Where everybody knows your name

I love my gym. I really really do. I have a routine of getting up at 0430 every day and being out the door by 0500. Go to the gym for about an hour, then work a 10 hour nursing shift. Am I crazy some people ask? Maybe. But I know me, and know that It's difficult for me to go to the gym after a 10 hour shift. I'd rather knock it out at 0'dark thirty instead.

It's a nice gym, bright and colorful with everything I need. It's "real" people working out. There aren't people prancing around in bikinis or trying to pick up guys (disclaimer: If you are one of these people I'm so sorry, more power to you, hehe). It's comfortable and everyone is there for the same reasons. We're just trying to stay or become healthy. I-Love-It.

Each morning upon arrival, I swipe my card and enter the land of sweat and determination. Upon heading to my destination (usually the treadmill to run a few miles) I'm greeted continuously by people who now are like friends. "Hey Jess, Good morning Jess, good work out Jess." It's a big deal to me. These people don't even really know why I'm there, but they are kind and supportive. To me, that's everything and more I could ever want out of my gym. 

Clinic Visit

Well I'm not that late, but I did have CF clinic the last week of August. I really did mean to sit down that night and write, and well, you know....I didn't. In my defense things around here have been quite busy the last few weeks. My Dad had back surgery so I've been taking him to and from appointments, follow ups, blood work, doing his dressing changes. You name it. It was a little frazzling (is that even a word?) to say the least.

On a positive note my clinic visit ROCKED, and for a few different reasons. One, my PFT's were above baseline which always makes me smile. The Doctor basically said, "just keep doing what you're doing and we'll see you in 3 months." So yes, that was okey dokey with me for sure! Second and most important was that my best friend was able to go with me for my visit.

As one of the biggest supporters of me and my CF, she was able to really go and see what going to clinic is all about. From PFT's, to seeing the doc, to getting examined, getting my 8765145678514534769 prescription refills, and for the love of cheese, her having to watch them swab me for my sputum culture (ew). She was there for it all. 

My bestie has seen me at my worst with CF. From visiting me in the hospital with bowel obstructions or pneumonia, to hanging out with me and my PICC lines on numerous occasions. We make the best of it. Always. She's seen me celebrate my biggest accomplishments too, like 5K's and my triathlon.

I couldn't ask for a better friend in the entire world. Thanks for going to good ole Johns Hopkins with me, heck, at least we made it fun. She's my CF partner in crime. To celebrate the good visit, we went to my favorite bar for their wings and sliders in Baltimore :) Not a bad day if I say so myself.

And...drum roll please....my bestie is officially a NURSE PRACTITIONER!!!!!!! I'm so proud!!

 

This is us sporting our awesome Hopkins visitors bracelets. Rad. 

"Are you a runner?"

I love my job. I'll say it again, I love my job. At the outpatient surgery center at which I work I do mostly admitting/triaging patients and recovery room nursing. When I'm in the triage area, I get to talk to a lot

 of patients. Perhaps it's because I'm so chatty that I love my job, who knows ;) Anyway after making sure they are medically clear for their surgery If I have time there's always room for conversation. It's kind of like each new person I meet has the chance to teach me something new, etc. Love it.

So I was getting a gentleman ready for his procedure today, just like I do every day. As I was inserting his IV and hooking him up to some medications he asked me out of the blue "Are you a runner?" I answered "Why yes I am, how'd you know that?" He replied "I can just tell. You look healthy, make sure you keep up the good work!" After the fact that he completely made my day I came back down to earth and wheeled him into the procedure room.

Upon our departure he looked at me and said "Keep doing whatever you're doing." Boy, if I had any idea why I run and do the things I do....but then again maybe he did know? It was such an inspiring moment for sure. Take that CF ;)

"You're too nice!"

Yes, yes, this is something I really shouldn't even be blogging about because it's a phrase that is NOT new to my ears. I've had this said to me for-ev-er! I can't help it, THIS is who I am. Sometimes I do find it somewhat offensive I have to admit. Anyway the reason I'm even writing about it is because of Facebook. Yes, lovely Facebook.

I LOVE (for the most part) the people I talk to, connect with, and have built relationships with. What I loathe is that I hold back on what I'd really like so say sometimes. For example, there are friends of mine that complain about complaining. I mean really, is it necessary!? Like for instance, person A hates the world. Even if you gave person A a cookie, he'd most likely bitch (sorry) because it's not chocolate chip, he wants sugar. Then if you DID give him the sugar, he'd complain about that because, well, he has to! Seriously!? 

Sometimes I actually type out a frank, but kind response then end up deleting it. Why do I want to sink to this level of negativity? Why do I want someone who hates the fact that he's breathing and alive bother me? Well, that's because...you guessed it, "you're too nice." I just really wish I had the guts to say what It is I'm feeling sometimes. Ah well, a girl can dream right? ;)

The last hmm, 10 months or so?

So here's what's been going on in my world since I'm the worst blogger in history and have to do a lame update instead ;)

No particular order, just how I can remember everything...here goes...

Still going to the gym 4-5 days a week and running. One of my coworkers decided to join so I'm now going with her in the mornings before work. I have to get up at 430 am to do this, but it's so nice getting it done first thing in the morning.

We did our 1st CF Great Strides walk in May, and it was simply awesome. 

We just got back from Florida and the Bahamas for vacation. Really enjoyed a break from reality. Well, the reality of work really. The nebs traveled with me ;)

I completed a Triathlon on May 12th!!! Definitely my biggest achievement this year thus far. I completed a 5K run, 10K bike, and 500 meter swim in 1 hour and 47 minutes. I even got a medal :)

I turned 32 in February, woo hoo!

We went on a long weekend ski trip in February with Scott's family. We were skiing in blizzard conditions, that was a first. Shew.

Celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary in April!

CF wise I started on 2 different compounded medications. I'm now on Ceftaz and Tobra. I am SO thankful for these meds because they are done in minutes via the Trio and my lungs are so happy!

I've been great at repelling technology this year. I left my iPOD at the gym never to be heard from again of course. I prefer to think I paid it forward and someone who needed one got it. Yeah yeah I know. I also got an iPhone, broke an iphone, got an iphone, killed an iphone, and got an iphone. In my defense, I broke (ahem, the first one) by leaning down to hug my niece and it shattered into a million and one pieces.

I've been cooking a ton which isn't anything new, just my love.

I have become a PINTEREST ADDICT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Currently training to run a 10K, not sure when I'm doing it, but I'm training anyway.

Went deep sea fishing! Saw a ton of sharks and caught a giant fish! A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

Paddle boarded for the first time. Holy work out! I had not idea it was so hard! I decided to try this during hurricane Debby. Yeah, brilliant right? 

Planted a pretty cool garden this year that the deer have NOT touched! Woo hoo! Mostly because my husband put a greenhouse up and they can't get it, but still. Hehe.

I've become a coupon clipper, big time. Now I'm not losing my mind and hoarding 100000000 boxes of tampons or anything (LOL) just stuff that we need.

Did a wild 7 mile hike in the Spring. Tough, but certainly worth it. We are currently trying to plan a trip to hike in the Grand Canyon.

Enjoying my Orioles, but SO counting down the days until Football season and my RAVENS!

Work is going well. Being the Charge RN has it's moments, but I love my job so much. 

We got a POOL!!!!!!!!!! It should be ready for pick up this week. I can't wait!!

Well that's all I can think of right now. Sorry If I bored you to tears with this :)

Certain patients....

Reason #1534861456 why I love my job of being a Nurse. I took care of a challenged gentleman today that had to be one of the absolute kindest men on the face of the earth. I can't even begin to describe it, but he was just a good soul if you know what I mean. And in short, I adored him. 

He was my 2nd patient of many for the day and I have to say starting out the day like this was wonderful. He was so so so thankful for everything, even me checking his blood pressure. "Thank you ma'am, yes ma'am, ok ma'ma." I hadn't even got him into the triage bay before he kissed my hand and told me I had "pretty green eyes." These patients melt my heart completely.

So nearing the end of our time together he gave me a big hug, and kiss on the cheek. What-a-cutie. I even called my husband and said that If I could I'd bring him home to take care of him. He had a form of developmental delay and was mentally challenged. I truly believe these people are angels on this earth.

Before he left from his procedure he came to find me to say bye. He asked me if it would be ok if he painted me a water color painting next week and brought it back to me. I think my heart exploded today...

Hello!?!?

Testing out the good ol' blog again! Yes, yes it's been AGES since my last post. It's been quite an adventure getting this site to even let me begin to post again. IF this is successful, count me in as being back on the blog-band-wagon. ;)