Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
What'd you call me?
I was thinking of the nicknames I've had while growing up.
When I was young, the first nickname I remember having was "punkin". Both of my grandpas called me this. As I got older, I moved on to the ol' standby "buddy" from my uncles.
It's funny how some people keep nicknames their entire lives. My father in law is a railroader, and all of his friends still go by their childhood nicknames. There's pickle, Ed, (whose real name is Rick)
Siderod, (my father in law) and a bunch more. Basically half of my hometown goes by a nickname.
When I was in the military, I was known as "Tank man" as a spin on my last name, or "Tank-o".
I agree, they're not very creative, but what do you expect from a bunch of gunners.....
There was an instructor who would pair up all of the guys who looked alike. We had Itchy and Scratchy, and I happened to paired up with Sinkins. What brilliant names did they call us, you ask? Sinkis and Minkis...
Ali and I have our own nickname for each other now. We call each other "Shy", which is ironic, because we're far from it. It is a shortened version of another word, which really isn't so endearing......let's just say it involves one of the controversial scenes for the South Park movie.
What were some of your nicknames growing up? What do you call your loved ones now?
When I was young, the first nickname I remember having was "punkin". Both of my grandpas called me this. As I got older, I moved on to the ol' standby "buddy" from my uncles.
It's funny how some people keep nicknames their entire lives. My father in law is a railroader, and all of his friends still go by their childhood nicknames. There's pickle, Ed, (whose real name is Rick)
Siderod, (my father in law) and a bunch more. Basically half of my hometown goes by a nickname.
When I was in the military, I was known as "Tank man" as a spin on my last name, or "Tank-o".
I agree, they're not very creative, but what do you expect from a bunch of gunners.....
There was an instructor who would pair up all of the guys who looked alike. We had Itchy and Scratchy, and I happened to paired up with Sinkins. What brilliant names did they call us, you ask? Sinkis and Minkis...
Ali and I have our own nickname for each other now. We call each other "Shy", which is ironic, because we're far from it. It is a shortened version of another word, which really isn't so endearing......let's just say it involves one of the controversial scenes for the South Park movie.
What were some of your nicknames growing up? What do you call your loved ones now?
Monday, October 22, 2007
Goin to a rock show
Tomorrow after work, I'm joining a friend to see the band The Sadies.
They are playing a small venue, and personally, I prefer a small venue to a big arena show.
I saw this band once, when they opened for my favorite band The Tragically Hip. I'd describe them as an instrumental band, with lots of 60's surfer style music. It should be good.
As I was returning a movie tonight, I heard of another good band called Sunset Rubdown. They are playing here in Winnipeg on Halloween, and I'm hoping to see them as well.
After all of these, I have tickets to see The Weakerthans on December 22. This will be a good early Christmas present.
The best part of all three of these shows is that they are all in 200-1000 person concert halls.
It should be a good few months of rock and or roll...........
They are playing a small venue, and personally, I prefer a small venue to a big arena show.
I saw this band once, when they opened for my favorite band The Tragically Hip. I'd describe them as an instrumental band, with lots of 60's surfer style music. It should be good.
As I was returning a movie tonight, I heard of another good band called Sunset Rubdown. They are playing here in Winnipeg on Halloween, and I'm hoping to see them as well.
After all of these, I have tickets to see The Weakerthans on December 22. This will be a good early Christmas present.
The best part of all three of these shows is that they are all in 200-1000 person concert halls.
It should be a good few months of rock and or roll...........
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Spare change?
Usually, I'm all for giving some spare change if they are polite about it.
As Ali and I were driving home from a little shopping today, I saw the strangest thing.
I was in a turning lane, stopped at a red light. An elderly man and his wife were in front of me.
I looked around as we waited for the light to change. There were a couple of street people walking around, scouring the ground for any loose change, or aluminum that they could cash in.
As I looked ahead to the car stopped in front of me, I noticed that the old man had opened his car door. I thought that he was going to give these people some money....
Here's what happened next. The old guy bent down to the ground, and scooped up a few coins that were lying on the road. What a cheap bastard!! He was driving a nice Buick sedan, he was a veteran, and he was collecting a pension!!!
As if he really needed that fifty cents on the road. To the people in that area, extra change could mean some food (hopefully) or some other necessity. Ali and I were floored. I've seen people refuse to hand out change, but to collect it from the road, just because you're a cheapskate? Not cool in my books.
Speaking of cheapskates, I bought myself some shoes for $15 and got Ali some fancy pants for $1 at this giant warehouse sale today.
My back is feeling a little better. It looks like I may avoid surgery, and opt for some Cortizone injections to help relieve some of the swelling. I hope they work.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
As Ali and I were driving home from a little shopping today, I saw the strangest thing.
I was in a turning lane, stopped at a red light. An elderly man and his wife were in front of me.
I looked around as we waited for the light to change. There were a couple of street people walking around, scouring the ground for any loose change, or aluminum that they could cash in.
As I looked ahead to the car stopped in front of me, I noticed that the old man had opened his car door. I thought that he was going to give these people some money....
Here's what happened next. The old guy bent down to the ground, and scooped up a few coins that were lying on the road. What a cheap bastard!! He was driving a nice Buick sedan, he was a veteran, and he was collecting a pension!!!
As if he really needed that fifty cents on the road. To the people in that area, extra change could mean some food (hopefully) or some other necessity. Ali and I were floored. I've seen people refuse to hand out change, but to collect it from the road, just because you're a cheapskate? Not cool in my books.
Speaking of cheapskates, I bought myself some shoes for $15 and got Ali some fancy pants for $1 at this giant warehouse sale today.
My back is feeling a little better. It looks like I may avoid surgery, and opt for some Cortizone injections to help relieve some of the swelling. I hope they work.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
For John
Hey all, (especially John) I realize I've stalled a bit again.
It's funny, when I say I won't let the lack of blogging get the best of me, I don't do it.
My back feels a little better. Today was the first day back to work, and the 12 hour shift was the first test. So far, so good.
We have another group of students on our ward right now. I get excited to teach students new things, and sometimes consider teaching part-time at my old College. I had one instructor in particular who always bugged me to apply....
These days of Fall are kind of depressing. I leave for work, it's dark. I drive home from work, it's dark. The only time I see daylight is when I look out my patient's window.
My parents are going to Cuba next week. They are going to the same location where Ali and I enjoyed our honeymoon. Cayo Coco is a small "finger" just off shore form the mainland. It was abandoned years ago by the local fishermen, who were finally over-run by mosquitoes. When they left, they left behind their livestock, and even now you can find wild goats, cows, and dogs roaming around the streets.
Now that Cayo Coco is suited for tourists, it's fogged for bugs, and actually quite beautiful. We still say that Cuba has the nicest beaches we've seen. The people there are also very friendly.
I took my mom out hunting last week. My dad was working nights, so he was sleeping during the day. I wanted to go hunt some Grouse, and my mom wanted to go along for the drive. I think she got into it more than me. As I was scouting out the woods for birds, she had her head completely out of the car window, scanning the treeline for any movement....
We got 5 birds in our two mornings of hunting, so I was happy.
That's it for now. Time to relax before the chaos known as hospital life resumes tomorrow.
It's funny, when I say I won't let the lack of blogging get the best of me, I don't do it.
My back feels a little better. Today was the first day back to work, and the 12 hour shift was the first test. So far, so good.
We have another group of students on our ward right now. I get excited to teach students new things, and sometimes consider teaching part-time at my old College. I had one instructor in particular who always bugged me to apply....
These days of Fall are kind of depressing. I leave for work, it's dark. I drive home from work, it's dark. The only time I see daylight is when I look out my patient's window.
My parents are going to Cuba next week. They are going to the same location where Ali and I enjoyed our honeymoon. Cayo Coco is a small "finger" just off shore form the mainland. It was abandoned years ago by the local fishermen, who were finally over-run by mosquitoes. When they left, they left behind their livestock, and even now you can find wild goats, cows, and dogs roaming around the streets.
Now that Cayo Coco is suited for tourists, it's fogged for bugs, and actually quite beautiful. We still say that Cuba has the nicest beaches we've seen. The people there are also very friendly.
I took my mom out hunting last week. My dad was working nights, so he was sleeping during the day. I wanted to go hunt some Grouse, and my mom wanted to go along for the drive. I think she got into it more than me. As I was scouting out the woods for birds, she had her head completely out of the car window, scanning the treeline for any movement....
We got 5 birds in our two mornings of hunting, so I was happy.
That's it for now. Time to relax before the chaos known as hospital life resumes tomorrow.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
A blog of few words....AKA random thoughts.
My back still hurts.
My team won (again!!!).
I'm officially on holidays now.
I'm content right now. Except for my back hurtin'.
Ali made a good dinner tonight. :)
More hunting is fast approaching.
Some fishing (fingers crossed) is fast approaching.
More blogging (fingers crossed) is fast approaching.
I'm excited for the crunching of leaves beneath my feet. I enjoy Fall weather.
I have the urge to go to a concert. Any concert will do right now.
I AM going to a concert, but sadly, it's not until December 22nd. Have you heard The Weakerthans?
I still want to be a drummer in a band. I guess I should start practicing....
When does 24 start again? (The best show ever).
That's all for now.
My team won (again!!!).
I'm officially on holidays now.
I'm content right now. Except for my back hurtin'.
Ali made a good dinner tonight. :)
More hunting is fast approaching.
Some fishing (fingers crossed) is fast approaching.
More blogging (fingers crossed) is fast approaching.
I'm excited for the crunching of leaves beneath my feet. I enjoy Fall weather.
I have the urge to go to a concert. Any concert will do right now.
I AM going to a concert, but sadly, it's not until December 22nd. Have you heard The Weakerthans?
I still want to be a drummer in a band. I guess I should start practicing....
When does 24 start again? (The best show ever).
That's all for now.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Is this 2005?
The reason I ask is, in 2005 I had this constant nagging pain in my left leg. It actually started in 2003, but I didn't have a chance to get it diagnosed until 2005. It turned out that I had spinal stenosis, where the space in your vertebrae slowly closes over time, eventually putting non-stop pressure on all of your nerves running down each leg. On top of that, I had 2 herniated discs.....
After months of waiting for MRI's and CT scans, I was booked for back surgery in March 2005.
Everything has been great ever since. No back pain, no leg pain, I regained the ability to walk long distances again, and eventually play baseball and run again.
About two weeks ago, this all changed. I don't remember hurting or twisting my back, the pain just suddenly re-appeared again, shooting down my left leg. I don't think I would hesitate to have surgery again, the only concern that I have is that the Surgeon who fixed my back the first time has since stopped doing back surgeries. I spoke with a doctor on my ward the other day, and he has booked me in for an MRI to see what's going on. In the meantime, I'll try physiotherapy and other topical pain relievers, hoping that my MRI gets done sooner than the last one, and that my back can (hopefully) get fixed once and for all.
I find it ironic that I work on an Orthopedics ward, dealing with back surgeries, knee surgeries, broken arms and legs, and every nurse I work with has back/leg problems of their own. Suddenly working in a clinic doesn't sound so bad.
On a lighter note, I have one last week of holidays approaching soon, and hope to do some more hunting and watch some football games. I might have a chance to head to Denver after all with my dad. If that's not sweet enough, it would be a Monday night game versus Tennessee. I can picture it now - me with no shirt on, painted head to toe in blue and orange paint (Denver's colours) with a sign reading "I came all the way from Winnipeg to be on Monday Night Football"
Beautiful, isn't it? Is it a coincidence that I share a birthday with John Madden?
After months of waiting for MRI's and CT scans, I was booked for back surgery in March 2005.
Everything has been great ever since. No back pain, no leg pain, I regained the ability to walk long distances again, and eventually play baseball and run again.
About two weeks ago, this all changed. I don't remember hurting or twisting my back, the pain just suddenly re-appeared again, shooting down my left leg. I don't think I would hesitate to have surgery again, the only concern that I have is that the Surgeon who fixed my back the first time has since stopped doing back surgeries. I spoke with a doctor on my ward the other day, and he has booked me in for an MRI to see what's going on. In the meantime, I'll try physiotherapy and other topical pain relievers, hoping that my MRI gets done sooner than the last one, and that my back can (hopefully) get fixed once and for all.
I find it ironic that I work on an Orthopedics ward, dealing with back surgeries, knee surgeries, broken arms and legs, and every nurse I work with has back/leg problems of their own. Suddenly working in a clinic doesn't sound so bad.
On a lighter note, I have one last week of holidays approaching soon, and hope to do some more hunting and watch some football games. I might have a chance to head to Denver after all with my dad. If that's not sweet enough, it would be a Monday night game versus Tennessee. I can picture it now - me with no shirt on, painted head to toe in blue and orange paint (Denver's colours) with a sign reading "I came all the way from Winnipeg to be on Monday Night Football"
Beautiful, isn't it? Is it a coincidence that I share a birthday with John Madden?
Friday, September 21, 2007
Locked, and loaded!!!
This weekend marks the opening of Grouse hunting in Ontario. I love the fall weather, walking down a bush trail, smelling the smells of fall, and hanging out with my dad.
I have been hunting since I was 14 years old. I've never gotten into deer or moose hunting, mainly because of the costs. Bird hunting is relatively cheap, and shotgun shells are fairly inexpensive.
My uncle has asked if I'm interested in duck hunting this year. I think I will take him up on his offer. He has been an avid duck hunter for years, and after his heart attack (on Christmas) a few years ago, he has kind of slowed down in terms of hunting. Unfortunately, he still smokes like no tomorrow, but he has quit drinking, so I guess it's a start. It's funny how people suffer a life altering injury/illness, be it beating cancer, surviving a heart attack, etc., make lifestyle changes for a while, but then return to their old ways shortly after. I see this everyday at work. A good example is a diabetic patient getting educated on the importance of foot care, only to be admitted six months down the road, booked for a below the knee amputation, simply because their sandals have worn an ugly hole between their toes. Sometimes an amputation is necessary, but if the doctor told me I had a chance at saving my foot, I would go all out.
Sorry for that rant, back to hunting. Ducks have incredible eyesight, so you have to be extremely stealthy when you hunt them. There are all sorts of blind that are available to hid behind. My uncle used the kind of blind that you slip into, similar to a sleeping bag. A camouflaged screen covers your face, and when the ducks fly over, you open up, and fire away.
I've been so tired lately, I just hope I don't fall asleep while lying there. Imagine drifting off to sleep, listening to the grass in the fields blowing around, the cool fall air filling your lungs, then suddenly BOOM BOOM BOOM!!
I think I might poo the blind a little....
Wish me luck as I stalk the ever-so-dangerous Grouse and his trash talkin' buddies.
I have been hunting since I was 14 years old. I've never gotten into deer or moose hunting, mainly because of the costs. Bird hunting is relatively cheap, and shotgun shells are fairly inexpensive.
My uncle has asked if I'm interested in duck hunting this year. I think I will take him up on his offer. He has been an avid duck hunter for years, and after his heart attack (on Christmas) a few years ago, he has kind of slowed down in terms of hunting. Unfortunately, he still smokes like no tomorrow, but he has quit drinking, so I guess it's a start. It's funny how people suffer a life altering injury/illness, be it beating cancer, surviving a heart attack, etc., make lifestyle changes for a while, but then return to their old ways shortly after. I see this everyday at work. A good example is a diabetic patient getting educated on the importance of foot care, only to be admitted six months down the road, booked for a below the knee amputation, simply because their sandals have worn an ugly hole between their toes. Sometimes an amputation is necessary, but if the doctor told me I had a chance at saving my foot, I would go all out.
Sorry for that rant, back to hunting. Ducks have incredible eyesight, so you have to be extremely stealthy when you hunt them. There are all sorts of blind that are available to hid behind. My uncle used the kind of blind that you slip into, similar to a sleeping bag. A camouflaged screen covers your face, and when the ducks fly over, you open up, and fire away.
I've been so tired lately, I just hope I don't fall asleep while lying there. Imagine drifting off to sleep, listening to the grass in the fields blowing around, the cool fall air filling your lungs, then suddenly BOOM BOOM BOOM!!
I think I might poo the blind a little....
Wish me luck as I stalk the ever-so-dangerous Grouse and his trash talkin' buddies.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Is bowling a real sport?
We had our "official" baseball windup last night. The bar that sponsored us gave us 15% back of our total bill at the end of the year towards a party. I thought we did fine, ordering a steady flow of pitchers of beer, wings, and a few pizzas. When we got the bill, we still had a $75 credit attached to our tab.....and I thought we were hardcore.
After finishing up there, a group of us decided to go bowling. We insisted on 10 pin bowling, and overall we all had a lot of fun.
As Ali and I walked into the bowling alley, the Monday night league was just winding down. Men of all ages, ranging from 18-65 were there, some with matching shirts, all of them with a beer in their hand in between throwing their custom bowling balls down the lane.
I couldn't get over the beer guts that these men had. You think of every other sport, most athletes are in some kind of shape, even if they are a "weekend warrior", but these guys were all pretty, uh, doughy....
I think everyone had fun. After each strike or spare, we would run along, and high five everyone in our path. My friend Lindsay even patented his "cleaning up" move, where he would simulate sweeping up the lane. As usual, the beer was watered down, and I had this feeling that they were trying to rush us out. The lanes closed at 11 p.m. and we were still going strong as most of the staff left, the cleanup guy swept around us, and the lights were slowly shut down one by one.
I guess I would classify bowling not so much as sport, but more like a social gathering. That suits me just fine.
After finishing up there, a group of us decided to go bowling. We insisted on 10 pin bowling, and overall we all had a lot of fun.
As Ali and I walked into the bowling alley, the Monday night league was just winding down. Men of all ages, ranging from 18-65 were there, some with matching shirts, all of them with a beer in their hand in between throwing their custom bowling balls down the lane.
I couldn't get over the beer guts that these men had. You think of every other sport, most athletes are in some kind of shape, even if they are a "weekend warrior", but these guys were all pretty, uh, doughy....
I think everyone had fun. After each strike or spare, we would run along, and high five everyone in our path. My friend Lindsay even patented his "cleaning up" move, where he would simulate sweeping up the lane. As usual, the beer was watered down, and I had this feeling that they were trying to rush us out. The lanes closed at 11 p.m. and we were still going strong as most of the staff left, the cleanup guy swept around us, and the lights were slowly shut down one by one.
I guess I would classify bowling not so much as sport, but more like a social gathering. That suits me just fine.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
What's on my mind today...
This is a post about nothing....I'm back to work, the weather sucks, and I'm feeling kind of crappy lately.
Here's some randomness.
1. We'll probably start looking for a house again soon. I'm excited, but also a little nervous.
2. I'm still in the good books with my manager. She actually helped me with some "nursing" stuff today.
3. I want to teach somebody something. More specifically, I'd like to have a student again.
4. I'm currently on a body wash kick, and I have to say I might never go back to soap again.
5. Ali made really good pizza tonight.
6. I want to go on a vacation really bad right now. I'm thinking beach, and warm water.
7. People who talk on their cell phones while driving still make me want to snap.
8. I want to get another tattoo soon.
9. Ali has been cranky lately, but so have I.
10. I'm working all weekend, so I avoid painting the bedroom. (Yessss!)
11. I hate our current bank with a passion.
12. My legs are hurting after my run tonight.
13. I'm concerned about my sudden onset of back pain again. The same kind which required surgery a few years ago...
14. I'm tired, and am going to try to get Ali to bed early tonight as well.
15. Why am I numbering these?
16. I wonder what would happen if you sneezed with your eyes open?
17. I talked my friend Aaron into buying a "Neti" pot for his allergies. Thank you, Dr. Oz...
If it works, I might get one too.
Here's some randomness.
1. We'll probably start looking for a house again soon. I'm excited, but also a little nervous.
2. I'm still in the good books with my manager. She actually helped me with some "nursing" stuff today.
3. I want to teach somebody something. More specifically, I'd like to have a student again.
4. I'm currently on a body wash kick, and I have to say I might never go back to soap again.
5. Ali made really good pizza tonight.
6. I want to go on a vacation really bad right now. I'm thinking beach, and warm water.
7. People who talk on their cell phones while driving still make me want to snap.
8. I want to get another tattoo soon.
9. Ali has been cranky lately, but so have I.
10. I'm working all weekend, so I avoid painting the bedroom. (Yessss!)
11. I hate our current bank with a passion.
12. My legs are hurting after my run tonight.
13. I'm concerned about my sudden onset of back pain again. The same kind which required surgery a few years ago...
14. I'm tired, and am going to try to get Ali to bed early tonight as well.
15. Why am I numbering these?
16. I wonder what would happen if you sneezed with your eyes open?
17. I talked my friend Aaron into buying a "Neti" pot for his allergies. Thank you, Dr. Oz...
If it works, I might get one too.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Back in the good books?
After arriving back home in Winnipeg today, I received a message on my machine from my manager. She just wanted me to know that she has moved a few days of my work schedule around to allow me to go to the remaining football games. I gave her the Blue Bomber schedule earlier in the year, and she said she would try to switch those days around. It's amazing what working a few overtime shifts can get a guy hey?
My holidays are coming to an end. I went to visit my parents for a few days, got out fishing with a buddy, and ate some good food. This weekend is the annual "Banjo bowl" between the Bombers and our prairie rivals, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This is a good weekend of football, and now they have turned it into an entire weekend of festivities. There is a pancake breakfast on Friday, where you can schmooze with some Alumni. On Saturday, there is a fan appreciation day, with kids activities, games, and a concert at night. Sunday is the big game.
I still have one week of holidays left in October. My dad and I were tossing around the idea of heading to Denver to see our beloved Broncos play, but I don't know if our schedules will allow it.
Last, but not least, I'm home with Ali. I was gone only four days, but sleeping alone in a bed just seems to lose it's appeal after about an hour or so. I'm looking forward to curling up in our king-sized bed, talking and laughing in the dark, then having a good night's sleep next to my wife.
I'm glad to be back home, blogging again, watching football practice, and getting back into my normal routine. In a strange way, I'm even kind of looking forward to getting back to work on Monday.
My holidays are coming to an end. I went to visit my parents for a few days, got out fishing with a buddy, and ate some good food. This weekend is the annual "Banjo bowl" between the Bombers and our prairie rivals, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This is a good weekend of football, and now they have turned it into an entire weekend of festivities. There is a pancake breakfast on Friday, where you can schmooze with some Alumni. On Saturday, there is a fan appreciation day, with kids activities, games, and a concert at night. Sunday is the big game.
I still have one week of holidays left in October. My dad and I were tossing around the idea of heading to Denver to see our beloved Broncos play, but I don't know if our schedules will allow it.
Last, but not least, I'm home with Ali. I was gone only four days, but sleeping alone in a bed just seems to lose it's appeal after about an hour or so. I'm looking forward to curling up in our king-sized bed, talking and laughing in the dark, then having a good night's sleep next to my wife.
I'm glad to be back home, blogging again, watching football practice, and getting back into my normal routine. In a strange way, I'm even kind of looking forward to getting back to work on Monday.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
L'il tidbits...
This week, I'm hoping to do a little golfing, some fishing, and some relaxing. The past few weeks have been pretty stressful at work (see previous post), so it will do me some good to get my mind off of work.
Summer looks like it's coming to an end here. The weather was nice today, but the leaves are slowly turning yellow, and fluttering down to the ground. I think fall is one of my favorite seasons. It symbolizes the football playoffs, good fishing, and walking on the crunchy leaves while bird hunting.
We will be resuming our hunt for a house soon. It was nice looking earlier in the year, but since then we've taken a few months off, and decided not to tease ourselves by looking and not being able to buy.
While I was watching the game with some new friends today, I was noticing every one's little nervous "tics". One guy would shake his head, as if he was saying "no", one guy would chew on the inside of his mouth, and another guy kept rubbing his eyes. This got me to thinking - what are some of my nervous habits?
I've recently stopped biting my nails, however I still cave and bite the thumb and pointer on each hand for some reason....
Also, when I get tired, I start to blink very hard. Ali usually noticed this, and scoots me away to bed. I think those two are my biggest nervous habits. What are yours?
Summer looks like it's coming to an end here. The weather was nice today, but the leaves are slowly turning yellow, and fluttering down to the ground. I think fall is one of my favorite seasons. It symbolizes the football playoffs, good fishing, and walking on the crunchy leaves while bird hunting.
We will be resuming our hunt for a house soon. It was nice looking earlier in the year, but since then we've taken a few months off, and decided not to tease ourselves by looking and not being able to buy.
While I was watching the game with some new friends today, I was noticing every one's little nervous "tics". One guy would shake his head, as if he was saying "no", one guy would chew on the inside of his mouth, and another guy kept rubbing his eyes. This got me to thinking - what are some of my nervous habits?
I've recently stopped biting my nails, however I still cave and bite the thumb and pointer on each hand for some reason....
Also, when I get tired, I start to blink very hard. Ali usually noticed this, and scoots me away to bed. I think those two are my biggest nervous habits. What are yours?
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
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!!
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!!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
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.
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.
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