Sunday July 8, 2012
Well, I guess I will try this again...while typing the last draft, I hit the wrong button and cleared everything. Place a few choice words here!!! Anyhow...
Kathy and I went to Mt Rainier on Monday (July 2nd). I left my apt. at about 9:30am and got home about 11:30pm. It was well worth the trip! Such a beautiful place!! Everything was so lush and green. There were a few times while driving down the road, it felt like we were being engulfed by Mother Nature with the branches of the trees covering us. We saw multiple waterfalls along the road caused by snow runoff. The regular waterfalls were even more spectacular due to the runoff as well! Kathy even braved a short hike with me to go see a spectacular waterfall!! What a great sport!! MANY pictures were obtained...
We stopped at the new visitor center in Paradise (I think). It was interesting to see the thick/heavy panels they used to cover the windows and doors to protect them from the snow. The ranger told us that they had been open for about 1 1//2 weeks due to the snow cover. Through the winter the building was covered with 30 feet of snow!! When we got there about 5:00, we noticed the cloud cover coming down off the mountain. By the time we left at 6:00, the visitor center was totally engulfed by the cloud. It was sooo cool-in an eerie sort of way! While on the mountain we saw a fox, a marmot, and elk. The only disappointment of the trip was that Mt Rainier was under the clouds the whole time. What a bummer!!! Maybe next time...
Tues/Wed/Thurs were spent working. I did get to see some of the fireworks at Lake Union. I hear that they are some of the best fireworks in the country. It would have been kind of nice to actually go and watch them. I heard that there were over 250,000 people there...some of them were there at 8:00 in the morning! Maybe its a good thing that I didn't go...
Saturday I did some exploring and found Martha Lake! It is a very pretty lake about 30 miles north of Seattle. I also went to Wal Mart for the first time since being in Washington...just saying I STILL HATE WAL MART!!
And on that note, I will write soon-
Safe travels-
Laura
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Sunday July 1, 2012
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Mom!! Sure wish I could be there...next year.
Caitlin, Amber, and I had a great time this past week! (they were here Sat-Tues) I was glad that I had been here for a few weeks anyway before they arrived, gave me a chance to scope the place out a little bit. Still much more to descover...if only I didn't have to work the few nice days we have had since I've gotten here. Oh well...at least its cooler here then back home! Holy Cow!! Its kind of scary to think what the rest of the summer will bring if its that hot already!! Maybe I should extend my contract here to avoid the heat in the midwest!
I just got off of working 3 nights in a row. Had some good pts to work with (challenging but good). I had to laugh to myself on Saturday morning...the son of one of my pts came to visit. It looked like he just stepped out of the 80's!! (Think Journey frontman.) He had the shoulder length, feathered, jet black hair with tight blue jeans and a white cut off belly shirt!! I tried really hard not to stare and laugh!!! He was a really nice guy though...very concerned about his mom.
I just realized these past few nights of work how truely close to Alaska Seattle is...many of our pts are airlifted here from Alaska for more intensive care. I guess Seattle really is the "Portal to the Pacific".
Not much going on today...I decided that maybe I should spend a little time doing laundry, cleaning the apt and paying bills. SO EXCITING!! Sure wish I could run away from those, but they seem to follow me EVERYWHERE! Oh well...it is what it is. I think I might venture out to find a park close by called "Goldsmith Park", must be really neat with a name like that!
To those of you in the midwest...STAY COOL!
Safe travels-
Laura
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Mom!! Sure wish I could be there...next year.
Caitlin, Amber, and I had a great time this past week! (they were here Sat-Tues) I was glad that I had been here for a few weeks anyway before they arrived, gave me a chance to scope the place out a little bit. Still much more to descover...if only I didn't have to work the few nice days we have had since I've gotten here. Oh well...at least its cooler here then back home! Holy Cow!! Its kind of scary to think what the rest of the summer will bring if its that hot already!! Maybe I should extend my contract here to avoid the heat in the midwest!
I just got off of working 3 nights in a row. Had some good pts to work with (challenging but good). I had to laugh to myself on Saturday morning...the son of one of my pts came to visit. It looked like he just stepped out of the 80's!! (Think Journey frontman.) He had the shoulder length, feathered, jet black hair with tight blue jeans and a white cut off belly shirt!! I tried really hard not to stare and laugh!!! He was a really nice guy though...very concerned about his mom.
I just realized these past few nights of work how truely close to Alaska Seattle is...many of our pts are airlifted here from Alaska for more intensive care. I guess Seattle really is the "Portal to the Pacific".
Not much going on today...I decided that maybe I should spend a little time doing laundry, cleaning the apt and paying bills. SO EXCITING!! Sure wish I could run away from those, but they seem to follow me EVERYWHERE! Oh well...it is what it is. I think I might venture out to find a park close by called "Goldsmith Park", must be really neat with a name like that!
To those of you in the midwest...STAY COOL!
Safe travels-
Laura
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Sunday June 24, 2012
I picked up Caitlin and Amber from the airport today-in the rain of course. Was quite pleased with myself that I didn't get lost!! YAY! Much thanks goes to Kathy for taking me there the other day so I at least had an idea of what to expect. The girls where so excited that it was raining! Funny how you take things for granted that you are used to! Caitlin even got to wear her rain boots!
After a quick stop at my apt we ventured into downtown Seattle to find their hotel (and parking). We were pretty much able to drive right to it without problems (another thanks to Kathy and Patty). They got checked in OK and got to the room. It definitely wasn't the Hilton! It is an old building that has some "charm" that could use some TLC...they had 2 TWIN beds! I am not sure I have ever seen a hotel with twin beds before!! Oh well...the girls liked it and its a place to lay their heads.
Once settled, we ventured out walking...we managed to find the Pike's Place Market, Starbucks (the original), the waterfront, watched the ferry come and go, and went to the Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle. We then proceeded to find Mars Hill Church and discuss how they were to get there today since I am scheduled to work. After all that, we ended the night with a treat from Cold Stone Creamery.
All in all it was a great day...it even quit raining by mid afternoon! The girls were disappointed, but I was quite happy!
Once again I am off to work tonight, so best go get ready...
Safe travels!
Laura
I picked up Caitlin and Amber from the airport today-in the rain of course. Was quite pleased with myself that I didn't get lost!! YAY! Much thanks goes to Kathy for taking me there the other day so I at least had an idea of what to expect. The girls where so excited that it was raining! Funny how you take things for granted that you are used to! Caitlin even got to wear her rain boots!
After a quick stop at my apt we ventured into downtown Seattle to find their hotel (and parking). We were pretty much able to drive right to it without problems (another thanks to Kathy and Patty). They got checked in OK and got to the room. It definitely wasn't the Hilton! It is an old building that has some "charm" that could use some TLC...they had 2 TWIN beds! I am not sure I have ever seen a hotel with twin beds before!! Oh well...the girls liked it and its a place to lay their heads.
Once settled, we ventured out walking...we managed to find the Pike's Place Market, Starbucks (the original), the waterfront, watched the ferry come and go, and went to the Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle. We then proceeded to find Mars Hill Church and discuss how they were to get there today since I am scheduled to work. After all that, we ended the night with a treat from Cold Stone Creamery.
All in all it was a great day...it even quit raining by mid afternoon! The girls were disappointed, but I was quite happy!
Once again I am off to work tonight, so best go get ready...
Safe travels!
Laura
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thurs. June 21, 2012
The past 2 days here in Seattle have been absolutely gorgeous!! At least I think so...of course the 2 nicest days of the month I have had to work. Haven't really done too much yesterday and today, just hanging at the apt and sleeping. Unfortunately, I got to work last night, got my assignment and about 9:30 pm I get a call that they are overstaffed and they sent me home at 11:00 pm...if I would have known that, I wouldn't have slept all afternoon!! Oh well, whats a girl to do? I must say, downtown Seattle is very beautiful at night...wish I would have been able to take some pictures while I was driving!!
Once again it took me an hour to get to work last night (10 miles)...I don't know what the problem is, but that is enough to make me not want to renew my contract if they offer! At least in Phoenix the highways are wide enough to accommodate all the traffic! At one place on Hwy 520 there are only 2 lanes with an on ramp as well...talk about a cluster!!! The road construction doesn't help either!
I talked with my recruiter today, and discussed this falls options...I told here I was still on the fence about extending my contract (if offered) and that I think coming back to the mid west is probably the way to go...we'll see.
Anyway, I am scheduled to work tonight, so should probably start thinking about getting ready!
Safe travels-
Laura
The past 2 days here in Seattle have been absolutely gorgeous!! At least I think so...of course the 2 nicest days of the month I have had to work. Haven't really done too much yesterday and today, just hanging at the apt and sleeping. Unfortunately, I got to work last night, got my assignment and about 9:30 pm I get a call that they are overstaffed and they sent me home at 11:00 pm...if I would have known that, I wouldn't have slept all afternoon!! Oh well, whats a girl to do? I must say, downtown Seattle is very beautiful at night...wish I would have been able to take some pictures while I was driving!!
Once again it took me an hour to get to work last night (10 miles)...I don't know what the problem is, but that is enough to make me not want to renew my contract if they offer! At least in Phoenix the highways are wide enough to accommodate all the traffic! At one place on Hwy 520 there are only 2 lanes with an on ramp as well...talk about a cluster!!! The road construction doesn't help either!
I talked with my recruiter today, and discussed this falls options...I told here I was still on the fence about extending my contract (if offered) and that I think coming back to the mid west is probably the way to go...we'll see.
Anyway, I am scheduled to work tonight, so should probably start thinking about getting ready!
Safe travels-
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Tuesday June 19, 2012
Kathy and I went to downtown Seattle today. We walked through the Pike's Place Market, stopped at the very first Starbuck's Coffee shop, found the hotel that my niece and her friend will be staying at this weekend, and went to Sea-Tec airport so I know where to pick the girls up on Saturday.
We encountered some challenges with parking in downtown Seattle (go figure), but as we were getting ready to prepay for the parking, a vehicle with 2 lovely young ladies stopped and told us they had 1 1/2 hrs left on their parking pass and they gave it to us!! It is great to know that pure kindness is still alive in this sometimes cruel world! I have noticed here that everyone is either listening to an ipod with their headphones on, or on their cell phone texting or talking and they don't make any eye contact or speak to you as you pass...I guess I'm not in Iowa anymore!
Now that I have made that comment, I finally went walking today and explored the neighborhood a little. As I was walking checking out all the neat houses and their manicured landscaping, there was a woman out working in her yard and actually talked to me!! How lame is it that I was very excited about this?! Nice to know that people still care...
Safe travels!
Laura
Kathy and I went to downtown Seattle today. We walked through the Pike's Place Market, stopped at the very first Starbuck's Coffee shop, found the hotel that my niece and her friend will be staying at this weekend, and went to Sea-Tec airport so I know where to pick the girls up on Saturday.
We encountered some challenges with parking in downtown Seattle (go figure), but as we were getting ready to prepay for the parking, a vehicle with 2 lovely young ladies stopped and told us they had 1 1/2 hrs left on their parking pass and they gave it to us!! It is great to know that pure kindness is still alive in this sometimes cruel world! I have noticed here that everyone is either listening to an ipod with their headphones on, or on their cell phone texting or talking and they don't make any eye contact or speak to you as you pass...I guess I'm not in Iowa anymore!
Now that I have made that comment, I finally went walking today and explored the neighborhood a little. As I was walking checking out all the neat houses and their manicured landscaping, there was a woman out working in her yard and actually talked to me!! How lame is it that I was very excited about this?! Nice to know that people still care...
Safe travels!
Monday June 18, 2012
Today Kathy (my adapted aunt and Seattle tour guide) and I went to Snoqualmie Falls to see the ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL water fall! Unfortunately it was cloudy, overcast and occasional rain but was well worth the trip. The sun did manage to break through a few times while we had lunch and then went to the local candy shop. We got some ice cream and sat outside in front of the store and watched the world go by. Such a peaceful little town up in the mountains. On our way back, we stopped at a Swedish chocolate shop and picked up a few goodies! YUM!!
Didn't do too much tonight...just enjoyed a night in watching TV!
Until next time...
Safe travels!
Laura
Didn't do too much tonight...just enjoyed a night in watching TV!
Until next time...
Safe travels!
Laura
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Sunday June 17, 2012
Hi to all!!
I have been so terribly bad about not writing, and for that I am truly sorry.
I had a wonderful time with Aunt Sara at Yellowstone! We spent 3 days in the park and saw so much! The sad thing is, we still didn't see it all. Such an awesome place! I would highly recommend going there if you ever get a chance! I have a selected few pictures posted on facebook...I took around 300 so I thought I should pick out a few instead of putting them all up! On the first day we had a grizzly bear cross the road in front of us! On the second day we saw a black bear! I couldn't believe my luck! Of coarse we saw a lot of bison and some elk, one herd of antelope, a herd of big horned ewes and one lone coyote. No wolves or moose to be found-or at least not where we were. The weather was absolutely beautiful...no rain and cool. We also went early enough in the season that there weren't hardly any other tourist around. We had no problems driving or getting to that "perfect spot" to see what we wanted. Aunt Sara couldn't believe it! She was an awesome tour guide...she should do it professionally!
I got back to Seattle on Wednesday evening. Such a long drive, but well worth it! I still don't like going over Snoquwami Pass (don't know if that's spelled right)...I ran into freezing rain with some snow. YUCK!! Traffic was better-there wasn't as much road construction which was a huge help!
I had my first night of "real" work on Thursday (6/7/12), all went well...at least they were expecting me! Everyone has been very nice and patient with me and all of my questions! The only problems I have had is on Friday night (6/8/12) it took me at least an hour to drive the 10 miles to work!! OMG!! I about pulled my hair out! Plus the fact that I was 5-10 mins late for work! I have no idea what the issue was but UGH!! My next issue was the following week. I have to pay for parking at the hospital and get a short term pass which allows me to park overnight only. Well, I had a busy night and didn't get out to the truck until 8:45 or so. When I got to the truck, there was a PARKING TICKET on my windshield! REALLY?!?!?! I was so pissed off!! I guess that the overnight parking pass is only good until 8AM-well crap...I didn't even clock out until 8:30! I immediately went to the parking office and said WTF?! (not really but wanted to) I had to fill out a petition to contest the ticket ( $35.00 worth) and ended up with a warning. WHATEVER...
I did finally get to see Mt. Reiner!! It is truly a sight. Everyone kept telling me "you can't miss it" "you'll know it when you see it" and man were they right!!! Sure wish I could have gotten a picture of it, but was driving in traffic and didn't think that would be too safe to do. Maybe one of these days...I have seen it 3 times now-I'm on a roll!
I have been exploring my area a little and found the post ofc and a nice walking path (if I ever get enough gumf to start walking)...I've only gotten lost once. I was driving home from work the other morning and was talking to Shaphen and missed my turn off...oops! Once again I thanked my kids for the wonderful Christmas gift from a few years ago...my GPS-it has saved my back side more that once. I did find a gas station where gas was only $3.99 so I filled up. I was so excited...gas has been running around $4.25 ouch! Man is this place expensive to live in!!
I finally got cable hooked up on Friday (6/15/12)...haven't had a TV since I got here on 5/21/12. Good thing there is a Red Box close!
Today Kathy, Patty, and I went to an Art Festival in Edmund. Had a great time-saw so many things I wanted but a)couldn't afford them b)don't have any room to get them home. Sure is nice to look though. We proceeded to eat at Anthony's Beach House on the Puget Sound. Talk about FRESH seafood! It was delicious! After that, the girls took me to the waterfront in Seattle. We went by the Space needle, aquarium, museums and drove past Pike's Place Market-didn't see any fish being thrown, but it was getting late. We also drove by the very first Starbucks-there was a very long line to get in. Can't wait until I can go there and actually walk around...so much to see and do!
Well now that I am fairly updated, I will try much harder to keep up on this, instead of just writing every 2 wks!
Safe travels-
Laura
Hi to all!!
I have been so terribly bad about not writing, and for that I am truly sorry.
I had a wonderful time with Aunt Sara at Yellowstone! We spent 3 days in the park and saw so much! The sad thing is, we still didn't see it all. Such an awesome place! I would highly recommend going there if you ever get a chance! I have a selected few pictures posted on facebook...I took around 300 so I thought I should pick out a few instead of putting them all up! On the first day we had a grizzly bear cross the road in front of us! On the second day we saw a black bear! I couldn't believe my luck! Of coarse we saw a lot of bison and some elk, one herd of antelope, a herd of big horned ewes and one lone coyote. No wolves or moose to be found-or at least not where we were. The weather was absolutely beautiful...no rain and cool. We also went early enough in the season that there weren't hardly any other tourist around. We had no problems driving or getting to that "perfect spot" to see what we wanted. Aunt Sara couldn't believe it! She was an awesome tour guide...she should do it professionally!
I got back to Seattle on Wednesday evening. Such a long drive, but well worth it! I still don't like going over Snoquwami Pass (don't know if that's spelled right)...I ran into freezing rain with some snow. YUCK!! Traffic was better-there wasn't as much road construction which was a huge help!
I had my first night of "real" work on Thursday (6/7/12), all went well...at least they were expecting me! Everyone has been very nice and patient with me and all of my questions! The only problems I have had is on Friday night (6/8/12) it took me at least an hour to drive the 10 miles to work!! OMG!! I about pulled my hair out! Plus the fact that I was 5-10 mins late for work! I have no idea what the issue was but UGH!! My next issue was the following week. I have to pay for parking at the hospital and get a short term pass which allows me to park overnight only. Well, I had a busy night and didn't get out to the truck until 8:45 or so. When I got to the truck, there was a PARKING TICKET on my windshield! REALLY?!?!?! I was so pissed off!! I guess that the overnight parking pass is only good until 8AM-well crap...I didn't even clock out until 8:30! I immediately went to the parking office and said WTF?! (not really but wanted to) I had to fill out a petition to contest the ticket ( $35.00 worth) and ended up with a warning. WHATEVER...
I did finally get to see Mt. Reiner!! It is truly a sight. Everyone kept telling me "you can't miss it" "you'll know it when you see it" and man were they right!!! Sure wish I could have gotten a picture of it, but was driving in traffic and didn't think that would be too safe to do. Maybe one of these days...I have seen it 3 times now-I'm on a roll!
I have been exploring my area a little and found the post ofc and a nice walking path (if I ever get enough gumf to start walking)...I've only gotten lost once. I was driving home from work the other morning and was talking to Shaphen and missed my turn off...oops! Once again I thanked my kids for the wonderful Christmas gift from a few years ago...my GPS-it has saved my back side more that once. I did find a gas station where gas was only $3.99 so I filled up. I was so excited...gas has been running around $4.25 ouch! Man is this place expensive to live in!!
I finally got cable hooked up on Friday (6/15/12)...haven't had a TV since I got here on 5/21/12. Good thing there is a Red Box close!
Today Kathy, Patty, and I went to an Art Festival in Edmund. Had a great time-saw so many things I wanted but a)couldn't afford them b)don't have any room to get them home. Sure is nice to look though. We proceeded to eat at Anthony's Beach House on the Puget Sound. Talk about FRESH seafood! It was delicious! After that, the girls took me to the waterfront in Seattle. We went by the Space needle, aquarium, museums and drove past Pike's Place Market-didn't see any fish being thrown, but it was getting late. We also drove by the very first Starbucks-there was a very long line to get in. Can't wait until I can go there and actually walk around...so much to see and do!
Well now that I am fairly updated, I will try much harder to keep up on this, instead of just writing every 2 wks!
Safe travels-
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