I am back after a long winter hybernation. The last few months have held much change. A move, a new job, a few trips back to the East coast, several months of unemployment and the sad goodbye to Keri, Micah and Skylar who moved away in November. Oh yeah...and did I mention I will move again next week and aquire a new roommate? And I was hoping 2010 wouldn't hold quite as much change as the past few months but considering it only the first week of the new year it is not looking so good =).
Tis the season for resolutions right? Well I have two: (wouldn't want to be an overachiever or anything).
1. Rejoin the Colorado Springs YMCA. I thought I would join the surge of resolutioners who have determined to be more fit in the year 2010. I figure it is a good way to promote my mental and emotional wellbeing...oh yeah and there is the whole idea of physical fitness.
2. Take the MKAT
...yep that is it, if I am really ambitious maybe I will do something with my MKAT...like apply to grad school who knows.
If I could sum up 2009 in what the Lord has taught me this year perhaps it would be "The joy of the ordinary" and a series lessons in perseverence and humility. Bring on 2010. Happy New Year everybody!!
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Update on the Singles group
If it takes me 5 attempts to log onto by blog because I can't remember my password perhaps it has been too long since my last post...
For those of you who may been eagerly waiting for an update on the singles group, I'd like to title this excerpt :" Singles Saga part II"
I have to preface this story by telling you this may have been my 4Th time to this group in 6 months, I've been working or traveling for the past several weeks so it's been a while since I have gone to church on a Sunday.
When my friend Natasha and I arrived, we quickly assessed the room and joined a table of girls near the front of the room. It's kind of like middle school where the girls sit with the girls and the guys sit with the guys. One of these Sundays I just might cause a scandal and join a table full of guys. Regardless of how few times I have attended I felt like a veteran when I realized one of the girls at our table was a first timer and I was able to answer her question , "so how does this all work ?[referring to the format of the class]". The class has shrunk to half it's original size because it's summer and colleges are out for the year. It was "community building" Sunday which means we don't actually have a structured teaching time. Ss a person still new to the group this is the week that doesn't particularly excite me,it means I have to sit and make conversation with strangers for an hour. "Where are you from?" (it seems 95% of people I encounter aren't actually from CO, most people are transplants), "What do you do? (6 times out of ten the answer is going to be 'I am in college at...fill in the blank'. "How long have you lived here?"etc. And then the questions are reciprocated. It's almost like an unspoken format. I don't mind talking to strangers but when I am only attending once every month and a half for various reasons it makes it hard to get past the "meet and greet dialogue.
This particular "community building" Sunday was designated as arts and craft time. The plan was to write thank you notes to our pastoral staff to express our appreciation for the work that they do...all 27 of them. I didn't even realize the church had 27 pastors, I only know the names of three of them. My home church is SC has 4 full time pastors and I always thought that was a lot. I actually really like writing cards and anything that requires some creativity and colored markers.
I am wondering if I should move up to the older singles group, because I have an old soul and I feel like I could fit in better with the 30+ singles group. The group is known as MOSAIC (Ministry of Single Adults in Community). They do fun things like go on hikes and have picnics. I have been analyzing why I haven't quite clicked with the current singles class that I have been attending. (1) My infrequent attendance, it's hard to make friends absenttee. It's a wonderful way to cast a ballot but is not very effective method when it comes to trying to make friends. (2) It's a very transient group, half are college students who leave during the summer and holiday breaks (3)The other half of us are young adults, post college years who are drifting not really knowing what we want to do with our lives. This disposition fosters an uncertainty and timidity which manifests itself in lack of initiative. So we are each waiting around for the other person to initiate a friendship while we talk in circles about what is we do instead of sharing with one another who we are. And therein lies the problem...
I always set out with the goal of writing a short post, long enough to be informative but short enough to keep people interested. And then I get to rambling...my apologies.
For those of you who may been eagerly waiting for an update on the singles group, I'd like to title this excerpt :" Singles Saga part II"
I have to preface this story by telling you this may have been my 4Th time to this group in 6 months, I've been working or traveling for the past several weeks so it's been a while since I have gone to church on a Sunday.
When my friend Natasha and I arrived, we quickly assessed the room and joined a table of girls near the front of the room. It's kind of like middle school where the girls sit with the girls and the guys sit with the guys. One of these Sundays I just might cause a scandal and join a table full of guys. Regardless of how few times I have attended I felt like a veteran when I realized one of the girls at our table was a first timer and I was able to answer her question , "so how does this all work ?[referring to the format of the class]". The class has shrunk to half it's original size because it's summer and colleges are out for the year. It was "community building" Sunday which means we don't actually have a structured teaching time. Ss a person still new to the group this is the week that doesn't particularly excite me,it means I have to sit and make conversation with strangers for an hour. "Where are you from?" (it seems 95% of people I encounter aren't actually from CO, most people are transplants), "What do you do? (6 times out of ten the answer is going to be 'I am in college at...fill in the blank'. "How long have you lived here?"etc. And then the questions are reciprocated. It's almost like an unspoken format. I don't mind talking to strangers but when I am only attending once every month and a half for various reasons it makes it hard to get past the "meet and greet dialogue.
This particular "community building" Sunday was designated as arts and craft time. The plan was to write thank you notes to our pastoral staff to express our appreciation for the work that they do...all 27 of them. I didn't even realize the church had 27 pastors, I only know the names of three of them. My home church is SC has 4 full time pastors and I always thought that was a lot. I actually really like writing cards and anything that requires some creativity and colored markers.
I am wondering if I should move up to the older singles group, because I have an old soul and I feel like I could fit in better with the 30+ singles group. The group is known as MOSAIC (Ministry of Single Adults in Community). They do fun things like go on hikes and have picnics. I have been analyzing why I haven't quite clicked with the current singles class that I have been attending. (1) My infrequent attendance, it's hard to make friends absenttee. It's a wonderful way to cast a ballot but is not very effective method when it comes to trying to make friends. (2) It's a very transient group, half are college students who leave during the summer and holiday breaks (3)The other half of us are young adults, post college years who are drifting not really knowing what we want to do with our lives. This disposition fosters an uncertainty and timidity which manifests itself in lack of initiative. So we are each waiting around for the other person to initiate a friendship while we talk in circles about what is we do instead of sharing with one another who we are. And therein lies the problem...
I always set out with the goal of writing a short post, long enough to be informative but short enough to keep people interested. And then I get to rambling...my apologies.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Fat kid or Phat kid???
There is ongoing debate of what qualifies a person as a "fat kid". What is a "fat kid?" A person who goes beyond the boundries of their ideal BMI? Is a "fat kid" someone who blogs about food three times a week? Is a fat kid someone who seeks comfort in yummy baked German goods after a traumatic doctors appointment? Or bakes on days off as a relaxing pastime? Or perhaps someone who pushes food on other people to ease their own guilt of overeatting. Perhaps...
Keri and I discussed this perplexing definition tonight because she said we are "fat kids". We love food! We eat not neccesarily because we need to but because we want to... If all the above qualify a person as a fat kid then yes folks. I am a "fat kid".
Keri and I discussed this perplexing definition tonight because she said we are "fat kids". We love food! We eat not neccesarily because we need to but because we want to... If all the above qualify a person as a fat kid then yes folks. I am a "fat kid".
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Failed Garden project
About 4 weeks ago I excitedly shopped store to store for just the right herbs to start my window sill garden. I bought seeds, extra rich potting soil, and painstakingly planted my seeds into egg cartons--Thyme, Parsley and Basil. I watered them faithfully. Well...regularly enough to keep them from wilting. Actually it took 2 weeks just for seeds to sprout and push their tentative little stalks through the dirt.
Keri has contributed to my new hobby with words of encouragement and 3 cute brightly colored pots. The day I went to transplant my seedlings to larger pots I knocked an entire egg carton off the windowsill and my seedlings were scattered. Buried alive in a vacuum bag along with the soil...
A bit discouraged by the slow progress of the seeds, I decided to get a healthy looking well established organic mint plant. My first mistake was planting it in a pot too small for the roots. Then I forgot to water it...within 5 days it was a shriveled shell of a plant. It is now a naked twig with no leaves at all. I have it setting outside hoping the fresh air and Colorado sunshine will miraculous restore its former glory. No progress yet...
Unlike my attempt to grow herbs, my plants are actually fairing pretty well, they're still alive. I could have a green thumb yet. I think my gardening skills are merely dormant at the moment and need awakened...My Nana can grow anything. She can plant a shriveled old bulb she finds lying uprooted in the yard, stick it in a pot and it is transformed into a beautiful green flowering plant. I have a dream of having a garden someday and I have to start somewhere.
Keri has contributed to my new hobby with words of encouragement and 3 cute brightly colored pots. The day I went to transplant my seedlings to larger pots I knocked an entire egg carton off the windowsill and my seedlings were scattered. Buried alive in a vacuum bag along with the soil...
A bit discouraged by the slow progress of the seeds, I decided to get a healthy looking well established organic mint plant. My first mistake was planting it in a pot too small for the roots. Then I forgot to water it...within 5 days it was a shriveled shell of a plant. It is now a naked twig with no leaves at all. I have it setting outside hoping the fresh air and Colorado sunshine will miraculous restore its former glory. No progress yet...
Unlike my attempt to grow herbs, my plants are actually fairing pretty well, they're still alive. I could have a green thumb yet. I think my gardening skills are merely dormant at the moment and need awakened...My Nana can grow anything. She can plant a shriveled old bulb she finds lying uprooted in the yard, stick it in a pot and it is transformed into a beautiful green flowering plant. I have a dream of having a garden someday and I have to start somewhere.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Problems Abroad
Dear Friends,
Please keep the country of Sudan in your prayers. The Darfur region has been headline news for many years now because of the ongoing conflict and violence in the area. Recently the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for President Bashir's arrest for crimes against humanity. In response, the Sudanese government has expelled 13 Non-government relief organizations (NGOs). Many of the NGOs have been working in the region for years and help provide food to millions.
Please keep the country of Sudan in your prayers. The Darfur region has been headline news for many years now because of the ongoing conflict and violence in the area. Recently the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for President Bashir's arrest for crimes against humanity. In response, the Sudanese government has expelled 13 Non-government relief organizations (NGOs). Many of the NGOs have been working in the region for years and help provide food to millions.
Below is an excerpt from a recent BBC article:
"Sudan is clearly furious about the case against its president.
It blames the international community and claims the case is a Western conspiracy to bring about regime change.
The ICC issued a warrant for Ahmed Haroun in 2007.There is a concern that the warrant could have an impact on the United Nations and aid workers based in Sudan.
The country's acting ambassador in London, Mohamed Zaroug, warned that it may change the government's relationship with humanitarian agencies.
"We are allowing a huge number of international NGOs [non-governmental organisations] and they are working in Sudan," he said.
"So maybe our co-operation with the international community should have a halt or a cease because this is an aggression to the Sudanese sovereignty and we have to react and to defend our country." "
It blames the international community and claims the case is a Western conspiracy to bring about regime change.
The ICC issued a warrant for Ahmed Haroun in 2007.There is a concern that the warrant could have an impact on the United Nations and aid workers based in Sudan.
The country's acting ambassador in London, Mohamed Zaroug, warned that it may change the government's relationship with humanitarian agencies.
"We are allowing a huge number of international NGOs [non-governmental organisations] and they are working in Sudan," he said.
"So maybe our co-operation with the international community should have a halt or a cease because this is an aggression to the Sudanese sovereignty and we have to react and to defend our country." "
I don't presume to understand the complexity of this ongoing conflict or the long standing tension between the southern region of Sudan and the northern region. I only know people continue to die. The pictures above were drawn by children in Sudan.
Pray:
- For the Church in Sudan
- For those who are displaced and oppressed
- For the safety of the relief workers
- For an end to the violence
If you want more information about recent events go the http://www.bbc.com/
Pray:
- For the Church in Sudan
- For those who are displaced and oppressed
- For the safety of the relief workers
- For an end to the violence
If you want more information about recent events go the http://www.bbc.com/
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
I have decided on a name for my car: Hidalgo Sanchez Manuel Martinez. I will call it Hidalgo for short. I found "Hidalgo" a very inspiring movie, the little underdog horse enters the great race across the Arabian dessert and wins...against all odds. Not that my Hidalgo will be racing across the Arabian dessert but I thought giving my car such a name might increase it's chances for survival. The odds are certainly against my Hidalgo, it hasn't even hit 60,000 miles yet and it is possibly going to need a new head Gasket. I don't understand much about cars, but I think it is equivalent to a person needing a Kidney transplant--it's a pretty essential part.
Troubled Times...
Keri and I are sitting here trying to figure out if the three of us could get to King Supers by tying Skylar's stroller to the back of Micah's mountain bike. Why?... because it is the only set of wheels we have at the moment...
My car is sick, the second time in two weeks that it has been towed to Eric's Automotive. Keri left this afternoon to go to the YMCA and was back two minutes later with a crushing look of defeat. She went to rev up the Xtera and was greeted by the weak "click" of a dead battery.
I borrowed jumper cables from our not-so-friendly tube-top wearing retired neighbor to the left yesterday but maybe borrowing something twice in two days would put further tension on an already strained relationship.
So we are waiting for Micah to get home from work with a pair of jumper cables. I am seriously thinking of investing in a bike to get to work. 10 Miles round trip isn't a bad commute. I could be one of those cool Coloradans that wears a bright yellow safety vest, and attaches a headlight to my helmet. There are 23 stoplights between me and my workplace so riding a bike might actually be faster than driving...
Keri is afraid I will get hit by a car. Personally I have a better driving record on a bike than I do in a car. I have only wrecked on a bike once (went right over the handle bars into a cactus... at least I was the one in the group carrying the First Aid kit). Whereas, I have had several mishaps in a car to include rolling and completely totaling an SUV that was not mine. So statistically the odds are in my favor.
My car is sick, the second time in two weeks that it has been towed to Eric's Automotive. Keri left this afternoon to go to the YMCA and was back two minutes later with a crushing look of defeat. She went to rev up the Xtera and was greeted by the weak "click" of a dead battery.
I borrowed jumper cables from our not-so-friendly tube-top wearing retired neighbor to the left yesterday but maybe borrowing something twice in two days would put further tension on an already strained relationship.
So we are waiting for Micah to get home from work with a pair of jumper cables. I am seriously thinking of investing in a bike to get to work. 10 Miles round trip isn't a bad commute. I could be one of those cool Coloradans that wears a bright yellow safety vest, and attaches a headlight to my helmet. There are 23 stoplights between me and my workplace so riding a bike might actually be faster than driving...
Keri is afraid I will get hit by a car. Personally I have a better driving record on a bike than I do in a car. I have only wrecked on a bike once (went right over the handle bars into a cactus... at least I was the one in the group carrying the First Aid kit). Whereas, I have had several mishaps in a car to include rolling and completely totaling an SUV that was not mine. So statistically the odds are in my favor.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Winter Wonderland...almost.
As some of you may have seen over the weekend the East coast was hit with quite a bit of snow. My hometown of Camden, South Carolina was among those gearing up for the big blizzard of the winter season--a predicted 3 inches of snow! For anybody who has lived in the Southeast, snow can turn a peaceful otherwise orderly town into chaos. People rush to the supermarkets stocking up on all the perishable items that will possibly fit in their fridges. Within 2 hours you are hard pressed to find a battery or a flashlight left in Wal-Mart...just in case the power goes out. I distinctly remember my drive from North Carolina to South Carolina in the middle of a snow storm. There was a whole inch on the ground and more falling . Cars were overturned on the side of the road, belly side up. Others were going about 20 miles an hour with their hazard lights, the rest stops were full of people who decided not to chance the roads and were waiting for the worst of the storm to pass...it was madness!
When the meteorologist predicted snow this past weekend, many churches canceled their evening services, schools announced closing for the next day. The state was braced in anticipation. Monday arrives and Camden has not a single flake. So...weather men do makes mistakes sometimes, sure, but...seriously? My sister Bekah said the meteorologist predicted a few "dry spots" around the state. Her comment was, "I guess all of South Carolina was a dry spot". The amazing thing is the schools still enjoyed a "snow day" with 40 degree weather and no snow. It might be the very first time ever that a town has had a snow-less snow day.
Meanwhile, Colorado is enjoying sunny 70 degree weather, an all time record high for the season. Good thing the democrats are in office so they can save the planet from global warming.
When the meteorologist predicted snow this past weekend, many churches canceled their evening services, schools announced closing for the next day. The state was braced in anticipation. Monday arrives and Camden has not a single flake. So...weather men do makes mistakes sometimes, sure, but...seriously? My sister Bekah said the meteorologist predicted a few "dry spots" around the state. Her comment was, "I guess all of South Carolina was a dry spot". The amazing thing is the schools still enjoyed a "snow day" with 40 degree weather and no snow. It might be the very first time ever that a town has had a snow-less snow day.
Meanwhile, Colorado is enjoying sunny 70 degree weather, an all time record high for the season. Good thing the democrats are in office so they can save the planet from global warming.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
This entry is dedicated to my brother Josh who's dream of having a boa constrictor for a pet may never be realized (ughh...sad sigh). He is soon turning 20 and sent a heartfelt facebook message to all the members of my family asking for money for his birthday to pay for a certain lonely little snake at the local pet store who was to have the name Leonidas. Like an expectant mother he had already picked out the name and was eagerly anticipating the day Leonidas would be his very own. Most of the family objected saying they could not support something that may well lead to his strangulation sometime in the distant future.Others voiced concerns for his love life because supposedly no girl would ever date a guy with a 50lb snake. And still others presented a Biblical case that all snakes are Satan incarnate.
Keri, Micah, Skylar and I went on a Sunday afternoon outing. We didn't end up going to the zoo as planned but our alternate plan was almost as good: a visit to the humane society and the friendly Fountain pet store because they have really cute pug puppies. This particular day they did not have any pug puppies but they did have some incredibly big snakes. Like the kind you see in zoos that have been known to eat rabbits and small deer. I was in the middle of the reptile aisle looking at the various snakes in their glass habitats when I noticed I was at eye level with two black eyes and a flickering tongue that were peering at me behind a plastic barrier. I was so intent at looking at the snakes in the aquariums that I hadn't noticed the stacked plastic drawers I'd nearly been leaning against...filled with snakes. That's right...the kind of plastic drawers that you buy at Wal-Mart in which to keep socks or craft supplies. In horror, I realized that the stacked plastic drawers were not filled with pet supplies but rather snakes. This was the kind of pet stores nightmares are made of, I could just imagine the drawers tumbling over and those snakes going loose all over the store.
Note: The plastic stacked drawers on the left, I don't think PETA would be too happy with their mistreatment of our sleek,slithering friends. By the way, my sister Bekah did her research on these large boa constrictors, evidently by the time they reach this size they urinate and defecate like a St. Bernard.
Keri, Micah, Skylar and I went on a Sunday afternoon outing. We didn't end up going to the zoo as planned but our alternate plan was almost as good: a visit to the humane society and the friendly Fountain pet store because they have really cute pug puppies. This particular day they did not have any pug puppies but they did have some incredibly big snakes. Like the kind you see in zoos that have been known to eat rabbits and small deer. I was in the middle of the reptile aisle looking at the various snakes in their glass habitats when I noticed I was at eye level with two black eyes and a flickering tongue that were peering at me behind a plastic barrier. I was so intent at looking at the snakes in the aquariums that I hadn't noticed the stacked plastic drawers I'd nearly been leaning against...filled with snakes. That's right...the kind of plastic drawers that you buy at Wal-Mart in which to keep socks or craft supplies. In horror, I realized that the stacked plastic drawers were not filled with pet supplies but rather snakes. This was the kind of pet stores nightmares are made of, I could just imagine the drawers tumbling over and those snakes going loose all over the store.
I've included a picture of a particularly fine specimen (the snake not the guy), an albino boa constrictor that the pet store worker voluntarily pulled out of it's cage and wrapped around his neck...that's right he knows the way to woo a lady...
Note: The plastic stacked drawers on the left, I don't think PETA would be too happy with their mistreatment of our sleek,slithering friends. By the way, my sister Bekah did her research on these large boa constrictors, evidently by the time they reach this size they urinate and defecate like a St. Bernard.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Scabies Free...
I am happy to announce that it has been more than two weeks since I cared for the scabies infested patient and it would seem that I am scabie free. An infestation of the entire household has been narrowly avoided...
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Scabies update
Unfortunately I have learned that if a person has never had scabies before symptoms don't show up for 4-6 weeks. And, I also discovered that they are actually "mites", not body lice. That's so much better...
Oh yeah, Happy Velentines day to all of you. I hope you have had a lovely day.
Oh yeah, Happy Velentines day to all of you. I hope you have had a lovely day.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ordinary Mishaps...
I have to preface this story by saying for past several months I have been looking for just the right pair of tall black boots. I was informed by a fashion savvy friend that they are an essential part of a complete wardrobe and so the search began. I looked in stores and on the Internet and nothing seemed quite right--the style, the heel, the price,etc...
I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into Banana Republic and happened upon 3 different pairs of tall boots, all on sale...the only size left just happened to mine.It seemed destined...
I decided to start with the classy looking black pair with heels.I'm not accustomed to wearing heels so the fact that I was considering them at all was monumental for me. A real milestone in my attempt to reform my fashion sensibility. I am happy at 5'10 but I don't want really want to be over 6ft tall.Major props to all the tall women who carry their height with elegance and poise and still enjoy wearing heels.
The saleslady was doing a wonderful job marketing the shoes, assuring me heels make a woman feel more confident. Saying that women carry themselves differently when they are wearing heels. She gushed that they were a wonderful price, a steal really.
I wasn't sure sure about the heel so decided to try a different pair. I sat down to take off the boots.They wouldn't budge. They were stuck. I had walked around in them 5 minutes too long and my calves had sweated. They may as well been glued to my legs. (kinda gross for the person who does end up buying them).I felt much like the evil step sister in Cinderella when she is trying to cram her huge foot into the dainty glass slipper. Only I had already successfully crammed my foot in and now it was stuck. The sales lady tried not to look horrified as scrambled for some baby powder. There was none (of course they don't keep an emergency stash of baby powder, this has probably never happened). Keri started tugging on the boot, the sales lady started to tug on the boot. As you can imagine, this created a bit of a scene. Other customers were passing by trying not to notice the awkward game tug-o-war going on by the shoe display. I thought for sure the saleslady was going to go flying into the sunglasses display in her attempt to loosen the boot. Keri was the one who successfully freed both of my feet after a 10 minute struggle. I have endured many embarrassing situations but this ranks up there...It would have been one thing if it had happened in a place like shoe carnival or Payless.No one would have noticed. But in Banana Republic where people expect a peaceful, uneventful shopping experience and the salespeople are attentive and there are only ever about 5 people in the store at any given time there was no escaping the attention. Even the cashier came around the counter to help.
I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into Banana Republic and happened upon 3 different pairs of tall boots, all on sale...the only size left just happened to mine.It seemed destined...
I decided to start with the classy looking black pair with heels.I'm not accustomed to wearing heels so the fact that I was considering them at all was monumental for me. A real milestone in my attempt to reform my fashion sensibility. I am happy at 5'10 but I don't want really want to be over 6ft tall.Major props to all the tall women who carry their height with elegance and poise and still enjoy wearing heels.
The saleslady was doing a wonderful job marketing the shoes, assuring me heels make a woman feel more confident. Saying that women carry themselves differently when they are wearing heels. She gushed that they were a wonderful price, a steal really.
I wasn't sure sure about the heel so decided to try a different pair. I sat down to take off the boots.They wouldn't budge. They were stuck. I had walked around in them 5 minutes too long and my calves had sweated. They may as well been glued to my legs. (kinda gross for the person who does end up buying them).I felt much like the evil step sister in Cinderella when she is trying to cram her huge foot into the dainty glass slipper. Only I had already successfully crammed my foot in and now it was stuck. The sales lady tried not to look horrified as scrambled for some baby powder. There was none (of course they don't keep an emergency stash of baby powder, this has probably never happened). Keri started tugging on the boot, the sales lady started to tug on the boot. As you can imagine, this created a bit of a scene. Other customers were passing by trying not to notice the awkward game tug-o-war going on by the shoe display. I thought for sure the saleslady was going to go flying into the sunglasses display in her attempt to loosen the boot. Keri was the one who successfully freed both of my feet after a 10 minute struggle. I have endured many embarrassing situations but this ranks up there...It would have been one thing if it had happened in a place like shoe carnival or Payless.No one would have noticed. But in Banana Republic where people expect a peaceful, uneventful shopping experience and the salespeople are attentive and there are only ever about 5 people in the store at any given time there was no escaping the attention. Even the cashier came around the counter to help.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Scabies, "The 7 Year Itch"
I took care of a patient yesterday who had scabies. I itched all night, even in my sleep. I am in the process of sterilizing all my bedding and uniform from last night. I had the unfortune privilage of giving a presentation on scabies during college and I still remember the photos I used. For those of you who you may not know what scabies are they are like body lice. Little critters that burrow under the skin and lay eggs---gross right? I am the first to admit that as a nurse I can be a bit of a hypochondriac. Last week there was a terrible GI virus going around the hospital, an entire unit was under quarantine. By the time it had reached our floor, we had 4 patients affected and several of our staff had been sent home sick. All that day I just knew I was feeling Nauseous, I was trying to persevere through "terrible stomach cramps" (we were told this was one of the most common symptoms). In addition to that I was braced to run to the bathroom at any moment in case I needed to throw up. I am happy to report I never actually did get the virus so the only thing I can conclude is that all those symptoms were merely in my head. I hope this constant itching that I am currently experiencing is also only in my head. Until I know for sure whether I have scabies, I am limited my contact with Skylar and am considering quarantining myself to my room. Oh yeah, did I mention scabies is known as "the seven year itch" because it takes so long to get rid of?
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Pictures of Cutie-McCuterson
My little niece Skylar, modeling her summer wear. She is by far the cutest member of this household.
My little Buddy and I reading in my bed. I've started a book-of-the month club for her.She's the only member.
These PJs make her look a bit like an elf I think. Gotta love the hat.What a week
There has been some amount of drama this week...
First,my Colorado Nursing license still had not come through and I was suspended from work as of Friday. I had sent the application to get my Colorado license at the beginning of January but when I checked online and called the Colorado Department of Nursing there was no record of them having received it. I only have a 30 day grace period on which to practice with my SC license. The 4 weeks was quickly coming to an end as I resent the application for a second time. All this led up to me calling my nurse manger and telling her I was no longer able to work because my CO license had not come through. The bad news is I missed a day of work. The good news is that after at least a dozen phone calls to several different departments within the Colorado department of nursing, I am back to work tomorrow.I have officially relinquished my SC nursing license and now hold a Colorado nursing license.
The same day I was suspended from working I got a call from my Dad saying my SC license plate was about to expire. If I didn't register my car in Colorado within the next 4 days I would be driving illegally. Great!! Out of 4 DMVs around Colorado Springs, only 1 is open on Fridays. You can imagine the line. It wasn't a terrible experience though. I was in and out in 30 min, major props to the Colorado Springs DMV. So all in one day I relinquished my SC nursing license, SC vehicle registration, SC license place and SC title to my vehicle. I guess this officially makes me a resident of Colorado? My Colorado drivers license will arrive by mail in about a week.
Which brings me to another point. The native Coloradoans (and I haven't come across too many) are becoming a bit territorial. I was sitting at a stoplight the other day and saw a green and white bumpersticker (made to look just like the CO license plates) that said "NATIVE" in bold white letters. On the right side was another bumpersticker, with the same green and white background that read, "NO VACANCY". I was a little offended. I come from South Caroline where we proudly welcome every visitor and soon-to-be-resident with the motto "South Carolina: smiling faces, beautiful places". Where's the hospitality people?
My neatly held idea that I am a patient person was also shattered this week. I really thought since I had been in West Africa for the past 2 years that my concept of time has become more flexible. And maybe it has but I am not in Africa anymore. I am back in the US and I expect efficiency. A two and a half hour wait to have the oil changed is a bit ridiculous. I've had my oil changed enough to know it takes about 15min, 30 min tops.It was not a good first experience with the Sears auto center. I was told it would take 45min. I thought that was a long time but I was wiling to wait. Sears is after all attached to the Chapel Hills mall and I didn't figure I'd have a hard time killing 45minutes. An hour and fifteen minutes later I return to Sears to check if my car was finished. I don't think they had even started it, at this point I was still in a good mood. I pulled out my book (I never leave the house without a book in my purse, you never know when you will have some time to kill) and told them I would wait there. I waited another hour before I finally went to find the clerk and check again to see if my car was done. I was so annoyed...I discovered I have a bit of my mother in me. I went home and promptly called the manger of the Sears auto shop to give him some "feedback" in regards to the service I had received that day.
First,my Colorado Nursing license still had not come through and I was suspended from work as of Friday. I had sent the application to get my Colorado license at the beginning of January but when I checked online and called the Colorado Department of Nursing there was no record of them having received it. I only have a 30 day grace period on which to practice with my SC license. The 4 weeks was quickly coming to an end as I resent the application for a second time. All this led up to me calling my nurse manger and telling her I was no longer able to work because my CO license had not come through. The bad news is I missed a day of work. The good news is that after at least a dozen phone calls to several different departments within the Colorado department of nursing, I am back to work tomorrow.I have officially relinquished my SC nursing license and now hold a Colorado nursing license.
The same day I was suspended from working I got a call from my Dad saying my SC license plate was about to expire. If I didn't register my car in Colorado within the next 4 days I would be driving illegally. Great!! Out of 4 DMVs around Colorado Springs, only 1 is open on Fridays. You can imagine the line. It wasn't a terrible experience though. I was in and out in 30 min, major props to the Colorado Springs DMV. So all in one day I relinquished my SC nursing license, SC vehicle registration, SC license place and SC title to my vehicle. I guess this officially makes me a resident of Colorado? My Colorado drivers license will arrive by mail in about a week.
Which brings me to another point. The native Coloradoans (and I haven't come across too many) are becoming a bit territorial. I was sitting at a stoplight the other day and saw a green and white bumpersticker (made to look just like the CO license plates) that said "NATIVE" in bold white letters. On the right side was another bumpersticker, with the same green and white background that read, "NO VACANCY". I was a little offended. I come from South Caroline where we proudly welcome every visitor and soon-to-be-resident with the motto "South Carolina: smiling faces, beautiful places". Where's the hospitality people?
My neatly held idea that I am a patient person was also shattered this week. I really thought since I had been in West Africa for the past 2 years that my concept of time has become more flexible. And maybe it has but I am not in Africa anymore. I am back in the US and I expect efficiency. A two and a half hour wait to have the oil changed is a bit ridiculous. I've had my oil changed enough to know it takes about 15min, 30 min tops.It was not a good first experience with the Sears auto center. I was told it would take 45min. I thought that was a long time but I was wiling to wait. Sears is after all attached to the Chapel Hills mall and I didn't figure I'd have a hard time killing 45minutes. An hour and fifteen minutes later I return to Sears to check if my car was finished. I don't think they had even started it, at this point I was still in a good mood. I pulled out my book (I never leave the house without a book in my purse, you never know when you will have some time to kill) and told them I would wait there. I waited another hour before I finally went to find the clerk and check again to see if my car was done. I was so annoyed...I discovered I have a bit of my mother in me. I went home and promptly called the manger of the Sears auto shop to give him some "feedback" in regards to the service I had received that day.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New Kid in Town...
It's funny I don't know what to write about now that I am no longer in Africa. In Africa my life was exciting, I had poignant stories to tell, deep reflective entries to share and cool pictures to post. Now my life seems uneventful. Certainly nothing anyone would want to read about. There are a lot of "Mommy blogs" out there where women around the nation are keeping us posted on latest tooth that has come in for baby Timmy, or the latest domestic disaster. There is also a growing phenomenon of cooking/recipes blog out there. People swapping helpful kitchen hints and yummy recipes. Then, I think there is the third category of blogs and that is the " I am off on a big adventure and want to keep everyone up to date on my travels (and maybe trigger a bit of envy) without writing a lot of e-mails. " Certainly there are other categories of blogs but for simplicity's sake I'll only mention those three. Previously my blog fell into category number 3. Now, however, it is merely a blog an everyday 'normal' life blog. I will do my best to post interesting little tidbits of information.
I have started going to the singles small group class at church on Sunday morning. Just a side note: the label "single" becomes more and more stigmatizing the further into my twenties that I get. It stirs in people (esp. married people) the desire to 'fix' the situation. Usually people will make comments like, "I have a nice son I'd like you to meet", or "so there is this guy, T, I think you guys would be perfect for one another" or worse yet "there is this guy M. , he has a really great personality". "Good personality" is often the code word for "socially awkward" My sister Keri's latest line is "maybe you should try signing up for e-harmony". Not to knock anyone who has found that special someone on e-harmony or match.com , it seems to be working for a lot of people.
So, I walked in the room this morning and there were only two other people there. I started to realize 10 minutes later when the room started filling up that I was merely one of those not-so-cool people who actually show up on time. Obviously, the more socially savvy singles show up 15 minutes late. The table I was sitting at filled up quite quickly but then I noticed a girl sitting all by herself at a table. Trying to spare her the awkwardness of sitting alone and looking like she has no friends I asked if I could join her. She said yes but was quick to assure me that "my friends are coming they wanted to save them a seat". What is this Middle School ??? She was nice enough, a Louisiana girl, but as her friends started to arrive I realized I had inadvertently found myself at the "cool table"--the rock star looking male worship leader with shaggy hair, the tall funny I've-worked-on-the- church-staff and know everybody guy, and the stylishly dressed sophisticated looking girls. Anyone who knows me well, realizes I may felt a little out of place. Although my sister Keri claims I have no social boundaries it's not entirely true. I have never been cool, fashion-forward, graceful or sophisticated such people initially intimidate me. Being an athlete in high school is the one things that kept me from being labeled as a "geek". I have learned, however, when you are the "new kid" in a situation if you pretend to be at ease no one else suspects otherwise. So I confess sometimes the air of confidence is a complete facade, but I am sure I am not the only one who pretends...Isn't it completely silly that no matter how old we get we still just want to be liked and accepted? Rejection I think is the ultimate wound to the human soul...
But I am diverting...all this to say week 2 of the singles group went well. We talked about C.S. Lewis's take on charity, discussed at our tables some deep and meaningful questions, and all in all my table of "cool" people were pretty nice although I had the distinct feeling of being the outsider in a close-knit group of friends. More on the singles group to follow...
I have started going to the singles small group class at church on Sunday morning. Just a side note: the label "single" becomes more and more stigmatizing the further into my twenties that I get. It stirs in people (esp. married people) the desire to 'fix' the situation. Usually people will make comments like, "I have a nice son I'd like you to meet", or "so there is this guy, T, I think you guys would be perfect for one another" or worse yet "there is this guy M. , he has a really great personality". "Good personality" is often the code word for "socially awkward" My sister Keri's latest line is "maybe you should try signing up for e-harmony". Not to knock anyone who has found that special someone on e-harmony or match.com , it seems to be working for a lot of people.
So, I walked in the room this morning and there were only two other people there. I started to realize 10 minutes later when the room started filling up that I was merely one of those not-so-cool people who actually show up on time. Obviously, the more socially savvy singles show up 15 minutes late. The table I was sitting at filled up quite quickly but then I noticed a girl sitting all by herself at a table. Trying to spare her the awkwardness of sitting alone and looking like she has no friends I asked if I could join her. She said yes but was quick to assure me that "my friends are coming they wanted to save them a seat". What is this Middle School ??? She was nice enough, a Louisiana girl, but as her friends started to arrive I realized I had inadvertently found myself at the "cool table"--the rock star looking male worship leader with shaggy hair, the tall funny I've-worked-on-the- church-staff and know everybody guy, and the stylishly dressed sophisticated looking girls. Anyone who knows me well, realizes I may felt a little out of place. Although my sister Keri claims I have no social boundaries it's not entirely true. I have never been cool, fashion-forward, graceful or sophisticated such people initially intimidate me. Being an athlete in high school is the one things that kept me from being labeled as a "geek". I have learned, however, when you are the "new kid" in a situation if you pretend to be at ease no one else suspects otherwise. So I confess sometimes the air of confidence is a complete facade, but I am sure I am not the only one who pretends...Isn't it completely silly that no matter how old we get we still just want to be liked and accepted? Rejection I think is the ultimate wound to the human soul...
But I am diverting...all this to say week 2 of the singles group went well. We talked about C.S. Lewis's take on charity, discussed at our tables some deep and meaningful questions, and all in all my table of "cool" people were pretty nice although I had the distinct feeling of being the outsider in a close-knit group of friends. More on the singles group to follow...
Walking in the Light...
"You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning: My God turns my darkness into light." Psalm 18:28
I am thankful that the Lord transforms darkness into light. That He is light. That He strengthens my spirit over and over again...Praise the Lord!
I am thankful that the Lord transforms darkness into light. That He is light. That He strengthens my spirit over and over again...Praise the Lord!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
My life now...
At the moment I am living with my sister, Keri and her husband Micah. They have generously offered me one of their spare bed rooms which they transformed from an office to a bedroom with enough space for a single bed, bookshelf and desk. It's about half the size of my cabin on the ship minus 3 roommates so all things considered its pretty spacious. I by far have the best view of the house. I see a brilliant sunrise every morning through my window which faces East. I am happy. I have my world maps hanging, a few family photos and some miscellaneous artwork that I have collected during my travels.
The other residents of the house are my oh-so-cute and cuddly 9 month old niece Sklyar Nicole Rue (if they named her after someone else they are certainly not telling me).Skylar has not started crawling yet but she seems more and more curious everyday and I don't think it will be long until her desire to be more mobile prompts her to crawl . Her new discovery of the week is that she can make a clucking sound with her tongue, pretty adorable. Of course as the doting aunt I think most everything she does is adorable. The highlight of my day is when I am still laying in bed and Keri brings Skylar in to lay in bed with me. She likes my brightly colored map hanging from the ceiling, sometimes I lay there and tell her all about Africa. On other mornings I read to her until she starts fidgeting which lets me know she is ready for breakfast.
Not to be forgotten are the two hairy members of the family. Jack: the personality-filled pug from the animal rescue center who has a larger wardrobe then I do and prefers to poop in the house rather then venture out into the snow on cold days. He also loves watching Animal planet. This would be the moment to say that Jack and I are still establishing a relationship. He protested my arrival by pooping in my room 3 times in two weeks, and peeing on a stack on books sitting on my floor. At the moment Jack is wearing his red hooded sweatshirt with little pines trees printed on it. This is my favorite piece in his wardrobe because his hood falls down over his eyes and he sometimes runs into the walls. Pretty entertaining...
Sabot: (which evidently is the name of some piece of Army artillery) is the good natured golden retriever who almost died as a puppy from canine parvo and had to have multiple blood transfusions. He barely survived. He is now nearly two. His hobbies are: hiking, playing in the snow, going for walks, eating poo in the backyard, and playing with Jack and Micah.
The other residents of the house are my oh-so-cute and cuddly 9 month old niece Sklyar Nicole Rue (if they named her after someone else they are certainly not telling me).Skylar has not started crawling yet but she seems more and more curious everyday and I don't think it will be long until her desire to be more mobile prompts her to crawl . Her new discovery of the week is that she can make a clucking sound with her tongue, pretty adorable. Of course as the doting aunt I think most everything she does is adorable. The highlight of my day is when I am still laying in bed and Keri brings Skylar in to lay in bed with me. She likes my brightly colored map hanging from the ceiling, sometimes I lay there and tell her all about Africa. On other mornings I read to her until she starts fidgeting which lets me know she is ready for breakfast.
Not to be forgotten are the two hairy members of the family. Jack: the personality-filled pug from the animal rescue center who has a larger wardrobe then I do and prefers to poop in the house rather then venture out into the snow on cold days. He also loves watching Animal planet. This would be the moment to say that Jack and I are still establishing a relationship. He protested my arrival by pooping in my room 3 times in two weeks, and peeing on a stack on books sitting on my floor. At the moment Jack is wearing his red hooded sweatshirt with little pines trees printed on it. This is my favorite piece in his wardrobe because his hood falls down over his eyes and he sometimes runs into the walls. Pretty entertaining...
Sabot: (which evidently is the name of some piece of Army artillery) is the good natured golden retriever who almost died as a puppy from canine parvo and had to have multiple blood transfusions. He barely survived. He is now nearly two. His hobbies are: hiking, playing in the snow, going for walks, eating poo in the backyard, and playing with Jack and Micah.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Writing again
Ok...so I am returning to this blog after nearly a year of not writing. I actually couldn't even remember what my blog address was so I went to blogspot.com and searched for "Nicole Austin". Some seductive looking blond popped up and I am pretty sure it wasn't me...looked kind of sketchy like a porn site or something. Never did want to be blond, they always get a bad rap for being unintelligent. Aren't all the introspective, adventurous, and noble heroines of books always brunette anyways? (ie: Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice being a prime example).
Anyhow, all this to say I have decided to resume blogging thanks to the encouragement of my somewhat wacky poetic friend Mle Haymes who is a true writer at heart (I am just a wannabe).
I also thought it might be good to resume this public journal as a sort of post-Mercy Ships rehabilitation therapy. This whole adjusting to life back on land is taking some time. I miss not being able to say goodnight to my neighbors through cabin wall, I miss tea times in the cozy cabin 4343 sitting area, I miss long evenings on the dock with the ship kids playing red light green light to the backdrop of a brilliant African sunset. I miss the power of a community worshiping in song together. I miss Sat. morning pancakes and the ripple of excitement that the daily opening of the snack bar and cafe always caused. I would never remember it was break time until I saw a large herd of people moving toward Deck 5 with their mug in hand. And I miss that you would never forget when it was meal time even if you never carried a watch because you always saw a third of the crew heading en mass to the dining room, hoping there might be a dessert or something special at dinner. (They were usually disappointed, however, fresh cut pineapple was always a source of excitement for me).A few other things I miss: Ultimate games in the rain, magnetic walls (sure did make re-decorating easier) ,the crew galley on Saturday mornings, cooking with the Kronester and Cairncross kids, the Scottish Cedeles on the dock, Christmas eve and the special events of December, and the transformation of a patient's countenance as he or she experienced the joy of physical wholeness and meaningful touch once again.
I am no longer on the ship, however,so just to ease a bit a of homesickness perhaps I should also remember some of the things I don't miss about ship life. Time has a funny way of fading from our memory the hard times, the time of homesickness, stress and fatigue. It's a gift from the Lord I think that our mind sifts the memories, keeping the good ones as if they were valuable gems and letting go of the painful memories. Sometimes it is good to forget.
A few things I don't miss:
--Stench of sewage that wafted across the harbour some days, making me feel like the ship was floating in a giant toilet bowl
--Seasickness during sails
--the constant flow of UN paparazzi who seemed completely unaware that the ship was our home not a tourist destination.
--Cucumbers and slightly fermented tomatoes every day twice a day.
--Weevils in the breakfast cereal
--4 hour church services with 3 offerings
--The disappointment of a patient's face when 'wholeness' wasn't going to be possible despite surgery
--People asking for more then I felt I was able to give.
--Weekly fire drills =)
Anyhow, all this to say I have decided to resume blogging thanks to the encouragement of my somewhat wacky poetic friend Mle Haymes who is a true writer at heart (I am just a wannabe).
I also thought it might be good to resume this public journal as a sort of post-Mercy Ships rehabilitation therapy. This whole adjusting to life back on land is taking some time. I miss not being able to say goodnight to my neighbors through cabin wall, I miss tea times in the cozy cabin 4343 sitting area, I miss long evenings on the dock with the ship kids playing red light green light to the backdrop of a brilliant African sunset. I miss the power of a community worshiping in song together. I miss Sat. morning pancakes and the ripple of excitement that the daily opening of the snack bar and cafe always caused. I would never remember it was break time until I saw a large herd of people moving toward Deck 5 with their mug in hand. And I miss that you would never forget when it was meal time even if you never carried a watch because you always saw a third of the crew heading en mass to the dining room, hoping there might be a dessert or something special at dinner. (They were usually disappointed, however, fresh cut pineapple was always a source of excitement for me).A few other things I miss: Ultimate games in the rain, magnetic walls (sure did make re-decorating easier) ,the crew galley on Saturday mornings, cooking with the Kronester and Cairncross kids, the Scottish Cedeles on the dock, Christmas eve and the special events of December, and the transformation of a patient's countenance as he or she experienced the joy of physical wholeness and meaningful touch once again.
I am no longer on the ship, however,so just to ease a bit a of homesickness perhaps I should also remember some of the things I don't miss about ship life. Time has a funny way of fading from our memory the hard times, the time of homesickness, stress and fatigue. It's a gift from the Lord I think that our mind sifts the memories, keeping the good ones as if they were valuable gems and letting go of the painful memories. Sometimes it is good to forget.
A few things I don't miss:
--Stench of sewage that wafted across the harbour some days, making me feel like the ship was floating in a giant toilet bowl
--Seasickness during sails
--the constant flow of UN paparazzi who seemed completely unaware that the ship was our home not a tourist destination.
--Cucumbers and slightly fermented tomatoes every day twice a day.
--Weevils in the breakfast cereal
--4 hour church services with 3 offerings
--The disappointment of a patient's face when 'wholeness' wasn't going to be possible despite surgery
--People asking for more then I felt I was able to give.
--Weekly fire drills =)
Saturday, March 29, 2008
New in the neighborhood
We sometimes have interesting neighbors sail in and drop anchor in the Monrovia port. This futuristic-Star-Wars looking vessel is a US Naval High Speed Vessel used for primarily humanitarian efforts. It arrived to Liberia to help foster diplomatic relations by delivering a load of medicine to certain clinics around Monrovia. It was also running some training exercise as to how it can best serve as a quickly deployed mobile platform for special forces during combat situations. I don't totally understand it all but it looks cool. One of the Naval officer who gave us a tour said it's kind of an odd ball mission, evidently the Navy does have too many Catamarans in its fleet. This one is based out of Texas. I think you can click on the picture to enlarge the image.
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