Busy, busy week.

On Thursday I was able to spend time with almost all the LDS med wives!  13 of them are moving away for residency, and it was sad.  I met a lot of new friends though, and I'm excited.  They hang out every Thursday night, so I'll be able to go at least once a month.  Yay for support systems - they're awesome.

Last Friday I got my hair cut.  I'm growing my hair out, but need to keep the back trimmed so I don't grow a mullet.  That would be so hot.  I've also decided to keep my bangs, because they make me look like an adult.  Everyone commented on how I looked so much older when I first got my hair cut, and I think it's partly due to the bangs!

We went to see The Avengers Friday evening.  Amazing.  Such a cool movie with billions (ok maybe a slight exaggeration) of superheroes!  Jordan even designated each nephew to be a certain superhero.  I'll post the awesome picture later :)

Saturday we had the opportunity to see the incredible Emerson String Quartet.  This group has won multiple Grammys and other awards, and is known throughout the entire world for their classical music performances.  They came to VCU and we got cheap tickets!  Sweet!  They performed pieces by Haydn, Shostakovich, and Beethoven.  I loved it so much I even bought the Beethoven piece on iTunes.

Sunday was a nice relaxing day, and I was super productive.  I finished a wreath I'd been working on, baked bread, and made a yummy dinner.  Relief Society was amazing as well.  They had a visiting teaching conference and I've made a renewed decision to improve my performance.  I've been the worst VT ever.  I've visited my sisters once this whole year!!  So - in comes my perpetual calendar.  I've assigned myself tasks to complete for VT.  Ideally, I'll set up the appointment by the 10 of each month, visit by the 20, and report by the 30.  I'm really excited.  I also found this cool website that makes free printables every month that relate to the VT message.  My determination comes from the feelings and impressions I got during the conference from the Holy Ghost.  Basically, we're here to learn and become more like our Heavenly Father.  He wouldn't give us something to do if we couldn't do it.  Also, the things that are hard for us (our weaknesses) need to become our strengths.  It doesn't matter if it's hard, we just need to push ourselves, because that's how we learn.  So wish me luck :)

Other than that, it's been work, work, work for me!

Jordan had an oral exam for FCM on Monday and did fabulously.  He has been studying for his Neurology exam this Friday.  Then we have one weekend, and he begins studying for Step One!  So wish him luck as well!  :)

...Bring May Flowers

Well, we haven't done much this past week to catch up on!

My work is transitioning to a hospitalist model for the doctors from having a practice come from the outside.  They had a meet and greet with the new doctors and it was so fun!  One of the doctors is even from VCU, and Jordan knows her.  I'm excited to have them in the hospital so we can deliver better care to our patients.

We walked through a house on Saturday and it was amazing.  4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, almost 2000 square feet.  It even had a huge yard and was being remodeled.  The only downside I could really see is something I discovered after the fact.  The area that house is in had 31 - yes, thirty-one - murders in April. Um, no, we're not moving there.  Dang - it was even in our price range!  So we're looking for houses in "the Fan" and "Church hill" areas, which are basically directly east and west of Jordan's school.  There are a ton of houses in these areas too, and I've got a lot of appointments set up to walk through properties.

I took a class for work on Monday for "Nonviolent Crisis Intervention."  Basically, it's where you learn to  help patients when they're beginning to act out and keep them safe.  You also learn how to take people down, which is super important when you're working on the acute side.  I took the class before when I was working as a psych tech on a Geriatric psych unit in Salt Lake City, but this was a good refresher.

Jordan did amazing on his written exam for FCM!  He's doing so great, and has been studying like a mad-man for the boards.  He has two more exams next week and then begins studying for real, for real.

The weather has been so bipolar lately.  It was 50 degrees a few days ago, and tomorrow it's supposed to be over 90.  I can't wait til they open the pool on Memorial Day!

April Showers...

It really has been so rainy here in Richmond for the past week.  I can't believe that Salt Lake City has been warmer than us!  What?!  That doesn't make sense.  I guess it even snowed a few days ago in Pennsylvania, so the whole east coast has been having random weather.  Today is the first really nice day in a while, so I've enjoyed that.

First and foremost - Jordan and I have FINALLY finished LOST!  Ugh!  It took us a few months to get through 6 very confusing seasons.  I think I said, "What?  That doesn't make sense!" at lease once every episode.  It was entertaining coming up with our own conclusions to the whole story.  We especially liked how one entire season revolved around pushing a button.  Oh, and how another season revolved entirely around whether they were all dead or not.  It was great.

April 16 was tax day, and I was so extremely grateful that we got our taxes done in January!  What an awesome feeling of non-procrastination.  I've had to file an extension almost every year, but not this year. Woo-hoo!  Here's hoping next year will go just as smoothly!

Jordan had an exam for his Foundations in Clinical Medicine (FCM) on April 16 and did awesome.  He had to get a history and physical on two people and then write up a note on one of them.  We had practiced together, and I think that helped.

We had FHE with Alan and Lyanna on April 16 as well, and talked about the First Presidency message for this month, ate some delicious ice cream (Waffle Cone and Salted Caramel Pretzel - um yum!), and played Sequence.  Such a fun game!

I bought tickets on Groupon for super cheap admission to the Edgar Allan Poe Museum here in Richmond, which we went to see on April 17.  It was fascinating.  He lived a very interesting life, and although the museum was small, we really enjoyed it.

On April 19, Jordan went to court to fight his speeding ticket that he got the day after his birthday - boo!  :(  Amazingly, the judge somehow didn't see that Jordan had a previous ticket, and let him off easy.  All Jordan has to do is go to traffic school, and we pay the court fees.  Yay for nice judges!

This past weekend was my weekend off.  We weren't able to do much because Jordan was studying for his Musculoskeletal Exam on Tuesday, plus it rained all weekend.  But we did go play in a nearby park and then go out to Cheesecake Factory on Saturday!

And speaking of exams, Jordan did great on the MSK exam.  Woo!  He has another exam next Monday for FCM, and the Neurology exam the week after that!  Sheesh!  Then it's going to be what the M2's lovingly call "Crunch Month," which is where they study an entire month (heck, he's been studying all year) for the Step 1 Exam.  The Step 1 is the most important test at this point, because his score will help determine which residencies he may get.  So I'm trying to be a good wife - keep the house clean, do laundry, make dinner, and bring home the bacon.  The month after Step 1 will be a good one, let me tell ya!

Major Catch Up Time!

I've not been as awesome as I should be when it comes to blogging.  You wouldn't think it, but working day shift (awesome and incredible as it is) makes me exhausted.  I am walking during the whole 8 hours, and always doing something.  I get up super early (5:10 AM?!) and go to sleep at 9:30 PM (sometimes 8 PM).  I feel like an old person.  But I'm beginning to have some semblance of a routine, which I love.  And I truly love being so busy at work.  I'm a busy natured person - it's just getting used to it!  So hence, my excuse for not blogging.  Get ready for the onslaught.

On March 23rd, Jordan and I attended the boy scout fundraiser dinner at our ward.  It was so fun.  We ate a spaghetti dinner cooked by the scouts (under the supervision of their leaders ;)), hung out with our friends from the ward, and had an auction for awesome items like a fishing trip, hair products, food, etc.

I began working by my self at work on March 26th!  I love it.  It's kindof nerve-wracking, but I enjoy being able to implement all the things I've learned throughout my career as a psych nurse into my practice.  One of my favorite things I'm able to do is groups with the patients.  I gather them all together and we either do an activity or talk about different issues.  I've done groups so far on medication management, "Stamping out the Stigma," their happy memories, how involved they are in their care, etc.  I seriously love psych, and am even considering becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (similar to a doctor) in the future.  Loving what you do is so important!

I've been growing my hair out, and as a result, some funny things have happened to me lately.  Both at the scout dinner and at work, these girls came up to me and out of the blue would say, "You know who you look like??  Alice Cullen!!!!!"  Consequently, one of my patients would call me nothing but Alice, and a young woman in our ward beams at me every time she sees me.  It's hilarious!  What do you think?

March 26th, Jordan and I were able to see The Hunger Games!!  It was awesome.  We tried out a theater in our area that is just 21 years and over, and had a great time.  They had huge semi-reclining seats, dinner, popcorn, dessert, etc.  Loved it!  And the tickets are a bit cheaper than the other theater we usually go to.

On March 30th, I had the best massage I think I've ever had in my life.  When you're so relaxed to the point of drooling, I think that's pretty dang amazing!  I've been seeing my massage therapist, Jennifer, for almost 2 years, and she is incredible.  Her website is here.

Conference was so good, as usual.  Because I worked day shift that weekend, I was only able to see the afternoon sessions, but I hope to be able to watch the morning ones soon.  My favorite quotes from them were:

"Why should you be jealous when I choose to be kind...Demeaning someone else doesn't improve your self image.  Be kind."  Jeffrey R. Holland

"Mothers and fathers - praying with children may be more important than any other example" Quentin L. Cook

Some of my favorite talks were by: Robert D. Hales, about the prodigal son; President Monson's talk Sunday morning; and the talk by Neil L. Andersen.  

Some themes I noticed: revelation, the ability to be forgiven/repentance, and priesthood responsibilities. To see, read, or hear the talks for yourself, go here.

I went out to lunch with Lyanna on April 3rd to one of my favorite restaurants here in Richmond, Can Can Brasserie.  We were able to talk for hours (SO needed with our hubbies both in medical school) and go to Target after.  So fun!

On April 4th we had the missionaries over for dinner again.  I think we feed them pretty dang often!  We had chicken with red pepper sauce and a tropical crisp that was to die for.  Such a great twist on regular apple crisp!  Here's the recipe:

Prep: 20 minutes. Bake: 30 minutes. Yield: 9 servings.

1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cubed
4 medium bananas, sliced
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Topping:
1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons flaked coconut, toasted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

In a large bowl, combine pineapple and bananas.  Sprinkle with brown sugar and flour; toss to coat.  Transfer to a greased 9x9 baking dish.  For topping, in a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, coconut, brown sugar, and nutmeg.  Cut in butter until crumbly.  Sprinkle over fruit.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

On April 6th, Jordan had his Women's Health exam.  He is so glad to be done with that class!  It wasn't his favorite. ;)  Also on the 6th, Jordan got his schedule for his third year!  Third year is going to be AWESOME.  This is when what you imagine medical school is like really comes to fruition - rounding with residents and attendings, presenting on patients, assisting with everything and anything.  I'm SO excited for Jordan.  He is going to have so many cool opportunities.  This will also be one of the hardest years so far.  Jordan will be basically living at the hospital some rotations.  He will sleep there, eat there, and work there.  I know this is difficult for people who aren't going through it to understand, but because of the schedule, his time is going to be very limited.  They gave all the students a handbook, and it says...

"You made it!  Say goodbye to the lecture hall and hello to the wards.  The misery is over, and now the fun can begin...right?  Your clerkship experiences will be better than sitting in class day after day, but it has its own set of challenges.  Clerkships are a big change from daily lectures.  You will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning, and you will be expected to figure many things out for yourself.  You will also find that your time is not necessarily your own, and sleep is a valued commodity.  Even on easier clerkships, a minimum of 40 hours/week at the hospital is the norm.  You can no longer "home school" whenever you feel like it.  As an M3, being 5 minutes late can lower your clerkship grade, and days off are sometimes few and far between."

But this is what we've been waiting for.  This is Jordan's chance to really get out there and learn.  One of our friends is just finishing his third year, and he even delivered a baby in one of his rotations!  How cool is that?!  If you want details about what area of the hospital Jordan will have when and when breaks are, ask him.  

Yesterday, we were able to drive up near DC and spend the afternoon with Alan and Lyanna.  We went to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Chantilly and it was so cool!  I'm obsessed with space.  This museum is where they filmed the Transformers movie!  Loved it.  I'd love to go back.  We had dinner at a place called "Not Your Average Joes" and ate some delicious food and dessert!  I totally recommend the Peanut Butter Thing for dessert...ahh!

Today we had a great Easter.  We just relaxed at home and spent some time together.  In honor of Titanic coming out in 3D, Jordan downloaded it and we watched it...and it was the first time I've ever seen it!  Haha!  I obviously know everything about it, but LOVED watching it.  Such an amazing movie.  

I've been trying to develop a routine as discussed earlier.  I got this awesome app on my phone that stores daily to-do lists.  It's called Cozi and it's free.  I love free apps.  I've put all my Flylady routines on there, as well as my shopping lists and calendar!  And the great thing about it is you can share the information with other people, so Jordan has the same lists and everything on his phone!  Love it!

And last, but not least, we are trying to find a house to rent!  We've loved living in this apartment, but want a bit more space and cheaper rent.  Which is completely feasible in Richmond.  Our lease is over in July, so we'll be moving (hopefully) during Jordan's summer break.  Yay!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig!

Jordan's birthday was so fun.  After dinner at Buz and Ned's, we came home and watched Lost while eating cheesecake.  So relaxing!  On Saturday, we went to the movies and saw Chronicle.  It was a fun and thought-provoking (in a nerdy way) movie.  Makes you wonder what would really happen if people had super powers! :)

My eye is completely healed thanks to my regular eye doctor. He had me continue the antibiotic eye drops four times a day and started a steroid drop four times a day as well. The steroid really helped my light sensitivity! So I couldn't wear my contacts for about 2 weeks, but now I can. And I'm not going to wear my contacts during the night ever again! Lesson learned :)

We had the missionaries over for dinner in the beginning of the month. These elders we have now are so sweet and full of the spirit. They always late for dinner, but we enjoy having them over.

I had my last day of classroom orientation last week (finally). I'm going to have another week of clinical training, and then I think I'll be on my own! This organization I'm with really has made me want to be a better nurse. I feel like I did right out of nursing school-invinsible, like I can really help these patients. I'm so excited.

Jordan finished his rotation in psychiatry last Friday and although he enjoyed the class, he really needed a break. We drove up to Baltimore after his test, stayed the night, and flew to Utah in the morning!

We had a lovely straight flight. Gotta love Southwest Airlines! We went straight from the airport to see Jordan's grandparents and then went to Cafe Rio...cravings fulfilled ;) then we met up with some more of his grandparents. It was so nice to see everyone. We went to the mall and chilled until it was time for dinner at Cheesecake Factory. They just brought back their Mango Key Lime Cheesecake and it is DELICIOUS. seriously. So so good. We then drove down to my family and watched a bit of Avatar before going to bed.

On Sunday we went to my moms ward an had a great church service. Saw SO many people I haven't seen in forever, including my friend from high school, Camille Harlan. After church, we got the news of Jordan's cousins sons passing. It was heartbreaking. We started preparing for the Lassig side coming for dinner (everyone on the Cuthbert side was sick) :(. I made a salad and a banana swirl cake. My mom painted my nails and we had a great time just talking. Whenever we come home during the holidays, it's always rush, rush, rush. But this vacation has been tremendously relaxed! Family came over and we enjoyed French dip sandwiches. We then came back to The Henderson's and slept the night away.

Yesterday Jordan went running early and then we went to Kneaders for French toast with Wendy, Allie, and the boys. It was delicious. Then we went swimming with the boys and Allie at Murray rec center. It was a great place! Then we relaxed and went to dinner at salt city burger and got yummy shakes. I got some silly pictures of a few of the boys. Came home and watched Lost :)

today Allie, Josie, Wendy, and I got pedicures and then went to Papas Place (aka classic fun center). Ate some pizza and jumped around a bit :) then Jordan and I saw the vow(such a cut movie, although it is a chick flick) and came home and are relaxing! Whew! Tonight we are going to the spaghetti factory and then going to my parents :)

What a Lovely Time!

This vacation really was lovely.

I forgot to mention that on Monday night, Jordan and I went to go talk to a psychiatrist in his parent's ward.  He gave some amazing advice.  I need to write it all down otherwise I'll forget: Network now with people at the hospitals you want to get into (i.e., go visit and say, "I'm an up and coming resident, blah blah can you give me a tour, etc."); Do what you love; Psychiatry isn't a huge/popular field but there's a huge need, especially in Utah; There aren't very many LDS psychiatrists (hello future clients!); there are SO many ways to run your practice (office, hospital, or both.  Few pts, lots of pts.  Teaching.  Giving seminars.); I liked how he runs his office - one office person and him - small overhead and he spends quality time with each patient.  Awesome awesome awesome!!!  It really pumped Jordan and I up.  I truly think he would make a fantastic psychiatrist.  

We spent Wednesday sleeping in and relaxing because everyone in my family was at work or school.  Jordan and I attended the Provo temple for a session, which was much needed.  We were able to attend Critter's viewing that evening.  It was such a heartbreaking experience.  His poor parents have been through so much, it really made my heart ache.  After the viewing, we went to Pizza Pie Cafe.  My brother Jared works there and got us in for free ;)  Ahh, perks are great!  He made us his "special" and then we came home and watched the rest of Avatar.

Thursday we slept in again (love it)!  We got all ready to head down to Moab and waited for everyone to come home from work/school.  We got on the road and as we were heading down Spanish Fork canyon, there was MAJOR traffic.  Turns out, a tanker carrying gas and a box truck carrying tires crashed into each other and were strewn all over the highway.  According to my dad, Highway 6 is the most dangerous road in America!  Scary.  We had to turn around and get to Moab through Scipio, then head east to Green River.  But thankfully we got in at a decent time.

Friday we got up bright and early to head to Fiery Furnace, my FAVORITE hike in Moab.  Seriously.  There is no set trail, and you have to have either been on it before to go in, or you have to have a ranger guide you.  Such a fun hike.  We got lost quite a few times (haha, Mom), but enjoyed the scenery!  After the hike we got Pizza Hut to begin the carb-loading for the race.  Jordan and I went swimming for a bit, then relaxed and waited for Jim and Wendy to get in.  They were smart and got Olive Garden take-out so that we wouldn't have to go to the insanely busy restaurants.  After dinner, Jordan, Jim, and I went to see John Carter at the luxurious "Slickrock Cinema".  The movie doesn't make sense at all, so don't see it.

Saturday (St. Patrick's Day) was the day of the Half Marathon!  Jordan and his parents got up early to walk to the bus pick-up.  I waited around the hotel until Jordan got in.  My mom, brother, and I cheered him on.  Considering how dang windy that day was, he came in strong at 1:38!  Jim came in at 2:16, and Wendy came in at 2:18.  We had to wait for their bag to come in, and then we headed back up to SLC.  Got some delicious steak at Texas Roadhouse, then came back to the house for dessert and to say goodbye to everyone.  We loved seeing all of you!

Sunday, we had some crepes for breakfast courtesy of Jim, and then drove to the airport.  The flight was uneventful and we got into Baltimore early!  We drove home and then went to bed early too.

I've worked Monday, Tuesday, and today.  Still in orientation, and it's going well.  I think I'll be done with orientation by next week.  Jordan started Women's Health and it's not his favorite subject.  I thought he would enjoy it because then he'll know why I'm crazy, haha!  He had the chance to do some physical exams on Monday and passed with flying colors!  

Time to Par-Tay!!

Last weekend was awesome. The winter ball for VCU was so fun! We ate lots of yummy food, played games like life size Operation, and danced the night away with our friends! It was great. Jordan even broke out the moves and danced with me all night long!

On the 18th, we went to the mummy exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It was amazing. We watched a 3-D movie about this particular mummy. Then we walked around a large exhibit devote to these mummies. I am fascinated my Egyptian history and absolutely lived this exhibit.

Jordan took his gastrointestinal exam on Friday and did fabulous! Best test yet. He is doing great in school and is so smart.

This week at work has been good. I've been orienting to the unit and am trying to get used to the computer charting system. There is so much to remember!!

I ended up scratching my eye a few days ago and am so bummed. I scratched it a year ago also. I am really sensitive to light and it scratches when I blink. So I came to the doctor yesterday and since it was urgent, I got the only doctor available. Turns out, there is a reason he was available...he is an awful doctor!! He was unbelievably rude. Worst bedside manner. I was dying because he was flashing a light in my eye and I had to wipe my eyes, and he kept saying, "you need to stay still, don't blink, keep your eyes open!" Well, I don't know about you, mister, but when your super photosensitive, it kills you to keep your eyes open! I literally couldn't control my eyes. He made me cry :( so I hope I never have to meet with him again.

Today is Jordan's birthday and it's been fun :). I woke him up to a hot cinnamon roll, a "birthday basket," and a decorated house. Later we are going to the best barbecue place ever, Buz and Ned's. After that we will go see Chronicle and then come home to Jordan's favorite Godiva cheesecake from cheesecake factory. Yum!!! Happy birthday honey! You're the best :)

So Happy

Well people, I told you it would be an attempt to blog three times a week.  Guess I shouldn't make any promises the week I start a new job.  Speaking of which, I've been so thankful for this decision.  It's is one of the best choices I've ever made.  The people are so nice, and I'm going to be orienting for 6 more weeks!  It's awesome and I'm so so happy.  It has been difficult trying to adjust to days (I'm not a morning person!) though.  Waking up at 5:15...and going to bed at 9:30...not so fun.  But I'd rather take days over nights.

Valentines Day was so fun.  I love all holidays, and we celebrated by going to our favorite, Plaza Azteca. I had decorated the house all cute and when I got home from work, Jordan surprised me with the CUTEST stuffed frog that I've named Freddie the Frog (I'm obsessed with frogs, as seen here), the most beautiful roses I've ever seen, and a sweet valentine.  He knows me so well :)  I made him a valentine and tons of chocolate for his long studying sessions.  After dinner, we went to the Blockbuster rental and after looking at the selections, said, "There's nothing good in here.  Do you want to look?"  So I hopped out of the car and the first thing I saw was...Breaking Dawn!  Um, it's Valentines Day!  Let's watch a romantic movie!  So, needless to say, I have the best husband ever, because he agreed to watch it with me.  Regardless of the fact that we both laughed at the awful acting, it was awesome.  

Last Thursday, the 9th, my orientation for work was held in this small room in the hospital.  There were 30 of us packed into the room and no room to move our chairs.  So we were all twisting to see the speakers.  Not so good for the back.  The next morning I woke up with a small twinge in my neck, but when I leaned over later, I got this MAJOR sharp, shooting pain all up my back.  It was awful.  I knew I had pinched a nerve, and was so mad.  Our insurance from my last job cancelled in January and my new insurance doesn't start until April...so we couldn't really see a doctor.  Turns out, I was in so much pain by lunch that Jordan got me an emergency appointment at a chiropractor near us.  He adjusted my back and popped it like 20 times in the process, gave me a TENS unit, some topical cream, and instructions to relax!  It took a while for my muscles to get back to normal, but today I feel almost 100%.  Lesson learned: always adjust your chair so your nerves don't freak out!

Today is VCU's annual Winter Ball.  I'm so excited - pretty dresses, mani/pedi, great food, and DANCING.  I haven't forgotten Jordan's promise from the last dance that we would dance the night away.  I'm so exicted.

And finally, it is Flashback Friday.  Today I'm remembering the Valentines Days from when I was in high school.  My boyfriend from HS gave me a jewelry box full of those Nestles Treasure chocolates and put roses in my shower and said now that I've showered you with roses, will you be my valentine? It was cute :)  Ah, high school.  Good times.

Med Ball 2011

November 19 was the annual Med Ball for Jordan's school.  It was great!  I met several other LDS med school wives and found out that they meet every Thursday night to hang out!  This was great news, especially because no one can understand what a medical spouse goes through unless you've experienced it.  We had a good time eating and talking, but didn't dance unfortunately, because we had to leave early as I worked that night.  Next time, we will dance! :)

Wow!

People.  People - I am so sorry.  I have abandoned you.  Work has been crazy, and although that's no excuse, that's really why I haven't been blogging as much as I usually do.  Jordan's been insanely busy with school as well, so that's why he hasn't blogged.  I promise we are alive and doing fine!

Since we last blogged, Jordan started a new course in school, Hematology.  He's not enjoying it.  Just ask him.  But he is doing well and has his test for it next week.

One of Jordan's hard drives crashed (yes he has three, actually) and almost lost everything.  Thankfully, this hard drive was still under warranty and he sent it away to get fixed.  We learned the importance of backing up your hard drive regularly (hence, the third hard drive).

I FINALLY (cue angels singing) got my schedule for six weeks in advance!  My employer has had a hard time since I got hired, and they've only been giving me my schedule a week in advance.  Really great for the social life, let me tell you.

We are going to Disney World with Jordan's family in two weeks and I'm SO excited to see everyone, especially our new nephew!

Yesterday was our ward trunk or treat, and I dressed up as Tinkerbell.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture, but will get one soon.

I've started couponing and getting the Sunday paper, and it's working out great so far!  The paper is only $2.50 and I got over $11 worth in coupons last Sunday!

And last but not least...I got an iPhone!!!!  I looooooove it!  It's like having my computer in my pocket!  I don't know how I survived for so long without one.

The Bad Week.

So as you can tell by the following posts, this has been a bad week.

Tuesday: 5.8 earthquake, patient elope from work.
Thursday: patient dies at work.
Saturday: Hurricane Irene, category 1.
Wednesday: first Microbiology test for Jordan.  :P

Not a Splurge Shopper, Studying, and Work

For those who have been wondering about my shopping, no, I am not going on a shopping spree!  Haha, I am the slowest person when it comes to making decisions about clothes.  I take forever to narrow down my choices.  There is no way that I could spend ALL day at the mall, it drives me crazy just spending a couple hours there!  So no, I'm not going to be buying all these clothes at once - they'll be bought over the space of a year or more.

Jordan has been attending all of his classes and labs for this first class of the year.  So far, so good!  He has recognized that his energy peaks during the morning, so that's the best time for him to study and review.  Last year, he stayed home and watched the lectures when they were posted online in the afternoon, and it seemed more difficult.  So hopefully with attending lectures, he'll pass all his tests with flying colors!  Speaking of which, his first test is on Friday.  Wish him luck!  Also, I've been trying to talk with him more about what he's learning so that it can solidify in his brain.  It's been interesting, as I've learned more than I did in nursing school!  It also helps me to feel like I'm involved with his schooling.

Lastly...work.  I really, really, really need some advice guys.  I know there are people out there who read this blog who don't know me, and I could use your advice too.  I'm very, very frustrated with the people I work with.  The actual patient load is great, and I love this kind of nursing.  But the people...ugh.  Let me tell you.  The unit manager (UM) is supposed to be in charge, and the unit coordinator (UC) does the schedule and other stuff that I don't know about.  The UC was hired a couple years ago, and has basically taken over the UM's job.  The UM constantly defers to the UC's ideas.  That's the first problem.  The UM doesn't do her job.

The UC has some major, deep-set issues.  She seems like she has a chip on her shoulder.  She is friends or family with about 6 or 7 of the staff, and constantly gives them preferential treatment over everyone else.  She lets them work whenever the heck they want, lets them come into work or leave work whenever the heck they want, lies to administration to cover for them (this has been witnessed by several employees), and is a brat to everyone that she's not friends with.  She has a major chip on her shoulder about her position and her dominance over the UM.  Almost all the staff members have made complaints about this woman and her behavior to the UM, but obviously since the UM does whatever the UC wants, the complaints go nowhere.  They have also complained to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), and there have been some investigations, but this woman and the UM have been given chance after chance to shape up and no real action has been taken.

The UC is supposed to make out the unit schedule, and as truly horrifying as it sounds, the schedule is only ever made out a week in advance.  And even then, there are holes in the schedule so that some of the units don't even have enough coverage.  The UC has been offered help with this aspect of her job.  One RN even made out the schedule for this week and had all holes filled, and the UC went back and changed it, making tons of empty spaces.  She doesn't utilize her part-time staff to help fill in the holes, and lets her best friends work whenever they want, so there are obvious issues there.  She doesn't allow people who aren't part of the clique to work any overtime, but lets her friends work 56 hours a week.  Not only is this not fair to staff members, but it's unsafe for patient care as well.  If the unit is not appropriately staffed, and there are multiple psychotic patients, one of the patients or staff members could get hurt, leading to multiple legal issues against the nurses and the hospital.  For example: Every other week I work on the unit with only 8 beds.  The other nurse who usually works with me is the UC's sister, so she comes in almost every day TWO hours late!!!  This makes the nurse from the previous shift have to stay so that the unit is staffed appropriately.  But, if the nurse decides to leave (not right) then it's just me waiting two hours.  If a patient decided to freak out and kill or seriously injure me, no help would be available for two hours.  This is SERIOUS.  We're dealing with people's lives!

There are a couple things I could do.
1. Quit, find another job.
2. Don't say anything, wait for it to get better.
3. Voice my concerns with the CNO and maybe even the CEO to get some action, and consequently get in trouble with the UM and UC.
4. Find another job part-time and stay here full-time.  Transition to full time at the other job if this one doesn't improve.

I really don't know what to do.  Please, please help me.

Being Married to a Medical Student

I seriously have been stressing about things that won't even happen for a couple years.  Namely...

1. Passing boards (happening next summer)
2. Interviewing for residencies (starting during third year)
3. Getting matched to a program for residency (happening during fourth year)
4. Possibly moving for residency program
5. FINANCES for all this...I've been researching and getting interviewed and all that jazz for residencies can cost up to $10,000!  This of course depends on how many programs you apply to and includes travel expenses, but that's so much!  I'm just going to have to get over it.  Plus, Jordan and I are thinking of starting a family soon (not in the immediate future, hold your horses) and I need to factor in the cost of a baby plus how much I will work.  Holy cow.  I get anxiety just thinking about it.  I'm seriously going to have to work full-time until we move for residency, and then I'll just work part-time (Jordan will make some money as a resident).

Breathe.  Breathe.  I've always wanted to be a SAHM but it's not going to happen.  :( This makes me very sad.  But, I need to realize that this is, for the most part, about Jordan.  His career goals.  His aspirations and desires.  We're a team, and we'll get through this.

I found another really good blog about a spouse with a career whose husband was in medical school.

Advice...

I've been concerned lately about how to help Jordan with his schooling.  Medical school is tough folks, it doesn't get any easier.  His schedule is demanding, and his brain is often on overload.  I found this awesome blog post from another medical-student spouse about some advice, and I think the advice applies not only to spouses, but family members and friends as well.  Click here for the link.  I especially like number four, because his schedule is the be-all end-all.