Great Weather

I just wanted to say that today was 85 degrees and sunny here in Dallas, TX! Yesterday, it also got up to about 80 degrees. Of course, this weekend, it is supposed to be in the 50s, but at least it was nice for a couple of days. Plus, I'm sure this means that nicer and warmer weather is around the corner!

No patients were hurt in the writing of this blog...

Interesting day at work today! I learned an interesting fact today, it takes one 120 lb. PT to lift a pt. that 3 people cannot lift. The patient in question is not a large patient, he is just suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome and does not have full function or coordination of his limbs. Also, it comes down to training and technique. The poor patient cannot figure out why I can move him by myself and it took 3 other people to try and they had difficulties, as he knows that I am not Super-Woman with super strengths. I, not wanting to bash the strengths/or should I say weaknesses, of others point out that I am trained to perform such tasks, and told him that I ate my Spinach this morning and have been avoiding Kyrptonite. I then provided the other individuals with some training in the area of easier transfers.

Then, I was working on another floor, and had the "pleasure" of getting called into being the "Third Responder" for a Code Blue (Cardiac Arrest...meaning the patient doesn't have a pulse and isn't breathing). Now, normally, when a code is called, I avoid the room and stay out of the way...as I know that the nursing staff have it handled and would rather me not be present. Also, as I'm a contract staff, I do not know their roles for who is to do what. Basically, I stood there not knowing what to do (as the other two were doing CPR, the only thing I would have known how to do). Finally, the guy stopped the fake code and went over how to do it better. Then, he stopped to take time to explain the crash cart, and explain the different "roles." We then ran a second "mock code" and things ran much more smoothly. I was able to properly perform my role of "third responder" and delegated out the tasks that I couldn't perform (such as starting the IV line) and assist in the CPR. I did learn a lot, but I still prefer my strategy of just staying out of the way and let the nurses and respiratory therapist do what they do best. Of course, this isn't to say that I won't and can't do CPR, I would gladly do that to help save a person's life, I just hope that I don't have to. It is nice to know how the "code" is supposed to officially run just in case I were to ever be in the situation.

Lazy Sunday

I spent today having a nice and relaxing day! I returned a movie that I had rented using RedBox and then did a little light shopping, for some things (sadly, most of the items were for Toby). I think I'm going to play the Wii a bit later and enjoy some Shaunda and Toby time as I have to work on Saturday (yuck).

Oh yeah, the picture above is of the infamous Texas Longhorn steer that I saw at the zoo last weekend. I am planning to go to Fort Worth sometime before I leave here, as they have a twice daily cattle drive through the streets! I really must see this while in Texas.

Tax Time

Well, it is that time of year again, so I went today to get my taxes filled out. Since I changed jobs this year, and I now have the tax-free stipends and all of that, I wanted a professional to file my taxes. Thankfully, I saved all of my receipts from getting my various licenses, gas receipts, bus receipts, and all of that. I was able to get a refund from the Federal and the state of Illinois, but I have to pay for the state of NC (as most of my income was in NC last year), blech! Apparently, my income went just over the next tax bracket, so I'm having to pay. I'm just looking at the plus side that overall, I am getting money back.

Good luck on your taxes!

Couch Party

Toby gets to roam in the apartment while I'm gone to work (although the bedroom is off limits), and he normally just sleeps on the couch. I keep a blanket on the couch for me to curl up on, and for Toby to snuggle with during the day so he doesn't get cold. Usually, I come home to see a few toys on the couch. Yesterday, I came home and he had piled 6 of his toys on the couch! He seemed to be proud of himself and his little party.

Orangutan Video

Here is a little video that I took of the Orangutan playing with the sheet as well as the pictures that I took of it. He/she was soooo cute and probably my favorite animal at the zoo. The music playing in the background is David Cook "Leave a Light On."

Fort Worth Zoo

I went to the Fort Worth Zoo today. On the way there, I drove by the old Texas Stadium (where the Cowboys played), the new Cowboys stadium, the Ranger's Stadium, and Six Flags...very cool! The zoo was a lot of fun and had some cute animals, including lion cubs, orangutans, and many other animals!

By the way, Happy Valentine's Day!