Adventures in Nursing

2010-02-23T00:06:00.001-06:00

"But you asked me to love you and I did
Traded my emotions for a contract to commit
And when I got away I only got so far
The other me is dead, I hear his voice inside my head."

Man, how true these words are.

2009-09-23T22:33:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I actually got a thank you from a family tonight. They obviously were not the routine inhabitants of our fair city here on the river. It could not have came at a better time. I'm getting tired, too many one day off stretches. And my patience for ignorance is wearing thin! Need a break. Any suggestions?

Hey! How you doing?

2009-08-02T14:50:00.003-05:00

Hey my friends, readers, and assorted other visitors to my 'lil spot on the 'Net. I know it's been a while since I posted. Just been busy with life. As you can see Bryce is getting bigger. Think he is gonna be tall like me, I hope so.
Work is good. Busy right now. Hoping for a dayshift position soon. Would help out alot with the baby. And of course nights are for the young people. I've done them for eighteen years, and i'm tired!
Well thats about it for me. I promise i'll do better from now on. Especially now that I have a new reader that has taken interest in some of my old post. Drop a line and say HI.

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2009-04-18T16:57:00.000-05:00

Hey how's it going? Just wanted to say HI!

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2009-03-18T05:54:00.000-05:00

I love my charge nurse. Bring the Trauma!

Yet Another Interesting Night at the Trauma Center..

2009-02-22T01:27:00.000-06:00

Well you can see Brandon enjoys his job. Trevor, our resident computer guru, took a video and then put it to a background he found on the 'net. Amazing what we can find to amuse ourselves when Sum Dood is not out shooting, stabbing, and beating the great citizens of Memphis. Of course things are getting ready to kick into gear as the weather warms up. Last night for example, we had twelve shock traumas and like fifteen helicopters during our shift. I definitely enjoyed it more than sitting here and messing around. Bring the Trauma!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T22:37:00.003-06:00

Well another Valentines Day has come and almost passed....Hope for those of you that have someone it was a good one. And those of use that are anti-valentines it was jsut another day. And of course it was a weekend day....So what does that tell you? That's right...You couldn't get a table anywhere to eat, Walmart was overrun with fools trying to get cards, candy, and flowers bought, and everyone was walkng around starry eyed with love. Heck, you'd think that the way Valentines Day is hyped even the Hunchback of Notre Dame might have a chance at love. Whatever!

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2009-02-03T20:27:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Brandon! Taste the rainbow.

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2009-01-21T20:24:00.000-06:00

Papaw and Bryce chilling and watching the Eagles on YouTube. Part of the evening routine. Bryce really likes music.

Hey How are Ya?

2009-01-17T23:51:00.002-06:00

Hello happy 'lil reader, how are things in your neck of the woods? Everything here is going ok. Work has been slow thus far, guess the cold weather is keeping everyone inside. It's nice to be able to just sit around and talk. Like I say making easy money right now. But come summer time it will be hard money. And of course I've figured out how to post pictures from my phone directly to blogger. So that has been fun.
Bryce is growing daily. His vocabulary is expanding by the minute. But of all the words he's learning DADDY has got to be my favorite. It's great to come home in the morning from work and he meets me with a big 'ole grin and "DADDY!".
But anyway, thats about it for me. Hope all is good in your world. Drop me a line and say HI.

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2009-01-11T00:21:00.000-06:00

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2009-01-10T20:49:00.000-06:00

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2009-01-09T22:06:00.000-06:00

And continue to wait. It's amazing how for certain segments of the world time runs differently.

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2009-01-09T21:59:00.000-06:00

If your break is over at 2145....why an i standing here waiting on you to come back at the time showing on the clock?

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2009-01-09T02:51:00.000-06:00

A empty Trauma ER is a happy Trauma ER.

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2009-01-08T10:44:00.000-06:00

Bryce first haircut.

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2009-01-03T10:55:00.000-06:00

Bryce loves his dog.

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2009-01-01T08:48:00.000-06:00

Me and bryce wishing you all a happy new year!

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2009-01-01T00:12:00.000-06:00

Pimping in the New Year! Happy new year everyone.

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2008-12-30T11:24:00.000-06:00

Darryl sporting the finest in western wear.

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2008-12-30T11:22:00.000-06:00

Brandon. Big man in a little man hoody.

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2008-12-24T00:33:00.000-06:00

It's Been a While...

2008-12-23T22:05:00.002-06:00

Yeah I know it's been a while. But things are going about the same here on this end. Just working and paying bills. Spending time with my boys and trying to enjoy my life a little. Looking forward to Christmas and spending time with Jay and Bryce.
Work is going good. Been a little slow, but it usually is this time of year. Seems SUM DUDE just dont like the cold as much as he does the hot weather. Although there was the male prostitute that came in the other day that had been shot.....I just wonder when during the act the john realized that "HEY THIS IS A DUDE!" ?

Bryce has discovered Sesame Street. It's amazing that some of the stuff on there is the same as when I was a kid. And I still love it...i will get him and we'll get on the computer and look at videos. The one above is one of my favorites.

And of course Dad has discovered that there are Eagles videos on Youtube....So he and Bryce watch them in the evening. It's Bryce's chill time. Kind of winds him down for the evening.

And of course there is always the videos that I can fit into my life. Just one of many.
Well hope that all of my dear readers have a Happy holidays and Merry Christmas. Y'all be safe out there.

Babe in the Woods

2008-11-12T16:23:00.002-06:00

Starting to break Bryce in on hunting early. Dad and I have had him down to the deer camp a couple of times. He loves to be outside. Of course when we saw a deer Bryce was well off in dreamland. But i'm sure that he will have plenty of opportunity in the years to come to see deer. Can't wait for him to get old enough to start taking him hunting.

2008-09-30T13:50:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to show off Maddie. She is the daughter of Chris and Stacy. Chris, I would say, is my best friend. We may go a month or more and not talk, but we are always there for each other. He is more like a brother to me than anything else. We have helped each other thru some rough times. I love this picture of Maddie, so very precious. Amazing how innocent babies are.

And of course the obligatory picture of Bryce. He was being silly for his big brother. Jay is really taking to him now that he is more interactive. I think it's because jay has realized that Bryce is not gonna break.

Any way, just a few pics for today. Hope all is well. Drop me a line.

Hey how are you?

2008-09-23T10:36:00.002-05:00

Hey folks, how's it going in your life these days? All here is good. Just rocking right along. Working, paying bills, and trying to maintain my sanity. LOL. Bryce is growing like a weed. It seems like everyday he is doing something new and growing before my very eyes. In the pictures above you see my Aunt Evelyn, she stayed with us while Gustav worked his way thru Louisiana. Needless to say Bryce enjoyed her stay. When I was a kid Evelyn was always spoiling me rotten, and she did the same for Bryce. Hated to see her leave, but she had to go back to see what damage had been done to her house. Bryce has learned that Papaw has a snack every evening, and that if he is persistent enough he can share in it. Think he really likes sugar free Jello. Bryce is really a happy lil fella. About the only time he really fusses is when he is sleepy, dirty, or hungry. He has four teeth across the bottom and the two middle teeth are just barely thru the gums.

As far as for me, work is good. Been busy of late. Seems that the good folks here in Memphis can't get go a day without shooting, beating, or stabbing one another. And of course the government of the city wants everyone to thing that it is just a garden spot. Yeah right! Oh well it keeps the bills paid.

Drop me a line and say HI! Stop just lurking around and leave a comment. Feedback is always welcome.

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2008-09-16T12:29:00.000-05:00

2008-09-02T06:58:00.002-05:00

"There comes a point in your life when you realize who matters, who never did, who wont anymore, and who always will. So don't worry about people from your past, there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future."
Stole that from a blog friend Cory. She works ICU in Nashville, TN. Shes a trauma nurse also. Hit her link in my list and check her out. Great blogger and has that interesting sense of humor that all of us nurses have.
Not a lot going on right now. Just working, paying bills, and living life. Waiting on this custody thing to be worked out. Hopefully the 24th of this month I will at least have the temporary order of custody. Lawyer says should be no problem. But you know how cynical I am. I believe nothing 'til I have paper in hand.
Got family up from Louisiana. They headed north to get away from Gustav. So far from what they have heard, as far as their homes are concerned it's only been minor damage. Some shingles off and a few trees down.
My cousin Terry and his wife, Wanda, are staying here at mom's and my aunt and some of my cousins are staying at my place in Jonesboro, AR. Shoot I can't even see my own house but I'm glad that my family is able to use it in their time of need.
Bryce is loving the extra attention from everyone. Wanda raises Poms and she brought all seven of hers here with them. Cute 'Lil things. Look like mini Chow Chows. Bryce will stand up at the back door and bang on the glass. He likes to watch them run around.
My prayers go out to the folks down on the coast. Please say a little one today for them also. Y'all take care.

Hey Hows Life?

2008-08-26T15:54:00.003-05:00

Hey folks hows it going? Just want to thank all of ya'll that drop in and send a comment or e-mail. It's nice to know that someone other than my folks read what I post here. This blog has become an outlet for some of my frustrations.
Got pics of Bryce above for your viewing enjoyment. He's crawling now and into everything. it's amazing how something so small can be fast. Well I say small, relative to me he is small. At 23 lbs 4 oz and 30.5 inches long he ain't really that small. LOL. He's pulling up too. If it sits still for more than 30 seconds he's standing next to it. Bryce is getting brave too, he's starting to turn lose of whatever he's holding onto and standing on his own. So I guess it won't be long before he's walking.
Anyway, have a great day. Thanks again for dropping by.

Think Bryce has a Crush...

2008-07-31T22:51:00.003-05:00

Well folks it was bound to happen sooner or later. Just didn't think it would happen this soon. Bryce has his first crush. The Wason's Pool and Spa commercial will come on and he comes to a complete stop. I mean he will go from a full blown temper fit (not that there are that many of them.) to full attention on the TV as soon as Jennifer starts talking. I mean, I don't really blame him. Heck, I think i've had a crush on her for years too.
Not alot going on in life right now. Working, paying bills, dealing with lifes little issues. You know, everyday stuff. So what's new in your world. Drop me a line and say HI.

Life Update...

2008-07-16T00:31:00.004-05:00

.
I have also found that family is more important than all else. For without my family I would have foundered in the sea of depression that I have found myself in. I have discovered that although it's been seventeen years since I've had a baby of my own to take care, I can do a halfway decent job.
I have also learned to really listen to the advice of friends. That sometimes they really are right. (Sorry Booker, next time i'll listen.) I have learned that owning a house does not necessarily make it a home. That sometimes it just becomes a really expensive mini-storage unit. Something to house broken dreams, tore apart promises, and the tears that no-one else will ever see.
I have also learned that my boys are more important to me than anything else in this world. That I will move heaven and Earth, and walk thru the fires of Hell for them. I will allow no one to do anything that will cause them harm. They are now my life and forever will be. Even moreso than they were before.
If any of this makes sense, then you know what I'm talking about. If not, and you got questions, then feel free to ask. Right now i'm an open book.
Take care, Jim

Dreams fulfilled....

2008-06-27T08:45:00.002-05:00

Well my travel buddy, Ashley, is doing what she has dreamed of doing for a long time. She's flying with the PEDIFLIGHT team at the childrens hospital here in Memphis. She has worked hard to get a ton of certifications. And it has finally paid off....She's flying.
Am I a little jealous? Hell yeah....I catch the helicopters all night long at THE MED, I just would like to ride in one sometime. But I also am very proud of her. She's worked her ass off, and finally her dream of flying is coming true.
Drop me a line and say HI. Let me know how life is for you. Peace!

Ghetto Chucky Update...

2008-06-12T05:14:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update on Ghetto Chucky. Darryl went to court the other day. Chucky got eight months for his attempted assault. Darryl said it was kinda humerous hearing Chucky being called a threat to his person. Justice prevails. LOL!

Number two with a Bullet....

2008-06-11T16:30:00.003-05:00

10 Worst Crime Cities

In 2007, Memphis ranked second in violent crime per capita in cities of more than 500,000 people.

1. Detroit: 2,286*

2. Memphis: 1,950

3. Baltimore: 1,631

4. Nashville: 1,509

5. Philadelphia: 1,475

6. Milwaukee: 1,403

7. Indianapolis: 1,234

8. Houston: 1,132

9. Boston: 1,155

10. Dallas: 1,069

* Number of violent crimes per 100,000 people.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Well Memphis you have let me down again....Was hoping for number One. You would think that with the amount of crime victims I see on a daily basis we would be number one. I can only imagine what it would be like living in Detroit.
You gotta love living in a city where the majority of the city council is made up of drunks and crooks, the mayor is a egomaniac, and the majority of your population is non-working welfare cases.
Anyway thats my two cents worth. Drop me a line and give me your opinon. Come on Memphis, lets go for number ONE this year.

Pump Gas Drags '08

2008-05-13T11:17:00.002-05:00

Hot Rod Magazine every year puts on the Pump Gas Drags here in Memphis. It was this past weekend. Let me give you a little run down on it, it's an invitational race. The cars all have to be street legal, granted barely. And they have to run on pump gas. There are other rules but I won't bore you with them now.
As part of the deal, they all go thru tech check at Comp Cams and then make a thirty mile drive thru Memphis to the track. The first year they did this on Friday night during rush hour. If you live in Memphis then you know what that's like. After that they started doing it on Saturday.
It started raining and having tornadoes in the area. So after the first round of elimination they decided to postpone them to Sunday AM. Of course with that being Mothers Day I had to miss the finals.
My thanks to Mellon for the great video. And follow the link. He also has great video of the races.
Makes me want a car again so bad.....maybe when I get some bills taken care of and life on a more even keel. Until then, I can dream. Peace!

A Little Advice

2008-05-13T11:01:00.004-05:00

You know it's amazing the number of our patients that come into THE MED complaining that the police have beat them up. I think this video will explain how not to get beat up by the police. All good advice. Pass it on to your friends.

Have a good one. Drop a line. Let me know how your doing.

Jay's Prom

2008-05-05T23:23:00.003-05:00

Well Jay has reached another milestone in his life. His first prom. He looked absolutely handsome. I forget just how great looking my son is sometimes. His date, Tiffany, was a total knockout in her dress. And together they were perfect. They looked like they should have been walking down a red carpet before an award show somewhere.

His friend, Nathan, is the son of one of my best friends from high school. Joey and I spent a little while talking about the last twenty-two years that have passed since our prom years. And how cool it is that our boys are friends. It was nice to catch up a little. We need to get together and really have a chance to talk.

here are a few pictures I took that day. Let me know what you think.

What I want....

2008-04-17T14:01:00.003-05:00

You know I've been asked what I want in a relationship alot of late...let me tell you what I want.
I want someone that is...

Financially stable.
Reliable.
Responsible.
Trustworthy.
Has their issues under control.
Self sufficient.

I mean am I being unrealistic? I don't want to be someones father. I want someone that will be a partner in the relationship. I don't need a liability. I want someone that understands that sometimes I need a little ME time. As I will respect that they do too.

Applications will be posted in the near future, so put a shine on that resume. And I will be checking references.

Ghetto Chucky

2008-04-15T19:49:00.003-05:00

Ok let me set the stage for you.....I'm at work last night and we have a patient come in....Just for fun we'll call him Chucky. Now Chucky is all of 3 ft 6 in tall and about 100 pounds soaking wet. No he's not a pediatric patient, he's a midget. Seems Chucky has a bad habit of falling and always hitting his head. Maybe thats because it's so big and he's always drunk. I don't know, I may be wrong.
Now for the nurse side of things...We have Darryl at 6 ft 4 inches and 260 lbs, Tommy 5 ft 6 inches and 135 lbs (after a big meal), and me 6 ft 4 inches and 330 pounds (after purging). And of course we had other nurses there but they are not central to this post.
Now Chucky came in talking and cutting up like he normally does. For some reason after a while of being there he began to get more upset with us. He started to focus his anger at Darryl. I don't know, maybe cause he's black. We were able to talk him down a few times, but it seemed to escalate each time.
So anyway, I'm sitting where I can see Chucky. I see him reach into his pocket and pull out a lock blade knife. The blade is about 4 inches long. So anyway, I tell Darryl "Hey, he's got a knife." To Chucky I said " Now, you need to give us that knife." Chucky pounces off the end of the stretcher and starts to make threatening moves towards Darryl and of course mouthing at him. Darryl does what any self respecting man would do....He grabs up a chair like a lion tamer and wards off Chucky. In the meantime Tommy and I are circling around Chucky.
After a couple of minutes of trying to talk to him, we said to hell with it and we took him down. I grabbed the knife arm and his other arm and Tommy grabbed him too. Darryl drops the chair and grabs ahold of him too. Tommy was able to break his grip on the knife and get it away from him. Now picture this, 725 pounds of nurse on 100 pounds of deranged knife weilding patient. If it wasn't so serious of a situation it might have been comical.
Darryl and I picked him up and returned him to the stretcher where we restrained him 'til the police came. And of course we all had to make statements to security. Darryl pressed charges and had to go downtown.
Just another night at the trauma center. like Rachel says...YOU JUST CANT MAKE THIS SHIT UP!

Wings....

2008-03-26T19:03:00.007-05:00

Hey folks, just a quick video for this post. This has got to be the one of the best parts of my job. I freaking love playing with the helicopters. They call me the helibitch at work 'cause I'll go to the roof no matter the weather. It don't matter if its freezing cold or burning hot, i'm there. By the roof I mean the actual roof of the hospital. Granted its only like seven stories up..but you get a pretty good view of the city. And now that spring is getting here, before long you'll be able to see the lights from Autozone Park where the Redbirds play. Ah and May brings the Memphis in May bar-b-que cookoff. The smell is enough to make your mouth water. As much as I can hate this city there are some things to love about it.

And of course I work at one of the busiest Level One trauma centers in the US. Sum Dood is rampant in this city. And when Sum Dood is busy that means I'm busy. And life is good.

Y'all take care and and drop me a line to say HI!!

In the End....

2008-03-20T22:09:00.003-05:00

You know that's what so great about blogging....You can post your thoughts and anyone can comment on them. Sometimes its good, bad, or indifferent. But all in all the comments really don't matter for this is something I do for me.
The great thing about life is that it's a death sentence in the end. There is no chance for parole. No call from the governor at the last minute.
Somewhere it is written:

we came to bury Ceasar not praise him,

the good that man does is oft interred with his bones,

the evil lives on forever.

I guess that all I can hope for when my sentence is complete is that the evil I have done is at least equaled by the good that I have done. My boys are my legacy to the world. I can only hope that they spread good unto the world and where ever I spend eternity I can look back on them with pride. For they are definitely my pride now. The house I own, the truck I drive, the amount in my bank account, the job I do, none of that really matters in the end. For all of this can be gained and lost in a heartbeat, my sons are a one time gift. All I can really hope for is that I instill into them a sense of worth, and that they do good for the world.

I bid you happiness and love. Drop a line and say HI.

Ever get the feeling......

2008-03-19T23:29:00.002-05:00

Ever get the feeling that you are trying to bail out a sinking ship with a table spoon? No matter how fast and hard you work your still going down. Kinda how I feel right now......Everything I have worked so hard for is rapidly sliding under the waves. It's amazing how fast the waters of life can suck you under when your keel has been ripped out by an iceberg.
One minute your cruising along, yeah the water is a little rough, but manageable. And then wham........Your whole world is spirling to the bottom.
Someone you thought was a gonna be there to help you, turns out to be the first to abandon ship. Oh yeah, and don't forget that they are the one that drove you onto the iceberg to start off with.
Anyway, Bryce is getting bigger day by day. I guess you could say that he and Jay are my life perservers. When I just want to quit bailing and give up, I think about them. There are lots of days I just want to stay in bed and cover my head and let the world go on without me. But seeing that grin on his lil face makes it alot easier. Jay is doing great, he's a junior and doing good in school. Still trying to decide about college and what he wants to be. But I have faith that his mother and I did a pretty fair job of raising him and he'll do well. Don't see him as much as I want to what with him working and school. And of course i'm working alot too. But he knows I love him and he loves me. So all is good.
Anyway, drop me a line and say HI.

Here's looking at you, Kid!

2008-02-27T19:08:00.003-06:00

Hey gentle reader, Hows things going for you? All in all, things here are going well. Work is good. Bryce is getting bigger by the minute. He's now on a six hour schedule. Taking six ounces at a time. His personality is really starting to show more every day.

As far as my life.......Income tax really came in handy. Got some loans from my folks and brother paid back, and best of all paid off a credit card. They say that prayer does work.....Beginning to see that that may be true. Financially life is really looking up. As far as the rest of life, well lets just say that it's what it is. Getting better every day.

Hope all is well for you. Drop me a line and say HI!

Valentines Day

2008-02-14T12:05:00.003-06:00

Hey folks another Valentines Day is upon us. Hope you enjoy your day if your one of the folks that are deeply in love with someone and all goofy eyed. If your not, then curse the love birds and bemoan the fact that you can't get a decent seat at any restaurant, and this includes the local Waffle House.
Have a good one folks, and drop me a line to say HI!

Long Time No See.....

2008-02-09T13:39:00.001-06:00

Hey folks hows it going? Things are getting better here. There have been some major upheavals in my life of late. But that is a blog for another time. Bryce is getting big. He is starting to really develope his personality. It is so great to come home in the morning from work and he be awake. I speak to him and his eyes light up and I get the biggest, widest open mouth toothless grin. It's fun to talk to him and him "talk" back. Just waiting on it to get warmer so I can take him to the zoo and just get out of the house. I've been looking at a Radio Flyer wagon with the big tires. I think it would be great for taking him to the zoo. I tell ya having a baby has definitly made me feel younger. And of course has given me a different outlook on life.

I'm back doing trauma at THE MED in Memphis. Didn't really know how much I missed it until I had been gone from there for a few months. Yeah the money was great traveling, but I really like the trauma thing.

So hows things for you gentle reader? Drop me a line and say HI. It's been a while since we talked.

DeerSlayer

2007-12-26T10:41:00.001-06:00

Jay has struck again. Went hunting the other day with his papaw. This was an afternoon hunt after his last day of school for the holiday break. He and dad hit the stands about two o'clock, and by four o'clock Jay was calling. He had dropped this eight point at about one hundred-fifty yards with a single shot. This was his first day to hunt of the season. He was of course quite proud of himself, much as dad and I were. They gave the deer to a gentleman that watches over dads hunting club for them. Dad's club tries to give him a couple of deer each season.
Bryce is doing good. Starting to put on some weight now that we are giving him more formula. He is changing more everyday. Starting to follow voices and noises with his eyes. Jay is just waiting for him to be old enough to play ball. Think he is gonna be a great big brother even if there is sixteen years between them. God forbid anything happen to me, but I'm glad to know that Jay will be around to help keep an eye on him and teach him things.
Hope your holidays were good. Drop me a line and say HI!

More Pics

2007-12-20T18:51:00.001-06:00

More pics of Bryce. Slowly figuring out that he can sleep at night. Just wish that it would be in his own bed. LOL! I think that he is the greatest thing since sliced bread. And to think that I was scared to death about having another kid.
Thanks to Jodie and Pauline for the nice comments. Hope to be taking more pics of him now that he is staying awake more during the day. He has some of the funniest expressions. He'll wrinkle his eyebrows and look at me like "what the heck is this". Starting to work with him on saying daddy. You know you gotta start working on those language skills early.
Anyway hope that all is good with you. drop a line and say HI. Peace!

Pics as Promised

2007-12-09T20:07:00.001-06:00

He came into the world...

2007-12-04T10:08:00.000-06:00

He came into the world in the usual way.....Jamison Bryce Leonard was born yesterday at 3:05 in the afternoon. He weighed 7 lbs 5 oz and is 20.5 inches long. Everything is where its supposed to be and working well. Especially his lungs and voice. Mom says he has my temper, I don't know about that, but he lets you know clearly when he isn't happy about something. Pics will be posted here as soon as I have time to upload them. Keep looking back.....He is cute as can be. And yes I am biased. Peace!

Update

2007-11-27T10:30:00.000-06:00

Hey folks, not much happening around here right now. Just hanging out. Getting fatter and lazier. Still no baby yet, but got a doctors appointment on Thursday and he may decide to induce then. So maybe will have a new baby by the weekend.
Had a great Thanksgiving with the family all here. Ate way too much but God it was great to have a home cooked meal. I think I could have eaten one of momma's chocolate pies by myself. Well, looking back, I think I did over a couple of days.

Home Sweet Home!

2007-11-21T10:07:00.001-06:00

Well folks, made it home Saturday at about two o'clock in the afternoon. That's 2298 miles in 33 hours of driving. Was most glad to see the drive way at the house. I drove from Klamath Falls, OR to Santa Rosa, NM the first leg of the trip. I slept about seven hours then finished out the trip.
The last few days I have just tried to settle back into home life. Did a few things around the house. Got me a job. Will be starting on December third. Gonna be working ICU.
To all the folks that read this that I have worked with, thanks for the memories. It was fun and I will always hold a special place for y'all.
keep reading, the way things are looking pretty soon there are will be pics of Bryce on here.
Peace!

Momma I'm Coming Home!

2007-11-15T09:44:00.000-06:00

Well by the time some of you read this I'll be on the road for home. As the first video says, I'm east bound and down. And the second video says it all...MOMMA I'M COMING HOME! It's been a long time gone and I'm ready.
It's been good here but home is calling. Like the saying goes, no matter where I may roam there is no place like home. I've got my wanderlust taken care of, and now it's time to really plant roots.
Hope all is well with your world. Mine is getting better ever mile east I roll. Take care and Godspeed!

Two Days and Counting

2007-11-13T08:56:00.000-06:00

Only two days to go 'til I'm on the road and headed east. That means two more shifts and I'm gone. I can't wait. It's been a long thirteen weeks. The folks here have been great to work with and all, but I'm ready to be home. My family is missing me and I'm missing them too.
Got the route mapped and burnt into my mind, all that's stopping me is the fact that I have to finish my contract. Plan to be rolling from here Thursday night after sleeping all day.
Hope all is well in your world. Drop a comment on me and say HI!

The Countdown

2007-11-05T17:41:00.000-06:00

The countdown has begun....Only ten days left 'til I am headed home. The time seems to have really flown on some days, and has drug along on others. Have started doing some some stuff to get ready. Cleaned out the truck today, I can't stand to travel in a dirty rig. Gonna wait 'til a little closer to time to leave to wash the outside. This Wednesday is gonna be a laundry and pack day. I start a seven day stretch on Thursday to finish up here. So everything but what I need for those seven days and the drive home is gonna be packed and ready to go. I am oh so ready to be home.

My trusty staff photographer, Molly, has been at it again. She got me a couple of great pics the other day. One is of the sunrise on Mt Shasta in northern California and the other is of a rainbow over Lake Ewanna here in Klamath.

I'm gonna miss the mountains here. I have always had a thing for mountains and my last two assignments have fulfilled this desire to see mountains.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Drop me a line and say HI. It's easy to do....Just hit the comment thingie there and then type in your info and message. Even if you don't have a Blogger account you can leave a message. Shoot even my MOM can figure it out. LOL!

Jake the Wonderdog

2007-10-29T01:40:00.001-05:00

As mentioned in my last post my uncle Jerry did a cartoon. Jake the Wonderdog is no longer being done due to my uncle's illness. But if you look at his cartoons, most of the pictures on the walls are of his family. It's funny how he incorporated them into his cartoon.
Jake the Wonderdog is not for kids. My uncle drew his cartoons for adults and so it hits on a more adult nature. But they are still funny. A lot of my uncles personality shows in what Ed has to say and does.
The website also has info on my cousin Tommy who has been missing since December 2001. It's hard to believe that it's been nearly six years. And still no further info. I'm sure that there is someone out there that has what is needed to finally allow my uncles family to find some closure.
Follow the link and look at the cartoons and drop me a line here. Let me know what you think.

Uses for the Internet....

2007-10-29T01:02:00.000-05:00

Do you remember what you really first started looking at on the internet? Joe Cartoon I think was one of the sites that I went to a lot. Loved the gerbil in a blender stuff. Amazing the imagination of the guys that thought this stuff up.
I mean there is only so much porn one can look at on the 'net. After a while you become jaded and you gotta pursue other entertainment. LOL!
This is back in the old days when a 56K modem was blazing fast. When if you wanted to look at something like the cartoons and stuff you had to really want to look at them. I mean it was a wait for anything to download. Like eat lunch and smoke a cigarette wait. But Joe Cartoon never let me down. It was always good for a laugh.
My uncle Jerry used to do cartoons. He has a great sense of humor and is artistic on top of that. His cartoons were about Jake the Wonderdog. He did it all on the computer and drew the scenes by hand, using only the mouse. I find it pretty dang amazing considering that I can't draw a stick figure without a ruler.
Anyway, was just messing on the net and found this on YouTube and it brought back some memories. What websites do you remember from your fledgling days on the World Wide Web? Of course we all need to thank Al Gore for inventing it for us.
Hit me with a comment and let e know your favorite site. Later!

A night out...

2007-10-27T00:52:00.000-05:00

Had a much needed night out tonight. I met some folks from work at The Creamery tonight and had dinner. We sat there for almost four hours just talking and laughing about things. it was nice to be out. I've been working so damn much it was beginning to feel like I was in a rut. I think over the next three weeks I only have maybe three days off. Then at the end of those three weeks I start a twenty-two hundred mile trip back home.
I've got a job interview with a hospital back home for an ICU position. I have just about decided that I dont want to work in a medical ER. I really love trauma, but can't stand the medical ER stuff.
Looking forward to being home. It'd been a long six months with only a thirteen day visit since I've been gone. I've liked the travel stuff but i'm ready to sleep in my bed in my house.

Hope all is well. Drop me a line and say Hi!

Gotta Love It....

2007-10-24T09:17:00.000-05:00

I'm not an overly religious person, and this I find extremely funny. I don't knock anyones religious beliefs, who is to say what is right. But this just rolls me up into a little ball. And when mixed with this song it only gets better.
It is amazing what a skilled performer and mass hysteria will get you. How can anyone watch this and keep a straight face? I for one would be rolling on the floor laughing my ass off. Of course I may be condemned to the deepest pits of hell to burn for all eternity for making fun of this guy....But then again he may be right there next to me.
Give me your thoughts and post a comment. Peace!

80's music!

2007-10-20T01:45:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been on an 80's music kick. There are lots of bands out there that are doing remakes of 80's music. I've found everything from Throwdown doing a punk version of Baby Got Back to Marily Manson doing Tainted Love. The video above is great. I'm sure that The J Geils Band loves this version of their song. It's nicely updated for now.
And as you can see I've learned how to post videos from you tube on my blog. So watch out readers, You never know what I'm gonna find to put on here.
Hows thinks going in your world? Things here are great....Working, paying bills, and counting days 'til im East bound and down. And yes i have found the video on you tube for this song. Just saving it for my last day here. LOL.
Drop me a line and say HI!

Snow Again....

2007-10-17T09:32:00.000-05:00

Hey folks, was at work last night and it snowed again. I was like a little kid pressed to the window watching it come down. It was pretty cool. As you can tell it left a pretty good coating over everything. I was excited but the folks at work were like "God I can't believe it's snowing already." I am all for it snowing and all, just as long as I can get my tail out of here the middle of November.

Whats happening in your neck of the woods? Drop me a line and say Hi!

You Say It's Your Birthday.....

2007-10-08T00:59:00.000-05:00

Well it's my birthay too, yeah. Yep the big guy hit the big 40 today. geez if i'd known I was gonna live this long I'd took better care of myself when I was younger. Had the weekend off from work. I did what did any self respecting guy does over his birthday, I laid my butt around and did alot of nothing. This evening I met some folks from work and went and ate pizza then had ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. Not very exciting I know, but it works for me. Not a drinker anymore and don't like the club scene. So this worked great for an old guy.

six more weeks and then a long ride home. Already started mapping it out. gonna try and do it in two day. Gonna be a lot of hard driving but I think I can do it. Of course this all depends on the weather and the roads too. Will of course have to adjust dependent on these factors.

Some of the pictures I've posted here of late come from a girl I work with named Mollie. She is our monitor tech in the unit. She is a hiker and is taking pics for me when she is hiking, so I can post them here. So any credit for the pics go to her.

It Snowed....

2007-10-06T11:51:00.001-05:00

Howdy Dear Reader, how are things in your neck of woods? Things here are moving right along.
Down to six weeks left here in Klamath Falls, then back to Memphis to work. Need to start looking for something back home. A brother got to work you know?
Anyway had a bit of a suprise this week. It SNOWED. It lasted about two hours but it was sure pretty coming down. And it has been some kind of cold too. Down into the twenties most of the week. Needless to say this 'ole southern boy been shivering a little. But it's all good.
Well, drop me a line and say Hi.

Updates

2007-09-29T09:15:00.001-05:00

Hey folks just a lil update on life for me....The ultasound pic above is a profile shot of Bryce. To the right of the pic is his hand. Already giving a raised fist salute to the world. That's my boy.
Seven more weeks and I am out of here. Can't wait, I'm ready to be home and see to my family.
y'all take care and drop me line. Peace!

My Day

2007-09-26T01:24:00.000-05:00

Well today was the second of two days off this week. Didn't do much yesterday. Slept it all away. Today I went and saw Resident Evil Extinction. Was pretty good. Your regular movie based on a video game stuff. Lots of gore and fighting. Was kinda nice to just set in a dark theater for an hour and a half and let the world go.
Think I'm gonna go into work mode for the next seven weeks. Six twelve hour shifts a week. I might as well, not much else really going on. I've clicked with a few folks at work, and we've tried to get together a couple of times to go out. But something always seems to get in the way. So rather than keep trying I think i'm just gonna work my ass off and get out of here. Do what I came here to do. Do what I do best. WORK AND WORK ALOT!
I seem to be trying to make everyone happy and not doing worth a damn at any of it. I was told the other day that I was basically a shitty father. It seems that I haven't been calling Jay often enough. And I will freely admit that I hadn't been calling him everyday. But with the time difference and the fact he has a job now....it's hard to connect with him. I try so hard to show people that I love them and support them, but I always seem to fail. Hell thats all I really do excel at....FAILING! I've tried to do better at calling him. But it seems when we do talk it's only for a few minutes and I feel that I'm interrupting him or something. But I will continue to call him and let him know that I love him.
So like I said...Just gonna work myself into a numbness and get the hell out of here. Try to maybe get something accomplished.
Strap on the feedback....The work horse is here and ready to go!

Stress Reduction

2007-09-18T14:32:00.001-05:00

You know nurses are known for the caring that they bring to work. You are expected to be diligent in all that you do for your patients. Most of the time to the detriment of your own health. I can't even begin to count the number of shifts i've gone without a lunch break or even a trip to the bathroom. You are expected to take whatever the abuse is that a patient or family member wants to heap on you. It doesn't matter how far backwards you bend to see that their needs are met. And if you don't then said patient or family member will complain on you to the next shift or even administration. And of course in this day and age of the client is always right, management will come down on you. Regardless of how well you did your job.
That's why I think that as part of the compensation package for nurses there needs to be a stress reduction day. A day when you can take out your frustration in any way you choose. I personally think that a day of boxing would be the way to go. Lace on the gloves and go a few rounds. Somedays when I leave the hospital I fill like I could go fifteen rounds with Tyson and not break a sweat. Just run off of pure frustration.
I'm not saying that every nurse has to box. Shoot you can go hiking or sky diving, whatever does it for you. I just kinda like the boxing idea.
Anyway thats just my opinion. Give me your ideas or comments. The trash talk is done, ring the bell and lets dance.

Motorcycles

2007-09-11T11:28:00.000-05:00

Found out this morning that my cousin was killed on the way to work. He was riding his motorcycle and someone pulled out in front of him. It may not have been too bad but Arkansas doesn't have a helmet law. Fom what I was told he was killed instantly. I can only hope so.
And to top it off my brother has bought a motorcycle. Never really thought he would, but guess he had to keep up with his brother in law who rides. Thankfully he lives in Mississippi, and they have a helmet law. I just hope that he gets this out of his system before something happens. He has two cute kids that need their daddy. I saw way too much carnage from motorcycles when I worked trauma at THE MED in Memphis. Don't want to see him there.
Peace! Drop a line say HI!

Crater Lake

2007-09-02T03:46:00.000-05:00

Went to Crater Lake today. Needless to say it was really breathtaking....and i'm not just talking about the scenery. I mean the elevation was really something. This ole boy with the sea level smokers lungs was huffing. Couple of folks that I went with wanted me to go on a five mile hike up Mt Scott with them. I was like yeah sure. Not unless they got a helicopter at the top for me. Needless to say, I just hung around and enjoyed the sights. I was really amazed at the scenery. And how blue the water was. They say it stays at about thirty eight degrees. Anyway I wasn't going to hike down and dip my lil toe in it, so I just took their word for it.
Well, two weeks in on this contract and all seems to be going well. Been working ER and ICU. Amazing how after two and a half years of ER my ICU skills have gotten a little rusty. But things are coming together for me again. It's kinda nice getting a break from ER. Gives me a chance to reset the brain.
Everybody says that I will see snow before I leave here in November. I hope so, has been a long time since I've seen real snow. And you know why that is. Right? 'Cause Memphis is just close enough to Hell that it will never snow there.
Anyway, bed calls. Just sorting thru things in life right now. I have more pics posted on Flickr from Crater Lake. Just hit the MY PICS thingie on the right and it will take you to them.
Peace. And remember Karma is a Bitch.

Big Ole Burger

2007-08-29T09:41:00.000-05:00

Went to eat the other day and was really starving. Had gotten the suggestion to try out this place called STARVIN' MARVIN. Figured with a name like that it had to be good. Anyway, was a nice restaurant. Pretty cool decor...waitresses were nice, served a good glass of tea.
Now what to eat.....Looked at the menu. Saw a bacon cheeseburger. Thought yeah why not. Waitress asked you want the big one? Sure why not.
Well lemme tell you.....this thing was 16 oz of angus beef. It came on a plate by itself. Now I got a big appetite, but it took me a while to finish this bad boy off. it was really pretty good. May have to go back and try the other variations of this burger.
Anyway, work is good. Life is good. Drop a line and say HI.

Update

2007-08-22T23:34:00.000-05:00

Hey folks, just a quick update. Have been doing orientation all week, nothing like sitting on your butt and getting paid. I mean there is nothing wrong with free money, but dang, i'm ready to get to work.
Was on the deck of the house here, smoking a cig and three deer walked thru the yard. And these were not just little puny deer. These had the makings of some mighty fine deer. Whats amazing is the fact that we are right in the middle of town. I'll have to take some pictures to post here pretty soon to give you an idea of what its like.
Was glad to see the good folks from Roswell checking in. Really do miss them. Had a lot of fun with them. Wish I could have brought them here with me. Would have been a hoot!!
Hope all is well with you. Drop a line and say HI!!

Klamath Falls, Oregon

2007-08-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

Well folks made it to Oregon without incident. Was a long ride but had a great time getting here. Saw some great country and had a few adventures. Picture above is from the Bonneville Salt flats. Couldn't come through Utah without going there.
Oh and if anyone suggest taking NV-140 from Elko,NV to Klamath Falls,OR kick them in the shin. This highway (?) is two lane all the way. Mapquest is crazy. But I did get to eat at a great little country store with a couple of ranchers. Was rather interesting. This was after coming off of a five thousand foot tall mountain at a eight percent grade. This means it drops eight feet for every one hundred feet traveled. Read that as STEEP!
Anyway folks...Hope all is well. There are pictures posted at the right. Just hit the picture thing thru Flickr. Drop a line and say HI. Peace!

Update from the Road..

2007-08-16T22:23:00.000-05:00

Well the first day of travel is done. I'm in North Platte, Nebraska. Thats 809 miles from Jonesboro, Arkansas in 12 hours. Not a bad day of driving. Getting to see some of the country that I've never seen or will probably ever get to see again. Let me tell you folks, Nebraska is pretty if you like mile after mile of corn. After New Mexico all the green is nice. Wildlife seen today.... 4 turkeys and more deer than you can shake a stick at. From what I could see from the interstate they looked really big, But I guess that is to be expected from eating all this corn.
Ok to answer a couple of questions from earlier comments......Pictures of the crib will be posted soon in the picture section to the right there. The deal on the house came together for me at the last minute. So was a bit rushed getting it put together before leaving, but its 90 percent there. As far as when the baby is due...It's December 10th for a due date. There is a countdown ticker to the right of this post if you can see it....
Really like living in Jonesboro. It has just enough to feel big town, but small enough that you don't feel overwhelmed. Really gonna like living there.
Well folks bed beckons, so off I go. Hope this finds you well. Drop a line say HI. I'll be posting some pics from the road soon. Left camera in the truck. Peace!

Update

2007-08-13T13:13:00.000-05:00

Hey, folks! Getting settled into house in Jonesboro. Been busy busy. Now getting things ready for ride to Oregon. Will try to update from the road. Hope all is well on your end.

Home

2007-08-03T09:30:00.000-05:00

Ah it's great to be home. Got in yesterday about noon. After drving all night it was great to see mom and dad's house. And I think the bed was a close second. Trying to get thinks together now for Oregon.

Headed home...

2007-08-01T03:05:00.000-05:00

Well folks, here it is the last shift here in Alien land, better known as Roswell,NM. I can say that I have enjoyed myself greatly while here. The hospital is great to work for, the town is not bad, and the weather has not been at all as I imagined it.
The folks here have been great. They have really taken a liking to me. And all seem to really be sincere when they say that are going to miss me. I know that I am going to really miss a great number of them. And the kindness that they have shown this 'ole Southern boy will always be remembered. I will carry a special place in my heart for some of them.
Hopefully we will be eastbound and down, loaded up and trucking this evening. To borrow a line from The Smokey and the Bandit. Plan on being home tomorrow afternoon. Lots to do before I head for Oregon.
The Road Beckons.

Green Chilli's

2007-07-26T16:08:00.001-05:00

Ok folks I don't know about where ya'll live but back in the South our cheeseburgers come the old fashioned way....meat, cheese, pickles, onions, mustard and ketchup between two buns.

Needless to say I was surprised to see on the menu at McDonalds a double cheeseburger with green chilli's. Well being the adventuresome type I thought what the heck, i'll try it! Well after eating them pretty regularly (read that every day), I am totally addicted. Trying to figure out if I whine enough they'll get them at the McD's back home. Probably not!

Wonder if I can figure out how to do it at home? May have to take some practice at home. Anyone got any suggestions? Help a brother out!

Carlsbad Caverns

2007-07-26T01:27:00.001-05:00

Feet Down: 750

Miles Walked: 2.5

Cold Dr Pepper: $2.50

Time with Jay: Priceless

Went to the caves at Carlsbad the other day. Had a great time. It's really amazing what time and water can do to rock. We stayed 'til dark and watched the bats come out. The ranger that gave us the information on the bats said that they numbered between two hundred and five hundred thousand. For about thirty minutes they poured out of the entrance to the caves.

I have really enjoyed the month that Jay has spent here with me in Roswell. I know that he has been bored. But have been trying to arrange things to do when I'm off. I think he's missing his truck and friends. One more week and then we are packing and heading east. Plan on being home next Thursday.

Peace and Love. Drop me a comment and say HI!

Missing Sunshine!!

2007-07-18T07:56:00.000-05:00

Hey, have been thinking a lot lately. As if thats a surprise right? I really miss the Trauma thing. Yeah had a lot of complaints about some things there, but I really miss it. Loved the pace of it, and the not really knowing what was gonna be coming in next. Am hoping that after I finish this next travel assignment I will be in a shape financially that I can maybe go back there and work. If they will have me.

seems of late I have been seeing the sun rise, but I've been missing the beauty of the sunshine. Sometimes you need to see more of the sunshine to get life into perspective. I guess the realization that no matter how bad things may seem, the sun is going to rise and give you a new day to start over. I have decided to see more sunshine in my life and less of the darkness that has clouded life of late.

I think that is why I like the tattoo on my leg so much. The cross symbolizes faith. The cross is encircled in a never ending celtic knot, symbolizing to me that faith is never ending. And the sun backing it shows that in faith there is always a new beginning to life. I love that I always carry with me a reminder of the sunshine in my life. The day may be dark and gloomy, but I carry a reminder that everyday is a new beginning and the sunshine will return if you have faith.

PEACE!

Lifes many turns..

2007-07-16T05:49:00.001-05:00

Yeah, you know how you make wrong turns in life. Sometimes you are able to reverse course and go back the right way. And sometimes you just have to find a new course. I am now charting a course towards being financially solvent. I want to be able to enjoy this childs life as much as possible. I wasn't really able to do that with Jay, but I plan on doing better at that with this new child coming on.
It's been said that it's never too late to be the person you wanted to be. Well, I'm gonna be that person whatever I have to do. I plan on being a better father, son, uncle, brother, and when the time comes, a better boyfriend/husband. It's time to get my priorities straight and start on that better course for my life.
Hit that comment button and give me your thoughts. Peace!

Jealousy

2007-07-14T05:30:00.000-05:00

Amazing how something great can be turned into something bad. One does something in an effort to help himself out and all he does is catch grief about it. I just don't understand how someone can say they love you in one breath and then cast all kind of accusations in another.
Spend hours screaming at you, and then don't understand why you don't feel all romantic. I for one just don't work that way. It's amazing how love can be stabbed repeatedly thru the heart and still keep coming back for more. But some would say that KARMA is like that. Guess paybacks are a bitch aren't they?
Trying to get my financial life straightened out. Looking to do another travel assignment, then back to Memphis for the birth of my child. Then probably try to do another travel trip. Something close to Memphis. Hopefully will be financially solvent by then and able to slow my life down.
Well folks, if you want, hit the comment button down at the end of this post and drop me a line. Could use a little pick me up. BRING THE PAIN!

Tuff Hedeman

2007-07-13T03:48:00.000-05:00

You may wonder why I have a picture of Tuff Hedeman on my blog. I work with his sister. She says he was a puss when he was a kid. Said she beat him up alot. I don't know about that, but I do know that it takes a real man to get on top of a pissed off bull. And hang on for eight seconds. But anyway Jane got me an autographed picture. Or at least she said its signed by him. LOL!
We went to the rodeo at Capitan the other day. No Tuff wasn't there, but we did see a pretty good rodeo. Had a good time. It's one thing to see it on TV but live is totally different. Would like to see one again.
Well drop me a line. Say HI!

Big Let Down

2007-07-11T04:21:00.001-05:00

Well seems that my debt to income ratio can't be overcome. The bank says that I just have too many bills as it is to afford a house right now. Even with my folks helping out, it just won't be do-able. So now i'm between a rock and a hard spot. Do I head back home the first of August and take the job in Jonesboro and rent a place. Of course making less money. Which means that I'll have to work more just to pay the bills I got. Or do I do another travel assignment and work my tail off for thirteen weeks and try to pay off some stuff? Which in the long run would be better.

So what am I to do? Hell I don't know. Wish I was a kid again and had mom and dad to make all my decisions for me. Of course just being a brainless automation sounds pretty good too. Don't really have to think for myself, just let someone else do it for me. point me in the right direction and let me know just what it is that I need to do.

Anyone got any suggestions. Someone point me in the right direction. 'cause of late all my choices and dreams have turned to dust. Hope your life is going better than mine. Later.
If any of my friends from THE MED are reading this, please drop a line and say HI.

Alienfest.

2007-07-10T00:44:00.000-05:00

Well folks,went to the Alienfest here in Roswell. Maybe because it was early on the first day I don't know, but it was not that interesting. Went thru the vendors area and got a few things. I think that the rest of the week was pretty good for them. I know there were a lot of cars in town.

Not really much happening right now. Just trying to finish out the contract and see if the bank is gonna let me get the house. Need to know something pretty soon. Got lots of stuff yet to do.

Well drop a line and say HI. Peace!

Homebound

2007-06-20T23:18:00.002-05:00

Hey folks, headed home in the AM for a vaction. Gonna see Jay, my folks, and all the other folks back home. It's been a long eight weeks, and I've been working my tail off. We are flying home for twelve days. Then it's back here for about five weeks.
I've got some job interviews in Jonesboro, AR and also looking at some houses. Just real tired of Memphis. Looking to slow down and quieten up my life alittle.
I'll be taking the camera home with me. So hopefully will have some pictures to post here. I know I have missed everybody back home alot.
Hope this finds everyone well. Drop me a line. Say HI!!

Hey Nurse!!

2007-06-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

You know, one thing I have noticed since I've been here is that there is a total lack of time understanding here. Patients come off the ambulance stretcher wanting to know how long they are gonna be in the ER. Sometimes I just want to answer with an AMA form.
Or they start complaining about their length of stay in the ER. "I've been here for three hours. When is the test going to be finished and I can go home?" HMMM....maybe this abdominal pain you've had for a month is just not that important. Why do these people come to the ER and then complain about the wait. I mean, a three hour visit is great. I love to tell them that they are a head of the national average. Which is in the area of what six hours or so just to be triaged. I know that at THE MED in Memphis it was nothing for people to sit in the waiting room thru my whole shift and still be there when I came back in the next shift. Of course, a lot of these folks didn't have anything better to do. But I guess the Memphis folks were soldiers. They persevere through the trials and tribulations of an ER visit. No whining about the wait. Shoot, it's warm and dry. A TV. What else do you need?
I guess it comes from the McDonald's culture we live in now a days. You know what I mean, come in, place you order and be out the door shortly after that. Oh, but don't forget that these same people want a kind,caring nursing staff and doctors to spend time with them and actually listen to their complaints. Oh and please don't forget the warm blankets for the patient, family, and visitors. And do you have any fresh coffee? How 'bout some juice? I'm sorry folks, but do I look like Alice from Mel's diner? Let me break off from doing CPR on this ninety-eight year old to fetch you your hearts desire.
Wake up folks and realize that health care is not a trip to the store or McDonald's. You are not the only one wanting to be taken care of. No the nurses and doctors are not there to wait on you hand and foot. We are there to get you stable enough to go to the floor or ICU. Or maybe to send you to your regular doctor. And yes you do need to see the doctor we refer you to. That is why we recommend them. maybe they can treat your chronic problems and you don't have to wait for hours in the ER. Amazing how that works, huh?
Let me know your thoughts on my rant. Am I wrong? I welcome all opinions, even if they are wrong. Peace!!

Heroin and Crystal Meth

2007-06-03T08:38:00.000-05:00

Ok, so have I been living in a bubble or what? I didn't know that heroin and meth were so big. I mean, I know that crack was big back home. But, geez, it seems that there is a large population of heroin and meth users here. A lot of people here are users. And they all complain that you have to stick them a lot to try and get an IV on them. Well, all I can say is, don't complain because you have ruined your veins. I didn't ask you to shoot up, or suck on that pipe. You made a choice to do these things. You have to live with the consequences of your decisions. I don't. I just have to take care of you. I'm the one that has to find some way to get the IV antibiotics into your wasted venous system, so maybe that abcess from skin popping won't go septic. Maybe you will live to see another sunrise. Maybe see your children grow-up. Or not. I guess it's the will of the needle there.
Sorry folks, I guess i'm letting my frustration boil over into here. I find it so hard sometimes to take care of those who don't care about themselves. But, I go in do my job and hope that they make it thru the night. I know the needle is calling. And they have to answer that call.
Hope all is well in your lives. Drop me a line and say HI.

Just hanging Out!

2007-05-28T14:51:00.000-05:00

Hello Gentle Reader, not a lot going on today. Just lazing around and doing a lot of nothing on this holiday. Think I would rather be working. But tomorrow starts a marathon of work for me. I start a twenty-two day stretch. yes, you read that correctly. Twenty-two days of twelve hours shifts in a row. That will take me right up to the day before I fly back to Memphis for a long visit. Well I say long, about two weeks. And then it's back to Roswell for another four weeks.
The bear in the picture is one that I bought in Riudoso. Have decided that rather than buying a tee shirt or hat that I wont wear, I'm going to start buying things that I can see daily to remind me of my travels. Saw this bear and kinda liked the way he had his head cocked.
Ok folks, drop me a line and say HI. PEACE!

waiting on Aliens!

2007-05-18T08:10:00.000-05:00

Well another night at work is complete. Things are still going well. I work with a good group of folks. We all seem to get along pretty well. We laugh and cut up and still get the job done.
The other night Ashley had a guy that had been living in his car for a couple of weeks. He was staying in his car not far from the Walmart. You say OK, No big deal. Folks live in their car all the time. Sure they do, but how many of them are looking for aliens? He was waiting for them to abduct him. And he was at the Walmart 'cause we all know that everybody has to go to Walmart at some time. Including aliens I guess. He wanted to be abducted and probed. Guess we all need some probing every now and then.
We've been here for nearly three weeks and the only aliens I have seen are maybe of the illegal type. All in all the folks here have been nice. Really made me feel welcome.
Not much really going on. Life is good. Hope this finds you well. drop me a line and say HI. Peace!

Google hits

2007-05-14T11:52:00.000-05:00

Killer posted about referrals from Google serches. Got to thinking and looked at my sitemeter. Kinda interesting...here are a few.

azaleas growing on a wire ring Imagine the suprise on finding my post about the ring girls at the fights I went to. Number two here.

Is Kansas Considered a Southern State this is from ask.com Hit the post about my facts about the south. Number three here.

nurse funny questions Took some work for them to find me on this search. Only about twenty one million results. LOL!

Of course I got several hits from Killers readers. kinda funny how something that started just as a way for my mom to keep up with me while I was in CT traveling has become this addictive. It has actually gotten more hits than I ever thought it would. Any way gentle reader, I'll keep posting, you keep reading. And hopefully we can both get a chuckle from some of it.

Mountains Baby!!

2007-05-13T22:54:00.000-05:00

Hey all took a day trip to the mountains. And if you know me, you know that I love mountains. We went to Ruidoso. It's about an hour and a half from Roswell. It's roughly ten thousand feet above sea level. believe you me this ole fat boy was huffing a little. But all in all it was a great trip. Got to see some great scenery and did a little shopping in town. There was a multitude of shops that specialized in Indian stuff. Had a great meal at a Mexican place and then came back to the house.
Two weeks down and twelve more to go. SO far the work has been good. The pay is good. And we are having a good time. Hopefully the next twelve weeks will go quick. Peace!

Nurses Week

2007-05-09T08:48:00.000-05:00

Well to all of those that read this that are in the nursing field I just want to wish you a big HAPPY NURSES WEEK. It's great..one week a year we are given free meals and some small token from the folks we work for to show their appreciation for us being a nurse. I guess that makes up for the long hours we put in doing our best to care for a growing number of increasingly sick patients out there. It's amazing that with the shortage of nurses out there we are getting more and more responsibilty heaped on us. The goverment dictates how much paperwork we have to do. And of course the legal environment that our country is in now makes us have to spend more time charting than we do actually caring for our patients.
And speaking of the nursing shortage....why arent more folks coming into the nursing field? My thought is that it just isn't lucrative enough for them anymore. And as I said before the paperwork and everything tends run more people away from nursing.
Of course who in their right minds wants to be bled on, vomited on, and given the opportunity to play in someones elses body fluid when they could be setting up somewhere programming computers for more money and better working hours. Oh but wait, the joy of digging things from some poor schmucks anal orifice is more than compensation for the education I worked so hard to get.
Ok enough bitching, I really do like nursing. I mean its great that I am getting paid good money to travel the country and work. i have no rent, house note, or utilities to pay. All the money I make is mine. Ok GMAC and VISA get their share. But the rest is mine.
So anyway.....You nurses out there have a great week, keep on doing what you do. And remember, you may not be told very often, but what we do is important. And someone does appreciate what we do.

5 Questions

2007-05-02T10:57:00.000-05:00

Ok folks there are these things running around the blog world called MEME's. Basically someone asks you five questions and you answer them. kinda like a get to know you type thing. Anyway, my questions come from Killer of Killer Rants! He is a fellow travel nurse that I worked with at the MED. He has a wicked sense of humor and has a very bent view of the world. Please hit his link and read up on his take of the greatest invention by man.
here we go with the questions:
1. As a fellow large, male nurse, and a fellow trauma nurse from one of the most violent cities, per capita, in the country, what is the most gruesome thing you have seen? What is the strangest object you have found in an orifice?

Well I can't really say that any of it was truly gruesome. I think it was more of an awe type thing. It's truly amazing the damage that can be inflicted on a human body and still live. There have been many a poor soul roll into the trauma room and you just have to step back for a second and go DAMN, thats amazing. But I believe that motorcycles contribute the worst injuries. Have never seen limbs twisted into that many angles before. Strange objects...Hmmm would have to be the twelve inch vibrator lost in the rectum of a male truck driver. This was when I worked for Methodist hospital in Memphis. Still on and still going. Gotta love those Energizer batteries.

2. You are an outdoorsy kind of guy, what is the longest period of time you have gone without bathing?

Reckon it was 'bout four days on a hunting trip. Had a cabin but no hot water. Shrinkage is bad enough as it is. After a while you don't even smell yourself.

3. How many times have you been asked, "What position did you play in football?" Do you hate that question as much as I do?

I have been asked that probably about as many times as a porn star has been asked their favorite position. And the answer is probably the same....Missionary. And yeah I hate the question too.

4. If you could be a tapeworm in the intestine of a celebrity, which celebrity would you choose and why?

I think Rosie O'donnell. Have you seen the size of this girl. Heck you know she eats well. And well with her orientation....You know she still eats well.

5. You are on a speeding bus filled with school kids and nuns. There is a bomb on the bus and you have only ten seconds left to defuse it. Do you cut the green wire or the red wire? Please explain.

My question is.....Why would I be on a bus with kids and nuns? Anyway, the green wire. Why? You always see on TV the red wire being cut all the time. Wrong wire...? Shoot i'm still screwed. Trapped on a bus with nuns and kids. Can Hell be any worse.

You too can get in on the fun of the FIVE QUESTIONS
Here are the Interview Meme rules:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

housing in Roswell

2007-04-30T18:45:00.000-05:00

Guess some of you are wondering about the housing situation here in Roswell. Well Ashley and I have a great house. It seems to have been built in the 40's or so. It has two bedrooms and a bath and a half. Nice kitchen and dining room. It is fully furnished and even has the pots and pans. Cable and cable internet. And the greatest thing about it is the fact that the travel company is paying for all of it. All we have to pay for is the food we buy.
I guess I haven't mentioned that I am traveling with a friend. Ashley and I worked together at THE MED in Memphis. We both needed a break from there. As well as the desire to see the country a little and make some money. So far we have done great, guess time will tell on how well we get along. We both have the same easy going personality so hopefully it will go great.
She has her two dogs with us, Hazel and Edie. They are minature Dachshunds. Kinda cute, they love to chase a ball around. They'll go til your arm gives out. Will have to post some pics here of them.
hope your day is going well. Drop me a line and say Hi. Peace.

Greetings from Roswell,NM

2007-04-29T20:55:00.000-05:00

Hey all, well here I am in Roswell,NM. It was an interesting ride. Not much to look at on the ride down. Once you get into Oklahoma the land really changes. Not many trees and what you see is more like bushes. And those are few and far between. Kinda makes you wonder why the heck anyone wanted to settle this area. So far the people have been nice. I start work Tuesday. Went by the hospital today. It looks ok. Guess find out on Tuesday. Got a couple of pics here to show you what I rode through. Look back for more post. Gonna try to post here regularly. Drop me a line and say HI.

Uncle Wayne

2007-04-12T08:56:00.000-05:00

Wayne Bailey, 68, a native of Parkin, Ark., and resident of Gray, died at 11:15 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2007.
He is survived by his wife, Melinda Evelyn Bailey of Gray; one daughter; four sons; three daughters-in-law; one son-in-law; three brothers; three sisters; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Uncle Wayne was my favorite uncle. He was the second husband of my Aunt Evelyn. I vaguely remember her first husband. They divorced when I was very young. He and Aunt Evelyn were more like grandparents to me than anything else. I always looked forward to their visits. Of course as I got older I never got see them as much as I wanted to. You know how life gets in the way sometimes.
Wayne always worked hard. He worked offshore and then he drove a truck delivering parts to oil fields and stuff. As he got older and retired he took up woodworking.
He was always coming up with something out in his shop. Whether it was a birdhouse, a squirrel feeder, or a toilet paper holder shaped like an old outhouse you know that he took his time in building it.
I hope that God puts this carpenter to good use in Heaven 'cause he will be sorely missed here on earth. I don't know about anyone else but I know I will.

Travel!!!

2007-04-06T17:10:00.000-05:00

Think I have about made up my mind....Roswell,NM is looking pretty good. Recruiter says that other than the obvious alien thing there is not alot to do there. A couple of casinos...and thats about all. Those of you that know me, know that I don't drink nor gamble. So I think I may be safe from the evils of the casino. Just waiting on Aureus to send packet to the hospital there and see if they like me. If so, I'll be hitting the road there are soon as possible. Just gotta put apartments on notice and pack and go. Got fingers crossed. Wish me luck. Drop a line say HI. catch me up on your life.

Decisions....Decisions!!!

2007-03-16T14:54:00.000-05:00

Well folks hows things in your life? Things here are ok. Just lots on the 'ole mind. Got 'bout two and a half months until my contract with the MED is finished. Lease on the apartment is up in May. Been thinking what to do past then. Really other than my son and family my obligations here are finished in June.
Aureus has been calling alot. Remember thats the travel company I went to CT with? They treated me ok. The pay was alright. They may be having some travel work come open in north west Arkansas. I've been thinking about moving to that area anyway. Its nice up there. Trees, lakes and streams and mountains. Everything I've been looking for.
Everytime I mention going I get a lot of flak about it. Especially from people who say that they care about me. Sometimes I think its just for their own selfish reasons. They don't want to talk about it. They don't seem to realize how burned out I am. How the pressures of life are weighing heavily on me. How I have enough to worry about, how I don't know how much longer I can carry my own baggage and theirs too. God gave me broad shoulders for a reason, but I seem to remember that He rested for at least one day.
Thirteen weeks would do me good. Give me time to recharge the batteries. Think about the rest of my life. And maybe un-shoulder some baggage. Might even help me out financially.
I don't know folks. Anyone out there have any words of wisdom for me. looking for any advice. 'bout at wits end here.

A Day Out!

2007-03-12T11:29:00.000-05:00

Had a great day riding four wheelers with Jay. Went mud bogging, trail riding, and hill climbing. And one of the trails kinda wandered thru a creek. Needless to say the water was cold, but we had a great time splashing thru the water.
Jay got stuck a few times and we came home muddy and wet but happy. It's days like this that makes all the hours I work worthwhile. Somehow the crap that comes with dealing with the finer citizens of Memphis just doesn't matter that much.
It's great to hear him laugh at getting stuck. I know that I don't have that many years left with him like this. Soon he's gonna be busy with his friends, girls, and his own life. I just hope that I can be as involved with him as he will let me.
Hope all is well in your world. Things here are going well. Drop me a line and say HI. peace!

Sunrise over Murdertown

2007-02-21T08:54:00.000-06:00

Took this picture from the heliport the other morning while waiting on a helicopter to bring in yet another unfortunate soul to the happy lil trauma center. Amazing how even in a town that is as ugly as Memphis, sometimes you can see something that might give you a little hope that the day will be good. And hey, I was only 'bout fifteen minutes from the beginning of my day off. So I was filled with good feelings. Ah life is good.

Fight Pictures

2007-02-21T08:47:00.000-06:00

These are pics from the fights. Took with the camera phone. Not the greatest quality. But you get the idea.

Man at his most primal......

2007-02-21T07:28:00.000-06:00

Just this past weekend I did something that every man should do at least once in his lifetime. No, I don't mean taking a set of twins away for a weekend of nudity and debauchery. Although that is on the list. Please post all applications in the comment section.
Here's the way it happened....It's my younger brothers birthday....I could say little, but as we are pretty close to the same size it's hard to say who is littler. but I digress, anyway the patriarch of the family (read that as Dad) gets four tickets to the Mixed Martial Arts fights that were at the DeSoto Civic Center here in Southaven. Now this is rather surprising, no not that Dear 'Ole Dad (Here after referred to as DOD) would do this. He and mom usually do some pretty cool things for their favorite sons on their birthdays. We could do worse for parents. No the suprise is that the DCC would have something like this in the homeland of Southern Baptist Bible thumping.
Ok here is how the night out started.....Jay (my offspring) and I met DOD and Rob (the afore mentioned sibling) at Smokey Bones for dinner. Great BBQ. Had a good meal and laughed at the other patrons. Generally a as usual night out.
Then off to the DCC. Nine different bouts of muscled and tattooed men doing their best to beat each other into submission. They do this with a mix of boxing and martial arts. Three five minute rounds. Sounds alot like gay porn....Not that i've ever seen any.....but I don't think gay porn has ever featured a guy getting chocked out, arm barred, or kicked squarely in the side of the head. This ain't WWE folks....This is true combat. And all on Showtime Pay-Per-view. And there was a girls bout....Now these are not truck driving females. They were more like aerobic instructors to look at them...Until one of them lays a roundhouse kick on you that can be heard in the parking lot.
And as with all big time fights there were the ring girls. They would come out between rounds and bouts and dance on the outside of the cage that the fights occured in. After a few rounds of dancing I began to think that these young ladies danced like strippers. And thats when the Announcer said to give a round of applause to the ring girls, all courtesy of THE PONY in Memphis. Those of you not familiar with Memphis may not know the Pony. This is one of the many strip clubs here in Murdertown on the river.
One the few not yet shut down due to drugs and prostitution.
It was a great night for male bonding, a chance to show our more primal side, let the testosterone flow. Shoot, men fighting, women fighting, strippers dancing, and beer flowing. Does life get any better? Well it did for Jay, one of the ring girls touched his shoulder and gave him a card for free admission to the club. He was all for going, but for those of us with other commitments (ie: wives and girlfriends) we decided to call it a night and go home. Secure in our manhood and riding the testosterone high.