Visits with bigwigs

Today was one of those two day visits. In theory, everything is clean and shiny, but it wasn't. The big shots got in before the housekeepers started mopping up the big dried coffee stain in the lobby.

I was fortunate to stumble upon the visitors as I was leaving my office to go to the restroom down the hall. Since I am well acquainted with one of them, I escorted them to the meeting room. They were thrilled with the coffee and pastries.

As luck would have it, I was scheduled in not one but three meetings. Since they ran over, I excused myself from the second one, so I could escape and do some work. Since the Slug needed someone to impress and was being a total toad, it was really for his/her own safety (and the safety of my license) that I left.

When I went back to my desk, I kept making phone calls. I called several patients and checked on orders for equipment. It was fun to get away.

Finally, the visitors had had enough in the last meeting and we finished by 5PM, over an hour past my usual. I was so glad to go home.

More excitement is coming...stay tuned.

The weekend is here!

I'm not complaining one bit. I've been productive so far today. I had a nice, restful sleep and I woke up to make my breakfast, then to get my coffee and take my car, the family truckster, for an oil change.

After that, I headed to get coffee again (because one really ISN'T enough) and visit my sister. We enjoyed her patio in the gorgeous, only slightly steamy weather.

Now I'm back at home doing laundry and assessing all the tasks I have to do before work Monday.

Again, it's not a bad option, doing chores. I could be stuck doing something completely different.

Hope you enjoy your weekend wherever you are!

Fun, fun, fun

So much fun on my last day of vacation. Visited my sister, went to lunch with Bubba, got his favorite treats, saw a new art exhibit and went to a local history museum, which had a new exhibit on one of my favorite things: coffee, and included samples.

Life is good. Here's hoping next week is good as that cold brew they served (freaking amazing).

More to come...

It's almost over...

But we won't stop enjoying what we have left of the weekend and of my vacation, darn it!

Bubba and I had a great time out and about in our aunt's neighborhood. It was a food truck fest and a charity concert, headed up by my favorite police captain (and the power point/satire master) Cap'n Ned. Cap'n  Ned and I worked together nearly two decades ago (kind of scary) in MegaBurg, way before any of the niceties were added all around town, such as the cool amphitheatre.

Cap'n Ned's own band headed up the concert, and they had a U2 tribute band as the headliner. It was fun watching folks from many generations up there dancing in front of us. It was also homecoming in the neighboring towns, and since the MegaBurg park is scenic, we saw dozens of kids (and parents) walking by dressed up and taking pictures. A couple of times, they timed their parades to song lyrics that talked about young'uns being places they shouldn't...which made for some hysterical video clips.

Bubba even got ME up there and dancing to the U2 tribute band, but with all the smoke from the stage, cold air, and other assorted pollutants (this was outside), I thought I would have an asthma attack and require paramedic attention (because, of course, I never figured I'd need to bring my inhaler along). I sat out. Consequently, Bubba danced his heart out and had a blast, while I watched from the second row.

We spent money, Bubba got his pic taken with some famous football cheerleaders and bought a calendar they had, since proceeds went to their charity for fallen first responders. He had a grand old time, and so did I, spending some time in my old workplace of MegaBurg, marveling at all the good that's come there, and talking to old friends I don't see nearly enough.

So, we'll be off on our day soon, to make some more memories today. Stay tuned.

Planes, trains and automobiles, NOLA version

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was only 24 hours, but darned, it was so good. I felt the pangs of frustration of Steve Martin, the screaming kids, the shuttle that was crammed with folks, but it was really amazing.

Our shuttle driver gave tips on some of the best things to do (and most importantly, eat) in New Orleans. I promptly made my way to Central Grocery to try out their muffaletta, and I made it, just before they closed. On the way back, I ate dessert first: beignets with cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde. My other culinary adventure was to Acme Oyster House, while I was roaming around Bourbon Street before I left. You can't beat an oyster poboy! (NOTE: I don't eat raw oysters, so try it if you are not a fan of these runny bivalve mollusks. They are delicious fried!)

While I was in the neighborhood, I fulfilled a mission: I went back to the French Market and got the silver pendant I figured I didn't need two years ago to go with the earrings I bought to remember the Crescent City.

Coming home I met a nice lady from another conference at our hotel. She worked for a very famous beauty company, and picked up my tab for the cab ride. Thank you Angela! Will definitely buy your products at the store!

The rest of my trip included a layover, but since the massage shop was too busy, I opted for a salty summer brew, then I talked to some fun folks at the airport's Starbucks. And listened to live music in the terminal.

I attended the meeting and longed to stay for the awesome conference I went to last year, but family comes first. I went home to get Bubba and he was happy. He got an awesome trumpet T-shirt souvenir to replace the one he grew out of, and a good one to wear for Mardi Gras this year.

I can't wait to go back and hang out among the many rehab nurses again. It's always a blast. See you all in Philly next year.

Stay tuned...vacation is never dull.

Just another Monday

Still Nurses' Week..YES! The psychology staff are celebrating on Florence Nightingale's birthday at the Hotel, but they have to send an e-mail every day so people don't forget.

I celebrated today by having lots of technical difficulties in my clinic. Now I have to find a creative way to get a gift basket of coffee, Mountain Dew, chocolate and other terribly fattening things to my favorite support technicians. Yes, it's been that kind of week and this is only Monday. We have a "special notes" section of our intranet, so I recognized two of the folks today. I had to...those two saved my derriere so much already.

Bubba got out of school early today and is counting the days when school ends here in RehabLand. Since his school had no snow days (we had a school boss from Minnesota who wasn't scared one icy day) this year, they'll actually finish on the day they said. Bubba, however, may notice those last days are different. For the first time ever, he has final exams. Should get him ready for high school!

Now Bubba is at his friend Jorge's house, helping him get some of the music homework done before the big party this week at the last band class. If Jorge gets the magic number, he'll be in. Bubba, his partner in crime, wants to provide moral support so it happens.

Stay tuned...one more day of Nurses' Week left. Enjoy every moment. You deserve it!

Monday, Monday (aka back to work)

It was a brief trip to MegaConference and it was fun. I even met some new friends on my whirlwind tour. I tried to meet one nurse blogger, but she wasn't coming in, until I left town. I got lots of looks at my poster and made sure I didn't take a single handout home, by using a couple of marketing gimmicks. (I marked my literature holder--aka a brown envelope--with the words TRADE SECRETS).

All that business experience helped. I also corralled a spot near my poster and carefully set my coat and a notebook there (with a glass) so I could go between sessions and not lose my spot. (We were expected to be by the poster at break times, so...)

Dahey and Bubba drove around the town exploring, watching dogs and sailboats. Bubba also proved that kids needing to go to the bathroom is really a universally understood problem, no matter in what sort of ethnic neighborhood you may find yourself. They also saw a movie, which was a good excuse for Dahey to find a dark place with a comfy chair for a nap. (We got up really early to get me to the conference on time, since our hotel was far away in the suburbs.)

There was a party once the session was over, but I literally had to fly out of there, after I talked to an exec I had tweeted to during the sessions. It was nice to finally meet her after conversing back and forth. It was bedlam--cars, taxis, buses, everywhere. It was a miracle Dahey and Bubba could get to me amidst all the masses escaping the conference hall looking for a ride. I was really happy one of the staffers there was able to get us back to the highway to RehabLand.

It was literally down the street and around one corner. So we drove away into the evening to RehabLand.

Today was a long day with lots of caffeine infusions. My last one is wearing off, so I will say good night.

More fun to come...

A little light reading

I was reading this funny article about hair dye gone bad when I found out about butter "bulletproof" coffee.

Interesting concept, but I really like my butter with a side of toast, coffee made in a cup (not a blender) and two fried eggs over easy, with two sausage patties.

BTW I eat eggs every day. My cholesterol is good and so is my skin.

Now I'm hungry...stay tuned!

Ahh!

Homework is submitted. Slept late.

Now drinking coffee and enjoying being lazy for a bit.

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

So nice!

If you love coffee, this is YOUR weekend. Lots of free joe, due to another invented holiday: National Coffee Day.

I'll drink to that!

Coping mechanisms

To be a nurse, you need to know how to handle the pressure of day-to-day silliness.

My methods:

1. Chocolate. Eat the dark stuff with less sugar and fiber (okay, it still has fat, but you need fiber, right?)

2. Coffee. I don't care if they tell me it will kill me this week. Last week, they said it was my best source of antioxidants.

3. Regular pedicures. Yes, you are only as happy as your feet are (said more than one old pro nurse I know!) Hot pink toes make me happy.

That is all. Enjoy your night wherever you area!

Oh happy day

I should be worried, but so far, I've done all I can do until next week.

I have to teach at a caregiver seminar with some folks I haven't seen in ages. I can't wait! I hope they deliver us a very good lunch, because the crazy doctor I work with will be there, too.

If he accuses me of taking all the caffeinated coffee this time, I will wreak havoc.

Stay tuned.

Rumor has it...

Just like the song, we hear JC may be in the house very soon.

So, of course, they moved all the furniture in the waiting area in front of our clinic doors. Nice.

I hope they show while this mess is here and write up the idiot staff I work with.

However, in honor of our good JC friends, I cleaned out our coffee maker. If I'm going to be stressed, it's going to be locked in my office with a cup of coffee before my inquisition.

(Rant over). That is all. Enjoy your Monday.

War on the summer cold

Wake up off and on all night. Get sleep in small chunks of time.

Wage war on congestion with:

• 2 pots of herbal tea with honey
• Multiple, multiple cups of every kind of coffee
• 3.5 liters of cold water
• Two Mucinex DMs (takes 16 oz of water all by itself!)
• Four Aleves
• Liberal amounts of Vicks Vapo-Rub (I'm old school)
• One nap before dinner (refreshing!)
• Ate three light, but vitamin rich meals.

If I don't flush it out, I'm going to make things very inhospitable with a veritable flood.

That is all. Back to sleep and thinking good thoughts. Hopefully, all the barking dogs will go in for the night soon!

Public confession

As a disciple of Juan Valdez (aka the I love coffee club), I will never ever be going on this blasphemous diet.

Not only do you have to give up coffee but every other thing that goes with it (or that might remotely taste good, except mushrooms).

So all you SU patients who tell me your gonna take this stuff for your bowels/feel better/reduce inflammation, you're on your own.

I'm not trying that either. I'll be very happy here with my friend Joe (as in Java Joe...)

More later...

Childhood memories

One day when Bubba was little, he made a collage from magazine photos. It has all sorts of random stuff on it, so I asked him to explain his artwork.

He carefully pointed to each item and explained every item and its significance to him.

On the last one, he said, "And Momma, that's a coffee cup, because when I see one, I think of you."

Monday madness, part 107

Oh, I love Mondays, when they go quickly without incident. When does that happen, you ask? Maybe once or twice a month, if I'm lucky.

Today just was classic.

1. You're waiting for two patients to show up. One shows up for clinic. One doesn't show.  The four calls you made to his/her nursing home to get him/her to the appointment were a waste. I really love transportation companies when they screw up!

2. The crazy specialist you have to work with forgets how to code his encounters. The coding staff are off today. He/she decides to do something crazy and puts his notes in incorrectly. Nice...

3. You forget your lunch at home...in the fridge. All the while, as you wait for Dr. Crazy, you're dreaming about lunch.

Despite the weirdness that appeared, disappeared and reappeared, things did get better.

1. I escaped! Out of the building! For my ENTIRE lunch time. Hallelujah!

2. Since all the patients were done for the day, I drove down the road to my favorite coffee place and got a pound to take home and a drink. I was running late so a lady waiting for another store gave me her place in line. I thanked her profusely and gave her my coupon for a super cheap drink while she waited.

3. I finished the day, slowly, surely and very nicely. And away I went...

Stay tuned...

Yes, I'll have another double

Espresso after reading the latest article about coffee drinking.

Hooray!

Need a resolution for 2012?

I looked at what my previous resolutions were (yes, I keep track right here on ye olde blog) and surprisingly, the Resolution Randomizer was still active and so I gave it a whirl.

Why make up resolutions you won't keep? I might get something that could stick. Here's what I got.

I, RehabRN, hereby resolve to...

Never try drinking coffee in the refrigerator. 
 (No chance, I left Mickey D's lifetimes ago...)

Try to avoid thinking in front of my boss.
(I already do this one...although I'm a horrendous poker face as Mitch, my training cohort, tells me)

Talk about sharing absurd stories in my car.
(Another tough one...what will I do on that car trip through New Mexico this year?)

Justify my love of eating breakfast with my family.
(Bubba loves breakfast, so this is a slam dunk!)

Abstain from managing my money in the office.
(I usually do this at home, anyway.  One I can actually do!)

Finally stop hiding staplers in the break room.
(Now EVERYONE knows...ugh!)

Stop kissing butt in the morning.
(Check. Even better reason to be surly to the Slug!)

Finally stop thinking in the bathroom.
(Not sure this will ever happen...remember me and Winston from that bathroom reading post?)

Consider singing Neil Diamond outside. 
(Great! Now Sweet Caroline keeps going through my head…)


I'm ready, Twenty twelve. Come on down!

And for all my people in the Hotel (and every other hospital) I pray that all your patients be wonderful today and sleep at the right times.

See you next year, friends.

It ain't Bob and Bing on the Road to Utopia, but..

All of these things happened to me on the road recently with the boss.

1. I was accused of drinking the last of the caffeinated coffee in the conference room. I drank decaf instead, and waited for the new stuff to arrive. "No, " I replied. "It ran out before I got there."
2. Boss almost choked. Thank goodness I didn't have to do the Heimlich on him/her.
3. Boss kept borrowing so many office supplies that my return flight seat mate said, "What are you going to have to do next? Make coffee?"

But it wasn't all terrible.

1. Boss held my spot in line to get on the plane as I desperately ran to Starbucks for a coffee and he/she declined one. (I was nice and offered, as I always do.)
2. Boss stood in the rain to get a cab.

3. Boss and I sat near each other in the conference and I didn't hide his/her pens once (although he/she "borrowed" my only notepad to take calls from people at the Hotel.) Yes, while the meeting was in progress. Boss also wrote remote orders on his/her laptop.
4. Boss complimented me on my knowledge in front of our work group, who had come from around the nation.

It is always interesting to watch
1. Specialists squirm when they don't understand something.
2. People getting in those inside comments, "We finally went out and got Nurse X a Queen's Square hammer for the clinic after that study." Thanks to Grumpy, I actually KNEW that one. (still have to find out what Boss's favorite is though...I'm guessing a Troemner)

Nevertheless, I survived. Boss, I'll miss you when you're gone the next time.

Just remember...I have pictures of you sleeping with your mouth wide open on the plane, proving, yet again, that you're still human like the rest of us.

Stay tuned...could be on the road again before you know it.