Actually a post from Saturday

So, today was the day. I have a great friend online who just inspires and motivates me. She earned $14,000 last year and is upset that she didn't save more (she only saved about $4000). HUH? As a nurse, I make WAY MORE than that...and yet I have nothing to show for it. I had not looked at my bills in two months. I have been so overwhelmed that my head is barely above water. As I would get cut off notices, I would pay what I could. Well, that is no way to live. I tackled the stack of papers in the kitchen today. Bills from november to present. I don't quite have a handle on it yet. I need to visit the websites to see where I really stand - because most are different than the last statements I've gotten. BUT, I DID IT!!! I tackled the mound, got it organized. I also used my new bill organizer that Santa gave me. I have to get caught up. D is sending me a very generous check (loan). I will be able to get caught up!!! I am so excited!!!

I also had to face the fact that I am in horrible shape and have gained 37 pounds since last April. It is time to do something about it. My motivational friend - she is amazing. We will be meeting to do the VIRGINIA BEACH MARATHON on Sept 6, 2009. I am SO excited. DD is up for it too! And I get to stay at my cousins and see the baby! (who won't be a baby anymore!). If anyone else wants to join, come on. Training starts tomorrow!!! (Nope, not even waiting until Monday - Santa also got me a jump rope!).

I missed out on coffee this morning. I was up super early, then went back to bed and slept until TWO! I am always tired. Always. I felt so much better when I was working out. Now that I have a goal again....I am so hopeful that I can feel good again. I hate that I missed time with friends that I haven't seen in far too long. I AM SORRY!!! C - you are right about the depression and me not wanting to interact. I am working on it. I am also hopeful about that.

So, today was about facing fears. Money fears, health fears, friend fears (sorta). Tomorrow starts "THE TIME TO ACT!!!!!". Exercise in the morning, laundry, maybe to Commerce to get scrubs with my gift certificate. Back to work Monday. I have not worked two full weeks in a row --- THAT is changing on Monday. I want my life back. I want to feel good, meet friends for coffee, exercise, have less stress and just be me! Watch out, Karen will be back soon!!!! I AM READY TO GET MY LIFE BACK!!!!!

What have I done???

OK, I have gone and done it now. I have registered for the Virginia Beach 1/2 marathon on September 6, 2009. ACK! So, time to get off my butt and on the treadmill again. And outdoor training now...because this summer will not be fun to be running outside.

Then what? MY FIRST FULL MARATHON - in LAS VEGAS no less - it is in the first week of December. I can't price plane tickets etc yet - it is too far out. But, if I am going to do a marathon in my 40th year...this is the one I need to do.

I am so excited/scared/sore already!!

Whew, I am beat today. Yesterday at work was very busy - I expected it since I knew we were getting in two new wound patients. BUT, one showed up with NO notice from the other hospital and the other showed up around 4:40 in the afternoon. Here's the thing about this hospital. When a person arrives, this is what they get....thier nurse (trying to do admit paperwork), MD (doing his assessment, getting a history and writing orders), the dietician (to ensure proper diet ordered), the business office for signatures, rehab for a quick consult if not treatment (if they arrive early enough), the wound nurse (to establish what issues there are and create a plan of care), respiratory (if pt is on the vent or needs resp treatments). I THINK that covers it. One of the families said that the hospital they came from, well, they never saw anyone. And they see all of the above (almost) everyday. Not to mention the chaplain and social work. Overwhelming much? Today was spent trying to get everyone really settled in.

We are increasing our census as quick as they can get them approved and accepted. We have 13 patients today (one discharge, no admits). We MAY have three admits tomorrow (one discharge). It is going to be a crazy job, a crazy time, and a fun time. We are revved up and hopefully ready to go. But, going from 13 to 40????? As quickly as possible? Should be interesting. I will post when I can...if I don't drop from exhaustion.

Inauguration

OK - a quick blog about yesterday. Watching Obama sworn into office was incredible. I had the pleasure of being with a 70-something black woman who grew up in Alabama. She intermittently would tell stories. She didn't know why, but she was one of a couple of "colored" girls allowed into the local drug store to buy ice cream...of course, it had to be eaten out back. She would go in and get it for her friends and they would eat it out back - not really thinking anything of it at the time. She recalled chaperoning a class field trip and the car/vehicle breaking down, but the men at the service station would not come out of the building to help them. Amazing things, stories.

And with Obama - I have hope. I know that change will not come in a day. It may not even come during his administration. But I have hope that it will come. And I actually laughed at loud (Reverend Lowery in the Benediction): Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen So, while yellow is mellow, and I will not ask black to get in back, and brown can stick around, and the red man can get ahead man.....this white will try to embrace what is right. Obama's speech was inspiring. But this to me hit it right on the head. We ARE all equal. That there are people out there that are still racist and teaching racism doesn't amaze me...it sickens me. It floors me that there is that ignorance still in our society. I am so glad and so grateful that no one tried anything stupid yesterday. Holding hands with Mrs C - she cried at times, I teared up at times...what an amazing experience.
Except, she was watching to see if she could find her brother on the TV - he didn't have a ticket, but he was going there anyway. THAT was a bit funny too. Spike Lee, Oprah, we saw them. But we couldn't find her brother!!!!Anyway, yesterday was a GOOD day in history. Unlike 9-11, the devestation during the civil rights movement, the wars in Iraq and in many, many other countries, tribal wars in Africa.....yesterday was good. History was made.