Funny Garage Door Story

At least I think its funny.  Probably funnier if you were there...

So, I'm renting a room from a classmate.  I have a garage door opener that I occasionally have a bit of trouble using - nothing major, I'll just double click it and the door starts up or down and stops and we have to repeat the process.  Sometimes I almost drive thru the garage door thinking it should be open by now...

So last night, I come home at 1:30 AM from a clinical rotation and hit the g-door opener - nothing.  I stop before plowing into the door and hit it again, it rises about 8" and then begins to go back down.  Weird, I'm SURE I didn't double click, so I hit it again, it stops, I hit it again and it begins to rise, just to suddenly stop and begin to go back down.  Now I'm like "what the heck?" this thing is definitely wonky and I'm going to have to call & wake up my friend to let me in.  I try it one more time and it begins (and continues) to open up.  YEA!

Inside I see someone moving - which scares the poop out of me considering its 1:30 in the morning!  And low & behold its my friend looking terrified back at me!  She had just gotten home from her job and couldn't figure out why in the world the garage door kept trying to open so she kept hitting the button to close it!

Fun times!

Nov 18 - The Very Last Final Exam... Sort Of

So, Group 9 of Pima's RT program have completed their very last final - more or less.  We have a final presentation on Jan 7 and then an exit exam... oh and let's not forget the three national board exams we still have to pass.  But let's not dwell on these depressing aspects - instead let us celebrate - OUR LAST FINAL!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sure we knew we'd get here eventually but it sure feels good that we finally made it!!  We each have around 20 days of clinicals left and then 2 weeks of exam prep before we are done for good with the actual 'schooling' part of things.  AMAZING.  Our class started out with about 30 students in May 2009 and we'll graduate (assuming we all passed this last class) 16 of us in January.

What to do after graduation?  First is take and pass the board exams, then JOBS.  As sick as it sounds, I'm kind of tired of not working.  However, I am thinking I may continue on to get my bachelor's in RT (after I find employment of course).  Supposedly a BS is where the RT world is heading so may as well get it over with I suppose.  We'll see - first things first - passing the boards.

What I think I'm most excited for tho is that the majority of my clinicals will be in Texas - well, actually Oklahoma but I'll get to be in TX for the month of December.  Crazy schedule so not sure how many friends and family I'll get to see while I'm there but I am so looking forward to being home with Bryan, Hannah & Maggie!!  YIPPEEE

I'm hoping to get to TX on Dec 4 and be there thru Jan 2.  I'll have about 9-10 days of clinicals and then Bryan and I are taking a week off to go do something fun and sort of reconnect before I head back to New Mexico to finish out my three weeks of school.

Anyway - YEA!  Finals are done!!!!!

School is Winding Down

So, by the class's calculations (not that we are counting or anything) we have 42 more days to go (not including holidays and weekends) before we are DONE!!!!!!!!!  January 21, 2011 cannot come soon enough.

Our program director was correct in that we've come to love and hate our classmates. Much like a family.  Some you are really close to, others you tolerate because you have to.  We have lots of toleration going on. LOL

On November 18 we will take our last final exam (well, we do have an exit exam in Jan but I'm not counting that). Then it is nothing but clinicals (working at various locations under the tutelage of an RT) until January 6th.  We have 224 hours of clinicals this semester for a grand total of 800 clinical hours in all aspects of respiratory care from general floor therapies to intensive care units (adult, medical, cardiac, pediatric and neonatal), we are taking a spin through a cath lab, doing some rounds at a sleep lab and at trying our hand at pulmonary function testing.  And a few "lucky" souls are going to the hyperbaric chamber therapy center.  I am squeezing in some time at NICU & PICU (neonatal & pedicatric ICUs), sleep & cath labs before I head off to Texas and Oklahoma for some clinicals there.  I am SO excited that these finally came through and look like they will actually happen (dates are set for OK, still waiting on TX).

And the best part is I'll be with Bryan for almost a month (Dec 8 - Jan 2)!!!!!!!!  Happy-happy, joy-joy!  I cannot wait, although I'll have between 9-12 days of clinical schedules, I'll be HOME!!!   We are also planning a trip to the coast from Dec 25-31 too.  Here's hoping to good weather!  We are really looking forward to some quality time away from home - no packing, unpacking, cleaning, working, school work, etc - just us & the pooches.  YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Jan 2 I'll head back to NM and finish up some clinicals here and then start our review classes for our board exams.  There are three of them - a certified (entry level) RT written exam, then a registered (advanced) RT written exam and with that one comes a simulation exam where you are given various scenarios and tested on how well you handle each.  The reviews last two weeks, then we take an exit exam and exit interview on Jan 21.  I plan on being back on the road to TX on Saturday, Jan 22 and there by the 23rd.  I decided, after much debate (which promptly ended about two weeks after Bryan left for TX) that will take my board exams in TX.  They are national exams so it doesn't matter where I take them.  And I think I will study better being home than not.

In actuality the two years have really flown past.  I can't believe that in 42 days I'll be free (I already have a quilt or two in mind to do).  No doubt there have been times when I didn't think the end would ever get here but here we are at last.

I cannot wait!

Sunport (Albuquerque International Airport) Triennial Exercise

So, I guess airports need to go through a disaster drill every three years or so.  Our school volunteered us to be victims of said disaster.  I was actually looking forward to it, some people would be moulaged (have make-up applied to resemble injuries), some would be selected to be transported to area hospitals to receive care and others would be selected to be distraught family members.  Somehow I thought this would be a great learning experience and fun opportunity - perhaps due to the hype laid on by our instructor.

Anyway - it was a learning experience, although I was ticked that my victim status was pretty much A-OK from the 'airplane' wreck.  No blood & guts for me.  Although, the poor moulage person did make me "pale" with blue tipped fingers as I was so mad at not getting a head injury or a broken bone.  Several classmates ended up with shrapnel embedded in various body parts, bruised chests, cut necks, etc... but not I... oh no, not I.

The prep took longer than we all expected - something like 3 hours to sign-in the 130 some-odd volunteers and moulage almost that many. We headed to the runway around 9:30 AM (the whole time I'm thanking heaven above that we are NOT in Texas doing this... ahhh the heat). The actual drill started around 10:30 maybe (I honestly don't know as I didn't think to look at my watch).  And was over by Noon - except for the transportees.

Since I was uninjured I did a lot of sitting and twiddling my thumbs.  I tried to be all "What's going on, you have tell us something" but was told to sit down and be quiet they'd get us information later.  Hurumph!!

Below are a few shots I took with the iPhone (so sorry about the quality) of our experience.

I will say - if you get a chance to participate in a triennial drill or a citywide disaster planning exercise that you do it.

Victims waiting on the tarmac

Our smoking fuselage

No wonder the plane went down - no tail!!

An injured friend (she didn't make it unfortunately)

The calvary (aka firemen) have arrived

Another seriously injured classmate (I think he made it)

For The Love Of Dogs

Being a dog lover, I love the following quote...

Ben (1996 - 2006)

"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog."
- Gene Hill

Bear (1996 - 2008)

Hannah snoozing 2010 (2008 - )

Maggie (2008 - )

Balloon Fiesta 2010 - Felling Balloons

So, I didn't make it to the Fiesta this year, but my friends' house is in the flight pattern most days (when the wind is just right).  So this morning, I jumped out of bed, grabbed the camera and headed outside.  Just in time to see one balloon fly low over the house - the others were heading a further to the East.

Sandy asked if I wanted to go to the empty field not far from the house to get better photos so I said sure... little did I know the 'treat' I'd get while there.  The field is a popular landing spot so I just knew I'd get some great shots.  And then a balloon came in... shouting down, asking if we could catch them.  So much for photos, the camera and coffee cup were tossed to the side and Sandy & I ran to the basket and grabbed hold of it. There were, luckily, a couple of other helpers so we weren't dragged too far and the basket did not tip over, spilling its pilot and crew.  YEA!  My first balloon 'catching' or felling as seems to be the vernacular to use.

We 'walked' the balloon several yards further, creating more room for more balloon landings.  All in all we helped fell four balloons. Kinda exciting.  The pilots were even recruiting us to help next year.  If any one is interested check out Quad-A (http://www.hotairballooning.org/) to see about being on balloon crews next year.  If I were going to be here,  I'd be signing up!  Sandy would rock at it - already shouting orders to some kids about grabbing the guide wire for the top of the balloon and they obeyed.  Below are a few photos from the morning.  (My cheap-o camera has something on the lens that I can't get off so ignore the IBD (unidentified black dot) on most of the photos).

The first several photos are by my friend Sandy.  Thanks for sharing Sandy!

Me and the first balloon I helped fell

Hanging on!!

Sandy holding things down

Folding up the balloon

Balloon over the house

The New House & Damn Fire Ants

So last weekend I was able to spend a brief amount of time at the new house in Texas.  I kinda like it... lots of room, TONS of storage and Bryan and the girls are there.  Very 'farmhousey' country.  The bathrooms and kitchen could use an overhauling but all in all, it seems to be a good house - even in the disarray of a temporary 'bachelor pad'.   And I love the area - after 2 years in the high desert of New Mexico it seemed extremely lush and green. Lots of trees and nice rolling hills.  The lake is small but nice, I sort of equate it to Lake Stevens in WA but it is smaller.  Still it has that Lake Stevens feel.  The downside to the house (aside that it isn't unpacked and ready for me) is that it doesn't have a fenced yard for Hannah & Maggie.  Oh well, can't have everything I suppose.

And the weather was PERFECT!!!

While I was there we walked the neighborhood with H & M and took them below the spillway for a dip in the 'creek' (AKA running mudhole).  What did we care, the girls LOVED it.  There is a ditch nearby that has a trickle of water and they run up & down it several times - laying low to the ground, Greyhounds wouldn't stand a chance against these two ditch runners!!

I also was able to visit the "lodge" for dinner - Saturday is $2 margarita night (I'm gonna love this place) and 1/2 price steak night.  It wasn't JaK's but it wasn't bad either.

And as a homecoming, I was stung/bitten by a freakin' fire ant. Really?  Already?  Argh...  I'm gonna hate Texas.

Below are a few photos of our walks. I'll post house pictures once we get more settled, right now its a flipping mess.  :-)

On the road to the ditch

Disk golf field & basket

Off we go...

Ahh, the watering hole

Chasing a stick

Ditch running

Hannah watching me clean up the utility/mudroom

My sweet Maggie

Photos From the Past Few Weeks

I feel like my friend, Suddenly SAHM - just no time or more importantly, energy, to blog much right now.  So here are a few pics from the past few weeks.

Coronado Monument - Bernalillo, NM

Dad and Jake at the Rio Grande - Bernalillo, NM

Dad - President, Portales Conestoga Good Sams

Jake & her blue ribbon from the NM Samboree 

Dog Show - Best "Live Roadkill" (long story)

Close up of Jake

Jake swimming the Rio Grande

Sandia's from Coronado Monument - Bernalillo, NM

Mom in her bucket hat

Me & Mom at Coronado Monument 

overlooking the Rio Grande

Woman's face in the tree

My toes in the Rio - There are two faces and a 

porcupine hidden in this photo - can you see 'em?

(Click photo to enlarge)

All Moved Out

Well, on Friday afternoon and little bit on Saturday I was able to move the rest of my things to my friends' house.  It really is a HUGE relief to be moved.  I spent time on Saturday just organizing and much to my surprise, it all fit in my room.  I think I brought too much... but it all fit.  That's a start.  By December, I will weed out what I don't need and take it to Texas when I go there that way I won't have as much to carry back in January.

I'm making friends with the the three kitties - Andy, Luna and Josie.  Josie and I are going to be pretty good buddies I think.  She's kinda a loner so she it liking the attention I'm giving her.  She'll be my 'project', my challenge.  :-)

The PODS people picked up our POD on Friday so the house is empty.  I forgot to mop upstairs so I'll finish it up on Monday - then I'm DONE!!!!!!!!!!  Chapter 1048 Bosque Loop closed and a new opened.

I am so thankful to family & friends that have helped with this transition.  Good peeps, each & every one.

The Last POD Out

Well, we did it, my parents and I.  We loaded up the last of my stuff (well, other than the clothes and books I'll need for the remainder of my stay in NM) today.  Kinda sad, mostly relieved.  I'm DONE packing!  Whew doggy what a chore and then poor Bryan on the other end having to unload it all.  At least I had help. Most of the POD was loaded on Monday thanks to some great friends from class - Richard, Sandy, Trevor, Chris and John - came out after class and had the house empty and all the heavy stuff loaded in under 2 hours.  You sure can't beat that!!

It was terrific to have their help since I'm still on "lift-nothing-over-15-pounds" restrictions for another 3 weeks.  (which is beyond old already)  I was so afraid Dad was going to try to do it all himself so THANK YOU guys for all of your help!!!

Today, we finished 'er up.  I will have two totes to load tomorrow of last minute stuff (coffee maker, air mattress, etc) but then that's it. What a huge relief to be done.  Now I just need to move my clothes and a few boxes to Sandy's and I'm done moving for a few months.

BTW - surgery went well.  I was home by Noon on Thursday (day after the surgery) and shopping with Mom by Saturday.  Haven't slowed down since.  It wasn't nearly as painful as the laprascopic gallbladder surgery I had a few years ago.  Had a check-up yesterday and all is well (other than the lifting and exercise restrictions that are still in place - sigh).  I am so thankful my parents were able to come and stay to help me the first week after and to help with the packing the second & third week.  I love them!!

Anyway, that's about all of my news - packing, loading, studying, going to class.  Exciting, I know.  I do have some photos to share of an excursion or two with Mom & Dad that I hope to get uploaded this weekend...  When what?  I DON'T HAVE TO PACK!!!!!!!!!!!!11