Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Kids home

Yesterday, I was exhausted from the weekend and I let the kids play outside unsupervised...they are now grounded for the entire week home from school. They went to the neighbors house, found a pile of Easter Eggs and destroyed them all, throwing them against trees, hitting them with a baseball bat and smashing them on the road...needless to say, I am very pissed at them and they are grounded.
Today, they are cleaning the house. I am not sure what I am going to have them do tomorrow, but they will not be having fun...
Arrg...my first week home and I am having to work twice as hard having them clean...but they are learning...they know that what they did was very bad and will not do it again. It is frustrating, they do things without even thinking...can't imagine having more than the two I got...
So, no unsupervised outside time, lots of housework, no computer, no TV, no x-box, no bikes, no skateboard...
The up side is they have been playing well together and have not been fight with each other. I guess it is them against me...
Well, I gotta go and help Amilia clean the litter box...

New Job

Well, finished my first weekend working in the Emergency Room...LOVE IT...

I felt like I knew what I was doing, just walked in and started working. The great thing about working at a small hospital is there are NO Residents...the physician or the PA that is working does it all, things get completed in a timely manner and patients get discharged, rather than having the resident see the patient, then having the resident have to wait for the attending to discuss the patient then having the orders written and waiting for the results, then having the attending see the patient, then having the attending review the results...

I don't know if all teaching hospitals are like this, but PCMH was and it was frustrating...for the nurses as well as the patients.

I know that the residents need to learn but I love not having to wait to do things. We have protocol's set in place...a person comes in with abdominal pain and I can start an IV, draw labs, send urine, get things started before the patient is seen...

Another great thing about working in a small hospital is that you get to know everyone quickly.

Also, all of the supplies are in a central area, you don't have to run all over the place finding stuff.

This most challenging thing for me at this point is to learn the computer system. In this hospital, the charting is system focused (neuro, GI, muscular/skeletal) and charting by exception, meaning, everything normal unless otherwise charted...different then I am used to. I am used to hitting every system, even if to say it is normal.

I was surprised at how easy it was to start back taking care of patients after not doing it outside of the OR for almost a year. I have a lot of reading and brushing up to do, but having the time during the week to do it is nice. When the kids come home from school and need to do their homework, I am going to read as well.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Amilia awards class


Amilia awards class, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Amilia awardswith friends


Amilia awardswith friends, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Nathan awards


Nathan awards, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Nathan awards class


Nathan awards class, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Jim's new (old) truck


Jim's new (old) truck, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Greenware


Greenware, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Different angle of todays pots

Flag at kids school


Flag at kids school, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Flag at kids school


Flag at kids school, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Jim driving his new (old) truck

Jim in the truck we picked up yesterday. He drove from Charlotte NC to New Jersey last night, slept a good part of today then headed for Lancaster PA...maybe that is his final destination...It is a short run tomorrow, then he goes to Jonesport PA and gets the interior of the truck cleaned, gets the broken window on the passenger side repaired and gets all of his permits up to date. The truck has no permits for driving in NY, carrying alcohol, and a bunch of others that he needs. Then he will start driving up and down the east coast from Maine to Virginia with occasional stops at home in North Carolina...

My corner of the studio


My corner of the studio, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

This is the wheel that I use. It is tucked into the corner of the studio. I have on the table the balls of clay ready to center and make into pottery.

Waxing the bottoms


Waxing the bottoms, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Waxing the bottoms


Waxing the bottoms, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

You wax the bottom of the pottery so that the glaze does not melt to the kiln shelves

Waxed bottoms


Waxed bottoms, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

LONG Drive

Well, got back from driving Jim to Charlotte...was 4 hours each way and when we got to the truck, we discovered it was vile...the last person that drove it smoked and there was ash and smell throughout the truck.
Good thing is, we had cleaning supplies...still smells, but no longer filthy and sticky...spent an hour or so cleaning before returning home.
Other good thing is that when he got to the truck, there was already a scheduled run for him so he took a nap and took off for New Jersey about an hour ago. He sounds in good spirits, I know he is glad to have the truck to himself. He can set the pace and not have to deal with Mark anymore.
I'm exhausted, I never want to be a truck driver. It is too long and tiring. Give me a busy emergency room any day of the week!

Monday, April 2, 2007

Jim's Job

Well, after a very long and aggravating day, Jim will be getting a new (used) truck and be off on his own. Mark, his former co-driver kicked him off the truck...Mark lied to both Jim and the driver manager, telling Jim that Steve, the driver manager, called Mark's number looking for Jim and because Jim was not with him (Mark wanted to go to Florida with his kids in the truck so let Jim off at home on Friday), Mark almost got fired...
Jim FINALLY talked with Steve and Steve told Jim that Mark called him (Steve) this past Friday and told him that Jim quit. AND, Steve never called Mark AND, he (Steve) did not care if Jim was on the truck or not, as long as the route was completed as it was supposed to...
So, Jim will be on his own, no aggravating, annoying co-driver with him...
BUT...tomorrow, I have to drive him to Charlotte for him to pick up his new (used) truck...Bummer!

New Blog

This is my new family blog...It has been so long since the old one. Many changes in our lives.
I started a new job in Greensboro, NC last Monday. Jim stayed home for the week with the kids and I went to orientation. First three days were torture...rules and regs, policy's and procedures, chain of command, HIPPA, Infection Control, Delegation...etc, etc, etc...long and boring...But! Thursday and Friday I was in the ED! YEAH!!! Finally back home.
I have been working in the OR for the past year and at first, thought it was cool...learned tons about the human body and what we do to it during surgery, but after a while, just became a glorified gofer...there was a song in High School I sang for a school play.
--Get me, buy me, bring me, find me, pick up, drop off and remind me
--Don't forget now what I ask,
--After all that is your task,
--Don't forget now what I ask!

Done with it!

On Thursday, I took care of patients...I started IV's, gave medications, provided emotional support, assisted with a dislocated arm, got felt up by a drunk...I'm so glad to be home!!!

I was made to be an ED nurse. I think that my varied background helps me excel in this. I love spending time talking with patients when I have time, but I also love the instant gratification of starting an IV, seeing the blood flashback, knowing it is in the right place and then being able to push IV pain medications to immediately provide pain relief. There is nothing like it.

We will be moving to Greensboro NC in June after the kids finish school. We are looking for a house to rent. Greensboro is much different than Greenville. There is a lot more to do and when you leave the city, it is rolling hills country with parks and lakes nearby. The city is not that big, drive through the center in less than 10 minutes with some traffic. We are carefully looking at the many different elementary schools and are seriously considering homeschooling next year. I will be working weekend nights only so will be able to school the kids during the week. And the way the cities in North Carolina work is that there are many, many activities that are run by the city so that the kids will be able to participate and make friends in sports or in pottery classes or what every we decide to have the kids do. They will not be lacking in social exposure. Right now, they are in gymnastics and pottery and they love it.

Jim has been driving a big truck with this guy named Mark who disappeared last week. Jim tried to get a hold of him for several days and he never returned calls. This morning, he went to his house to get on the truck with Mark and Mark kicked him off the truck...although at this point, we are not really sure if Mark can do this. So Jim is coming home, will get his own truck and maybe have someone else to drive with...

Jim has been wanting to get off the truck with Mark, but did not want to be a jerk about it and not give him notice. Jim decided last week he was going to give Mark a 2 week notice...well, this will be less stressful for Jim once he gets over being so angry at Mark. So, this is a good thing...Jim just needs to move on. Which he will.

Amilia sprained her ankle on Friday in PE. She was jumping over balls and actually landed on one, twisted her ankle and did not tell anyone. So when I get home from Greensboro at 5pm, she tells me she hurt her ankle (she had been home with Jim since 2:30p). Her ankle was swollen and tender...what a pain it was trying to keep her off of it over the weekend! At one point, we did let her go outside with us and play but by the time she came in, there was more swelling and bruising. She spent much of yesterday fussing and pushing and whining because we made her stay on her bed or on the couch. Today the swelling is down and she says it does not hurt. I sent her with a note that she is not to run around on it. We will see what happens when she gets home...

With some many changes going on right now, it is hard not to think about the past and things we should have/could have done differently. I often think about the house fire and how awful and stressful that was. I wonder how life would have been different if the fire had not happened...
I think about the move to Massachusetts...should we have stayed in Virginia? Where would we be right now if we had not started our own Invisible Fence...
We are struggling with our credit and will be for several more years because of the Bankruptcy and loosing the business...

But...the move to Greensboro is a good one. We will be close to Heidi (my cousin, Aunt Judy's daughter), I will be making a substantial amount more of money than I do now. Jim will be in a better location for truck driving...route 85 and route 40 go through Greensboro...
The area is beautiful, the people I will be working with have already reached out and are very friendly and welcoming...

The hospital is a small community hospital and I have already made my mark...when I was working on Thursday, a man came in with a dislocated shoulder. The nursing tech brought him back and no other nurse jumped up to help him but me...I immediately started an IV, grabbed a doctor and got pain medications for him. The nurse educator watched me do this from a far and approached me after and said I did a great job...I am finally home!!! I love this type of work!

Johanna's Daisy Girl


Johanna's Daisy Girl, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

This is Johanna's Daisy Girl, she is a wonderful family dog and very smart. She watches the house and the kids and is there for a snuggle when needed. Some day I will do more with her and do agility training and show her in agility. She is quick and a fast learner...I just have not had the time yet.

Flag beautiful March day


flag beautiful march day, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Amilia hip girl


amilia hip girl, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Our House


november2006 005, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Pottery


100_0378, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Pottery


100_0379, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Pottery


100_0377, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

My beautiful pottery that got mail to family and friends and arrived in pieces...Next stuff sent will be packed better.

Drama queen


drama queen 2, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Drama queen


drama queen, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

My hair!


my hair!, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Way too much fun


way too much fun, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Nathan with his buddy Daisy

Daisy is my dog. She is an Australian Shepard that Jim drove 8 hours to pick up for me. She has been a wonderful companion to the kids and watches the house. She is very smart and knows her commands (most of the time).

Box child


nathan in a box2, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Nathan put the box on his head while I was packing up pottery.

Box child


amilia in a box 2, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

I was packing up pottery and Amilia came into the livingroom, pick up a box and put it on her head...Nathan had just done the same thing. Amilia did not see him do it.

early march


early march 2, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

My favorite thing about North Carolina is the early spring!

Grandparents


Grandparents, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Jim's folks

November in shorts!


november2006 109, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

My Irish Twins.

Great Grandparents


november2006 095, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Nathan and Amilia with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Curtis. And Uncle Jonathans son Matthew I think is his name...the Greats are much different than I remember...for one, Grandpa can't hear a thing so does not argue. Much more mellow, good with the kids...weird...

Nathan and Amilia at halloween

Last October at halloween. Amilia was a princess, Nathan, as you can see, was spidy.

Amilia, skating


Amilia, skating, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

At an Ice Skating birthday party. She came home with multiple bruises to her shins and knees...

My sweet Amilia


My sweet Amilia, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

My Amilia. She is almost 7 and desperately wants a horse for her birthday. That is all she talks about...horse party, riding lessons, wants her own pony...sounds like her mom at this age.. though I think I had a pony then. We will probably get her into riding lessons this summer after we move to Greensboro, NC.

Highway


Highway, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

This is Highway. Aunt Judy showed up at our door last summer with a box and a tiny kitten. He was just about 4 weeks old. She had found him on the side of a small highway, thus his name...
Of all the cats, he is the most tolerant of handling/abuse. The kids tote him around and Daisy will pick him up by his head and and carry him. He will sit on your lap for hours if you let him.

Amilia and Molly


Amilia and Molly, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Amilia with Molly. Molly is the other cat we picked up at the same time as Blacky. She is Amilia's cat and Blacky's sister. She is much more sensitive, does not like being held, though she will sit next to you and loves to be stroked...but if you pick her up, she bolts.

Blacky


Blacky, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

This is Blacky, Nathan's cat. We got him when he was about 10 weeks old when Jim started truck driving school so that the kids would have something special to remind them of their dad. He is mellow, easygoing and allows both the kids and the dog to carry him around. He is also a great mouser...brings them home and leaves them dead on the front step...

Jim


Jim--WHAT, NO BEARD!!, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Dear husband Jim. Came home from a long drive once with no beard! Got tired of taking care of it!

Nathans cake


nathans cake, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Nathan loves Tony Stewart and the Home Depot Nascar. This was made by me...stressed at the last minute because I had a hard getting the orange right (it was PINK!)...but it finally came out right and tasted great.

Broke too soon


broke too soon, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Nathan had his 8th birthday party at the house. We invited his entire class...thankfully only 8 kids came for a total of 10 at the party. Nathan wanted to have the party at Krispy Creme! That would have been wild. We started out painting wooden toys, then the kids went on a "pirates treasure hunt", then they busted open the pinata, then Nathen opened presents, then they had cake and ice cream and then they went home. They all had a great time...Nathan says this is his best birthday yet...he has said that every year! So either he is easy to please or we are just the greatest parents of all times...haha!

April flowers


april flowers, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Love the color of this photo!

Flowers and vase


flowers and vase, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

It is early April and the flowers are just exploding. The early stuff like daffodils and pear blossoms have already gone by. The trees are turning green and it has been very warm. This is my favorite time of the year...if only I had my own house where I could be starting a garden...hopefully next year.

Attempting "tricks"


nathan skateboarding, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Nathan falling


nathan falling, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

While I was watching, he only fell once, then jumped right back up and got back on the skateboard

Having lots of fun


hey there, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Look ma, no feet


look ma, no feet, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Nathan sometimes felt that it was easier to get around with his hands...

One of my favorite guys!


one of my favorite guys!, originally uploaded by johannaschimmel.

Nathan is 8, very happy, very smart. He asked and asked and asked and just would not give it up for a skateboard for Christmas. He got one. Now that it is April, he has been using it more, his balance is much better and he is not afraid to fall when he has his knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards on...He spent 3 hours outside yesterday, just going up and down the street having an absolute blast.