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Monday, February 14, 2011

Rachel Barbera " Ain't a whisper"

"I Love You This Much"

My mother sent me a Valentine's Day package today!!!! Who knew a 24 year old could get so excited about receiving a package in the mail. It honestly was the highlight of my day today, travel nursing can be pretty lonely at times. Not only have I devoured three of her homemade snicker-doodle cookies, I also inhaled a huge cup of scooter doodle coffee with a few squares of dark chocolate regardless of the fact it's bedtime. All my favorites that she took the time to make and send me. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to dive right in.  My mother has this gift for picking out children's books for me that expresses her care, her love, her concern for me.  It's been years since I have gotten one from her-but I was blessed this year with a small story book entitled "I Love You This Much" It brought fond memories of my mother's love for me, as well as the ever-abounding love from our heavenly father. I hope this story brings you as much joy as it brought me today. Happy Valentine's day to all my friends and family. 


When you arise with sleepy eyes, my smiling face you see. 


I always say, "Well, look who's up".  You laugh and say, "It's me!" 


How I love your morning hug; you nestle in my touch. You wait to hear me whisper low, "I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH."


I love you best. I love you most. I love you high. I love you low. I love you deep. I love you wide. I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH. 


Throughout the day we hide and seek; I love to see you smile.  I always say, "I found you, dear!"...But I had you all the while.  


You run to me with open arms; I love to feel your touch. 


We shout out loud for all the hear "I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH!"


I love you best. I love you most. I love you high. I love you low. I love you deep. I love you wide. I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH! 


I trust you know that God is so, by what I say and do. I tell you he is safe and sure and what he says is true. He holds you in his loving arms, you feel his tender touch. You hear the heavenly father say, "I love you this much!"


When day is done at setting sun, we bow our heads and pray. I trust you to God's loving care. 


You safely drift away. I kiss you on your sleepy head; with one last gentle touch. The words still ringing in our ears, "I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH". 


I love you best. I love you most. I love you high. I love you low. I love you dep. I love you wide. I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH! 


Song of the Blog: Come's from a very gifted sister in Christ.  I had the opportunity to meet her this new years in San Diego. "This Ain't A Whisper" -Rachel Barbera


Scripture of the Blog:  And above all things, put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful. Colossians 3:14-15

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Count Your Blessings-Name Them One By One

I'm not a huge fan of taking one day and making it above all other days of the year to be thankful. Every morning I wake up and count my blessings and it brings peacefulness and a sound mind into the start of my day. Try it...it has glorious affects on one's being. With that said-I would like to share what I am thankful for today, and I wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving...wherever you are...whomever you are with....with whatever you are doing....and whatever you are eating :)

I am thankful for........

My loving, heavenly father. I am thankful for God's grace, mercy, and ever abounding love.  His hedge of protection around his children. His willingness to give up his own son so that we can be made perfect. (What a kick ass dude...right!?!) That I have grown up in God's word, that his truth is written and set before us and we can live a more abundant life....that I can stand boldly on His word and He will always back me up. I am thankful that I am a born again believer. Romans 10:9-10

My family. Starr-for being so passionate and motivated as a nurse. Your incredible mothering skills, for watching my lil apartment while I'm gone. Adam- for your intellect and humor. Your ability to take such wonderful care of my sister and nephew.Leyton...my lil monkey...how i love you and your curiosity, your babble, your smile when I walk in the door, your pitter patter on the floor as you crawl.  Savannah-for being an inspiration to me in all things-you are a true light in this world and I can't wait to see what kind of change you continue to make in the lives of those around you. Mom-for providing me with endless laughs, coffee hours, and wine nights. For doing everything and anything to see my stubborn ass smile. Dad for raising us girls in the Word and for being such a loving, understanding dad through all of my rebel days.

My friends. Ruzie-for being my longest bestie in the history of friendships. Herre-for being there for me through the deepest of deep, for always making me bust a move in the car. Mindy-for being so honest and sincere. I look up to you as a friend and as a nurse. Bonfe-for your cooking skills and baller status ways. (good luck today microwaving dinner) Mona-you are my adopted sister, thanks for always bouncing ideas around with me and for your relationship advice. Kristi-for the incredible memories from high school/college swimming days...and the never ending blond moments. Your kindness is never overlooked. Angie-for being so loving, kind, and thoughtful, your wisdom is much appreciated. Doug-for being so stable in my life, for allowing me to be me, for being patient, for building me up spiritually, for being my partner in crime the past 2 1/2 years.

The opportunity to go to PA Biblical Research Camp. An unexpected life changing event. To each brother and sister in Christ I met this summer-I think of you and pray for you always. I hope to visit you soon up there on the East coast.

The opportunity to work at Mayo Clinic. The knowledge, the evidence based practice, the efficiency, the people I worked with, the patients I took care of, the endless children that touched my heart, the learning experiences. Who knows...some day I might come back.

My Health, The ability to run 8 miles at once. 24 Hour fitness around the corner...my cheap membership! The hours I don't have to spend training in a pool any longer... (yah..four years out and I'm still thankful for that one).

My car...even if I had to dish half my life's savings over yesterday for break repair.

My time here in KC this winter. I may hate my job, I may be totally bored and unmotivated to go...but I am thankful for the quiet nights to continue my nursing education, read a good book, a verse here and there, and blog....and most importantly-to be with family over the Holiday Season.

I always love to hear when others have been blessed, when a prayer has been answered, or when there is something in particular that brings thankfulness. Please share!

Take Care and God Bless
SBS

Verse of the Blog: Ephesians 5:19-20
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Song of the Blog:
Undeniable-Matt Kearney

Sunday, November 14, 2010

A Fish Out Of Water

Remember that first day of school when your mother dressed you in the most God awful clothes and you were totally convinced that EVERYONE was staring and whispering and making fun of you? Remember that time you answered a question in front of the masses incorrectly and your face got red?! Or how about that time you were walking and tripped over your own two feet? Fell flat on your ass on the dance floor?  You nurses out there...remember your first day of clinical and how you knew you were an idiot...and you were pretty much  doomed to be an idiot until you had those initials, RN, after your name?! Ok..well that's how I feel. all those...wrapped up into one tiny small little-slightly LARGE package....every single day I walk into work. Nothing is simple. Nothing is in it's place. Nothing is comfortable. Nothing is like it use to be. It's quite the challenge...but I LOVE it!

I have some philosophy to share...so bear with me as I get these thoughts out.  I have come to agree with the conclusion that we are creatures of habit. I didn't realize how much of my efficiency in nursing had so much to do with my habits. Although each and every day was different-I am now realizing how important habits and routines are in the world of nursing.  How much less time it took me to do certain tasks because I had my passwords down to a T, a physicians pager number, where my supplies were located, were my trashcans were, what buttons to press on a certain machine, where my rooms were, how my assignment sheet was set up etc etc etc.

Once you have a routine down-you don't realize how much your mind relies on subconscious promptings.   It's funny how the most simple things I never use to forget are forgotten now because I am in a new environment with new ways of doing things. My contact precautions are not on the side of the door...but in the middle of the door, hence I'm not prompted to gown/glove/mask up when needed because I have the habit of looking at the side of the door for my precaution signs. Or how about the beeping of an IV pump. The beeping at Mayo Clinic automatically reminded me to get my Saline and Heparin flush...new alarms=less prompting.  I carry a pager now-don't even realize when it goes off because I am not in tune to the noise. My pockets fill with trash because my trashcans are not where I am use to having them. I'm slightly annoyed having to right click, left click, then click again just to chart one item in Cerner as oppose to clicking once on MICS charting. I didn't realize this detail until i was presented with a new documentation system.  The days of easily navigating a charting system are over-I could practically do it with my eyes closed-now I need a bottle of Tylenol after documenting one assessment.

I have seizure patients, respiratory patients...patients that normally I would immediately enter the room and look for my rescue equipment to be attached to the wall and ready for use. NOT ANYMORE! Drives me up a wall every time I enter a room and my rescue equipment is not set up because it's not "how they do things here" (ps...a cut corner due to budget...welcome to the real world of nursing Sierra!) Lets just say as a traveler...I'm covering my ass and going against the grain-my rescue equipment will indeed be set up because that's the routine I'm  use to-and that's whats best for my patients.

Computers in the room...scanners for meds...NOPE!  Back to the ol' school way that I learned in orientation prior to when Mayo was blessed with these electronic advances. How did I go about documenting accurate times again? I never carry around my assignment sheet anymore because I had the habit of using the computers at the bedside and having my meds charted the second I scanned them in the room. I still wait at the Pyxis machine to print my med sheet and all i hear is silence...no med sheet printed here. How do I do my patient ID checks without a med sheet?!?! Without a computer in the room?!?! New promptings needed ASAP!

My movements in the hallways may look like a total lost person NOT awake and oriented X3. I may forget to carry my pen and assignment sheet for documenting. I may forget to bring in certain supplies. I may not be able to discern one alarm from another. I may take a full hour to admit a patient. I may forget to chart a thing or two...but with time I will create new habits and new routines and have new promptings.  I'll be comfortable and become an efficient nurse again-just in time to be a fish out of water again in three months.


You are Nothing Less Than a Work of Art
God Bless
SBS

Song of the Blog:
Ranger by A Fine Frenzy

Verse of the Blog:
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee. Proverbs 3:10-11

Monday, November 8, 2010

It's Called Jogging...or Yogging...Pronounced With A Silent J.

My latest encounters at 24 hour fitness here in Kansas City.  Have you ever met any of the following?!........

1. Why hello there Mr. "I poured a bottle of cologne on myself for my pre-workout shower"  I didn't see you jump on the treadmill next to me-but I sure as hell did smell you. Pardon my sneezing.

2. Mr. Questionable Constipation:  You would probably overlook this man accept for his constant groaning, moaning, and sighing that slips out as he lifts his 15 lbs for arm curls. At times I'm tempted to approach him and ask if this loud lifting regimen is part of his bowel regimen.

3. Mr. Muscles: He carries a protein shake around for hydration as oppose to good ol fashion water. He presents himself with a muscle T and Adidas work out pants with matching color coordinated shoes.  I can't help but notice that he spends more time checkin himself out in the mirror than he does actually lifting. I'm quite curioso as to how he has gotten so ripped that I can see every muscle fiber in his body....how is this possible?

4. Mr. Short-Shorts with comb over: Sir...I can almost see your twig and berries as you stride on your eliptical. You should consider donating your 70's attire-as i think you out grew these shorts when you were in highschool 40 years ago.

5. Miss Fake TaTa's:  Blondie here is a personal trainer. Her "lady friends" are squashed with a sports bra 3 times too small for her new additions and it makes her look like she has four instead of two. Not the best way to flaunt your new plastic hun.

6. Mrs. Johnson County Mamma: This poor frazzled woman is raising the standard 2.3 children at her brick mansion in a private lake community. White fence, 4 car garage, a diamond that could sink her to the bottom of the Lake of the Ozarks and a husband whom is never to be found on business trips. She is run down, exhausted, unhappy, and in major need of a "me day"...and yet...she is still giving herself the workout of a life time. Kudo's to you Johnson County Mamma.

7. Miss Volleyball: Sweetheart...I can see your cheeks.

8. The Teens: These middle school/early highschool children come in groups as they are insecure at this age to come alone. You can usually find them surrounded in three's or four's around the bench press..Spending more time looking at the highschool chicks than pressing...makes me laugh every time.

9. Mr Hott: So...you signed me up for my gym membership...held me up in conversation for half an hour..almost made me late to work on my first night...and I can find you there every day at 3 pm ready to give me a wave when I walk in the door. When did you say our first date was going to be?

10. You..yah You!...."I think I know you from highschool": So great to catch up-what have you been up to the past oh...six years?!

Remember-you are nothing less than a work of art.
SBS


Verse of the Blog Proverbs 4:20-23
Song of the Blog: Beautiful Things-DJ Tiesto

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Travel Nursing By Numbers

Day ONE: Organize all household items into FOUR piles "traveling" "staying" "donating" "throwing".  Maybe I should throw that tube of antibiotic ointment since the expiration date was 8/2004....or how about that bottle of icy hot that was supposedly not affective since 12/2000.  Here Good Will-take EIGHT bags of designer clothing. For any girl who has never done this...don't do it..I cried a tear or TWO as I watched them take the bags out of my trunk.  Does anyone find it strange that Best Buy charged me TEN dollars to give them my TV??! If anyone understands this-please enlighten me.

Day TWO: Lets spend FOUR hours making phone calls, e mailing, making online updates, for my address change...do I seriously have to do this every THREE months?!?! Gross. Hopefully this get's easier with practice?!?!

Day THREE: It was imperative that I spend TWO and a HALF hours at the gym today to de-stress. No judging allowed, but my work badge and DAHLC parking tag were "accidentally" turned in SIX days late so that I could attend TWO last spinning classes, TWO last hip hop experiences, and  ONE last treadmill run. Sorry Mother Mayo :/    .....and no..no I did not drink ONE whole entire bottle of "Middle Sister" wine by myself as I  packed, cried,  cleaned, cried, then proceeded to use my broom as a microphone and my kitchen as a dance floor towards the last of the bottle.

Day FOUR: I didn't want to do anything. ZIP ZERO ZILCH. So I didn't....accept for run TEN MILLION ERRANDS for SIX hours straight.

DAY FIVE: to buy..or not to buy a pair of scrubs at the ONE and only scrub store in Rochester where they do not offer discounts to nurses (which is strange if you are familiar with any other city besides Rochester) and where my gift card had a balance of ZERO. I went with buy a pair..or TWO..or THREE.   What? Don't give me that look, it's the first time I don't have to wear "Royal Blue" pants and I couldn't help but have a surge of excitement regarding this. Babysat my nephew Leyton TWICE that day and probably smothered him with over  a THOUSAND kisses. Spent my last night in Rochester with FIVE very important people in my life...which I would like to thank for taking such good care of me and being so supportive.

DAY SIX: I don't care if the box says i can only fit TWENTY FOUR items of clothing in the space saver bag...i will be fitting FOURTY EIGHT items of clothing. THREE times I attempted to smuggle my nephew into my backseat. THREE times I was unsuccessful.  I wanted to leave by TEN am....THREE hours later...I was on the road. I should have known better, since I had to say goodbye to my family that morning.  I am fairly certain that I should have been pulled over at least FIVE times as I passed this many cops while speeding at an average of NINE to ELEVEN over the limit. OOOOOPS! EIGHT times I looked at a photo of my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew...and had to fight back tears. A MILLION time's the question "what the hell are you doing?!?!" came into my head.

DAY SEVEN: ONE day before I start my first travel nursing assignment. I can already feel the "black and white" have faded...and I have that unsettled feeling of being in the "gray".  Keep me in your prayers!


Verse of the Blog Post: 
Phil 4:13

Song of the Blog Post
Mamma, I'm Alright by Miranda Lambert


Remember you are nothing less than a work of art.
God Bless
Sierra B Slavin