Last night, I heard from my sister that my closest companion, who has survived through numerous tumultuous situations... suffered a seizure. Based on her description over the phone, possibly a stroke.
My companion, Sadie, is my lab/mix... a full 17, almost 18 years old! A very old lady to say the least!
She has been at my side ever since she learned that a car... just might hurt her... no more running off, safety is at home!
Today, I had to make the painful decision to humanely euthanize her. She had no chance of recovery, no ability to take care of herself.
God, watch out!!! This is a rambunctious puppy!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
An odd night...
I worked last night, from 4pm to 4am, my regularly scheduled shift.
I was given an initial assignment, then moved to another, then another, and finally to yet another. One of the "key" principles of being an effective Emergency Nurse, is to be flexible... that is "just go with the flow." Even if I had kept my initial assignment, things happen, new patients arrive, and priorities change... now multiply that by the seemingly ever-changing assignment!
Last night was a little weird though...
Not exceptionally busy, so that was a relief! Yet quite a few interesting and exceptionally rare presentations/complaints/problems. A few, that Emergency Nurses may only see once or twice in their entire career! It was one of those, "Oh, I remember reading/hearing/studying that once..." kind of night! And not just for me. Several of my co-workers expressed similar thoughts as well.
So as I retire for "my evening," I want all of my friends on the East Coast to know that I am thinking about and praying for them as Hurricane Sandy approaches. I am also thankful that my friends in Hawaii were spared a Tsunami from the recent earthquake in Canada.
And in case the next couple of nights precludes me from it, Happy Halloween to everybody!
I was given an initial assignment, then moved to another, then another, and finally to yet another. One of the "key" principles of being an effective Emergency Nurse, is to be flexible... that is "just go with the flow." Even if I had kept my initial assignment, things happen, new patients arrive, and priorities change... now multiply that by the seemingly ever-changing assignment!
Last night was a little weird though...
Not exceptionally busy, so that was a relief! Yet quite a few interesting and exceptionally rare presentations/complaints/problems. A few, that Emergency Nurses may only see once or twice in their entire career! It was one of those, "Oh, I remember reading/hearing/studying that once..." kind of night! And not just for me. Several of my co-workers expressed similar thoughts as well.
So as I retire for "my evening," I want all of my friends on the East Coast to know that I am thinking about and praying for them as Hurricane Sandy approaches. I am also thankful that my friends in Hawaii were spared a Tsunami from the recent earthquake in Canada.
And in case the next couple of nights precludes me from it, Happy Halloween to everybody!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Pay it forward...
Last week, I was asked to 'pick up' or 'work' a few extra shifts. So I apologize that I have not posted in awhile...
Last night/early this morning, was some time off! It was mostly spent sleeping and doing laundry...
A few weeks ago, I was also doing laundry, and I missed the end of a washer cycle. When I went to flip my laundry, from the washer to the dryer... I realized that someone had already done that for me! And my clothes "were a' tumbling!" They had moved my clothes, and started the dryer. I left a dollar of quarters on the dryer, to reimburse this person.
Late last night/early this morning, as I was doing my laundry again... no one was in urgent need. So no added assistance. I finished my laundry, yet left a little something...
The next load is on me!
Including the dry!
A simple act of kindness, repaid, then multiplied! Payed forward.
Thank you!
And, You are welcome!
Last night/early this morning, was some time off! It was mostly spent sleeping and doing laundry...
A few weeks ago, I was also doing laundry, and I missed the end of a washer cycle. When I went to flip my laundry, from the washer to the dryer... I realized that someone had already done that for me! And my clothes "were a' tumbling!" They had moved my clothes, and started the dryer. I left a dollar of quarters on the dryer, to reimburse this person.
Late last night/early this morning, as I was doing my laundry again... no one was in urgent need. So no added assistance. I finished my laundry, yet left a little something...
The next load is on me!
Including the dry!
A simple act of kindness, repaid, then multiplied! Payed forward.
Thank you!
And, You are welcome!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Breakfast!
Where I am staying at, there is a complimentary breakfast served from 6:00am till 10:00am for guests. Now this is not a "continental" breakfast... it is scrambled eggs, depending on the day either potatoes or pancakes - sausage or bacon or both, and always cereal, muffins, bread, orange juice, apple juice, milk, coffee, etc. About the only thing they don't have is fresh fruit... although there is always fresh salsa, and since tomatoes and chile peppers are technically fruits...
There are two different servers and two different cooks I have met. A week after I arrived, I asked if they had any tortillas. I was thinking about making a breakfast burrito. They did not. However the next time I had breakfast, I noticed it was both a different server and cook. So I asked again. Again, they did not...
However, the next time I went... the cook came out and asked me if I wanted a tortilla! To this day, when that cook is there, I can always get a tortilla!
Now onto the subject of breakfast meats... sausage or bacon. I enjoy both, however I will always choose bacon over sausage given the choice. Typically, they alternated between the two, day to day. One morning as I received a tortilla, all they were serving was sausage. So I asked if they had any bacon that day. They did not. However, I noticed that the next time I had breakfast, there was both sausage and bacon! And yes, I also got a tortilla!
And to make a breakfast burrito, one really needs potatoes... not pancakes.
Fast forward several weeks to this morning...
As I walked in to the restaurant, the server greeted me, as they always do, to all customers, yet I wasn't asked for my room number. Which got me thinking, it has actually been a few weeks since I was asked for my room number. Guess I am now a well known guest. However, this morning it was more like this:
Server: Good morning sir! Una tortilla y patatas este manana?
Me: Si Senora! Muchas gracias!
The server immediately left the dining area to the back, coffee pot in hand. As I put a scoop of scrambled eggs on my plate, I heard the dinging of one of those little 'service' bells and some muffled discussion. As I continued down the self-service line, pancakes (well that explains the question regarding the 'patatas,' got to the breakfast meat - sausage. Now this confused me for a moment, as I was offered a tortilla and potatoes, but there was no bacon.
Before I could get to the end of the self-service line, there was a tortilla, a small plate of potatoes, and a glass of orange juice (my breakfast beverage of choice) sitting at a table, that I usually sit at if available. After I put together my little breakfast treat and had began to eat, the cook came out to refill one of the hot trays. It was the cook that never has tortillas. So I took the opportunity:
Me: Senor! Muchas gracias por la tortilla y patatas! Son muy buenos.
Cook: De nada, Senor! Gracias. Buenas dias!
Me: Buenas dias! Manana, en la manana!
Cook: Si. OK!
As a side note, there were several other customers that were enjoying there complimentary breakfast that witnessed and overheard the brief exchange between the server, the cook, and I; as well as the personal, custom service to a my table with some "off-menu" items. I didn't hear anyone comment, nor did anyone ask me how I got what I got... but it made me think that they probably thought I was someone special or important.
Now this is a complimentary breakfast. Even though it is free, it is usual and customary to leave a tip. However, when I was able to get a tortilla and potatoes to make my burrito, I would leave a bigger tip. After all, I was getting extra attention and service. What I think happened this morning, was the server knew who I was, and that I liked to get a tortilla. So she made sure that the cook, who never seems to have tortillas, was able to produce one for me, as well as knowing he made pancakes this morning, that he was able to fry up some potatoes for me as well! She knew I would leave a little extra!
I am not someone special or important, just because I received a little extra attention, compared to everyone else this morning. I simply made a few requests, and when it was able to be fulfilled, I rewarded the effort. Now, I no longer have to make the request, it is just offered.
My next goal is to work on the bacon availability situation...
There are two different servers and two different cooks I have met. A week after I arrived, I asked if they had any tortillas. I was thinking about making a breakfast burrito. They did not. However the next time I had breakfast, I noticed it was both a different server and cook. So I asked again. Again, they did not...
However, the next time I went... the cook came out and asked me if I wanted a tortilla! To this day, when that cook is there, I can always get a tortilla!
Now onto the subject of breakfast meats... sausage or bacon. I enjoy both, however I will always choose bacon over sausage given the choice. Typically, they alternated between the two, day to day. One morning as I received a tortilla, all they were serving was sausage. So I asked if they had any bacon that day. They did not. However, I noticed that the next time I had breakfast, there was both sausage and bacon! And yes, I also got a tortilla!
And to make a breakfast burrito, one really needs potatoes... not pancakes.
Fast forward several weeks to this morning...
As I walked in to the restaurant, the server greeted me, as they always do, to all customers, yet I wasn't asked for my room number. Which got me thinking, it has actually been a few weeks since I was asked for my room number. Guess I am now a well known guest. However, this morning it was more like this:
Server: Good morning sir! Una tortilla y patatas este manana?
Me: Si Senora! Muchas gracias!
The server immediately left the dining area to the back, coffee pot in hand. As I put a scoop of scrambled eggs on my plate, I heard the dinging of one of those little 'service' bells and some muffled discussion. As I continued down the self-service line, pancakes (well that explains the question regarding the 'patatas,' got to the breakfast meat - sausage. Now this confused me for a moment, as I was offered a tortilla and potatoes, but there was no bacon.
Before I could get to the end of the self-service line, there was a tortilla, a small plate of potatoes, and a glass of orange juice (my breakfast beverage of choice) sitting at a table, that I usually sit at if available. After I put together my little breakfast treat and had began to eat, the cook came out to refill one of the hot trays. It was the cook that never has tortillas. So I took the opportunity:
Me: Senor! Muchas gracias por la tortilla y patatas! Son muy buenos.
Cook: De nada, Senor! Gracias. Buenas dias!
Me: Buenas dias! Manana, en la manana!
Cook: Si. OK!
As a side note, there were several other customers that were enjoying there complimentary breakfast that witnessed and overheard the brief exchange between the server, the cook, and I; as well as the personal, custom service to a my table with some "off-menu" items. I didn't hear anyone comment, nor did anyone ask me how I got what I got... but it made me think that they probably thought I was someone special or important.
Now this is a complimentary breakfast. Even though it is free, it is usual and customary to leave a tip. However, when I was able to get a tortilla and potatoes to make my burrito, I would leave a bigger tip. After all, I was getting extra attention and service. What I think happened this morning, was the server knew who I was, and that I liked to get a tortilla. So she made sure that the cook, who never seems to have tortillas, was able to produce one for me, as well as knowing he made pancakes this morning, that he was able to fry up some potatoes for me as well! She knew I would leave a little extra!
I am not someone special or important, just because I received a little extra attention, compared to everyone else this morning. I simply made a few requests, and when it was able to be fulfilled, I rewarded the effort. Now, I no longer have to make the request, it is just offered.
My next goal is to work on the bacon availability situation...
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Passport
This afternoon, for some reason, I pulled out my Passport and looked through it. A "world" traveler I am not... I have been in three other Countries besides the US, two of which are documented in my Passport. One was traveled to, way before a Passport or Passport Card was necessary. Which begs another question... which I will leave for later...
However, the stamps on those pages, mean a lot to me! I can not ever fully explain, express, or even begin to share with anyone, the memories of my international travels. Yet a simple stamp, makes me recall the trip, and then everything that happened, I experienced, and saw while I was there.
I have taken the opportunity to travel to other Countries. In a lot of ways, it has been very sobering. From seeing and experiencing utter destitution and poverty, to seeing vibrancy and success. Which made me wonder today, why? Why is there so much disparity, yet why so much similarity?
Throughout my journey, in both life and career, I have learned a lot. One of the most important lessons so far... as bad as I think things are, there are a lot of worse things! And likewise, as good as I think things are, there are a lot of better things! Perhaps it is a realization of a world view. I will continue to do what I do. I will someday travel internationally again. It's not about bringing what I have, to others... it's about bringing others, to what I have.
That sounds political, perhaps. Yet it is more fundamental than that! It is also not religious either.
A quote comes to mind, attributed once to Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837-1919) in her novel, Mrs. Dymond (1885). A few other sources attribute it to a Chinese Proverb. Not, however, found in the Christian Bible... Regardless of who said it first, hundreds or even thousands of years old... there is a moral "truth" in it (paraphrased):
"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."
...
However, the stamps on those pages, mean a lot to me! I can not ever fully explain, express, or even begin to share with anyone, the memories of my international travels. Yet a simple stamp, makes me recall the trip, and then everything that happened, I experienced, and saw while I was there.
I have taken the opportunity to travel to other Countries. In a lot of ways, it has been very sobering. From seeing and experiencing utter destitution and poverty, to seeing vibrancy and success. Which made me wonder today, why? Why is there so much disparity, yet why so much similarity?
Throughout my journey, in both life and career, I have learned a lot. One of the most important lessons so far... as bad as I think things are, there are a lot of worse things! And likewise, as good as I think things are, there are a lot of better things! Perhaps it is a realization of a world view. I will continue to do what I do. I will someday travel internationally again. It's not about bringing what I have, to others... it's about bringing others, to what I have.
That sounds political, perhaps. Yet it is more fundamental than that! It is also not religious either.
A quote comes to mind, attributed once to Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837-1919) in her novel, Mrs. Dymond (1885). A few other sources attribute it to a Chinese Proverb. Not, however, found in the Christian Bible... Regardless of who said it first, hundreds or even thousands of years old... there is a moral "truth" in it (paraphrased):
"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."
...
Friday, October 19, 2012
Aaaahhhh....
Ah....
The smell of Kingsford!
Summer-time is usually the season for grilling, yet there is something about experiencing it in the Fall! Sort of a misnomer, as I still have to run the A/C for part of the day... perhaps someone could let loose a butterfly...
However, this evening my senses were overwhelmed by the smell of charcoal, the smokiness in the air, and the unmistakable sound of sizzle! This was a private, family affair. Yet I took advantage of it, as I did some laundry! Can I help it if the guest laundry is less than fifteen feet away from the bbq/grill pit!?
It made me remember the bbq's I used to do. A three-day event! A full day of shopping and preparations, an early morning rise to start the grill, spending all day tending to the fire and the meat, cooking the beans and the whole corn, a few other side dishes... and then the day after, cleaning up! A lot of people were fed, and fed well...
I am going to take a two week break in November. Return to Phoenix, celebrate Thanksgiving with family... I am thinking a late Fall BBQ is in order! My friend/neighbor has a grill. A few slabs of ribs, some beans, cornbread... I might even pull together a three-meat, three alarm chili! Don't worry, sour cream put's out the fire! Perhaps it will turn into a block party!? At least two people are already on-board!
So when you smell the Kingsford... look for the smoke... and come enjoy some baby-backs!
The smell of Kingsford!
Summer-time is usually the season for grilling, yet there is something about experiencing it in the Fall! Sort of a misnomer, as I still have to run the A/C for part of the day... perhaps someone could let loose a butterfly...
However, this evening my senses were overwhelmed by the smell of charcoal, the smokiness in the air, and the unmistakable sound of sizzle! This was a private, family affair. Yet I took advantage of it, as I did some laundry! Can I help it if the guest laundry is less than fifteen feet away from the bbq/grill pit!?
It made me remember the bbq's I used to do. A three-day event! A full day of shopping and preparations, an early morning rise to start the grill, spending all day tending to the fire and the meat, cooking the beans and the whole corn, a few other side dishes... and then the day after, cleaning up! A lot of people were fed, and fed well...
I am going to take a two week break in November. Return to Phoenix, celebrate Thanksgiving with family... I am thinking a late Fall BBQ is in order! My friend/neighbor has a grill. A few slabs of ribs, some beans, cornbread... I might even pull together a three-meat, three alarm chili! Don't worry, sour cream put's out the fire! Perhaps it will turn into a block party!? At least two people are already on-board!
So when you smell the Kingsford... look for the smoke... and come enjoy some baby-backs!
How much do you make?
I saw this a long time ago, and it has started to make the rounds again... thought I would share it with you:
Somebody asked: "You're a nurse? That's cool, I wanted to do that when I
was a kid. How much do you make?" The nurse replied: "HOW MUCH DO I
MAKE?" ... I can make holding your hand seem like the most important
thing in the world when you're scared. ... I can make your child breathe
when they stop. ... I can help your father survive a heart attack. ... I
can make myself get up at 5 a.m. to make sure your mother has the
medicine she needs to live. ... I work all day to save the lives of
strangers. ... I make my family wait for dinner until I know your family
member is taken care of. ... I make myself skip lunch so that I can
make sure that everything I did for your wife today is charted. ... I
make myself work weekends and holidays because people don't just get
sick Monday thru Friday. ... Today, I might save your life. ... How much
do I make? All I know is, I make a difference.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Soap Box...
I am a compassionate person. I will bend over backwards to help those truly in need. I have even been known to jump on a plane and travel to another country to help people.
Yes, I have been criticized... why offer aid and assistance elsewhere, when there is so much need at home...
The other day I noticed an advertisement. A $1.00 donation can feed four (4) children for a day. Now on the surface, this seems a minimal investment. So for just $0.25 per child, I could help in the effort to wipe out hunger. Yet the math didn't add up...
My $3.00 donation can feed two (2) children for a week. Based on the $0.25 above, $0.50 for two children, times seven days... that's $3.50! And a $5.00 donation can feed a single child for a month. Again, $0.25 times thirty days... that's $7.50. However, the thing that really blew this up, was the $10.00 donation to feed an entire classroom for a day!
Do the math. And while you are at it, think about the "administrative" costs that most charities 'incur' while providing aid...
$0.083, on average, for a meal...
If an organization can provide this type of relief, at this level, and at this cost... then not one person, out of the billions alive today, should ever be hungry!
I step down.
Yes, I have been criticized... why offer aid and assistance elsewhere, when there is so much need at home...
The other day I noticed an advertisement. A $1.00 donation can feed four (4) children for a day. Now on the surface, this seems a minimal investment. So for just $0.25 per child, I could help in the effort to wipe out hunger. Yet the math didn't add up...
My $3.00 donation can feed two (2) children for a week. Based on the $0.25 above, $0.50 for two children, times seven days... that's $3.50! And a $5.00 donation can feed a single child for a month. Again, $0.25 times thirty days... that's $7.50. However, the thing that really blew this up, was the $10.00 donation to feed an entire classroom for a day!
Do the math. And while you are at it, think about the "administrative" costs that most charities 'incur' while providing aid...
$0.083, on average, for a meal...
If an organization can provide this type of relief, at this level, and at this cost... then not one person, out of the billions alive today, should ever be hungry!
I step down.
A stitch in time...
Very few know that I am an artisan... My medium is yarn...
The other day, I saw a visitor steadfastly crocheting, as they were waiting at the bedside of my patient. I remarked about there work, and was allowed to see up close the project. I was amazed at how a single strand of yarn, could produce such a thick piece!
I watched as they made a stitch... or three... and quickly deconstructed it, and now know how to replicate it! It is a "Waffle Stitch," a pattern of repeating double crochets.
I have since frogged a project, and started a new one! It is simple, quickly growing, and ultimately better than it was! Perhaps it will be completed by Christmas!
The other day, I saw a visitor steadfastly crocheting, as they were waiting at the bedside of my patient. I remarked about there work, and was allowed to see up close the project. I was amazed at how a single strand of yarn, could produce such a thick piece!
I watched as they made a stitch... or three... and quickly deconstructed it, and now know how to replicate it! It is a "Waffle Stitch," a pattern of repeating double crochets.
I have since frogged a project, and started a new one! It is simple, quickly growing, and ultimately better than it was! Perhaps it will be completed by Christmas!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
A Clarification... Lo siento mucho...
Una aclaración... I'm sorry...
My friend, Rick, brought me to meet his aunt.
Mi amigo, Ricardo me llevó a conocer a su tÃa.
I became her adopted nephew that night, because I was a friend of her nephew.
I became her adopted nephew that night, because I was a friend of her nephew.
Me convertà en su sobrino adoptado esa noche, porque era un amigo de su sobrino.
Now, Ricardo and I are cousins, and family!
Now, Ricardo and I are cousins, and family!
Ahora, Ricardo y yo somos primos y familiares!
A few updates... and other things
Even with the cold medicine this morning, a fitful sleep today. However, almost 10 hours total. Guess I was a little tired. This evening, I am going to once again make a run (although not at 3am) to go get some more Gatorade and some salty snacks. Not really hungry, but craving some pretzels. I can remember as a child being sick, and all I would eat and drink was Sprite and Rold's Gold pretzels...
Cravings are weird sometimes. I can remember when I had a craving for garlic bread. Ate so much that I actually smelled like garlic. Everyone has at one time or another, suddenly craved something... coffee, chocolate, fruit, veggies, a specific spice, a sudden nap... Somewhere deep in the subconscious, a person's brain is able to communicate what it knows is needed to heal, maintain, or keep things going. And then we have this almost uncontrollable desire in our consciousness to obtain it.
And if you don't believe me, ask any woman who has been pregnant!
I have received a few emails from friends and family that have been following my adventures. I apologize for not responding in a timely manner. That email address is my primary email, so everything goes to it, including all of the spam! Although most of the filters work, some still slip through and some are legitimate yet marked as spam.
So I have set up a separate email address for questions, comments, and correspondence during this adventure! It is:
hdtravelrn@ (the same email server/provider)
And as always, you can always write me a letter... a snail-mail! If you want or need my address, email me and I will respond with either my home address or current mailing address. Recently, I started a letter writing campaign. I know in today's world, the instantaneous email or text message is the preferred method of communicating with each other. However, receiving a letter, is sort of like getting a present! A look at the return address to see who it came from, a look at the postmark/cancellation to see when it was sent, the anticipation of what is inside, what was written, the news, an enclosed picture...
Sitting down and writing a letter to someone is also therapeutic! First and foremost, it causes one to sit down! Take a break from your busy schedule, focus on a single thing... yes, you can still be multi-tasking... dinner is cooking, yet instead of getting online, sit down with a piece of paper and a pen or pencil, and scratch out a note or letter to someone.
Second, a letter is much more meaningful and intimate! I appreciate getting emails and texts from people, and when something needs an immediate answer or reply, it is quite useful. Yet, a letter communicates to the recipient that you took a little time, thought about, and focused on them. In this fast paced, digital age, there is something being lost... there are some schools that are no longer teaching handwriting or cursive anymore! Is that a progression? Knowledge lost, a generation at a time...
And finally, there is this quasi-governmental organization, it's called the United States Postal Service (USPS)... facing budget cuts, closures, etc... And yet, they sell these things called "Forever" stamps! Buy them now, and regardless of what the postal rate goes up to, they are still valid. What if a natural or man-made disaster, suddenly cripples the internet and cell-phone system? Email, Facebook, this Blog, text messaging... suddenly unavailable!
And I give kudos to the USPS! A long time ago, my family took a vacation, and my oldest daughter, who was still in daycare/preschool, wanted to send a note/letter/postcard to her friends at the daycare. We couldn't remember the address, so we wrote:
"name of daycare"
South of "this" Rd., on "this" St.
"City, State, zipcode"
And guess what!? They received it!
I have also sent, and received letters, just by using a name and a zip+4... no address, no city or state.
Enough ramblings for now. Gatorade run is in order!
Cravings are weird sometimes. I can remember when I had a craving for garlic bread. Ate so much that I actually smelled like garlic. Everyone has at one time or another, suddenly craved something... coffee, chocolate, fruit, veggies, a specific spice, a sudden nap... Somewhere deep in the subconscious, a person's brain is able to communicate what it knows is needed to heal, maintain, or keep things going. And then we have this almost uncontrollable desire in our consciousness to obtain it.
And if you don't believe me, ask any woman who has been pregnant!
I have received a few emails from friends and family that have been following my adventures. I apologize for not responding in a timely manner. That email address is my primary email, so everything goes to it, including all of the spam! Although most of the filters work, some still slip through and some are legitimate yet marked as spam.
So I have set up a separate email address for questions, comments, and correspondence during this adventure! It is:
hdtravelrn@ (the same email server/provider)
And as always, you can always write me a letter... a snail-mail! If you want or need my address, email me and I will respond with either my home address or current mailing address. Recently, I started a letter writing campaign. I know in today's world, the instantaneous email or text message is the preferred method of communicating with each other. However, receiving a letter, is sort of like getting a present! A look at the return address to see who it came from, a look at the postmark/cancellation to see when it was sent, the anticipation of what is inside, what was written, the news, an enclosed picture...
Sitting down and writing a letter to someone is also therapeutic! First and foremost, it causes one to sit down! Take a break from your busy schedule, focus on a single thing... yes, you can still be multi-tasking... dinner is cooking, yet instead of getting online, sit down with a piece of paper and a pen or pencil, and scratch out a note or letter to someone.
Second, a letter is much more meaningful and intimate! I appreciate getting emails and texts from people, and when something needs an immediate answer or reply, it is quite useful. Yet, a letter communicates to the recipient that you took a little time, thought about, and focused on them. In this fast paced, digital age, there is something being lost... there are some schools that are no longer teaching handwriting or cursive anymore! Is that a progression? Knowledge lost, a generation at a time...
And finally, there is this quasi-governmental organization, it's called the United States Postal Service (USPS)... facing budget cuts, closures, etc... And yet, they sell these things called "Forever" stamps! Buy them now, and regardless of what the postal rate goes up to, they are still valid. What if a natural or man-made disaster, suddenly cripples the internet and cell-phone system? Email, Facebook, this Blog, text messaging... suddenly unavailable!
And I give kudos to the USPS! A long time ago, my family took a vacation, and my oldest daughter, who was still in daycare/preschool, wanted to send a note/letter/postcard to her friends at the daycare. We couldn't remember the address, so we wrote:
"name of daycare"
South of "this" Rd., on "this" St.
"City, State, zipcode"
And guess what!? They received it!
I have also sent, and received letters, just by using a name and a zip+4... no address, no city or state.
Enough ramblings for now. Gatorade run is in order!
Round Two...
Just got done with two shifts in a row. I will not go back until Saturday! So four days off!!
Unfortunately, last night I once again developed congestion and a slight cough. So far, not as bad as round one, but time will tell. Everyone that I work with and a lot of the patient's I have been treating, seem to be suffering as I am. So this seems to be a local variant. Either that or one of these pesky viral-like illness was an immune response to my recent flu-shot and the other is a local bug... who know's!
I will not let this one overwhelm me though! I have plans!
My last shift here will be on 11/10. I plan on taking an extra day or two in order to relax, pack, and turn my body around for a ride back to Phoenix. I plan on celebrating Thanksgiving with family before I go on to another assignment. I am looking at and considering another assignment here in Arizona, or possibly one in New Mexico. If I can obtain my California license by then, maybe a third one there. Still about 30 days out, so there is time.
Going to go have some free breakfast, take a dose of nighttime cold medicine, and crash now!
Unfortunately, last night I once again developed congestion and a slight cough. So far, not as bad as round one, but time will tell. Everyone that I work with and a lot of the patient's I have been treating, seem to be suffering as I am. So this seems to be a local variant. Either that or one of these pesky viral-like illness was an immune response to my recent flu-shot and the other is a local bug... who know's!
I will not let this one overwhelm me though! I have plans!
My last shift here will be on 11/10. I plan on taking an extra day or two in order to relax, pack, and turn my body around for a ride back to Phoenix. I plan on celebrating Thanksgiving with family before I go on to another assignment. I am looking at and considering another assignment here in Arizona, or possibly one in New Mexico. If I can obtain my California license by then, maybe a third one there. Still about 30 days out, so there is time.
Going to go have some free breakfast, take a dose of nighttime cold medicine, and crash now!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
A not-so "close" call...
This evening, I took a short ride.
Now I have taken a riding course through the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation), and although I have been riding for many years prior, I kept an open mind. I did learn some new skills and practical applications. Yet there were some things that was counter-intuitive to street survival.
I was waiting at a red light, in the left-hand turn lane. I observed that there were three vehicles that were going to go straight coming from the opposite direction. So when the light turned green, I did not immediately advance forward. I am sure this irked the car behind me, as I heard that little "tap" of the horn. Yet, I held my position. When I saw that it was now time to start forward to make my turn, I looked right, ahead, left, then back to the right. I saw a car moving, coming from my right, so I actually kept my attention on it as I started forward to make my turn... you see, the MSF teaches one to "look through the turn." Had I done that, I wouldn't have followed the movement of this car...
I realized that it was not slowing down, coming up on it's red light. So I stopped, darn near smack dab in the center of the intersection. Well this more than irked the car behind me, as that previous little "tap" turned into a full blown "laying on of the horn!"
A second later, the sound of the horn was drowned out by the sound of tires squealing, as the cross-traffic car realized the light was red and attempted to come to a stop. Which it finally did, almost 2/3 of the way through the intersection. Had I continued, there was a very good possibility that I would have been hit.
So as the squealing stopped, the smoke cleared, and obviously the horn behind me had as well...
I held in my clutch - turned my upper body to the right - and gave the international sign of "peace and love" to the impatient, totally unaware, operator of the car behind me... then continued on my way. I know I saved my life. I probably saved the person behind me some pain as well! I could have just scooted through the turn, accelerated and been clear... yet then the car behind me, would have been the recipient of the collision...
Another reason why I think everyone should be required to operate a motorcycle for at least one year, prior to being allowed to drive a car/truck!
Now I have taken a riding course through the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation), and although I have been riding for many years prior, I kept an open mind. I did learn some new skills and practical applications. Yet there were some things that was counter-intuitive to street survival.
I was waiting at a red light, in the left-hand turn lane. I observed that there were three vehicles that were going to go straight coming from the opposite direction. So when the light turned green, I did not immediately advance forward. I am sure this irked the car behind me, as I heard that little "tap" of the horn. Yet, I held my position. When I saw that it was now time to start forward to make my turn, I looked right, ahead, left, then back to the right. I saw a car moving, coming from my right, so I actually kept my attention on it as I started forward to make my turn... you see, the MSF teaches one to "look through the turn." Had I done that, I wouldn't have followed the movement of this car...
I realized that it was not slowing down, coming up on it's red light. So I stopped, darn near smack dab in the center of the intersection. Well this more than irked the car behind me, as that previous little "tap" turned into a full blown "laying on of the horn!"
A second later, the sound of the horn was drowned out by the sound of tires squealing, as the cross-traffic car realized the light was red and attempted to come to a stop. Which it finally did, almost 2/3 of the way through the intersection. Had I continued, there was a very good possibility that I would have been hit.
So as the squealing stopped, the smoke cleared, and obviously the horn behind me had as well...
I held in my clutch - turned my upper body to the right - and gave the international sign of "peace and love" to the impatient, totally unaware, operator of the car behind me... then continued on my way. I know I saved my life. I probably saved the person behind me some pain as well! I could have just scooted through the turn, accelerated and been clear... yet then the car behind me, would have been the recipient of the collision...
Another reason why I think everyone should be required to operate a motorcycle for at least one year, prior to being allowed to drive a car/truck!
Friday, October 12, 2012
So...
I got all of my laundry done. Had a few quarters left over, and found something that is the same size as a quarter, feels the same weight as a quarter, it obviously was spent like a quarter, even accepted by a business and a bank as a quarter! I went to the bank the other day to get a roll of quarters in order to do my laundry. It was just fate, that I opened one end versus the other and didn't just blindly put it into the machine.
Had to do a little research to find out what I had now in my possession. And interestingly enough, what I had was actually worth $0.25 USD.
I had received, "Un Cuarto de Balboa." A 'quarter' or 1/4 of a Balboa.
This is the currency of Panama! That last Country you get to in Central America, right before one arrives in South America... Where the Panama Canal is...
Now, as I said, what I had was actually worth $0.25 USD. Why? Because the Panamanian Balboa (PAB) has been tied to the United States Dollar (USD) at a 1:1 exchange ratio ever since 1903! Google it!
Here's the reverse...
I find the appearance or design quite interesting. A portrait of Vasco Núñez de Balboa on the obverse, just like George Washington's on the US Quarter. On the reverse, the name of the issuing Country, an eagle with outstretched wings, and the decorative wreath of olive branches... The design of this coin has obviously been influenced by the look of US Currency.
There is no paper money printed in Panama. They use the USD as there paper currency! And as far as the other coinage... you guessed it... un centésimos, cinco centésimos, diez centésimos, and the cincuenta centésimos. Occasionally, Panama issues a un Balboa coin as well.
What I really find interesting... is that this coin just didn't magically arrive in Yuma, AZ. It had to have been carried here. But, by whom? I know that it is impossible to trace the history and travels of coins, unlike paper currency that has a serial number on it, yet it is something to think about and imagine where this coin has been, and the route it has taken for the last 19 years...
Had to do a little research to find out what I had now in my possession. And interestingly enough, what I had was actually worth $0.25 USD.
I had received, "Un Cuarto de Balboa." A 'quarter' or 1/4 of a Balboa.
This is the currency of Panama! That last Country you get to in Central America, right before one arrives in South America... Where the Panama Canal is...
Now, as I said, what I had was actually worth $0.25 USD. Why? Because the Panamanian Balboa (PAB) has been tied to the United States Dollar (USD) at a 1:1 exchange ratio ever since 1903! Google it!
Here's the reverse...
I find the appearance or design quite interesting. A portrait of Vasco Núñez de Balboa on the obverse, just like George Washington's on the US Quarter. On the reverse, the name of the issuing Country, an eagle with outstretched wings, and the decorative wreath of olive branches... The design of this coin has obviously been influenced by the look of US Currency.
There is no paper money printed in Panama. They use the USD as there paper currency! And as far as the other coinage... you guessed it... un centésimos, cinco centésimos, diez centésimos, and the cincuenta centésimos. Occasionally, Panama issues a un Balboa coin as well.
What I really find interesting... is that this coin just didn't magically arrive in Yuma, AZ. It had to have been carried here. But, by whom? I know that it is impossible to trace the history and travels of coins, unlike paper currency that has a serial number on it, yet it is something to think about and imagine where this coin has been, and the route it has taken for the last 19 years...
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Good Morning!
I must admit, I have already responded to and sent a few emails before I made this post. So one can correctly infer that I have been up for a short while! Consider this the break between loads of laundry!
I forgot that I requested a service today after 12 noon. So I was awoken once again to the plastic card tapping against a metal door sound... after 12:00pm...
As I got up, I realized that this was probably a response to what I requested., it was a little earlier than I expected. Needless to say, as I opened the door, without thinking I said, "Lo siento Senora. Manana, en la manana, por favor." To which I heard in reply, "It is OK, si, en la manana. Siento molestario, Senor. Buenas tardes! Lo siento."
And as I laid back down, I realized I had without thought... both spoke and understood Spanish. By no means am I fluent! Yet this afternoon's exchange, made me think about something else. Perhaps, I have gained a Guardian Angel!
!Muchas gracias, Sra. Figuerola!
I forgot that I requested a service today after 12 noon. So I was awoken once again to the plastic card tapping against a metal door sound... after 12:00pm...
As I got up, I realized that this was probably a response to what I requested., it was a little earlier than I expected. Needless to say, as I opened the door, without thinking I said, "Lo siento Senora. Manana, en la manana, por favor." To which I heard in reply, "It is OK, si, en la manana. Siento molestario, Senor. Buenas tardes! Lo siento."
And as I laid back down, I realized I had without thought... both spoke and understood Spanish. By no means am I fluent! Yet this afternoon's exchange, made me think about something else. Perhaps, I have gained a Guardian Angel!
!Muchas gracias, Sra. Figuerola!
Three shifts in a row!
And all three were busy! I even stayed late/over every shift!
Monday was busy just by patient volume. This was the worst of the three shifts for me, as I was still recovering from my weekend illness. I could tell I was working and thinking a bit slower, as well as getting tired very easily with moderately light physical tasks.
Both Tuesday and Wednesday had much less patient volume. What made these two shifts busy was that we were short a few nurses, so everyone had to take on a little more responsibility. Seems that I was one of the first group to catch this quick viral thing; which has taken one of two courses. I was lucky enough to catch the better of the two! It has also affected a large number of the local population, as you can guess... the two most often diagnoses... viral illness: upper respiratory infection and viral illness: gastroenteritis. However, last night... I was fully recovered and back into full swing!
An interesting thing happened last night. I worked with another travel nurse that pulled out a book on 12-lead EKG interpretation. It was written by a nurse that I knew a long time ago as a paramedic. She let me take a look at it and a few pages in was a acknowledgement page, thanking everyone that helped her with research, providing interesting tracings, editing, etc.
Well it was enough that I knew the author... I knew five, other paramedics and nurses that she mentioned! Talk about memories coming flooding back! I worked with three of them that were mentioned, knew the other two.
My co-worker commented that she thought it was a weird coincidence that she would borrow this book from a friend back home (midwest), come all the way out to Yuma, AZ, work with a nurse that not only personally knew the author, but half the people she mentioned on the acknowledgement page. I replied, "Just shows you how small and interconnected this world is."
I now have three nights off. After a nap, I need to get up this afternoon and get some much needed laundry done! So off to sleep I must go...
Monday was busy just by patient volume. This was the worst of the three shifts for me, as I was still recovering from my weekend illness. I could tell I was working and thinking a bit slower, as well as getting tired very easily with moderately light physical tasks.
Both Tuesday and Wednesday had much less patient volume. What made these two shifts busy was that we were short a few nurses, so everyone had to take on a little more responsibility. Seems that I was one of the first group to catch this quick viral thing; which has taken one of two courses. I was lucky enough to catch the better of the two! It has also affected a large number of the local population, as you can guess... the two most often diagnoses... viral illness: upper respiratory infection and viral illness: gastroenteritis. However, last night... I was fully recovered and back into full swing!
An interesting thing happened last night. I worked with another travel nurse that pulled out a book on 12-lead EKG interpretation. It was written by a nurse that I knew a long time ago as a paramedic. She let me take a look at it and a few pages in was a acknowledgement page, thanking everyone that helped her with research, providing interesting tracings, editing, etc.
Well it was enough that I knew the author... I knew five, other paramedics and nurses that she mentioned! Talk about memories coming flooding back! I worked with three of them that were mentioned, knew the other two.
My co-worker commented that she thought it was a weird coincidence that she would borrow this book from a friend back home (midwest), come all the way out to Yuma, AZ, work with a nurse that not only personally knew the author, but half the people she mentioned on the acknowledgement page. I replied, "Just shows you how small and interconnected this world is."
I now have three nights off. After a nap, I need to get up this afternoon and get some much needed laundry done! So off to sleep I must go...
Monday, October 8, 2012
Dang Nabbitt!
I once again, lost a pair of riding gloves!
To the person that now has them, I truly hope that they serve you well! Those white spots on the knuckles... that is the result of my sweat. A few hundred miles of riding. Unless you get online and just so happen upon this blog, I really have no expectation of getting them back. So please, they are yours.
A 3am ride the other night, a return, a lock down...
The pair of gloves, just an oversight really. I took them off and tossed them up front. My priority was my ritual, and then the return with kleenex and ibuprofen. Whoever you are, you have added a step to my ritual. For that, I am happy and proud that you have not only taught me a lesson, more importantly, I have also provided you with something you obviously needed more than me!
Not that I condone theft. I was really ticked off for awhile today... really!? A pair of gloves, on top of a headlight, in a parking lot of a hotel! Gone, because I left them out there.
Perhaps I should encourage the "outlaw" attitude! One can walk up to a bike to look around (been there, done that), but there is a respectable distance kept... a poke, grab, or touch... one just might, as was once said, "find Jesus!" Of course I would probably bore you to death with my talking...
Just know, as an Eagle Scout, I am Prepared! I have a spare pair of gloves to get me thru...
And if you really mess with my bike, and I don't keel you over with my kindness... and you are not wearing an appropriate t-shirt... the least of your concerns will be the pair of gloves left on a headlight...
Just saying.
To the person that now has them, I truly hope that they serve you well! Those white spots on the knuckles... that is the result of my sweat. A few hundred miles of riding. Unless you get online and just so happen upon this blog, I really have no expectation of getting them back. So please, they are yours.
A 3am ride the other night, a return, a lock down...
The pair of gloves, just an oversight really. I took them off and tossed them up front. My priority was my ritual, and then the return with kleenex and ibuprofen. Whoever you are, you have added a step to my ritual. For that, I am happy and proud that you have not only taught me a lesson, more importantly, I have also provided you with something you obviously needed more than me!
Not that I condone theft. I was really ticked off for awhile today... really!? A pair of gloves, on top of a headlight, in a parking lot of a hotel! Gone, because I left them out there.
Perhaps I should encourage the "outlaw" attitude! One can walk up to a bike to look around (been there, done that), but there is a respectable distance kept... a poke, grab, or touch... one just might, as was once said, "find Jesus!" Of course I would probably bore you to death with my talking...
Just know, as an Eagle Scout, I am Prepared! I have a spare pair of gloves to get me thru...
And if you really mess with my bike, and I don't keel you over with my kindness... and you are not wearing an appropriate t-shirt... the least of your concerns will be the pair of gloves left on a headlight...
Just saying.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Oh wow!
Almost 12 hours of sleep! There were a few brief wake-up moments interspersed...
Sometime today, I got up and turned off the air conditioning unit. I guess when the ambient temperature drops below 90, Fall has arrived! At least to us "Arizonans." I just turned it back on though... 94 is starting to push it! I just turned it to "fan" as it is not so much feeling the heat, it is the stuffiness or lack of air circulation.
Feeling better today. I might even venture outside for a walk, grab a soda, just feel the warmth of the sun.
A few days ago, I had the opportunity to pause and watch as two Chinooks flew overhead. These are the big, twin rotor, helicopters... the Jolly Greens, or the Flying Buses. A few hours later, I once again paused as I saw several Blackhawk helicopters in the air.
I have had the opportunity once to see a Blackhawk up close. A long time ago, as a paramedic, I responded to an accident that had a large number of injured. As the call progressed, the IC requested multiple helicopters. One of the helicopters that eventually responded was a Blackhawk... a Marine helicopter that responded from right here in Yuma, way out to the East, and somewhere a little South of Tucson.
At the time, as the adrenaline was coursing through my body, I didn't appreciate the magnitude of this. Now as a since then Flight Paramedic/Nurse, with a limited experience in aviation... this in retrospect, was a big-@$$ rotor! Heard, learned, and read a few days later, that this helicopter would not land on the pad at a local hospital... chose instead to go to a high-school football field.
Now, when I hear the jets, I quickly pause and determine which side or direction are they coming from... and then I look in the opposite direction to catch a glimpse of them!
I am scheduled to work the next few nights... perhaps on my next off-stretch, I might find my way over to the airport for breakfast. Yuma International Airport, is a "joint use" airport. MCAS and private aviation. Who knew one could look out of a window and watch a commercial aircraft taxi... and right behind it watch a vertical take off!
Sometime today, I got up and turned off the air conditioning unit. I guess when the ambient temperature drops below 90, Fall has arrived! At least to us "Arizonans." I just turned it back on though... 94 is starting to push it! I just turned it to "fan" as it is not so much feeling the heat, it is the stuffiness or lack of air circulation.
Feeling better today. I might even venture outside for a walk, grab a soda, just feel the warmth of the sun.
A few days ago, I had the opportunity to pause and watch as two Chinooks flew overhead. These are the big, twin rotor, helicopters... the Jolly Greens, or the Flying Buses. A few hours later, I once again paused as I saw several Blackhawk helicopters in the air.
I have had the opportunity once to see a Blackhawk up close. A long time ago, as a paramedic, I responded to an accident that had a large number of injured. As the call progressed, the IC requested multiple helicopters. One of the helicopters that eventually responded was a Blackhawk... a Marine helicopter that responded from right here in Yuma, way out to the East, and somewhere a little South of Tucson.
At the time, as the adrenaline was coursing through my body, I didn't appreciate the magnitude of this. Now as a since then Flight Paramedic/Nurse, with a limited experience in aviation... this in retrospect, was a big-@$$ rotor! Heard, learned, and read a few days later, that this helicopter would not land on the pad at a local hospital... chose instead to go to a high-school football field.
Now, when I hear the jets, I quickly pause and determine which side or direction are they coming from... and then I look in the opposite direction to catch a glimpse of them!
I am scheduled to work the next few nights... perhaps on my next off-stretch, I might find my way over to the airport for breakfast. Yuma International Airport, is a "joint use" airport. MCAS and private aviation. Who knew one could look out of a window and watch a commercial aircraft taxi... and right behind it watch a vertical take off!
Perhaps a 3am run...
I have now used the last of the facial tissue (kleenex) I have on hand. And have since resorted to the bath tissue (toilet paper). My supply of ibuprofen is also getting a tad low...
I generally feel like I have just competed in an extraordinary physical event... I am convinced that I have been doing sleep push-ups! My arms really ache, however, I can tell things have turned for the better!
Another day or two and I will recover, a little wiped out, yet back on the path!
This is/was not influenza, as the course was short. Yet this pesky viral illness, has hit me hard. Guess there is something out there that I have not come across working in the ED!
Time to wrestle my bike to life... I need a few things... thankfully there is a 24-hour store that will fulfill my needs, less than a mile away.
I generally feel like I have just competed in an extraordinary physical event... I am convinced that I have been doing sleep push-ups! My arms really ache, however, I can tell things have turned for the better!
Another day or two and I will recover, a little wiped out, yet back on the path!
This is/was not influenza, as the course was short. Yet this pesky viral illness, has hit me hard. Guess there is something out there that I have not come across working in the ED!
Time to wrestle my bike to life... I need a few things... thankfully there is a 24-hour store that will fulfill my needs, less than a mile away.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Fingerprinting...
So yesterday, I awoke with only one purpose for the day, I needed to return to El Centro, CA and get my fingerprinting done.
I also awoke with a headache, congestion, and generalized body aches...
Yet I pressed through it, and got to El Centro around noon, my appointment was at 1pm. However, my application/paperwork was no longer in my saddle bag! Seems that when one does not latch said saddlebag, anything stored in it is at the mercy of the road! So a one hour, 70+ mph road trip, the occasional head/crosswind... well, somewhere between Yuma and El Centro, there is a piece of paper with my name on it!
Now, being as resourceful as I am... I quickly rode back to the El Centro Library I had passed. I figured I could get online and reprint the paperwork. Yet the main library was closed... relocated to an address a few miles away from where I was. Seeing as El Centro utilizes the "grid" system, I quickly found and subsequently arrived!
Next problem...
I had a $100.00 bill in my wallet, to cover the cost of the fingerprinting, fuel, lunch, etc. Seems the library allowed me free access to the Internet, yet anything I printed, was $0.15 per page. So I was in need of a mere $0.45 for my three page application. And they don't accept debit/credit cards...
I went next door to the El Centro Community Center, upon suggestion of the librarian, to see if they could change my bill. I didn't get her name, yet as I was explaining my predicament, this person grabbed her purse, opened her wallet, and removed a $1 bill. She then opened a drawer, removed a cash-box, and provided me with the $0.45 of change I needed.
I was able to return to the library, get online, and print what I needed.
I arrived to my appointment 5 minutes late.
When I arrived, there was yet another problem! Seems a random audit/recall of a computer by the CA DOJ, removed said computer from the premises, so they were unable to complete my transaction. However, this business was able to re-direct me to another location, less than a block away, and literally just a crosswalk away, that was able to provide me the service that I needed.
So an hour later, I had accomplished my primary purpose, fingerprinting done! However, I had taken on a new quest!
So with my change in hand, I returned to the El Centro Community Center, entered and identified the woman who gave me the $0.45, and placed a $1 bill on the counter. Her kindness and generosity to a complete stranger was inspirational! I knew I had to repay this, and from her reaction, it was quite unexpected!
$0.45 is almost nothing in today's age... to be quite honest, I was surprised that the librarian hearing the same explanation, still required the payment... So, instead of me returning to the library to make a $0.55 donation... I returned to give back to the general community of El Centro!
There were three things I saw the day before and wanted to stop and take pics of. Yet I awoke feeling "under-the-weather," and with the added problems and extra running around, I didn't.
So it is left to an oral presentation of the experience!
One of the first things, are the 'Dunes.' That stretch of landscape in California, that literally looks like the Sahara Desert. And what is this "left" exit thing to get to a rest area?! I have seen them before, however always on the East Coast, and they almost always include a gas station! I digress, one has to wonder and truly has to imagine the physical forces that were in play at some time in history, that was able to produce so much sand!
Is this area the result of an ancient alluvial plain? Did the Colorado River actually reach this far in flood stage, and not only for how long at a time, how many times? This is a lot of sand! Not a geology student, yet I tend to lean towards this being part of the sea-bed. The Salton Sea to the North, fault-lines and earthquakes...
It was interesting to see the "RV camps" out in the middle of nothing. The quads and buggies... all with those 12 foot high fiberglass whips with the orange flag... And this is a protected area! The barriers that are placed to prevent someone from just stopping and crossing into the area... would probably stop a tank!
I had to once again come to a stop at a checkpoint, and declare my citizenship. I know some would prefer I not to talk about this. Yet I live in the United States of America. I suppose I should be thankful that I did not have to show/produce proof of identity. And that's where it gets a little grey. However, I truly have no problem or issue with someone asking me, and if in an "official" Governmental Capacity, requiring me to provide proof. Apparently, these checkpoints are "random" and in no way are they meant to imply that there is a problem...
A little know fact regarding El Cento, CA...
It is actually below sea level! By about 50 feet! This was another pic I wanted to take. There is a huge water tank to the South of I-8, that welcomes one to El Centro. And about 50 feet up... is a line and the words, "Sea Level." Makes me think this is not the place to be when a 10.0 magnitude hits the San Andreas... takes the idea/thought of "beachfront property" to a whole different level!
Otherwise, El Centro is a city. It has most of the "modern" expectations as far as businesses and amenities go. It is also fairing slightly better than my current location of Yuma. I was amazed however, in my short time there, that I witnessed two (2) separate gas stations, bringing out the long poles with suction cups! I watched as one changed their prices, adding an additional $0.40 per gallon, compared to the far sign! And yes, I had to top off in El Centro... luckily under 3 gallons, so the $15 pinch was more like a mosquito bite...
Here's the one pic I did manage to take, as I just had to...
This used to be a Baskin-Robbins... not sure it still is though... as they lost about 10 flavors! Not easily apparent, there is the B-R name and the number "31" underneath the "21..."
Not exactly sure why I was compelled to take this pic, as cruddy as I was now feeling. Yet anyone who has been to El Centro, can now verify that I was there and rode up 4th Ave! Or was it 4th St...
I have been up, asleep, up again, more sleep, and up for awhile again. I am hoping this is an early Fall cold.
I am saddened today, however. I learned that one of my high-school teachers, Sra. Figuerola passed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her, her family, and all of those that knew her. It is interesting that a once feared teacher, met later as an adult, not truly known, evokes so much reminiscence and thought.
It shouldn't though. As distant as most individuals are to one another, we are all connected! A shared ancestor, a memory, an experience... perhaps just a brief meeting. Yet, after all, we are all citizens of this little rock...
I also awoke with a headache, congestion, and generalized body aches...
Yet I pressed through it, and got to El Centro around noon, my appointment was at 1pm. However, my application/paperwork was no longer in my saddle bag! Seems that when one does not latch said saddlebag, anything stored in it is at the mercy of the road! So a one hour, 70+ mph road trip, the occasional head/crosswind... well, somewhere between Yuma and El Centro, there is a piece of paper with my name on it!
Now, being as resourceful as I am... I quickly rode back to the El Centro Library I had passed. I figured I could get online and reprint the paperwork. Yet the main library was closed... relocated to an address a few miles away from where I was. Seeing as El Centro utilizes the "grid" system, I quickly found and subsequently arrived!
Next problem...
I had a $100.00 bill in my wallet, to cover the cost of the fingerprinting, fuel, lunch, etc. Seems the library allowed me free access to the Internet, yet anything I printed, was $0.15 per page. So I was in need of a mere $0.45 for my three page application. And they don't accept debit/credit cards...
I went next door to the El Centro Community Center, upon suggestion of the librarian, to see if they could change my bill. I didn't get her name, yet as I was explaining my predicament, this person grabbed her purse, opened her wallet, and removed a $1 bill. She then opened a drawer, removed a cash-box, and provided me with the $0.45 of change I needed.
I was able to return to the library, get online, and print what I needed.
I arrived to my appointment 5 minutes late.
When I arrived, there was yet another problem! Seems a random audit/recall of a computer by the CA DOJ, removed said computer from the premises, so they were unable to complete my transaction. However, this business was able to re-direct me to another location, less than a block away, and literally just a crosswalk away, that was able to provide me the service that I needed.
So an hour later, I had accomplished my primary purpose, fingerprinting done! However, I had taken on a new quest!
So with my change in hand, I returned to the El Centro Community Center, entered and identified the woman who gave me the $0.45, and placed a $1 bill on the counter. Her kindness and generosity to a complete stranger was inspirational! I knew I had to repay this, and from her reaction, it was quite unexpected!
$0.45 is almost nothing in today's age... to be quite honest, I was surprised that the librarian hearing the same explanation, still required the payment... So, instead of me returning to the library to make a $0.55 donation... I returned to give back to the general community of El Centro!
There were three things I saw the day before and wanted to stop and take pics of. Yet I awoke feeling "under-the-weather," and with the added problems and extra running around, I didn't.
So it is left to an oral presentation of the experience!
One of the first things, are the 'Dunes.' That stretch of landscape in California, that literally looks like the Sahara Desert. And what is this "left" exit thing to get to a rest area?! I have seen them before, however always on the East Coast, and they almost always include a gas station! I digress, one has to wonder and truly has to imagine the physical forces that were in play at some time in history, that was able to produce so much sand!
Is this area the result of an ancient alluvial plain? Did the Colorado River actually reach this far in flood stage, and not only for how long at a time, how many times? This is a lot of sand! Not a geology student, yet I tend to lean towards this being part of the sea-bed. The Salton Sea to the North, fault-lines and earthquakes...
It was interesting to see the "RV camps" out in the middle of nothing. The quads and buggies... all with those 12 foot high fiberglass whips with the orange flag... And this is a protected area! The barriers that are placed to prevent someone from just stopping and crossing into the area... would probably stop a tank!
I had to once again come to a stop at a checkpoint, and declare my citizenship. I know some would prefer I not to talk about this. Yet I live in the United States of America. I suppose I should be thankful that I did not have to show/produce proof of identity. And that's where it gets a little grey. However, I truly have no problem or issue with someone asking me, and if in an "official" Governmental Capacity, requiring me to provide proof. Apparently, these checkpoints are "random" and in no way are they meant to imply that there is a problem...
A little know fact regarding El Cento, CA...
It is actually below sea level! By about 50 feet! This was another pic I wanted to take. There is a huge water tank to the South of I-8, that welcomes one to El Centro. And about 50 feet up... is a line and the words, "Sea Level." Makes me think this is not the place to be when a 10.0 magnitude hits the San Andreas... takes the idea/thought of "beachfront property" to a whole different level!
Otherwise, El Centro is a city. It has most of the "modern" expectations as far as businesses and amenities go. It is also fairing slightly better than my current location of Yuma. I was amazed however, in my short time there, that I witnessed two (2) separate gas stations, bringing out the long poles with suction cups! I watched as one changed their prices, adding an additional $0.40 per gallon, compared to the far sign! And yes, I had to top off in El Centro... luckily under 3 gallons, so the $15 pinch was more like a mosquito bite...
Here's the one pic I did manage to take, as I just had to...
This used to be a Baskin-Robbins... not sure it still is though... as they lost about 10 flavors! Not easily apparent, there is the B-R name and the number "31" underneath the "21..."
Not exactly sure why I was compelled to take this pic, as cruddy as I was now feeling. Yet anyone who has been to El Centro, can now verify that I was there and rode up 4th Ave! Or was it 4th St...
I have been up, asleep, up again, more sleep, and up for awhile again. I am hoping this is an early Fall cold.
I am saddened today, however. I learned that one of my high-school teachers, Sra. Figuerola passed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her, her family, and all of those that knew her. It is interesting that a once feared teacher, met later as an adult, not truly known, evokes so much reminiscence and thought.
It shouldn't though. As distant as most individuals are to one another, we are all connected! A shared ancestor, a memory, an experience... perhaps just a brief meeting. Yet, after all, we are all citizens of this little rock...
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Appointment Needed!
So, I got up today and took a ride over to El Centro, CA. I was on a mission, that is I had a purpose to be there. My Op was scuttled, as the Intel I was able to obtain and gather, miss-stated said "walk-in" status...
Apparently, there is no "walk-in," I needed an "appointment," to arrive for a "walk-in"... "should have called first"... who knew! Really? Front-desk person... poor customer service!
So a leisurely ride back to Yuma.
I have since called another business, other than the one I originally attempted to utilize today, and made an appointment. Fool me once...
A return ride tomorrow, this time, an appointment!
Knowing the ride and route now, I will leave early and take some pics to share with everyone!
Apparently, there is no "walk-in," I needed an "appointment," to arrive for a "walk-in"... "should have called first"... who knew! Really? Front-desk person... poor customer service!
So a leisurely ride back to Yuma.
I have since called another business, other than the one I originally attempted to utilize today, and made an appointment. Fool me once...
A return ride tomorrow, this time, an appointment!
Knowing the ride and route now, I will leave early and take some pics to share with everyone!
Watching the stars...
I have been awake, up and about for awhile.
Being on a "night" schedule is sort of tough. Especially when one has a few days off. Typically, night-shifters tend to keep on their schedule. If one really thinks about it, there is an untapped market opportunity!
The first day/night off is no different, sleeping is in one's near future! Then there is the waking up. The first "night" off is the hardest, as your body/mind is still on a "night time" schedule, yet there are things, errands, and appointments...
Try working nights, and starting up a vacuum at 3am when everyone else is sleeping!
Understand?
One of the things I look forward to every morning, is trying to find the planet Venus. This time of year it is in the East. Then there is the Constellation Orion, the hunter...
When Orion is first visible after sunset, in the Eastern sky... in this time, it heralds the onset of Fall/Autumn. A time to prepare. Having spent time in Flagstaff, I actually watched for Orion's appearance in the East... A throwback to ancient knowledge.
Tonight, that bright 'star,' down, and to the left of the moon... that is Jupiter! Not a star but a planet! It reminds me of how small and insignificant this symbiotic parasite is!
And a few hours away, on the ecliptic, is Venus! I will probably miss it...
I need to take a ride today, as it it after midnight now. So before she rises, I will probably be sleeping, and will awake after Sol blocks out everything during the day!
Being on a "night" schedule is sort of tough. Especially when one has a few days off. Typically, night-shifters tend to keep on their schedule. If one really thinks about it, there is an untapped market opportunity!
The first day/night off is no different, sleeping is in one's near future! Then there is the waking up. The first "night" off is the hardest, as your body/mind is still on a "night time" schedule, yet there are things, errands, and appointments...
Try working nights, and starting up a vacuum at 3am when everyone else is sleeping!
Understand?
One of the things I look forward to every morning, is trying to find the planet Venus. This time of year it is in the East. Then there is the Constellation Orion, the hunter...
When Orion is first visible after sunset, in the Eastern sky... in this time, it heralds the onset of Fall/Autumn. A time to prepare. Having spent time in Flagstaff, I actually watched for Orion's appearance in the East... A throwback to ancient knowledge.
Tonight, that bright 'star,' down, and to the left of the moon... that is Jupiter! Not a star but a planet! It reminds me of how small and insignificant this symbiotic parasite is!
And a few hours away, on the ecliptic, is Venus! I will probably miss it...
I need to take a ride today, as it it after midnight now. So before she rises, I will probably be sleeping, and will awake after Sol blocks out everything during the day!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A deap breath needed! Two down, one to go...
Things, that is the number of patients coming to the ED here in Yuma, are getting busier! For the last two nights, I have routinely had 6+ patients! The Winter rush has still yet to officially begin!
Looking forward to having to wear my leather jacket to work... no pressure to my friend, and personal weather forecaster! ;) I enjoy our conversations and your emails/forecasts! I also very much appreciate and thank you for your interest and attention to my activities! I do often look at the 500mb maps. And I realized something too! Just set a butterfly loose on the eastern side, let it create the wind on the other side! (I hope you appreciate that tidbit of wisdom...)
Earlier, I alluded to a personal limit or line that I will not cross. That will always apply! When I reach a point that the demands on my ability, begin to exceed my ability to respond, I will make it known. I know there are a few fellow ED Nurses out there, that are saying, "What!? 6+ patients?" Even a few moments when there where 7+!! And when a trauma or critical patient comes in, and the patient requires 3 or 4 nurses in those first 30 minutes... if I am not one of those 3 or 4 nurses, I am the nurse that will hang back and take care of the rest of the patients... so try 15+!!! So, Cowboy Up! Be a true Emergency Nurse and do what you do!
I may have 4 patients, and suddenly get a critical patient that requires much more of my focus. Suddenly, that is I, me personally, only have that one patient. And I have recently scolded a few of my peers as well!
Do not come into the room to inform me that there are orders, medications, things to do, for any other of my 'assigned' patients! If you had the time to stop what you are doing, to find me, and inform me that I have other tasks things to do... (deep breath)... then you should have had the ability to realize I was a tad busy at that exact moment and you obviously had time to spare... so help me out a bit... please... rather than tell me everything that I have to do/those things that are pending, just do one or two of them for me; at least get involved and help me to finish what I am in the middle of!
OK... sorry. Just had to get that off my chest.
Almost two months into this assignment; just over a month left!
When I first started to tell people that I was taking a Travel Nursing assignment in Yuma, I heard both positive and negative things. I listened, yet didn't take to much to heart. This was going to be, and has truly been, a personal, one of a kind experience for me. Every facility (that is hospital) has their way of doing things. It is the ability to be flexible, learn, and just go with things, that is the secret to what I am now doing! With my experience, or any one of the travelers on assignment here, we could/can offer suggestions for improvement! Yet we are guests, and our purpose is to "just get it done!" So, most of us do!
This assignment has been a very positive experience for me! I have seen, done, and gone places I would have otherwise not. I have met people, made new friends, renewed friendships, and gained family!
Unfortunately, I have found myself in a place that I need to either advance, or retreat...
Return to Phoenix and take a 'local" assignment and save some money, or move forward and take a more lucrative assignment. I recently applied for my CA Nursing License. I now have my Oregon License. Hopefully soon, 23+ States I can ride to! I think I have slowly evolved into a snowbird though...
Thinking the Southern US in the Winter, North for the Summer. Springtime a more Northerly ride, Fall a more Southerly ride... I have ridden in the snow, and although semi's and bikes don't mix... neither does bikes and snow!!! Unless studded tires and not just rain gear, but snow gear! Heated seats and handgrips are good too... although I don't have them! Unless you call the sun-bake a, "pre-heating!"
Everyone, stand up! (If you didn't get that little joke, those links to the right... you will eventually find a post that explains it!)
I still have bugs on my windscreen, from my ride down to Yuma! Let alone those I collected from Yuma to LV and back! Guess I should go get some cleaner soon...
Either that or find a bike night somewhere here in Yuma, that is offering a free bike wash! Free lunch/dinner depending on time, and of course... the free bike wash!
(One has to ride to understand... sorry.)
Stay tuned, perhaps I might let you know I am in town and a little hungry! After a long road trip, a visit with a friend or family member... McDonald's at midnight... can be a gourmet meal to someone who is hungry!
Time for some more sleep! A road trip into Cali tomorrow is planned and I need some more nap time!
Looking forward to having to wear my leather jacket to work... no pressure to my friend, and personal weather forecaster! ;) I enjoy our conversations and your emails/forecasts! I also very much appreciate and thank you for your interest and attention to my activities! I do often look at the 500mb maps. And I realized something too! Just set a butterfly loose on the eastern side, let it create the wind on the other side! (I hope you appreciate that tidbit of wisdom...)
Earlier, I alluded to a personal limit or line that I will not cross. That will always apply! When I reach a point that the demands on my ability, begin to exceed my ability to respond, I will make it known. I know there are a few fellow ED Nurses out there, that are saying, "What!? 6+ patients?" Even a few moments when there where 7+!! And when a trauma or critical patient comes in, and the patient requires 3 or 4 nurses in those first 30 minutes... if I am not one of those 3 or 4 nurses, I am the nurse that will hang back and take care of the rest of the patients... so try 15+!!! So, Cowboy Up! Be a true Emergency Nurse and do what you do!
I may have 4 patients, and suddenly get a critical patient that requires much more of my focus. Suddenly, that is I, me personally, only have that one patient. And I have recently scolded a few of my peers as well!
Do not come into the room to inform me that there are orders, medications, things to do, for any other of my 'assigned' patients! If you had the time to stop what you are doing, to find me, and inform me that I have other tasks things to do... (deep breath)... then you should have had the ability to realize I was a tad busy at that exact moment and you obviously had time to spare... so help me out a bit... please... rather than tell me everything that I have to do/those things that are pending, just do one or two of them for me; at least get involved and help me to finish what I am in the middle of!
OK... sorry. Just had to get that off my chest.
Almost two months into this assignment; just over a month left!
When I first started to tell people that I was taking a Travel Nursing assignment in Yuma, I heard both positive and negative things. I listened, yet didn't take to much to heart. This was going to be, and has truly been, a personal, one of a kind experience for me. Every facility (that is hospital) has their way of doing things. It is the ability to be flexible, learn, and just go with things, that is the secret to what I am now doing! With my experience, or any one of the travelers on assignment here, we could/can offer suggestions for improvement! Yet we are guests, and our purpose is to "just get it done!" So, most of us do!
This assignment has been a very positive experience for me! I have seen, done, and gone places I would have otherwise not. I have met people, made new friends, renewed friendships, and gained family!
Unfortunately, I have found myself in a place that I need to either advance, or retreat...
Return to Phoenix and take a 'local" assignment and save some money, or move forward and take a more lucrative assignment. I recently applied for my CA Nursing License. I now have my Oregon License. Hopefully soon, 23+ States I can ride to! I think I have slowly evolved into a snowbird though...
Thinking the Southern US in the Winter, North for the Summer. Springtime a more Northerly ride, Fall a more Southerly ride... I have ridden in the snow, and although semi's and bikes don't mix... neither does bikes and snow!!! Unless studded tires and not just rain gear, but snow gear! Heated seats and handgrips are good too... although I don't have them! Unless you call the sun-bake a, "pre-heating!"
Everyone, stand up! (If you didn't get that little joke, those links to the right... you will eventually find a post that explains it!)
I still have bugs on my windscreen, from my ride down to Yuma! Let alone those I collected from Yuma to LV and back! Guess I should go get some cleaner soon...
Either that or find a bike night somewhere here in Yuma, that is offering a free bike wash! Free lunch/dinner depending on time, and of course... the free bike wash!
(One has to ride to understand... sorry.)
Stay tuned, perhaps I might let you know I am in town and a little hungry! After a long road trip, a visit with a friend or family member... McDonald's at midnight... can be a gourmet meal to someone who is hungry!
Time for some more sleep! A road trip into Cali tomorrow is planned and I need some more nap time!
Monday, October 1, 2012
A Monday interlude...
To explain, I work an off shift...
4pm to 4am. So I still consider it a night shift. I come home around 4:30am, unwind, and then sleep till 1pm or 2 pm, get up, and am ready to go.
This morning, I had a wake-up moment, as the housekeeper knocked on my door and tried to enter. I have told the front desk countless times, that I only need service once a week, and I have even scheduled it...
Multiple requests, even telling individuals, "If you see the bike, I am sleeping! Please do not come in."
Regardless, I am now awake for awhile...
In my last post, I mentioned that I had some time to reflect and had some memories. Some of them will remain sequestered, however...
Tweety-bird
Oriole Street
Trains
a pedal-powered toy
the PB&J
a mud-fest!
and in Arizona...
Pecos Lane
my Grandparents
my Uncle and his Dodge 442!
school and growing up
Scouting and how that brought me to now
I am still thinking about and remembering these things, even today.
Last night, I rode back over to my former residence. Found/met Rick, the maintenance guy. Went with him to visit his aunt. To make a long story short, I have a new Aunt! Ricardo, is a sobrino, a nephew... I was with him, accepted into this family, withstood the jokes...
Rick introduced me as a friend, an "amigo," and a nurse, "enfermero," specializing in/working in the Emergency Department, "Emergencia."
His tia (aunt) embraced me and said to me, "You are my nephew's friend, now, I make you the same, 'Hola, mi sobrino!'"
And as the matriarch of this family, with those words, I am now a member of this family!
Last night, I gained an Aunt! Tengo una tia nuevo!
4pm to 4am. So I still consider it a night shift. I come home around 4:30am, unwind, and then sleep till 1pm or 2 pm, get up, and am ready to go.
This morning, I had a wake-up moment, as the housekeeper knocked on my door and tried to enter. I have told the front desk countless times, that I only need service once a week, and I have even scheduled it...
Multiple requests, even telling individuals, "If you see the bike, I am sleeping! Please do not come in."
Regardless, I am now awake for awhile...
In my last post, I mentioned that I had some time to reflect and had some memories. Some of them will remain sequestered, however...
Tweety-bird
Oriole Street
Trains
a pedal-powered toy
the PB&J
a mud-fest!
and in Arizona...
Pecos Lane
my Grandparents
my Uncle and his Dodge 442!
school and growing up
Scouting and how that brought me to now
I am still thinking about and remembering these things, even today.
Last night, I rode back over to my former residence. Found/met Rick, the maintenance guy. Went with him to visit his aunt. To make a long story short, I have a new Aunt! Ricardo, is a sobrino, a nephew... I was with him, accepted into this family, withstood the jokes...
Rick introduced me as a friend, an "amigo," and a nurse, "enfermero," specializing in/working in the Emergency Department, "Emergencia."
His tia (aunt) embraced me and said to me, "You are my nephew's friend, now, I make you the same, 'Hola, mi sobrino!'"
And as the matriarch of this family, with those words, I am now a member of this family!
Last night, I gained an Aunt! Tengo una tia nuevo!
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