Crafty Tuesday - Polka Dot Tote

It's Crafty Tuesday again. And so I have...more totes to show!

I might have a small obsession with bags.





This one is not from Dollar Tree. And yes, those are my initials. I liked this one so much that I wanted to keep it for myself.

See what other crafty goodness is being shared at Carrie's!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Birthday Girl

My best friend, after trying for years, had a second baby girl.

Who is now a year old. Okay, technically now she is almost 18 months. But who is counting?! And watching my best friend get what she has waited so long for? Is beyond fabulous.














- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Bridal Shower

My sister is getting married, I just a couple weeks in fact. And we all know what comes with weddings.

Bridal showers. Lots of them. I think my sister had 7. Or maybe 8.

Luckily, as I am not particularly one to get super excited over weddings or anything wedding related, I was not asked to attend all seven, just two. One hosted by my cousin and aunts. Apparently it is "tradition" for your godmother to host your bridal shower...who knew? Also? If that's true, I am in trouble if I ever get married. My godmother is my aunt (ex-aunt?) who used to be arrived to my uncle (my dad's brother), who isn't anymore. She is sweet, but also...eclectic. And I can't imagine her attending a bridal shower, let alone hosting one.

But my sister's godmother is quite lovely (also, normal) and hosted a lovely shower for my sister. Complete with take home recipe books that she collected from guests prior to the shower (although not from me, I totally spaced out and forgot to send her anything...whoops). Luckily, my sister's other bridesmaids are much more into all things bride and wedding and put together a lovely shower for my sister.














Like I said, the wedding date is fast approaching, so there will be more wedding mania to come. Complete with photos of my dress. Which is taffeta. And fuschia. And has a flower on it.

And if the idea if me in that doesn't just make you beyond curious, then you clearly have no sense of humor.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Med School Wednesday -- Sunrise

This month and next I am assigned to do my two surgery rotations.  The way that my scheduled worked out, my specialty rotation is in the burn ICU and happens before my general surgery rotation (which is Trauma, so not really general either).  I will be the first to admit that I haven't been in an ICU for any length of time since I was in nursing school and did a two week ICU rotation.  Ten years ago. 

It's not that much has changed since then -- all the basics are more or less the same.  It's more that I am COMPLETELY out of my element.  Not to mention that I was totally unprepared for an ICU experience when I was planning on a surgery rotation.  Which has led to quite the overwhelming week.  Not to mention that I was completely unprepared for the hours I would be keeping on a regular basis. 

My alarm is set for 4 AM.  And that's mostly because I just can't bear to set it for an hour that starts with 3.  Because...no.  I just can't do it. 

On the up side, the people are lovely and it's mostly a laid back rotation.  Not to mention that I am learning a ton.  You know, when my head isn't spinning. 

And the sunrises are pretty awesome to watch. 

Med School Wednesday -- Psych

When you are in medical school, the list of tasks required is long.  Which, I suspect, is common among lots of different schools.  One of the things required in medical school is rotations through various different areas of medicine.  In November, my rotation was psychiatry.  Which I did at the local VA hospital.

I know.

Now, this is not to say that I am not incredibly thankful to all of the veterans out there for everything that they have done.  Because I am.  But I was somewhat anxious about doing my psychiatry rotation there, as that entire area of medicine has a different flavor than any other. 

I must admit -- my initial guesses at what it would be like were totally and completely wrong.  It was FABULOUS.  Now, this is not to say that I love psych -- while it is interesting, it isn't something that I could see myself doing on a daily basis.  But the people that I worked with were absolutely AMAZING.  They were so kind and helpful and willing to answer questions...the residents and attending that I was with completely and totally made my month on psych a fantastic experience, and I could not be more thankful for that.  I had one other student with me full time during the rotation and that only served to make the experience even better.  It was so nice to have a partner in crime for the month -- not to mention someone who could help give me advice on all of the things left to do for the next year and a half of medical school!

And it doesn't hurt that the view wasn't too bad either...

This Too Shall Pass

As I look around my house at the piles of things to be cleaned and organized and put away, I try to remind myself that this too, yes - even all this mess, will pass.  Someday -- probably a day that is here before I can believe it -- I will look around and this life, this one that feels rushed and cluttered and overwhelming, will be nothing but a distant memory.

Something just on the edge of where I have gotten to, close enough that I can close my eyes and picture it in my mind, but far enough away that picturing it doesn't bring back the rush of emotions that I have now.  I will remember how the house was never quite spotless, the laundry was never quite completely finished, and how there was always a dish or five in the sink.  But I won't remember, I hope, the feeling of being overwhelmed when I think about that to do list on top of everything else.  I will simply remember that everything flew by, and then, in an instant, it was over and I was on the other side, mostly unscathed.  But still singed just enough to remember that it was...tough.

This is not to say that I am complaining about my life.  Far from it, in fact.  I have hobbies that bring me joy and fulfillment, an education that I am proud of, and a job that makes me wonder what I did right to get so lucky.  Even when my shifts are long and my patients are nuts, or my patients are sick or the outcome is awful, it's an incredible thing to do.  Which is the only reason that I can come up with why I am still doing it.  And the reason is...because I can't imagine doing anything else.

At least not at the moment.

Although I suppose that the decision about what to be when I grow up will have to be made soon enough.

A Collection Of Random Thoughts

*I have had the NICEST patients lately.  Seriously.  So nice that I hardly believe that anyone like that exists in real life.  Except that they not only exist, but they have ALL been my patients.  It's stunning.  And also awesome.  And reminds me that my job rocks...even on the nights that it's rough.  It also makes me slightly afraid that I am due for an absolute nut case of a patient...  Not to mention that I have the world's most fantastic coworkers.  Hands down, the best.

*Why does my house ALWAYS feel dirty?  I swear I feel like I clean ALL. THE. TIME.  And then I blink and it's a disaster area.  Again.  Where does the mess come from...I hardly feel like I am home at all, let alone home enough to make a mess!  I told my coworkers last week that if I had to call 911 for something that I would have to throw myself in the neighbor's front yard, because I wouldn't want the paramedics to see my house.  That might be a little bit dramatic, but it's not completely false...

*My insomnia has been absolutely awful lately.  I'm not sure if it's stress related or just bad luck or what, but it's really annoying.  And when I say insomnia, I don't mean poor sleep...I mean no sleep.  Example?  Yesterday finally fell asleep at 10.  IN THE MORNING.  Given that I am usually required to be places all day, this is quite inconvenient. 

*The weather here has been absolutely AMAZING.  Sorry East Coast dwellers!  For almost a week straight it has been almost fall-like weather -- windows down, sun shining, put you in a great mood, amazing weather.  It makes me remember how much I love living in the midwest -- I'm not sure I could appreciate this quite the same way if it hadn't been almost 100 degrees and humid 8 days ago!

*I adore where I live.  Every time I drive down the street I look around and remember just how much I love the area I live in.  It's an older part of town, and so there are HUGE trees that line most of the streets.  I think that it's absolutely lovely, and I can't imagine living anywhere else.

*I can't seem to quit adding things to my "crafty things to make" list.  It's not all written down, which is probably a good thing...it would be a mile long!  There are just so many things I want to make -- and finding so many great ideas on Pinterest really doesn't help!  (this is to say nothing about the length of my to do list in general, but I am sure that goes without saying...)

Image Credit

Addictions

Hi, I'm Maggie, and I am an addict. 

Addicted to what, you ask?  Lots of things!  But here are a few of my latest addictions:

Pinterest.  At first I didn't understand what it was.  But one night when I couldn't sleep, I poked around a bit.  And I haven't stopped since.  There are so many things to look at!  And pin!  And...well, you get the picture.  But seriously...I love it!

Applique Forum.  I have made no secret about the love I have of my embroidery machine.  It's probably one of my favorite things I've gotten over the last year or so.  I find sewing relaxing, and I just love the finished products.  I read about a new forum for applique on Applique Cafe, so I decided to check it out.  It's been, hands down, one of my favorite things about the internet.  The ladies are so crafty and wise.  And the free designs available each month are amazing!

Diet Coke.  Okay, so that's not really new.  But I still love it. 

Presets Heaven.  Which, as the name implies, is heaven.  I am not all that great at using lightroom yet -- I will use it to sort my photos, but most of my editing is still done in photoshop.  But I just discovered this website, FULL of presets for lightroom.  Which are awesome.  And will hopefully make editing go faster, especially as it gets closer to fall, which is by far the time I do the most photoshoots. 

So tell me, what addictions have you been feeding lately?  Please, tell me I'm not the only one...

Roller Derby

One of my cousins does (plays?) roller derby. If it weren't for her, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have the first clue about it. Well, mostly I still have no idea about it. But I have been to a roller derby match (game?) to watch her. I went once in St. Louis, and then again in Kansas City when she called to tell me she would be in town for one night to play.

If you haven't ever been to roller derby, I assure you it is QUITE the experience. While I still have absolutely NO idea what the rules are, it was still pretty entertaining to watch. Let me tell you, there are plenty of opportunities to people watch at an event like that!

I also made my friend come with me -- I figured that roller derby is an experience that everyone should have at least once. She agreed -- and brought her kids and husband along for the fun!








I'm pretty sure that any baby that can sleep through roller derby is a keeper...it is a very LOUD event!

Things I've Been Reading 2

Some of the non-fiction books I've been reading:



This Won't Hurt A Bit

And if you like the book, her blog can be found here!



Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back






Clutter Rehab: 101 Tips and Tricks to Become an Organization Junkie and Love It!


If you like this book, her blog can be found here!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad've

Things I've Been Reading

First, let me say that I never realized how much I would love using an e-reader. I have read more books since getting my iPad six month ago than I had in the two years before that. I have always liked to read, but it is so much more convenient when I always have the book with me!

Here are some of the books I have been reading lately:

The Midwife's Confession

Look Again





Save Me (See all Thrillers Books)






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Crafty Tuesday: Sneak Peek

Since it's Tuesday, the interwebs are once again filled with crafty delights for Crafty Tuesday.

And I have something (sort of) to share...or at least a little of something... I am busy at work over a several week break from regular classes, many plans which include things that are highly crafty. But nothing is quite finished yet.

So here is a little sneak peek on what I have been working on since my 8 hour flight from Chicago on Sunday. And for those of you playing along at home, I live in KS. Which is most definitely not normally an 8 hour flight away. But that's a story for another time... So for now, here's a tiny peek at what's been keeping me busy...


For some actual craftiness, head to Carrie's and see what everyone's got to share!

Work

A pitocin induction. Nothing out of the ordinary -- we do lots of those. Day or night, it doesn't really matter. Get scheduled. Come in. Have baby.

Simple enough, right?

Super Bowl Sunday. Which I didn't actually realize until someone emailed me at 4 pm and told me to bring snacks to work, but no matter. Just another night I work. Working nights isn't perfect, but I have a job I like with people I love, so I can't complain. Go to work. Pit induction, third baby. Simple enough.

Report from the day shift. Some ultrasound abnormalities, but nothing really concrete. NICU will come for the delivery, they're not too worried. But my poor patient? Is terrified. The terrible mystery of the unknown...no one can tell her what will happen after the baby arrives. That's the problem with life in the womb -- you don't really have to do too much on your own -- that fancy placenta does most of the work for you.

*********

Labor the patient. Increase the pitocin. Break water. Place epidural. Push. Decide it's time to head to the OR instead. Have a baby, one way or another. It's very exciting for families -- and it's lovely to be a part of -- but it becomes a little different when it's your job. It's always special, and it's often routine. Deliver a baby, cut the cord, hand the new person over to parents who have been waiting a long time for that moment. And really, do you have any idea how cool new people are?

*********

It's the middle of the night, the patient is asleep after an epidural and I'm doing paperwork. You have no idea how much paperwork is part of having a baby. I'm watching the monitors at the desk while I do my work, and I can tell that it's time. Wake up the patient, prepare the room, call in the troops...it's time to have a baby.

Three quick pushes and there she is. A tiny little mew of a cry as she pops out. Clamp the cord, hand the dad some scissors. A little snip. And then that fancy placenta isn't doing the work anymore.

Which, in this case, turns out to be a problem. Everyone who wasn't too worried before delivery is now VERY concerned. The patient is sobbing. The family is standing there, not sure what to do, watching the scene before them unfold like something in a foreign movie. They didn't sign up for any of this.

The baby heads to the NICU after a significant amount of effort. Explain to the parents that they are going to stabilize the baby for transfer to another hospital -- which was something that had been discussed before delivery. I go down to check on things and give the parents an update...and the closer look doesn't reveal good things. The specialists that have come in at 2 AM will be out to speak with the parents prior to transfer in a few minutes.

After an hour I go back to the NICU to see what's taking so long. They can't come right now - they're arranging for the helicopter to come for the baby.

While it is not unusual for a baby to be transferred, it is VERY unusual for them to need a helicopter transfer. The hospital that we are sending the baby to is only 15 minutes away, at a normal pace, with traffic. Go in an ambulance and it's a little faster. But still too long. In all of my years, I've only sent one other baby by helicopter.

I return and explain to the parents that the baby is going to need to be transferred a little more rapidly than originally thought, and that I'm going to take them down to see the baby before transfer. There aren't really words to prepare anyone for that -- they haven't seen the baby since delivery, and she is now covered in more wires and tubes than most people can imagine -- all on a 6 lb 14 oz body. She looks chubbier than that, so we wonder if she is short...but it's hard to say.

She isn't stable enough for anyone to stretch her out and measure her length.

I take the parents in. They get to hold the baby for a few minutes before they load her up for transfer. We hate to force people before they are ready, but the mom can't be discharged yet and so she can't go to the new hospital with the baby. And she should hold the baby before they go. We take as many pictures as we can. There are lots of tubes and wires, but she looks just like her dad.

*********

The baby is loaded up and off for a quick flight -- only four minutes by helicopter, it turns out, from our hospital to the next.

I take the patient to her new room, wish her good luck and tell her to let me know what happens, and that I'll be thinking of her and her new little girl. Although it's hard to look at her, because I've now gotten a good look at the baby. I know the way this story will end.

*********

When people find out that someone works in labor and delivery, the reaction is almost always the same. "You get to hold babies all night!" And that is always followed by "what a fun job -- you work at the only happy place in the hospital". And both of those statements have some truth to them -- I do spend many nights holding a baby while I do my charting, and I do work at a place that is filled with thrilling, happy moments.

But my response is always the same. When it's good, it is so very, very good. But when it's bad, it's a very, very tough place to be.

*********

This week is National Congenital Heart Defects Week. An estimated 40,000 babies with CHD are born in the United States each year. An estimated 1.8 million families are affected.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Fleece Jackets. I have 15. Think I have a slight problem?



Scented Candles. I almost always have one burning. And I refuse to count them...I don't want to know how many I have. The one is Amber Cream...it smells amazing...



My label maker. LOVE. IT.



My DVR. I'd never get to watch anything without it.


What can't you live without these days?

Another Reason To Join The Family

Just in case The Bag Game wasn't enough of a reason for you to want to join my family (or at least my family gatherings), allow me to give you another:

Jello shots.
Or, as I like to call them, Jello shots for Jesus.
Festively done in holiday colors!

Several years ago my mom got the idea that she wanted to take Jello Shots to the family holiday. Why? No idea. But I can only assume that she saw them somewhere and thought it was fun. Which makes me also assume that she never experienced this little alcohol filled wonder before adulthood. But like a good little jello shot maker she went to a party supply store and bought little cups and lids and everything, selected festive colors (red and green for christmas, more pastel colors for Easter...hey, our Jesus really likes his Jello Shots!) and made the family some shots.

See, and here you thought that you might not want to join in on The Bag Game.... Believe me -- a few of these little shots and you'll join in on just about anything...

And yes, this post did go out twice - once on Tuesday night (when I was too tired to pay attention to what I was doing) and once now -- when it was supposed to show up :)

Why Did No One Tell Me?

Why did no one tell me how great this show is?! Thank goodness for Netflix -- otherwise I never would have gotten to see all the episodes from Season 1 that I missed!

Digging Out From Boxes

Contrary to what people might think, I haven't actually fallen off the face of the Earth.

I have been moving.

Which, in case you haven't moved in a while, I can tell you is A LOT of work. But being in my new house has been amazing.

It's like coming home when you didn't even know you had been lost.

There is still unpacking to be done and the walls don't have anything hung on them yet, but still. It's home.

And it's wonderful.