I have so much to do this weekend!! And I really would rather sit here and blog. :) But tonight I'm getting together with my friend Cher from work, and tomorrow is Grace and Chris' wedding, and then Sunday is a birthday tea for Mrs. Erickson, followed by church... I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but it is a far busier social calendar than I am used to!! I might also go visit a friend today and see where they work, which is pretty exciting.
And in between I gotta arrange to get an estimate on my car, change the oil on my car, figure out how on earth to attach the new wiper blades, call the landlord about the stupid shower tiles (that's a blog post in itself!), do laundry, clean my incredibly messy apartment... and those are just the "high priority" things. :)
They called me at 5:45 am to see if I wanted to come in to work today for overtime. Hahaha! No way. Definitely excited to have a 3 day weekend! I will have to post more about work later, but yesterday was super busy. But it was the first time in a very long time I felt like I was an experienced nurse who knew exactly what I was doing, and my interventions actually made a difference for the patient. Pretty cool.
Better do less blogging and start attacking that "to-do" list!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Never Alone
I can't tell you how happy I was to be off today. Work has been hard lately... I know, I know, so what else is new! But maybe it's like a cumulative effect or something. The charge nurse yesterday was joking that I was becoming a cynical nurse, that my attitude had changed. Granted, yesterday was not a good day on many levels, and my patience was pretty much neglible. Yet I don't want to be a hardened nurse. I didn't choose this profession because I wanted to become jaded!
I really was one of those naive students that wanted to be a nurse to help people... but now I've realized that most of the time, I don't really care. Which is awful. But I don't have time or energy to care! How on earth am I supposed to accomplish everything that needs to be done in a shift, all on my own? It seems like every week there is something additional for the nursing staff to do. I want to be a good nurse, but it is like the deck is stacked against me. It is pretty much impossible.
I have learned the valuable lesson that if you show even the slightest level of competence, then you are given more responsibility. If you can handle the pressure, you're more likely to be put in the tougher situations. I thought I was imagining it, but one of the charge nurses this weekend told me that I wasn't. I should take it as a compliment that they think I can handle it, but instead I am caught up in the unfairness of that. Why should I have to work harder, just because I am better at it? That sounds arrogant. Sorry. I'm just so frustrated.
I spent quite a while on the phone with one of my coworkers this evening. The phone call caught me completely off-guard... we'd been friends when we worked the same shift, and had exchanged numbers, but never really contacted each other outside of work. She called me in tears after her boyfriend broke up with her this weekend. I felt a bit helpless... I mean, what can you say? But I know that sometimes just having someone to listen is all that is necessary. I was struck by something she said today... that she'd lived in Washington for 6 months, and when this happened, she didn't have anyone to call. I was really glad she called me. It broke my heart to hear everything, but it made me feel really good to be there for somebody who had nobody. I am just so grateful that I have hope in my Saviour. She was so incredibly hopeless, and it really drove home to me that no matter what, I will never, ever, be alone. That I have a hope in something beyond this world and the pain in it. And that was a reminder that I desperately needed today!! :-)
At the same time, talking with her about life and boys and work was also exactly what I needed. I was praying on Saturday night for more friendships, that God would give me some women that I could turn to when I needed to, that I would have a broader circle of support. And even though she isn't a Christian, she does understand what I go through at work. It was so wonderful today to be able to talk about the stuff that nobody else understands. The stuff that keeps me awake at night sometimes. I confided in her that I had promised myself that I had to stay working as a nurse long enough to pay off nursing school.... and beyond that, who knows how much longer. She understands why I am seriously contemplating not being 100% full time once I am eligible in April. It just felt like an answer to prayer to talk to her today. It's crazy. I was feeling completely at a loss and then God answered my prayer... just served as a reminder that He always does, even if the answer is for me to wait!
That said, I am still dreading going to work. At least now I know I am not the only one that feels that way! Tomorrow is the big rollout of the new computer system, which promises to be a nightmare. I'm not confident that I will be out on time tomorrow night!
Wow, this ended up being a really long post. And not particularly upbeat. Sorry about that. I've been struggling to stay positive the last couple of days. Sigh.
I really was one of those naive students that wanted to be a nurse to help people... but now I've realized that most of the time, I don't really care. Which is awful. But I don't have time or energy to care! How on earth am I supposed to accomplish everything that needs to be done in a shift, all on my own? It seems like every week there is something additional for the nursing staff to do. I want to be a good nurse, but it is like the deck is stacked against me. It is pretty much impossible.
I have learned the valuable lesson that if you show even the slightest level of competence, then you are given more responsibility. If you can handle the pressure, you're more likely to be put in the tougher situations. I thought I was imagining it, but one of the charge nurses this weekend told me that I wasn't. I should take it as a compliment that they think I can handle it, but instead I am caught up in the unfairness of that. Why should I have to work harder, just because I am better at it? That sounds arrogant. Sorry. I'm just so frustrated.
I spent quite a while on the phone with one of my coworkers this evening. The phone call caught me completely off-guard... we'd been friends when we worked the same shift, and had exchanged numbers, but never really contacted each other outside of work. She called me in tears after her boyfriend broke up with her this weekend. I felt a bit helpless... I mean, what can you say? But I know that sometimes just having someone to listen is all that is necessary. I was struck by something she said today... that she'd lived in Washington for 6 months, and when this happened, she didn't have anyone to call. I was really glad she called me. It broke my heart to hear everything, but it made me feel really good to be there for somebody who had nobody. I am just so grateful that I have hope in my Saviour. She was so incredibly hopeless, and it really drove home to me that no matter what, I will never, ever, be alone. That I have a hope in something beyond this world and the pain in it. And that was a reminder that I desperately needed today!! :-)
At the same time, talking with her about life and boys and work was also exactly what I needed. I was praying on Saturday night for more friendships, that God would give me some women that I could turn to when I needed to, that I would have a broader circle of support. And even though she isn't a Christian, she does understand what I go through at work. It was so wonderful today to be able to talk about the stuff that nobody else understands. The stuff that keeps me awake at night sometimes. I confided in her that I had promised myself that I had to stay working as a nurse long enough to pay off nursing school.... and beyond that, who knows how much longer. She understands why I am seriously contemplating not being 100% full time once I am eligible in April. It just felt like an answer to prayer to talk to her today. It's crazy. I was feeling completely at a loss and then God answered my prayer... just served as a reminder that He always does, even if the answer is for me to wait!
That said, I am still dreading going to work. At least now I know I am not the only one that feels that way! Tomorrow is the big rollout of the new computer system, which promises to be a nightmare. I'm not confident that I will be out on time tomorrow night!
Wow, this ended up being a really long post. And not particularly upbeat. Sorry about that. I've been struggling to stay positive the last couple of days. Sigh.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Sunday
It's been a long weekend. I worked a 12 yesterday and again today, and I am exhausted. Didn't really sleep last night, either, which doesn't help the situation! I thought that work was rough yesterday, but then today was even worse. Staffing was bad because for some unknown reason people called out sick today. Hm. Easter Sunday with no holiday pay... yeah, I can see how that could happen! So we each had more patients to compensate. And I had this one guy who just wore me out. Let me summarize it this way: locked restraints, diabetes insipidus, schizoaffective disorder, and oh yeah... incontinent. Like I said, long day.
Today didn't really feel like Easter. It felt pretty strange not to go to church. I didn't like it. I know celebrating the holiday doesn't change the reality of Christ's resurrection, but still... I wish I could have gone to church. Or had Easter dinner with the Ericksons. I was bummed to have to turn down their invitation! I was glad to have them think of me, though... it was nice to have someone remember that I wouldn't have anyplace to go on Easter. I've discovered that one of the disadvantages to being a single person who lives alone is that, well... you're alone a lot. So it's probably just as well that I had to work. Sigh. Okay, enough feeling sorry for myself!
I was driving home from work tonight and heard this song on the radio... and the lyrics really seemed to speak to my heart at the moment.
Today didn't really feel like Easter. It felt pretty strange not to go to church. I didn't like it. I know celebrating the holiday doesn't change the reality of Christ's resurrection, but still... I wish I could have gone to church. Or had Easter dinner with the Ericksons. I was bummed to have to turn down their invitation! I was glad to have them think of me, though... it was nice to have someone remember that I wouldn't have anyplace to go on Easter. I've discovered that one of the disadvantages to being a single person who lives alone is that, well... you're alone a lot. So it's probably just as well that I had to work. Sigh. Okay, enough feeling sorry for myself!
I was driving home from work tonight and heard this song on the radio... and the lyrics really seemed to speak to my heart at the moment.
You put me here for a reason
You have a mission for me
You knew my name and You called it
Long before I learned to breathe
Sometimes I feel disappointed
By the way I spend my time
How can I further Your kingdom
When I'm so wrapped up in mine
In a Blink of an eye that is when
I'll be closer to You than I've ever been
Time will fly, but until then
I'll embrace every moment I'm given
There's a reason I'm alive for a blink of an eye
And though I'm living a good life
Can my life be something great?
I have to answer the question
Before it's too late
Cause in a Blink of an eye that is when
I'll be closer to You than I've ever been
Time will fly, but until then
I'll embrace every moment I'm given
There's a reason I'm alive for a blink of an eye
If I give the very best of me
That becomes my legacy
So tell me what am I waiting for?
What am I waiting for?
~"Blink of an Eye" by Mercy Me
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Back in Seattle
It feels good to be home. :) My trip back to Seattle was LONG. I will spare you the details (mostly because I don't feel like re-living the experience), but my flight left the gate in Philadelphia 3 hrs late, then sat on the runway for a hour before taking off. Then when it did take off, the first hour or so of the 6 hr flight was probably the most turbulence I have experienced in a very long time. It was the first time I actually thought I might get sick! I was SO nauseous. It seemed like everyone was, though, so it wasn't just me. Dumb spring thunderstorms. :)
Eventually I made it back, and even though it seemed like forever until my luggage arrived on the carousel, I'm sure it wasn't that long. All I know is, it was after 2 am when I got back to my apartment! Smokey was very excited, although I think she was a little annoyed to be woken up from her beauty sleep. I called out sick from work since there was no way I would be coherent enough to work today after only like 3 hrs of sleep. Some people can pull it off, I'm sure, but man... not me!!
So I spent today catching up on everything: going to the grocery store, the bank, the library (finally paid that fine, oops!), doing a load of scrubs in the laundry, running the dishwasher, etc. Then I took a little break and went down to the Pike Place Market. Today is the first day of spring!! The market was in full bloom in celebration... daffodils EVERYWHERE! I bought myself some gorgeous flowers and headed home. It is pretty cool to be able to go down to the market and back within an hour, pay only $1 for parking, and come home with a very cheap but beautiful bouquet. Have I mentioned how much I love living here? :)
Thus, I am in a pretty good mood today, even though the spring showers have restarted and I have to work this weekend. I have been trying to keep upbeat and focus on the positive things. God has really blessed me in so many ways over the last 6 months. Yes, it was exactly 6 months ago that I arrived here in Washington. That Sunday afternoon having soup with the Steeles, I had no idea what sort of amazing experiences were ahead of me. All I have to say is that God is wonderful, and He has showed me what sort of things are possible, if only I trust Him to take care of it.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Frustration
Have you ever been really frustrated? I mean the kind of frustration where you look at the world around you and things are so messed up, but yet you can't do a single thing about it? Really, really frustrated? What do you do?
Sometimes trusting God's plan is hard. I want to trust Him! I want to just let go and trust that He has a plan, and that things are the way they are for a reason. Some days are easier than others. I'm having one of the latter today. Sigh.
How do we know what is God's plan, and what is that of man? Christians are good at saying things like "God-willing" and "trust His plan". But sometimes we try to force our own motives on top of that plan.
We've all seen people do something totally wrong with good intentions. Or even oblivious intentions-- thinking they are doing the right thing but not realizing that they are only making things worse. So how do you handle that? What can you do when you see a situation that breaks your heart, and yet your hands are tied? Its not like you can walk up to someone and say, "Hey. You're totally wrong, and your interference in this situation is not only un-helpful, but actually destructive." I'm not trying to be mean. It's just I am so frustrated to see things the way they are, and the way they continue to be, with no end in sight. I want to do the right thing. I really do. But what if we have different perceptions of the "right thing"?? The answer, I know, is to trust God, to read the Word, to pray for wisdom and guidance. And I'm trying to do all those things. Still, I get frustrated with the world, and certain people, sometimes.
Intellectually, I know that we are all human, and people make mistakes. People can be wrong, and they often are. And I know I can't change someone else. I know I can't force them to see my point of view. But man, sometimes those emotions get in the way, and I want to make them see what I see! I want to point out where they are wrong and I am right, or at least try to show them why I feel the way I do. Let me show you my point of view!! But then again sometimes you don't have a voice. You don't have the opportunity to weigh in and try to change the course of things. I guess it is at those moments that you have to just sit back and pray.
Pray for patience. Pray for guidance. Pray that God's purpose and plan will be revealed at the appropriate time. Pray for strength. Pray for maturity.
Sorry for the stream of consciousness post today... there's obviously a lot on my mind. :)
Sometimes trusting God's plan is hard. I want to trust Him! I want to just let go and trust that He has a plan, and that things are the way they are for a reason. Some days are easier than others. I'm having one of the latter today. Sigh.
How do we know what is God's plan, and what is that of man? Christians are good at saying things like "God-willing" and "trust His plan". But sometimes we try to force our own motives on top of that plan.
We've all seen people do something totally wrong with good intentions. Or even oblivious intentions-- thinking they are doing the right thing but not realizing that they are only making things worse. So how do you handle that? What can you do when you see a situation that breaks your heart, and yet your hands are tied? Its not like you can walk up to someone and say, "Hey. You're totally wrong, and your interference in this situation is not only un-helpful, but actually destructive." I'm not trying to be mean. It's just I am so frustrated to see things the way they are, and the way they continue to be, with no end in sight. I want to do the right thing. I really do. But what if we have different perceptions of the "right thing"?? The answer, I know, is to trust God, to read the Word, to pray for wisdom and guidance. And I'm trying to do all those things. Still, I get frustrated with the world, and certain people, sometimes.
Intellectually, I know that we are all human, and people make mistakes. People can be wrong, and they often are. And I know I can't change someone else. I know I can't force them to see my point of view. But man, sometimes those emotions get in the way, and I want to make them see what I see! I want to point out where they are wrong and I am right, or at least try to show them why I feel the way I do. Let me show you my point of view!! But then again sometimes you don't have a voice. You don't have the opportunity to weigh in and try to change the course of things. I guess it is at those moments that you have to just sit back and pray.
Pray for patience. Pray for guidance. Pray that God's purpose and plan will be revealed at the appropriate time. Pray for strength. Pray for maturity.
Sorry for the stream of consciousness post today... there's obviously a lot on my mind. :)
Monday, March 17, 2008
St. Patrick's Day
March 17 has held some memories for me over the years. It seemed fitting that today was a day of change for me, and yet somehow, once again, it is on St. Patrick's Day! It was 14 years ago today that my family found out that we were leaving Seattle for destination unknown. I remember a particularly emotional dinner at Red Robin, where we were trying to figure out the next steps. Where would Dad find a job? We knew there weren't any opportunities in Seattle. For me and Andy, that was the only home we'd ever remembered, and the thought of leaving it, and all our friends and the life we had... well that thought was pretty scary. It's pretty amazing to look back and see how God has worked in our lives since that day!
The most obvious thing is that here I thought my life was over (yes, I was a dramatic 13 year old girl), and yet God has brought me full circle, back to Seattle. Strangely enough, looking back, I wouldn't want to trade my experiences for an alternate universe where I stayed in Seattle my whole life and never knew anything different. Moving was one of those hard life lessons that I needed, even if I didn't realize it at the time.
I mentioned earlier that today was a day of change for me. This afternoon, I went with my dad and transferred the title of my old car to him, so that this summer when my parents get a new car they can just go ahead and sell it. It was tough to transfer ownership of my first car. We'd been through a lot together, that '91 Eagle Summit and I. Yet at the same time, it was kind of freeing to give up ownership. After the auto tag place, Dad and I went out for cheesesteaks at Rittenhouse Deli. They'd remodeled, and it didn't look the same anymore. Which is ok. And the cheesesteak was good, but man... I've gotten used to my baby carrots and hummus in Seattle. I can feel my arteries clogging!
Then this afternoon I went to Wachovia and closed out all my bank accounts. There was no point in keeping them open... the nearest branch to Seattle is in California. Not exactly convenient. The woman at the bank kept trying to convince me to keep them open (it felt like that episode of "Friends" where the guys try to quit the gym, and then subsequently the bank... "I wanna quit the bank!"). I told her that I'd moved to Washington, and didn't need the accounts in PA. She asked me if I was sure the move was permanent. I think she was joking, but I paused for a moment, then said with absolute certainty that it was.
I feel as though today was the day I cut the last ties to Pennsylvania. Obviously, my parents still live here, and I will of course come visit, but I don't live here anymore. And it surprised me a bit to realize how tough it was. Yet at the same time, I feel this peace, a freedom. One chapter of my life has ended, and the new one is already well underway. It's not like a lot changed today, but some really symbolic things did.
Yesterday and today I've spent quite a bit of time cleaning out my closet and the huge number of boxes in the basement. Unfortunately, I spent 26 years (ok, maybe 25) being a packrat. I went through a bunch of stuff when I moved, but there was still a lot left. And since it has become blatantly clear that this is a permanent move out west, it was time to go through the rest of it. It's been a fun trip down memory lane, and an emotional one at times. I have laughed out loud at 10 years worth of letters from Ingrid and puzzled over why I kept certain things for this long. I cried over pictures of college friends I've lost touch with, and giggled over pictures of people I haven't. (Ahem, Ingrid... have I got some blackmail-worthy dirt on you!!) It's been good for me to look back and remember where I have come from, yet whereas before I have always gotten hung up on that stuff, now I am able to put it behind me and move on. I think I spent quite a bit of my life like Lot's wife, looking back and then pretty much being stuck like a pillar (if I can drag out the analogy a bit). It feel awesome to be able to get unstuck from that trap!!
Tons more to write about, but for now I will just post some pics from today!
Cheesesteak!
Trophies from my stellar career in youth athletics
My dad's new car. Haha. :)
Well, time to get back to work!
~Alison
The most obvious thing is that here I thought my life was over (yes, I was a dramatic 13 year old girl), and yet God has brought me full circle, back to Seattle. Strangely enough, looking back, I wouldn't want to trade my experiences for an alternate universe where I stayed in Seattle my whole life and never knew anything different. Moving was one of those hard life lessons that I needed, even if I didn't realize it at the time.
I mentioned earlier that today was a day of change for me. This afternoon, I went with my dad and transferred the title of my old car to him, so that this summer when my parents get a new car they can just go ahead and sell it. It was tough to transfer ownership of my first car. We'd been through a lot together, that '91 Eagle Summit and I. Yet at the same time, it was kind of freeing to give up ownership. After the auto tag place, Dad and I went out for cheesesteaks at Rittenhouse Deli. They'd remodeled, and it didn't look the same anymore. Which is ok. And the cheesesteak was good, but man... I've gotten used to my baby carrots and hummus in Seattle. I can feel my arteries clogging!
Then this afternoon I went to Wachovia and closed out all my bank accounts. There was no point in keeping them open... the nearest branch to Seattle is in California. Not exactly convenient. The woman at the bank kept trying to convince me to keep them open (it felt like that episode of "Friends" where the guys try to quit the gym, and then subsequently the bank... "I wanna quit the bank!"). I told her that I'd moved to Washington, and didn't need the accounts in PA. She asked me if I was sure the move was permanent. I think she was joking, but I paused for a moment, then said with absolute certainty that it was.
I feel as though today was the day I cut the last ties to Pennsylvania. Obviously, my parents still live here, and I will of course come visit, but I don't live here anymore. And it surprised me a bit to realize how tough it was. Yet at the same time, I feel this peace, a freedom. One chapter of my life has ended, and the new one is already well underway. It's not like a lot changed today, but some really symbolic things did.
Yesterday and today I've spent quite a bit of time cleaning out my closet and the huge number of boxes in the basement. Unfortunately, I spent 26 years (ok, maybe 25) being a packrat. I went through a bunch of stuff when I moved, but there was still a lot left. And since it has become blatantly clear that this is a permanent move out west, it was time to go through the rest of it. It's been a fun trip down memory lane, and an emotional one at times. I have laughed out loud at 10 years worth of letters from Ingrid and puzzled over why I kept certain things for this long. I cried over pictures of college friends I've lost touch with, and giggled over pictures of people I haven't. (Ahem, Ingrid... have I got some blackmail-worthy dirt on you!!) It's been good for me to look back and remember where I have come from, yet whereas before I have always gotten hung up on that stuff, now I am able to put it behind me and move on. I think I spent quite a bit of my life like Lot's wife, looking back and then pretty much being stuck like a pillar (if I can drag out the analogy a bit). It feel awesome to be able to get unstuck from that trap!!
Tons more to write about, but for now I will just post some pics from today!
Cheesesteak!
Trophies from my stellar career in youth athletics
My dad's new car. Haha. :)Well, time to get back to work!
~Alison
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Saturday in Philly
This morning my mom and I took a mother-daughter trip to the hair salon, where I got my hair done for the first time in...um... way too long. Frannie did a great job, and I no longer have that two-toned look! Haha. Mom and I stopped at Starbucks on the way back, of course. :)
Then this afternoon I went with my parents to the National Constitution Center in Philly. It was built a couple of years ago, but I'd never been there before, and they were doing a special exhibit on baseball, so we decided to go check it out. It was ok, probably wouldn't feel the need to do it again. It did make you feel patriotic, though. One of the most interesting parts for me was the hall with all the bronze statues of the signers of the Constitution. Some of those guys were short! (Assuming the replicas were actual size, that is.) Check out the picture of me and my friend Ben:
Outside, it was a nice day on Independence Mall!
After the Constitution Center, we headed to get dinner. My dad's students had given him a gift certificate to a very nice Mexican restaurant near Rittenhouse Square, so we went over there and had a wonderful dinner. Fanciest Mexican food I have ever had... definitely not Taco Bell! I had a chipotle filet mignon with Oxaca cheese, over a corn tortilla. I am not even sure what Oxaca cheese is, or if I am even spelling that right. But it was amazing! I wish it would have been socially acceptable to photograph my dinner, because the presentation was amazing. :) I also wish I could have taken a picture of the waiter with a margarita on his head... yes, he had 2 hands and 3 drinks to carry, so he put one on his head. Pretty funny.
We had a nice walk back to the car. Definitely cool to have the sunlight for a bit longer! We were amused by all the people celebrating St. Patrick's Day. I was glad I wasn't going to be hanging out in the city later tonight, when I bet they are going to be more rowdy!
Here are a couple more pictures I took tonight:
City Hall from Love Park
Tonight we're just hanging out and watching TV. No big plans for tomorrow, just church in the morning then probably some sorting through closets later in the day.
I'll post the rest of my pictures on Picasa if anyone wants to see all of the ones I took today.
~Alison
Then this afternoon I went with my parents to the National Constitution Center in Philly. It was built a couple of years ago, but I'd never been there before, and they were doing a special exhibit on baseball, so we decided to go check it out. It was ok, probably wouldn't feel the need to do it again. It did make you feel patriotic, though. One of the most interesting parts for me was the hall with all the bronze statues of the signers of the Constitution. Some of those guys were short! (Assuming the replicas were actual size, that is.) Check out the picture of me and my friend Ben:
Outside, it was a nice day on Independence Mall!
After the Constitution Center, we headed to get dinner. My dad's students had given him a gift certificate to a very nice Mexican restaurant near Rittenhouse Square, so we went over there and had a wonderful dinner. Fanciest Mexican food I have ever had... definitely not Taco Bell! I had a chipotle filet mignon with Oxaca cheese, over a corn tortilla. I am not even sure what Oxaca cheese is, or if I am even spelling that right. But it was amazing! I wish it would have been socially acceptable to photograph my dinner, because the presentation was amazing. :) I also wish I could have taken a picture of the waiter with a margarita on his head... yes, he had 2 hands and 3 drinks to carry, so he put one on his head. Pretty funny.
We had a nice walk back to the car. Definitely cool to have the sunlight for a bit longer! We were amused by all the people celebrating St. Patrick's Day. I was glad I wasn't going to be hanging out in the city later tonight, when I bet they are going to be more rowdy!
Here are a couple more pictures I took tonight:
Here's Mom and Dad, wondering why I am randomly taking their picture on a street corner. :)
City Hall from Love ParkTonight we're just hanging out and watching TV. No big plans for tomorrow, just church in the morning then probably some sorting through closets later in the day.
I'll post the rest of my pictures on Picasa if anyone wants to see all of the ones I took today.
~Alison
Friday, March 14, 2008
Methodist Video
I've been meaning to post this video for a while, but never did... my mom sent me link from the Philadelphia local news. It's an "expose" on my former place of employment's new smoking policy, and while it might sound like a boring topic, the 3 minute video made me laugh out loud. Keep in mind that this is where I worked for a year! Definitely gives a glimpse into South Philly culture. :-) My absolute favorite part is the Methodist employee who gives an apt description of the neighborhood around the hospital. Haha. Have I mentioned lately how much I enjoy NOT working there any more? :-)
Anyway, check it out:
Hospital Smoking Controversy
(Sorry that I couldn't embed it!)
Anyway, check it out:
Hospital Smoking Controversy
(Sorry that I couldn't embed it!)
Back in the City of Brotherly Love
...and "sisterly affection". Haha, those who know me may know how incredibly obnoxious I find that phrase. I heard someone on the plane say that last night and I almost turned around and explained to them the Greek roots of the word "Philadelphia". Anyway.
I am exhausted. So I worked 3 twelve hour shifts after only one day off... then headed to the airport directly from work after the last shift. I was a bit early for my flight; made good time to SeaTac for some reason. No traffic, I guess. Got all checked in, hung out at Starbucks for a while, then eventually go through security and head to the gate. I am sitting at the gate, reading my book, when they announce that the flight has been delayed. Mind you, it is already 10 pm, and we were supposed to leave at 10:40! Apparently there was a mechanical problem with the first plane... something about a fuel cell. So we got a new plane and eventually left after midnight.
The flight was ok. Had a window seat, which was pretty cool because when we got up the high altitude the stars were amazing. Saw the Big Dipper and everything!! And it was neat to see all the lights of the different cities. Took a couple little naps, but couldn't really sleep even though I was so tired. The people behind me had apparently decided to spend the flight delay by drinking in excess, as they loudly were telling anyone who would listen. And the little kid next to me kept trying to sleep sideways in her seat and instead resulted in repeatedly kicking me! Her father was busy snoring loudly on the aisle, so he was no help. :-) It wasn't too bad, actually, because I was so incredibly tired that I just kind of zoned out for a while.
As the plane neared Philadelphia, I was struck by how brown and ugly everything was. Now I know it's March, but man, I've been spoiled by living in the Northwest! Furthermore, I had forgotten how industrial Philly is. Yuck. I pointed out to my parents on the ride home from the airport that I wasn't used to driving past all the concrete factories! Seriously.
It feels weird to be back in my parents' house, and not live here anymore. I keep waiting for Smokey to come bounding down the stairs! Of course, she's back at my apartment in Seattle, but for some reason I keep expecting to see her here. Strange.
Mom and Dad are off at work, and I'm catching up on The Daily Show. Might take a nap. Don't really have any big plans for today. Feels wonderful to be on vacation! Definitely need it after the last couple days of work. But I won't dwell on why I need some time off. Time to just enjoy it!
I am exhausted. So I worked 3 twelve hour shifts after only one day off... then headed to the airport directly from work after the last shift. I was a bit early for my flight; made good time to SeaTac for some reason. No traffic, I guess. Got all checked in, hung out at Starbucks for a while, then eventually go through security and head to the gate. I am sitting at the gate, reading my book, when they announce that the flight has been delayed. Mind you, it is already 10 pm, and we were supposed to leave at 10:40! Apparently there was a mechanical problem with the first plane... something about a fuel cell. So we got a new plane and eventually left after midnight.
The flight was ok. Had a window seat, which was pretty cool because when we got up the high altitude the stars were amazing. Saw the Big Dipper and everything!! And it was neat to see all the lights of the different cities. Took a couple little naps, but couldn't really sleep even though I was so tired. The people behind me had apparently decided to spend the flight delay by drinking in excess, as they loudly were telling anyone who would listen. And the little kid next to me kept trying to sleep sideways in her seat and instead resulted in repeatedly kicking me! Her father was busy snoring loudly on the aisle, so he was no help. :-) It wasn't too bad, actually, because I was so incredibly tired that I just kind of zoned out for a while.
As the plane neared Philadelphia, I was struck by how brown and ugly everything was. Now I know it's March, but man, I've been spoiled by living in the Northwest! Furthermore, I had forgotten how industrial Philly is. Yuck. I pointed out to my parents on the ride home from the airport that I wasn't used to driving past all the concrete factories! Seriously.
It feels weird to be back in my parents' house, and not live here anymore. I keep waiting for Smokey to come bounding down the stairs! Of course, she's back at my apartment in Seattle, but for some reason I keep expecting to see her here. Strange.
Mom and Dad are off at work, and I'm catching up on The Daily Show. Might take a nap. Don't really have any big plans for today. Feels wonderful to be on vacation! Definitely need it after the last couple days of work. But I won't dwell on why I need some time off. Time to just enjoy it!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Good day
I haven't written much lately. Sorry! I worked this weekend, and for once, the shifts weren't too bad. It was nice to get out on time and be able to take breaks and not feel too stressed!
I had today off, and then am headed into the last little stretch before heading back to Pennsylvania for a visit. Working 12 hr shifts Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, then go to the airport on Thursday night after work to catch a red-eye to Philly. I will be exhausted come Friday, but it was the only way I could work out a trip back east this spring! If I was really organized, I would pack tonight... we'll see how it goes. :-)
This afternoon I went for a walk at Carkeek since it had been a while since I did that. It was good to get outside for a while. The tide was REALLY far out at the beach, probably the most I have seen it. It was pretty cool.
Went out to dinner with Ingrid tonight. Mexican food, sangria, and good company... what more could I ask for?! We had a fun time catching up with each other and discussing all sorts of things, from old friends who are getting married or having babies to gray hair and cats! Haha. I am glad I have someone to share these random conversations with! And now that I have written a post for the blog, Ingrid will have something to read at work tomorrow!!
I can't believe it is after 7 pm and still light outside! Crazy. I can see where this whole time change thing could lead to me being even more unproductive in my free time. All this daylight is making it hard to do the boring things like pay bills.
Here are some of my pictures from today:
Spring at Carkeek
Look how big this shell is, compared to my foot! It was huge!! (The shell, I mean, not my foot.)
This is my favorite one I took today!!
~Alison
Friday, March 7, 2008
Silliness
For some reason, I've had this song stuck in my head all day. Pure silliness. Here's a clip from "The Lion King", just to make you smile on a Friday. :-)
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Take me there
I have been SO unproductive today! I even woke up before 8 am, and was actually pretty awake... didn't really feel like going back to sleep, for once. I got up, had some coffee and granola while watching the Daily Show from the other night. So far, so good. Then I went and got some quarters so I could do laundry. Did one load of laundry, which I guess was mildly productive.
Then I decided to try to figure out why my Tivo desktop software stopping working right. Downloaded the new version, which turned out to be the biggest mistake ever! Spent 2 hours messing around trying to get it to work, then more time trying to find a place to download the older version. Totally should have backed it up first before upgrading, yes, I know. Of course, then I find out that everybody seems to have trouble with this upgrade! Moral of the story... don't download Tivo Desktop 2.5.1!!! After wasting much of the afternoon, I am back to version 2.3a, which works beautifully. :-)
What else did I do on my day off? Hm. Downloaded some Rascal Flatts from iTunes. Just discovered their song, "Take Me There", and am a little bit addicted. Attempted to create a Facebook page for Smokey, but unfortunately could not due to the fact that her name is unfortunately offensive to them in some way. Sad. Probably just as well, though. Although she could have had lots of friends since for some reason the latest trend seems to be social networking for pets!
I figure that if the most productive thing I did all day was load the dishwasher, that this was a pretty lazy day. Time to stop blogging and accomplish some things!
Here's the video for that song... it is a little different, but the song is good! Of course, it doesn't start until a full minute into the video. What kind of music video is that?! And I don't fully understand the point of the helicopters, but whatever. :-)
Then I decided to try to figure out why my Tivo desktop software stopping working right. Downloaded the new version, which turned out to be the biggest mistake ever! Spent 2 hours messing around trying to get it to work, then more time trying to find a place to download the older version. Totally should have backed it up first before upgrading, yes, I know. Of course, then I find out that everybody seems to have trouble with this upgrade! Moral of the story... don't download Tivo Desktop 2.5.1!!! After wasting much of the afternoon, I am back to version 2.3a, which works beautifully. :-)
What else did I do on my day off? Hm. Downloaded some Rascal Flatts from iTunes. Just discovered their song, "Take Me There", and am a little bit addicted. Attempted to create a Facebook page for Smokey, but unfortunately could not due to the fact that her name is unfortunately offensive to them in some way. Sad. Probably just as well, though. Although she could have had lots of friends since for some reason the latest trend seems to be social networking for pets!
I figure that if the most productive thing I did all day was load the dishwasher, that this was a pretty lazy day. Time to stop blogging and accomplish some things!
Here's the video for that song... it is a little different, but the song is good! Of course, it doesn't start until a full minute into the video. What kind of music video is that?! And I don't fully understand the point of the helicopters, but whatever. :-)
Sunday, March 2, 2008
It is well with my soul
It took me a couple of days to write this... long 12 hr shift last night prevented any blogging!! So even though I wish I'd been able to write this on Sunday or Monday, I still needed to get it out there. Better late than never, I guess!
Sunday night was one of the best evenings I have had in a very long time. Seriously. I don't really remember anything profound from the sermon (sorry, Mike). But it was what happened after that was so amazing.
I better back up and give you some context...
Sarah and I were talking on Sunday morning about growing up at Hope and the things we miss. Particularly we got into a long and interesting discussion about the use of hymnals and the spontaneity (or lack thereof) during breaking of bread. It was great to realize that there was somebody else who felt the same way I did about all this! I knew when I moved back to Seattle that the church had changed, and that it wasn't the same Hope I was used to. The building had been sold, there was now a full-time pastor, it had gotten smaller, etc. It took me a couple of months to put my finger on the things that bothered me, though. I realized that it wasn't really as much of a traditional assembly anymore. Now there are people who will point out that I've spent the last 12 years attending (note that I never became a member, just stayed a "regular attender"... but that's another topic for another post!) a gigantic non-denominational mega-church. I think that is why I couldn't figure it out at first... Hope is so much more traditional than COS, yet it almost wasn't traditional enough for me. Might sound strange, and I hope nobody is offended by me saying this... but I didn't like it. As my brother might say, "Something's changed, and I DON'T LIKE IT!" Haha. :-) Anyway.
So Sarah and I were discussing this on Sunday as we walked around Green Lake. We came to the conclusion that we wished things were more like a traditional assembly... maybe not super-conservative, but at least we should have hymnals available! (Of course, we also decided that since we seem to be getting more conservative as we've gotten older, that maybe a few years down the road we'll be wearing headcoverings and using the old blue book with no music. Never say never! :-) )I was excited to learn that this coming Sunday, the hymnals will be making a reappearance and the music will be all hymns (!!), thanks to Sarah's brilliant idea.
A couple of hours after this whole lengthy discussion, I head to church. And I was pleasantly surprised when Mike started us off with a random hymn during the Lord's Supper... just like the old days. Sarah and I sneaked a smile at each other, mostly out of shock. :-) Then I almost fell off my chair when Mark started us off on a second one! Wow! Anyway, so we got our wish for a more spontaneous breaking of bread. But that wasn't even the best part.
After the service, a group of us were hanging out, re-discussing this topic. There was a stack of hymnals sitting there since the music team was practicing for next week, and before you knew it, we were re-living the old days. (GPP is far superior to TPI, I'll have you know. And if you don't have any idea what I'm talking about, then you did not grow up at HBF in the '80s and early '90s!) I don't know how it started, but we spontaneously began singing hymns acapella. Yes, a small group of 20-somethings (ok and a few teenagers plus some parents who joined in) were singing traditional hymns, simply for the sheer joy of worship. Just standing around, singing. It was the one of the coolest experiences I have had in a long time. I can't explain it, but it was awesome. We just kept going on and on for over an hour! For those of you who know me (and obviously you do if you are reading this), you might be surprised to hear that I was singing out loud in such a small group. But yet there was no fear or self-consciousness... it was simply amazing. I came away from church on Sunday completely encouraged and just feeling like God has brought me to this place, at this time, for a reason. And I can't wait for "Hymnal Sunday"! :-)
I encourage you to check out this blog post for more about this wonderful experience: http://oneyearboom.blogspot.com/2008/03/man.html
It gives another perspective on this spontaneous hymn-sing!
Funny little story... so during the worship time, one of Mike's slides for his sermon inadvertently got inserted between songs. Which wouldn't have been so bad except that it was a picture of a heavy-weight in tiny little shorts that said "Bad Boy" on them. Yeah, pretty funny. I commented to Sarah later that it never would have happened if we were using hymnals instead of powerpoint...
Here's the chorus of one that we didn't sing on Sunday, but has been stuck in my head ever since nevertheless. I found myself humming it out loud at work today... luckily my patient with dementia didn't seem to notice! Number 325 in the red book:
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
When at the cross the Saviour made me whole
My sins were washed away
And my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
Sunday night was one of the best evenings I have had in a very long time. Seriously. I don't really remember anything profound from the sermon (sorry, Mike). But it was what happened after that was so amazing.
I better back up and give you some context...
Sarah and I were talking on Sunday morning about growing up at Hope and the things we miss. Particularly we got into a long and interesting discussion about the use of hymnals and the spontaneity (or lack thereof) during breaking of bread. It was great to realize that there was somebody else who felt the same way I did about all this! I knew when I moved back to Seattle that the church had changed, and that it wasn't the same Hope I was used to. The building had been sold, there was now a full-time pastor, it had gotten smaller, etc. It took me a couple of months to put my finger on the things that bothered me, though. I realized that it wasn't really as much of a traditional assembly anymore. Now there are people who will point out that I've spent the last 12 years attending (note that I never became a member, just stayed a "regular attender"... but that's another topic for another post!) a gigantic non-denominational mega-church. I think that is why I couldn't figure it out at first... Hope is so much more traditional than COS, yet it almost wasn't traditional enough for me. Might sound strange, and I hope nobody is offended by me saying this... but I didn't like it. As my brother might say, "Something's changed, and I DON'T LIKE IT!" Haha. :-) Anyway.
So Sarah and I were discussing this on Sunday as we walked around Green Lake. We came to the conclusion that we wished things were more like a traditional assembly... maybe not super-conservative, but at least we should have hymnals available! (Of course, we also decided that since we seem to be getting more conservative as we've gotten older, that maybe a few years down the road we'll be wearing headcoverings and using the old blue book with no music. Never say never! :-) )I was excited to learn that this coming Sunday, the hymnals will be making a reappearance and the music will be all hymns (!!), thanks to Sarah's brilliant idea.
A couple of hours after this whole lengthy discussion, I head to church. And I was pleasantly surprised when Mike started us off with a random hymn during the Lord's Supper... just like the old days. Sarah and I sneaked a smile at each other, mostly out of shock. :-) Then I almost fell off my chair when Mark started us off on a second one! Wow! Anyway, so we got our wish for a more spontaneous breaking of bread. But that wasn't even the best part.
After the service, a group of us were hanging out, re-discussing this topic. There was a stack of hymnals sitting there since the music team was practicing for next week, and before you knew it, we were re-living the old days. (GPP is far superior to TPI, I'll have you know. And if you don't have any idea what I'm talking about, then you did not grow up at HBF in the '80s and early '90s!) I don't know how it started, but we spontaneously began singing hymns acapella. Yes, a small group of 20-somethings (ok and a few teenagers plus some parents who joined in) were singing traditional hymns, simply for the sheer joy of worship. Just standing around, singing. It was the one of the coolest experiences I have had in a long time. I can't explain it, but it was awesome. We just kept going on and on for over an hour! For those of you who know me (and obviously you do if you are reading this), you might be surprised to hear that I was singing out loud in such a small group. But yet there was no fear or self-consciousness... it was simply amazing. I came away from church on Sunday completely encouraged and just feeling like God has brought me to this place, at this time, for a reason. And I can't wait for "Hymnal Sunday"! :-)
I encourage you to check out this blog post for more about this wonderful experience: http://oneyearboom.blogspot.com/2008/03/man.html
It gives another perspective on this spontaneous hymn-sing!
Funny little story... so during the worship time, one of Mike's slides for his sermon inadvertently got inserted between songs. Which wouldn't have been so bad except that it was a picture of a heavy-weight in tiny little shorts that said "Bad Boy" on them. Yeah, pretty funny. I commented to Sarah later that it never would have happened if we were using hymnals instead of powerpoint...
Here's the chorus of one that we didn't sing on Sunday, but has been stuck in my head ever since nevertheless. I found myself humming it out loud at work today... luckily my patient with dementia didn't seem to notice! Number 325 in the red book:
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
When at the cross the Saviour made me whole
My sins were washed away
And my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
Much better mood :-)
Just a quick post for now... gotta finish folding the laundry and doing some other household chores before getting ready for church.
The sun has come out, and coincidentally (or maybe not) my mood has also improved. Hooray for that!! Worked through some things and am in a much better place now. :-)
Yesterday I did indeed go for that run, and was surprised by how far I could go. Did the 4 mile loop, running about half of it, which was good. Didn't really feel better afterwards, though. But I'm glad I did it. Today I am a little sad that I am not as sore as I've been in the past. I kind of liked that soreness... made me feel like I accomplished something major. Oh well. This morning I walked around Green Lake (2.8 miles!!) with my friend Sarah from church and then we went to Starbucks to counteract any calories we might possibly have burned off! Haha.
This afternoon I went to Swanson's Nursery with Ingrid and her mom, where we picked out some plants for Ingrid and Chad's garden. I really liked the climbing rose we chose... can't wait to watch it grow over the years! It's going to go over the trellis from their wedding, which is just so cool. I can't believe they have been married for almost 4 years already! Wow. Time flies.
Ok, time to finish up some things and take a quick shower before church. Rumor has it that next Sunday the hymnals will make a reappearance! I am lobbying hard for that one. But that's a topic for another post. :-)
The sun has come out, and coincidentally (or maybe not) my mood has also improved. Hooray for that!! Worked through some things and am in a much better place now. :-)
Yesterday I did indeed go for that run, and was surprised by how far I could go. Did the 4 mile loop, running about half of it, which was good. Didn't really feel better afterwards, though. But I'm glad I did it. Today I am a little sad that I am not as sore as I've been in the past. I kind of liked that soreness... made me feel like I accomplished something major. Oh well. This morning I walked around Green Lake (2.8 miles!!) with my friend Sarah from church and then we went to Starbucks to counteract any calories we might possibly have burned off! Haha.
This afternoon I went to Swanson's Nursery with Ingrid and her mom, where we picked out some plants for Ingrid and Chad's garden. I really liked the climbing rose we chose... can't wait to watch it grow over the years! It's going to go over the trellis from their wedding, which is just so cool. I can't believe they have been married for almost 4 years already! Wow. Time flies.
Ok, time to finish up some things and take a quick shower before church. Rumor has it that next Sunday the hymnals will make a reappearance! I am lobbying hard for that one. But that's a topic for another post. :-)
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Stronger
I don't really have anything profound to say, but I was tired of the last post with that lovely picture being the top thing on the blog. Thought I'd better post something else to take its place!
I'm excited to be off work this weekend, although I am not looking forward to the next week and a half, where I am working 92 hours in 11 days. Or to put it another way, seven 12 hr shifts and an 8 hr shift in a week and a half. Yikes. I stacked the schedule so I can go to PA for a couple of days, but man, that is going to be rough. I might just be completely dead the whole visit!! Oh and did I mention that my flight leaves just 3 hours after the end of my last shift? It is going to be an adventure. I think I am going to feel like I live at UWMC. :-)
The beautiful weather of the last week and a half has finally changed to typical March in Seattle. Low to mid 40s, mostly cloudy, rainy at times. Sigh. I would say that I need a tropical vacation except that the weather pretty much fits my mood today. So I am actually a bit pleased with it. Twisted, I know, but I am not the first Seattle-ite to feel this way... can you say "grunge music movement"? Definitely that kind of day.
I absolutely do not feel like it, but I think I have to force myself to go running. There are so many things I have to take care of on these few days off, but I can't exercise only when I want to or feel inspired to. That's how things got the way they are... because I am not inspired to exercise that often! I am trying to muster up some enthusiasm, but it is just not there. As my dad would say, I'm in a funk. Of course, as his book editor pointed out, that means different things in different countries. Nevertheless, I am here in America... and in a bad mood.
Will running make me feel better? Can I let out my aggression by pounding the pavement while ruining my eardrums with Kanye at top volume? Who knows. Won't kill me, I suppose. Hm, now there's a title for this post.
I'm excited to be off work this weekend, although I am not looking forward to the next week and a half, where I am working 92 hours in 11 days. Or to put it another way, seven 12 hr shifts and an 8 hr shift in a week and a half. Yikes. I stacked the schedule so I can go to PA for a couple of days, but man, that is going to be rough. I might just be completely dead the whole visit!! Oh and did I mention that my flight leaves just 3 hours after the end of my last shift? It is going to be an adventure. I think I am going to feel like I live at UWMC. :-)
The beautiful weather of the last week and a half has finally changed to typical March in Seattle. Low to mid 40s, mostly cloudy, rainy at times. Sigh. I would say that I need a tropical vacation except that the weather pretty much fits my mood today. So I am actually a bit pleased with it. Twisted, I know, but I am not the first Seattle-ite to feel this way... can you say "grunge music movement"? Definitely that kind of day.
I absolutely do not feel like it, but I think I have to force myself to go running. There are so many things I have to take care of on these few days off, but I can't exercise only when I want to or feel inspired to. That's how things got the way they are... because I am not inspired to exercise that often! I am trying to muster up some enthusiasm, but it is just not there. As my dad would say, I'm in a funk. Of course, as his book editor pointed out, that means different things in different countries. Nevertheless, I am here in America... and in a bad mood.
Will running make me feel better? Can I let out my aggression by pounding the pavement while ruining my eardrums with Kanye at top volume? Who knows. Won't kill me, I suppose. Hm, now there's a title for this post.
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