The Flu

I've statistics that this year has been one of the worst years of the flu in over a decade. I can tell you its true. Being exposed to about every bug possible in the ER, the most I haven't gotten sick in the last few years has been a headache or runny nose for 48hrs. How I wish this was just the same. The dreaded flu started out with a sore throat and simple headache. No big deal-done it before. At work the next day the body aches, chills, and hot flashes began. Yes, it was a bad shift. I'm not the bad patient and it seems I tend to wear my emotions on my face. Its even better when you are sicker than the people you are taking care of. If only I had had a clue to just how bad it would be.

I went home to bed and haven't left. The headache grew into extreme nausea, dyspnea, congestion, lack of appetite, headache, and exhaustion. Walking up and down the stairs wore me out. I had my humidifier running 24/7, oils on my feet, decongestants and anti-inflammatories in my system, and a water bottle close by. Didn't seem to dent it. For 3 days I laid in bed--then the vomiting started. I couldn't keep anything down. The good news is I finally lost the last 2 pounds I was hoping to. Bad news I needed 2 liters of IV before voiding again. 

Sunday was by far the worst. In an attempt to sleep I tried phenergan with codeine. Turns out my body doesn't really like that medication. The vomiting increased and a POUNDING migrane began. My parents came to the rescue at this point and cleaned my rooms, started my laundry, and brought me food  that I could tolerate. It was until this morning however, that the nausea was gone and I could actually eat something real. Applesauce, an orange, chocolate chips, and juice. A fantastic meal for sure. I'm still not able to do much but I do have some energy back. I'm still napping like a kid several times a day though. 

What does one do when one has the flu and confined to bed for a week? Lets see:

1. I watched the entire series of Vampire Diaries
2. I watched the entire series of Everybody Loves Raymond
3. I read 2 books
4. I slept
5. I worked on random computer programs
6. I explored pintrest.

As you can see its been an extremely productive week. But I've learned a few things:

1. I should probably take better care of myself to avoid such a nasty disease in the future.
2. I am not superwoman and my body has a cruel way of letting me know that.
3. Being nauseous is probably the worst feeling ever.
4. Vampires Diaries is a weird show but has hot men in it.
5. I'm 27 but still want to be taken care of when I'm sick.
6. Chicken noodle soup is the best food in the world.
7. My bed I'm sure has a permanent butt print in it now. But still is one of the most comfortable places in the world.
8. Sleep is amazing.
9. I hate winter.

Not exactly the best vacation in the world. But apparently I needed a break. Thanks body but next time I will schedule a trip to Hawaii. 

Week 1

I may have failed at the whole balance idea this week. Work has been so crazy this week.  I officially had my last orientation shift up at Primary Children's. I can't believe it. But I've had some great training and now just need to dive in and figure out the rest. Just pray that I have access to everything I need by Monday. These kiddos are just amazing. They bodies are basically destroyed with each admission and yet they still smile. They giggle and are still kids. Puts things in a bit of perspective for me. 

I'm also getting use to the crazy public commute. The weather has been BRUTALLY cold. I catch Frontrunner at 0605 every Monday and Tuesday. The cold is bitter and seeps through every layer I put on. The commute isn't bad though. It time to just sit and read, listen to music, or do nothing. Something I'm not good at doing at home. Let just say I'm excited for the spring. But I have appreciated scarves, hats, and gloves in a new light. 

Work should be settling down and I hope to attack other aspects of life. I've signed up to race in Dixie Relay with some fabulous chicas. Which means its time to get my butt back in gear. Get back to a better balance!

This week I am grateful for Carrie's cute little scrunched face. She makes it every time she sees me. After a long day it just makes me smile every time. 

Begin Again

I've been a slacker Blogger lately. Too much going on to really step back and process it all I guess. But it being January and time to reflect and improve I'm going to change that.  Finding a balance is always a challenge and I've done well and then failed miserably. But I'm still going to try.  2012 was all about Hope. Something I really think I needed.

My theme for 2013 is a bit different. I was reading in a General Conference talk when I came across this:

Sometime in life we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey. 

                      President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

My Word is BALANCE.

 I let myself get pulled into the extremes sometimes and forget that I need a little of everything. 

Thinking about it I came up with these goals to help my stay more balanced:

1. Build Six Pack
2. Run a Marathon
3. Manage Time More effectively
4. Study and Complete D&C
5. Attend Temple Twice a Month
6. Save $5,000 by the end of the year
7. Master Photoshop
8. Post Gratitude with every weekly Blog Post

We will see how this crazy year goes I guess. Each Year is some much different than I imagine it to be. Guess we will see what happens!!

December

Oh December has been nothing more than Chaotic. I honestly forgot it was Christmas until Dec 23. 

I had a few procedures done this month. A Questionable mole--that has been there since I was born--was cut out. First time I have ever had stitches. Yeah I know the story is pretty boring. 

For the last few months I've had this annoying bump on my right wrist that would periodically make fingers go numb. So I could either smack with the book or have it surgically removed. The best part was coming out of the Anesthesia and feeling completely like I had no control. But I was a good patient and even though I couldn't say a sentence with slurring my words I drank my water and ate my gold fishes. The recovery, lets just say I don't remember much of due to the drugs. I get a little loopy and sleepy on these drugs. I'm still working on getting the full range of motion but I have added another scar to my list. Every scar has a story.  

In addition to everything, I made a big change and got a different job. I'm still part time in the ER but 2 days a week I head up to Primary Children's. I've left bedside nursing and working on sending Kiddos home. I'm a Case Manager on the ICS floor. I've still got a lot to learn but finally feel like I have a grasp on it. I get to learn about cancers and see these amazing kiddos. Its amazing. While I'm now getting up at 0430, I get naps and becoming an expert at the public transport system. Lots of changes. 

I have the greatest Nieces and Nephew. No Offense but they are some of the cutest kids on the planet and they continue to make me laugh. Carrie is hilarious and I'm the biggest pushover. We love taking pictures and I love how she plays with Mark and Heather. She makes the funniest faces, has crazy giggles, and moves faster than you would think possible. Have I mentioned I love being an Aunt?

I worked Christmas Eve and Christmas this year which kind of sucked but my family adjusted so they could celebrate with me. I love the lights and the tree and my crazy family. Jordan had to work at the MTC this year so his family came out to play with us. I really think I have spent more of past Decembers with my cousins than without them. While I slept through most of my days off, I had a blast playing with these guys. Even though we are older its good to know we still can be kids when we get together. 

 

Christmas Morning

While we didn't hall this hay, I did help my sister get hay for the ponies--I should mention I'm allergic to the stuff.

Kayla is the best and sent me the Official Tshirt. Yes, I can pretend I'm in the Navy

Christmas Morning Activity

Again this little Squirt makes me smile

I turned 27 and now officially feel old. Mark has such great ideas and took my movie night and changed it into a gingerbread house making contest. Each team made a house and we then had votes to determine the winner. The best part? Shooting them with dart guns, lighting them one fire, and then jumping on them.