Many of you are my friends/family, so many of you already know this, but let's just make it internet official... (my apologies if you're upset by finding out on the internet)...
Chris and I are having a baby!!! A lil' teeny tiny baby. We discovered this fun fact on August 17th. It feels forever ago! I am officially 11 weeks and 1 day pregnant, which just so happens to be the exact day that the baby is considered a 'fetus' and no longer an embryo.
We are due to be parents on April 23rd, 2009! We are going to find out if it's a boy or a girl, which we can do in like 6-7 weeks and we'll let you know what we find out! I feel like everyone already knows all this, but oh well.
I started getting nauseous around 7 or 8 weeks along. I went a whole week constantly sick and throwing up. Now I have normal days and nauseous/throwing up days. Its very unenjoyable, but at the same time, I don't mind, cuz it's a good sign I'm pregnant! I also have many other symptoms that my Mayo baby books says I may have. I have to go to the bathroom everynight in the middle of the night, it's hard to fall back asleep, my heart pounds hard and fast, I get short of breath easily, and I have a lot of headaches! I'm very textbook in my symptoms. I feel like I can't plan anything in advance cuz who knows if I'll be throwing up that day! Yuck. My cousin Megan got to be here on a day I threw up a lot.
I'm going to be gross here, but I can cuz it's my blog. Here are some fun places I've thrown up: my car, alone, while driving, my yard, the bushes in our parking lot, at work, Carlos O' Kellys, the parking lot of Chateau Theatres, and Quiznos (in the bathroom of course). And, obviously, my home and other people's home toilets. Yes! I love it. So there, now you know. It's really fun, especially in the car, now I keep a bucket in there.
We have an ultrasound from our 1st appointment, which was at 9 weeks. The baby looks like an apple with a leaf for a head, but it's so small and cute and we saw the heart beat! I am normal and so is the baby, so well keep praying for the same!
Since we're all about NOT keeping anything to ourselves for some reason, here are the names we plan on using;
Boy: Peyton Wayne Lewis
Girl: Audrey Joanne Lewis
We wanted to be able to honor our grandparents by using their names as middle names. Joanne and Wayne, we felt, blended best with the first names we like. But hopefully we can use all the gradparents names someday, although, do we want 4 kids? Probably not!
Many people say, "it's a girl" and only a few have said boy. Obviously no one knows, but it's fun to guess. Chris and I both think it's a girl, for whatever reason.
It's been fun getting the word out to family and friends. Everyone is so surprised and excited. We feel so blessed that there will be so many wonderful people around to care about our baby too!
Kelsey and Jeff gave us a very cute and soft baby blanket and a teething ring, Kellie bought the cutest unisex overalls for a baby, and Mom and Dad got us a cute little butterfly rattle/teething ring. It's super fun to get presents for the baby already because it makes it seem more real.
Ok, well I better get back to work here, but I thought I'd use the rest of my break to share the news! Updates to come of course. Now I have something more fun to blog about!
Love you all.
Love Brianna and lil' baby. heehee.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
S'mores
Greetings
I am currently at work, this is my first post in the ICU while acutally at work. I only have one patient tonight and she is doing very very well. So, I am bored and am wondering how to pass the next 2 hours.
Let me take you back to Friday...
My cousin Megan came over! She came at about 7p and we went to her parents house and had a fire. Rick and Cindy have the cutest backyard with a nice area to sit by the firepit. We had yummy yummy stew and bisquits that Cindy made. Then s'mores and apple pie (made also by Cindy!) Thanks! It was fun to chit-chat with them and just relax.
The next day Megan and I kinda slugged it. We slept in and rented the movie Leatherheads, it was pretty good. Later we went to visit Gran at home, after her surgery. I had seen her in the hospital the day before and she was doing quite well. We took Chris along and brought her some flowers! Mom and Dad were there too. After that we met Kellie and Jill at Applebees where some had supper and some dessert or appetizers. It was fun! It was a cousin event :) It was lots of fun to have a cousin weekend with Megan!
Sunday Chris and I had 7 kids in Sunday school, but it went surprisingly very well. They were very well-behaved, which is not always the case. We have a bunch of new kids now who moved up to the 2 1/2 year old range and we lost a few to the 4-year old room. When we started, over a year ago, they were all 2 1/2 and so little, then they all became 4 and now we have little ones all over again! We went to the mall with the fam and that was quite fun as well.
Later on I hung out with Kellie and Jill for a while, shoppin' around and stuff and I got to eat supper with their fam. Then Chris and I went to the movie Eagle Eye with Mom and Dad. I really liked it, I also liked the popcorn, teehee.
Yesterday and today I've worked evenings. I have the next 2 days off, then work Friday evening and Sat/Sun overnights! Ahhh, I am so dreading this. Those overnights are so dreadfull. I cannot believe some people work them regularly.
Today Chris and I had lunch with Ma and Pa at Beatles. And, that's about it folks. Consider yourselves updated :)
~Brianna
I am currently at work, this is my first post in the ICU while acutally at work. I only have one patient tonight and she is doing very very well. So, I am bored and am wondering how to pass the next 2 hours.
Let me take you back to Friday...
My cousin Megan came over! She came at about 7p and we went to her parents house and had a fire. Rick and Cindy have the cutest backyard with a nice area to sit by the firepit. We had yummy yummy stew and bisquits that Cindy made. Then s'mores and apple pie (made also by Cindy!) Thanks! It was fun to chit-chat with them and just relax.
The next day Megan and I kinda slugged it. We slept in and rented the movie Leatherheads, it was pretty good. Later we went to visit Gran at home, after her surgery. I had seen her in the hospital the day before and she was doing quite well. We took Chris along and brought her some flowers! Mom and Dad were there too. After that we met Kellie and Jill at Applebees where some had supper and some dessert or appetizers. It was fun! It was a cousin event :) It was lots of fun to have a cousin weekend with Megan!
Sunday Chris and I had 7 kids in Sunday school, but it went surprisingly very well. They were very well-behaved, which is not always the case. We have a bunch of new kids now who moved up to the 2 1/2 year old range and we lost a few to the 4-year old room. When we started, over a year ago, they were all 2 1/2 and so little, then they all became 4 and now we have little ones all over again! We went to the mall with the fam and that was quite fun as well.
Later on I hung out with Kellie and Jill for a while, shoppin' around and stuff and I got to eat supper with their fam. Then Chris and I went to the movie Eagle Eye with Mom and Dad. I really liked it, I also liked the popcorn, teehee.
Yesterday and today I've worked evenings. I have the next 2 days off, then work Friday evening and Sat/Sun overnights! Ahhh, I am so dreading this. Those overnights are so dreadfull. I cannot believe some people work them regularly.
Today Chris and I had lunch with Ma and Pa at Beatles. And, that's about it folks. Consider yourselves updated :)
~Brianna
Thursday, September 25, 2008
911
Hello friends and family.
I am sitting here alone and starting to get bored. I got off work @ 1530 (figure it out, it's army time) and was looking forward to a night of nothingness after a week full of working. I plopped myself of the couch and watched an old episode of John and Kate, in high definition mind you (I'll explain later). Then, next thing I knew, my eyes flew open! I looked at the clock and I had slept from about 4:45 to 6ish! I didn't even try! Then I slugged around a little more, did some money/bills things and got all ready to watch the new Office and ER.
The office was awesome because Jim proposed and I was surprised. ER was awful because Dr. Pratt died, it was super depressing. However, it's now the last season, so they're gonna have to be drastic, sad day.
Now, I'm just sitting here. Chris left after work to go to the cities to have a bowling night with Scottrade people! I called him and he sounded like he was having fun. I expect he'll be home soon!
Some new happenings:
Grandma E. had surgery yesterday and she's recovering just fine, although she's probably quite miserable and in pain, but I know it will pass.
Chris and I got a new TV, it's not plasma, I think it's LCD. It's a pretty nice lookin' one if I do say so myself. I say it's Chris' graduation (almost)/getting a new job present! HD was set up today along with DVR, which is awesome. I think it's like TIVO. All I know is that I just set it up to record, ER, the Office, Next Top Model, and House, for the whole season! Sweet. Oh, I should add John and Kate to that too. It's requiring us to "remodel" our beautiful entertainment center, as it was previously designed for a square TV. Grandpa E. has agreed to help us make it happen as he is an excellent woodworker! I'm excited!
I witnessed my first code ever in the hospital, not only did I witness it, it was my patient! A code is when someone fails to breathe or their heart stops beating. My patient did both. Obviously I cannot say what happened. However, we smacked the alarm button on the wall and about 20 people, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, etc. flew into the room and within about 3 mintues, she had her heart beat back and was breathing. It was so incredibly amazing. It's so neat to see the process in action and to see how well trained people are to respond so quickly and efficiently. I was very impressed and glad to be a part of it (I got to push the drugs). Thankfully, a very experienced nurse was in the room with me as this all went down! After about 1.5 hours, the patient was fully stable, all charting was done (yes, loads of charting) and all was picked up and put away. Wowee. Talk about gettin' yur blood pumping!
Last Friday, Eric, Heather, Chris and I went bowling! It was fun to hang out with them and chit-chat. The boys played pool afterwards and Heather and I ate popcorn :) Then we went to Perkins and shared shakes! It was fun! It was also Bish's b-day, so I got to talk to her as well!
Tomorrow, my cousin Megan is coming over to spend the night. We intend to visit her parents, make little homemade pizzas, have a pillow fight (not really) and much more funness!
Well, I tend to start out thinking I have nothing to say and then I write too much and people are forced to "skim" my blog (cough cough Megan cough)
Love ya'alls
~Brianna
I am sitting here alone and starting to get bored. I got off work @ 1530 (figure it out, it's army time) and was looking forward to a night of nothingness after a week full of working. I plopped myself of the couch and watched an old episode of John and Kate, in high definition mind you (I'll explain later). Then, next thing I knew, my eyes flew open! I looked at the clock and I had slept from about 4:45 to 6ish! I didn't even try! Then I slugged around a little more, did some money/bills things and got all ready to watch the new Office and ER.
The office was awesome because Jim proposed and I was surprised. ER was awful because Dr. Pratt died, it was super depressing. However, it's now the last season, so they're gonna have to be drastic, sad day.
Now, I'm just sitting here. Chris left after work to go to the cities to have a bowling night with Scottrade people! I called him and he sounded like he was having fun. I expect he'll be home soon!
Some new happenings:
Grandma E. had surgery yesterday and she's recovering just fine, although she's probably quite miserable and in pain, but I know it will pass.
Chris and I got a new TV, it's not plasma, I think it's LCD. It's a pretty nice lookin' one if I do say so myself. I say it's Chris' graduation (almost)/getting a new job present! HD was set up today along with DVR, which is awesome. I think it's like TIVO. All I know is that I just set it up to record, ER, the Office, Next Top Model, and House, for the whole season! Sweet. Oh, I should add John and Kate to that too. It's requiring us to "remodel" our beautiful entertainment center, as it was previously designed for a square TV. Grandpa E. has agreed to help us make it happen as he is an excellent woodworker! I'm excited!
I witnessed my first code ever in the hospital, not only did I witness it, it was my patient! A code is when someone fails to breathe or their heart stops beating. My patient did both. Obviously I cannot say what happened. However, we smacked the alarm button on the wall and about 20 people, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, etc. flew into the room and within about 3 mintues, she had her heart beat back and was breathing. It was so incredibly amazing. It's so neat to see the process in action and to see how well trained people are to respond so quickly and efficiently. I was very impressed and glad to be a part of it (I got to push the drugs). Thankfully, a very experienced nurse was in the room with me as this all went down! After about 1.5 hours, the patient was fully stable, all charting was done (yes, loads of charting) and all was picked up and put away. Wowee. Talk about gettin' yur blood pumping!
Last Friday, Eric, Heather, Chris and I went bowling! It was fun to hang out with them and chit-chat. The boys played pool afterwards and Heather and I ate popcorn :) Then we went to Perkins and shared shakes! It was fun! It was also Bish's b-day, so I got to talk to her as well!
Tomorrow, my cousin Megan is coming over to spend the night. We intend to visit her parents, make little homemade pizzas, have a pillow fight (not really) and much more funness!
Well, I tend to start out thinking I have nothing to say and then I write too much and people are forced to "skim" my blog (cough cough Megan cough)
Love ya'alls
~Brianna
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
I Just Can't Get Inspired to Blog
I don't know what's become of me this past year and my lack of blogging!
Anyhoo....
A few weeks ago, we went to Roseau, MN for my cousin Jamey's wedding. It was a lot of fun! He married Kate and we like her a lot! It was fun to be with the whole family in a random little town. Chris and I decided to drive into Canada the 1st morning we were there since it was 10 miles away. We made it into Manitoba and went to a little store. So, now we've been to Canada! After the wedding Chris and I drove to Duluth and went camping. We rode our bikes to a State Park and visited a couple other places that were very pretty. It was neat to have that experience with him!
Some great news is that Chris got a job offer for IBM as a financial analyst! He applied there forever ago for an internship. And just lately they called him to see if he was still interested in that. He said, well I would be, but I'm about to graduate. The lady said, well then you don't qualify for the internship, but would you like to interview for a job instead? Um....yes!!! So he interviewed and now he'll start once he's done with school in December. It's just such a blessing to know that he'll have a job when he's done with school! It was looking rather impossible, but God always has a way to make things ok. So, we're excited about that. This got all us all excited to start thinking about the possibility of a house. So we've kinda been checking that out and seeing what we can do. Basically, now days, everyone has to have some money down before buying, so once Chris starts working we can hopefully save enough by this coming summer to more seriously look at buying something, so that is extremely exciting. I was very content here and still am, but now I'm kinda feeling antsy to leave and have more room and a yard! Fun.
So, we're about to be the "typical" Rochester family, Mayo and IBM.
Chris is currently taking his very last 2 classes for his degree. They're both in the cities, but at least this is the end of it. I think he's excited to be done, but I don't think he's like dying to end it all since he seems not to mind the life of a student. He's become very good at it! But he adjusts to work/school stuff pretty easily, so I think he'll like it when he starts. Pretty much every job he's wanted requires experience, so at least if he greatly dislikes this job, he'll be gaining experience.
Yesterday I fall-ified my house. Meaning I put out all my fall decorations. I love love love when fall comes because I love the colors. So that's fun. Mostly I am just working and such. I am off orientation and basically by myself. They still give a resource person that I'm designated to ask questions to, but pretty much I just ask whoever's closest. It's ok so far. Basically I'm petrified to go to work. I dread an emergency, that I won't handle it well or whatever. It's so hard to know what to do when situations come up. When change of shift comes and a new nurse takes over, they always find like 5oo things I didn't do or didn't think of or should have done, etc. That makes me so frustrated! It's like, I swear, I really tried to be a good nurse! It's just that the nurses have been there so long and they're really smart. Oh well, maybe someday I'll know something. Right now, I would love to just never go back! I've been racking my brains for another profession I could jump into, haahaa. I think someday (maybe when my year is up?) I might go to outpatient surgery, that has always interested me. I though of applying there originally, but they preferred ICU experience, so here I am.
Anyhoo.....tonight Mom and I are going to "The Woman" I'm dying to go to a movie. One, because I want to see a movie and Two because one should never go more than a month without movie theatre popcorn!
Oh, duh, I also just went to a wedding! My good highschool friend Elizabeth, who I've known since before Kindergarden, got married to Mr. Greg Lee this past Saturday. I remember very distinctly when they met in high school. It's funny, they had been living 3 doors down from each other for several years before they even met. The wedding was beautiful and I got to see Katie, Brita, and Kelli, 3 other good high school friends that I don't see very often. And of course, my dear Heather was there as well, so it was a bit of a reunion.
Ok, this is gotten long enough! I work the next 2 days so send me a prayer that no one dies on me.
Love you all!
~Brianna
Anyhoo....
A few weeks ago, we went to Roseau, MN for my cousin Jamey's wedding. It was a lot of fun! He married Kate and we like her a lot! It was fun to be with the whole family in a random little town. Chris and I decided to drive into Canada the 1st morning we were there since it was 10 miles away. We made it into Manitoba and went to a little store. So, now we've been to Canada! After the wedding Chris and I drove to Duluth and went camping. We rode our bikes to a State Park and visited a couple other places that were very pretty. It was neat to have that experience with him!
Some great news is that Chris got a job offer for IBM as a financial analyst! He applied there forever ago for an internship. And just lately they called him to see if he was still interested in that. He said, well I would be, but I'm about to graduate. The lady said, well then you don't qualify for the internship, but would you like to interview for a job instead? Um....yes!!! So he interviewed and now he'll start once he's done with school in December. It's just such a blessing to know that he'll have a job when he's done with school! It was looking rather impossible, but God always has a way to make things ok. So, we're excited about that. This got all us all excited to start thinking about the possibility of a house. So we've kinda been checking that out and seeing what we can do. Basically, now days, everyone has to have some money down before buying, so once Chris starts working we can hopefully save enough by this coming summer to more seriously look at buying something, so that is extremely exciting. I was very content here and still am, but now I'm kinda feeling antsy to leave and have more room and a yard! Fun.
So, we're about to be the "typical" Rochester family, Mayo and IBM.
Chris is currently taking his very last 2 classes for his degree. They're both in the cities, but at least this is the end of it. I think he's excited to be done, but I don't think he's like dying to end it all since he seems not to mind the life of a student. He's become very good at it! But he adjusts to work/school stuff pretty easily, so I think he'll like it when he starts. Pretty much every job he's wanted requires experience, so at least if he greatly dislikes this job, he'll be gaining experience.
Yesterday I fall-ified my house. Meaning I put out all my fall decorations. I love love love when fall comes because I love the colors. So that's fun. Mostly I am just working and such. I am off orientation and basically by myself. They still give a resource person that I'm designated to ask questions to, but pretty much I just ask whoever's closest. It's ok so far. Basically I'm petrified to go to work. I dread an emergency, that I won't handle it well or whatever. It's so hard to know what to do when situations come up. When change of shift comes and a new nurse takes over, they always find like 5oo things I didn't do or didn't think of or should have done, etc. That makes me so frustrated! It's like, I swear, I really tried to be a good nurse! It's just that the nurses have been there so long and they're really smart. Oh well, maybe someday I'll know something. Right now, I would love to just never go back! I've been racking my brains for another profession I could jump into, haahaa. I think someday (maybe when my year is up?) I might go to outpatient surgery, that has always interested me. I though of applying there originally, but they preferred ICU experience, so here I am.
Anyhoo.....tonight Mom and I are going to "The Woman" I'm dying to go to a movie. One, because I want to see a movie and Two because one should never go more than a month without movie theatre popcorn!
Oh, duh, I also just went to a wedding! My good highschool friend Elizabeth, who I've known since before Kindergarden, got married to Mr. Greg Lee this past Saturday. I remember very distinctly when they met in high school. It's funny, they had been living 3 doors down from each other for several years before they even met. The wedding was beautiful and I got to see Katie, Brita, and Kelli, 3 other good high school friends that I don't see very often. And of course, my dear Heather was there as well, so it was a bit of a reunion.
Ok, this is gotten long enough! I work the next 2 days so send me a prayer that no one dies on me.
Love you all!
~Brianna
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Happy Birthday Chris!!!
Today is Christopher Adam's 24th birthday!
Chris, I love you so much and I hope you're enjoying your special day :)
Happy Birthday!
Here he is, 24 years old! Wowee. With his new hat.
Chris in Duluth last week!
Chris hangin' by the falls in Duluth.
His birthday present, a bike!!!
Chris, I love you so much and I hope you're enjoying your special day :)
Happy Birthday!
Here he is, 24 years old! Wowee. With his new hat.
Chris in Duluth last week!
Chris hangin' by the falls in Duluth.
His birthday present, a bike!!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
It's My 1/2 Birthday Today.
I feel like I don't even know how to blog anymore. I pretty much just don't have much to say. As you all know, this entire summer is just class and orientation, study and trying not to be calm about it all.
It's getting old, I'm very excited to be done with it all. Hopefully I'll pass my test on the 11th, which is now 12 days away. After that I still have like 3 wks of orientation, but at least I'll be done with class.
The excitement begins with Aug 16th, this is, hopefully, when Chris and I will be taking his lil' sis Laura and her friend to the Dells. It sounds like we're doing it for them, but it actually all started with me, I'm dying to go! I love water parks and have never been there. Chris agreed to go and then we were like hey, lets take the girls! So, our plan is to drive the 2.5 hours, stay all day and drive back.
The freedom truly begins on August 29th, this will be the best day ever, because I will be DONE with orientation officially and on my way to Rosseau, MN with the fam for Jamey and Kate's wedding. This shall be followed by Chris and I having our first camping trip, in Duluth, on the way home from Rosseau. Of course, I have yet to plan any of this, aside from booking the campsite. But I'll start the planning, when class and tests are OVER! I hope I pass.
I have 5 solid days (today was the 1st) that I have pre-dedicated to studying. I hope this is enough since it's all I have. I haven't counted, but I'm guessing I have around 70-ish power point presentation to go through and figure out what's most important that I learn. I also have to brush up on heart rhythms and be prepared to demonstate advanced life support stuff (that part is either pass or fail) I know I'll be fine on that part, I have have to learn a bit more.
On the floor time has been fine, stressful and hard though. I had my first patient die. Did I already write about this? Well, the family decided to take this patient off life support. So, we were there to guide them through it and keep the patient comfortable. It was very very different let's just say. How strange to watch someone's heart stop beating. I also had a patient die the other day in a similar way, not while I was taking care of him, but I had taken care of him several times. I also had to watch a family of like 2o people get the news that they're loved one died in surgery, which is rather rare according to our stats. It was so awful. But I do like being there and learning to be someone that can help people through moments like that.
Last night I had a patient that actually wasn't sedated and was actually taking to me. It gave me, for the first time on this unit, a flashback of working on the ortho floor. He put his call light on several times, was very needy, talked up a storm, and pretty much drove me nuts, hhahahaha. However, on the floor, you have like 3 of those people at once, makes me glad I moved jobs. It's rewarding either way, it's just a different kind of exhausting.
Aside from work, life at home is very good. Chris is busy too! He's in 2 summer classes right now. They go extra fast, compared to a normal trimester, so he's reading up a storm. He has a week left and then only 2 classes left in the fall trimester and he will be DONE! I remember when he had like 3 years left, that seemed like an eternity, but I knew this day would come. I am so proud of him and how hard he works. I know I used to study like that, but it's hard to do it now again and he's my inspiration! The other day he got back a test and found out that he had the highest score in the class and was the curve setter :) Whoo hoo! He's doing very well. He's still doing his internship at Scottrade, but there may be some new things coming up for him, we'll see.
The past couple days have been a bit educational, as Chris has found out some things about his Dad's side of the family that he didn't know. It's kinda sparked an interest in us to learn even more about that family tree. Seriously, the story could be turned into a movie, it's crazy.
Chris is at school right now in the cities, maybe hanging out with Brice too. Hopefully I won't make anyone nauseous, but I just wanna say that I really really love my husband and he's very wonderful and I'm so proud to be his wife :)
I got to do something fun last week, I got to hang out with my buddy David, heehee, that's my friend Kelsey's 2 mo. year old baby boy! We went on a walk, had lunch at Quiznos with my mom and took pictures of ourselves, well I did the picture taking of course.
I also have gotten to spend some time with my dear friend Cara. She came home for a few weeks before starting her new job in Cincinatti! We had lots of fun, I love when she's home. My fav thing we did was hang out with the statues by Mayo. I have pics I'll put up in here. We swam a bit at her pool and were the singers one night while playing rock band. Heehee! Come back Cara, I miss you! Cara takes her NCLEX test soon, the test I took 2 years ago, to become a nurse, so send her a prayer if you think of it!
Sam and Jensen, my little cousins came to Rochester about 1 1/2 wks ago. I got to hang out with them a lot, which is such a blessing, as they live a few hours away and I dont' see them as much as I wish I did. Jensen and I had a fun adventure going to the Christian Bookstore to pick her out a grown up bible. She got to watch as her name was pressed into the bible (the same thing I got to do when I was 6 years old with my mom!). We also went swimming and then just this last weekend we went up to their home to their b-day party. Fun fun fun.
I also saw the movie Mamma Mia with Kelsey (which I just loved), Batman with my whole fam followed by pizza with Jenny (Brice's girlfriend) and her fam, and I did get to have lunch with Heather at some point! So, I have done fun things too this summer. Last night I talked to Casey who I miss very much! She is in Kansas, about to start real life teaching! She sounds like she's doing well! I also got to see Bricey last week and we all played volleyball and a new game called sticks and blocks, heehee, fun fun! Speaking of volleyball, my work team is once again in the lead this summer! I miss my Hemmer cousins, they're off on vacation, I think I'll see them this weekend, wait, I work, nevermind...
Well, I better wrap this up, it's getting long and some of you have issues with that, but it looks like I did remember to blog afterall. My parents are coming to pick me up and take me out for icecream, yippeee!!!!! They should be here soon!
Love you all and sorry if I left something out!
PS: I'm so excited for gymnastics in a few weeks! I love the summer olympics!
Love, Brie
Picture Time!!!
Cara and I at our alma mater elementary school Sunset Terrace!
Cara and I with the Mayo brothers!
Jensen in Cara's pool
Me and the bestie
Sweet lil' David and I
Chris and David, don't you just love David's face here? So cute!
It's my turn to have the Supernintendo, yes!!
My husband and I
Me and my tan friend.
It's getting old, I'm very excited to be done with it all. Hopefully I'll pass my test on the 11th, which is now 12 days away. After that I still have like 3 wks of orientation, but at least I'll be done with class.
The excitement begins with Aug 16th, this is, hopefully, when Chris and I will be taking his lil' sis Laura and her friend to the Dells. It sounds like we're doing it for them, but it actually all started with me, I'm dying to go! I love water parks and have never been there. Chris agreed to go and then we were like hey, lets take the girls! So, our plan is to drive the 2.5 hours, stay all day and drive back.
The freedom truly begins on August 29th, this will be the best day ever, because I will be DONE with orientation officially and on my way to Rosseau, MN with the fam for Jamey and Kate's wedding. This shall be followed by Chris and I having our first camping trip, in Duluth, on the way home from Rosseau. Of course, I have yet to plan any of this, aside from booking the campsite. But I'll start the planning, when class and tests are OVER! I hope I pass.
I have 5 solid days (today was the 1st) that I have pre-dedicated to studying. I hope this is enough since it's all I have. I haven't counted, but I'm guessing I have around 70-ish power point presentation to go through and figure out what's most important that I learn. I also have to brush up on heart rhythms and be prepared to demonstate advanced life support stuff (that part is either pass or fail) I know I'll be fine on that part, I have have to learn a bit more.
On the floor time has been fine, stressful and hard though. I had my first patient die. Did I already write about this? Well, the family decided to take this patient off life support. So, we were there to guide them through it and keep the patient comfortable. It was very very different let's just say. How strange to watch someone's heart stop beating. I also had a patient die the other day in a similar way, not while I was taking care of him, but I had taken care of him several times. I also had to watch a family of like 2o people get the news that they're loved one died in surgery, which is rather rare according to our stats. It was so awful. But I do like being there and learning to be someone that can help people through moments like that.
Last night I had a patient that actually wasn't sedated and was actually taking to me. It gave me, for the first time on this unit, a flashback of working on the ortho floor. He put his call light on several times, was very needy, talked up a storm, and pretty much drove me nuts, hhahahaha. However, on the floor, you have like 3 of those people at once, makes me glad I moved jobs. It's rewarding either way, it's just a different kind of exhausting.
Aside from work, life at home is very good. Chris is busy too! He's in 2 summer classes right now. They go extra fast, compared to a normal trimester, so he's reading up a storm. He has a week left and then only 2 classes left in the fall trimester and he will be DONE! I remember when he had like 3 years left, that seemed like an eternity, but I knew this day would come. I am so proud of him and how hard he works. I know I used to study like that, but it's hard to do it now again and he's my inspiration! The other day he got back a test and found out that he had the highest score in the class and was the curve setter :) Whoo hoo! He's doing very well. He's still doing his internship at Scottrade, but there may be some new things coming up for him, we'll see.
The past couple days have been a bit educational, as Chris has found out some things about his Dad's side of the family that he didn't know. It's kinda sparked an interest in us to learn even more about that family tree. Seriously, the story could be turned into a movie, it's crazy.
Chris is at school right now in the cities, maybe hanging out with Brice too. Hopefully I won't make anyone nauseous, but I just wanna say that I really really love my husband and he's very wonderful and I'm so proud to be his wife :)
I got to do something fun last week, I got to hang out with my buddy David, heehee, that's my friend Kelsey's 2 mo. year old baby boy! We went on a walk, had lunch at Quiznos with my mom and took pictures of ourselves, well I did the picture taking of course.
I also have gotten to spend some time with my dear friend Cara. She came home for a few weeks before starting her new job in Cincinatti! We had lots of fun, I love when she's home. My fav thing we did was hang out with the statues by Mayo. I have pics I'll put up in here. We swam a bit at her pool and were the singers one night while playing rock band. Heehee! Come back Cara, I miss you! Cara takes her NCLEX test soon, the test I took 2 years ago, to become a nurse, so send her a prayer if you think of it!
Sam and Jensen, my little cousins came to Rochester about 1 1/2 wks ago. I got to hang out with them a lot, which is such a blessing, as they live a few hours away and I dont' see them as much as I wish I did. Jensen and I had a fun adventure going to the Christian Bookstore to pick her out a grown up bible. She got to watch as her name was pressed into the bible (the same thing I got to do when I was 6 years old with my mom!). We also went swimming and then just this last weekend we went up to their home to their b-day party. Fun fun fun.
I also saw the movie Mamma Mia with Kelsey (which I just loved), Batman with my whole fam followed by pizza with Jenny (Brice's girlfriend) and her fam, and I did get to have lunch with Heather at some point! So, I have done fun things too this summer. Last night I talked to Casey who I miss very much! She is in Kansas, about to start real life teaching! She sounds like she's doing well! I also got to see Bricey last week and we all played volleyball and a new game called sticks and blocks, heehee, fun fun! Speaking of volleyball, my work team is once again in the lead this summer! I miss my Hemmer cousins, they're off on vacation, I think I'll see them this weekend, wait, I work, nevermind...
Well, I better wrap this up, it's getting long and some of you have issues with that, but it looks like I did remember to blog afterall. My parents are coming to pick me up and take me out for icecream, yippeee!!!!! They should be here soon!
Love you all and sorry if I left something out!
PS: I'm so excited for gymnastics in a few weeks! I love the summer olympics!
Love, Brie
Picture Time!!!
Cara and I at our alma mater elementary school Sunset Terrace!
Cara and I with the Mayo brothers!
Jensen in Cara's pool
Me and the bestie
Sweet lil' David and I
Chris and David, don't you just love David's face here? So cute!
It's my turn to have the Supernintendo, yes!!
My husband and I
Me and my tan friend.
And there you have it.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Short and Lame
I feel so far behind that I don't even know what to say....
I'm on week 8 in my orientation and things are the same. Trying to get the energy to study so I can actually past the test in August.
4th of July was fun, I worked a day, but got the spend the evening with the fam. We went to Stewartville for the fireworks! The next day we went to the McAlister's in Wisconsin, this is my Grandma Hemmer's brother's house. We got to see some of the 2nd and 3rd cousins which is always fun! Then Kellie and Jill came over the following day and we played volleyball with Gavin and Chris and got so hot we had to to drink from and run through the sprinkler! I feel lame, I don't know what else to say. I worked overnight last night and slept for 3 hours, so I'm tired, bah. Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure. Bye!
I'm on week 8 in my orientation and things are the same. Trying to get the energy to study so I can actually past the test in August.
4th of July was fun, I worked a day, but got the spend the evening with the fam. We went to Stewartville for the fireworks! The next day we went to the McAlister's in Wisconsin, this is my Grandma Hemmer's brother's house. We got to see some of the 2nd and 3rd cousins which is always fun! Then Kellie and Jill came over the following day and we played volleyball with Gavin and Chris and got so hot we had to to drink from and run through the sprinkler! I feel lame, I don't know what else to say. I worked overnight last night and slept for 3 hours, so I'm tired, bah. Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure. Bye!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
A Reflection of Father's Day and Then Some Random Blabbering.
Here are some pics from the past weekend. These are from Father's Day!
Me and my father.
Pa, Chris, and Brice
Me and my 19 year old cuzzin Kellie Christine
Chris and Dad, teammates for this cool wood game that Brice taught us.
Me and my father.
Pa, Chris, and Brice
Me and my 19 year old cuzzin Kellie Christine
Chris and Dad, teammates for this cool wood game that Brice taught us.
Me and my brother/teammate for the wooden game, we lost, sad day, but we're still able to do weird dance movements.
Well there ya have it. It's nice to have a fun day thrown in there with all the difficult days of orientation. This week, I am working allllll week, it's hard, lemme tell ya. Today I left feeling dizzy, exhausted, and with a pounding headache. Perhaps I was hypovolemic and hypoglycemic. I bet my blood sugar was like 50 and my heart rate was racing, heehee. Anywwaaayyssss...Now I am home, layed on the couch for an hour, took advil, and ate some food. I am NOT studying tonight, I will not. But I do have my EKG test-out on Tuesday, so eventually I will have to get my butt in gear. Although I have been studying so it's kinda already in gear, just not today. I play volleyball tonight @ 8p, kinda late huh.
Soon Chris and I are going to Tinns, I have a buy one get one free, which is why we're doing it! This is all way outta order, chronilogically speaking, but today on my break I went and visited my old ortho. floor I saw many peeps I worked with and it was very nice to see them. I talked to Anne for a while (hi Anne!) and she said I should my blog, so here I am. I also had a lil' eval. review with my old manager. Today was also my Week 4 review with my preceptor/nurse educator. Apparently I am where I need to be at week 4, but by Week 8, there shall be much more expected of me and by Week 12, I must be a genious.
Ok, that's all for now folks. I am excited for the end of August and that's all I have to say. Wish me luck, I'm just trying to block the continual "I wanna quit" thoughts from my head. I can do it, right?! MMMkay....bye friends.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
More Drugs Than I Can Handle
Hello all...
I don't update anymore becuz here's the deal: I either have class or a day shift Mon-Fri. I then work out, come home, eat supper, study, and hopefully do at least one fun thing like go to Dairy Queen with Mom, Dad, and Chris, or play volleyball, or go on a leisurely walk. Then I ready my clothings for the next day, set my backpack up, and pack a lunch. Then I am amazzzzzingly in bed by at least 11, but often times by 10:15ish, this is a huge accomplishment for a girl that usually went to bed at midnight. By it doesn't take much effort. Getting up everyday before the roosters makes me truly tired! So, in conclusion, blogging is a luxury that I cannot afford. Except for right now cuz we got out early today and I'm not making supper and I may just study a little less tonight.
I work tomorrow on the floor and then I have Sat/Sun off. Then, it's a big one, I work at day shifts 7-3:30 on the floor. Never have I worked 5 days in a row on the floor. Yikes.
Today, class was so cool. We went to a place called the simulation center. There are simulated patients in a patient's room with all the normal things in a room. These dummies breathe, blink, have a beating heart, have pulses, their neck veins pulse, their eyes dilate and contricts and they react to what you say! So if you say "I'm giving you metoprolol" Their heart rate will drop. Then there are often real people behind a dark window that are the live "voice" of the patient. We didn't do a lot with the dummies today, but we will do more later on. Today our "lady" spoke to us and told us she had chest pain. We had to get her vitals, lay her down, give her nitroglycerin and metoprolol, talk to her and order a 12-lead, hahaha. It was funny. They really want us to pretend it's real. We had 9 stations today learing about different things. It was extremely helpful to SEE the stuff we hear out lecuturers go on and on about.
I wish I would have done all this during the February session, insted of in the summer, it's hard to stay inside and study, bah. Oh well. It's tough though, it's a ton of info and drug to know and what to do! I'm done late August, so I guess I have a bunch of time left to learn.
Casey left for Kansas this weekend so I got to see her for a while this weekend. I also saw Kels and my cousins a bit too. What else have I done? I dunno. Mostly going to class and work.
Welp, I'll leave it at that. Have a lovely week!
~Brie
I don't update anymore becuz here's the deal: I either have class or a day shift Mon-Fri. I then work out, come home, eat supper, study, and hopefully do at least one fun thing like go to Dairy Queen with Mom, Dad, and Chris, or play volleyball, or go on a leisurely walk. Then I ready my clothings for the next day, set my backpack up, and pack a lunch. Then I am amazzzzzingly in bed by at least 11, but often times by 10:15ish, this is a huge accomplishment for a girl that usually went to bed at midnight. By it doesn't take much effort. Getting up everyday before the roosters makes me truly tired! So, in conclusion, blogging is a luxury that I cannot afford. Except for right now cuz we got out early today and I'm not making supper and I may just study a little less tonight.
I work tomorrow on the floor and then I have Sat/Sun off. Then, it's a big one, I work at day shifts 7-3:30 on the floor. Never have I worked 5 days in a row on the floor. Yikes.
Today, class was so cool. We went to a place called the simulation center. There are simulated patients in a patient's room with all the normal things in a room. These dummies breathe, blink, have a beating heart, have pulses, their neck veins pulse, their eyes dilate and contricts and they react to what you say! So if you say "I'm giving you metoprolol" Their heart rate will drop. Then there are often real people behind a dark window that are the live "voice" of the patient. We didn't do a lot with the dummies today, but we will do more later on. Today our "lady" spoke to us and told us she had chest pain. We had to get her vitals, lay her down, give her nitroglycerin and metoprolol, talk to her and order a 12-lead, hahaha. It was funny. They really want us to pretend it's real. We had 9 stations today learing about different things. It was extremely helpful to SEE the stuff we hear out lecuturers go on and on about.
I wish I would have done all this during the February session, insted of in the summer, it's hard to stay inside and study, bah. Oh well. It's tough though, it's a ton of info and drug to know and what to do! I'm done late August, so I guess I have a bunch of time left to learn.
Casey left for Kansas this weekend so I got to see her for a while this weekend. I also saw Kels and my cousins a bit too. What else have I done? I dunno. Mostly going to class and work.
Welp, I'll leave it at that. Have a lovely week!
~Brie
Monday, June 09, 2008
Heather's 24 Today!!!
This is me and my friend Heather. We became friends in 9th grade. I got to thinking, hmm, how old we were in the beginning of 9th grade and I realized, we were 14! Can you believe that? 14 when you start high school, wow. Therefore, we have now hit the 10 year mark (well technially in September) but we're both 24 now so close enough! Thanks for being such a good friend for 10 years and I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!! Love ya friend!!!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Still Here
My uncle Rick told me I should at least write to say I'm still here....
I have been so busy! Working/Classes Mon-Friday and fun things to do on the weekends.
This past weekend was filled with fun stuff. On Saturday was Chris' best man Keith's wedding to Amy! Chris was in the wedding and I got to watch! They had a reception/dance in Stewartville after their backyard wedding. It was all quite fun and I met a lot of peeps I never met before. Also, Amy's mom, whom I've met once, briefly, before kept pulling me out to dance, she was hilarious. Chris and I were there till midnight :)
Sunday was Gran and Gramp E's 50th wedding anniversary along with a big party for them. It was so fun to see all my family and very extended family/friends as well. We were there all day. It was fun to see all the cousins as always :)
Yesterday was back to class, as was today, and will be tomorrow. Thurs & Fri. I'm on the unit and next week it about the same thing.
Basically I sit through 6-8 hours of lecture everyday. Sometimes it's very hard to stay awake. Tomorrow is part 2 of the heart rhythm class, so yeh, I need to go study it so I'm not completely confused tomorrow.
Well, there's more to say I'm sure, but I'll leave it at that. Hope you're all doing well!
I have been so busy! Working/Classes Mon-Friday and fun things to do on the weekends.
This past weekend was filled with fun stuff. On Saturday was Chris' best man Keith's wedding to Amy! Chris was in the wedding and I got to watch! They had a reception/dance in Stewartville after their backyard wedding. It was all quite fun and I met a lot of peeps I never met before. Also, Amy's mom, whom I've met once, briefly, before kept pulling me out to dance, she was hilarious. Chris and I were there till midnight :)
Sunday was Gran and Gramp E's 50th wedding anniversary along with a big party for them. It was so fun to see all my family and very extended family/friends as well. We were there all day. It was fun to see all the cousins as always :)
Yesterday was back to class, as was today, and will be tomorrow. Thurs & Fri. I'm on the unit and next week it about the same thing.
Basically I sit through 6-8 hours of lecture everyday. Sometimes it's very hard to stay awake. Tomorrow is part 2 of the heart rhythm class, so yeh, I need to go study it so I'm not completely confused tomorrow.
Well, there's more to say I'm sure, but I'll leave it at that. Hope you're all doing well!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
New Job and Things
It's the weekend!
This past week I started my new job, last Wednesday to be exact. I will be full time from now until the end of August. Yikes.
It's been going pretty good. The people are nice and my preceptor is very smart and great at giving explanations to my endless questions.
It's hard though, I know next to nothing and it's daunting to think about all there is to learn and comprehend. Next Friday officially starts my EPIC training. So I'll be in classes like 3 outta 5 days and the other 2 days on the unit. I am greatly looking forward to class as it will help me understand and learn about all the things that I'm seeing on the unit that I don't know much about. I'll have to learn to read heart rhythms and what to do if they're not right. I need to learn about intubated and ventilated patients and the list goes on.
Yesterday I got to give a man breaths through a bag into his tracheostomy. I was cool, but I felt quite bad for him. I have already seen how sad it can be on the "unit" people are very sick. Yesterday I was with a lady when she discovered her leg had been completey amputated. On my old job I would have taken care of this lady weeks after she's realized her leg is gone, but now I'm with her when she finds out, sad sad sad.
Oops, one day later......I didn't finish my blog yesterday cuz Chris came to pick me up for lunch. So here I am again, Sunday night.
Friday was fun, we hung out with Kelsey and Jeff. Chris and I both held David for quite some time and he was such a good, sweet boy! We also took him on a stroller ride! He's so darn cute! Then we went to DQ with Mom and Dad and that was also very fun!
Yesterday I hung out with my fam. a lot cuz Chris worked. Mom and I went to the party store and then to visit Cheri and Kirk while they worked on their barn. Later we watched my 3rd cousin Grace for a while, she's 2 and very cute. Gavin and I played with her outside for a bit. She slept over at my Mom's. We also went to Dora's grad. party!
Today was church and the whole clan was there, at the mall too, seriously it reminded me of a holiday. Probably cuz Brice, Ryan, and Kellie were all there! Chris and I played tennis a bit and ate at home. Now we're about to play a game and then I'll probably go to bed soon! Gotta get ready for the 5 day week! Although Friday is a class on the monitors, so it's 4 days on the floor and one class.
Ok alls, have a good week! xoxox Luv, Brie
This past week I started my new job, last Wednesday to be exact. I will be full time from now until the end of August. Yikes.
It's been going pretty good. The people are nice and my preceptor is very smart and great at giving explanations to my endless questions.
It's hard though, I know next to nothing and it's daunting to think about all there is to learn and comprehend. Next Friday officially starts my EPIC training. So I'll be in classes like 3 outta 5 days and the other 2 days on the unit. I am greatly looking forward to class as it will help me understand and learn about all the things that I'm seeing on the unit that I don't know much about. I'll have to learn to read heart rhythms and what to do if they're not right. I need to learn about intubated and ventilated patients and the list goes on.
Yesterday I got to give a man breaths through a bag into his tracheostomy. I was cool, but I felt quite bad for him. I have already seen how sad it can be on the "unit" people are very sick. Yesterday I was with a lady when she discovered her leg had been completey amputated. On my old job I would have taken care of this lady weeks after she's realized her leg is gone, but now I'm with her when she finds out, sad sad sad.
Oops, one day later......I didn't finish my blog yesterday cuz Chris came to pick me up for lunch. So here I am again, Sunday night.
Friday was fun, we hung out with Kelsey and Jeff. Chris and I both held David for quite some time and he was such a good, sweet boy! We also took him on a stroller ride! He's so darn cute! Then we went to DQ with Mom and Dad and that was also very fun!
Yesterday I hung out with my fam. a lot cuz Chris worked. Mom and I went to the party store and then to visit Cheri and Kirk while they worked on their barn. Later we watched my 3rd cousin Grace for a while, she's 2 and very cute. Gavin and I played with her outside for a bit. She slept over at my Mom's. We also went to Dora's grad. party!
Today was church and the whole clan was there, at the mall too, seriously it reminded me of a holiday. Probably cuz Brice, Ryan, and Kellie were all there! Chris and I played tennis a bit and ate at home. Now we're about to play a game and then I'll probably go to bed soon! Gotta get ready for the 5 day week! Although Friday is a class on the monitors, so it's 4 days on the floor and one class.
Ok alls, have a good week! xoxox Luv, Brie
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day Mom!
Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful Mama! Mom I love you so much and I think you're the best mama ever! I hope you have a fun day just for you! You are so loved and appreciated. Here are some fun pics of my mama.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
A Sweet New Baby Boy!!!
Well....it has happened, as of 5:06am May 10th, David William Chesney is finally here!
Kelsey has a bouncing baby boy of 10lbs 13oz!!!
Everyone is good and healthy and it all went ok!
Mom and I went to see Kelsey about an hour ago. It was just her and David there and they looked so sweet together and peaceful. We each got to hold him and he is just the cutest little guy. He squawked a little bit but then fell back asleep. And then he opened up his big dark blue eyes and took a peek at us and I caught a picture just in time. It was so fun to actually see him! And to see Kelsey as a Mom!!! Her and Jeff will be great parents and I can't wait to see David more! They'll all come home Monday morning-ish. I guess tonight they're going to give him a bath, heehee.
Well, here are some pictures of David from just an hour ago.....
So Awake!
Mommy and her baby boy.
Me and my new friend, heehee.
The three of us!
Congratulations Jeff and Kelsey!!!
Friday, May 09, 2008
A Day of Change
Two things: my job is almost over and Kelsey and Jeff are almost parents!
Today was good. I woke up and started laundry and started making cookies to bring to work for my last day.
Then Chris and I worked out and ate at Tinns, our deal is that if we ate out today, we cannot tomorrow! We'll see... Then we stopped at Wally for a few things and it was already time to go to work for both of us.
I called Jeff around 2:30 and Kelsey was on her way, slowly but surely it sounds. Then I got a text message around 8pm that she is a bit furthur along and has had her epidural. She said they think that baby will come in the middle of the night. Most likely a May 10th baby, that's a good day. I predict 4:30am a baby girl will be born, that's my guess, we'll see! I'm so excited!
I have 1.5 ish hours left on my unit. It's been a typical, nice evening shift, 3 patients, with one so independent I forget about him. One is all confused. One second he's trying to hit me and the next he's all sweet and will comply with anything! The third is a sweet lady. I honesty remember one of first patients the best. I had her almost everyday with my preceptor Erin. She was the nicest lady ever, in her 50s, who got hit by a car while on her motorcycle. She went through so much and eventually after several weeks got to go home!
Anyhoo, I guess I'll say bye!
Today was good. I woke up and started laundry and started making cookies to bring to work for my last day.
Then Chris and I worked out and ate at Tinns, our deal is that if we ate out today, we cannot tomorrow! We'll see... Then we stopped at Wally for a few things and it was already time to go to work for both of us.
I called Jeff around 2:30 and Kelsey was on her way, slowly but surely it sounds. Then I got a text message around 8pm that she is a bit furthur along and has had her epidural. She said they think that baby will come in the middle of the night. Most likely a May 10th baby, that's a good day. I predict 4:30am a baby girl will be born, that's my guess, we'll see! I'm so excited!
I have 1.5 ish hours left on my unit. It's been a typical, nice evening shift, 3 patients, with one so independent I forget about him. One is all confused. One second he's trying to hit me and the next he's all sweet and will comply with anything! The third is a sweet lady. I honesty remember one of first patients the best. I had her almost everyday with my preceptor Erin. She was the nicest lady ever, in her 50s, who got hit by a car while on her motorcycle. She went through so much and eventually after several weeks got to go home!
Anyhoo, I guess I'll say bye!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The End of an Era
Hello folks,
Well I'll start with the present....I'm currently at work. Tomorrow evening is my last shift here on Mary Brigh 8 Ortho. It's sad to think about, but exciting to change too. I will miss the people here! I've had good patients tonight and I hope I get the same ones tomorrow to end on a good note. Then I have four days off and I start on my new unit on Wednesday the 14th.
Lately it's been good, been enjoying the nice weather. Kelsey and I went to the movie Made of Honor a few nights ago at the extra large screen in the new theatre, it was fun. The next time we hang out, she will be a mommy! She's going to be induced tomorrow morning, if all goes as planned. And will probably have the baby (according to her doctor) on Saturday. I shall pray it goes well! I'm so excited for them and to meet the baby! Someday I shall tell him/her about how crazy his/her mother is, heehee, but how sweet too.
Chris and I got to hang out a bit today, we worked out and ate at Erb's then went to Target. Then I had to work.
I dunno what else to say, so I guess I'll end. Have a lovely day!
Sincerely, Brianna M. Lewis
Well I'll start with the present....I'm currently at work. Tomorrow evening is my last shift here on Mary Brigh 8 Ortho. It's sad to think about, but exciting to change too. I will miss the people here! I've had good patients tonight and I hope I get the same ones tomorrow to end on a good note. Then I have four days off and I start on my new unit on Wednesday the 14th.
Lately it's been good, been enjoying the nice weather. Kelsey and I went to the movie Made of Honor a few nights ago at the extra large screen in the new theatre, it was fun. The next time we hang out, she will be a mommy! She's going to be induced tomorrow morning, if all goes as planned. And will probably have the baby (according to her doctor) on Saturday. I shall pray it goes well! I'm so excited for them and to meet the baby! Someday I shall tell him/her about how crazy his/her mother is, heehee, but how sweet too.
Chris and I got to hang out a bit today, we worked out and ate at Erb's then went to Target. Then I had to work.
I dunno what else to say, so I guess I'll end. Have a lovely day!
Sincerely, Brianna M. Lewis
Saturday, May 03, 2008
A Day At Megan's.
After work on Friday I drove up to my cousin Megan's place in Minneapolis. Our other cousin Alexandra (14) had already been dropped off there. We were embarking on a Erickson-side cousin (minus Jensen who's only 5) sleepover. First we went bowling along with Megan's soon to be sis-in-law Kate and also Megan's roomate Jenna. We also ate at B-Dubbs nearby, it was yum. Then we watched a dumb movie and then a good movie! Eventually us three found a spot to sleep on Megan's floor, well Megan slept in her bed, and we were off to sleep.
This morning we made panckes, I ruined a few, oops, and ate skittles and brownies that our Gran made us (thanks Gran!!!) and watched TV. Eventually we headed out to the Mall of America. Everyone and their mom was also there, but it was fun. However, my feet hurt so bad! I didn't buy anything, but the other two found a few things. Kate eventually joined us there too. And at about 5:30, 2 hours ago, we left and I headed back for home. It was fun to hang out with the both of them, we don't see each other enough!
Here are some pics from the trip.
Here you can see Megan in her habitat. Notice how her bedspread matches the wall, this was not planned, it just happened, sweet huh?
Cuzzin and I
Brie (24) Alex (14) Megan (24)
Me-"Try to look as ugly as you can"
Megan-"We all look 40lbs heavier in this picture"
My cousin Alexandra and I
Serious time.
This morning we made panckes, I ruined a few, oops, and ate skittles and brownies that our Gran made us (thanks Gran!!!) and watched TV. Eventually we headed out to the Mall of America. Everyone and their mom was also there, but it was fun. However, my feet hurt so bad! I didn't buy anything, but the other two found a few things. Kate eventually joined us there too. And at about 5:30, 2 hours ago, we left and I headed back for home. It was fun to hang out with the both of them, we don't see each other enough!
Here are some pics from the trip.
Here you can see Megan in her habitat. Notice how her bedspread matches the wall, this was not planned, it just happened, sweet huh?
Cuzzin and I
Brie (24) Alex (14) Megan (24)
Me-"Try to look as ugly as you can"
Megan-"We all look 40lbs heavier in this picture"
My cousin Alexandra and I
Serious time.
That's all folks.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
A New Thing
I just got home from work and felt inspired to update:
The 13th of May is my last day on 8MBB/G Ortho-Trauma Surgerical and the 14th of May is my first day on 7MBD/E Thoracic/Vascular Intensive Care Unit.
That means I got the job I interviewed for! I found out last night while I was watching Gaving throw discus, heehee. I am excited, yet it's bittersweet as well. I really love the people I work with and it's hard to leave a place you've been, kinda like the last day of high school, sorta in a way. I don't hate the work, I don't hate anything about, I just want to move on to new things and see what happens. I don't want to work ortho my whole life, so why not get started on something new now. I read a stat once that, on average, a nurse has a new job every 3 years! Obviously some people work places for a bunch of years, but I guess it's 3 on average. I feel like I'm very glad I started where I did. I don't think it gets much more tough than ortho, so I feel like I learned a ton and got SO much experience. That makes it hard to leave too, cuz I actually know what I'm doing now and can help the newer people, but I will eventually know what I'm doing on my new unit, after months of confusion and frustration I'm sure.
So yeh, I'll be in a 3mo. program consisting of mostly classes, there's a lot more to learn now, and will also include time on the floor. I'm leaving my unit so quick, because those classes start mid-May, otherwise I'd have to wait until August, so my awesome nurse manager let me go early. I think I'll be on my new unit learning a bit for a few weeks and then classes start. School all over again. The nurse educator there told me she'll have me make drug cards to memorize! Fun times. I'm excited though. One girl from ortho just moved up there and Tiffany, a friend from WSU nursing just got a job there too, so I know a few faces. I told some people at work today, I don't really like telling them, it makes me sad! But everyone's been so sweet about it. Another bonus, today we got a 2$ raise! S-core.
Welp, that's about it for now, I need to go wash 8 hours of bodily fluids off me, heehee, jk (sorta).
The 13th of May is my last day on 8MBB/G Ortho-Trauma Surgerical and the 14th of May is my first day on 7MBD/E Thoracic/Vascular Intensive Care Unit.
That means I got the job I interviewed for! I found out last night while I was watching Gaving throw discus, heehee. I am excited, yet it's bittersweet as well. I really love the people I work with and it's hard to leave a place you've been, kinda like the last day of high school, sorta in a way. I don't hate the work, I don't hate anything about, I just want to move on to new things and see what happens. I don't want to work ortho my whole life, so why not get started on something new now. I read a stat once that, on average, a nurse has a new job every 3 years! Obviously some people work places for a bunch of years, but I guess it's 3 on average. I feel like I'm very glad I started where I did. I don't think it gets much more tough than ortho, so I feel like I learned a ton and got SO much experience. That makes it hard to leave too, cuz I actually know what I'm doing now and can help the newer people, but I will eventually know what I'm doing on my new unit, after months of confusion and frustration I'm sure.
So yeh, I'll be in a 3mo. program consisting of mostly classes, there's a lot more to learn now, and will also include time on the floor. I'm leaving my unit so quick, because those classes start mid-May, otherwise I'd have to wait until August, so my awesome nurse manager let me go early. I think I'll be on my new unit learning a bit for a few weeks and then classes start. School all over again. The nurse educator there told me she'll have me make drug cards to memorize! Fun times. I'm excited though. One girl from ortho just moved up there and Tiffany, a friend from WSU nursing just got a job there too, so I know a few faces. I told some people at work today, I don't really like telling them, it makes me sad! But everyone's been so sweet about it. Another bonus, today we got a 2$ raise! S-core.
Welp, that's about it for now, I need to go wash 8 hours of bodily fluids off me, heehee, jk (sorta).
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Waka waka.
Here I am working the weekend. It was busy up until now, 4:30p, and I have 3 hours left to go.
Yesterday, Chris and I woke up early and went to Winona and took my dear cousin Kellie out for breakfast at Perkins. Then she had class so Chris and I walked around the lake, well, just a little ways around it, so that was fun, to just be in Winona. Then we came back home and worked out. Later on, we went to Austin to take Angie out to eat for her b-day! She chose to go to Culver's, it was fun, we had lots of laughs.
Thursday I dunno what I did, I can't remember. At some point Mom and I went to a movie, so that was coolio. My fam. is hanging out today in the cities (assuming Gavin's track meet didn't get cancelled) so I 'm jealous cuz I wanna go!
Wednesday I had my shadow on 7 Mary Brigh. It's somewhat intimidating cuz I know nothing, but everyone was very nice to me and everyone highly recommended that I work there. I got to see my friend Tiffany (from nursing school) she just started working there! I haven't heard about the job yet, I guess this week sometime? I've decided that if it's offerred to me, I'll take it. I'm very nervous though!
Ugh these 12 hour shifts are ridiculous. What I hate is going home and feeling like I need to go to bed in a few hours and then it just starts all over again, dumb. I just got asked if I wanted to stay until 11:00pm, um yeh, I'd love to.......
Mass is going on right now at St. Mary's and it's telecasted onto the TV. One of my patient's is watching it and a lady is singing non-stop very high pitched. I bet it sounds better in person. La la la la!!!!!!!!
I'm not real thrilled about the coming 2 weeks, they will be such a bummer, all I do is work. Ugh.
Well, I'm out of things to say. See ya alls later.
Yesterday, Chris and I woke up early and went to Winona and took my dear cousin Kellie out for breakfast at Perkins. Then she had class so Chris and I walked around the lake, well, just a little ways around it, so that was fun, to just be in Winona. Then we came back home and worked out. Later on, we went to Austin to take Angie out to eat for her b-day! She chose to go to Culver's, it was fun, we had lots of laughs.
Thursday I dunno what I did, I can't remember. At some point Mom and I went to a movie, so that was coolio. My fam. is hanging out today in the cities (assuming Gavin's track meet didn't get cancelled) so I 'm jealous cuz I wanna go!
Wednesday I had my shadow on 7 Mary Brigh. It's somewhat intimidating cuz I know nothing, but everyone was very nice to me and everyone highly recommended that I work there. I got to see my friend Tiffany (from nursing school) she just started working there! I haven't heard about the job yet, I guess this week sometime? I've decided that if it's offerred to me, I'll take it. I'm very nervous though!
Ugh these 12 hour shifts are ridiculous. What I hate is going home and feeling like I need to go to bed in a few hours and then it just starts all over again, dumb. I just got asked if I wanted to stay until 11:00pm, um yeh, I'd love to.......
Mass is going on right now at St. Mary's and it's telecasted onto the TV. One of my patient's is watching it and a lady is singing non-stop very high pitched. I bet it sounds better in person. La la la la!!!!!!!!
I'm not real thrilled about the coming 2 weeks, they will be such a bummer, all I do is work. Ugh.
Well, I'm out of things to say. See ya alls later.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Busy Busy Busy
It's Tuesday night, an hour before I leave for home! It's been a pretty busy past couple of nights here on 8MBB/G. I have a few days off here before I work the dreaded weekend! I work too many days in a row coming up here in the next couple weeks, so I'll try not to whine, but honestly it's gotta be harsh.
This past weekend was pretty fun. Saturday we had a little post-wedding get-together for my dad's cousin Randy and his new wife, that was nice to see them and eat at Mr. Pizza! Then I traveled over to see Kelsey at her baby shower! Her baby's due May 2nd! So soon! That was fun too! Chris worked that night so I hung out with Mom for a while and then Jill, Dora, Denise, and I watched Juno at Jill's house. Sunday Chris and I had 4 kiddies in Sunday school and ate lunch at the mall with Gramps H. and Gramps & Gran E.! Fun fun. Then we hung out with Mom and Dad and had a yummy supper there and played outside in the glorious whether.
Monday, I had Kid's Hope and Chris bought a new lap top! I won't go into great length, but his old one had big issues and it was just time. It's so necessary for him to have a working computer for his classes, so I'm glad he can work on his lap top in peace now! It makes my lap top look old! Then I worked and that was that.
Today was dull, I had by BLS (basic life support) renewal class. Even though it's the renewal class, it's still too long, from 8:30-11:15, I passed and am officially renewed and ready to recussitate, heehee. Sorry, not a laughing matter. Then I did nothing and Chris was at work/school all day. I am now at work as well. It's been busy even though I only have 2 patietnts. One is on the commode every 2 hours, not kidding, and the other is just quite complicated, but very nice. They're both nice, so that's nice, very nice, nice, nice. Ugh, I'm tired! I can't wait to go home!
Tomorrow, Chris and I have the dentist @ 9:30 then I'm shadowing a nurse on 7MB (the unit I applied for) from 3p-7:30p. I'm assuming I'll hear about the job after my shadow at some point, which I'm glad about cuz I want to do the shadow first to make sure it's not absolutely something I don't want to get myself into. Then Thursday I have a class at St. Mary's, only for an hour though, then I acutally get one day off, Friday, then I work Sat, Sun, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Mon (2hr class), Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, yeh shoot me in the head. Thats 10 days at the hospital with 3 days off during those 10, that kills me man, I'll die, ugh ugh ugh. I'm signing up every single day for an EA in hopes that I get at least one. I did not sign myself up for this mind you, they completely switched everything around that I requested, oh well, I'll live. Actually I do get several extra hours on my time card though, for all the classes and the shadowing, so that's a bonus, but honestly, not worth it.
Luckily, I get to go have a fun sleep over on the 2nd to the 3rd with Megan, Alexandra, and I think Kate too (Jamey's fiancee) It's an Erickson side girls sleepover! I'm so excited! I hope Kelsey doesn't have her baby while I'm gone!!! Then we're having a party for Grandpa H., I think it's his 75th, on the 4th! So that'll be fun too.
Well, I have a feeling within the next few minutes I'll need to go help my patient to the commode for the 7th time this shift! That's a record for sure. So, I better wrap this up. Peace out.
This past weekend was pretty fun. Saturday we had a little post-wedding get-together for my dad's cousin Randy and his new wife, that was nice to see them and eat at Mr. Pizza! Then I traveled over to see Kelsey at her baby shower! Her baby's due May 2nd! So soon! That was fun too! Chris worked that night so I hung out with Mom for a while and then Jill, Dora, Denise, and I watched Juno at Jill's house. Sunday Chris and I had 4 kiddies in Sunday school and ate lunch at the mall with Gramps H. and Gramps & Gran E.! Fun fun. Then we hung out with Mom and Dad and had a yummy supper there and played outside in the glorious whether.
Monday, I had Kid's Hope and Chris bought a new lap top! I won't go into great length, but his old one had big issues and it was just time. It's so necessary for him to have a working computer for his classes, so I'm glad he can work on his lap top in peace now! It makes my lap top look old! Then I worked and that was that.
Today was dull, I had by BLS (basic life support) renewal class. Even though it's the renewal class, it's still too long, from 8:30-11:15, I passed and am officially renewed and ready to recussitate, heehee. Sorry, not a laughing matter. Then I did nothing and Chris was at work/school all day. I am now at work as well. It's been busy even though I only have 2 patietnts. One is on the commode every 2 hours, not kidding, and the other is just quite complicated, but very nice. They're both nice, so that's nice, very nice, nice, nice. Ugh, I'm tired! I can't wait to go home!
Tomorrow, Chris and I have the dentist @ 9:30 then I'm shadowing a nurse on 7MB (the unit I applied for) from 3p-7:30p. I'm assuming I'll hear about the job after my shadow at some point, which I'm glad about cuz I want to do the shadow first to make sure it's not absolutely something I don't want to get myself into. Then Thursday I have a class at St. Mary's, only for an hour though, then I acutally get one day off, Friday, then I work Sat, Sun, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Mon (2hr class), Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, yeh shoot me in the head. Thats 10 days at the hospital with 3 days off during those 10, that kills me man, I'll die, ugh ugh ugh. I'm signing up every single day for an EA in hopes that I get at least one. I did not sign myself up for this mind you, they completely switched everything around that I requested, oh well, I'll live. Actually I do get several extra hours on my time card though, for all the classes and the shadowing, so that's a bonus, but honestly, not worth it.
Luckily, I get to go have a fun sleep over on the 2nd to the 3rd with Megan, Alexandra, and I think Kate too (Jamey's fiancee) It's an Erickson side girls sleepover! I'm so excited! I hope Kelsey doesn't have her baby while I'm gone!!! Then we're having a party for Grandpa H., I think it's his 75th, on the 4th! So that'll be fun too.
Well, I have a feeling within the next few minutes I'll need to go help my patient to the commode for the 7th time this shift! That's a record for sure. So, I better wrap this up. Peace out.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Tell me how you have been ethically morally stressfully difficultly challengingly communicationally coherent in the work place???
Sigh....
It's over! And was it nearly as bad as I thought it would be and did I really need to get that nervous, NO! But I can't help it and I'm sure I'll be just as nervous when the next interview rolls around some day!
Chris dropped me off for my interview and I went up and met the nurse manager who instantly gave me a tour and explained how the floor runs, so that was fun to start off with. Eventually I was in a room with him, the nurse educator, a RN on the unit. They asked me 10 questions having to do with situations and how I handled them. I was fairly quick to think of things, I few weren't as great as others and one question had to be re-phased for me and I blanked out on it, but it went pretty good. The hard question had something to do with how I coped with a difficult stressful situation all while being ethical....ummm....lemme think.......stressful, ethical, difficult....I managed to come up with something. heehee.
I got a lot of details on the difficult 13ish weeks that shall lie ahead of me if I should get the job. It involves an extensive critical care class as well as time on the unit with a preceptor. I was told it would be stressful and intimidating! Yikes, well I guess I already knew that, all jobs are! I liked the feel of the unit and the people seem nice so far. So, we'll see. However, the next set of classes start in less than a month, so in order to get in on those classes, my current nurse manager will have to let me go before the usual 30 days. Otherwise I cannot start until August, but I suppose that wouldn't be the end of the world. I get to shadow a nurse for 4 hours on the 23rd so I can get a better feel of what it's like there, which I'm really glad about! Thanks to all who sent me prayers/encouarging words, it went well.
Other than that, my dear husband and I went to Culv's for lunch and who did we see? Hut and Eric! So, Chris invited them on over to our table and we all at together. I told Hut we couldn't have planned it better if we tried! They got a new car, a Cruiser, and it's cute!
Then I had to go to work and here I am, but I only have a few minutes left! Then I shall have the weekend off. The next 3 weeks I feel like I'll have a very busy time, like a bunch of shifts in a row and classes and such, oh well, I'll live. Ideally, I would like to work NEVER and just hang out at home, hahah, but yeh, that's not realistic!
Love ya alls, Luv, Brie
It's over! And was it nearly as bad as I thought it would be and did I really need to get that nervous, NO! But I can't help it and I'm sure I'll be just as nervous when the next interview rolls around some day!
Chris dropped me off for my interview and I went up and met the nurse manager who instantly gave me a tour and explained how the floor runs, so that was fun to start off with. Eventually I was in a room with him, the nurse educator, a RN on the unit. They asked me 10 questions having to do with situations and how I handled them. I was fairly quick to think of things, I few weren't as great as others and one question had to be re-phased for me and I blanked out on it, but it went pretty good. The hard question had something to do with how I coped with a difficult stressful situation all while being ethical....ummm....lemme think.......stressful, ethical, difficult....I managed to come up with something. heehee.
I got a lot of details on the difficult 13ish weeks that shall lie ahead of me if I should get the job. It involves an extensive critical care class as well as time on the unit with a preceptor. I was told it would be stressful and intimidating! Yikes, well I guess I already knew that, all jobs are! I liked the feel of the unit and the people seem nice so far. So, we'll see. However, the next set of classes start in less than a month, so in order to get in on those classes, my current nurse manager will have to let me go before the usual 30 days. Otherwise I cannot start until August, but I suppose that wouldn't be the end of the world. I get to shadow a nurse for 4 hours on the 23rd so I can get a better feel of what it's like there, which I'm really glad about! Thanks to all who sent me prayers/encouarging words, it went well.
Other than that, my dear husband and I went to Culv's for lunch and who did we see? Hut and Eric! So, Chris invited them on over to our table and we all at together. I told Hut we couldn't have planned it better if we tried! They got a new car, a Cruiser, and it's cute!
Then I had to go to work and here I am, but I only have a few minutes left! Then I shall have the weekend off. The next 3 weeks I feel like I'll have a very busy time, like a bunch of shifts in a row and classes and such, oh well, I'll live. Ideally, I would like to work NEVER and just hang out at home, hahah, but yeh, that's not realistic!
Love ya alls, Luv, Brie
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Today
Today has been somewhat uneventful: Woke up at 10:00, watched ER until 11:00, worked out until 12:00, ate lunch with Chris at Erb's until about 1:00ish. Chris left for Kid's Hope, I got ready for work. Chris came home from Kid's Hope early cuz his kid was unavailable and I left for work. Now I'm at work! Wow! Facinating.
Tonight started out slow and got busy and is now a bit slow again. We got a direct admission from a patient from Arizona! They jetted themselves over here and then the crew jetted themselves back to AZ, weird huh, all in one night. Now it's almost 9, so a couple hours left. Then I'll go home and watch The Office and ER that I taped. I am so tired and sore!
Okay, I can't take it anymore, I have to tell everyone, to get the nerves out....I have an interview in the am! I didn't wanna say anything cuz there's some peeps from work that read my blog, so if you work with me, please keep this on the down low, I beg you, as I don't want the whole world to know just yet. I'm interviewing with the nurse manager of Mary Brigh 7DE, Thoracic/Vascular Intensive Care Unit. I'm excited at the prospect of a new job! However, I get myself so worked up thinking about it. I am so nervous and sick feeling right now. I know it'll be fine, no matter what happens, so I just have to keep telling myself that. Basically I think I'll be fine as long as my mind doesn't blank out on me. You see, our interviews here are always "behavioral" meaning they'll ask me a bunch of questions about specific situations that I've had and how I dealt with them. For example "Tell me about a time when you had to communicate in a difficult circumstance or tell me about a time when you had a difficultly with a patient's family member. I should be so lucky if I get those questions, cuz I have an answer, but I know they'll ask me ones I'm not ready for, cuz I don't know what they're gonna ask. And it's always nerve racking cuz there'll be not only the nurse manager, but a few others in on the interview, all staring at me! Yikes. Say a prayer for me please!
Ok, that's it. I will probably write tomorrow night while I'm at work too and at that time, I'll be done with the interview and about a million times happier! Adios.
Tonight started out slow and got busy and is now a bit slow again. We got a direct admission from a patient from Arizona! They jetted themselves over here and then the crew jetted themselves back to AZ, weird huh, all in one night. Now it's almost 9, so a couple hours left. Then I'll go home and watch The Office and ER that I taped. I am so tired and sore!
Okay, I can't take it anymore, I have to tell everyone, to get the nerves out....I have an interview in the am! I didn't wanna say anything cuz there's some peeps from work that read my blog, so if you work with me, please keep this on the down low, I beg you, as I don't want the whole world to know just yet. I'm interviewing with the nurse manager of Mary Brigh 7DE, Thoracic/Vascular Intensive Care Unit. I'm excited at the prospect of a new job! However, I get myself so worked up thinking about it. I am so nervous and sick feeling right now. I know it'll be fine, no matter what happens, so I just have to keep telling myself that. Basically I think I'll be fine as long as my mind doesn't blank out on me. You see, our interviews here are always "behavioral" meaning they'll ask me a bunch of questions about specific situations that I've had and how I dealt with them. For example "Tell me about a time when you had to communicate in a difficult circumstance or tell me about a time when you had a difficultly with a patient's family member. I should be so lucky if I get those questions, cuz I have an answer, but I know they'll ask me ones I'm not ready for, cuz I don't know what they're gonna ask. And it's always nerve racking cuz there'll be not only the nurse manager, but a few others in on the interview, all staring at me! Yikes. Say a prayer for me please!
Ok, that's it. I will probably write tomorrow night while I'm at work too and at that time, I'll be done with the interview and about a million times happier! Adios.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Off With His Hand!
Just kidding. Chris is very well and all is fine.
We spent a few hours in the cast room this am and got to hang out with the PA for Shin's hand service (not that anyone cares, but yeh). He explained to Chris that his finger is like 2mm shorter now, but they're not concerned enough to operate, that that would be more risky. So, here he is with his first cast of possibly 3 that he'll have for a grand total of probably 6 wks. Poor Chris, no b-ball, but at least he don't gotta get cut into. They said they will operate in 2 wks if when they take the cast off they find that the bone has moved, but it probably won't!
Chris has a mouth-full of cookie right here, sorry Chris, I had to take the pic anyways.
In other news, I hung out with Mom today and we gotted some presents for upcoming showers/weddings and ate lunch at Culver's. It was fun, but I got so sleepy, probably just from getting up so early, that I had a 45 min nap, which I never do. I got woked up, thankfully or I would have slept all evening, by Dora, my dearest friend who came over to borrow the last 2 seasons of Gilmore from me, heehee.
Then later Chris and I played a little tennis cuz it was so darn nice out. He was able to do good despite his hand, but we didn't play too long. Then we watched Idol results at Mom and Dad's. Bye bye Kristy Lee. Gav and I ventured out and got frostys/pop for the fam and now here we are back at home for the night.
That's all folks! Have a wonderful rest of the week!
We spent a few hours in the cast room this am and got to hang out with the PA for Shin's hand service (not that anyone cares, but yeh). He explained to Chris that his finger is like 2mm shorter now, but they're not concerned enough to operate, that that would be more risky. So, here he is with his first cast of possibly 3 that he'll have for a grand total of probably 6 wks. Poor Chris, no b-ball, but at least he don't gotta get cut into. They said they will operate in 2 wks if when they take the cast off they find that the bone has moved, but it probably won't!
Chris has a mouth-full of cookie right here, sorry Chris, I had to take the pic anyways.
In other news, I hung out with Mom today and we gotted some presents for upcoming showers/weddings and ate lunch at Culver's. It was fun, but I got so sleepy, probably just from getting up so early, that I had a 45 min nap, which I never do. I got woked up, thankfully or I would have slept all evening, by Dora, my dearest friend who came over to borrow the last 2 seasons of Gilmore from me, heehee.
Then later Chris and I played a little tennis cuz it was so darn nice out. He was able to do good despite his hand, but we didn't play too long. Then we watched Idol results at Mom and Dad's. Bye bye Kristy Lee. Gav and I ventured out and got frostys/pop for the fam and now here we are back at home for the night.
That's all folks! Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Metacarpals, Babies, and Quiznos.
Oh Let's See:
Last Wed: Chris broke his left 4th metacarpal (ring finger bone in the hand) playing basketball. We thought it was perhaps a jam or sprain, but no, it's completely broken in 2. Tomorrow morning we are scheduled 1st case in the St. Mary's cast room with Dr. Shin's service! This is funny cuz I take care of "hand" patients all the time that had a surgery done by Dr. Shin, so it hits close to home. They will take off the splint, re-x-ray and decide to either put on a hard cast for several weeks or operate by pinning the bone together. Apparently the fracture is near the joint and small hand bones, which is why surgery may be necessary. No eating after midnight for Chris! I would feel very shocked if he had to go the OR. And I don't really like the thought of it either! But I know he'll be in good hands. If he did go to the OR it would expected that he would not have general anesthesia and that he would go home right afterwards, which is good! If he has to stay overnight, guess where he'd be....my floor! heehee. I asked him if he would like me to be his nurse and he said yes, heehee, how weird/fun would that be. But let's hope he just goes home, I can take good care of him there too!
I worked Thurs and Fri which was just fine and then Friday night we had the Kid's Hope bowling party. Chris and I supervised/watched 4 girls, including Nyombia, bowl for a few hours and eat pizza too. They were pretty cute and I think they had fun.
Saturday was fun, I mostly just got to hang out with Chris. That night we went to the Newsboys concert! It was a lot of fun. We realized we basically had front row seats, as wonderful as that sounds, it's not wonderful in real life. It's too loud to function, so we moved back to an empty area and it was entirely more enjoyable! We had lots of fun singin' along with em.
Sunday we only had little Addison in Sunday school and we taught her about Jesus walking on water. It was pretty funny, she was scared of Chris' splint and stated, "I don't want to touch it" heehee. Then we ate at the mall of course and I think that was the night we played some games with Ma and Pa :)
Yesterday, Monday, oh what did I do....well I had Kid's Hope, Nyombia was especially non-focused, but it was fun anyway. Then Chris and I worked out and such. We had Dairy Queen and said a quick hello to my fam. Then I watched my fav, John and Kate plus 8. Oh shoot, I just realized I forgot to tape Idol tonight, sad day.
Today: I got to babysit a baby! A friend from work, Erin, brought her little 4mo. boy over to hang out with me for a couple hours while she did some work related things at St. Mary's. We had lots of fun playing with teething rings and a bear, changing diapers, drinking milk, and sleeping, with minimal crying. He smiles so easily and is so cute! My mom came over after a bit to hang out with us, which was fun. It made me realize I'll be very happy to have her around when I have a baby someday (hopefully). Also, Kelsey is due very very soon! 3 weeks! I hope I can be helpful to her as I am learning more and more how difficult it is as first. Luckily she'll have much help from Jeff and both their parents as well. But it's fun that she lives so close so I can go hang with her and da baby. After babysitting was over and I plesantly surprised to get to have lunch with the great Casey Bish! We went to Quiznos and hung out for an hour before I had to come to work. We officially had not seen each other in 1 mo, Hut's wedding. It was great to catch up, I missed her!
I got to work this evening and had to float to neurology for 4 hours. It's a nice unit, it's 2 years old and has the lift system like ours. The patients are a different, but somewhat alike in that they almost all need help getting out of bed in the same way that my patients do. It was nice and the nurses were friendly. Now I'm back up on my unit. I only have 2 patients, one's asleep for the night, so of course, I have 2 hours of boredom left. Bah.
Well I have tomorrow off and will be back in the Mary Brigh building at 7:15 am with Chris and then I work Thurs/Fri evening so it's a nice work week, I don't mind it. Then I think I work Mon/Tues evening and the weekend days. (someone wanted to work my overnights and I was like, um, yes, please do!) This coming weekend is Kelsey's baby shower, so that should be fun!
Welp, I wish I had more to say to pass the time, but I don't, so I'll give ya some updates on Chris when I find out! Adios dear friends.
PS: Anne, you were the inspiration for my blog, I felt the need to update after talking to you, heehee.
Last Wed: Chris broke his left 4th metacarpal (ring finger bone in the hand) playing basketball. We thought it was perhaps a jam or sprain, but no, it's completely broken in 2. Tomorrow morning we are scheduled 1st case in the St. Mary's cast room with Dr. Shin's service! This is funny cuz I take care of "hand" patients all the time that had a surgery done by Dr. Shin, so it hits close to home. They will take off the splint, re-x-ray and decide to either put on a hard cast for several weeks or operate by pinning the bone together. Apparently the fracture is near the joint and small hand bones, which is why surgery may be necessary. No eating after midnight for Chris! I would feel very shocked if he had to go the OR. And I don't really like the thought of it either! But I know he'll be in good hands. If he did go to the OR it would expected that he would not have general anesthesia and that he would go home right afterwards, which is good! If he has to stay overnight, guess where he'd be....my floor! heehee. I asked him if he would like me to be his nurse and he said yes, heehee, how weird/fun would that be. But let's hope he just goes home, I can take good care of him there too!
I worked Thurs and Fri which was just fine and then Friday night we had the Kid's Hope bowling party. Chris and I supervised/watched 4 girls, including Nyombia, bowl for a few hours and eat pizza too. They were pretty cute and I think they had fun.
Saturday was fun, I mostly just got to hang out with Chris. That night we went to the Newsboys concert! It was a lot of fun. We realized we basically had front row seats, as wonderful as that sounds, it's not wonderful in real life. It's too loud to function, so we moved back to an empty area and it was entirely more enjoyable! We had lots of fun singin' along with em.
Sunday we only had little Addison in Sunday school and we taught her about Jesus walking on water. It was pretty funny, she was scared of Chris' splint and stated, "I don't want to touch it" heehee. Then we ate at the mall of course and I think that was the night we played some games with Ma and Pa :)
Yesterday, Monday, oh what did I do....well I had Kid's Hope, Nyombia was especially non-focused, but it was fun anyway. Then Chris and I worked out and such. We had Dairy Queen and said a quick hello to my fam. Then I watched my fav, John and Kate plus 8. Oh shoot, I just realized I forgot to tape Idol tonight, sad day.
Today: I got to babysit a baby! A friend from work, Erin, brought her little 4mo. boy over to hang out with me for a couple hours while she did some work related things at St. Mary's. We had lots of fun playing with teething rings and a bear, changing diapers, drinking milk, and sleeping, with minimal crying. He smiles so easily and is so cute! My mom came over after a bit to hang out with us, which was fun. It made me realize I'll be very happy to have her around when I have a baby someday (hopefully). Also, Kelsey is due very very soon! 3 weeks! I hope I can be helpful to her as I am learning more and more how difficult it is as first. Luckily she'll have much help from Jeff and both their parents as well. But it's fun that she lives so close so I can go hang with her and da baby. After babysitting was over and I plesantly surprised to get to have lunch with the great Casey Bish! We went to Quiznos and hung out for an hour before I had to come to work. We officially had not seen each other in 1 mo, Hut's wedding. It was great to catch up, I missed her!
I got to work this evening and had to float to neurology for 4 hours. It's a nice unit, it's 2 years old and has the lift system like ours. The patients are a different, but somewhat alike in that they almost all need help getting out of bed in the same way that my patients do. It was nice and the nurses were friendly. Now I'm back up on my unit. I only have 2 patients, one's asleep for the night, so of course, I have 2 hours of boredom left. Bah.
Well I have tomorrow off and will be back in the Mary Brigh building at 7:15 am with Chris and then I work Thurs/Fri evening so it's a nice work week, I don't mind it. Then I think I work Mon/Tues evening and the weekend days. (someone wanted to work my overnights and I was like, um, yes, please do!) This coming weekend is Kelsey's baby shower, so that should be fun!
Welp, I wish I had more to say to pass the time, but I don't, so I'll give ya some updates on Chris when I find out! Adios dear friends.
PS: Anne, you were the inspiration for my blog, I felt the need to update after talking to you, heehee.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Cool dude.
Who watched Idol last night and was shocked and amazed by the fact that they all sang Shout to the Lord??? That was awesome :)
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Snow Day! Well, the same great feeling as a snow day.
Mom said she was sick of seeing her anniversary blog, so I'm updating so she can see something new.
Today began tragically, as I had to get up for work. Here's what I do: I set my alarm for 5am, then re-set it for 5:45am. Then I'm in the bathroom until about 5:55. Then I eat and get everything ready to go, this only takes until 6:03ish. Then from 6:03 to 6:25 I sleep on the couch until my alarm (cell phone) goes off and it's time to go. Some would say....well you only use 18 minutes total of time to get ready, why don't you just set your alarm once and stay in bed until 6:07, get ready and go and 6:25? It's too painful that way, I need to get out of bed knowing I can sleep more on the couch later, hahah.
Anyhoo, so this morning, it was 6:15am and I was fast asleep on the couch when my phone goes off. My brain new it wasn't the alarm ring, but the "someone's calling me" ring. I opened it up and what number did I see? 538-1700, YES! This is the number that appears when you get any call from Mayo. And what did the say you ask "Brianna would you like a 4-hour EA?" "Yes!" I replied with much enthusiasm. And then life is once again filled with happines and a very large burden lifts off my back as I scamper back up to bed. I cannot help but giggle and squirm around until Chris notices and wakes up. I have to tell him, otherwise he'd wake up later and freak out that I overslept or something. Next, comes waiting to hear if I get the last 4 hours of my shift off. So, I got another call from the 1700 number at 9:30, "Brianna would you like to stay home for the rest of your shift?" "Why yes I would and thank you!" WHOOP! So, I got up and watched ER until 11:00! Score, I love it. And I'm getting paid to do it. I love that we can take random vacation days. This is quite rare, but I guess that's what makes it so special. I guess I was first on the list to stay home, sweet huh?
Now I have to make something of my day or I'll feel sluggy. So, Chris has left for b-ball and work, so I better go work-out.
What else is new.....Mom and Gavin are back home from their trips and they had fun and something exciting is that Chris and I bought a video camera! We've been wanting one for a long time (well I think I've been wanting it for a long time) and finally we found a good deal and felt educated enough to pick one out that works for us. Yip yip hooray! I think it's cute, it's not overly fancy or anything because we're not overly loaded with money to spare, but it'll do just fine.
Here's a pick of it.....
Ok peeps I better go work out and be productive. Adios.
Today began tragically, as I had to get up for work. Here's what I do: I set my alarm for 5am, then re-set it for 5:45am. Then I'm in the bathroom until about 5:55. Then I eat and get everything ready to go, this only takes until 6:03ish. Then from 6:03 to 6:25 I sleep on the couch until my alarm (cell phone) goes off and it's time to go. Some would say....well you only use 18 minutes total of time to get ready, why don't you just set your alarm once and stay in bed until 6:07, get ready and go and 6:25? It's too painful that way, I need to get out of bed knowing I can sleep more on the couch later, hahah.
Anyhoo, so this morning, it was 6:15am and I was fast asleep on the couch when my phone goes off. My brain new it wasn't the alarm ring, but the "someone's calling me" ring. I opened it up and what number did I see? 538-1700, YES! This is the number that appears when you get any call from Mayo. And what did the say you ask "Brianna would you like a 4-hour EA?" "Yes!" I replied with much enthusiasm. And then life is once again filled with happines and a very large burden lifts off my back as I scamper back up to bed. I cannot help but giggle and squirm around until Chris notices and wakes up. I have to tell him, otherwise he'd wake up later and freak out that I overslept or something. Next, comes waiting to hear if I get the last 4 hours of my shift off. So, I got another call from the 1700 number at 9:30, "Brianna would you like to stay home for the rest of your shift?" "Why yes I would and thank you!" WHOOP! So, I got up and watched ER until 11:00! Score, I love it. And I'm getting paid to do it. I love that we can take random vacation days. This is quite rare, but I guess that's what makes it so special. I guess I was first on the list to stay home, sweet huh?
Now I have to make something of my day or I'll feel sluggy. So, Chris has left for b-ball and work, so I better go work-out.
What else is new.....Mom and Gavin are back home from their trips and they had fun and something exciting is that Chris and I bought a video camera! We've been wanting one for a long time (well I think I've been wanting it for a long time) and finally we found a good deal and felt educated enough to pick one out that works for us. Yip yip hooray! I think it's cute, it's not overly fancy or anything because we're not overly loaded with money to spare, but it'll do just fine.
Here's a pick of it.....
Ok peeps I better go work out and be productive. Adios.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Happy 26 Years Together Mom and Dad!!!
My Mommy and Daddy got married on April 3rd 1982!!! So, it's not quite the big day, but Mom's leaving for Washington D.C. on the 3rd, so I'm putting this up early! I am very proud of my parents for their long and wonderful marriage! I know they have an amazing marriage and I think they raised up 3 pretty good kids too, well, I'm questionable...
Thank you for being the bestest parents ever!!! Love you both so much and congratulations!
PS: I dunno why the pics insist on being little, oh well!
Friday, March 28, 2008
I Called It, Another Blog
I declare this the easiest shift (well there's 1 hour left of it) of my life. You may all think I never work hard because I only blog when I have time on my hands, but it's really not that often.
I have only 2 patients, we all do and they're so darn easy. The hours are dragging by. I suppose I have a bit less than an hour, but it feels like a lifettime. I dunno how many times I've checked facebook and email, too many to count.
Today was short, cuz I worked, but I woke up at 9:30. Chris pounced into the room and attacked me to wake me up. He had a ridiculous amount of energy and I did not. For some reason he gets up at like 8:30 or something. Perhaps he likes his alone time before I wake up, but then he misses me so much that he has to come wake me up. I got him to give me a back rub, heehee. Then I had some cereal while I put in my 2-cents worth on Chris' resume/cover letter as he updated them. He's applied for another job at Mayo, we'll see what happens.
I then went to work out as Chris left for b-ball. I worked out harder than usual. I ran on the tredmill for 16 mins and walked for 14 mins, alternating. Then I did a bunch of weight machines. I hope I'm sore in the am so I know I did some hard work! I got home in time to see Chris as he runs to the shower and changes into his fancy business clothes and thens runs out about 15 mins later for work. He got done at 5p, but here I sat at work, so I haven't seen him in a while. He told me he's going to my parent's tonight to get some help from daddy with his car. I love that he can just go over there and feel comfortable, that always makes me happy. There's nothing more I could hope for then my husband and parents being comfortable with eachother, yay yip yay.
Chris and I have been examining our future in depth lately and we've come to realize we just don't know what'll happen and we just have to wait and see for a lot of things. Although it's hard to not know what'll happen, it's also been good because it forces us to really rely on God and let him know we trust Him. It's very peaceful to just be able to say, ok, whatever you want God and just being able to know he'll take care of us. I feel so very blessed everyday to have God in my life and to be with my amazing husband. I also feel so blessed to have the family that I do and the friends too. To have a place to live, a job, food to eat, and to be safe and have a healthy family.
I'm excited that I have Sat, Sun, and Mon off. Tomorrow I shall work out and clean my home! Then I will hope that I can find someone to hang out with cuz my dear husband works at Culver's all night. Who wants to hang out with me??? Heehee. Sunday we'll finally be back in the 3-year old room, we've missed like a month with my weird weekend schedule lately. Monday, my baby brother leaves for Mexico with his friend Andrew and his family, along with some other friends. I'm so excited for him that he gets to fly for the first time. Then later in the week my Mom leaves with her sister Jodi and Grandma for a 4 day trip to Washington DC, just for fun.
Well, I guess I'm down to a half hour now.......hope it goes fast.
Bye friends.
I have only 2 patients, we all do and they're so darn easy. The hours are dragging by. I suppose I have a bit less than an hour, but it feels like a lifettime. I dunno how many times I've checked facebook and email, too many to count.
Today was short, cuz I worked, but I woke up at 9:30. Chris pounced into the room and attacked me to wake me up. He had a ridiculous amount of energy and I did not. For some reason he gets up at like 8:30 or something. Perhaps he likes his alone time before I wake up, but then he misses me so much that he has to come wake me up. I got him to give me a back rub, heehee. Then I had some cereal while I put in my 2-cents worth on Chris' resume/cover letter as he updated them. He's applied for another job at Mayo, we'll see what happens.
I then went to work out as Chris left for b-ball. I worked out harder than usual. I ran on the tredmill for 16 mins and walked for 14 mins, alternating. Then I did a bunch of weight machines. I hope I'm sore in the am so I know I did some hard work! I got home in time to see Chris as he runs to the shower and changes into his fancy business clothes and thens runs out about 15 mins later for work. He got done at 5p, but here I sat at work, so I haven't seen him in a while. He told me he's going to my parent's tonight to get some help from daddy with his car. I love that he can just go over there and feel comfortable, that always makes me happy. There's nothing more I could hope for then my husband and parents being comfortable with eachother, yay yip yay.
Chris and I have been examining our future in depth lately and we've come to realize we just don't know what'll happen and we just have to wait and see for a lot of things. Although it's hard to not know what'll happen, it's also been good because it forces us to really rely on God and let him know we trust Him. It's very peaceful to just be able to say, ok, whatever you want God and just being able to know he'll take care of us. I feel so very blessed everyday to have God in my life and to be with my amazing husband. I also feel so blessed to have the family that I do and the friends too. To have a place to live, a job, food to eat, and to be safe and have a healthy family.
I'm excited that I have Sat, Sun, and Mon off. Tomorrow I shall work out and clean my home! Then I will hope that I can find someone to hang out with cuz my dear husband works at Culver's all night. Who wants to hang out with me??? Heehee. Sunday we'll finally be back in the 3-year old room, we've missed like a month with my weird weekend schedule lately. Monday, my baby brother leaves for Mexico with his friend Andrew and his family, along with some other friends. I'm so excited for him that he gets to fly for the first time. Then later in the week my Mom leaves with her sister Jodi and Grandma for a 4 day trip to Washington DC, just for fun.
Well, I guess I'm down to a half hour now.......hope it goes fast.
Bye friends.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
I am Bubsy
I feel like I don't know what has happened in the past few weeks, so if I leave you out, I'm sorry!
Um..well tonight I'm at work. It seems I only blog on my evening shift and here I am at work in the evening. I'll be here tomorrow too, so you'll probably get another blog then as well.
It's been nice to not feel quite so cold lately! I ran outside one day, but then the next day it snowed, but we're getting there.
Oh, it's coming back to me now, I know what I did!
I was in Heather's wedding! Heather got married on the 15th, so it's almost been 2 wks! The rehersal was good and the dinner was very good, at Valentino's! On the morning of the wedding I went to pick Heather up from her parent's house and we went and got our hair done! Heather looked beautiful! Then we went to church and had some food and got dressed. Kelsey and Casey were a huge help with everything. Eventually we did pictures and it was long, but good. Then the actual wedding came and it was just lovely. Heather looked so pretty and the service was very nice. The reception was fun. I felt special sitting next to the bride. It was fun to see some highschool friends there: Elizabeth, Greg, Katie, and Meghan! Yip yip! Eventually Heather and Eric were off to the cities for a few days. Now we have them back and Chris and I got to hang out with them on Tuesday night. We played a game at their new place and then had ice cream at Culver's. It's a miracle we found a night we were all free!
Monday night was also a friend night. Jeff and Kelsey met Chris and I at Applebees and we all got a chance to catch up a bit. Kelsey brought ultrasound pics and the baby looks so cute! yay! It was mucho fun.
Oh what else....I've been working and Chris has been schooling/internshipping/working. He's got just this week of classes and then it's on to "spring" trimester which lasts until late June. Then he's got one class in late summer and three classes from Sept-Dec. and then he's DONE!
Easter seemed fun for my fam. I had to work, but did get to see the Hemmer side that night, but missed out on the Erickson side, poo. Oh well, I think they had fun without me, heehee.
It's been a good week, I've made some progress in the new job looking area, I shall update you if that progresses any furthur.
This past Tuesday and Wednesday I spent from 7a to 4p in class, called Orthopedics II. It's all filled with speakers discussing things pertinent to ortho nurses. It was actually really really good with perfect topics and good speakers. But it was long and I got sleepy a lot. I had it with 3 other nurses from my floor so that was nice!
Well, I think I'm out of things to say. I'm sure I missed a lot!
I'm sure you'll hear from me soon!
PS: my post-op patient today is hilarious, he like shouted my name when I entered the room like we were old friends. He's from the south, but he sounds Australian and he calls me "Bubsy" "Bubs" "Mum" "Hun" and so forth. I have never been called Bubsy (Bub-See) before, it's funny. He told me he's the happiest person in the hospital, I think he may be right. Wowee!
Um..well tonight I'm at work. It seems I only blog on my evening shift and here I am at work in the evening. I'll be here tomorrow too, so you'll probably get another blog then as well.
It's been nice to not feel quite so cold lately! I ran outside one day, but then the next day it snowed, but we're getting there.
Oh, it's coming back to me now, I know what I did!
I was in Heather's wedding! Heather got married on the 15th, so it's almost been 2 wks! The rehersal was good and the dinner was very good, at Valentino's! On the morning of the wedding I went to pick Heather up from her parent's house and we went and got our hair done! Heather looked beautiful! Then we went to church and had some food and got dressed. Kelsey and Casey were a huge help with everything. Eventually we did pictures and it was long, but good. Then the actual wedding came and it was just lovely. Heather looked so pretty and the service was very nice. The reception was fun. I felt special sitting next to the bride. It was fun to see some highschool friends there: Elizabeth, Greg, Katie, and Meghan! Yip yip! Eventually Heather and Eric were off to the cities for a few days. Now we have them back and Chris and I got to hang out with them on Tuesday night. We played a game at their new place and then had ice cream at Culver's. It's a miracle we found a night we were all free!
Monday night was also a friend night. Jeff and Kelsey met Chris and I at Applebees and we all got a chance to catch up a bit. Kelsey brought ultrasound pics and the baby looks so cute! yay! It was mucho fun.
Oh what else....I've been working and Chris has been schooling/internshipping/working. He's got just this week of classes and then it's on to "spring" trimester which lasts until late June. Then he's got one class in late summer and three classes from Sept-Dec. and then he's DONE!
Easter seemed fun for my fam. I had to work, but did get to see the Hemmer side that night, but missed out on the Erickson side, poo. Oh well, I think they had fun without me, heehee.
It's been a good week, I've made some progress in the new job looking area, I shall update you if that progresses any furthur.
This past Tuesday and Wednesday I spent from 7a to 4p in class, called Orthopedics II. It's all filled with speakers discussing things pertinent to ortho nurses. It was actually really really good with perfect topics and good speakers. But it was long and I got sleepy a lot. I had it with 3 other nurses from my floor so that was nice!
Well, I think I'm out of things to say. I'm sure I missed a lot!
I'm sure you'll hear from me soon!
PS: my post-op patient today is hilarious, he like shouted my name when I entered the room like we were old friends. He's from the south, but he sounds Australian and he calls me "Bubsy" "Bubs" "Mum" "Hun" and so forth. I have never been called Bubsy (Bub-See) before, it's funny. He told me he's the happiest person in the hospital, I think he may be right. Wowee!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Break Blog
I'm on my break. I feel like people are sick of me blogging, hahaha. I almost feel annoying, like I'm blogging too much, haahaa. I guess I'm just sitting here on my break doing nothing, so I thought I'd write something.
Today I'm back on my floor. It's a wonderful day actually. I have one patient in the OR and the other 2 are pleasent. I had an awesome nursing student this morning who did pretty much everything for one of my patients and the other has a lot of medical issues, but with only her to really concentrate on, it's a nice day! I'm hoping my post-op doesn't come back right before I wanna go home!
Yesterday after work was fun. I made supper for Chris and I and we got to go on a walk, outside! It wasn't as frozen-tundra-ish as it usually is, so we could enjoy it. But now there are giant puddles everywhere!
Then we went to Mom and Dad's again to watch Idol, whoop! Then the 4 of us played rummy and Chris won, of course. I got dead last.
Tomorrow is Heather's rehersal and Saturday is the wedding! Then on Sunday, it's Gavin's b-day, 17 already! Wowee. I get to see the fam and amazingly enough, I do not work!
MMMkay, I better go back to work. 2.75 hours left!
Bye bye.
Today I'm back on my floor. It's a wonderful day actually. I have one patient in the OR and the other 2 are pleasent. I had an awesome nursing student this morning who did pretty much everything for one of my patients and the other has a lot of medical issues, but with only her to really concentrate on, it's a nice day! I'm hoping my post-op doesn't come back right before I wanna go home!
Yesterday after work was fun. I made supper for Chris and I and we got to go on a walk, outside! It wasn't as frozen-tundra-ish as it usually is, so we could enjoy it. But now there are giant puddles everywhere!
Then we went to Mom and Dad's again to watch Idol, whoop! Then the 4 of us played rummy and Chris won, of course. I got dead last.
Tomorrow is Heather's rehersal and Saturday is the wedding! Then on Sunday, it's Gavin's b-day, 17 already! Wowee. I get to see the fam and amazingly enough, I do not work!
MMMkay, I better go back to work. 2.75 hours left!
Bye bye.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Stents, Angina, Stress Tests, whatev.
Here I am on Francis 4C, cardiac unit. My patients are as easy as can be, on my unit, the minutes would be flying by with great speed, but I have had nothing to do since like 9:00. All my patients walk around and are just fine for now, so yeh, I'm very bored. I'm hoping very very much that I get to go back to ortho at 11:00. I'm only supposed to be here until then, but it can change.
I just had a nice couple days off. I dunno what I did.
Well yesterday I got to have lunch with Heather! We went to Noodles. I realized this was my last time hanging out with a non-married Hut! Wowee. I got my dress back, altered and ready to wear, and Hut's wedding is in, holy crap, 3 days??? really, yeh, wow.
I watched idol last night with Mom and Dad while Chris was in school, my favs are David Cook, Brooke White, and Jason Castro.
Jeesh, this unit has so much beeping going on. The patients have heart monitors on, which I'm not qualified to read, and so I can see a computer in front of me showing all their heart rhythms and it beeps a lot.
Ugh, so slow! Oh well, I guess I'll go wander around some more.
Bye friends.
I just had a nice couple days off. I dunno what I did.
Well yesterday I got to have lunch with Heather! We went to Noodles. I realized this was my last time hanging out with a non-married Hut! Wowee. I got my dress back, altered and ready to wear, and Hut's wedding is in, holy crap, 3 days??? really, yeh, wow.
I watched idol last night with Mom and Dad while Chris was in school, my favs are David Cook, Brooke White, and Jason Castro.
Jeesh, this unit has so much beeping going on. The patients have heart monitors on, which I'm not qualified to read, and so I can see a computer in front of me showing all their heart rhythms and it beeps a lot.
Ugh, so slow! Oh well, I guess I'll go wander around some more.
Bye friends.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Daylight's Saving Sunday
Yep, another new blog.
It's Sunday and I'm at work. It's a super good day. I had 3 patients and am now down to 2! Better than yesterday's 4....
I went to bed an hour early last night, so I didn't loose an hour of sleep, but I still only got my 6-ish hours of sleep, so I was not very rested, haahaa.
Coming to work this am was much more pleasant, for one thing, I had less patients, and for another thing, the nurses before me got a lots of things done, which is always nice (thanks Anne!!!! PS: Anne, if you're reading this tonight, I hope your night is good and goes fast!)
I'm on the B side (as opposed to the G side) and I'm likin' it. It's much smaller and calmer, somewhat like when I worked on Alfred insted of Joseph, ok too much detail.
I'm sittin' here watching my patients and covering for another nurse while she's on break. I get to go eat in 32 minutes.
Well, I gotta go give some Potassium. Have a wonderful week!
It's Sunday and I'm at work. It's a super good day. I had 3 patients and am now down to 2! Better than yesterday's 4....
I went to bed an hour early last night, so I didn't loose an hour of sleep, but I still only got my 6-ish hours of sleep, so I was not very rested, haahaa.
Coming to work this am was much more pleasant, for one thing, I had less patients, and for another thing, the nurses before me got a lots of things done, which is always nice (thanks Anne!!!! PS: Anne, if you're reading this tonight, I hope your night is good and goes fast!)
I'm on the B side (as opposed to the G side) and I'm likin' it. It's much smaller and calmer, somewhat like when I worked on Alfred insted of Joseph, ok too much detail.
I'm sittin' here watching my patients and covering for another nurse while she's on break. I get to go eat in 32 minutes.
Well, I gotta go give some Potassium. Have a wonderful week!
Saturday, March 08, 2008
For My Faithful Readers....
Today was a surprising day, but yesterday was fun too, as was Thursday.....
Thursday was sa-weet cuz Mom and I went to the movie Definiely, Maybe, it was better then I thought it would be, I liked it! I did not like the other 3 ladies in the theatre. They were at least 32-33ish years old and they giggled, no cackled at random moments, very very loudly. My mom said they must have had something to "drink". I would imagine so, for grown women to be so immautre.
Friday was fun, Chris and I asked Jeff and Kelsey if they wanted to have lunch with us, so we all went to Tinns. After that we went over to their place for a bit and saw the almost finished baby's room! So cute! I love it! Now I just wanna see the baby in there! Later, Chris and I decided to stay in and watch a movie at home, not something we do often. But, we borrowed "A Beautiful Mind" from Mom and Dad so Chris could see it. It's such a good movie! So that was fun just hanging out at home free of charge. We also played rummy and he keeps beating me.
Today was also sa-weet. I went to work, prepared for shift one of two 12 hour shifts, but lo and behold, I got to leave and never come back at 11:30, so that's 8 hours of paid time off I took today! Yip yip! I was very surprised. Chris and I worked out and ate out at Erbs. Later he had to go to work and I got to join Mom, Dad, Gavin, and Gran and Gramps E. at Mr. Pizza, the new one! It's very nice there. Then we all went to Mom and Dad's and I hung out with Gran and Mom, cutting cheese (literally for a noodle salad) and Dad and Grandpa fiddled/fixed the new bathroom sink. Mom and Dad are re-doing the "kid's bathroom" it's gonna be so pretty.
Now I am home and trying to focus on the fact that I will loose an hour of sleep and must plan accordingly. I am now going to read a devotion from my book, read a bit of my bible, then perhaps hop in bed and watch episodes of Gilmore that I've seen 100 times.
My little heart is crushed right now and I feel all the more desparate for new job. I have now realized that I will miss out this year on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, therefore, I will miss out on seeing my family. I dunno what to do, yeh I can get through it, obviously, I've done it now for almost 2 years, but I just despise it! I cannot spend my life missing out on family stuff, so I gotta figure something out before I have kids of my own and have to miss their holidays too. Argh. I am grateful that I'm not a patient and grateful to work every-other holiday, but still, it's very very hard. And tomorrow I miss seeing Great Grandpa, who is now 95 yrs old!
Well, I better get going. Have a peaceful Sunday. I hope your heart if full of God's peace!!!
Love.
Thursday was sa-weet cuz Mom and I went to the movie Definiely, Maybe, it was better then I thought it would be, I liked it! I did not like the other 3 ladies in the theatre. They were at least 32-33ish years old and they giggled, no cackled at random moments, very very loudly. My mom said they must have had something to "drink". I would imagine so, for grown women to be so immautre.
Friday was fun, Chris and I asked Jeff and Kelsey if they wanted to have lunch with us, so we all went to Tinns. After that we went over to their place for a bit and saw the almost finished baby's room! So cute! I love it! Now I just wanna see the baby in there! Later, Chris and I decided to stay in and watch a movie at home, not something we do often. But, we borrowed "A Beautiful Mind" from Mom and Dad so Chris could see it. It's such a good movie! So that was fun just hanging out at home free of charge. We also played rummy and he keeps beating me.
Today was also sa-weet. I went to work, prepared for shift one of two 12 hour shifts, but lo and behold, I got to leave and never come back at 11:30, so that's 8 hours of paid time off I took today! Yip yip! I was very surprised. Chris and I worked out and ate out at Erbs. Later he had to go to work and I got to join Mom, Dad, Gavin, and Gran and Gramps E. at Mr. Pizza, the new one! It's very nice there. Then we all went to Mom and Dad's and I hung out with Gran and Mom, cutting cheese (literally for a noodle salad) and Dad and Grandpa fiddled/fixed the new bathroom sink. Mom and Dad are re-doing the "kid's bathroom" it's gonna be so pretty.
Now I am home and trying to focus on the fact that I will loose an hour of sleep and must plan accordingly. I am now going to read a devotion from my book, read a bit of my bible, then perhaps hop in bed and watch episodes of Gilmore that I've seen 100 times.
My little heart is crushed right now and I feel all the more desparate for new job. I have now realized that I will miss out this year on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, therefore, I will miss out on seeing my family. I dunno what to do, yeh I can get through it, obviously, I've done it now for almost 2 years, but I just despise it! I cannot spend my life missing out on family stuff, so I gotta figure something out before I have kids of my own and have to miss their holidays too. Argh. I am grateful that I'm not a patient and grateful to work every-other holiday, but still, it's very very hard. And tomorrow I miss seeing Great Grandpa, who is now 95 yrs old!
Well, I better get going. Have a peaceful Sunday. I hope your heart if full of God's peace!!!
Love.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
History in the Making
Hello earthlings.
An update you want? I thought so. Well, an upate you shall have, in chronlogical order.
Friday: worked, blah blah, don't remember what else.
Saturday: Went shopping with Mom for a bit at Target and had a fun time with her. Then Kellie, Jill, Dora, and I had an adventure. We decided to go to Newt's, a little restaurant in Rochester claiming the best burgers around. I had never been there and the girls had been there once or something. It's downtown and you have to like walk down an alley and up a creepy, rickety set of ghetto steps. The place is teeny tiny and the whole town has also come to try to eat fit in there. We were never greeted by anyone, we just stood in line with the others. The deal there, so I've heard, is that you just sit when there's an open table. So, we waited. Then, when we were almost next to sit, this hostess girl walks to the back of the line, right past us and starts taking people's names down. Finally, we were like, "um, is that a list we're supposed to be on? We've been here like 20 minutes before all these people" And she was like "um, yeh, you're supposed to be on the list" and preceded to write our name down at the BOTTOM of the list, AFTER all the people who came AFTER us. So we were like, "um, we were sorta here first, can you write our name first since no one approached us to get our names?" And, she was, of course, super confused and just said, "um um um, no, but I"ll see what I can do." W-O-W. So yeh, we probably waited like 40 minutes after all but like one family went in ahead of us. However, we decided we were not in a hurry and to just be peaceful about it. Once we finally got to sit, it was very yummy and fun. But wow, what an unorganized place! Insanity! I decided if I worked there, I would whip it into shape. After that we went to the downtown Barnes & Noble, the cool one that used to be the Chateau Theatres back in the day. It was a fun night!
Sunday: Chris and I had 6 kids in Sunday school, it was pretty fun, they didn't kill each other. Then we went up to Lake Elmo to be at the 1st couple hours of my cousins Grant (6) and Alexandra's (14) birthday party. Everyone in the fam. was there and it was a ton of fun, but hard to leave early.
Megan 24, Alex 14, Brianna 24.
The Erickson Side Girls. (Jensen, 5)
Why did we leave the party early you ask? Well, Mom, Dad, Chris, Me, Brice, Jenny, and Gavin had a Timberwolves game to catch! Mom found $12 dollar seats for us and they were really great seats! In my opinon! It was a lot of fun, I had never been to an NBA game before! The sonics beat us in overtime by 5 pts. It was great to see Brice and Jenny and all do something together like that.
Chris and I squished in the back, but it was cozy!
Da Game
Chris, Me, Dad, Jen, Brice, Gav (Mom took pic)
I can't remember what else I've done this week, Kid's Hope, had supper with Bish, watched idol with Mom and Dad, hung out with my dearest husband, worked yesterday and today, have the next 2 days off, work the weekend, and before ya know it, it's Heather's wedding on the 15th!
And that my friends has been a weekly update by Brianna M. Lewis.
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