Sometimes I hate my job...

First, let me explain. On Orthopedics, I usually see people pretty battered, but usually fixed up, and walking out the front door. The last few weeks, we have had numerous people admitted who come in with a fracture, and then receive the news that they found a "spot of interest" on the x-rays. Lately, this has been cancer.

An oncology nurse will be exposed to these people everyday, and therefore get a sense of "comfort" around cancer patients, meaning they will know what to say to them, and how to offer support. One of my patients received the devastating news yesterday, and today found out that it was inoperable.
She began the day with "I got some bad news yesterday." I knew what was coming, but didn't really figure it would work into my normal morning routine. As she told me the news, her eyes welled up with tears, and her voice began to tremble. I just held her hand, and told her that with today's technology anything was still possible. Now I know that we are professionals, but I am human first. As I was telling her this, my eyes filled with tears too. I'm sure everybody knows someone who has been hit by cancer. I told her that I would do everything possible to make her stay with us a comfortable as possible, and to ask any questions that she or her family had. Doctors are notorious for walking into a room, telling a patient some bad news, then excusing themselves as if nothing happened. We the nurses are left to do the damage control, and personally I wouldn't have it any other way. This is the hardest part of my job, but the most necessary as far as I'm concerned...

I consider myself lucky to be able to give this lady some hope and some laughter, even if it's for a short while. Sometimes I really hate my job, but sometimes I really love it too.

Baseball is fun....please tell that to the other teams.

I missed the first game last night, as I was at the Blue Bomber game.
We got beaten so badly, that they stopped the game after the fourth inning.

Skip ahead to today. I was able to play today. I was going to say I was able to help my team today, but we are really in over our heads in the division that they placed us in. We are ranked 16th of 16 teams in "C" division, and have been outscored a total of about 54-6 in three games.
It's too bad, because we're supposed to be playing for fun. I just wish the other teams got that same message.
It turns out Aaron (co-manager) was talking to the Commissioner of the league today, and he has the nerve to say "Oh yeah, I was looking at your stats. I think I should have put you in another division." You think?

Tonight we go to a house party, which is technically our "unofficial" windup party. At least I can drink away my sorrows. It will be short lived though, we still have two games to play tomorrow. Yay......

The big difference maker next year will be the matching T-shirts. That, and I'm buying cleats.
Wish us luck!!

Back, after a little break

I realize I've neglected my blog lately. As it turns out, I'm also a member of Facebook, which can be addictive at times....
I've just returned from Ontario, where Ali's family from down East was visiting. I tell you, there's something a little intimidating about having five teenagers surrounding you in a house. Non-stop eating, belching, farting, laughing, wrestling, complaining, being lazy, and eating again can be a lot to observe when you're not used to it.

I have my final baseball weekend coming up on Saturday, and I think we'll do alright. We have an "unofficial" windup party at a co-worker's house Saturday night, then the real deal the following week.
Before all of this though, my dad will venture into the big city for another night of football on Friday. They are honouring Milt Stegall pregame, so that will be exciting. It's a good thing we'll be there at 5:30 when the doors open.;)
When I was at my parent's house on the weekend, I couldn't help but notice all of the Blue Bombers merchandise that my dad and I have. My car has a few decals on it, as do my dad's Altima, Neon, and their new van. When I walked inside the house, I hung my Blue Bomber lanyard beside my dad's Bomber jacket and his Bomber pullover. At that time, I was wearing my new Bomber sweatshirt.....
If all that wasn't enough, I bought my dad a Bombers mouse, which I'll give him on Friday.

Sorry I've been neglecting you, my little blog. I promise to get back on board.

Idiosyncrasies of an Aries mind....

Title credit to my wife, Ali.
It was just, uh "suggested" to me that I write a blog. I've been in holiday mode for the last week, and truthfully, I don't think I'm out of it yet.
I worked 16 hours yesterday, because they were short staffed. Big surprise - short on a weekend. In the middle of Summer. It floors me that the powers that be aren't smart enough to see this trend happen every single year. They will be shocked when it happens at Christmas too. ;)
I say hire extra seasonal staff, just for these occasions. Department stores do this every year. Why? Because they know they're going to be busy. The last time I checked, Hospitals are open 24 hours a day, unlike a Target or the mall....

That's my soapbox for the day. I'm happy for Ali right now, because I know she's going to get to see the Bahama Mama this week. I haven't seen my best friend for a while, and wish we lived closer so we could hang out more. At least I have the option of jumping into my car and driving to see him, whereas Ali would have to book a flight. If I could just figure out a way to not work, or have to pay for airfare....

The NFL preseason is upon us, and my beloved Broncos play tonight. This is always a good indication of summer slowly coming to an end. I enjoy fall though, even that much more now, as my dad and I have starting bird hunting again. I love the smell of rotting leaves, and the many different colors we see as we walk down a quiet bush trail in pursuit of the dangerous Ruffed Grouse....

I'm still on board with the workout regime. I gotta say, it's kind of addicting. I'm sleeping better, having fewer leg cramps, and starting to feel better all around. Who knew exercise was good for you?
I'm a little embarrassed. I am constantly teaching healthy living to my patients, but never practiced what I preached until now. By the way, drink more water.

I'm off for a bike ride now. Gotta watch my girlie figure.

A quick pitstop...

Hey folks, I'm back in the big City for few nights. I have to maintain the control of my baseball team after all.
My cousins from Toronto are down in my area for the next few days, so I'm hoping to head out to their cabin and do some fishing. My other cousin is visiting from Alberta, so I'd really like to see her too. It looks like I'll be a road warrior for the next couple of days.

At the last Bomber game, the manager at the Bomber shop offered my dad and I some free Blue Bomber hard hats. I gladly accepted them, but thought afterwards that I will probably not wear it anytime soon. I do plan on taking it to practice one day, having a few guys sign it, and give it to a co-worker of mine who has a young son. I'm so nice. ;)
If it looks too good though, I might have to keep it for myself.
I still have a few days off from the hustle and bustle of the hospital, and I plan on spending it relaxing by the beach, working on my tan, fishing, swimming, tubing, and visiting.
See you next week.