Twelve in Twelve

Well I'm writing this at 2:30 PM....since at the actual 12:00 AM I will be partying it up with sick heart patients and the best nurses in town!


Anyway.  Happy New Year everyone.

As is customary....on this blog and others...lets do a year in review!

Twelve exciting things from this year???

(in no particular order except the order in which I thought of them!)


1.
Had lots of INTERESTING adventures with the CoMO clan!!!! And met a great friend at just the right time



2.
Had an epiphany and made one of the best choices I ever made....to be a little selfish and go for happy instead of obligation!



3.
Watched 2 of my best friends get married!  Love them!



4.
GRADUATED NURSING SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (this should be like all 12!!!!!)



5.
Trip to UT...to see all my fave people (not all pictured in the following picture




6.
RASCAL FLATTS, LITTLE BIG TOWN, ELI YOUNG BAND, and EDENS EDGE!!!!!!!




7.
Little Sister Graduated!



8.
Passed my boards...after 48 straight hours of SOBBING and a month or so of torturous studying

No pic for this one....sorry!


9.
Visit in StL from an old friend.  Supa fun!



10.
Moved back in with the 'rents....not so great.  Free rent, lots of yummy food and free laundry-SO GREAT!



11.
Got a JOB!!!!!!

Also don't have a pic for this one.....its a HIPAA thing :)


12.
I got a great boyfriend.....aka my little Jonas

So that was my year.

Its been fairly eventful...and completely unexciting all at the same time!!!!!!!

Thanks for kickin it with me for another year.  Here's hoping this next one will be great and glorious.


Who knows what could happen!!!!!

What Is My Favorite Part of Winter??

THE SNOW!!!!!!


Last night I left for work in a world that was slowly turning white.

And the world had that awesome silent snow thing going on.

The 12 hours later I walked out of work to a world of mostly white (it was sadly only 1/2 inch or so)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE  the SNOWWWWWWWWW!!!!!


I guess that is what happens when you live in a place with "the greatest snow on earth" for 4 years!


Anyway...not much today other than my love of the snow!!!!!!!

Be Happy Be Healthy!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

I've always been a fan of this song.
But I have always been an ANTI-fan of James Taylor

 Until this year. When I have come to very much like his version of it


 



At the risk of being all woe is me and depressing....I would like to point out that the rosey Christmas-y world painted by most Christmas movies and songs and shopping commercials is not the majority of people's experiences.

For many people Christmas is a time when thoughts are not turned to happy things.  They are not thinking about packages, boxes, or bags.  They are not thinking about mistletoe, holly leaves and yule logs.

They are thinking about the ones they have lost.  They are thinking about how in a time when they are supposed to feel loved and warm, they instead feel cold and alone.

Some people have to work on Christmas.  Others are sick and in the hospital.
And most for various reasons don't get to be with the ones they love.

Then there are those who don't even have the ability to afford trees and presents and cookies.


BUT

That is why I like this song.  It has hope.  Next year will be better.  And until then we will muddle through.  But next year we can be together and all will be well.

And I like that hope!

So have yourself a merry little Christmas everyone.  Even if it isn't all Irving Berlin and Burl Ives.
Next year will be better.  I promise!

dear boys....boy

So you got my phone number from a friend of my Dad's

Baby Sister didn't provide the best phone message environment....oh well

Wish you could have gotten my cell phone number instead of my family's landline   (too many potential AUEs involved)


They say you need 20 seconds of insane courage.  Well apparently that for you means 40 seconds.

Call again.  I'm a chill chick who is game for the awkward grandma set up.

It'll make for a great story

Plus my dating life is so pathetically dismal that I am getting desperate.


(clarification....desperate as in eager to have social opportunities cause my life is SUPA boring....not desperate as in will marry anything that is male and breathing)


sincerely
me

Bless All the Dear Children

I have been trying to come up with a good way to approach the recent tragedy in Connecticut.  I feel like I cannot ignore it.  Too many mothers and fathers and friends are missing their sweet little ones this Christmas season to ignore it.

But I have not felt like my words were adequate.  

The depth of the sadness and the grief seems insurmountable. 

So this evening I choose to steal the words of others, who are able to say it so much better than me.  

The first, a clip from a fictional television show.  Though it is not an exact fit...it meets my feelings and expresses them in a way I cannot.

"The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels tonight."

"This is a time for American heroes.  They are our...TEACHERS"

"God bless their memories"

The streets of heaven truly are too crowded with angels tonight. 

But these sweet and beautiful angels are safe now.  They are protected.  

And now my only prayer is not for those who have left us.  I am sure of their peace and comfort.  

My prayer is for those still here.

The mothers and fathers who will have unopened Christmas gifts.

The families who will have one less person at the table.

The children who will have to go through the painful and frightening process of returning to school, with friends and teachers missing.

And so I end with this Christmas carol.  And repeat the words of the final verse

 

Hug those you love extra hard this Christmas season.

And pray for those who cannot.

And as always-Be Happy Be Healthy

Degrees of Interest

My life is often riddled with people making jokes about setting me up with people (hazard of being single in your mid twenties).  However, lately things have gone to a whole new level.  It is not just the older marrieds wanting me to get set up....the single friends have joined in!

It has recently become apparent that I can not talk about a boy without getting the eyebrow wiggle.  And so for the benefit of all--The Degrees of Interest

Degree 0....Complete and Total Lack of Interest  EEEEEWWWWW gross!
You are not interested in being their friend.  And you are not interested in being their girlfriend.   For any number of reasons.  They are a weirdo.  They are a jerk.  They are just not someone you are even remotely interested in getting to know better.

Degree 1...Aesthetic Interest   You find them attractive.
The phrase "He's cute" or "He's yummy" or similar comments on someone's LOOKS is merely that.  A comment on their looks.  This indicates that you are not opposed to meeting them and getting to know them better...but you are also equally content to admire them from afar!  This is NOT romantic interest!  I have aesthetic interest in Ryan Gosling and Ryan Reynolds.  Doesn't mean I want to date them (ok well...if the situation some how presented itself.......)

Degree 2....Friendly Interest  You find them nice.
This is simply means you...find them nice!  You would like to be their friend and get to know them better because they seem..wait for it...NICE.  Again NOT romantic interest!  Many of the people I have met lately fall into this category.  Bell Boy, New Bestie, even Tall and Lanky.  But just cause I would be interested in getting to know them better does not mean I am at the "Take me I'm yours" spot just yet!

Degree 2.5....No Romantic Interest  You find them delightful in the most platonic way.
This might be known to many as the friend zone (which, never fear, will be discussed further at a later date!)
aka....the majority of all opposite sex people in your life.


Degree 3...  Intrigued   Oh I would like to get to know them better!
Generally this means you find them moderately/adequately attractive and think they are nice.  you wouldn't mind a date or to spend some more time with them.  But if not...meh who cares. Friend, boyfriend, acquaintance-all acceptable outcomes in your mind. Still not romantic interest...simply interest.

This degree can be somewhat confusing to most people.  Both observers and those in the degree.  Key indicators that this is your level of interest include but are not limited to: asking around about someone, FB stalking them, attempting to casually run into them at social events you both "coincidentally" are attending...etc.


These first three can happen in a variety of orders and usually occur within the first 1-3 interactions with a person.  The remaining take a little bit of longer time!


Degree 4...Moderate Interest    Ok we need to go on a date.
This is degree 3 on 'roids.  You REALLY want to go out with this person and see where it might go.  This is romantic interest, however it is not even remotely a point of no return.  This romantic interest could end with whip-lashing speed....or might grow to something a little less volatile.

Degree 5...Full Blown Interest  Lets go on more dates
This is the point when someone continues to intrigue you and you want to continue getting to know them.
Again not a point of no return, but your interest is much more stable.


NOTICE this is still not in the dating/marriage realm!  This is still just GOING ON DATES (see HERE for further explanation of these realms!)


Degree 6....Beyond Interest   Alright I've gotten to know you enough....now I just like you.
THIS is when you really like someone and you want to get more serious.




Alright now that we have the definitions....may I be allowed to share a little bit of application for us???

The only degrees where meddling and/or intervening and/or facilitating without prompting are 3 and 4.  Other than that only assist if asked specifically by the subject.

(PS...subjects....use others sparingly...it is always better to do it yourself  sooooo much less drama!)

ALSO  others please do not confuse discussion of a guy (ANY GUY) with interest.  Just because they are brought up in casual conversation DOES NOT mean you are any more than 1 or 2 degrees with them!


Enjoy....share your thoughts below!


Be Happy Be Healthy!!

Alright We Needs Us Some Funny

Cause for reals this has been a disaster of a day.
Lost phone
A house that lost power 1 or 2 minutes before my alarm clock went off leading me to wake up 30 minutes too late (REALLY!!!!! what are the odds!!!!)
(Other possibilities a malfunctioning alarm clock that turned off instead of alarming...aliens or bad karma)
And class all day.



So some funny for us!!!!!  Enjoy

Source: wanelo.com via Jenevra on Pinterest

Source: everythingfunny.org via Tamara on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Source: 29.media.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: ilovefunnypics.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Just Had to Share This One.....A Real Post Later

Source: you-dont-know-him-like-i-do.tumblr.com via Becca on Pinterest

AUEs...Is it Me??

So we have a problem...the number of AUEs (see definition HERE) I have had recently has grown exponentially.

Being a normal human being my first thought of course is..."Well its not me!  I must just be meeting lots of awkward people."


However, logic would indicate that the common denominator in all these interactions... MOI!!!!!!


UH OH!!!!!!  Am I awkward???????  (Perish the thought!!!)


Have you ever heard the phrase "Things are only as awkward as you make them."?

True...sort of.

Somethings we make awkward.
Other things (and some people) are inherently AWKWARD!!!!  (Type AWKWARD into a Pinterest search box for proof!)

And sometimes there is a double whammy and you get THIS........

Its like exponential awkward!!!!!

And so I would like to announce that it appears I am a SUPER awkward person.

The person I used to be was socially competent with the occasional awkward moment.

AND NOW...the occasional has become frequent.

So now I must revel (????) in the awkward.

Who would like to revel with me????

Let us EMBRACE the AWKWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once upon a time it was the end of the year.  Everyone was all introspective thinking about the year that had passed.  Thinking about where they were a year ago.


Some people are very happy with this inevitable thought process.

But others are saddened by it.

I have been thinking about this a bit lately.  And the other day a good friend posted this on Pinterest and I had an EPIPHANY!!!!

FTF--Don't Dream Its Over

Its been a lazy Friday....slept all day from working last night, which led me to have this song be my Favorite Thing




I've created a new phrase....melancholy resolve.

I think some people are under the false idea that melancholy people have given up.
But I disagree.
I think you can be sad about your situation, but still be resolved to make the most of it.
I ALSO think you can be resolved to make the most of a situation and still realize the sadness of your situation.

And this song is all about melancholy resolve........

To those who are in situations that kinda suck.  I'm sorry.  Its hard to be there I know.  But make the most of it.  Or at least live through it with as much grace and poise as you can muster.

It'll be over soon.  Don't stop dreaming till its over....

DISCLAIMER:
Don't judge, I think Glee often takes a really great direction with their covers...and they have a talented cast (or talented musical engineers!)
Plus some songs just sound even better with a choral harmony boost!

Dear Boys...Cause Its Been a While

Its Wednesday....
Its been a while...
Why not?????


dear mister eligible
WARNING...I have stalked you a little and people have been talking to me about you.  so you don't even know I exist...but I know several details of your life.  I apologize in advance if we ever meet.
which I hope we do....cause you seem like you could be an interesting character!
love
savvy information gatherer


dear cute grandson of my patient
too bad I had to be all professional and take care of your grandma.  cause you were cute and would have likely been fun to flirt with.  oh well.  the fact that your dad asked me for my phone number also made it slightly awkward too....killed the mood.
love
the nurse with the tomato face


dear medicine man
uh oh.....you are going to rope me into another AUE aren't you???  this is going to be terrible!!!!!!
love
girl who would like to request that you stop sitting by me making it look like we are a couple..AWK


dear tall and lanky
NOPE this friendship seems like it is just not gonna happen.  unless you stop giving me a "why are you talking to me" look every time I talk to you.
love
girl who is giving up!


dear bell boy
glad we got to chat.  you are a fun kid.  lets be friends.
love
girl who was...lets be honest...SHAMELESSLY flirting with you just for the fun of it!


dear new bestie?????
thats what you said we were...so I guess that is what we will have to be.  I'm down with that...
love
girl who will take all the friends she can get






Be Happy Be Healthy!!!!!

WORST DATE EVER

I wrote this a while ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

is really the best method of getting spiritual guidance. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Can't wait to hear yours!

Be Happy Be Healthy!

Notes From a Nurse:Tummy Troubles

So have you ever had a stomach pain and been unsure of what you might have?

And be honest...you went on Web MD
And then thought you were going to die.......


May I help with this problem??
First let me start with this picture....which may do more harm than good



Now for many of these there are no easy home determinants or remedies and can only be taken care of by trained medical professionals

Now I ask you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE save yourself some trouble and money and don't go rushing into the ER un-necessarily (ER nurses send me patients...and I don't want them mad at me!).

At the same time though...use your best judgement.  If you think that the pain you are experiencing requires medical attention....GET TO A HOSPITAL!!!!!!!!!!!

But if it is just a little uncomfortable.....may I make a few suggestions??


Upper abdominal pain is often caused by heartburn.  Heartburn SUCKS....TRUST me!
There are MANY anti-acids out there on the market.  Tums...Pepcid....Zantac....
Want to know what we use most often in the hospital?  GI cocktail.  Basically its Mylanta with a little lidocane to numb you up a bit.  So my best suggestion for an acute attack is liquid anti-acid.  They tend to work more quickly than others.
If you are doing this frequently however, you may want to discuss options for controlling the problem with your primary care doctor

Lower abdominal pain is sometime gas.  But more frequently, its constipation.  Now at the risk of being gross....nurses deal with this almost constantly!  Narcotics and bedrest are master stopper-uppers.
So when I have patients feeling a fullness in their lower abdomen I suggest the following...in any combination.
1. Caffeine (gets things all hyped up!)
2. Apple juice (ever seen a baby who drank too much of this??)
3. Prune juice (nature's laxative!)
4. Warm drinks (warm stimulates)
5. Walk around  (your instinct is to curl up in a ball and whine...don't!)


AND FINALLY my secret trick...taught to me by a former nursing mentor.........
WARM PRUNE/APPLE JUICE

Gets you three in one!  And the apple juice makes the hard working prune juice a little easier to swallow

Last Christmas

In honor of December.......A Christmas post


You've heard this song before right?????

I've always been kinda meh about the song in general.  HOWEVER....I really like this version.

(Judge away... I think Glee made a GREAT Christmas album (volume 1 though not volume 2))


ANYWAY....

Last Christmas there was all sorts of drama.  Boy drama.
Clark Kent....Farm Boy.....NotN.....

It was a mess.  I was a mess.  I was all woe-is-me and pathetic.
Boo.  Not so beuno


But this year???


We are DRAMA FREE PEOPLE!!!!!!!




It is a beautiful thing!


Although...Mister Eligible may or make not make an appearance in my life.

And though I don't care one way or another.....
the thought makes THIS song a little more fun.

Cause the first one is kinda a downer!

ENJOY  and Merry Christmas

Favorite Things Friday: Drive Home List

Alright so picture yourself after a long 12 hour shift.

Notes From a Nurse: The Night Shift

Why I like the night shift.

 

 

The night shift can be kind of a pain.  It is hard to work out your schedule with others.  There are parties/get togethers missed on weekends. 

And no one quite seems to understand that working Wednesday but having Thursday off still doesn't make you available for lunch on Thursday.

(unless you would like to wake me up for lunch in bed)

 

Working nights is an adjustment that is for sure.  One I have had to work out myself just as much as I have had to help others figure it all out.

 

Now if you put a gun to my head, I would probably say I prefer days.  You generally interact with your patients more.  Plus there is the added bonus of being able to function normally in society.

 

But let me also say that I also really see a lot of benefits to nights.

 

I'm a night owl by nature, so staying up late is kind of my thing anyway.  Plus I have always been a fan of the mysterious magical-ness of nighttime.  Now I know that sounds weird and you are probably rolling your eyes-but go with me on this one.  I can't really put my finger on it, but there is something cool about night time.

Like the feeling you get when you look up at a sky so bright with stars if almost feels like it should be daytime.  Or that still peaceful silence of nighttime snow. 

I don't know what it is....mysterious magical-ness!

 

Along with being a night owl I am also a list person.  A person who likes to take a list of tasks and accomplish them-cross them off the list. 

The day shift is full of activity.  You are running from one thing to the next.  One med pass to another.  You get as much done that you can in the time you have.

The night shift is a little different.

You start your shift finishing up anything that needs to be done for the rest of the day.  You pass meds, you assess your patients, you check monitors, labs and notes written throughout the day, you collect samples and check vitals, change wound dressings and ambulate patients.  All to get your patients ready for bed.

It can take a while, and there are always fires to put out along the way, but there is a defined end.

There is a point when your patients are all settled and though work is not done, the current to-do list is empty.

 

My mom sometimes tells us how when we were younger younger she felt a great sense of calm and satisfaction if at the end of the day we were all fed, bathed, in clean pjs and sleeping on clean sheets.  The day could have been a disaster and we could have trashed the house with our "burglar alarms" BUT everyone was safe and happy and clean and ASLEEP!

 

 

And that is kind of how I feel about the night shift.  There are definite moments when I am able to sit down and feel like I really accomplished something.  Then of course I almost invaribly get a new admission (Murphy's Law!).  But I tackle that task as well, and eventually I get another moment to feel accomplished.

 

 

And days just never did that for me.

 

 

So that is why I like nights...and the night shift.

 

Be Happy Be Healthy!

 

 

 

Notes from a Nurse:Generous Thoughts

This one is just a short one.


If you are ever in the hospital-be nice to your nurse.
Not everyone will be.
We get yelled at and cursed at
We get insulted...and occasionally assaulted.

But we still smile.  We still ask if there is anything we can get for you.
We still try to relieve discomfort and pain.
And you better believe if you code-we will put our whole selves into saving your life.


And though we don't like it-we still will be nurses.
Want to know why?

Because some people are very nice to us.
Some people are truly grateful.
And that keeps us going.
It balances out the bad.


Last night I got the biggest compliment I have ever received from a patient.
And after several really bad shifts in a row-she helped me remember why I wanted to be a nurse in the first place.  Cause I was beginning to wonder.

So please--compliment your nurse......or anyone else who does something for you.
Because you never know what kind of crisis a person might be in.  And how much they might need to be reminded of their worth.


Never Suppress a Generous Thought
~Bonnie D Parkin



Be Happy Be Healthy

Notes From a Nurse-Handwashing

So I'm gonna start this new series.

Not quite sure what direction it will take.

Ever since nursing school, both friends and family have occasionally pulled the traditional
"so you're a nurse" followed by a medically related question.

Its an occupational hazard :)
But I don't mind.
Teachers don't get a monopoly on educating!
And the teaching part of nursing is one of my favorite parts.


So this will be a series for me to share ideas and tips.  Things I have picked up in my time caring for others.

I might also throw in my funny stories.  Cause heaven knows working the night shift I have a few.
(people get funny late at night!)


Anyway...we will see how it goes.

If you have any topics you would like me to discuss....comment below........

Just make sure you do it like my patients always do
Me: Anything else I can do for you?
Them: So I have a question.......



TODAYS SOAPBOX

HANDWASHING....since its the beginning of flu season.....and children's hospitals here in StL are reporting  record flu related visits (and its only NOVEMEBR!)

this diagram is a pretty good one


15-20 seconds people. Sing happy birthday twice.  Sing your ABCs.  Count to 15!



Many studies have been done discovering what parts are most likely to be missed in normal watching.

So along with the time....you need to to get everywhere.
Thumbs and the area between your pointer finger are the biggest offenders.
The back of your hand and in between your fingers come next.

Hot vs cold water, antibacterial soap vs regular soap is not nearly as important as the friction.
Rub rub...and get all the spots!


So thats it!  pretty simple right???
And it will DRAMATICALLY decrease the spread of sickness/germs!

Next time: Tummy Troubles--Why they are happening and what to do about them


Be Happy Be Healthy!

The 6 Point Couple

Alright ladies and germs.  Gather round-this is a public service announcement.

I would like to present to you...the 6 point couple.

This is a couple that must be touching at 6 points...at all times.

Examples of these 6 points include, but are not limited to:
elbows, shoulders, feet, heads, lips, hips, hands, knees, upper arms, thighs, or noses


These couples appear to be magnetic.
When they separate the always come back together in some similar configuration.


Now some might say it is cute and sweet that they always have to be touching.
But it can get dangerous.

I once knew a couple who maintained their 6 points while cooking.  That's not just impractical...its DANGEROUS!!!  There are hot liquids involved!!!!


Plus it can get super awkward for the people around.


NOW...let me talk to you about the PSA portion of this post.

Though I have see some 6 point couples survive-they had a bumpy road.
And I have seen even more 6 point couples crash and burn.

The unhealthy-ness of this co-dependence usually spells trouble.


Just a friendly warning :)

And enjoy this solution for those of us who are not a part of a 6 point couple.

;)

Be Happy Be Healthy!

Movie Monday- How To Talk to Girls

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS!!!!!!????

OMGSH!!!!!!!!!  (see swilly dictionary for definition)

MAJOR EPICNESSS!!!!!

Source: youtube.com via Jenevra on Pinterest

First thing you should say if hi. If she says hi back you are good


 I LOVE THIS KID!!!!!!!!!!!


 Enjoy!

A Quick One

I want to get a blog in today.

Work is nutty, so I want to at least say hi....and also say that interesting posts are in the works for this next week.
They are marinating in my head and getting JUICY!



But for now...let me just say.....

I love my job.  I really do.
And I will keep telling myself that though I want to sometimes pull every hair out of my head.

We are at kind of a low census time (every floor/hospital goes through these cycles...and there is NO predicting!).
Unfortunately this means we take patients who are less appropriate for a cardiac/telemetry floor.
One nurse called them "train wrecks".  I prefer the term "hot mess"

Only 2 of my 5 patients last night even had heart issues.  And it was super disastrous!!!!

But I love my job.  And in a month and a half or so (JAN SECOND!!!)  I will be free!
I will still be the new kid, but I will be on my own.
I will not be juggling day classes and night shifts on the floor.
And I will set my own schedule "mostly"

Favorite Last Words

"I'm trying to hit on you IDIOT"  Brittany



Sometimes flirting with a guy is like hitting your head against a brick wall.






Ok yes sometimes this is true....
but when it is I can't expect good results.....


btu

Top 10 Signs You are Old

(not necessarily in the numbers game....but in the attitude/mind game)



1-You change the radio from the top 40 station cause you "can't take this noise"

2-Your eyebrows raise up when people start suggesting you meet at 10 PM.  That is not the start of the night...that is bedtime!

3-Some of your friends are starting on round 2 of children.  Yes ladies and gentleman...not first kids...SECOND kids

4-The friends of yours who are not married yet because they are "18 months behind you" (aka your RM friends) are now getting engaged.

5-Children you used to babysit are going to stake dances

6-

TWATTSG:The Word Date

You know those meme things???


Here's one

When the word date is said.......

What a girl pictures


What a guy pictures


May I please ask a serious question??

Why does the word DATE scare guys so much???

I have found that most guys have no problem spending time with girls, talking to girls or anything of the like.

And these same guys have no problem asking a girl to "Hang Out".......................
which in the immortal words of Brittney and Nicole is code for "Lets watch a movie and make out after"

Now come on gentleman.  Is dinner or yogurt or the Mormon version of drinks or coffee all that scary??

You are totally not terrified of the NCMO (which is a pretty big gamble if you don't know the clingy level of the girl you are slobbering on) but a simple two hours of polite small talk is terrifying????

I understand that rejection is scary and that putting yourself out there is scary.
But that is not what I am speaking of.
I am speaking of the fear you all seem to have of the word!

But can I ask you to please for the LOVE

GET OVER IT!


The word DATE is actually a GREAT word.

Ladies...have you ever been on what you thought was a date...but the guy you were with didn't?
And conversely have you ever hung out with a guy who thought you were on a date?

CONFUSION right???

The WORD date gives clarity.
It shows a girl that the gentleman is interested in getting to know her better

(NOTE: it DOES NOT mean marriage!!!!!  Guys AND girls are both culprits of this erroneous-ness!)


If used....a date can help avoid the dreaded DTR.....but more on that later!

For now....gentleman...FOR THE LOVE OF PETE...
please use the word date.....I promise it will not lead to this.....

TWATTSG: Confused vs Being Confusing

Let me lay out a story first for us.

Once upon a time there was this girl (aka ME).  And there was this boy (duh!  don't all my stories go like this?)
The boy and girl had never really had an opportunity to really do anything...but they were friends and in the back of the girls mind she kind of wondered, but never did anything.
Then one day after several months of not seeing the boy and several weeks of not even talking to him, he suddenly contacts her.  And suddenly they are meeting up for lunch.
She walks in and he immediately gives her a HUGE hug.  Not only was it big...it was tight....and lasted longer than was likely proper.  But she blew it off as him just being happy to see her after such a long time.  But then this lunch turned into a very date like lunch.  Goofy light-hearted flirting, compliments, he paid.......
And then the end of the "date" he suddenly reveals he has a girlfriend.


Now we all know that I am a serious subscriber to the "he's just not that into you" philosophy.

The whole first part of the story makes you think...hmmmm...maybe he's into you.  Unlikely, but the clues are piling up.
And then all the clues come crashing down.

I am not confused.  I think the situation is QUITE clear!

But can I just say....HE is BEING confusing!!!!!

I think its an important distinction to make.  Some judge us girls when we talk about guys being confusing.
Just because they are being confusing doesn't mean we are confused.

I am not confused...but I am annoyed that he is being confusing.....

Off soap box and rant over

Wanna Hear My Recent Obsession???

SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!

Dancing around the house....LITRALLY!!!!!!!!  (yes I know I spelled it wrong....say it like its spelled!)


Enjoy!



And seriously I need to find me a swing dance partner cause I for reals have the whole song choreographed in my head!!!!!!

Cheese on Toast

alright...prepared for a whole lot of cheesi-ness????

Recently I got to see a bunch of old guy friends

The Saga of Stephanie the Night Shift Nurse

Its official.....

I have become a lady of the night!

But instead of thigh-high boots...I wear Danskos

And instead of a skanky outfit....scrubs and a jacket (it gets cold late at night!)

Also I trade in big hair for a pony-tail and lots of cake make-up for well...none.

I do give out drugs though!

But usually they are of the lowering blood pressure and cholesterol kind.....not ones that will give you too much of a trip.

BUT BUT sometimes I do give out morphine!

Last night I went to bed when it was dark out.  It felt weird.

I have gotten really good at doing things with the lights off.

I can start IV fluids or antibiotics without a light at all!

Its not too bad.  Its a different set of problems than during the day.

Day time is busy with appointments and procedures and at least 3 med passes.

Nights have 2 maybe and not too many appointments.

But if something goes wrong....it goes very wrong and there aren't a whole lot of people around to help you out!

Its a hurry up and wait sort of deal.  You rush rush rush rush trying to get everything done.

And then you sit for hours.

And then go crazy again!

Keeps you on your toes that is for sure!!!

And now I sleep like this......

Its great stuff

My Adventures in the State of UT

Lets do it in list form shall we???


-I should never go anywhere without a GPS.  I get lost going places I have been dozens of times!

Source: rhodeislandprep.tumblr.com via Kelley on Pinterest

-Bad things tend to happen in 3s...early contractions, seizures, and allergic reactions...

-Weddings where you are one of the only single people there...not nearly as depressing as one might think.  It is actually a little funny when people talk about the void in your life and you reply "I'd like that void to stay JUST WHERE IT IS!"  Also trying desperately and obviously to avoid catching the bouquet is quite a treat!

-Holding babies who are only a few weeks old is very motivating as far as dating goes!

-Big Sister drives like a GRANDMA

-Therapy sessions with your best friend are ALWAYS more fun when done at 12:30 AM

-Rental cars are a PAIN in the YOU KNOW WHAT!!!!

-Never trust airport monitors....they will tell you that your flight is leaving 45 minutes earlier than your ticket says and will lead you to run across the airport at lightening speed because supposedly your flight was leaving in 3 minutes.  (ps....my flight left 20 minutes late....which happened to be 1 hour AFTER the mad dash across the Chicago airport)

-Traveling NEVER goes according to plan!

-The sign of a good friend is that you feel like no time has passed and you can just pick up right where you left off

-Satellite radio is GREAT.  They actually have a "spa" station!

-Classical music is not always relaxing.  Sometimes it is stressful...cause you feel like its time to go to battle or something!

-I have GREAT girlfriends!  They are so kind to have interesting love lives so that I can live vicariously!

-If I Were a Boy by Beyonce is just not a good idea.  Especially post break-up....oh dark places ;)

-That rubber duck you keep in your purse to entertain little things?  Never give it to a one year old on a plane....they are in a throwing stage...and you will lose it!

-Freshman ward testimony meetings at BYU are well....interesting!

-Always expect the unexpected news to come at the END of lunch....never the beginning


-The game Destiny is ALWAYS right and NEVER gets old...for some strange reason....cause it really should!

-Shooting a garter is harder than it looks.  Guys who would like to have this tradition at their wedding...start practicing NOW

-Tie-dye cake recipes on Pinterest...actually work!

-I am pretty sure I have already met my husband....he is all the good qualities of all my 92nd boys smushed together!

Wanna see some of my favorite shots????

LOVE LOVE my Freshman girls!!!!!!

Love my Sisters!!!!  Nice photo bomb Bias!

Pappy just caught her...HYSTERICAL!!!!!

LOVE LOVE and miss my 15/16 ers

excellent photography!!!!!

BACKMAN!!!!!

Traci and Catherine!!!!!!!!!!!!

AWWWWW  My favorite big brother!!!!!  Love you Matthew!!!

ITS MY GIRL!!!  LOVE YOU MEREDITH!!!!

JESS IS HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most of HC 15....just missing dear Danielle  LOVE LOVE THEM!!!

BEST GROUP OF PEOPLE EVER!!!!!!!

Blog-cation

I'm sure anyone who is a blogger who is reading understands blog burnout

You can't think of anything to write
nothing seems interesting or of note
You sit down you write and it all just sounds crappy.


So I took a little break.
Made an attempt to clear my head
Tried to get a little perspective

And I'm back....hopefully its back!!!!!!!!

Pics as Promised!!!!!

ITS HALLOWEEN

I honestly am not the HUGEST fan of this holiday.

Gorging yourself on enough sugar to throw you into a diabetic crisis.
Purposely getting scared out of your mind.
An excuse for some to wear an EXTREMELY small amount of clothing.

Not really my thing.

But I do love fall.  And the parties are usually pretty decent.  And dressing up can be fun.

I've had some pretty great costumes the past few years....


Tin Man...
(this was not pretty to be honest....but it worked well)

We won awards for these ones!!!!

Junior year brought Miss Missouri 1910

Senior year was my goth year (I decided the night of...so don't judge its lameness)

no pic this year.  But picture my smileyness with thick black eyeliner, lipstick, nail polish and all black clothes.

I freaked a few people out lets just say!

Nursing school year brought a rocker chick.

I got lots of compliments on this one.  Mostly from my gentleman acquaintances.

Maybe it was the tight pants and the 3 inch heel knee high boots.......

(though I looked good...not sure I'm proud of this one!)

THIS YEAR????

Well ladies and gents...allow me to reveal my inspiration...

The final product picture will be posted tonight!

Happy Halloween!

Be Happy Be Healthy!!!!