There are two things causing me great stress right now. Number one, we are going to Disney World in three weeks. Number two, I have to wear a bikini in front of college friends in February.
So, we're taking the family to WDW mid-October. I haven't been since I was two, so obviously I don't remember any of it. I know it is supposed to be the most magical place on earth. So far, I've found it to be the most stress-filled and most expensive place on earth and we're not even there yet. We are only going to go to Magic Kingdom two days. We'll be in Orlando for the week, but aren't going to drag two little kids to the park everyday. I don't think that would be enjoyable for any of us. We're having breakfast with the princesses one morning, and staying late another night for the Not So Scary Halloween Party.
The reason I'm so stressed is because there is so much to prepare. I have no idea where to go once we're in the park. I realize they have maps, but if you know me, you know I like to be prepared. I was always the annoying one in high school and college who planned all the spring breaks and knew exactly where and when we needed to be somewhere. Yes, I'm that girl. Do I bring my stroller or rent one? Do I bring all of Addison's princess outfits? Do I take my big camera or just use my iPhone? Do we need to pack extra clothes? What if the kids cry the whole time because they're hot or tired?
Gosh I sound like a whiner. Sorry. I just feel like I need some guidance. And yes, I realize there are much bigger problems in the world than this. I just want it to be a great experience for everyone and I feel like if I plan everything well enough it will be. I think I'm also a little sad because my mom and dad were supposed to be coming with us on this trip and my mom just isn't ready for a vacation quite yet. So it's a little bittersweet. So if you have been to Magic Kingdom, please help a sista out and give me some input! I realize it's pointless to worry about such silly things, but it's part of who I am. Maybe I should just get on some major anti-anxiety medications or start drinking heavily.
Number two - the much bigger problem - Ike and I are going to Mexico for a wedding in February. One of my best friend's/former roommate is getting married there. I wouldn't miss it for the world. She's a beautiful actress living in LA. She is a friend from college, a very fit friend from college, a very fit friend from college who hasn't had her body remodeled by the art of childbearing. A few other people from college will also be there. We'll be there for several days before and after the wedding, and we're all staying in the same place. It's going to be super fun, but I'm getting very stressed about having to get into my bikini in front of all these people I know.
Last time they saw me in a bikini, I was in my 20's, a Colts Cheerleader, and had nothing to do other than workout and go to class. Now, I'm in my 30's, have delivered two babies, and have no time to work out. I bounced back quickly after having Addison, but after Camden, things didn't go back so quickly. It's like gravity got ahold of everything and hasn't let go yet. When I realized that I'm actually going to be seen in a bikini by my fellow BSU alum, I felt my heart sink. It was like the feeling you get when you're told you have to speak in front of an audience. Lump in throat, butterflies in belly, nausea, sweaty hands - you get my drift, unless you're one of those weird people who enjoys public speaking.
So, I've decided that I am going to start working out a little - hopefully at least 3 times per week. But I'm not going to start until after Disney. I've got to mentally prepare myself. You know, build up to it. I don't enjoy working out. . . at all. I have started eating better recently. If you read my previous blog, you already know that - sorry for the redundancy. The holidays are going to be super hard this year. I can eat my weight in sugar between Halloween and Christmas. Why oh why can't this trip be with fried-chicken-loving, working mothers with several children, who also have no time for themselves?
I'm going to end up a heavily medicated anorexic by the time this year is over. But hey, at least I'll be relaxed and skinny.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
I Love the Target Cafe
Sunday morning I had brunch with some of my best girlfriends from college. We had some great laughs like we always do. I even saved one of my friends from eating what looked to be a black pubic hair in her sausage gravy. If you've read any of my previous blogs, you know I have a fear of hair in my food and will search before eating. Apparently, I have even started to study my friends' food. But hey, I did save her from having to pull a pube out of her teeth like floss, huh? I am pretty darn loyal if I do say so myself.
Back to the subject. One of my friend's has a son who started Kindergarten this year. We were talking about waiting at the bus stop, field trips, and PTO. It took me a minute to figure out what PTO was because at work it means "Paid Time Off." I forgot that it also means "Parent/Teacher Organization." At least, I think that's what it means. Anyway, we were laughing because we were talking about how much our lives have changed. There's no way when we were juniors at Ball State we thought we'd be having brunch and talking about PTO. Our main concern then was which black pants we were going to wear out to Dill Street. Oh and having enough time to pre-party - which meant drinking your cocktails while showering and drying your hair. My my have times have changed. We agreed that we're going to have to start playing Bunco.
I've had several moments over the past years that I couldn't have imagined myself doing even 5 years ago. As of this summer, I have had lunch at Target at the little Target Cafe. If you would have told me 5 years ago that I would have been eating lunch there with my kids in the future, I would have laughed at you. However, nowadays I find myself at the Target Cafe nearly once a week having a rather enjoyable lunch with my kids before shopping my brains out. I've actually had lunch dates there. I know, this is getting worse by the minute. We were there today in fact. I looked around and saw three other moms with their kids there, so I didn't feel so bad. It's cheap and convenient, so it works. I never said I was a high roller. I do think I may have to invest in some high-waisted, unflattering-to-the-butt Mom jeans soon. Or a mini-van with the decal of my entire stick family and stick pets. I am kidding. If this ever happens, please just shoot me and put me out of my misery. I don't want to live like that.
Ike and I have gotten used to eating macaroni and cheese, pizza, and other kid staples for every meal. We add fruits and vegetables, but the main course is usually something the kids will like. I can make Kraft mac & cheese from the box and Addi will say, "Mommy, you're the best cooker. You should work at a restaurant." I love naivety. I had the bright idea of trying to reintroduce the kids to more healthful main courses. Kid-friendly foods aren't healthy, nor are they good for the waistline after a while. I made vegetable stir fry on Saturday night. Cam didn't eat anything other than the peas and rice. Addi did okay, but didn't eat much more than Cam. Then tonight I tried falafel. Yes, I know. What was I thinking? Most adults don't even like falafel, why did I think a 17 month old and a 4 year old would like it? At least both of them tried it, but both spit it out. So what did I do you ask? I ended up making them both peanut butter and jelly. FAIL. Ike and I ate the falafel and are now currently in falafel comas. We've met our falafel quota for the year. And I think I've said the word falafel 8,000 times. I'll stop now.
One year at Ball State, I was named "Best Dressed" in my sorority. Hooty Hoot, shout out to my Chi Omega Sisters. Nowadays, not so much. I have looked at my wardrobe and nearly cried. Granted, I wear scrubs to work, so I'm not too worried about my wardrobe three days a week. Then I look at the kids' closets and then I remember why I have no clothes. When I try to go shopping for myself, I find myself in the kids' section. It's like the gigantic magnetic force that attracts me to it. It's uncontrollable. I know lots of moms who suffer from this same problem. Remember those Mom jeans I talked about earlier? Well, I'll never have them because I don't buy anything for myself anyway, so please stop worrying.
One thing I never thought I'd have to give up is singing in the car. It's my safe place to belt out my tunes. I don't even sing in the shower, unless no one is home. I realize I am not blessed in this area. But I figured it would still be okay to sing in the car when my kids were in there. I was wrong. Today I was singing to The Band Perry's If I Die Young and Addison said, "Mommy please stop singing. It doesn't sound so good." She's said things like this to me before about my singing, but today I thought I was singing quietly. Apparently when you are so off key, it doesn't matter how quietly you're singing. Thanks, Addi. I'm well aware now.
I could go on and on about how things have changed and things I never thought I'd do 10 years ago are my reality today. The lunches at Target, the meals I cook that are denied by my kids, my lacking wardrobe, etc. I think any parent will tell you that they do things they never thought they would because of and for their kids. And though life is so completely different than I ever thought it would be, I wouldn't change a thing. I've got my sweet little family and I love all our little quirks. It's perfection in my eyes. Oh, and if anyone wants to have a lunch date at Target, let me know. . .
Back to the subject. One of my friend's has a son who started Kindergarten this year. We were talking about waiting at the bus stop, field trips, and PTO. It took me a minute to figure out what PTO was because at work it means "Paid Time Off." I forgot that it also means "Parent/Teacher Organization." At least, I think that's what it means. Anyway, we were laughing because we were talking about how much our lives have changed. There's no way when we were juniors at Ball State we thought we'd be having brunch and talking about PTO. Our main concern then was which black pants we were going to wear out to Dill Street. Oh and having enough time to pre-party - which meant drinking your cocktails while showering and drying your hair. My my have times have changed. We agreed that we're going to have to start playing Bunco.
I've had several moments over the past years that I couldn't have imagined myself doing even 5 years ago. As of this summer, I have had lunch at Target at the little Target Cafe. If you would have told me 5 years ago that I would have been eating lunch there with my kids in the future, I would have laughed at you. However, nowadays I find myself at the Target Cafe nearly once a week having a rather enjoyable lunch with my kids before shopping my brains out. I've actually had lunch dates there. I know, this is getting worse by the minute. We were there today in fact. I looked around and saw three other moms with their kids there, so I didn't feel so bad. It's cheap and convenient, so it works. I never said I was a high roller. I do think I may have to invest in some high-waisted, unflattering-to-the-butt Mom jeans soon. Or a mini-van with the decal of my entire stick family and stick pets. I am kidding. If this ever happens, please just shoot me and put me out of my misery. I don't want to live like that.
Ike and I have gotten used to eating macaroni and cheese, pizza, and other kid staples for every meal. We add fruits and vegetables, but the main course is usually something the kids will like. I can make Kraft mac & cheese from the box and Addi will say, "Mommy, you're the best cooker. You should work at a restaurant." I love naivety. I had the bright idea of trying to reintroduce the kids to more healthful main courses. Kid-friendly foods aren't healthy, nor are they good for the waistline after a while. I made vegetable stir fry on Saturday night. Cam didn't eat anything other than the peas and rice. Addi did okay, but didn't eat much more than Cam. Then tonight I tried falafel. Yes, I know. What was I thinking? Most adults don't even like falafel, why did I think a 17 month old and a 4 year old would like it? At least both of them tried it, but both spit it out. So what did I do you ask? I ended up making them both peanut butter and jelly. FAIL. Ike and I ate the falafel and are now currently in falafel comas. We've met our falafel quota for the year. And I think I've said the word falafel 8,000 times. I'll stop now.
One year at Ball State, I was named "Best Dressed" in my sorority. Hooty Hoot, shout out to my Chi Omega Sisters. Nowadays, not so much. I have looked at my wardrobe and nearly cried. Granted, I wear scrubs to work, so I'm not too worried about my wardrobe three days a week. Then I look at the kids' closets and then I remember why I have no clothes. When I try to go shopping for myself, I find myself in the kids' section. It's like the gigantic magnetic force that attracts me to it. It's uncontrollable. I know lots of moms who suffer from this same problem. Remember those Mom jeans I talked about earlier? Well, I'll never have them because I don't buy anything for myself anyway, so please stop worrying.
One thing I never thought I'd have to give up is singing in the car. It's my safe place to belt out my tunes. I don't even sing in the shower, unless no one is home. I realize I am not blessed in this area. But I figured it would still be okay to sing in the car when my kids were in there. I was wrong. Today I was singing to The Band Perry's If I Die Young and Addison said, "Mommy please stop singing. It doesn't sound so good." She's said things like this to me before about my singing, but today I thought I was singing quietly. Apparently when you are so off key, it doesn't matter how quietly you're singing. Thanks, Addi. I'm well aware now.
I could go on and on about how things have changed and things I never thought I'd do 10 years ago are my reality today. The lunches at Target, the meals I cook that are denied by my kids, my lacking wardrobe, etc. I think any parent will tell you that they do things they never thought they would because of and for their kids. And though life is so completely different than I ever thought it would be, I wouldn't change a thing. I've got my sweet little family and I love all our little quirks. It's perfection in my eyes. Oh, and if anyone wants to have a lunch date at Target, let me know. . .
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
In the Words of Addison
My daughter, Addison, is 4 going on 16. She's super smart and says some pretty hysterical things. I actually started a Laugh Book, a little notebook I fill out with funny things she says and does. I'm planning on making one for Camden once he starts talking too. I can only imagine what's going to come out of that little stinker's mouth when he really starts talking.
Anyway, one day Addi, Cam and I were playing in Addi's room. Camden started to get ahold of Addi's stuffed animals. She quickly became perturbed and started to pick them all up and even took one away from Cam. I asked her not to do that and to share. I asked her why she took them away from her brother and she replied, "Because I don't want them to get all Camden-ish." Camdenish huh? Wow, the boy has his own adjective now.
Often at bedtime, Addi prefers to draw on her Doodle Pro instead of being read to. One night, she was writing her numbers for Ike. She wrote her 9 like a P. Ike told her she had done a great job but that her 9 was backwards. She argued with him that it was right. He told her again that the stick needed to be on the right side of the circle instead of the left side. She once again said no that it was right. Then out of the blue she said very sternly, "It's a Chinese 9 Daddy!" Like duh Daddy.
Another time, about a week ago, I had finished giving her a bath. She has curly hair and I have to put gel in it after her bath to keep it from getting frizzy. Once she got out I got some gel in my hands and she swiped a little and started putting it in her belly button. I asked her what in the world she was doing and she said, "I want my belly button to smell good." At least if there's any hair in her navel it won't be going anywhere. Weird, weird child.
I just realized all these things happened last week. Why was she so strange last week? I do remember seeing a full moon. Maybe that had something to do with it?
She said another funny thing last week that I have to share. After using the potty, she looked at me and said, "Remember that time I stood up and peed? That made a big mess, didn't it?" Um, no I don't remember that but please don't do that again.
The best is when we go into a public restroom. Of course there will be one person in a stall and Addison will say, "It stinks! Who's in here?" Wow, now THAT is embarrassing. We usually end up hiding in our stall until the other person leaves or hurrying up in hopes they stay in their stall before witnessing our faces. I swear we do teach our child manners.
If you have young kids I highly recommend starting a Laugh Book. It's a great way to write down the hilarious things they say. You will forget, trust me! I've already looked back at some of the things Addi said when she was 2 and would have completely forgotten had I not written them down. Plus, someday you can use it as blackmail.
Anyway, one day Addi, Cam and I were playing in Addi's room. Camden started to get ahold of Addi's stuffed animals. She quickly became perturbed and started to pick them all up and even took one away from Cam. I asked her not to do that and to share. I asked her why she took them away from her brother and she replied, "Because I don't want them to get all Camden-ish." Camdenish huh? Wow, the boy has his own adjective now.
Often at bedtime, Addi prefers to draw on her Doodle Pro instead of being read to. One night, she was writing her numbers for Ike. She wrote her 9 like a P. Ike told her she had done a great job but that her 9 was backwards. She argued with him that it was right. He told her again that the stick needed to be on the right side of the circle instead of the left side. She once again said no that it was right. Then out of the blue she said very sternly, "It's a Chinese 9 Daddy!" Like duh Daddy.
Another time, about a week ago, I had finished giving her a bath. She has curly hair and I have to put gel in it after her bath to keep it from getting frizzy. Once she got out I got some gel in my hands and she swiped a little and started putting it in her belly button. I asked her what in the world she was doing and she said, "I want my belly button to smell good." At least if there's any hair in her navel it won't be going anywhere. Weird, weird child.
I just realized all these things happened last week. Why was she so strange last week? I do remember seeing a full moon. Maybe that had something to do with it?
She said another funny thing last week that I have to share. After using the potty, she looked at me and said, "Remember that time I stood up and peed? That made a big mess, didn't it?" Um, no I don't remember that but please don't do that again.
The best is when we go into a public restroom. Of course there will be one person in a stall and Addison will say, "It stinks! Who's in here?" Wow, now THAT is embarrassing. We usually end up hiding in our stall until the other person leaves or hurrying up in hopes they stay in their stall before witnessing our faces. I swear we do teach our child manners.
If you have young kids I highly recommend starting a Laugh Book. It's a great way to write down the hilarious things they say. You will forget, trust me! I've already looked back at some of the things Addi said when she was 2 and would have completely forgotten had I not written them down. Plus, someday you can use it as blackmail.
Hug Your Kids Tighter
Those of you who are parents know how absolutely rewarding being a parent can be. When they laugh, when they learn, when they say "Mama" or "Dada" for the first time, when they love you back. You also know how incredibly frustrating being a parent can be. When they don't listen, when they cry for no apparent reason, when they wake up in the middle of the night and won't go back to sleep. Luckily, the good always outweighs the bad.
As I've mentioned in my previous entries, I work in the pediatric ICU. It's taught me a lot about life and the fragility of it. Yesterday I went to a showing of a young man. Not of a former patient, but a coworker's son. We got there early because I figured there would be tons of people there since he was a young man with a great family, well-loved by their church and community. I was right, we were in line for a while.
As I waited in line to give her my condolences, I studied her. I watched her hug each guest, smiling but still showing the pain in her eyes. Once it was my turn, she hugged me and said some pretty powerful things. She said, "Love your kids, love them everyday because you just never know. You just don't know." Her son had died in a tragic accident. She said she found comfort in knowing that he was with the Lord now because he was a Christian. She also said that even though she still wanted to be his mom here on earth, she knew that he was being taken care of and didn't need a thing anymore.
The words that she spoke really hit me. You just don't know. You just don't know when something will happen. And though I see this commonly in the PICU, it's a little different when it happens to someone you know. It hits close to home. I've always tried to put myself in parents' shoes at my work, but now I'm trying to put myself in a coworker's shoes and it seems much more real. Anything can happen at anytime. A split second is all it takes for your world to be turned upside-down. The thought that it could never happen to me has been erased. I hope and pray it never does. I wish no parent had to go through this.
So love those kids. Love their good times and their naughty times. They're going to grow up fast. You can't get this time back. Treasure it while you have it. Hug them a little tighter tonight. There's one woman out there who won't be able to hug her baby again.
As I've mentioned in my previous entries, I work in the pediatric ICU. It's taught me a lot about life and the fragility of it. Yesterday I went to a showing of a young man. Not of a former patient, but a coworker's son. We got there early because I figured there would be tons of people there since he was a young man with a great family, well-loved by their church and community. I was right, we were in line for a while.
As I waited in line to give her my condolences, I studied her. I watched her hug each guest, smiling but still showing the pain in her eyes. Once it was my turn, she hugged me and said some pretty powerful things. She said, "Love your kids, love them everyday because you just never know. You just don't know." Her son had died in a tragic accident. She said she found comfort in knowing that he was with the Lord now because he was a Christian. She also said that even though she still wanted to be his mom here on earth, she knew that he was being taken care of and didn't need a thing anymore.
The words that she spoke really hit me. You just don't know. You just don't know when something will happen. And though I see this commonly in the PICU, it's a little different when it happens to someone you know. It hits close to home. I've always tried to put myself in parents' shoes at my work, but now I'm trying to put myself in a coworker's shoes and it seems much more real. Anything can happen at anytime. A split second is all it takes for your world to be turned upside-down. The thought that it could never happen to me has been erased. I hope and pray it never does. I wish no parent had to go through this.
So love those kids. Love their good times and their naughty times. They're going to grow up fast. You can't get this time back. Treasure it while you have it. Hug them a little tighter tonight. There's one woman out there who won't be able to hug her baby again.
Do You Just Know?
I've heard of stories where people will say or do something to elude to the fact that death is near and then they pass away several days later. I'm sure you have too.
Something interesting happened when my mom was at home cleaning and getting things sorted since my Dad's passing. It's almost been three months since he died. She was upstairs and found a piece of paper by the computer. It was in my Dad's writing. This is what it said:
Angels of God from Heaven so bright
Watch over my children and guide them aright
Fold your wings round them and guard them with love
Sing to them softly of Heaven above.
I am sure he wanted it to be found. I just wonder if he knew he was about to die. He must have had some inkling. I know he wasn't feeling well his last few weeks on earth. I'm so thankful that my mom found the piece of paper and told me about it. This prayer is something that gives me comfort and peace. I'm sure it gave my Dad comfort and peace as well, and I'm sure that's why he wrote it down.
I'm waiting to have something happen to me like what happened to me after my grandpa died. My grandpa always smoked a pipe, and even though that's what ultimately took his life (lung cancer), I still loved the way it smelled. We were at an Alzheimer's walk and walking in memory of him (he also had Alzheimer's) the spring after he passed, and as Ike and I were filling out our "In Memory of" race tags, I smelled that wonderful smell of a pipe. Ike did too. I looked around and no one was smoking, not even a cigarette. We were at a race after all. Who would have been smoking? I'm sure it was just my grandpa thanking us and letting us know he was watching us walk in his memory.
I'm hoping I will have some sort of thing like that happen with my Dad. I've only had one good dream about him, the other one I had was a nightmare and took me back to the night he died. I don't really want to have those types of dreams. The good one was of him in his football coaching gear. He looked young, maybe in his 30's or early 40's, talking to his coaching buddies. I only saw him from afar and it was at a mall - which was random. My Dad didn't like the mall at all. But my dream was good. He looked healthy and I always loved when he wore his football coaching stuff. I didn't get to talk to him or anything, but I saw him at least. I thought it was interesting that he looked to be so much younger. I've read a few books about near death accounts where people visit heaven for a short time and that everyone is about 30 or younger. I'm just thankful that he's well taken care of and doesn't need anything since he is with the ultimate caregiver now.
I think he knew his time was drawing near. Do you know anyone who you think just knew?
Something interesting happened when my mom was at home cleaning and getting things sorted since my Dad's passing. It's almost been three months since he died. She was upstairs and found a piece of paper by the computer. It was in my Dad's writing. This is what it said:
Angels of God from Heaven so bright
Watch over my children and guide them aright
Fold your wings round them and guard them with love
Sing to them softly of Heaven above.
I am sure he wanted it to be found. I just wonder if he knew he was about to die. He must have had some inkling. I know he wasn't feeling well his last few weeks on earth. I'm so thankful that my mom found the piece of paper and told me about it. This prayer is something that gives me comfort and peace. I'm sure it gave my Dad comfort and peace as well, and I'm sure that's why he wrote it down.
I'm waiting to have something happen to me like what happened to me after my grandpa died. My grandpa always smoked a pipe, and even though that's what ultimately took his life (lung cancer), I still loved the way it smelled. We were at an Alzheimer's walk and walking in memory of him (he also had Alzheimer's) the spring after he passed, and as Ike and I were filling out our "In Memory of" race tags, I smelled that wonderful smell of a pipe. Ike did too. I looked around and no one was smoking, not even a cigarette. We were at a race after all. Who would have been smoking? I'm sure it was just my grandpa thanking us and letting us know he was watching us walk in his memory.
I'm hoping I will have some sort of thing like that happen with my Dad. I've only had one good dream about him, the other one I had was a nightmare and took me back to the night he died. I don't really want to have those types of dreams. The good one was of him in his football coaching gear. He looked young, maybe in his 30's or early 40's, talking to his coaching buddies. I only saw him from afar and it was at a mall - which was random. My Dad didn't like the mall at all. But my dream was good. He looked healthy and I always loved when he wore his football coaching stuff. I didn't get to talk to him or anything, but I saw him at least. I thought it was interesting that he looked to be so much younger. I've read a few books about near death accounts where people visit heaven for a short time and that everyone is about 30 or younger. I'm just thankful that he's well taken care of and doesn't need anything since he is with the ultimate caregiver now.
I think he knew his time was drawing near. Do you know anyone who you think just knew?
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Well THAT's Annoying
So here are some of the things that drive me nuts.
I can't stand when someone says to you, "You look tired today." I think what they really mean is, "Wow, you really look like shit today." Gee thanks. How are you supposed to respond to that? "Yes, I am very tired. I work 12 hour shifts as a registered nurse on the most critical pediatric unit in Indiana and have two small children at home and I don't really have time to sleep. Thanks for your concern." So if you ever think someone (ie me) looks tired, please don't tell me. I already know.
Women who wear eyeshadow but no mascara. That is weird. It doesn't look nice. The powder gets on your eyelashes and then they are even lighter, making you look like you have no eyelashes. So please, either don't wear eyeshadow, or just add mascara to your daily make-up routine.
When you hold the door for someone or let them cut in front of you while you're driving and you don't get any sort of acknowledgement or thanks. Um, I'm sorry, I'm not the doorman. At least say thanks, wave, something!
Finding hair in my food. This is actually more disgusting than annoying, but I do get annoyed because then my appetite is gone. I usually search for hairs so I find them before they go in my mouth. You'd be surprised how many you can find by looking. I don't know if there is anything nastier than pulling a big long hair from your mouth. Gives me the eebie jeebies just thinking about it. Sick!
Another annoying/disgusting thing in food - funny bites, especially in meat. What was thatknuckle texture I just bit in to? Cartilige, a vein, fat, part of a beak? This is why I was vegetarian for a while. Too many funny bites.
Why are we turning teens from Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant into celebrities? Ridiculous. I have NEVER watched those shows and I refuse to. I read an article saying that teen girls are trying to get pregnant to get on those shows so they can be famous. I can't believe they are on the cover of magazines now. Sad, sad, sad. And annoying.
People who come to work crappy. Sure we're all entitled to a bad day, but there are some who come in every day with a bad attitude, or literally don't talk to anyone. . . ever. Hey, guess what - you have to be here, so why not make the most of it? Work is a lot more fun when you have friends there.
People who have a Facebook status update daily or several times daily. Maybe you should try Twitter instead? Just sayin.
When people are talking on Bluetooths but you can't see the Bluetooth. I have actually answered a lady who asked a question to the person on the other end because I didn't realize she had a Bluetooth on. I felt really stupid. But you have to admit, people who talk on Bluetooths look kind ofschizo crazy because they always appear to be talking to themselves.
One uppers. You have a story, they have one better. And not only do they have a better story, they will also interrupt your story to tell you their better story. One uppers & interrupters. A. NNOY. ING!
The music at Abercrombie & Fitch. Why is it so loud? Am I just getting old? Does it need to be that loud? I can hear it 3 stores away!
People who cuss loudly in public, especially when children are present. I took my daughter to a Colts game and we heard the F-bomb about 40 times from the people sitting directly behind us. They clearly saw a small 4 year old sitting in front of them. I realize it is a sporting event where alcohol is served, but at least have some couth and see who is around before turning into a f*cking sailor.
Wal-mart. I literally can't stand it. I will go anywhere but there. I feel like it's dirty, cramped, and busy. Oh and the bright flourescent lighting is so not flattering. I don't care if I have to pay more elsewhere. The few bucks I save is not worth my sanity. I won't even get started on some of the shoppers. We've all seen http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/, right?
People who always cancel on you last minute. I realize things come up and if it happens once in awhile, that's completely understandable. But then there are the serial cancellers. You invite them, but know you'll be getting a text or phone call saying they can't make it. Well guess what? I'm not going to ask you to do anything anymore - na na na na boo boo.
When people say "supposeably" instead of "supposedly." Last time I checked, there is no 'b' in that word, so please don't pronounce it that way. Also, when people say, "I could care less." Well if you say that then you could actually care a little less than you currently do. If you say it correctly, "I couldn't care less," then that means you care the least amount possible. Make sense? I think it bugs me because I'm an English teacher's daughter. I get it honestly.
Last one, when you order something to go and you get all the way home just to find that your order is jacked up. Well, that's just fantastic. I paid for it and didn't get it. Now not only am I annoyed that it's missing and I'm out that money, but now I have to make something for the person who is missing their order. The whole reason I ordered to go was so I didn't have to cook. Fan-freaking-tastic.
What annoys you. . . hopefully not this blog!
I can't stand when someone says to you, "You look tired today." I think what they really mean is, "Wow, you really look like shit today." Gee thanks. How are you supposed to respond to that? "Yes, I am very tired. I work 12 hour shifts as a registered nurse on the most critical pediatric unit in Indiana and have two small children at home and I don't really have time to sleep. Thanks for your concern." So if you ever think someone (ie me) looks tired, please don't tell me. I already know.
Women who wear eyeshadow but no mascara. That is weird. It doesn't look nice. The powder gets on your eyelashes and then they are even lighter, making you look like you have no eyelashes. So please, either don't wear eyeshadow, or just add mascara to your daily make-up routine.
When you hold the door for someone or let them cut in front of you while you're driving and you don't get any sort of acknowledgement or thanks. Um, I'm sorry, I'm not the doorman. At least say thanks, wave, something!
Finding hair in my food. This is actually more disgusting than annoying, but I do get annoyed because then my appetite is gone. I usually search for hairs so I find them before they go in my mouth. You'd be surprised how many you can find by looking. I don't know if there is anything nastier than pulling a big long hair from your mouth. Gives me the eebie jeebies just thinking about it. Sick!
Another annoying/disgusting thing in food - funny bites, especially in meat. What was that
Why are we turning teens from Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant into celebrities? Ridiculous. I have NEVER watched those shows and I refuse to. I read an article saying that teen girls are trying to get pregnant to get on those shows so they can be famous. I can't believe they are on the cover of magazines now. Sad, sad, sad. And annoying.
People who come to work crappy. Sure we're all entitled to a bad day, but there are some who come in every day with a bad attitude, or literally don't talk to anyone. . . ever. Hey, guess what - you have to be here, so why not make the most of it? Work is a lot more fun when you have friends there.
People who have a Facebook status update daily or several times daily. Maybe you should try Twitter instead? Just sayin.
When people are talking on Bluetooths but you can't see the Bluetooth. I have actually answered a lady who asked a question to the person on the other end because I didn't realize she had a Bluetooth on. I felt really stupid. But you have to admit, people who talk on Bluetooths look kind of
One uppers. You have a story, they have one better. And not only do they have a better story, they will also interrupt your story to tell you their better story. One uppers & interrupters. A. NNOY. ING!
The music at Abercrombie & Fitch. Why is it so loud? Am I just getting old? Does it need to be that loud? I can hear it 3 stores away!
People who cuss loudly in public, especially when children are present. I took my daughter to a Colts game and we heard the F-bomb about 40 times from the people sitting directly behind us. They clearly saw a small 4 year old sitting in front of them. I realize it is a sporting event where alcohol is served, but at least have some couth and see who is around before turning into a f*cking sailor.
Wal-mart. I literally can't stand it. I will go anywhere but there. I feel like it's dirty, cramped, and busy. Oh and the bright flourescent lighting is so not flattering. I don't care if I have to pay more elsewhere. The few bucks I save is not worth my sanity. I won't even get started on some of the shoppers. We've all seen http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/, right?
People who always cancel on you last minute. I realize things come up and if it happens once in awhile, that's completely understandable. But then there are the serial cancellers. You invite them, but know you'll be getting a text or phone call saying they can't make it. Well guess what? I'm not going to ask you to do anything anymore - na na na na boo boo.
When people say "supposeably" instead of "supposedly." Last time I checked, there is no 'b' in that word, so please don't pronounce it that way. Also, when people say, "I could care less." Well if you say that then you could actually care a little less than you currently do. If you say it correctly, "I couldn't care less," then that means you care the least amount possible. Make sense? I think it bugs me because I'm an English teacher's daughter. I get it honestly.
Last one, when you order something to go and you get all the way home just to find that your order is jacked up. Well, that's just fantastic. I paid for it and didn't get it. Now not only am I annoyed that it's missing and I'm out that money, but now I have to make something for the person who is missing their order. The whole reason I ordered to go was so I didn't have to cook. Fan-freaking-tastic.
What annoys you. . . hopefully not this blog!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Things I've Learned in the PICU
So I've been a registered nurse in the pediatric ICU at Riley Hospital for two years now. I've learned a lot, seen a lot of happy stuff, seen some pretty sad stuff. I've grown, not only as a RN, but also as a person. Here are some of the lessons I've learned - the good, the bad, the ugly.
1. If you wear Dansko shoes, you will roll your ankle at least once a day, and other people will see you do it, so don't act like it didn't happen.
2. Don't walk too quickly on the unit or all the other RNs will think a patient is crashing and ask what's wrong.
3. There are a lot of great families out there. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who should not be allowed to breed.
4. Respiratory therapists are a RN's best friend.
5. Parents should not be allowed to watch Jerry Springer when a child is present.
6. If you forget your badge, your day is going to be a giant pain in the ass.
7. I'm never going to know it all.
8. If there is a full moon, it is probably going to be a crazy day.
9. Greasy fries and a chocolate shake from McDonald's are good for comforting the soul after a bad day.
10. Only other RNs get it. Your spouse doesn't get it, your mom doesn't get it, your friend doesn't get it. (Unless they are RNs too.)
11. Children are resilient and can bounce back from some really crazy stuff.
12. RN's like when you bring them food.
13. OCD is a terrible thing to waste. It's actually very useful in the PICU.
14. Go with your gut, it's usually right.
15. I work with some pretty awesome people. Shout out to my PICU Peeps!
16. I have made good friends with former patients' families. Never thought that would happen, but I'm glad it has.
17. That hard outer shell I've developed is really just there to protect me from all the sadness. I am still gooey inside.
18. When I get in my car after a rough day, I'm a mess. It's my safe place to let go and cry.
19. If you don't have your health, not much else matters.
20. Treasure every day, because life can change in a matter of seconds.
21. Child abusers should be tortured.
22. Nothing is harder than hearing a mother wailing after she's lost her child.
23. I will always cry when I see patients' dads cry. It's a given.
24. Miracles really do happen.
25. Children are absolutely precious.
26. Angels do exist.
27. I love working in the PICU.
1. If you wear Dansko shoes, you will roll your ankle at least once a day, and other people will see you do it, so don't act like it didn't happen.
2. Don't walk too quickly on the unit or all the other RNs will think a patient is crashing and ask what's wrong.
3. There are a lot of great families out there. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who should not be allowed to breed.
4. Respiratory therapists are a RN's best friend.
5. Parents should not be allowed to watch Jerry Springer when a child is present.
6. If you forget your badge, your day is going to be a giant pain in the ass.
7. I'm never going to know it all.
8. If there is a full moon, it is probably going to be a crazy day.
9. Greasy fries and a chocolate shake from McDonald's are good for comforting the soul after a bad day.
10. Only other RNs get it. Your spouse doesn't get it, your mom doesn't get it, your friend doesn't get it. (Unless they are RNs too.)
11. Children are resilient and can bounce back from some really crazy stuff.
12. RN's like when you bring them food.
13. OCD is a terrible thing to waste. It's actually very useful in the PICU.
14. Go with your gut, it's usually right.
15. I work with some pretty awesome people. Shout out to my PICU Peeps!
16. I have made good friends with former patients' families. Never thought that would happen, but I'm glad it has.
17. That hard outer shell I've developed is really just there to protect me from all the sadness. I am still gooey inside.
18. When I get in my car after a rough day, I'm a mess. It's my safe place to let go and cry.
19. If you don't have your health, not much else matters.
20. Treasure every day, because life can change in a matter of seconds.
21. Child abusers should be tortured.
22. Nothing is harder than hearing a mother wailing after she's lost her child.
23. I will always cry when I see patients' dads cry. It's a given.
24. Miracles really do happen.
25. Children are absolutely precious.
26. Angels do exist.
27. I love working in the PICU.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Beautiful Chaos
Camden is a stinker. He's ornery and has a short-temper. He takes after his father. I think it's the Irish in him! However, he also acts Italian. He puts his arms out, palms facing upward and reaches up to you with this pitiful look on his face. It's like he's saying in his best Italian accent, "Hey, hey, hey, you knowa you wanna holda me!"
He's a pincher. He's a biter, though I think that may have stopped. He got written up twice already at daycare for biting another child. At the time he was getting 6 teeth at once! I do not condone biting in case you were wondering. I just can't believe he's only 1 and has already been written up at school. Hopefully this isn't a taste of what's to come.
He loves to throw everything, he's got quite the arm. When I said he throws everything, I meant it literally. He throws everything, including himself. He'll throw his body across the floor and do carpet dives. I'm thinking he may be a pitcher, or because of his fearlessness, a quarterback. He can be whatever he wants as far as I'm concerned. If he wants to be the baton twirler and wear a pretty sequins outfit, I don't care, as long as he's happy. But I'm pretty sure he's a rough, rugged, down-in-the-dirt type of boy. In fact, he loves to walk and roll around in mulch. How does that feel good? He will literally lay down in it and roll around in it.
He's a smiley baby, but gets mad when he's frustrated. All the ladies at his daycare love him and he always comes home smelling of several types of perfume. He's already a ladies' man, what can I say? They love his smile, the dimple in his right cheek, and his squinty eyes when he's smiling. He got those from his grandpa. He's also developed this rotten little laugh, it almost sounds evil. He's got his cute normal laugh, but then when he gets really excited about something (i.e. french fries, ice cream, etc.) he gets this Beavis & Butthead laugh. I need to get video of it. It's quite amusing. He's quite the little comedian, sportsman, and loverboy. I love that little man. And I think we're going to have our hands full with this one. Watch out world!
Addison is growing up to be quite the little lady. She's 4 going on 18. She LOVES shoes. She loves them so much in fact that whenever she meets someone, the first thing she'll do after saying hello is look at their shoes. She especially loves her cowboy boots and wants to wear them with everything. I think she'd sleep in them if we let her.
She's tender-hearted, so smart, and so kind. She's got a great heart and is a wonderful big sister to Camden. She watches over him and protects him. Of course she gets mad when he takes her stuff, but all in all, she adores him as much as he adores her. Camden watches Addison's every move. He's in awe of her, as are the rest of us. She's something special, that little girl.
Addison is into gymnastics and cheerleading and loves it! We need to get her back in to tap and ballet as well for the fall. We're also thinking about soccer, but I don't want to overwhelm her, so we may wait until next year for that.
Speaking of next year, it is so hard for me to believe she'll be in kindergarten in 2012! Where did my baby go? She's very excited about it. The other day she put on her backpack and said, "Mommy, pretend I'm 5 and I have to go to college." Wow. When I asked her what she wanted to be when she grows up she said she wants to "do hair and be a veterinarian." Maybe she'll be a groomer? Ha ha! Again, she can do whatever she wants, as long as it makes her happy! I lived too long trying to figure out what I wanted to do and I just want my kids to do what they love! Life's too short not to.
Back to Addi. She says some of the funniest things. Last weekend I had to work and my hubby took the kids to Nordstrom. A lady stopped and asked them if they needed anything and Addison, in a very matter-of-fact voice said, "Yes. I need to poop." Ha ha! One time when I was playing Barbies with her, I was Ken (who was sans clothing) and Barbie (aka Addison) said to Ken, "Get some clothes on and marry me or I'm gonna throw you out the window!" She's something else.
She's a perfectionist, athletic, caring, smart, fashionable & quite the firecracker! She'll tell you what she thinks, even if you didn't ask! She's very opinionated and has thoughts about everything. I never thought I'd be letting a 4 year old dress herself, but she knows what she wants to wear. She actually started having an opinion about her clothes as early as 3 years old. I love that she's sensitive, but still strong in her opinions. I don't want to break her of that. Girls need that these days! I love that little lady.
I'm still a RN at Riley in the Pediatric ICU. Ike is in advertising and is loving his current position at an agency in Broad Ripple. This month we will have been married for 9 years! We're so lucky and have so much love surrounding us even though this summer has been quite sad with the recent passing of my dad. We know he's watching over us, but that doens't always make it better. It'd be better if he were still here with us. We're just thankful he was in our lives for as long as he was, even if it wasn't long enough. God has blessed us so many times over and we give all our praise to him. I don't know what I did to deserve so many blessings. But I'm thankful for the Beautiful Chaos!
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