Monday

Spent most of the day in bed trying to recover from a weekend at my beloved job that very nearly put me over the edge. Wait times of over 1 minute in the bathroom bringing family members out storming into the hall wondering where the help is? And so many of these are dry runs anyway. O if they only knew how big city hospitals operate!! Anyway, my nerves are shot & kind of in the mood to be away from people today.

Did manange to drag my self up to Salina for another stretch session at 2PM. Recorded my pain level at 3 and I really am encouraged that this disk thing may be resolved in the near future. Still want to be cautiously optimisic however.

Got myself a new pair of shoes with wide toes. Hope this next round of shoe break-in happens quickly.

Too tired to do anything else, so home and back to bed. Somehow think I may be coming down with something nasty. Really annoyed with pneumonia pts who cough in my face. Should have worn masks in those rooms, but too late now. Wonder how some Hillsboro Mennonites who claim to be pacifists think nothing of coughing germs into other peoples faces. And the word IS pacifist, not nonresistant in Hillsboro MB circles (that’s Mennonite Brethren not Mennonite background).

Anyway, another deadline looms tomorrow: 941’s & KS Unemployment and just don’t have the steam to get going yet. No fever as of now, but may go back to bed and try again later.

mikey

Sunday

Not as tired as I often am on Sundays and got off to an early start & actually made it to Hutch without a standup break and even made it thru Church without needing to standup, but was close by sermon’s end. SS on Rev 6 & getting deeper into it all the time. Gary had the sermon on being Pharisees and how this might happen in Menn circles today. Lots of personal experiences which always piques my interest.

Happy to see Keith Mast in Church today with his extended family. In case you don’t know…he grew up in OK & went to Pilgrim in the mid 80’s. We were good friends those days, but lost touch as it often happens unfortunately. Exactly 20 years since we seen each other. He boarded at Sam D Nisly’s & also of interest perhaps…..he and Wilber & John Yoder & I traveled together to PC OH for Harold & Judith’s wedding. Quite a wild trip!

Counted with Harold and definitely broke a record with the dollars coming in, by quite a long way in fact. Won’t mention the amount here, but will reveal the total to those I feel appropriate to do so if same ones ask. Of course, the donor’s identity will forever remain a mystery if I have anything to do with it.

Then a very enjoyable meal at Carlos O’Kelly’s with my good friend, Mark Nisly. Don’t make a practice of eating out like this, but this time seemed appropriate for an exception. VERY good to hear what’s going on with Mark and told him some very personal things going on in my life. Thank you for listening Mark!

Then, the mad dash to Hillsboro. Called ahead that I would be late…and as it so happened I was much more late than I first estimated as I drove into a MASSIVE wind & rainstorm just N of Goessel. Rocked the car and had to stop for awhile. Didn’t matter being late since things were in a state of chaos at work. 2 ER’s & the agency RN didn’t show up. Skipped report & just started in with my 4PM vitals and Ann stayed over to help transfer pts, etc till 4PM. 9 pts & 2 ER’s to start off a shift doesn’t happen very often & it’s a good thing it doesn’t. Somehow made it thru the shift & the glad hour of 3AM FINALLY arrived when I could leave…AGAIN…in a rainstorm. But, that’s OK. We need the rain.

On a light note, today’s Zit’s comic strip about texting fit me PERFECTLY. And since I have no clue how to proceed any further you will have to search for yourself if curious & THEN, you will have an even better idea how well this particular one fits moi.

mikey

Saturday

Stayed in bed until time to leave so I could be rested up for a rough weekend at work.

Went by Mac to pick up Jim so I could drive him to see his Dad at Moundridge. Dark clouds loomed over Old 81 as we motored down the highway. About a mile S of Elyria the clouds were running over & a big downpour ensued. Strangely there was an “eye of the storm” where it was still dry & then rain again. Got soaked when we went into the house, but that’s OK.

Richard on continuous oxygen now & having trouble with the tubing kinking up on him. Jeff from Newton Hospice stopped by to replace it with a stiffer green tubing which I would like to see used at the hospital. Had a big chuckle over how he sees his wife coming in from night shift as he’s walking out the door & they say “I think I know you” to each other. Remember Jeff from working on the Marion EMS crew.

Admired Richard’s new cloth recliner which looks like leather (more comfortable). Also good to see John there. Went on to Hillsboro & sunny skies 2 miles E of Moundridge.

My expectations of a back breaking weekend at work were realized in every way imaginable. Bed alarms & dementia at every turn. I’ve had to wonder how can these people care for themselves at home when things are like they are after they’re admitted.

Spent most of the day pasting a smile on my face when a frown was trying to appear. Also trying every way possible to persuade pneumonia pts to please not cough in my face when adjusting O2 tubing or taking vital signs. Well, you’re in my way they reply. A lot of that going around these days. Then comes the productive cough we hope they have in a few days. All kinds of goodies to be found in bedding and on bed rails when that becomes reality, PLUS no less than 30 used kleenexes on the floor at all times.

And then there is the vicious little dog terrorizing staff in one certain room. Yes, they allow dogs in the hospital these days for patient comfort & reassurance. Very pleased to report no dog bites, at least not today.

With 7 heavy care pts on board I was very pleased to see Kathie appear at 11PM so I could leave at a decent hour & get more than a few hours of sleep tonight.

Very glad to get out of that place tonight.

mikey

Friday

Spent most of the day in bed trying as much as possible to recover from the recent 12 hour shift yesterday that nearly rendered me insane, and also with a sore lower back among everything else.

Went through the mail & did some light things. Also answered several phone calls. Appreciate all the people checking in about my back situation & saying they are praying for me. Thank you all!!! Shoulder pain definitely doing better this week.

One encouraging event is that field corn is ready to eat. YUM!!!! Sweet corn is OK, but nothing beats field corn in my opinion. In fact it is so good that we have caught people stealing from our fields, by the bagful in some cases. Or is it because they are getting it free of cost on their part???

Then on to the happy event of the day…..celebrating Jacob’s birthday 1 month and 3 days late. Slowly getting caught up with the belated BD of this year, after tax time so I’m free of distractions. Enjoyed a free concert by Jacob on his newly acquired keyboard. Moving right along with piano lessons & impressed by the progress he’s made so far. Also got a good look at the human sanitation truck he & Matthew operate and showed me how it all works. Quite impressive!!

Had a nice meal with Jacob at Playa Azul. Pleased to learn that this means: beach blue quite literally. Glad to know that bit of info. Enjoyed a shrimp enchilada chosen quite randomly & it really was quite delicious. Jacob had burritos if I remember correctly. Later we drove by Jeff’s new place & Josh’s place, both on 16th Street about a mile apart. Both very nice in my opinion.

Checked in on Jim & we went to WalMart for supplies & did a few other things. A good restful day, but a bit apprehensive about what the weekend holds for me at my beloved hospital job this weekend.

mikey

Thursday

Woke up at the predawn hour (for me) of 10AM & went for another decompression stretchout. Starting to get used to it & can actually relax in a pleasant sleep deprived stupor. They have to wake me up when it’s over lately.

I leave my cell ph in the car so I’m not distracted in any way with my stretchouts, so missed a call from Mark Nisly, a good friend from the wetlands of Labette County KS. Making plans to come to Reno County this weekend. YEAH!!!

Skelaxin seems to be doing the trick with relaxing my upper back muscles & I can really feel the strecthing now, earlier the muscles would fight it for every ounce they were worth. Things starting to shift even more now. Good news.

Stopped at the store to finish a pesky bank statement reconciliation, but every effort failed and with the impending deadline of clock-in time at work & brief chat periods with the co-owner, that  had to be shelved at least for the time being.

A BIG workout at work (laugh here). 4 heavy duty CNA pts with 2 admissions. ER was busy also. So now I have a bit of low back issues, but that should resolve shortly.

Had a new ER incident tonight that only the bravest of the brave  would dare experience. Details upon request (at your own risk)!

Heard about Zoe the chihuahua who intercepted the attack of a nasty snake slithering into the yard who had a young child in mind as his intended prey. Little Zoe took the snake bite in a most courageous manner. Didn’t look like she would make it, but is now prancing about happily again. Cheers!! Coutesy Paul Harvey.

Completely exhausted at clockout time at 3AM sharp. Glad to get out of that place. Sundowners doing its ugly deed and made my life miserable for several hours. Why are drugs used as a last resort…ONLY when a CNA is on duty? Call light system had a big workout tonight.

Went back to finish the reconciliation & happily found the problem (a deposit with multiple transactions not added correctly). Finished in only 10 minutes & glad the Hillsboro law enforcement personnel didn’t stop by to inquire.

Did you know that the name Oren is mentioned in I Chronicles ch 2???

Home & fell into bed (almost literally) at 4:30AM

mikey

Wednesday

Spent the entire day getting the rest of the sales tax & KS WH forms ready to mail & even have a good head start on the 941’s & KS Unemployment due July 30th. Another trip to Hillsboro for signatures & other various errands & back home to make sure everything is in order and ready to mail. Quite a large stack to send off today & wanted to make sure nothing was overlooked.

This particular store owner is doing well & it’s really great to see him experience the joys of entrepreneurship, the great American dream for so many. He is making wise decisions & has a teachable spirit which allows him to learn things from many different sources.

Today my pain level was as good as it’s been in a long time about a steady 4 out of 10 most of the day & very tolerable. Taking stand up & walk breaks every 30 minutes and that is quite helpful.

Then it was off to the Salina Post Office to mail these numerous letters, etc. Saw Gary Waugh for a bit & his wife, Susan, is having some rough days in among the better days with cancer treatment/chemo. Appreciate their cheerful radiance in spite of this difficult development so early in their married life.

The ride to Hutch for Church proved a definite setback in my neck & shoulder pain levels. Had a stand up break at Inman for awhile. Lowell Miller continued with his 2nd installement of a book study on making priorities in our individual lives. At times we just have to say no to requests, OR wait for a different time. Other people’s emergencies don’t have to always become our emergencies. I think these kind of delays can and should be initiated with kindness and care if that becomes necessary.

Good to see Roberto Hodgson & Carol in Church tonight.

Went to IHOP with Josh & checked in on Jim on the way home. Missed him at the apt & checked at Woody’s & other places, but no Jim. In the mean time I did witness a real street brawl. To my knowledge and from my vantage point, a female threw the first punch & the male ran away in a very gentlemanly fashion & never returned a punch that I could see. He apparently made a pass at a married woman, according to my translation of this very heated moment. No cops showed up while I was there.

Ending the day with returning severe pain was anticlimactic to all that was accomplished the last few days & meeting my deadline. In fact, it was quite disappointing & I really wanted to talk to Jim & he apparently went on his regular early AM walk already. Tracphone out of time, so can’t reach him that way. This truly is a symbiotic relationship & I have discovered how much I need his friendship as well as he says he needs my friendship. Stayed around until pain forced me to go on home for another dip into my stash. Trying to get this thing caught up & pain levels are preventing sleep, at least for now. Still taking my stand up breaks at the comptuer.

 I am grateful for all the people God has placed in my life & the encouragement they bring and esp when someone says they will pray for me. God is in control & does all things well. I have much to be thankful for.

mikey

Tuesday

Had another neck treatment today since I was still so sore & they did 20# which is the maximum they can pull on the neck region & still at the C6 level (base of my neck). I must say soon later I was feeling quite a bit better & the stiffness gone. Some tingling in my little fingers on both hands which is new, but that means things are starting to shift which is the goal of this whole project. Arrived at the VERY early hour of 9:45AM & managed to get myself up for that. Then had a quick meal at KFC across town-buffet was better than some KFC buffets I’ve had recently.

Then it was back to see Dr. Siddiqui at 11:30AM & reported that the Lortab seems to be helping some. I didn’t think it was doing anything at first, but it does seem a bit better, so that was renewed as well as some other drugs that were soon to be depleted with no current refills. He said my walking is better, even the DUI foot-in-front-of-foot test which is so hard for me to perfrom gracefully. A humurous occurrence with this visit & managed to contain my composure till it was tiem to leave.

Hurried home & took a quick nap & went to Gypsum for the funeral of Ed Woods. He was an Alzheimers victim since 2002 & shared my sister’s May 11 BD and born in 1940. I also understand that Oren Yoder shares this same BD. He was active in Boy Scouts & did a lot for me in my growing up years. He also was known as one of Gypsum’s prayer warriors and would ask Pastor Carl about new prayer needs from time to time. This was held in the Methodist Church I grew up in for my first 7 years of life & this location always brings back happy memories.

Went to the cemetery for urn burial & back to the Church for refreshments. So many asked how I’m doing & say they are praying for me. I am humbled & grateful, esp for the ones who are also back pain pts. At times I have sensed a judgmental attitude from some when they are made aware of what all I’m taking, but only those who have experienced the non-stop presence (greater or lessor) of debilitating back & nerve pain can know what it’s like. Without drugs my entire life would come to a halt. I do think the decompression is helping me & hopefully soon I can start weaning myself from most of the drugs.

Made it home & cont my quest for getting all the sales tax & KS WH & 941’s due shortly.

6PM found me at Coyote Canyon with Aunt Vivian & Darcee to celebrate my BD & it was a great time. I rec a red birthday balloon crown from the in house balloon guy & wore it for the rest of my meal. Darcee rec a yellow friendship balloon rose also.

Got the rest of my drug refills & made it back to Hillsboro to continue on sales tax calculations there. On-line banking not cooperating, so continued reconciliations came to an abrupt halt & from then on it was just sales tax calculations, made more cumbersome due to point-of-destination sales tax which causes me SO much grief & others also.

Finally left the store at 3AM & glad to have everything I need to get all the sales tax AND payroll reports done. Drove home & got those all done & ready to be signed tomorrow.

To sleep as the sun started shedding its early rays of light.

mikey

Monday

Had a 2PM appt with Jane in Hillsboro for more bank statement reconciliation training. Cut short due to my 2:30PM appt in Salina for my neck. Pain level about 6 most of the time. It seemed this time the decompression was more painful & I had a really stiff neck afterwards, to the point I could hardly turn my neck from side to side.

Been really drugging myself with pain meds so I can tackle my big Wed deadline for sales tax & KS Withholding. It’s either that or a missed deadline with no forms completed due to neck, shoulder & arm pain. I think I’m starting to build some resistance to the sleepiness aspect & can actually stay awake more when drugged. I am free to drive per doctor approval if I feel up to it.

Madly rushing to complete transactions & calculations & actually making more progress than I had expected. People must be praying for me as this seemed an almost impossible task earlier. Praise God He’s getting me thru this!

This week my mother is helping with Gypsum city-wide VBS at the Methodist Church this year.

Back to Hillsboro at 7PM for more time with Jane on the computer & her husband came along for moral support & had a good chat with him while Jane toiled away on the computer. Going well, but much left to be done before sales tax form are completed.

Had a call from Kim that Jim is crashing again, so went over there later & he was out cold from a sleeping pill that truly IS a sleeping pill. Almost knocked the door down before he aroused from his drug induced slumber. Glad he’s OK, but job situation is on the line now.

Life seems unbearable for Jim now & he hasn’t slept for days & this sleeping pill passed & surpassed all sleep expectations. Glad he got the rest he so desperately needed. Depressed over all that’s happening also. Stayed there awhile until shoulder pain forced me home for more of my stash. Overall it’s some better with my pain level’s.

mikey

Sunday

Went to Church and the usual painful ride which requires at least 1 rest break. SS on Rev 5 & Paul Yoder had the sermon on the authority or influence of the Church/Christ on our lives. Saw Jonas Yoder, currently from LaMonte, MO, today for the first time after prob at least 28 years. He wanted to see Loren Ratzloff, so gave him directions there/tele numbers, etc. They were very good friends years ago.

Had a good meal at Fannie’s & a nice long talk with Willard, comparing the joys & frustrations of life. Took a quick nap & then headed for Buhler to pick up papers from cuz Steve. Good to see Colton & Devin there also.

Then N to Buhler & rushed madly E on Dutch Ave to Walton to drop off some reports & all kinds of things for the friendly IRS agent Monday. Had to be there at 7PM sharp. They later needed to pick up someone at the airport. Glad to find out now that all the needed forms can be faxed Monday, so apparently no one showing up tomorrow to create some more excitement-much to everyone’s relief.

Did these errands on Sunday in the name of saving many precious fuel miles, time on the road & also the emergent nature of one stop & an impending deadline of the other stop.

Home by Ridge Rd & quite the storm clouds rumbling to the north. Just a few sprinkles the last couple miles. Later heard of 60MPH winds in the Kipp area knocking down power poles & a big tree in Gypsum.

Jacob will (former farm worker here) and Kelsey Short (dau of my classmate, Chris Short) here to see my parents. Dad will be providing music for their wedding next weekend. Kelsey had a big smile on her face, to which my Mother also had a big smile. You would have to know my mother to really know the significance of her smile!

Took it easy the rest of the evening.

mikey

Saturday

Had a long night going over more late payroll tax forms & getting the correct amounts into Quickbooks. Kept at it till dawn’s early light. Need to get 2nd qtr payroll done & going thru several time cards & all kinds of other documents.

Slept well & up & at it again. A big meeting with the IRS agent with an unpolished personality on Monday & need to be prepared in every way.

Later in the day, a pleasant interruption to this task is the wedding of my youngest cousin, Elina to Tyler Charvat. This happy occasion occured the day after her 21st birthday. It was held at the cabin by Kanopolis Lake in the Venango area. A beautiful setting with wedding vows said under a huge picturesque cottonwood. Elina with her father at her side went up the grassy aisle as the Swedish Wedding March was played by my father, Uncle Errol & 2 other friends. Another reminder that my Uncle Warren is no longer with us, but it was still a happy occasion. Of course this March made my Grandmother smile as this is her favorite song. Glad she could join the festivities.

A hog and a half were roasted in order to provide us with a delicious meal. A very elegant setting by the lake. Pleased to hear Eugene is doing better after his emergency surgery yest. Unhappy they don’t allow cell phones in the hospital. Will prob be seated in his office as soon as he’s released, which hopefully will happen tomorrow.

Another reminder that an era is gone…..my Grandmother’s trailer has been sold & was moved out yesterday, somewhat leaving an empty spot. It has been there at least 15 years and was purch by a local Schwarz family.

A long, but good day.

mikey