Happy AnniNursary!!

For every year as a Nurse, an exclamation point is earned at the end of my blog title. That exclamation means way more than it's look. Today sparked my typing in joules... really. I had the excitement of doing an electric cardioversion for one of my little "Fibbers". The patient was a special A. Fibber, I won't forget. She made me just a hair nervous too. I had built up repore with her for a few days leading up to this. She was not only in the medical field but had a strong desire to set me up with her son so I was her next daughter-in-law... (chuckle, chuckle) no pressure. She knew what she wanted and was ready to get out of this exhausting rhythm... plus voiced she was comfortable to have me for this elective procedure. Did I mention the pressure? In my head, the head that has never done this comes all the thoughts of "what if". The nurse "what if" that makes you prepared in your mind... brings me back to school... which is a great feeling. Learning, love it. I had the typical unit nursing dose this AM. A patient vomiting and having diarrhea from hyperkalemia, a patient needing preparation and a sedative for MRI, and a patient needing cardioversion... all. at. once. Hmmm. That's when my comfort and team-work comes in! "Let me get you through your nausea and ___, buddy please help me, and Doctor I will be right there." Sweet prioritizing words. Next thing I know I'm pushing sedatives and delivering shock. Sick and nerve racking fun, but I prayed and knew she was going to be okay. The patient was, procedure went great and a discharge was hours away. Another story of wonderful bonding and continuous learning in medicine.

A seasoned Nurse told me once on the night shift, " You learn so much in Nursing, about the body and about life." True. That's been the year. Compared to where I started, I've grown more than ever in Nursing. I switched to the day-shift and carried that Seasoned Nurse's advice with me in the back of my mind. Learning a tid bit about the system working the patient's and the patient's working the system. It's an intimate and sobering profession... and everyone is special to me. You start to learn what's really important in life, and how thankful not only you are... but others. Then there comes the ignorance with the people you see who take things for granted.

Then there comes my new side-job in cosmetic surgery. It's my fave fling right now. I love women and their desire for self-enhancement, for self purpose. I'm working for the same Doc who helped bring that out in me. One of the best "things" I did for myself!! Now I'm right there helping those... love it. The Doctor I work for is just as amazing as his work. It may seem superficial to some, but it's not, not to me. I'm really enjoying the surgical soul of Nursing and still in the learning. I hope to see more and who knows where the road takes me.

This profession is a confirmed calling for me. I can't wait to learn more... bring on the exclamation points. (Lots Please.) :)

Love,
Nurse Nenny

Feelin' Changy

One of my girlfriends nonchalantly threw out the invitation to run the PF Chang's half marathon a while back. This is my close friend, my gym partner and neighbor... who made it seem so simple back then at our first talk of this event. I was a little hesitant, but what the heck, let's do it I thought... sounds like fun! Then as the date got closer, the 13.1 miles got just a little more intimidating. So upty up went the miles on the treadmill and surrounding streets of my house and downdy down went any little fat remaining on my body. Then a Christmas cold hits and throws a big wrench in all this training. I think the cold was sent from the same Somebody who always seems to look out for me... My body needed the rest and I believe it was the rest that got me half marathon ready towards the end of training.

It was one of my best experiences yet. Running is something I happened to fall for during this nonchalant situation. I love being active, challenging myself in anyway I can, especially now that I can. This run supported a great cause for people going through things way more difficult than running 13.1 or 26.2 miles. That's a good feeling, another good feeling comes from doing this for myself. I've accomplished a whole lot and am proud of the person I am, especially the attitude I've chosen to take. Everything happens for a reason.

What wasn't a good feeling is my body after completing that half marathon. Good feeling inside, not so much outside. It was similar to what I think it would feel like if a bus were to hit you a couple of times. Double chocolate cake, recorded episodes of Real Housewives, a good massage, and pedicure helped some.

The boys wanted to make signs to help chant for mom at the big event, so it was quite the evening of crafts before the half. The boys woke up so early and yet were filled with enthusiasm and sleepy eyes at 4:30am marathon day. Grandma, Auntie Jose and the boys were all there to support. I got to kiss my favorite lips of the boys and Dilly after the race, just the sweetness I needed to make it complete. Some sort of sick love came out of this too. My I-pod rubbed the skin off on my hip during the run... in the perfect shape of a heart. My next best part was finishing before my set goal of 2 hours... 13.1 in 1:49!! ;)

Winter Grass

I have decided that children are most certainly the best joys of life. When I think of my happiest moments it generally involves my boys in some way. They say that having a baby changes everything... I think that's pretty true. I remember when my first little boy was born and you try to think of what it's going to be like to become a parent. It's so amazing that you can't even touch a glimpse of the reality of what it's like until your there. Those little bodies that are solely dependent upon you for every single thing. The eyes that look at you with admiration and guidance. The mouths that say the most sweetest and honest things. The hearts that love unconditionally. The truest trust anything can offer. The souls that aren't yet tainted from all of life's yet to learn lessons. The bonds that are formed as you help their mold. The arms that tie it all together in the best hugs and snuggles you can experience. One of my favorites is the pure innocence and spontaneity that only a child possesses. Benny shared this with me one special day. We were on a bike ride together, just me and my sweet Benny. We rode a long way and had lunch together and decided to buy some soft and chewy cookies, to go. As we were riding back Benny asked to stop. If your a parent you know to listen to your children carefully... they have the greatest suggestions. So there we are stopped for a rest as Benny starts taking his shoes off and says, "Come on Mom!" Our shoes are now off and our cookies are out. He is telling me how nice this grass is and how soft it feels... There we are walking barefoot with this soft grass between our tootsies and munching on our little treats together. I explain why this grass is different, this winter grass. He tells me how much he loves it and how next year we have to have it in our yard. Then he rolls down the hill and laughs and fans his arms and legs out in this winter grass.I just looked at him, squeezed the chocolate chips out of him, and kissed his sun-warmed cheeks. I thought how amazing he is to stop and enjoy this grass he's been wondering about and have a precious, natural moment with his Mom. Now every time we see winter grass he points it out wherever we are, and he makes sure I see it. I love you, my sweet, sweet Benny.

Happy Holidays!!

I have to start out by stating that this Christmas was the absolute best yet. It wasn't anything extra special, but I was so happy, we were all so happy. Here are my loves:




Santa brought what the boys wanted- history buff's this year my sweet boys were, must be the topic and theme in school. White House lego set, liberty bell, statue of liberty, and books. Good ole St. Nick threw in a Nintendo DSI and a PSP... with games of course. Great Grandpa gave a homemade yo-yo gift which my little Benny loves. Benny made a spot in his toy drawers for it, which means it's extra special. Grandma brought over Christmas dinner, which was a gift I almost didn't know how to handle. And tis the season for skinny jeans... both boys now love in a semi-sweet way. The "semi" comes from where I was hesitant on this one, but the boys are such good kids and I want to be the Mom that supports their dress code choice.

We all had a wonderful Christmas. The tradition goes on... Stink's gifts are all wrapped in green tissue with a distinct "D" on every present. Benny's in the tissue color of red, with an "A". Mama got them each a nutcracker again this year, which they were eager to run up and show their Dad at the front door during a pick-up. The boys always try to make mom beautiful with their gifts... earrings from each (which will probably turn my earlobes green but I will love).

New Years was celebrated with the boys' and I's best friends. No pictures... which I usually forget to take when the moment is too meaningful because I just want to enjoy it. It involved heavy jackets, smacked bums, beer pong, caps, firework smoke trapped indoors and rotten hummus. All equally great fun. Benny made me laugh at the end of the night. The adults all got champagne at midnight. Benny came to me right after with an empty glass, the adult champagne styled one. He says, "Mom, that was good!" I immediately smelled the plastic, which thankfully reeked of high fructose corn syrup. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The Woman in the Store

I have so many thoughts to type about tonight... but first I want to write about someone who I met a long while ago and she simply amazes me. Over time I've seen her in several places and for some reason she has a soul I'm drawn to. Of all people she is the greeter at my grocery store and has worked at another local community place I'm familiar to- but don't let titles fool you. This girl is gold and has a heart made of it. She has clear, honest eyes and wears a smile every time I see her. A smile that never has a glimpse of fade even in a sweaty upper lip from 110 degree mid-Arizona summer heat I saw many times in a crosswalk. She loves children and always voices her blessings to you without a care of what anyone thinks. She works hard for her family and has two jobs... she is happy and extremely thankful about. She stopped me on a rushed walk once by my house... she has a gentle way of taking a "time out" to talk, a rare person who is truly interested in not only myself but others. My grocery store is smart for hiring her for her perfect position. What an example she is to all of us. Her life is so simple and yet she is one of the most full filled people I've ever met... she's authentic, and I have a love for her. I'm so thankful that someone like her is close to me, a frequent physical reminder of how to really treat others and set examples. I only hope she knows how amazing she is, and I only hope I can become more like her every day.

Santa and a Sleepover

Our favorite holiday is just days away... can't wait!! Seeing this magical time in children's spirits makes a mommy smile. I bottled the magic and took it up North, to the Polar Express again for round 3 last week. I scooped up Grandma Jana on our way for some extra parental hands and fun, then off we were toward Flagstaff. The boys and I were able to meet some of our dear friends there for some quick old time fun together. Benny was way more into it this year I thought. He examined the train coming in and stood right at the guard rope waving to everyone getting off the train as they came in before we got on. We got to sing Christmas Carols while sipping on hot chocolate and nibbling on soft cookies. Then we went all the way to "The North Pole" where Santa came on the train and gave all the kids a bell. The boys are certain this is the real Santa that comes on the train. He is a natural; real white beard and real big tummy. The boys are catching on this year! They told me that they know there's a lot of Santa's out there that aren't really Santa, they just dress up like him. So I said well he needs helpers so your right. That leaves us at our agreeance: The Santa at The North Pole is real. :)

No snow on this trip, but of course it came in as we left! We caught snow flurries driving back and made it a fun ride home. I also caught grandma's cold she had brought along on our trip. Shouldn't have shared the trail mix during the drive. I not only got some of her dried fruit but a nasty cough that has now taken over my larynx.

Which brings me to Stink's celebration in honor of my first born growing one year older. He is a bright 8 years old today. I threw a Christmas Slumber Party for him and his friends this year. We had so... much... fun!!! Some helping hands and I decorated the house with the Christmas season in mind and braced ourselves. 14 boys were included which is more testosterone than I have ever had to coordinate with. Just when I thought I was completely nuts this time, I realized how great boys are. They truly are. Now I have nothing to compare this to but it seems to me the more little boys, the merrier. I would like to say I am a great authority figure, but I think it was the games that held the faint peace together. The next day I found some great after party. The house smelt like grass and sweaty boys. Pizza cheese in the rug was the start, then toothpaste sludge on the wall. My slipper stuck to an area of the tile where I think some birthday punch found a landing spot. Then there's Benny who used the new nerf gun and decided that the hallway ceiling lamp was a great target. So as soon as all the guests leave in the am I hear a shatter and glass is everywhere. Can't go out without a bang, literally I guess. But it was all worth it... every ounce, serious. The cheese, paste and glass can be cleaned up in 10 minutes... but my sweet boy's birthday memories will last a lifetime. Stink told me something so-so special today. He says while we are outside, "Mom, everyday on my birthday it's so nice. It's beautiful." The ironic thing is that the last couple years it's been gloomy and rainy, but he's so happy it's in his mind and words "beautiful"... makes that mommy smile! Happy Birthday Love...

Turkey Time

We have had some fun moments surrounding our Thanksgiving Holiday this year. Benny had a "Tradition Feast" at school in his classroom before the couple day break. I had the pleasure and joy of helping out. The kids had all kinds of fruits and veggies at their desk settings. This was where I found out cranberries and even the jellied cranberry sauce were very undesirable with 2nd graders, surprise-surprise. I tried with the "it's like jello" persuasion but they all knew much better. The favorite was the warm apple cider and cinnamon stick that went so smoothly with the stories of Pilgrim days and the Mayflower read by the teacher. We all made pilgrim hats- the girls with white bonnets to symbolize the puritan days and the boys with their handsome tall hats and buckle.

My turkey this year was a unique birdy perfect for the super swamped mom. Stink had a tournament game the day I made a feast of our own. So it was go-go-go just like any other day. I was really craving a day of just relaxing with my boys having nothing at all to do but be silly around the house and cook. I think my turkey sensed my desire and cooperated from then on. I had 15 minutes to prep my main dinner dish. I mixed a quick concoction, gave it a good seasoned rub, stuffed it with my usual and threw some things around our turkey for a touch of beauty and flavor before it plopped in the oven. It was my best yet... would have never expected that! It was a great dinner my boys and family enjoyed. Benny got to break the wishbone with Great Grandpa... such a sweet moment. He won and wishes came true.

I am reminded this day and often of how thankful we are, and how beautiful life is. I have happy, healthy, and rowdy boys... the two sparkles of my eyes. I am thankful for the true happiness and joy they bring- the deep loving connection we all have. I am thankful for the sisterhood in my friends, the guidance of my family, the growth in my career, and the people and lessons learned along the ways. Thanks to all...