Goal accomplished

I have finally accomplished one of my life's goals: fill a passport with stamps. My recent trip to South America helped me achieve this. Ok, well technically I have two open spots left, but that won't get me anywhere besides a trip to Canada, which I wasn't planning. Oh, and I accomplished my goal with 3 years left on my passport so now I have to get pages sewn in. I'm just glad I have something to show for my 20's besides a couple of bachelor's degrees.

I guess you had to be there

One of the things that is hard about going on trips is all the stories that no one else understands. This past trip to South America is no exception. I tried telling the story where Dave got stoned on 2 Ambiens and wouldn't give up his ukulele, but it's not as hilarious to anyone else besides those who were there. Or Brandon's bedtime stories about Relative NRG, his family band growing up. At least I know that one of my readers (Becca) remembers this great night and is laughing (hopefully).

I got back last week and have worked every day since then except one. Maybe I'll have time at the end of the week to start posting about the trip.

One man's trash is another man's treasure

Before I left for South America I bought a watch. I didn't want to take my nice silver watch down there where it would get really dirty. So I went to WalMart and bought a $7 digital watch. Nothing fancy. It had an alarm I could set which I thought might come in handy while traveling. Plus I can get it to display in military time so I figured I could use it as my new watch for work. Oh, and it also has a velcro strap. I don't know what it is about this watch, but I have had at least 10 compliments on it. I've been asked where they can purchase one just like it.

 It doesn't even look as cool as this one.

Lifestyles of the rich and famous

I just got back from South America and was spoiled on my flights. I don't know how I'm going to fly again. Because I'm awesome (or because I have frequent flier miles), two of my three flights down to Peru my seats were in first class. I don't know remember being able to pick my seats in first class, but I got upgraded. It was great. But the real treat came yesterday on my way home. On my flight from Lima to Atlanta, I was originally seated back in coach (an outrage, I know). As I was waiting for the flight, my name was called, and when I went to the gate, they told me I had been upgraded. Business class. I'm sure the people thought I was trying to cut in line when I went to the first class boarding area. And I know they were judging me based on my appearance as I walked into first class. I had on dirty jeans (we had no laundry out in the village), a tshirt I had worn twice without washing (again, no laundry facilities), and a zip up hoodie. Not exactly business class attire. Add to that my carry-ons that consisted of a dusty duffel bag, camping mat and camelbak and I certainly looked out of place. Oh well. Anyway, the flight was heavenly. Great food (or maybe I was just really hungry) and I had the best night sleep ever on a plane.
It's going to be hard to go back to coach.

Rivers, rapids and rafting

This past weekend our ward went white water rafting on the New River in West Virginia. Katie and I had been carefully planning who we wanted/needed (aka strong boys to help us stay alive) on our raft for months.  Our planning paid off and we had a great time with everyone. I also got us the coolest river guide.  It was a great trip and I wish I could go every weekend.

Highside! Hurrah!

The company we rafted with, Ace, took some awesome action shots:

With our awesome guide, Andy.

I'm going to have to go running a lot more now

I've found my favorite candy:

They are the best of salty & sweet. And who doesn't love chocolate covered pretzels? I can't stop eating these things. If I end up on the Biggest Loser soon, you'll know why. Curses you, M&Ms for creating the perfect snack-but I love you for it.

Longest kept secret in the Columbus singles ward

A few years ago a few of my friends and I were having a girls night. It was April Fools Day so we decided to go car painting and decorate our guy friends cars who were gathered together watching the national championship. We videotaped the crime:

(It was a night so it's kind of dark. And the goal wasn't really good cinematography)



Surprisingly we were able to keep it a secret. For 3 years. With our friends moving away we decided that we should confess:

State pride

I know of several people who complain about Ohio. Maybe because they haven't been fortunate enough to stumble upon small gems like this:

 (Proof that I actually saw this bridge and didn't just find photos on the internet)

A first for me.

I was hoping it would never happen, but it did. 

I was asked out today by a patient. 

My 53 year old patient at that. 

It was awesome. Awesomely awkward. 

Sure I've had old men ask me to be their personal nurses at home, or tell their family they want to marry me, but they're always joking (I hope). 

Today was my third day in a row and I'd been taking care of this guy for all those days. He had a blot clot and was on bedrest. He would talk to me when I was in his room giving meds and called me out from the hallway to ask me questions when I passed by. He seemed harmless. Some of his questions seemed a little personal, but not too creepy. Today in order to avoid personal questions I commented on the oil spill that was being talked about on the TV (he loves CNN). A few hours later he called me into his room and had written down notes from Obama's press conference. He was just going on about it and occasionally asking me questions about blood clots. And then he asks, "So, can I take you out to dinner?" Luckily my brain was working quick and I responded without hesitation that it isn't allowed (the whole nurse-patient relationship). He said ok, and then I changed the subject so as to not further the conversation. 

I know I'm a spinster, but I'm not desperate. He's 53, not attractive, and our case manager informed me that he's not rich either. So it wouldn't even be worth going out with him in hopes of getting all his money when he dies... And also, in case you're wondering, this guy is alert, oriented and not delusional.

Anyway, later when he called me in, one of his questions is if I had a sister, which I told him I did not. He moved onto the next question about oil again. And then an hour later when he called me in, he told me that he asked if I had a sister in the hopes of asking her out instead (because that's normal to do when one family member is unavailable). Maybe I should have told him that my 50 year old sister would be more his age...

He was being discharged shortly after I was leaving, and when I went in to take out his IV, he had written a short goodbye list of things to say, which concluded with, "if things change, give me a call." No.

As I've told Candace, "Why do I have to be so charming?"

LOST

After 6 long years, the end is here. It's bittersweet. I'll miss the weekly gatherings to watch it. The time spent discussing it with friends. But I'm excited to see how it will all end. If you haven't seen it, you should. Actually, I'll let you know after tonight if you should bother watching it.





Also, if I've wasted the last 6 years on this show, I'm going to be really mad.

(I think my blog might be cutting off part of the screen. Go here to watch it)