New to the boards....

I figure I better start it out that way considering my absence

So...where have I been?  Loaded freaking question.

First of all...work has been absolutely ridiculous.  We have had 8 open spots on nights...which means working approximately anywhere from 2-4 nurses short per night.  The census of incoming patients has been at an all time high.  And no, it's not flu related.  Not yet.  When flu season hits, watch the heck out.

Secondly...been picking up time at the second job.  Which, although less busy, is still obviously a time committment.

Then there is studying for the CEN exam...the one they want me to take and I NEED to take.

Without going into to many details...Brian and I have had troubles all along as I have mentioned.  We've made steps - I'm just not entirely sure in which direction.  There are good days and bad days with that.  I haven't been able to answer my OWN questions about our relationship, let alone expect answers from him.  Plus, it's his first semester in school so some of it is hard to tell what is "stress" from school and what is deep routed relationship BS.

When a lot of that started I pulled back from a LOT of things....here and FB included.  I needed to get my own self into a better place.  I'll admit it, I was very depressed and very stressed.  I DID come to a FEW close friends, but otherwise needed to just have some me time.

 I basically just started getting back into a better routine, feeling better about everything when family and friend issues started arising pretty heavily.  My dad's cousin (whom we are fairly close with) suffered "sudden cardiac death" last Sunday, was successfully resuscitated in the ambulance...they live in Jersey...ended up being transferred to U of Penn for an aortic valve replacement.  He's still in ICU, but is doing otherwise well as per the last email.

My bff husband had back surgery last Monday.  She travels for work, so I've been keeping in close touch with them and what not.  She was able to get home for the surgery and what not, but had to leave again this week.  Nursey over here has been checking incisions and will be taking him to follow up appts this week, lol

Throw in the fistful of "social" events I DID have planned and I did go too....including Emeril's with a bunch of you sexy gals and hot men, Liz's support group meeting this past weekend, Eric's girls bday party (I also did the baking for them...their cakes turned out totally cool if you hadn't heard....), TWO weddings for co workers, the "crab fest" I held at my house in September...combined w/ the work committment of every other weekend....and all of the sudden, I have been running almost every weekend since I don't know when...

About 2 weeks ago I got really sick with some sort of bronchitis/sinus crap thing that had me, quite literally, flat on my back for almost 2 days in bed.  Anyone who knows me knows that's totally not me.  I was out of the gym for a week due to it.  NOT fun.  I highly suggest NOT getting it, lol.  It's amazing how much sleep one gets when they are sick AND have been negelcting that pesky sleep thing to begin with....Again...slept for almost those whole two days

I was lucky enough to see my parents twice in the past few months, which is HIGHLY unusual for us.  They came up to the crab thing and I went down there once for literally a few hours.  Definately miss seeing them on more of a consistent basis.

Been doing a LOT of thinking about my upcoming surgiversary...that should be an interesting post to say the least.  I have a lot of mixed feelings on a lot of subjects lol.

So...thanks for those who emailed, texted, sent out flares and smoke signals, put up posts...I'm pretty sure I noticed my face on the side of a milk carton one day....lol  You guys/gals are an AMAZING bunch of people!
 

I can't promise I'll be around daily...but I will attempt to be on here when I can. I absolutely need it.

Love you!

~P

Pam.,
I am sorry you have been going through so much.  I missed seeing you, but failed to reach out to you. 

I hope you are able to get some clarity in your marriage, and also some much needed study time and rest.

Hugs,
Trish

Wow, sounds like you and Brian need to take a long weekend at the joisey shore. (Not AC, one of the quiet ones) and decompress. Fall at the beach is very relaxing.
When life comes at you that fast you both need to take a step back and chill.

Pam,

If there is anyone who I can think of that runs circles around my life, it would be you, whether life brings it to you, or of your own making. . .  I have been there, when the world about you is swirling so fast and you feel like you are sliced so thin, please take care of you so you don't get sick again. 

Sending you warm wishes your way for things to quiet down just enough for you to have some peace among the storms of living. 

Hugs, Laureen

I am exhausted reading this.  WOW.  Lots for you to deal with right now.  I hope you are surrounding yourself with lots of positive energy to get you through it. 

it ALWAYS ends up just the way it should be.  Have faith in that.

Hey girlie - I was one of those missing you on these boards because I know when you're not around you're not in a good place...but it happens to all of us at times. We miss you and your wonderful encouragement and advice out here, but there are times when you need to step away and take care of YOU first, so you're doing the right thing.

We'll be here and waiting with open arms when you're ready to return on a regular basis - in the meantime many hugs, prayers and love coming your way.

Kathy

from one busy girl to another, it is often something we do to remain distracted so we don't have to deal with the harder stuff.
You know I love you and whatever your trial is I want to know, and want to help if I can, I understand that sometimes you just need space. Support you in whatever you do

Sometimes it's scary how much you, me, and Pam are alike, you know?  Great insight, as always. Thank you.

Karen

Me?  Ignore the hard stuff?  Surely you jest!

Damnit woman...WHY do you have to know me so freaking well?????

Good morning PA and Welcome back Pam!

WHEW! Sounds like life has been crazy for you. I totally understand marriage issues, since I am dealing with them myself. It really affects EVERYTHING!! Sorry that you are going through so much turmoil. Tis the season, I guess....Hopefully things will work out for the best. We are here for support, love and sending out smoke signals!

Today is wor****il 3:30 then home to do some chores (OH GOODIE!!). Do homework with the child, dinner, bath and bed. Relaxing and chilling the rest of the evening until I pass out.

Tomorrow we are having a professional development day at Campbells Field!! There is a keynote speaker(BORING!) then some health fair. I HATE when the district does these things. Just imagine about 3000 teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, etc all going to the same place! PURE CRAZINESS!!! Although, it is nice because I always run in to people that I used to work with or friends that I know, so that is a good thing....Anyway, it should be interesting. I will probably sit with my coworker buddies and chit chat with a bit of FB thrown in!

Have a great Tuesday!!

Beth