside. He came and towed me back to my house. An 18-minute trip home from the movies took TWO HOURS!!
So anyhow, the holidays are upon us again and it will be our first as a new family. The kids and I will be spending half with my friend Wanda and her family and half will be with their dad. Christmas should be interesting - my parents are coming from Florida and my brother and his family will join us for dinner. AYE! More people than this little house can hold but we'll squish in.
So to all who may read this, I offer this Thanksgiving blessing to you and yours: may there be room at the table for all, food for each belly, and love to blanket your homes.
My divorce is done as of October and I am now a single mother raising three kids alone. It's been an emotional roller coaster for the last month as I struggle to balance kids, work and school. I have been plagued with doubts but thank God I have a good therapist and someone to pat me on the back when I need it.
I have discovered quite a bit about myself and what I'm all about. There are several parts of me that I've been pulling apart and closely examining. The biggest thing I've discovered is that while I have three kids that are with me basically 24/7, I do miss the companionship of a guy. I don't need a guy to complete me; just nice to have someone to hang with, go out for a meal, see a movie. It's fun to do all these things with the kids too; sometimes it's just nice to be a girl for a while and not Mom. I'm getting used to being alone even though I don't like it.
I spent most of today running hither and yon picking up kids, dropping off kids, chasing dogs..lol I managed to make eight loaves of zucchini bread as well as a chocolate pudding pie (that MAY last until Thanksgiving but I seriously doubt it will!). Tomorrow I'm making cookies and a pumpkin pie (that WILL last until Thursday because it's not the kids' favorite pie). Dudley has requested several of the zucchini loaves (in fact, he just stopped by to pick up three of them!) I consider it payback for rescuing this damsel in distress Friday night. I went out to the movies by myself (the kids were with their father for the night) rather than stay home alone and stare at the dog. I even bought myself dinner!
Coming home from the movies, the car sputtered and died on the side of a rather dark, lonely backroad here in town. After waiting for about an hour, I broke down and called Dudley to come rescue my backside. He came and towed me back to my house. An 18-minute trip home from the movies took TWO HOURS!!
So anyhow, the holidays are upon us again and it will be our first as a new family. The kids and I will be spending half with my friend Wanda and her family and half will be with their dad. Christmas should be interesting - my parents are coming from Florida and my brother and his family will join us for dinner. AYE! More people than this little house can hold but we'll squish in.
So to all who may read this, I offer this Thanksgiving blessing to you and yours: may there be room at the table for all, food for each belly, and love to blanket your homes.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Updates
I just got my grades from last week - holy cow! I got a 92 on my pharmacology test, a 98 on my Phlebotomy exam and a 90 on my procedures test. Boy is it too much to ask that I got a good grade on the dreaded A&P? I won't know that one until next week.
The settlement check arrived and now I'm paying bills like a woman possessed! Hopefully we'll stay on budget and not mess this whole thing up! LOL I can dream can't I?!
The settlement check arrived and now I'm paying bills like a woman possessed! Hopefully we'll stay on budget and not mess this whole thing up! LOL I can dream can't I?!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Baby's First Halloween
Here she is! Ms Piglet in her first Halloween costume. Isn't she just the sweetest little thing?!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Updates
It's been close to two weeks since I wrote - it's been a very busy time here, what with moving, the divorce, school, the kids' schedules. Life has bordered on hectic but it's been a different kind of hectic. The drama has lessened considerably since we've moved. I have actually taken the night off from my Medical Office Procedures Class to do the trick or treat thing with my daughter, my girlfriends and their kids. We had a ball - four kids with six adults trailing along! Too funny!
I've been studying hard too. My pharmacology mid year was a 92! I was shocked to say the least! The only down side is that I OD'd an 11 month old baby on paper with Dilantin. Oh ya I used the wrong formula all right! Poor kid should have gotten a dose of 7.8 mg, not 47.8!! OMG I had to explain myself in class this morning! Glad it was on paper though and not reality!
Tomorrow is Phlebotomy and I've studied as much of that as I can. Thursday is the dreaded A&P Exam II, which I have studied but will NOT stay in my head! In fact, I'm going to search out the on line tutor momentarily to see if there's some way to make sure all this stuff stays in my head! One would think I would have it memorized since this is my second time through the class!
Nursing school applications are being accepted starting tomorrow! Yes, I have mine filled out and ready to rock! I just hope I get one of the 100 spots (actually there are 60 night slots and 40 day slots). I think I'm in the position to take whatever spot I get! I also have no clue what I will do if I don't get in this time. I know last semester there were people that had A's and didn't get in! No one in API got in last year at all and there were 16 of us applying. NOT ONE got accepted. Maybe the selection committee will take pity on my old age and let me in. I'll be a good nurse, I'm sure of it most days. I know I'm capable of working hard enough; I worry I won't be smart enough to handle nursing school. Keep the fingers crossed and keep the prayers flowing.
I've been studying hard too. My pharmacology mid year was a 92! I was shocked to say the least! The only down side is that I OD'd an 11 month old baby on paper with Dilantin. Oh ya I used the wrong formula all right! Poor kid should have gotten a dose of 7.8 mg, not 47.8!! OMG I had to explain myself in class this morning! Glad it was on paper though and not reality!
Tomorrow is Phlebotomy and I've studied as much of that as I can. Thursday is the dreaded A&P Exam II, which I have studied but will NOT stay in my head! In fact, I'm going to search out the on line tutor momentarily to see if there's some way to make sure all this stuff stays in my head! One would think I would have it memorized since this is my second time through the class!
Nursing school applications are being accepted starting tomorrow! Yes, I have mine filled out and ready to rock! I just hope I get one of the 100 spots (actually there are 60 night slots and 40 day slots). I think I'm in the position to take whatever spot I get! I also have no clue what I will do if I don't get in this time. I know last semester there were people that had A's and didn't get in! No one in API got in last year at all and there were 16 of us applying. NOT ONE got accepted. Maybe the selection committee will take pity on my old age and let me in. I'll be a good nurse, I'm sure of it most days. I know I'm capable of working hard enough; I worry I won't be smart enough to handle nursing school. Keep the fingers crossed and keep the prayers flowing.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Closing an Old Book ... Opening a New One
Today my divorce was granted. It's a mixed day; I've wavered from being very happy that the whole process is finally over to crying over 22 years done in the bang of a gavel. Yes, I started this process and I'm glad it's over but it's still sad that no matter what I tried to do to fix things, this was something I just couldn't fix.
I'm happiest that I have custody of all three children - I'm glad they all decided in the end to move in with me. This house, while little, is working out quite well. The kids have adjusted their schedules ever so slightly. My daughter is in an after school program so she's busy two days per week at school; my sons did not have to change their bus routes so they're happy. The dog is even thrilled with his new back yard where he can run loose and bark his little fool head off. This is what I've wanted for the last I don't know how many years - why does it seem so damned lonesome? It's not for lack of company - because there are certainly enough people in this house at any given time for me to chat with...I guess it's because for all these years, in bad and good, there was someone there just for me - even though he wasn't there for me much these past eight years or so. He's locked in his own world right now and that's fine with me. There wasn't room in it for me anyhow.
So tonight I open a new book - my life as a single mother. Strange to see it written out. I've also received my first piece of mail addressed as "Ms" and not "Mrs." It looks funny but I'll get used to it.
I'm happiest that I have custody of all three children - I'm glad they all decided in the end to move in with me. This house, while little, is working out quite well. The kids have adjusted their schedules ever so slightly. My daughter is in an after school program so she's busy two days per week at school; my sons did not have to change their bus routes so they're happy. The dog is even thrilled with his new back yard where he can run loose and bark his little fool head off. This is what I've wanted for the last I don't know how many years - why does it seem so damned lonesome? It's not for lack of company - because there are certainly enough people in this house at any given time for me to chat with...I guess it's because for all these years, in bad and good, there was someone there just for me - even though he wasn't there for me much these past eight years or so. He's locked in his own world right now and that's fine with me. There wasn't room in it for me anyhow.
So tonight I open a new book - my life as a single mother. Strange to see it written out. I've also received my first piece of mail addressed as "Ms" and not "Mrs." It looks funny but I'll get used to it.
Friday, October 06, 2006
A New Chapter
Today I'm starting a new chapter in the world of Twinkielight. I am finally moving into my own house! All week, I have slowly been moving things to my new home across town with a tremendous amount of help from my daughter. Together we have moved a lot of our accumulate things into this house. Today we are scheduled to move two dressers and three beds, plus our clothes. The goal is to sleep in the new house tonight. Let's see if we'll get there!
She and I both have the day off from work/school so we have no time limits. Right now she's watching tv and I'm taking a blog-break. I have a court date in five days to finalize the divorce and it's a good thing to be moving. The tension here is too thick for me to deal with on top of work and school. I had to get out so I took a gigantic leap of faith and signed a one year lease on a small, three bedroom home with a large fence in yard across town. The kids don't have to change schools and I live about a breath away from my job. It's going to be a good thing. The best part is that all three of my children are coming with me! I was nervous because my middle son was going to stay with his dad but in the end he's decided to come with me. I'm happy that he's made the decision on his own; I couldn't make it for him because he's old enough to make that kind of decision on his own. I'm just glad he's coming! It wouldn't have felt right without him...kind of like having an arm cut off and feeling the phantom pains. Just wouldn't be right.
She and I both have the day off from work/school so we have no time limits. Right now she's watching tv and I'm taking a blog-break. I have a court date in five days to finalize the divorce and it's a good thing to be moving. The tension here is too thick for me to deal with on top of work and school. I had to get out so I took a gigantic leap of faith and signed a one year lease on a small, three bedroom home with a large fence in yard across town. The kids don't have to change schools and I live about a breath away from my job. It's going to be a good thing. The best part is that all three of my children are coming with me! I was nervous because my middle son was going to stay with his dad but in the end he's decided to come with me. I'm happy that he's made the decision on his own; I couldn't make it for him because he's old enough to make that kind of decision on his own. I'm just glad he's coming! It wouldn't have felt right without him...kind of like having an arm cut off and feeling the phantom pains. Just wouldn't be right.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
I DID IT! I REALLY DID IT!!
Tonight - in my Phlebotomy class, I did my first "live arm" draw and got a nice sample from my 'patient' Sue. I got discouraged because I didn't get anything from "Fred" the fake arm after seven or eight attempts. It's very unnerving to not get a sample after so many tries but my instructor said to keep trying - it'll happen. TONIGHT?! IT DID!!! I was SOOO excited afterwards that I couldn't help but GRIN like a bloody (no pun intended) fool. The girl that drew me, unfortunately, was not so lucky. I have what is termed "angel hair pasta" veins. She tried but didn't get a sample. We have to poke a different person each week.
I also got last week's quiz back - 88.9%! I'm smoking so far this semester! I just hope I can keep it up! I finished a placement test today to place out of Keyboarding I (and typing 85 WPM I don't think I need keyboarding TYVM!) Of course, I can't place out of Word I so I'm going to take that in January (along with Microbiology - ugh).
Schoolwise, things are very very good! We just won't discuss the other side of the coin - I'm in too good a mood!!!
I also got last week's quiz back - 88.9%! I'm smoking so far this semester! I just hope I can keep it up! I finished a placement test today to place out of Keyboarding I (and typing 85 WPM I don't think I need keyboarding TYVM!) Of course, I can't place out of Word I so I'm going to take that in January (along with Microbiology - ugh).
Schoolwise, things are very very good! We just won't discuss the other side of the coin - I'm in too good a mood!!!
Monday, September 25, 2006
A&P Makes a Little Sense
I just got my test grade for my first A&P quiz and I'm proud to say I got a 94! Now, it wasn't that hard in my eyes but maybe it's because I understand it better the second time around :)
The graded have generally been good so far - I've just started one course this week so we'll see (Medical Office Procedures) which looks like a gasser of a class. I'm given a practice, complete wiht 24 patients. I have to create a filing system and I have $5,000 to outfit my front office (not including medical equipment). My first project is to create a patient information brochure (which I have done already!) The next step is to create individual files for my patients, get my order ready for the office supply store and start seeing patients. Sounds cool eh? Pharmacology is going well - my average there is 90 already. So out of my four classes, three are going very well. I'm having trouble in Phlebotomy - it took me five tries to get a sample out of the fake arm. We go to live arms Wednesday and I am NOT ready - at all!! We have to let someone in the class draw our blood. I feel bad for whoever gets to draw me because I have horrible little angel hair veins that move and shift.
I went to see my NH family this weekend - inside joke - and I'm amazed at how big the kids are getting! The youngest (my boyfriend!) is walking quite nicely on his own. He walked out to meet me (with help from one of his sisters). We had cake on both Friday and Saturday nights to celebrate Rachel's birthday (which was the 18th). They are all taking her to the circus on October 20th for her birthday. She is very excited about that let me tell you! (I get to go too!)
On a sad note, I lost my job at the radio station on Friday. Yes I know I felt it coming but it still hurt to get 'let go'. Oh well! Better times are coming for me I'm sure!!
The graded have generally been good so far - I've just started one course this week so we'll see (Medical Office Procedures) which looks like a gasser of a class. I'm given a practice, complete wiht 24 patients. I have to create a filing system and I have $5,000 to outfit my front office (not including medical equipment). My first project is to create a patient information brochure (which I have done already!) The next step is to create individual files for my patients, get my order ready for the office supply store and start seeing patients. Sounds cool eh? Pharmacology is going well - my average there is 90 already. So out of my four classes, three are going very well. I'm having trouble in Phlebotomy - it took me five tries to get a sample out of the fake arm. We go to live arms Wednesday and I am NOT ready - at all!! We have to let someone in the class draw our blood. I feel bad for whoever gets to draw me because I have horrible little angel hair veins that move and shift.
I went to see my NH family this weekend - inside joke - and I'm amazed at how big the kids are getting! The youngest (my boyfriend!) is walking quite nicely on his own. He walked out to meet me (with help from one of his sisters). We had cake on both Friday and Saturday nights to celebrate Rachel's birthday (which was the 18th). They are all taking her to the circus on October 20th for her birthday. She is very excited about that let me tell you! (I get to go too!)
On a sad note, I lost my job at the radio station on Friday. Yes I know I felt it coming but it still hurt to get 'let go'. Oh well! Better times are coming for me I'm sure!!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
And Away We Go!
Here it is, the end of a full week of school. I've had two quizzes (one in Pharmacology 95 yay me!) and one in A&P (boo hissss). The homework is not all that bad at the moment but I'm doing my best to stay on top of it all.
It's just before 11pm on a quiet Thursday. It's gently raining outside and the sound is very soothing. The drive home tonight took just about 45 minutes (for a 35 mile ride). I think I'm going to like the ride for the most part (check back when it starts snowing and we'll see!) The ride gives me time to unwind, settle down from A&P and just plain relax a bit. I came home to a quiet house tonight - everyone was in bed (one was not asleep but it's ok; he was waiting for me to get home safely). I'm heading to bed myself in a few minutes. I need a drink and a tylenol as the dissection tonight was a little heady. I forgot what everything smells like and I've got a bit of a headache. Tomorrow is my night off and boy I can't wait! Even housework will be better than running off to a class! Yes, I said that out loud!! LOL!
It's just before 11pm on a quiet Thursday. It's gently raining outside and the sound is very soothing. The drive home tonight took just about 45 minutes (for a 35 mile ride). I think I'm going to like the ride for the most part (check back when it starts snowing and we'll see!) The ride gives me time to unwind, settle down from A&P and just plain relax a bit. I came home to a quiet house tonight - everyone was in bed (one was not asleep but it's ok; he was waiting for me to get home safely). I'm heading to bed myself in a few minutes. I need a drink and a tylenol as the dissection tonight was a little heady. I forgot what everything smells like and I've got a bit of a headache. Tomorrow is my night off and boy I can't wait! Even housework will be better than running off to a class! Yes, I said that out loud!! LOL!
Friday, September 08, 2006
End of the First Week
TGIF!! Never have four words been more heartfelt!! I am SOO glad today is Friday! With three straight late class nights, I'm glad to have tonight off! Last night was the dreaded Anatomy & Physiology. The class itself wasn't bad; the 45-minute drive home was exhausting. I pulled in shortly before 11 pm to half a household still awake much to my dismay. It didn't take long to get everyone bedded down, including myself. I thought about tossing in laundry but didn't have the heart to walk down two flights of stairs...I'm doing it now since it's early and I'm semi-awake.
I got my new laptop yesterday and used it last night to take notes in class. I made it through the entire lecture before the battery died. Not a problem - there weren't too many lab notes to take last night and I'd brought a notebook and pen. It's a nice laptop - lots of little things to figure out when I have some time to do so!
There's only one class I haven't attended yet - Medical Secretarial Procedures - she's at a conference for the next week or so. That class starts on the 19th. Stay tuned!
I got my new laptop yesterday and used it last night to take notes in class. I made it through the entire lecture before the battery died. Not a problem - there weren't too many lab notes to take last night and I'd brought a notebook and pen. It's a nice laptop - lots of little things to figure out when I have some time to do so!
There's only one class I haven't attended yet - Medical Secretarial Procedures - she's at a conference for the next week or so. That class starts on the 19th. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Back To School - Grown Up Style
Tonight was my first of four classes for this semester - Phlebotomy. I never realized just how much one person can do in a lab setting! We managed to get through two chapters (no lab tonight). There's a quiz just about every week which I think will be just fine since I have three other classes that need my attention (including Pharmacology tomorrow morning and the dreaded A&P I a-g-a-i-n tomorrow night from 5-10).
I'll try to keep up on my blog and keep you posted on my progress through the semester. I'm hoping that I can keep my sanity long enough to finish this 15-week session. There's so much going on right now it's hard to stay loose and not let it all bog me down. I'm grateful I have sounding boards (even if I have to pay one of them to listen to me whine! Can I get some cheese to go with my fine whine?!)
I'll try to keep up on my blog and keep you posted on my progress through the semester. I'm hoping that I can keep my sanity long enough to finish this 15-week session. There's so much going on right now it's hard to stay loose and not let it all bog me down. I'm grateful I have sounding boards (even if I have to pay one of them to listen to me whine! Can I get some cheese to go with my fine whine?!)
Labor Day
I concluded a quiet summer with an equally quiet weekend up North. Well...almost quiet! Friday night I arrived to three semi-hyped little girls all clamoring for a hug from "Aunty Sharon" as I have lately been called (I love it!). We arrived just in time for dessert - if I told you we all had brain, would you believe me???? When all was settled, it was bedtime for everyone.
Saturday started with RIBS! MMMMMMMM Phil and Cedar had them prepared and ready to pop on the grill outside. They cooked all day (imagine if you will what heaven must smell like!) I went canoeing and came back with two bags of elderberries - a jelly hint? Maybe! I sat with Cedar and Sandy pulling berries off the stems. We all had purple tinged hands after half an hour but the color washed out easily enough. I stuck a little piece of reed in some of the juice and boy what a shade of purple it came out! I am eager to dye some reed to see what it looks like in a basket.
I can't say enough about Saturday dinner - I'd end up hungry and I'm going for a complete blood profile in the morning so I'm NPO from now until 10 am tomorrow!!! Let's just say it was H-E-A-V-E-N-L-Y! Ribs so tender - the meat fell off the bone. I bow to the RIB KING PHIL. Cedar made the lovliest loaf of elderberry bread that was a beautiful shade of purple from the berries, along with a nice salad.
Sunday morning I made pancakes for everyone using boring blueberries...lol..they're boring next to those lovely elderberries. I went back out on the Pemi to dig up some elderberry bushes so that Cedar could start a patch of her own. Sunday night I stayed up to watch Carlos Mencia - I have never laughed so hard in my life!
Monday (Labor Day) was very quiet. I went out to the garden and met this little guy near the corn and potatoes... NO
T one of my favorite things to almost walk into let me tell you!
I just about died when I camethisclose to walking into the web he was hanging from! Anyone who knows me knows that there is only one thing that makes me scream like a girl (you're lookin' at it!)
I left about 7 Monday night and didn't hit a stitch of traffic the entire way home. I guess everyone went home early or stayed home because of the threat of rain.
Saturday started with RIBS! MMMMMMMM Phil and Cedar had them prepared and ready to pop on the grill outside. They cooked all day (imagine if you will what heaven must smell like!) I went canoeing and came back with two bags of elderberries - a jelly hint? Maybe! I sat with Cedar and Sandy pulling berries off the stems. We all had purple tinged hands after half an hour but the color washed out easily enough. I stuck a little piece of reed in some of the juice and boy what a shade of purple it came out! I am eager to dye some reed to see what it looks like in a basket.
I can't say enough about Saturday dinner - I'd end up hungry and I'm going for a complete blood profile in the morning so I'm NPO from now until 10 am tomorrow!!! Let's just say it was H-E-A-V-E-N-L-Y! Ribs so tender - the meat fell off the bone. I bow to the RIB KING PHIL. Cedar made the lovliest loaf of elderberry bread that was a beautiful shade of purple from the berries, along with a nice salad.
Sunday morning I made pancakes for everyone using boring blueberries...lol..they're boring next to those lovely elderberries. I went back out on the Pemi to dig up some elderberry bushes so that Cedar could start a patch of her own. Sunday night I stayed up to watch Carlos Mencia - I have never laughed so hard in my life!
Monday (Labor Day) was very quiet. I went out to the garden and met this little guy near the corn and potatoes... NO
T one of my favorite things to almost walk into let me tell you!I just about died when I camethisclose to walking into the web he was hanging from! Anyone who knows me knows that there is only one thing that makes me scream like a girl (you're lookin' at it!)
I left about 7 Monday night and didn't hit a stitch of traffic the entire way home. I guess everyone went home early or stayed home because of the threat of rain.
Friday, September 01, 2006
End of "the first week"-Kid Version
The reports are in - school is WONDERFUL!! Two of my three children are in new school situations this year. My middle son is starting high school (YES I SAID HIGH SCHOOL - HOLY COW AM I THAT OLD?!) and he loves it! As we've been telling him, he's tickled purple and gold (school colors). He got lost yesterday and made it to art 10 minutes late. Someone gave him the wrong directions so he took a 20 minute tour of the school and then realized he could get there going a different way (that took a minute!) He was....irritated....but he'll figure out the shortcuts soon.
My daughter - she's heading into the fourth grade already! It just doesn't seem possible that she's gotten so big so fast! It seems like just the other day she was born and now she's a big girl. It just proves that time is moving along whether we like it or not. The cool thing is my bus route takes me by her school at her recess time so we get to say howdy to each other (even if it's just a wave to each other). She enjoys her teacher and has six classmates from last year in her new class.
My oldest? He's a junior and doesn't care..lol... He's actually counting down to graduation already! This time next year - he'll be a senior and ready to fly out of the nest. THIS makes me feel really old! 18 years - gone in a blink. Doesn't seem possible that this man/child - my first, the one I had no clue what to do with when I first brought him home - is about ready to take on the challenges of the world alone in just a few short years. Time has gone way too fast but the upcoming journey has mysteries of its own.
I start classes 9/6 and I too find myself excited about the idea of learning more new stuff. I have a full load this year - Phlebotomy, Pharmacology, Medical Secretarial Procedures and Anatomy & Physiology (yes, A-G-A-I-N) Everyone say booo hisssssss. This time I'll do much better - I know I will!
My daughter - she's heading into the fourth grade already! It just doesn't seem possible that she's gotten so big so fast! It seems like just the other day she was born and now she's a big girl. It just proves that time is moving along whether we like it or not. The cool thing is my bus route takes me by her school at her recess time so we get to say howdy to each other (even if it's just a wave to each other). She enjoys her teacher and has six classmates from last year in her new class.
My oldest? He's a junior and doesn't care..lol... He's actually counting down to graduation already! This time next year - he'll be a senior and ready to fly out of the nest. THIS makes me feel really old! 18 years - gone in a blink. Doesn't seem possible that this man/child - my first, the one I had no clue what to do with when I first brought him home - is about ready to take on the challenges of the world alone in just a few short years. Time has gone way too fast but the upcoming journey has mysteries of its own.
I start classes 9/6 and I too find myself excited about the idea of learning more new stuff. I have a full load this year - Phlebotomy, Pharmacology, Medical Secretarial Procedures and Anatomy & Physiology (yes, A-G-A-I-N) Everyone say booo hisssssss. This time I'll do much better - I know I will!
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