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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday June 1, 2012

Well-today I started out @ sea level and got as high as 6300 ft, traveled in 3 different states, and had rain, partly cloudy, sunny weather. I even traveled in the clouds for a while and saw beautiful waterfalls formed by melting snow cascading down the sides of mountains! I have made my way back to Montana for several days. Aunt Sara is taking me to Yellowstone for the weekend! I am so looking forward to it!!! I haven't been there for MANY years-I think I was about 10ish when we took a family vacation there. Sure hope the weather is nice!

Safe travels-
Laura

By the way...I got invited to my first dinner party yesterday! Unfortunately it was this weekend.  :(
One of the other traveling nurses I met in orientation is putting it on. Hopefully there will be others.

Thurs. May 31, 2012
What a weekend!!!! I sure hope everyone's went better than mine did! My schedule was so messed up-nobody knew what was going on! Not even the Director of the unit knew what was going on! UGH

I was originally scheduled to work 7a-7p on Saturday, so I drug myself out of bed @ 5:30AM and found somewhere to park (which is no easy task), and found my way to the office. Luckily everything in the hospital is well marked because I had NO IDEA where I was going! Once I got to the ofc and checked in I was sent to 5SE (medical ICU). After wondering around trying to find that unit I get there, check in with the charge nurse and she tells me "I don't see you on the (staffing) list".  "WHAT?"  "Your not on my list"   "Oh-your on tonight...we have you scheduled for 7P-7A"   WTF?!?!   "Go home and get some sleep and we will see you tonight." So I go home and do just that. When I return and check back in @ the ofc, I tell the scheduler what happened. He looks on his computer and says "No, you were scheduled to work @ 7A" I explained what happened, he called the floor to make sure they had someone to orientate me and explained to them that yes-I WAS suppose to work day shift. All is well that ends well-I did have a good night once things were figured out.

Since there was an issue on Saturday's schedule, the receptionist helping me looked @ the rest on my posted schedule on the computer and told me I was scheduled to work 7a-7p on Monday (Memorial Day) much to my surprise! When I talked to the assistant manager on Friday, my schedule was: Saturday 7a-7p, Sun/Mon off, Tues I was to finish computer training 8-12 and then go to the hospital to finish my 12 hr shift orientating on the floor, Wed/Thurs 7p-7a orientate on the floor. I told him this and I was scheduled right on Wed/Thurs but nothing on Tues. and working Monday. CONFUSION!! He called Mike (the assistant manager who set this up) and of coarse got no ans. so he said since it was in the computer to plan on working Monday.

Sunday morning when I got done, I went to the ofc to check out and see if Mike had called to clear things up...he had not. I explained to the (new) scheduler what was going on and she also had no clue so she also called Mike without a response. She said that since it was on the schedule-plan to be here.
Sometime during the day on Sunday I texted Mike to see if I could clear things up, and never got a response either.

Anyhow-I ended up working Memorial Day. I get to work, they tell me which floor to go to...I get lost trying to find it, but eventually prevail. I check in with the charge nurse and she says..."We weren't expecting you until 3:00."  EXCUSE ME?!?!?!  "We have you here from 3:00-7:30"  REALLY?!?!?!  I proceeded to go back to the ofc and explain to them what I was told by the 8NE charge nurse and she's as confused as I am. She calls the director @ home and explains what is going on and that we haven't been able to get a hold of Mike. I personally talked to her and explained what Mike and I had discussed on Friday. She proceeded to check her information to see if Mike had left any message about my schedule...and guess what? I know you know...he had not! She even tried to tell me that the computer training was on Thurs...I don't know where she was getting her info from, but it wasn't a very good source! So anyway, they talked with the charge nurse on 5E (cardiac ICU) to see if I could orientate now instead of Thurs. night. Luckily of me they said yes! I ended up working 8 hrs on 5E and 4 hrs on 8NE (oncology ICU) ...once things got settled, I had a great day on the floors. The staff on both floors were awesome. Very nice and helpful.

On my way back to the truck after work, I listen to the voice mail that was left for me by Mike... apparently he didn't have cell service where he was at over the weekend. Anyway he is like-"I assume you didn't work today since it was a holiday..."  WHATEVER!!!  "yes-you do have computer class on Tues. and then orientation at the hospital after."

Tuesday I spent the morning in computer class and then went to the hospital to do paperwork and HIPPA compliance stuff, and then returned to 5E to finish orientation. Mike apologized profusely about the scheduling mix-up and took full responsibility. He also thanked me several times for being so flexible and making things work.

Wednesday night was spent orientating on 6NE (med/surg floor). Not much happened-had a good, uneventful night! I now have 7 days off (I finally got a schedule) and am going to Aunt Sara's house and we are going to Yellowstone Park this weekend! I need some relaxing time after this weekend!

Safe travels-
Laura

Sat. May 26, 2012

OK...sorry I haven't kept up for the past few days, but I had orientation Wed, Thur, and Fri and by the time I got home from work, the office @ the apt complex is closed & I don't have internet access yet (or cable for that matter).

Anyway...Orientation was long and tedious! Most stuff we did, we do every where I go (how to check blood sugars, tie restraints, HIPPA...) but Friday we did computer training. Just blows my mind...I am a "do it to learn it" type of gal, so will see how much sunk in when I actually get on the floor. I must say the view (when it wasn't clouded over) was BEAUTIFUL!! We were on the 22nd floor with an awesome view of the campus and even downtown. Friday there were a few clouds so we could see the snow capped mountains! We also were able to see the Space Needle as well...guess the campus isn't that far away from it-might have to go investigate it sometime.

On my way to orientation Friday as I was driving across the bridge, I drove under a bald eagle sitting on a light post. Granted, we have eagles in Iowa, but can't say I have seen one in the wild so close to such a populated area. I guess if there is good fishing it doesn't matter!

I live about 10 miles from the University of Washington and the hospital and the only way to get there is to go over Lake Washington...unless I REALLY go out of my way and go around Lake Washington.
The bridge I usually go over is a floating bridge! I guess it is on pylons? To look at it you would never know, and can't tell much difference driving over it either. I was expecting it to move with the water or something...

I finally met my assistant manager yesterday. Up until then I knew him only by e-mail or phone. Seems to be a nice guy, but I sure would like to get my schedule...I have no idea what nights I will be working. Makes it very hard to plan activities when you don't know when you work!
Well, I am orientating on the floor tonight so I should go get something to eat and take a nap.

Safe and happy travels-
Laura

Hi!
Well, I made it to my apt early this afternoon!! Thanks to my girls and the Christmas gift they gave me a few years ago (a GPS)! I have NO IDEA where I am about now, but I have every intention of finding out what is around me (oh yeah-and how to get to work).

The drive over the mountain pass was nail biting @ times! I literally was driving in the clouds for a portion of it! Snow all around, but luckily not on the roads. It rained most of the way here, with some possible heavy snow flakes up on the mountain pass. The temp only reached 45 for a low, so it all melted when it hit the truck. I can't believe how crazy some people drive up there!! I guess if you are used to it...

Got all of my stuff out of the truck and up to the apt-now just have to unpack. I guess I have nothing better to do tonight since I can't get my cable or internet hooked up until Saturday AM. What a bummer! Luckily Aunt Sara sent a bunch of books with me.

Well guess I should go exploring some before traffic gets too hectic or the sun goes down.

Safe Travels-
Laura

Sunday May 20th

Hi All!

Had an exciting day yesterday! Aunt Sara, Wayne, and I went to Lewis & Clark's Cavern about 10 min. southwest of Three Forks, MT. We took about a 2 hr tour of the cave-very neat! Its amazing the wonders of nature! I couldn't imagine walking through that cave without the aid of modern technology!!
(its very DARK in there without light)

We also took the time to go to the headwaters of the Missouri River...yet again another beautiful place.

Today Aunt Sara took me to The Gates of the Mountain just north of Helena, MT. Apparently there is a boat tour you can take through the actual passage, but not enough time for that today. Guess I will have to put that on "to do list"...maybe on the way home.

I left Helena early this afternoon and ended up in Moses Lake, WA. I spent most of my drive today in the Rocky Mtns. OMG was that a BEAUTIFUL drive!! Don't see scenery like that in Iowa!!  I will post pictures once I  figured out how to do it!!

Expect to arrive in Seattle early tomorrow afternoon and hopefully get settled into my apt. Orientation starts Wednesday...

Time to say "Good Night"!

Safe Travels-
Laura

Friday May 18, 2012

Hi!

Sorry it has been a few days, but I have been on the road & no real place to do this at. Anyway, I spent 14 hrs on the road Wednesday and finally laid my head down in Gillette, WY.   Defiantly a LONG AS* day! The drive was quite boring with not much to see until I got to western SD and the Black Hills-BEAUTIFUL place. Would love to bring by family there some day...

I spent Thursday driving from WY to Aunt Sara's house in Helena, MT...much better scenery on that day. I even saw 3 cowboys checking fences on horseback! Made it to Helena about 4:30 without problems.

Today Aunt Sara took me around Helena and showed me the sites. Lots of neat old buildings as well as new ones. I will try to post some pictures soon. Woke up this AM with 5 antelope in the yard! I sure could get used to this! While Aunt Sara was showing me some old mansions in town we saw one of the "urban deer" in someone's yard making a snack out of their bushes.

Going to Lewis & Clark's Caverns tomorrow-am quite excited. Stay tuned...

Safe travels-
Laura

Wed. May 16, 2012

Hello to all!

Just a quick note to let you know that I got underway this AM without too many tears. Excited to be starting this new adventue, but am not digging the drive. My body is getting too old for this! At least the day is beautiful without a cloud in the sky and the traffic has been min. so far...I am hoping to make it to Buffalo, WY today so not much of a drive to Helena, MT on Thursday to stay @ Aunt Sara's house for a few days.

Happy & Safe travels to you all!

Laura

Tuesday May15th

Hello all! Welcome to my first post! I leave tomorrow for my next assignment in Seattle, WA. Just thought this would be a fun way to take you all with me! Stay tuned for further updates as I attempt to figure this blog thing out :)

-Laura