09.07.07
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 7:51 pm by smarriott
Is it wrong that I find this so adorable? I also took some where Sigma was carrying the doll’s head around in him mouth, but those did not turn out as well nor were they as cute.
You may be wondering why Sigma has a doll’s head for a toy. Easily explained. I used the rest of this poor doll to create my own for an art group I’ve joined. Mostly, due to time restraints, I found a picture I enjoyed, printed it on an iron-on, sewed the t-shirt fabric together and stuffed it with old stuffing form the dogs toys. The head is hot-glued on. Viola!
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09.03.07
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 7:43 pm by smarriott
I’m sure as avid and sorely disappointed readers, many of you have been wondering in these last few weeks…..”What about Wiley?” What is going on with that troubled, coned, cuddle-bug? Well, I believe we last left off when Wiley received his new cone (see pictures in last post), the largest cone possible. He loathed it and was mopey most of the time (his depression may not entirely have been due to his cone, but may also have been related to his rigid medication regimen). Not long after my last post, John and I left for Nevada, while Wiley and Sigma spent the week in Champaign in the excellent hands. Flash forward one week, however, and Wiley has destroyed his cone! I must admit, however, it was not entirely unexpected. You may notice that a few of the plastic pieces have actually fallen out of the taped edges.
Upon returning home, John and I desperately tried to keep him from hurting himself further (while we spent most of the day away from the house) with various contraptions. These ideas consisted of Wiley both in the cone, or out of it, towels with rubber bands or zip tied to his leg, and various foul smelling concoctions (mostly vinegar). The most successful, of course, was the towels gently rubber banded to his leg (he did not complain or mess with it, so we firmly believe that it did not bother him) and sprinkled with vinegar. Fearing potential physical and psychological damage, however, we began to second guess this idea. It was followed by the more humane zip ties, that Wiley ate within two hours. In the end, mostly in light of protecting Wiley’s digestive system, we hung up the cone, rubber bands, and zip ties for nothing what-so-ever. We decided to let nature run its course and what do you know, he stopped messing with it. Now, he is perfectly content to have four less toes and some new hair growth. Well maybe not new hair growth, but at least its not an open sore.
In other news, I have completed the long overdue green monster. Well if by completed, you count finishing everything but sewing on the buttons.
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08.04.07
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 8:25 pm by smarriott
As you might be able to see, today is a bit of an update day. The site has a new look. My house is much cleaner and looking remodeled. Even Wiley has had an update.
Today was the big day for stitches removal. Wiley was excited and ready for no more bandages! I could almost hear him humming it. What he was not prepared for, nor I for that matter, was an infection and a larger collar. What was a “23″ collar is now a “30″! Apparently, John and I informing the vets that Wiley could reach his bandages with no trouble and our repeated visits for new ones was not enough. It took Wiley gnawing at his own skin and getting an infection to solve that. Needless to say, he is not happy AND he can still reach enough of his leg to irritate the infection. But he does have one thing going for him, no more bandages! He spends most of the day with me, in an effort to thwart his self-mutilation. Don’t worry about him though, he certainly has plenty of meds to heal quickly. As for Nevada in his future, outlook not so good.
In other news the closet extravaganza is complete. Well, complete sans cabinets and front drywall. Now we mud! The goal is to complete this by August 20th, the start of the fall semester. We’ll see if that’ll happen with an upcoming trip across the Rockies!
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08.02.07
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 10:58 am by smarriott
That’s me. Breathing a sigh of relief because the summer can officially begin for me. Too bad its nearly over. I’m not complaining though. Any break is a good one. While 20 hours of coursework can be tough, a test every week for 10 weeks on top of 2 days a week of 10 hour days at the hospital and roughly 4 papers, is a lot to manage during what should be a restful season. Not that the fall will be much more relaxing, but at least I can say I am half way done with school and that much closer to getting myself (and my husband by default) out of the poor house.
In other news, many of you may know that Wiley recently had his surgery. Last tuesday, he was forbidden to eat and rushed to the vets office for a routine dew claw removal, returning home that same evening. Poor Wiley. Bandaged….sedated…..missing some toes. The sedated part wouldn’t have been half bad, if it wasn’t so out of the ordinary. He didn’t eat that evening–not normal! The next day he was much better. Back to his happy, licking, old self. Friday came and I guess John and I got a little lax. Needless to say, Wiley destroyed one of his bandages and by the time John found him, Wiley had managed to rip open the stitches. So he got a cone collar……and then he got out of the cone collar. Again and again. Now he has a duct taped cone collar and several planned and unplanned visits to the vet’s office later, he still has bandages on his feet. Saturday we go in to take out the stitches and staples. Keep your fingers crossed.
Other developments here at the house of dust is that we are remodeling the bedroom. John tore all of the plaster out last week. His dad and brother (well, mostly his dad, although Levi did cuT the 2×4’s anD get rid of the heinous bushes in the front yard–Thank you, Levi) worked the whole weekend with us putting up drywall and building a new, EXTENDED closet. Sadly it is not all for myself I do have to share with Mr. OnE Million White T-shirts who alsO has a quite extensive wardrobe I think the bigger closet and The taller room Should make it a nice, cozy beDroom. I may nevEr want to come out.
Knitting…ha%2 I am still plagued with the green monster of a sweater. I haven’t touched it since the last break 0 weeks ago, but last night I finally sat myself down, watched a few movies and am closing in on its completion. I hope to have it finished before Nevada (I think I can do it). Nothing really to report about the sweater. I am2C however, kNitting both sleeves at one time! Just to mAke sure they arE the same length. Well, I cerTainly think its clever.
I apologize for the photos.0BI took more, but these were the only proper ones to display. The flash on our camera has decided to stop working whenever it feels like it, so all of our pIctures look blurry. I guess the worst that can Happen is you stop reading this blog, that is if you haven27t already!
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07.01.07
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 8:26 pm by smarriott
…..but it certainly is beautiful! I always enjoy the first garden crop of the year. This one was especially spectacular because it was so unexpected. I knew that there were a few strawberries growing, but they were all pale green and slightly ugly looking. Knowing this (and the fact that everything was planted late, late in the season), I did not even think today would be the first pickings. Then to my wonder this afternoon, there was a bright, bright, red strawberry at my feet. Very tart, but you can’t beat a fresh strawberry.
In other news: School is still stressful, long, and time consuming, but the clinicals are great. I believe my baby count for OB was 4 births (2 boys and 2 girls), one c-section, 2 shots, 2 foley catheters, and zero fainting spells. Not to mention a zillion discharge teachings. Now its pediatrics. I hope I like it.
Running: its still going. I usually do around 3 miles (30 minutes) a day.
Knitting: Ha! That’s a good one. Although in my break between spring and summer I knitted a lovely wine-cozy for Jane. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture. Mine isn’t as lovely and was way simpler than this pattern, but it’s cozy just the same.
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04.27.07
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 8:26 pm by smarriott
As it has been appropriately almost a month since my last post, I feel today is a good day to make an appearance. You’d think that in one month I would have 30 different stories for you. Sadly, this is not true. I can think a only a handful of exciting events for the last 30 days. In other words, April was partly dreary with only a few scattered highlights.
Easter was spectacular and just the perfect weekend vacation I needed, too, after 3 difficult months of school. The only downfall was of course arguing with a certain someone about a ridiculous vegetable tray. I personally feel that vegetables never need to be argued over. But what can you do? Although cold, the weekend was wonderful. Unfortunately, I enjoyed not studying so much that weekend that I have revolted against it the last few weeks. 
I have, however, put in my time with a few papers. One taking me into the first few hours of the morn. I can tell you that day was not my best nor my brightest. However, I am sure I wrote a spectacular paper on the implications of the trans fatty acid ban in NY on nursing.
Additionally, I have decided to quit my job and promptly did so. With clinicals rearing their ugly heads (I jest of course, you know I’m excited), I decided that work, dogs, house, studying, husband, class, and clinicals really didn’t leave me any time for myself, not to mention a free hour in the day! So I will now be sans job. Good thing I have a husband that makes the big bucks and is so eager to throw the bills my way! But seriously, I may not have the green, but at least you will have me and my wit more than you have in the last few months. You’re filled with anticipation. I can see it.
Next on the agenda of scattered highlights is that recently, as in yesterday, I took the HESI (a standardized test for nursing). A test I dreaded for weeks and weeks and was sure I would fail. Of course this test was to show how well I had learned the fundamentals of nursing this semester. No pressure, really. Suffice to say, I did well. I was in the top 10 percentile. You will see no complaints from me. We shall see how well I do on the pharmacology HESI (eek!) in a few days, however, before the major celebration begins.
John found a wonder thing. Now I don’t always give him the credit he rightly deserves, I realize, but this one was great and I just didn’t see it coming. Returning home from Easter, he pulled out a doozy on the ipod….Spanish lessons. That’s right, now I generally loathe the long trips with the ipod simply because I know I will inevitably hear some bad, bad escape pod story, however, the returning three hours of our trip were spent conversing in espanol for several 15 minute sessions. It was awesome. I would recommend Coffee Break Spanish if you are planning a trip soon, although I must say it is more enjoyable for two.
A final highlight of the last 30 days is a sigh of relief from me that I can actually count on one hand how many days until the semester is over. Next wednesday I will be done with this hellish semester and ready to start my summer. The house will finally be in top order and I will have time to knit my heart out. I am so excited!
One final update, we are still running. Almost four months down and eight to go. I believe that a few days ago I made it up to three miles. While I’m not positive it was exactly four miles, I do know it was pretty far and took me at least 30 minutes. Seeing as I usually run a mile in 10 minutes or under, I deduct that it was three miles. Recently, however, I have been having some toe issues and haven’t gone as far. As soon as that issue clears I may even make it to five miles. I’m not making any promises for the next few weeks. I plan to relax.
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03.28.07
Posted in The ins and outs...., Knitting.... at 6:37 pm by smarriott
As you all know, I have been a bit…..hmmm, absent is the word that best describes the situation, I believe. Life these days are filled with sleep-study-class-study-work-study-jog a mile-sleep. Posting new news has come to mind somewhere in the midst of that, but I have to say, I drowned it in a pot of coffee. No big deal, I thought, until today. I do believe today, I received my first “hate mail.” To be fair, this is an exaggeration…..I simply received word from a very sweet person that I need to get off my a-double-s and write something somewhere, anywhere.
Since I don’t know what anyone has heard in the last, oh, two months, I am not sure where to begin. Here goes:
School - exhausting. At least one test/quiz/paper, if not more every week. I’m doing well, as best as can be expected. In the next month I have 2 papers, 1 portfolio, 2 HESI exams (standardized tests for nursing), 1 presentation, 5 exams, and 6 final exams (cumulative). Not to mention a load of chapters to read. Did I say that school is exhausting? I think I just had a panic attack.
Spring Break - not long enough. I did get to see some friends, but spent the remainder watching TERRIBLE tv and eating frozen pizzas.
Sigma & Wiley - a few attempted escapes that were all significantly halted. Wiley’s war wound from the holidays is now almost nonexistent. He looks just as adorable as before the Wailing of 2006 incident.
Knitting - I’m afraid this has been put on hold for a while. No time I’m afraid. I did at one point think it would be a brilliant idea to knit and study. In that I time I did make this for my new PDA. Sadly, knitting and studying do not mix, as my second pharmacology test proves. I may actually redo it, however. I don’t like the inside very much.
Lastly, I did get my scrubs. But was only able to take these very blurry pictures.
I actually think that is all the news I have for you. How sad that two months can be summed up in five short paragraphs. Oh, well. Hopefully this will last you for at least one more month. I am significantly detained until the second week of May!
I will, however, leave you with the consequence of another spectacular idea I had one day…..creating a cat-hat from the remains of one of the dog’s stuffed animals. Nicodemus and Persephone were not amused with me, neither were John’s students. What can you do? I have too many more important things to do than contemplate how a bunch of geometry students feel about my treatment of animals. I’ll save that worry for another year.
I almost forgot!!! I’m still running. Sigma and Wiley accompany me every once and a while. They got nuts whenever I put on my running shoes. I think Wiley has even lost a few pounds.
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02.12.07
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 7:11 pm by smarriott
So, its been three weeks. I’d like to tell you a lot has happened, in a way it has, but not in any interesting kind of way. I’ve had about four tests now (two a couple weeks ago and two last week) and one in two days. The semester has been a major uproar for many people, mostly due to the fact that a single test will cover three weeks of class time and 14 chapters, covered (or mostly, not covered) in three two-hour class periods. My environment pretty much includes my nose crammed in one of several books from sun up to sun down. Yay.
Despite this drear, I can happily report I have received my stethoscope. I present the Master Classic II in burgundy. What a beauty. 
Running is still, remarkably, on schedule. John and I have both kept to the pact. I, sadly, cannot report more weight loss at this time….I have discovered to my horror, that I am a stress-eater and currently a caffeine and chocolate junky. But at least the running is balancing it all out. So, while there may not be a net-loss, there is no net-gain.
I can also show you our two silly cats that decided one day to hang out in the bathtub.
I know this is not much of an update, but I do believe I was scolded last weekend for not posting. I would hate to be ackbar-dos. So, I hope this morsel can satisfy my loyal following for a bit. Next time, I may have scrubs. Keep your fingers crossed.
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01.20.07
Posted in The ins and outs.... at 6:24 pm by smarriott
Well today marked the end of the second week of my new identity, nurse-in-training. Contrary to popular belief, I was not basking in the southern sun for the last two weeks, but crouched with my nose stuck in one of many books and/or computer for hours. As opposed to happy, glorious margaritas, I was learning all about the nursing process and when a latex glove is or is not sterile. The moment to see would have been today as I prepared to enter and treat a poor soul with pertussis (the nasty microorganism responsible for Whooping Cough). Mask, sterile suit, gloves and eyewear were all donned. I’ll pause while you imagine and laugh.
Moving on. This week has certainly been a little smoother than last week. Not only did I have all of the correct books (and no class on Monday) but sweet, sweet vindication was mine for the taking. Some of you may be familiar with this story, but for those of you unaware, please pull up a chair - this is quite a story! You may need a beverage, it is a long one. Ready? Okay.
The Back Story. In October I received a list of all of the books that I will need for this semester. It was, in fact, incomplete, but that is besides the point. At that time the total for all of these nine books was close to $500-$600 depending on the new/used condition. As I was not willing to pay this much for books, I chose an alternate route, good ‘ole Amazon.
The Whole Story. So all my books came and promptly. At one of my classes, however, I realized I had the wrong edition. Probably my mistake or the school’s I think. I politely emailed the seller, noted the error and waited for him to tell me he does not take returns and that all sales must be read before completing the transaction. Nuts, but did the seller list the book correctly? Hmmm
Since I hate to waste money, especially on textbooks, I reviewed my order and found to my surprise it was not my fault or the schools, but a scheming man advertising the 5th edition of a book on the the 6th edition page! That scoundrel you might say, but don’t judge just yet, it gets better. I email the seller for the second time, noting of course that his selling tactics were misleading and I should be entitled to a refund (did I mention after I ordered this book three other customers complained of the same exact situation - coincidence?) The reply I received cannot be described. I’ll just have to exhibit it here:
“Yes, that right, I take full accountability and responsiblity for that. I also stated in the item description that you were and I quote, “CAUTION YOU ARE BUYING THE 5TH EDITION”. You didn’t read that note that was bold and capitalized. It’s the buyers responsibility to read everything. Use this analogy,
I go through the trouble of listing books on amazon adding notes to the item description that clearly stated you were buying the 5th edition. What don’t you understand about that? I feel as student nurse you didn’t take responsibility or accountability for a mistake you made. What will you do on floor as a nurse administering meds? Claim to the doctor, i thought it said something else? I didn’t read that in the order. You must read everything! I have been a Respiratory Therapist for 6 years. I read orders and reread orders to ensure that I am not missing anything. I don’t feel I should take the book back. You MUST READ EVERYTHING. You are going to be a healthcare provider and you didn’t read the item description. It’s your responsibility to read everything.
Put your mindset in the hospital that you glanced at a doctor’s order without reading it because you were in a rush. You had 12 patients which is reality in the hospital. You gave the wrong dose and the wrong med and killed the patient. You didn’t read the order. Just like my item description. You think nothing of that with amazon and how is it any different than the scenario I gave you. You CAN’T assume that just because you type numbers you get what you want. It doesn’t work that way in the hospital. You can type in the right drug and the right dose and still get the wrong info from the Pyxis system. You must read everything and not depend on computers to ensure that you are buying what you want. You may be in the same situation, type in the med dose and get the wrong one because that’s what the computer gave you. You must read everything! Think about your negligence in buying this book and wait for your invoice before doing anything. Think about this. That book was $60 plus shipping patient care errors from negligent glancing or assuming what an order states costs a hospital thousands upon thousands, maybe millions, malpractice on your part and possibly the loss of your license. Think and read before you act. You are welcome to sell the book on your own. Thank you.”
Did this letter from satan immediately combust? Did my eyes fall out of my head? All good questions. My reaction, well, lets see if you can guess. Did I:
A) Reply curtly that he could expect negative feedback
B) Contact Amazon and demand action (demand being meekly requesting help)
C) Bawl like a baby
D) All of the above
The correct answer is C, followed by A, and ended with B. So, in fact, D is the correct answer. You know me so well…..
After contacting Amazon and placing a little “A to Z Guarantee” claim, I am happy to report that I did receive a refund. Good ‘ole Amazon! This is not the end to this saga, however, as the seller contacted me once more to drop a few “F-bombs” and claim that “God would remember this.” Sorry to say, if I am declined from the pearly-gates of heaven because of this whole thing, I’ll be content to smile in Hell.
Now with a little aseptic technique to my files, I am happy to report that the book in question is no longer in my possession and I am purging all of “Mr. Virus’s” hateful emails.
In other news, John and I are still keeping our running pact and are nearing the close of the first month. Just 11 more to go! I have thankfully lost all of my holiday weight +3. I may need smaller scrubs.
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01.06.07
Posted in The ins and outs...., Knitting.... at 12:51 pm by smarriott
On Wednesday, I started my first day of the Post-Baccalaureate Accelerated Nursing program at SIUE. Orientation was scheduled from noon until 4 p.m. that day, followed by class time, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. the rest of the week. What I imagined as a getting to know you session, including introduction, punch and cookies, “this is what we expect and this is what you will be doing for the next 15 months” speeches, topped off with an inevitable tour, was not what this entailed. Instead I was fit for scrubs, posed for a picture and immediately rushed into class. I came home that day with my mind swimming with anxiety and confusion. I already had two paper assignments handed out that day! It makes me worried I will be Nurse Ratchett for the year, grumpy and pissed-off looking all the time.
While I certainly didn’t expect the university to hold my hand, I did think more time would be allotted to ease the transition, or at least given more of an idea of what to expect. I guess, however, we can’t always get what we want (I apologize for quoting Mick Jagger).
Needless to say, I fear this is just the beginning of things to come. For the next few months, I will live a meager existence of studying, eating, sleeping, and, of course, running (this is where you pity me….). Don’t feel sorry for me, however, (no, please do) I will survive the confusing assignments and horrible, horrible group work and the loathsome skits (oh, it is such a dirty word isn’t it). But really, I think it will be stressful, but it certainly couldn’t be any worse, as far as not having a personal life, than the two years I spent in AmeriCorps.
The bonus, of course, is I have already been fit for scrubs and just purchased my first stethoscope. Isn’t it a beauty. I could have gone for the Master Cardiologist, but I’ve been told less is more and having a stellar stethoscope would make me the envy of all the thieves in the medical industry. Had I gone for the latter, I’m afraid I would constantly talk about it; incessantly is probably a better word for it. The Master Classic II is also a good name, but it just don’t ring as much to me. Regardless, I am on my way to looking as much the part as all those gorgeous TV characters on Gray’s Anatomy, M*A*S*H* (although they aren’t as glamorous) and even ER (even though I don’t like it). Now I just need to work on my skills, or at least the pronunciation of diseases. But seriously, this is happening and fast. As neither of the above items are in my possession yet, I cannot provide a picture of me preparing for my new profession, but I will….in due time….
Updates: First, Sigma and Wiley are still under house arrest, much to their discontent. Wiley still looks mangled and his scabs are falling off. Correction, one-half of a scab has fallen off and the other half is half off and sticking straight up in the air. I pray his hair will grow back. If it doesn’t I will sue the pants off Shiloh for emotional distress, mine of course. Although, I probably shouldn’t say that, she might bite my nose.
Second, the 365 quest is still running (no pun intended). John and I have both stuck to the pact of running at least a mile every day. Wiley has even accompanied me a few times. He is eager to shed Levi’s stigma of “fat dog”. So week one (almost) down and 51 more to go, that is 359 more days. Realistically speaking, I don’t think we’ll do it, but I’m certainly not going to be the first to fail. I’d never hear the end of it. I might even get the stigma of “lazy wife”.
Finally, I haven’t made any more progress on the “Green Sweater”, as I’ve been going to sleep very early. But for those of you who haven’t seen what I accomplished over the break here is the back and part of the front. Yes, yes, it looks small, but I have checked the measurements to that of my sister’s and I believe they are on par.
Now off to write a paper…..or at least to pretend.
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Is it wrong that I find this so adorable? I also took some where Sigma was carrying the doll’s head around in him mouth, but those did not turn out as well nor were they as cute. 
