Ok guys, it's time: I have once again started a new blog- here's the link: http://lifeonpalmersquare.blogspot.com/ (Click on it to take you there)
There will be no more posts on Adventures of 2 Sisters, and LOTS on Big City, Tiny Babies!
Thanks for reading!
XOXO
-Katie
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Big Lights, Big City
SHOCKER- I am terrible at updating my blog- and I'm even more terrible at creating a new one for my new city life...it will happen eventually, but I think I'll stick with this one a little longer- no need to get complicated! This post will be mostly pictures- that's the most fun anyway, right?
My first weekend- Roommate Ashley, and I at the "Tour de Fat"
Shortly after moving in, Julia and I went to IKEA, where we bought. And bought. And bought. And by some miracle from God, we managed to cram all of our HUGE, heavy boxes into the back of her brothers pick-up truck and drive back to the city from Boling Brook. I built an entire dresser (see right photo) while the roommate was sleeping- oh did I mention- I'm back on the night shift? UGH. But the real beast was this wardrobe that was a necessity since my closet space was cut by about 2/3 when I moved here. With the help of the roommate, we built this entire GIANT piece in the living room, and then attempted to move it into my room. Which was not possible. (In my defense- I measured the door frames and the wardrobe--it was the angle turning it in the hall that made it impossible). Long story short, we took it back apart, destroying the back part, bought replacement parts at Home Depot, and re-built the whole thing in my room. Where it will stay for the rest of eternity.
Sure, it looks tiny here, but believe me, it is massive!
And really the dresser isn't all that small either- I can rest my chin on it!
But I love them both!
The weekend before last I went with Julia and boyfriend Ari on a boat for a firework cruise around Lake Michigan. Ari's friend is a bartender on the boat, so we had free admission and free drinks!
I suppose I should also talk a bit about work- it is going really well! At first, there was a lot to get used to. I guess I didn't think about how hard it is to be student and new person again after so recently being the teacher and the one in charge. It has also been a bit of a culture shock to go from a privately funded, suburban hospital with all of the best technology and latest medical advances to a community funded, urban hospital where my unit hasn't gotten new equipment since 1982 and we are still using paper charting (NO computers!). That part is challenging. The not so challenging part is caring for my tiny new patients. I quickly adjusted to the smaller scale (one of my patients only weighed 590 grams when she was born- that's a little over a pound!) IV starts and blood draws are more challenging, the target is much smaller, but that seems to be going well. I am enjoying getting to know my patients and watching them grow over time, and looking forward to being off orientation in a couple weeks.
I have also recently decided that it's necessary to go back to school. It's really irritating to me that it is necessary, but the major medical centers are not hiring people who don't have a BSN (Bachelors in the Science of Nursing), and it seems like in the future it may be a requirement at all hospitals. If I do it now, I won't have to re-take some of my science courses. Since I have a bachelor's degree already and my associate's degree in nursing, I will be taking online courses at UIC and have it completed in a couple years. But first. I have to take 2 Chemistry classes. UGH. I am taking the first one now, online through good old Parkland. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.
My first weekend- Roommate Ashley, and I at the "Tour de Fat"
Shortly after moving in, Julia and I went to IKEA, where we bought. And bought. And bought. And by some miracle from God, we managed to cram all of our HUGE, heavy boxes into the back of her brothers pick-up truck and drive back to the city from Boling Brook. I built an entire dresser (see right photo) while the roommate was sleeping- oh did I mention- I'm back on the night shift? UGH. But the real beast was this wardrobe that was a necessity since my closet space was cut by about 2/3 when I moved here. With the help of the roommate, we built this entire GIANT piece in the living room, and then attempted to move it into my room. Which was not possible. (In my defense- I measured the door frames and the wardrobe--it was the angle turning it in the hall that made it impossible). Long story short, we took it back apart, destroying the back part, bought replacement parts at Home Depot, and re-built the whole thing in my room. Where it will stay for the rest of eternity.
Sure, it looks tiny here, but believe me, it is massive!
And really the dresser isn't all that small either- I can rest my chin on it!
But I love them both!
The weekend before last I went with Julia and boyfriend Ari on a boat for a firework cruise around Lake Michigan. Ari's friend is a bartender on the boat, so we had free admission and free drinks!
I suppose I should also talk a bit about work- it is going really well! At first, there was a lot to get used to. I guess I didn't think about how hard it is to be student and new person again after so recently being the teacher and the one in charge. It has also been a bit of a culture shock to go from a privately funded, suburban hospital with all of the best technology and latest medical advances to a community funded, urban hospital where my unit hasn't gotten new equipment since 1982 and we are still using paper charting (NO computers!). That part is challenging. The not so challenging part is caring for my tiny new patients. I quickly adjusted to the smaller scale (one of my patients only weighed 590 grams when she was born- that's a little over a pound!) IV starts and blood draws are more challenging, the target is much smaller, but that seems to be going well. I am enjoying getting to know my patients and watching them grow over time, and looking forward to being off orientation in a couple weeks.
I have also recently decided that it's necessary to go back to school. It's really irritating to me that it is necessary, but the major medical centers are not hiring people who don't have a BSN (Bachelors in the Science of Nursing), and it seems like in the future it may be a requirement at all hospitals. If I do it now, I won't have to re-take some of my science courses. Since I have a bachelor's degree already and my associate's degree in nursing, I will be taking online courses at UIC and have it completed in a couple years. But first. I have to take 2 Chemistry classes. UGH. I am taking the first one now, online through good old Parkland. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Changes
So the thing is, I am probably going to have to start a new blog. Because the Wards are no longer on William. And the two sisters adventures are no longer under the same roof. I miss her already.
On Wednesday, I had my last day of being a Carle employee. Which is very strange since it has been my hospital home since I was 17. Thursday at 8am the movers came, and I watched them load all of my belongings into a van. By 3pm, I was all unloaded into my new fabulous apartment on Palmer Square. It is on a park, and next door to a Serbian Orthodox Church, and has a red door:
I love it. I am living with friend Bethany's former roommate, Ashley. I know we are going to be a good fit, since she went to Harry Potter with me at midnight on Thursday. And today we are going to the "Tour de Fat" a bicycle/beer festival being held in the park. Not really sure about it except that the New Belgium brewery is involved, and my new landlords said it was a lot of fun last year.
Start my new job on Monday. Working at Saint Joseph Hospital, which is on North Lake Shore Drive, and has excellent views. A little intimidated by the very sick very little babies, and going to miss the mommas, but excited for this new challenge! More updates later!
On Wednesday, I had my last day of being a Carle employee. Which is very strange since it has been my hospital home since I was 17. Thursday at 8am the movers came, and I watched them load all of my belongings into a van. By 3pm, I was all unloaded into my new fabulous apartment on Palmer Square. It is on a park, and next door to a Serbian Orthodox Church, and has a red door:
I love it. I am living with friend Bethany's former roommate, Ashley. I know we are going to be a good fit, since she went to Harry Potter with me at midnight on Thursday. And today we are going to the "Tour de Fat" a bicycle/beer festival being held in the park. Not really sure about it except that the New Belgium brewery is involved, and my new landlords said it was a lot of fun last year.Start my new job on Monday. Working at Saint Joseph Hospital, which is on North Lake Shore Drive, and has excellent views. A little intimidated by the very sick very little babies, and going to miss the mommas, but excited for this new challenge! More updates later!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Up in Smoke
I am baking tonight while Em is away visiting friends from Ghana in Kirksville. Baking, and subsiquently, having a GIANT fight with the smoke detectors in our home. Basically every time the oven is on, they all go off- and the two in the hallway/bedroom are wired into the ceiling, and into each other, so I can't just disconnect them like I did (semi-violently) to the one in the kitchen. Luckily it's starting to get a bit warmer out, so my counter method of just opening every door and window in the house will work for now... I did discover that there is a silence button on them, which I pushed, so now they are just chirping like birds instead of ringing ringing ringing...
I'm grateful for technology that will save my life if the house burns down...I think...but it makes baking a lot less enjoyable!
Please send hopeful thoughts/prayers about my future job- I'm starting to get anxious at the thought of moving back into mom and dad's (no offense guys)!
I'm grateful for technology that will save my life if the house burns down...I think...but it makes baking a lot less enjoyable!
Please send hopeful thoughts/prayers about my future job- I'm starting to get anxious at the thought of moving back into mom and dad's (no offense guys)!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Doogie Howser,MD
I've been watching a lot of Doogie Howser re-runs on Hulu lately. It was amazing to me how when watching the first episode a couple weeks back, when the theme song started, I was able to hum along- it's probably been 15 years- maybe even 20 (seeing as how I'm old now) since I've heard it or watched the show. How does our brain remember things like that?
March flew by in a blur- I can't believe it's April already! March was filled with many nights on call, a brief but sweet birthday dinner with the fam, and my WONDERFUL vacation with dear friend Julia to the Bahamas. Much like the rest of the month, it flew by too quickly, filled with fruity drinks, snorkeling, early bedtimes, and days spent like this:
It was pretty great! And now only 2 months til Vegas--I love vacations!!!
April brings exciting changes: after working 5 nights IN A ROW earlier this week, I only have 3 official night shifts left--ever! April 11th will be my first shift back on days-very exciting!!! It's going to be nice to see the sunshine and not wince from the bright light, nice to be able to go to church every once in a while, nice to be able to go out to lunch, call places during business hours, you get the picture? I have to admit that I will miss the slower paced work flow of the night shift, my wonderful coworkers, and knowing that at 4 am, you can watch the infomercial for "Salad Chef!" on 3 different channels. Despite this great improvement, I'm hoping April will also bring job interviews...applications are sent, keep your fingers crossed!
March flew by in a blur- I can't believe it's April already! March was filled with many nights on call, a brief but sweet birthday dinner with the fam, and my WONDERFUL vacation with dear friend Julia to the Bahamas. Much like the rest of the month, it flew by too quickly, filled with fruity drinks, snorkeling, early bedtimes, and days spent like this:
It was pretty great! And now only 2 months til Vegas--I love vacations!!!April brings exciting changes: after working 5 nights IN A ROW earlier this week, I only have 3 official night shifts left--ever! April 11th will be my first shift back on days-very exciting!!! It's going to be nice to see the sunshine and not wince from the bright light, nice to be able to go to church every once in a while, nice to be able to go out to lunch, call places during business hours, you get the picture? I have to admit that I will miss the slower paced work flow of the night shift, my wonderful coworkers, and knowing that at 4 am, you can watch the infomercial for "Salad Chef!" on 3 different channels. Despite this great improvement, I'm hoping April will also bring job interviews...applications are sent, keep your fingers crossed!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Congrats are in order!
Yesterday my very best friend got engaged to be married! MARRIED! So now our 10+ years of planning can be put into action! It's so exciting and wonderful to watch your friend find her life partner who suits her so very well. Congratulations to Bethany and Jay!
Also, as the snow melts, I am encouraged that spring is coming, which means summer is right around the corner, and after summer, my new life somewhere else can begin! Yay! The goal is in sight! Thank GOD!
Also, as the snow melts, I am encouraged that spring is coming, which means summer is right around the corner, and after summer, my new life somewhere else can begin! Yay! The goal is in sight! Thank GOD!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Notes from the couch
So I was reading this article tonight about the health statuses of female nurses (it was from Canada, but I have a feeling the same applies here in the states). The study listed some startling statistics about the ~2ooo nurses surveyed:
-40.1% ate less than 5 servings of fruits and veggies per day
-47.2% are physically inactive in their leisure time and
-40.3% are overweight or obese
Also, 55.8% perceived "quite a bit or extreme" amounts of work stress
Read more here.
I "googled" this after eating my 3rd chocolate chip cookie of the night, while sitting in my usual spot, the sunken down middle cushion of the couch. It's no surprise that in January, after most people have given up on their New Year's resolutions I find myself...re-evaluating a few things about my own life:
Like how on my nights off, I sit on this couch cushion for HOURS straight, only getting up to use the restroom or get yet another snack from the kitchen. I read random blogs, search for jobs, and watch every bad tv show and infomercial out there. I have no energy or motivation to do anything more than that. On the RARE occasion that I feel like exercising, I quickly decide that there is no easy, quiet way to do so while Emily is sleeping in the next room.
So why not exercise earlier in the day, when I wake up, or before work for example? My most legit excuse of the moment is that it's winter. At least when it's warmer out (or at the very least, when I don't have to worry about slipping on ice and snow) I can go for walks (and occasional jogs) in the neighborhood. I've tried working out before work a couple times, but that just means that my body is physically tired when I go to work, and I usually end up with sore muscles by the end of the work night. Not good. When I get home it's usually all I can do to get my coat off before I fall into bed! And honestly, most of my "days off" are nights off, and I don't wake up until about 4 pm anyway. And exercise has never been something I enjoyed--in fact I'll go so far as to say that the thought of working out adds stress to my life, which is not something I want to do to myself on my days off. Stress leads to stress eating, and I never crave celery or apples--I always want potato chips, ice cream, or cookies. So, combined with my lack of movement...I am most likely at the un-healthiest I have ever been (the only time that might have been worse was some...intense party-going days in my college years) This could totally be a picture of me every night that I'm not at work:
With multiple swim-suit wearing vacations rapidly approaching (YAY), I think it is time for a change. But this rut I'm in is really more of a crevice, not just a rut.
Any creative ideas for how to climb out???
-40.1% ate less than 5 servings of fruits and veggies per day
-47.2% are physically inactive in their leisure time and
-40.3% are overweight or obese
Also, 55.8% perceived "quite a bit or extreme" amounts of work stress
Read more here.
I "googled" this after eating my 3rd chocolate chip cookie of the night, while sitting in my usual spot, the sunken down middle cushion of the couch. It's no surprise that in January, after most people have given up on their New Year's resolutions I find myself...re-evaluating a few things about my own life:
Like how on my nights off, I sit on this couch cushion for HOURS straight, only getting up to use the restroom or get yet another snack from the kitchen. I read random blogs, search for jobs, and watch every bad tv show and infomercial out there. I have no energy or motivation to do anything more than that. On the RARE occasion that I feel like exercising, I quickly decide that there is no easy, quiet way to do so while Emily is sleeping in the next room.
So why not exercise earlier in the day, when I wake up, or before work for example? My most legit excuse of the moment is that it's winter. At least when it's warmer out (or at the very least, when I don't have to worry about slipping on ice and snow) I can go for walks (and occasional jogs) in the neighborhood. I've tried working out before work a couple times, but that just means that my body is physically tired when I go to work, and I usually end up with sore muscles by the end of the work night. Not good. When I get home it's usually all I can do to get my coat off before I fall into bed! And honestly, most of my "days off" are nights off, and I don't wake up until about 4 pm anyway. And exercise has never been something I enjoyed--in fact I'll go so far as to say that the thought of working out adds stress to my life, which is not something I want to do to myself on my days off. Stress leads to stress eating, and I never crave celery or apples--I always want potato chips, ice cream, or cookies. So, combined with my lack of movement...I am most likely at the un-healthiest I have ever been (the only time that might have been worse was some...intense party-going days in my college years) This could totally be a picture of me every night that I'm not at work:
With multiple swim-suit wearing vacations rapidly approaching (YAY), I think it is time for a change. But this rut I'm in is really more of a crevice, not just a rut.Any creative ideas for how to climb out???
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Reflections at 4am
Things that make me happy:
-Laughing so hard I cry (more than once) with my lil sis today!
- Getting some AWESOME stuff with my credit card reward points!
-Haggen Daz Mango Sorbet in personal portion cups!
-Writing vacations and friend's wedding dates in permanent marker on my calendar!
-Singing GLEE songs at the top of our lungs in the car!
-Our one surviving fish, little Barney, and how he wiggles with excitement when you get close to the tank!
-Surprise Bonus checks for working nights and being a "Key Contributor"!
-Being able to sit snuggled up warm on the couch while it snows outside!
-Going to visit a favorite patient and her three precious little babies!!!
-Laughing so hard I cry (more than once) with my lil sis today!
- Getting some AWESOME stuff with my credit card reward points!
-Haggen Daz Mango Sorbet in personal portion cups!
-Writing vacations and friend's wedding dates in permanent marker on my calendar!
-Singing GLEE songs at the top of our lungs in the car!
-Our one surviving fish, little Barney, and how he wiggles with excitement when you get close to the tank!
-Surprise Bonus checks for working nights and being a "Key Contributor"!
-Being able to sit snuggled up warm on the couch while it snows outside!
-Going to visit a favorite patient and her three precious little babies!!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
So mom has once again informed me of my neglectful blogging habits.
What to update you on???
The holidays this years were low-key, and an all-too-real portrayal of my life in the future as a staff nurse in a hospital- working part, or all of the important days of the year. It was hard to feel grouchy about new babies being born on Christmas though. Lucky for me, many friends came back to town to see their family and coincidentally, spent time with me too! Yay!
Em and I got some fish, and then proceeded to kill most of them. Fish are high maintenance! 2 of the originals are still alive...and the second snail...
After the holiday rush ended, I booked yet another exciting vacation to distract me from the cold gray days of January. In June, Emily, her friend Kristi and I will be headed to
VEGAS BABY!!!!
We are going here:
The Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. AND we are going to a Celine Dion Concert! SO EXCITED!!! In response to my vacation planning, I bought a new swimsuit (yikes) and got a "Bikini Body" workout DVD, which caused me a lot of pain yesterday. We'll see what happens.
Two months till the Bahamas! Counting the days!
What to update you on???
The holidays this years were low-key, and an all-too-real portrayal of my life in the future as a staff nurse in a hospital- working part, or all of the important days of the year. It was hard to feel grouchy about new babies being born on Christmas though. Lucky for me, many friends came back to town to see their family and coincidentally, spent time with me too! Yay!
Em and I got some fish, and then proceeded to kill most of them. Fish are high maintenance! 2 of the originals are still alive...and the second snail...
After the holiday rush ended, I booked yet another exciting vacation to distract me from the cold gray days of January. In June, Emily, her friend Kristi and I will be headed to
VEGAS BABY!!!!
We are going here:
The Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. AND we are going to a Celine Dion Concert! SO EXCITED!!! In response to my vacation planning, I bought a new swimsuit (yikes) and got a "Bikini Body" workout DVD, which caused me a lot of pain yesterday. We'll see what happens.Two months till the Bahamas! Counting the days!
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