Job hunitng

I'm still doing it and found that many jobs are posted every weekend, but not during the week. After 3 weeks of posting for these same jobs -- I wonder if there is ... a problem. Today, Labor Day, in celebration of those working -- there weren't any friggin' new jobs psoted. Lovely!

"Skunked again!"+ I will find something soon. I could work better now than last week with the more drama than trauma (Mum post op, and then in ICU). I'll take the drama. I've had the trauma and hated it!

I'm still looking in the FW area, but have expanded to many areas. I'm very concerned about folks, for my sister here in town hasn't the time nor effort to help them with the petty and simple things. I've used several (12 I think) job search enegines, narrowing it after some experience, as some were company-specific and others were just worthless. I think the best jobs aren't listed at all.

MR mentioned to me that I should find a few choice companies that I want to join and tell them how I suit them and work from there. I guess I could work for Coke -- nice, benefits are good, long-standing company. Where do I fit there? I don't know.

+ Christmas Story, Ralphie not finding the orphan Annie de-coder ring in mail

idle mind while driving in third gear (turns from observations to bitching)

I saw a car pull up to a stop that was painted like a "Stinger" car from Grand Theft Auto. I guessed I played that too much. Also, over the course of 9 days, I have seen 22 hawks, some were the same no doubt. Tonight, I saw a deer charge over the road and not get hit.

I have seen several police cars traveling and pulling over drivers. I thankfully am not one of them.

I also am the wall that birds have struck. The car and van I have been driving have been struck by birds on the doors and tonight a bird flew under the wheel of my car. Avian suicide?

Slowed to a crawl, walking to and from hospital parking lot, I helped an obese woman get something from the floor. She had a tough enough time while in the wheelchair, I know it would have been impossible if she had to lean or bend over -- belly getting in way and cutting off diaphram. I am bothered by the smokers at hospital, as there are no-smoking areas that are generally ignored by **shole smokers. I did see a woman courteous enough to smoke in her car. The bad thing the windows were open.

I'm not asthmatic, but if I were, I'd have issue with the smokers at the door and hospital not enforcing the smoking areas. I think that I should extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher, claiming that I thought the smokers were on fire. If they want to kill themselves -- use a rope, it's faster and still sufficates the suicide slowly.

I have been to hospital so often, I have helped people around, for -- at times, I have little else to do, other than sit and wait. Now that my visiting hours availabily have changed, I'm far more free. The unit where she is, is far less strict. My father and I had been driving there and back 4-5 times daily. We went and stayed twice today -- much better for a longer time than 3 days combined at ICU.

Walkin' away

Mother is making greater strides. She felt urgency and walked, painfully, to the bathroom. Who you don't see in the picture is Thomas pushing the pole, for Lois cannot use a walker and pull the pole.

Earlier with the physical therapist, she walked to the nurses' desk and then into the hallway, erecting a flag to mark her achievement. The orthopedic PCA (patient care assistant; aka nurse's aide, aka; tech -- who might very well have a masters) came to see Lois today and was pleased with her range of motion. Her also wants her now to work on straightening her legs/knees, very imporant for standing.

The good news is, she might be moved yet again tomorrow or Wednesday -- to rehab, but nothing is certain.

This morning she was grumpy, but she settled down. I'd say for a 70 year-old, she's doing pretty well on two new knees. My stress level went down a notch.

Steve Irwin

What surprised me, and likely others, is that he didn't die in the jaws of a large predator or mauled in some grizzly way. He didn't even drown, which would be more likely with a ray sting. He died in a rare instance that a stinger caught him in the chest.

Although I think often, he was too rough on animals, he goal was to educate people on a number of species, but mostly the crocodile and other reptiles. His heart was good, though he was a goof and a nut. I guess people will miss his antics and others still a good spokesperson for reptiles, however wild and zany.

I will still use two phrases, "Crikey!" and "Danger; danger; danger!", sprinkled with, "Poised; ready to strike!"

lack of patience in patient

Here, my father is feeding her (Monday, Sept. 4, 2006, Labor Day). She can do fine herself, but it was good that he had something to do -- as he is busy thinking and not doing, driving him mad.

She is reading the diabetic menu here, obviously conscious and in pretty good shape, but the order was sent up wrong -- imagine that!

My mom is a terrible patient. She has been grumpy and pissy the last couple of days. If they nurses are slow to get to her, it's likely because she is a witch to them. She has a cornucopia of pain meds to take. If I took was she was taking I would be nausiated and comatose: vicodin, percocet, skelaxon, darvocet, loratab. Some aren't taken concurrently, so there are gaps, but there is vitually no time that some pain meds are out of her system. I thought that the PT would be bad, but I think the chemical rehab might be step 3, for weening her off the pain meds might be scary and unfun for all.

rook moved

She was mad at the nurses at ICU. It is nice that she got moved out of there. She was in one room, but some of her orthopedic equipment would not easily fit, so they found another room -- quite large for her. She's in good care, healthy except for heart arhythmmia with aortic flutter; though common, still worth checking on a person her age with history of heart attacks. I have no bloddy clue when she'll get out.

She threw a bit of a tantrum today because she felt she was rooked. I think the nurses got the shorter end.

no fair shake

I have seen some companies that "wanted" to give me the time of day -- interview, etc. I see that they are still posting for jobs. I wonder, then, if it panned out better than I didn't get a job with them. Some companies have 8 some listings daily. I'm not sure what that says about the companies themselves. They would give me a fair shake, only I didn't know it wasn't a fair company.

Clear as mud

I didn't know that I was so very unclear in my blogs. I type and post when I think of it, but apparently "thinking" isn't involved in my posts.

.........

I really don't know what they are really going to do with Mom, as there are enough rumors and inuendos, hints and allegations, that you'd think it was Watergate. I know that Mom is really relatively fine. She's 95 percent clear in the head, doing well to very well in her physical therapy and has great care. In her present room ICU she shares a nurse with just one other patient. Other floors, I believe the ratio is 4 patients for 1 nurse.

There are rumors or suggestions that, since her heart arhythmia might pose s lifelong problem (though not fatal by any means), she'll be moved to a telemetry unit. This might be good, but from my experience, meaningless as there aren't a greater number of doctors there either. Her cardiologist doesn't seem to be knocking himself out to see her to render ANY decision as to where she goes. Her orthpedic surgeon and doctor group have stated clearly that they'll sign off on her release to the rehab hospital, for their "part" is complete.

She might move, she might not. The doctors, "The Lord Cometh -- like a thief in the night!"+, appear when I'm not there to question them. I ask the nurses and often they don't know any more than I do. My mother is also left in the lurch. So, I'm left with questions, concerns and hints that they might move her. I really know little at this point.

I'm happy that she has more concentrated care where she is and am very thankful for all the prayers and love sent to her and family. She's doing very well and is in good spirits for being in hospital for so long. As for me -- I'm chewing on my tongue and gritting teeth -- I'm out of gum. I can't solve the stress, it's built up to new heights, then falls slightly. It is a long coaster ride. Some dips in my stress are that Father sleeps better now and I can sometimes hold a conversation with him.

+ Blues Brothers, James Brown sermon before "Old Landmark"

I don't know why -- stupid headlines

You might ask, why this is funny, I don't know -- syntax?

Army recommends death in Iraq slayings

--- news --- petty, evil

Suspect charged in burglary of zoo Subway

An 18-year-old man accused of stealing meat, cheese and potato chips from a restaurant at the [city] Children’s Zoo was formally charged Tuesday with burglary.

Cale Carnahan, of the 3700 block of Schele Avenue, broke into the zoo about 9:30 p.m. Aug. 10 and forcibly entered the Subway within the property, a probable cause affidavit said. Carnahan took several packages of meat, cheese and several bags of potato chips, the affidavit said.
Carnahan was being held at the County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

--- and this man's alive, why ---

Finally, a man told police that at about 10 p.m. his 6-year-old daughter was molested by a registered sex offender. The man said the girl hit his face when he tried to kiss her goodnight because she thought he was another man who touches her, a police report said. Police confirmed the man is a convicted sex offender and registered and made plans to contact him. The offender’s identity was not released in the report.

--- replace each instance ---

With two incumbents declining to seek re-election, there’s a 10-way race for two at-large seats and a three-way contest for the District 1 post. In addition, incumbent Kweku Akan faces a challenge from Kevin Brown for the District 4 seat.

not mine

DSC06988
Originally uploaded by Cerpicio.

I sleep in a bed, mine, but feel that visits to hospital convert it to this -- unkept and seedy place.

Thanks Cerpicio!

full of

While in hospital, Mum drinks quite a bit of water.  The nurses must "account" and record the volume of her urine output.  They were all amazed at the patient Niagra.  One nurse had to drump two full containers from the catheter bag.  In the end, I can summarize that she's full of **is and vinegar.

 

I believe that she'll have extrafamiliar guests this weekend, but times and persons are really -- well, a mystery.

Extrance exam

What happens after you die? Ultimately, there is no real entrance exam -- merely you physically terminating then ... there you go.

Mom might be moved to a cardiac telemetry unit, she might be moved there this weekend, what they do there I don't know. I thought that I knew something, but it must have been a breeze. I'm back to square one with what they will do and plan to do and what is important..

Mom's alive, conscious (thinking mostly clearly), doing well, doing physical therapy, but her heart's a mess. I couple this with blood sugar levels of a diabetic and blood pressure issues, and I see her in hospital for a while still. She is, thankfully, in good care and in no immediate danger. I'm not too worried, but there is, really, doubt and fear of the unknown.

I guess I'm resting better, but I'm feeling lousy. I liken it to the SAT's -- you do your best, it's a stupidly long time, you don't get results right away. It's important, but the significance is never expressed in perceivable terms. I'm wrong; it's not the test you take, but rather the test your friend takes. You have no effort in it, just hopes, fears.

MR wanted to end most messages with, "poon tang", I think I might start "signing off" with "Damnit"

Thanks God!

I close,
Damnit!

I don't know F'ing squat

I thought that Mom might be able to be discharged from ICU to rehab hospital -- that was wrong.  I then then she would be sent from ICU to ortho floor again, that again, may be wrong.

 

The doctors may have to shock heart into corect rhythm, but that too is conjecture.  Her inconsistent heart rhythm isn't a big deal, but they may opt to make it "right".

 

In lighter news, I have given up on really sleeping.  I don't really do it anyway, why put forth the effort?

Whoa!

agasp
Originally uploaded by MDH, II.

I got into an elevator with my father to go see Mum in hospital. I would take the stairs, but they are nowhere near the section where she is, and ... my father can't do stairs very well, as he's 70 ... I'll give him a pass.

Well, two people got on, who each were about twice my weight. When the floor button was pushed, there was a sound, creek, lurch, but the car rode to the 3rd floor. Instinctively, I terribly looked at the load limit, which the four of us never came close. I'm so ashamed, "Oh sure, blame the fat ones!"

H (surname) H (health) N(news)

Father and I went to see Mom last night.  She was yet, even better stronger (bionic, though not working for the government).  I was mislead or presumed too much in thinking that she would be directly moved from ICU to rehab.  The orthopedic doctor (intern, approved by lead doctor) stated that she would move back to the orthopedic floor for a few days, then to the rehab hospital.

 

Hey ... more days at the hospital, joy of joys.  The good news there, is realistic visiting hours.  It's likely a 7-9 or 8-8 schedule with less strict guidelines.  It isn't clear when that will happen, but guesses and rumors are within a couple of days.

 

I sleep but don't rest, and father rests but doesn't sleep.  I'm mentally okay, but sore and he's physically okay (though weakened by poor sleep) but groggy.

 

Also good, is that Mother has a good rapport with the nursing staff.  They are all wonderful!

30 percent

30 percent
Originally uploaded by MDH, II.

How did you do on your pre-calculus test?
33 percent!

Alright! Yes! Cool! Unfortunately, unlike these girls, I had no Bonklers group shooting for miraculous high or incredulous low scores.

These are their English scores.

Step Workout

Mother was working a bit this morning on her PT, self-guided, with wincing. The physical therapist was due to come in later on this morning. She is working a little harder.

She is still in ICU for high blood pressure, which seems -- at the moment, to be lowered. She also has arterial fibrillation a type of heart arrhythmia. It is not serious and is common. She has a history of heart arrhythmia and heart problems. The cardiologist hasn't yet come in today, but will assess her yet again. It is with high hopes that she is sent to the rehab soon.

The surgeon seems pleased with the knees and pops in, for maybe moments, then leaves. Mum's not sure on him, as he looks very short at her knees to make an assessment.

She has had a few surprise guests, including Pastor Keith from the church and Don, from the Sunday school class. There are many prayers for her. Pastor Keith mentioned that there are four people from church in hospital this week.

Mom seems in good spirits, all things considered, but is still a bit confused at times, though clearer. She has a devil of a time sleeping, so takes meds (some low to mid level narcotics) to rest well and lessen pain. These, I feel, are a cause of her confusions, delusions, hallucinations. Her fears and hallucinations are much, much less than before.

She is lucid and talks freely and is seeking more home and creature comforts for her room in ICU. I hope and pray that she gets out of there soon. She is only one drop that keeps her there, and that can be an oral medicine. She is off the nitro drip that kept her there.

Waste of bottle and contents (formerly titled "Winking")

My father and I went to Carlos O' Kelly's for lunch today. I saw a Jose Cuervo tequilla pinata. Do you smash it and little bottles come out, or glass and liquid? What sort of pinata is this? I would note: i Aviso! Keep away from flame!

-- I thought of winking because of the glare on the glass. I had previously uploaded the picture unconventionally and it outright didn't work.

jet birds

Coincidence can be funny.  There were a few International Guard pilots practicing and learning today, so I heard jets for several minutes.  There was a flock of birds that were fleeing something, but flew in a tight cyilnder pattern toward the back of the house.  The jet sounds were in the background, making for a momentary, but funny sight -- jet-poowered birds.

Jump Jive Wail away

Brian Setzer doesn't need to put this to music. My mother today did quite a bit a of work on her PT and the Physical Therapists stated that for bi-lateral (both) knee replacement recipient; she's doing about average. Her problems aren't in the relearning to walk, but rather in controlling her blood sugar (she isn't cheating), and getting her blood pressure and heart rate to real levels. They have her on many meds to control the BP, but they still aren't enough. She can't leave ICU until she's off IVs, and so there she stays.

My father is not dealing with it. He "looked like a tick, about to exploded"+. He sleeps worse than I do, or rather he can't think of speak at his level of stress and restlessness. I sleep poorly, but have gotten used to it -- whatever that means. I think he's remain a mess until she's discharged from ICU. ICU is also a pain in that they have no long visitation periods. In minutes it goes 30, 30, 60, 30, 90, 30 spread throughout the day. The patient isn't capable of sleeping because of background noise, pestering about meds, vitals, confort. It is a real treat there, I tell you.

I saw the tail end of her PT today. She nearly cried, but she merely winced and was flat-out worn and spent. She actually rested during a visiting time, so I popped in, sat, watching her sleep with heavy and quick breaths. Her heart rate is way too high for resting. She complained of wheezing today. The stress of being there isn't helping her get out.