If you are looking for excitement and adventure... go Google something! This post is boring.
Last night started out, with me oversleeping. Was an hour late to work. My bad, no excuse. Regardless of the reasons, it occurred, was handled, and everything worked out.
My shift was busy, to say the least. Yet in a strange way, it seemed relaxed. Nothing critical, as in life threatening. Had a few interesting presentations, definitely intervened and affected a few patients in a very meaningful way.
I thought about my patient the other night who ended up signing out AMA.
That was a difficult scenario. They were brought to the ED for a reason, while there, was witnessed and documented to have a definite problem, that explained the initial presentation. An enormous amount of resources were garnered together and prepared for battle! Yet they recovered, were stable for the rest of their visit, and eventually wanted to leave.
As a Nurse, there are times that one has to become firm and somewhat aggressive with patients, who seem to not understand or have the ability to comprehend the situation. So, when this patient told me they wanted to leave, I responded to them that they were clinically dead, that I was just about to start CPR, that although I have 3 other patients, they are my number one focus and have my undivided attention at the moment, and that if they leave, there is a high probability that they will die.
The patient responded to me, "I do not want to take up your time, please, go take care of your other patients."
I was actually speechless for a moment.
Then they mentioned that they were hungry, and asked if they could have something to eat. Now, in a presentation like this, it is an automatic NPO... nothing by mouth... Cardiac Cath, Pacemaker insertion, etc... all surgical interventions.
In the few seconds it took me to process the request... I said OK. Went and got a sandwich, juice, and some chips usually reserved for our diabetic patients. My thinking...
This patient already almost died once, maybe even twice. I was not going to deny them a meal if they are hungry.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Another "WARBLE!"
Last night, I received a patient via EMS that had a syncopal episode... they 'fainted.' Bystanders attempted to help, yet when the patient did not respond they called 911.
Upon arrival of EMS at the scene, the patient had a heart rate of 40-ish and a blood pressure in the 70/40 range. Not very conducive to consciousness. This patient's MAP (mean arterial pressure) was 50. A MAP of about 60 is required to perfuse coronary arteries, brain, and kidneys...
Upon arrival to the ED, their initial blood pressure was about 90/60 (MAP of 70), HR was 65. Conscious, alert, no complaints.
Working as a Team, my peers and I quickly initiated interventions as we gathered information. The patient appeared stable, yet guarded... given the patient's immediate history (syncope), age, sex, and physical stature, these vital signs were not normal.
I stepped out of the room to begin entering the Intake/Triage into the computer charting system. I was 10 feet from the room, 15 feet from the patient. The patient has been in the ED for 6 minutes. I could see both the patient and the bedside monitor from where I was charting.
Then, the WARBLE.
I look up. My first focus was to the monitor. What is the alarm? I see a heart rhythm scrolling across the left half of the screen... and a flat line on the right. I look at the patient, there is something wrong.
I jumped up and started for the room, speaking loudly (commanding might be more accurate) I tell the Unit Coordinator to get help and call for the Attending Physician. As I reached the patient's side, 4 seconds of flatline has elapsed. There has been no heartbeat. The patient's head is to their side, eyes open, a glassy stare into nothingness. A quick check of the monitor leads to make sure they are all attached, and yelling/shaking the patient... no response. I flatten the stretcher, look back at the monitor, I see a two complexes... then flatline again...
At this time, I turned to the UC, to see her answering my phone and I hear her say, "He's already at the bedside." I yell out to the UC, something to the effect of "get me some help." Four more seconds have elapsed.
I am literally about to find my landmarks, about to place my hands on the patient's chest, preparing to begin CPR... I look back up at the monitor, still flatline. I look down at the patient, preparing... when they suddenly take a deep gasping breath and literally bolt up-right!
The WARBLE stopped.
Twelve seconds had elapsed.
My patient's heart rate had been... zero. My heart rate was about... 100!
The patient had been clinically dead for twelve seconds.
Long story short...
After two hours of monitoring with no re-occurrence, and multiple Nurses and Physicians all explaining what had happened, the proposed plan of care, additional testing needed, and potential outcomes... the patient decided to leave AMA (against medical advice).
In retrospect, this morning this patient probably was clinically dead at least twice. Once at the scene, once for sure in the ED. Yet, as an adult, of sound mind, now fully conscious and alert, has the right to make their own decisions.
I saved the telemetry strips. Since the patient's information had not yet been entered into the telemetry system, there were no identifiers on them.
As they left, I said to them, "I think you are making the wrong decision, yet it is yours to make. Take care my friend."
The patient stopped, smiled, and shook my hand. Simply saying, "Thank you. I really have to go."
I learned later that they went out into the lobby and asked the Frontline Nurse, "Can I stay here until the buses start running again in a few hours?"
Upon hearing this, I smiled.
Upon arrival of EMS at the scene, the patient had a heart rate of 40-ish and a blood pressure in the 70/40 range. Not very conducive to consciousness. This patient's MAP (mean arterial pressure) was 50. A MAP of about 60 is required to perfuse coronary arteries, brain, and kidneys...
Upon arrival to the ED, their initial blood pressure was about 90/60 (MAP of 70), HR was 65. Conscious, alert, no complaints.
Working as a Team, my peers and I quickly initiated interventions as we gathered information. The patient appeared stable, yet guarded... given the patient's immediate history (syncope), age, sex, and physical stature, these vital signs were not normal.
I stepped out of the room to begin entering the Intake/Triage into the computer charting system. I was 10 feet from the room, 15 feet from the patient. The patient has been in the ED for 6 minutes. I could see both the patient and the bedside monitor from where I was charting.
Then, the WARBLE.
I look up. My first focus was to the monitor. What is the alarm? I see a heart rhythm scrolling across the left half of the screen... and a flat line on the right. I look at the patient, there is something wrong.
I jumped up and started for the room, speaking loudly (commanding might be more accurate) I tell the Unit Coordinator to get help and call for the Attending Physician. As I reached the patient's side, 4 seconds of flatline has elapsed. There has been no heartbeat. The patient's head is to their side, eyes open, a glassy stare into nothingness. A quick check of the monitor leads to make sure they are all attached, and yelling/shaking the patient... no response. I flatten the stretcher, look back at the monitor, I see a two complexes... then flatline again...
At this time, I turned to the UC, to see her answering my phone and I hear her say, "He's already at the bedside." I yell out to the UC, something to the effect of "get me some help." Four more seconds have elapsed.
I am literally about to find my landmarks, about to place my hands on the patient's chest, preparing to begin CPR... I look back up at the monitor, still flatline. I look down at the patient, preparing... when they suddenly take a deep gasping breath and literally bolt up-right!
The WARBLE stopped.
Twelve seconds had elapsed.
My patient's heart rate had been... zero. My heart rate was about... 100!
The patient had been clinically dead for twelve seconds.
Long story short...
After two hours of monitoring with no re-occurrence, and multiple Nurses and Physicians all explaining what had happened, the proposed plan of care, additional testing needed, and potential outcomes... the patient decided to leave AMA (against medical advice).
In retrospect, this morning this patient probably was clinically dead at least twice. Once at the scene, once for sure in the ED. Yet, as an adult, of sound mind, now fully conscious and alert, has the right to make their own decisions.
I saved the telemetry strips. Since the patient's information had not yet been entered into the telemetry system, there were no identifiers on them.
As they left, I said to them, "I think you are making the wrong decision, yet it is yours to make. Take care my friend."
The patient stopped, smiled, and shook my hand. Simply saying, "Thank you. I really have to go."
I learned later that they went out into the lobby and asked the Frontline Nurse, "Can I stay here until the buses start running again in a few hours?"
Upon hearing this, I smiled.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Cleansing...
Had this evening off and was able to enjoy an Arizona thunderstorm roll in from the Northeast! I saw the clouds building, then the sky turn black, well before sunset... this was going to be good!
The radar showed an isolated cell steam-rolling off the Mountain, down through Sabino Canyon, and tracking straight towards me. So when the storm got close, and I felt the humidity climb, and that faint change in wind direction that brings a few degrees of cooling...
I moved my bike to my recently offered 'premium' parking! Went back, grabbed a chair, and sat outside to watch the show!
Looking North towards the Catalina's... they are almost half gone.
A few minutes later...
The wind and lightning started to pick up a bit. The closest strike was 0.2 miles away (according to my lightning detector app...), didn't quite have a 'flash bang,' yet pretty darn close to it!
The main cell skirted just to the West of me, yet it still brought some nice rain for a couple of hours. Of course the storm was well North of the airport... so it will probably be recorded as "trace" amount of rain.
It was very relaxing to just sit and watch the storm. I marveled as my neighbors jumped from there cars and ran for cover... especially as I would occasionally stand up and walk out into it to get a better view of the sky around me. There were a few that just shook their heads at me, as I saw them looking out from under their porches. I just smiled.
An afternoon thunderstorm has such a cleansing effect. The temperatures cool, the dust and smog are cleared, the air freshens, and a few good bouts of lightning and thunder, well it just seems to clear the soul.
The radar showed an isolated cell steam-rolling off the Mountain, down through Sabino Canyon, and tracking straight towards me. So when the storm got close, and I felt the humidity climb, and that faint change in wind direction that brings a few degrees of cooling...
I moved my bike to my recently offered 'premium' parking! Went back, grabbed a chair, and sat outside to watch the show!
Looking North towards the Catalina's... they are almost half gone.
A few minutes later...
The wind and lightning started to pick up a bit. The closest strike was 0.2 miles away (according to my lightning detector app...), didn't quite have a 'flash bang,' yet pretty darn close to it!
The main cell skirted just to the West of me, yet it still brought some nice rain for a couple of hours. Of course the storm was well North of the airport... so it will probably be recorded as "trace" amount of rain.
It was very relaxing to just sit and watch the storm. I marveled as my neighbors jumped from there cars and ran for cover... especially as I would occasionally stand up and walk out into it to get a better view of the sky around me. There were a few that just shook their heads at me, as I saw them looking out from under their porches. I just smiled.
An afternoon thunderstorm has such a cleansing effect. The temperatures cool, the dust and smog are cleared, the air freshens, and a few good bouts of lightning and thunder, well it just seems to clear the soul.
Monday, July 22, 2013
I kneel...
Their comes a time, when one feels like they stand alone.
A gathering together, and one missing item...
Three days ago, I was a witness. Regardless of the rituals, I represented myself, as me. It is up to those around me, to understand who I am, and what I represented.
It was proper.
She was protected.
A gathering together, and one missing item...
Three days ago, I was a witness. Regardless of the rituals, I represented myself, as me. It is up to those around me, to understand who I am, and what I represented.
It was proper.
She was protected.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Flash Bang!
And no it was not a grenade...
I arrived in PHX this afternoon, stopping at my sister's for dinner/b-day celebration for my nephew.
The circumstances are unfortunate, however I got to visit with a cousin for a short while that I haven't seen in many years.
I was a little wary about the weather, as I could see a lot of dark clouds off to the East. I kept checking the radar.
As I left for the evening, I was entertained by an awesome show of lightning to the North of the Valley. When I got home, a quick unload and off to get fuel, as I was just 5 miles from empty. I made it back home and within a few minutes, the skies opened up!
Torrential rain. So much so, that there was water running down the sidewalk, and my DTV was "searching for signal" for quite awhile!
Then...
The Flash, and before the light faded, the Bang! Made me jump! And I was inside... I actually felt the percussion and my blinds began swaying... it was very close!
There was no thunder here... some of my friends and family might have heard some, all that we had here was a Flash Bang! Nothing before, and nothing after.
Oh... BTW... the temperature dropped from 100 down to 75 in a matter of seconds! I love the Monsoon!
I arrived in PHX this afternoon, stopping at my sister's for dinner/b-day celebration for my nephew.
The circumstances are unfortunate, however I got to visit with a cousin for a short while that I haven't seen in many years.
I was a little wary about the weather, as I could see a lot of dark clouds off to the East. I kept checking the radar.
As I left for the evening, I was entertained by an awesome show of lightning to the North of the Valley. When I got home, a quick unload and off to get fuel, as I was just 5 miles from empty. I made it back home and within a few minutes, the skies opened up!
Torrential rain. So much so, that there was water running down the sidewalk, and my DTV was "searching for signal" for quite awhile!
Then...
The Flash, and before the light faded, the Bang! Made me jump! And I was inside... I actually felt the percussion and my blinds began swaying... it was very close!
There was no thunder here... some of my friends and family might have heard some, all that we had here was a Flash Bang! Nothing before, and nothing after.
Oh... BTW... the temperature dropped from 100 down to 75 in a matter of seconds! I love the Monsoon!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Ripple effect...
Throw a pebble, stone, or rock into a lake and watch the ripples spread out...
almost perfectly, uniformly, in a circle. Until the wave of the ripple
encounters an obstacle. Then it bounces back, and the return ripple,
although less intense, interacts with the outgoing ripples. Sometimes cancelling, sometimes enhancing, even returning.
A perfect metaphor!
I have caused a lot of ripples in my life. Some would argue, Tsunami like waves!
All I can do is smile.
I have affected lives... for that I am eternally grateful!
A perfect metaphor!
I have caused a lot of ripples in my life. Some would argue, Tsunami like waves!
All I can do is smile.
I have affected lives... for that I am eternally grateful!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Lesson integrated!
I just finished a 4 shift marathon this morning and will now have almost a week off.
My plan was to pack, nap, and hit the road... On the surface, this is a lesson that I apparently still have to learn. However, in reality, I already have.
Last night was incredibly busy, and I had two critical patients at the same time for several hours. At the end of my shift, I was both physically and mentally exhausted. So when I got back to where I'm staying, I decided to stay an extra day, and get some much needed sleep.
As I post this... 10 hours later... I wonder what news stories my decision prevented.
Peace
My plan was to pack, nap, and hit the road... On the surface, this is a lesson that I apparently still have to learn. However, in reality, I already have.
Last night was incredibly busy, and I had two critical patients at the same time for several hours. At the end of my shift, I was both physically and mentally exhausted. So when I got back to where I'm staying, I decided to stay an extra day, and get some much needed sleep.
As I post this... 10 hours later... I wonder what news stories my decision prevented.
Peace
Friday, July 12, 2013
Free Bike Wash!!!
I woke up this morning, to the sounds of an early morning storm.
The air was thick with humidity, even with the A/C on, and a look out the window confirmed it! A total downpour!
When the rain stopped, there was a patch of blue sky to the East. I grabbed a clean washcloth and proceeded to wipe down my bike. There are only a few bug smears left on my windscreen, and the chrome is now blindingly reflective!
Unfortunately, I think the washcloth has now become a rag... I tried to wash it out in the sink, yet it is still dark/stained... I am sure the hotel will not return it to service.
As I was wiping down my bike, the proprietor of this establishment walked by. He stopped and offered to allow me covered parking. I could park my bike under a staircase in the middle of the buildings, or under the entrance canopy off to the side. He was pushing for the entrance canopy, as he said, "Your bike will be in view of the front desk, watched all the time." I appreciated this gesture, and thanked him.
As a Travel Nurse, living in a hotel for 13, now 26 weeks, one tends to establish relationships. All of the housekeepers are my friends. They know if the bike is there, it is an automatic DND, regardless of me placing that little placard outside on the door handle! And I am probably one of the easiest guests they have, only requesting housekeeping once a week. The Front Desk crew, are also on-board. I occasionally need to print something from an email and or fax something... done "gratis."
I now have covered parking available to me! And a new friend as well!
Today I smiled.
The air was thick with humidity, even with the A/C on, and a look out the window confirmed it! A total downpour!
When the rain stopped, there was a patch of blue sky to the East. I grabbed a clean washcloth and proceeded to wipe down my bike. There are only a few bug smears left on my windscreen, and the chrome is now blindingly reflective!
Unfortunately, I think the washcloth has now become a rag... I tried to wash it out in the sink, yet it is still dark/stained... I am sure the hotel will not return it to service.
As I was wiping down my bike, the proprietor of this establishment walked by. He stopped and offered to allow me covered parking. I could park my bike under a staircase in the middle of the buildings, or under the entrance canopy off to the side. He was pushing for the entrance canopy, as he said, "Your bike will be in view of the front desk, watched all the time." I appreciated this gesture, and thanked him.
As a Travel Nurse, living in a hotel for 13, now 26 weeks, one tends to establish relationships. All of the housekeepers are my friends. They know if the bike is there, it is an automatic DND, regardless of me placing that little placard outside on the door handle! And I am probably one of the easiest guests they have, only requesting housekeeping once a week. The Front Desk crew, are also on-board. I occasionally need to print something from an email and or fax something... done "gratis."
I now have covered parking available to me! And a new friend as well!
Today I smiled.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Sunset
As I stopped to top off my fuel, I met a former co-worker doing the same. A brief exchange, a renewal of friendship.
My ride back was nice. Light traffic, overcast, and cool. When one sees a biker flare up their elbows... they are attempting to scoop some air into their jacket, through the sleeves... an instant air exchange and cooling measure! It is usually accompanied by a stretch and repositioning...
I arrived, offloaded, and settled back in. A nap was had, and I awoke in time to capture one of the greatest things one can experience in Arizona!
The Sun setting... behind a mountain range, lighting up the sky and cloud cover!
Peace.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Monsoon...
The "season."
Now it used to be defined as three consecutive days of dew points above 50%... marked by thunderstorms, dust storms, etc.
Now, it is a set date.
A few days, maybe a week ago, my dad declared the arrival of the monsoon based on the drip from his A/C. Yet, the moisture was riding in on the jet-stream from the Pacific NW down into the SW.
The past few days however, the moisture blooms in Northern Mexico pushing up into the SW... this marks the beginning of the monsoon in my opinion!
Regardless, in the SW when temperatures routinely are above 100, 110, 120 during the heat of the day... those thunderstorms that develop, blow in, bring rain, and drop the temperature into the 70's or 80's in a matter of minutes... that welcome reprieve... this is what makes living in this region worth it!
I have been in regions that are cold, have snow, that are hot and humid, etc. Personally, I prefer to be able to cool down vs. warm up...
The funny thing is... 4 or 5 months from now... this region has the potential for freezing temperatures!
So, I share these lyrics, from the song Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There is a Season) by The Byrds...
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!
To my extended family...
We have experienced much in these past few months. Please keep in mind, the season of our lives are turning...
May the Peace of the Lord be upon you and with you, comfort you, and guide you. Amen.
Now it used to be defined as three consecutive days of dew points above 50%... marked by thunderstorms, dust storms, etc.
Now, it is a set date.
A few days, maybe a week ago, my dad declared the arrival of the monsoon based on the drip from his A/C. Yet, the moisture was riding in on the jet-stream from the Pacific NW down into the SW.
The past few days however, the moisture blooms in Northern Mexico pushing up into the SW... this marks the beginning of the monsoon in my opinion!
Regardless, in the SW when temperatures routinely are above 100, 110, 120 during the heat of the day... those thunderstorms that develop, blow in, bring rain, and drop the temperature into the 70's or 80's in a matter of minutes... that welcome reprieve... this is what makes living in this region worth it!
I have been in regions that are cold, have snow, that are hot and humid, etc. Personally, I prefer to be able to cool down vs. warm up...
The funny thing is... 4 or 5 months from now... this region has the potential for freezing temperatures!
So, I share these lyrics, from the song Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There is a Season) by The Byrds...
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!
To my extended family...
We have experienced much in these past few months. Please keep in mind, the season of our lives are turning...
May the Peace of the Lord be upon you and with you, comfort you, and guide you. Amen.
So far... so good!
July is a hectic time for Nurses working in an Academic/Teaching Hospital. You see, the next class of Medical Students begin their Residency.
So, once again, we must increase our level of patience, provide that gentle guidance, and be evermore vigilant for the aberrant things that occur when a Novice enters the world of Experts!
It has been just over a week, and so far, so good! A few minor blips, mostly to do with timing and prioritization... yet my fellow Nurses and I will not wait for a Physician to "catch-up" with a patient's condition. We will usually implement and do what is necessary in an emergency situation, just telling the new initiates what needs to be done/ordered/etc.
I was most impressed last night, as a 1st year Resident actually asked me to review the orders she had just entered and offer suggestions as to what wasn't covered/what I felt was needed! Now that Physician, will do very well in her career! Less than a week into it and already a collaborative approach to providing care... one down, 1000 to go!
There is a definite difference between a 1st year and a 4th year. It is also entertaining to watch the transition that occurs. From being completely scared to death that they are now responsible for people's lives, to that overconfidence that builds, which leads to a correction when a Nurse refuses to do or insists on something, to eventually learning to trust and listen, to the point that they begin to actually rely on others. And hopefully, eventually, they become 2nd years!
And the journey continues...
So, once again, we must increase our level of patience, provide that gentle guidance, and be evermore vigilant for the aberrant things that occur when a Novice enters the world of Experts!
It has been just over a week, and so far, so good! A few minor blips, mostly to do with timing and prioritization... yet my fellow Nurses and I will not wait for a Physician to "catch-up" with a patient's condition. We will usually implement and do what is necessary in an emergency situation, just telling the new initiates what needs to be done/ordered/etc.
I was most impressed last night, as a 1st year Resident actually asked me to review the orders she had just entered and offer suggestions as to what wasn't covered/what I felt was needed! Now that Physician, will do very well in her career! Less than a week into it and already a collaborative approach to providing care... one down, 1000 to go!
There is a definite difference between a 1st year and a 4th year. It is also entertaining to watch the transition that occurs. From being completely scared to death that they are now responsible for people's lives, to that overconfidence that builds, which leads to a correction when a Nurse refuses to do or insists on something, to eventually learning to trust and listen, to the point that they begin to actually rely on others. And hopefully, eventually, they become 2nd years!
And the journey continues...
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
A funny thing happened to me yesterday...
In the Southwest, the Monsoon has officially began. So, although I usually keep an eye on the weather when I ride, I have to shift it into high gear now; not just on a daily basis, sometimes even hourly! A departure time difference of just 5 minutes, can make a huge difference!
So the second thing I do after waking up on a work night... is check the weather! Drat! The fourth thing I do, is walk outside to look at the conditions. Double Drat!
Thunderstorms are looming all around the area, although not yet raining where I am at, I can see a squall line to the North, moving SSW. A review of the radar again, I estimate I have 20 minutes to get ready and on the road, in order to beat this and get to work.
I accomplish this task in less than 20 minutes and think to myself, "Bonus time!"
I have about a ten minute commute. The ride was nice, as traffic was light, there was a light breeze coming from the NNE... outflow winds. I could see the rain off to the East, I was going to make it without a single drop of rain!
As I turned North, the wind calmed... I thought to myself, "Uh oh..." So I started to replay in my mind the route I was on. Where were the shelter points? A place to pull off and seek cover... like covered parking, gas stations that have canopies, etc.
Then wind began to pick-up, now coming from the West, almost a complete reversal... uplift winds. Then I saw the flash and heard the crack of thunder a few seconds later... I said to myself, "Oh shit!" I now only had three shelter points, and one of them was arriving at work!
As I approached an intersection, about one mile away from work, the temperature suddenly dropped! And I mean it went from 100+ to the 80's in seconds... I actually felt the chills! Then suddenly, about 500 feet in front of me, everything turned white, except for the faint cherry red dots of brake lights coming on... there ahead of me, was my last shelter point before work. I changed lanes. My fear was the "white" I was seeing was hail.
Less than 50 feet from entering the driveway...
Whomp!
Not hail, but rain. Torrential, all encompassing, instantly soaking. It was like standing under a 30,000 gallon pool suspended in the air, and the bottom broke out! I lost sight of the driveway for a moment even.
Needless to say, I did not make it to my shelter... I was instantly soaked. And since I wasn't wearing rain gear... I mean soaked! I pulled under the canopy of a gas station, pulled up to that center island store, and parked. The noise was deafening! I watched as the rain hit the ground, seemingly bounce and splash up! The din of it hitting the roof... the roar of it hitting the asphalt...
Less than a minute elapsed, and it just stopped! Now just a gentle sprinkle of rain, that probably would evaporate off of clothing in less than 20 feet of riding... the kind that you don't even have to turn a car's windshield wipers on for...
Then I thought to myself, "Holy $^(%!" I just rode in a microburst!!
I walked to the NE corner... a brief break ahead, I even saw blue sky. I grabbed my a towel out of my saddle bag, wiped down my bike (seat, tank, areas that would throw off even more water at me), fired up, and scooted!
I got to work with 30+ minutes to spare. So I had a chance to recover. I walked in, turned to go to a specific Unit I thought I could sneak into, grab some towels, and beeline it to a Staff bathroom to attempt to dry off a bit... no such luck! I walk into the Unit and there was a co-worker who started to smile, which turned into laughter, as they said, "You look like a wet cat that just jumped out of a bathtub!"
I smiled, grabbed some towels off the linen cart and headed on my way. A few minutes later as I came out looking a tad more presentable, if one can ever accomplish this with "clingy" scrubs... I saw a towel on the floor next to the linen cart. Apparently, in the few seconds I stood there, I left a puddle!
Later that night, as I was relating my experience to another co-worker... all I could think about was the poor housekeeper called to mop the wet floors. Arriving at the entrance I used, starting to mop, following a trail of water... it reminded me of the Pixar movie "Wall-E" and that little sweeper robot that followed Wall-E all around trying to sweep up the "contamination!"
So the second thing I do after waking up on a work night... is check the weather! Drat! The fourth thing I do, is walk outside to look at the conditions. Double Drat!
Thunderstorms are looming all around the area, although not yet raining where I am at, I can see a squall line to the North, moving SSW. A review of the radar again, I estimate I have 20 minutes to get ready and on the road, in order to beat this and get to work.
I accomplish this task in less than 20 minutes and think to myself, "Bonus time!"
I have about a ten minute commute. The ride was nice, as traffic was light, there was a light breeze coming from the NNE... outflow winds. I could see the rain off to the East, I was going to make it without a single drop of rain!
As I turned North, the wind calmed... I thought to myself, "Uh oh..." So I started to replay in my mind the route I was on. Where were the shelter points? A place to pull off and seek cover... like covered parking, gas stations that have canopies, etc.
Then wind began to pick-up, now coming from the West, almost a complete reversal... uplift winds. Then I saw the flash and heard the crack of thunder a few seconds later... I said to myself, "Oh shit!" I now only had three shelter points, and one of them was arriving at work!
As I approached an intersection, about one mile away from work, the temperature suddenly dropped! And I mean it went from 100+ to the 80's in seconds... I actually felt the chills! Then suddenly, about 500 feet in front of me, everything turned white, except for the faint cherry red dots of brake lights coming on... there ahead of me, was my last shelter point before work. I changed lanes. My fear was the "white" I was seeing was hail.
Less than 50 feet from entering the driveway...
Whomp!
Not hail, but rain. Torrential, all encompassing, instantly soaking. It was like standing under a 30,000 gallon pool suspended in the air, and the bottom broke out! I lost sight of the driveway for a moment even.
Needless to say, I did not make it to my shelter... I was instantly soaked. And since I wasn't wearing rain gear... I mean soaked! I pulled under the canopy of a gas station, pulled up to that center island store, and parked. The noise was deafening! I watched as the rain hit the ground, seemingly bounce and splash up! The din of it hitting the roof... the roar of it hitting the asphalt...
Less than a minute elapsed, and it just stopped! Now just a gentle sprinkle of rain, that probably would evaporate off of clothing in less than 20 feet of riding... the kind that you don't even have to turn a car's windshield wipers on for...
Then I thought to myself, "Holy $^(%!" I just rode in a microburst!!
I walked to the NE corner... a brief break ahead, I even saw blue sky. I grabbed my a towel out of my saddle bag, wiped down my bike (seat, tank, areas that would throw off even more water at me), fired up, and scooted!
I got to work with 30+ minutes to spare. So I had a chance to recover. I walked in, turned to go to a specific Unit I thought I could sneak into, grab some towels, and beeline it to a Staff bathroom to attempt to dry off a bit... no such luck! I walk into the Unit and there was a co-worker who started to smile, which turned into laughter, as they said, "You look like a wet cat that just jumped out of a bathtub!"
I smiled, grabbed some towels off the linen cart and headed on my way. A few minutes later as I came out looking a tad more presentable, if one can ever accomplish this with "clingy" scrubs... I saw a towel on the floor next to the linen cart. Apparently, in the few seconds I stood there, I left a puddle!
Later that night, as I was relating my experience to another co-worker... all I could think about was the poor housekeeper called to mop the wet floors. Arriving at the entrance I used, starting to mop, following a trail of water... it reminded me of the Pixar movie "Wall-E" and that little sweeper robot that followed Wall-E all around trying to sweep up the "contamination!"
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