I had to work the last few days. Sometimes that ER can wipe you out. I had a wild overdose girl who fought and bucked, pinched, and bit. You'd be amazed at how bad a person in four-point restraints AND a vest restrant can wear you out. Is it any wonder that nurses burn out? I was called everything from a GDMF to a wrinkled up old hag (surely she was hallucination...LOL). Thank God I got to go to Triage at the end of the shift for some R & R. However, sometimes it's Triage that kicks your butt.

I discovered that the best therapy in the world is going to the shooting range. It's cheaper than a shrink! Dave and I went to the outdoor range today. The bigger the gun the better the therapy. I think I'm going to by a cannon for the really bad days.

Dave's 50th birthday was this week. He's an old fart now...but a sweet one. I wanted to throw a big AARP party for him but he asked me not to. He just wanted a quiet evening at home. So I took pizza and cake to the shop at lunch and fixed one of his favorite meals for dinner. It was a good day. He got his AARP information in the mail today.

I've been following the news about the possibility of an Avian Flu pandemic. Boy, is that scarey stuff. It's concerning that there is a lack of concern locally. Here are some web sites about it:

www.fluwikie.com (be sure to go to "Discussions" and read)

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab3.html

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/

I got back from Atlanta yesterday. It was a nice ride there and back. I had the radio all to myself and could sing as loud as I wanted to sing! The traffic was not bad since it was midday during the week.

Mom and dad got gas logs for the fireplace. I like them a lot. I was suprised at how much heat they put out. Plus there's something about watching a fire. Then we went to JoAnn and Terry's. All the kids were there. I got to meet Rachel's boyfriend Greg (definitely a keeper!) and David's girlfriend, Kelly (cute as a button). David and Terry cooked dinner and JoAnn sent us to Elon's for dessert. Holy Cow!!!! The SMALL cake was $35. Mom and dad are still in shock! It was an excellent cake but wow!
Here are some pics:



JoAnn and Terry are in the process of redecorating their house. It's beautiful! It's a good lesson on taking chances and "going for it". I wouldn't have the nu-nu's to go with the colors they selected because the combinations were just too weird. But, OMG! They work. For example, a grape-ish colored rug (I'm sure there's a name for it) and a light blue ceiling. Come on... what's up with that? But....it works! A wall in the bedroom is chocolate brown...and it will also continue into the bathroom. I pictured a dungeon. But, the bedroom is probably my favorite room.

I've been running around doing errands today. It was stock up day. I went to my favorite place...Walmart. When I die...let it be at Walmart. I spent a small fortune stocking up on stuff. Then to Pet Smart, Walgreens and finally a really cool store called "GI Jeff's" in Daytona Beach. It's an Army/Navy store. Dave wanted an old military ammunition box. I want to go back when I'm not so broke. They had really cool stuff, especially tote bags, duffle bags, whatever you call them. I got some Pepper Spray for my key chain. I'm going to go back and get mom some too.

I gotta go fry up some pork chops. I have to work for the next 3 days so I won't be blogging I'm sure. It's been soooo busy at work. I dread going in but, hey, I should be happy that I have a job. Believe me, I've done worse!

Pam and I went to Blue Springs State Park in Orange City to see the Manatees. The Manatees come into the springs every winter. The water is a constant 68-72 degree. The ranger said they counted 70 this morning. Here are some pictures:


After the park we ate lunch in Downtown Deland. Deland is an awesome little town with cute shops and lots of little outdoor cafes.

I'm a winner!!! The Fed Ex man brought my first contest win today. I won a Memorex Kitchen CD Clock Radio. Linda Higginbotham and Dr. Legall told me about sweepstaking. I subscribed to the Sweepsheet newsletter and also enter contests at http://www.sweepsadvantage.com/ .
Dr. Legall has won cash ($10,000), a 7-day cruise for 2, a trip to Hawaii for 4, and lots of other smaller prizes. Linda has won lots of smaller prizes included a fist full of gift cards.
Heres a pic of my first win:


I finally got a day off today. I stayed on the couch most of the day. I'm rebuilding a new web site for the Emergency Nurse's Association. When my computer crashed last month it pointed out to me how scattered my files were. Instead of reorganizing those files I decided to just start another one from scratch. Now, my files are going to be ultra organized. The website is www.volusiaflaglerena.org . However, my new one won't be ready for a few more days.

Happy New Year!!!
Pam and Dhammika (next door) had a New Years Eve party last night. It was incredibly fun! There were 25-30 guests from all over the world (US, Sri Lanka, Russia, Venezuela). Dhammika is from Sri Lanka and he and his Sri Lankan guests prepared traditional Sri Lanka food. I love spicey food and everything was sooooo good. Obviously, I was off the diet last night. We're so lucky to have nice neighbors. The bad part is that they have their house up for sale and are moving to Sri Lanka......that sucks (for us).




Check out Dave's front licence tag. You see who has the clout around here? Click on the pic to make it larger (that goes for all the pics on the blog).


2006....time for New Years resolutions. OK, 2006 will be my year of "reduction". I will reduce the size of my fat ass (AKA dieting). I will reduce my debt (work a few extra hours to pay things off). Last, but not least, I will reduce the "stuff" around here. Having clutter and stuff around is a stresser to me. It so nice to open a drawer or cabinet, reach in and get what you want. It's stressful to have to rummage through all the clutter. Why do we have a zillion coffee cups when we can have a few nice cups and rinse them out after we use them? Why do we have CD's that totally suck and well never listen to again? Its just cluttery stuff.

Its another nice day so I'm going outside to wash the car. Dave promised to wax it for me if I wash it. Then, maybe a ride on my pink bike.