I need a job!

It has been about two and half weeks since I quit my job from that registry office (I am sure all of you I have spoken to already heard... Those who have not, IM me... It is a long story). I had taken about a week or so where I didn't really want the job hunt to begin - just because I wanted to have some "me" time to rejuvenate myself (especially with all that's happened over the last couple months). I have enjoyed that time, BUT I am really starting to get that itch to go back to work. I want to have a normal routine again! *Ok... I got that out of my system!*!*
I never realized how I took having a job for granted. In the last four years or so, I have to admit that I got stuck into a very repetitive routine -- wake up, go to work, do the work, leave work, go home, sleep (and starting all over again). This completely has thrown me back into reality, especially since the $$ is starting to dwindle down and the hospital bills are starting to arrive in the mail.

Anyway, I started the job hunt over the weekend.... mailed/e-mailed/faxed my résumé to a bunch of places.... IN ADDITION, I am keeping my fingers crossed because I have got three interviews scheduled for this week! So, please pray (or whatever it is that suits you) that I get something, and I am back out in the work field!

Stewie sings

The newest edition of the family joined us back in December 2006. He was still a baby when we got him, as he would often cry (rather than do a bird chirp type that cockatiels do). So, it amazed me that the little guy has learned to sing (quite like how Bella used to do -- *see my blog "Bella & 'Fireflies'" posted in October 2006*). Here he is "singing" a duet with Rob.

The greatest boyfriend...

I cannot imagine what life has been like for my boyfriend over the last couple of weeks. He’s definitely had it rough as a result of my hospital stay, as well as finding out that his cousin was stabbed 15 times (he’s OK, though). I know that living with me over the past couple of weeks has not been easy. My hospital stay has affected me both physically and mentally. I do not have too many limitations as far as usage of my arm, but I do fatigue very easily because of non-movement while in the hospital. As far as mentally, I have taken it so hard. It has gotten to the point where I just wish that all of this was over, and that I could get back to living a normal life. I have been angry… I have been sad… I have been depressed… My moods often use Rob as a punching bag.

On the upside, when the moods have not kicked in, he has made sure that I have taken my medications… Prepares my meals for me (even though I am more than capable of doing it)… He has even helped me take a bath this evening!

Words often cannot describe how much I have appreciated all of this. There have been times where I have felt that I have not told him that I appreciate and love everything that he has done for me. Therefore, I am letting him and everyone know… THANK YOU sincerely! I love you, Rob! I am grateful for having you in my life!

A big ordeal...

Rather than call every single person on my “Contacts” list, I figured I would minimize the trouble (and the cell phone bill) by sharing my news on this blog… I was in the hospital for five days (since last Friday) because of an abscess [a pus-filled cavity resulting from inflammation and usually caused by a bacterial infection (from Encarta Dictionary)] that developed under my left armpit. This abscess started out two Saturdays ago as a swollen sweat gland that I accidentally “nicked” while in the shower, and resulted into an infected hair follicle. It did not start out too bad, and it was one of those things where I thought it might “just go away.” However, as the days went by, the area began to get bigger and the pain began to radiate to the point where I could not sleep comfortably at night. I had trouble moving my arm in any motion. There was also bad cellulitis, which is an inflammation of tissues beneath the skin [Encarta], around the infected area and bicep/triceps area. By Thursday, I was literally trying to find one position where I could sleep comfortably, as well as not making any movements that would bring on the pain. I also was having slight chest pains and headaches. At first, I thought that I was having a bad side effect from the birth control I was taking, but then again, why would I be having it now? Therefore, when I woke up Friday morning with excruciating pain that practically had me in tears, I made an appointment with one of my doctors. She clarified what I had stated earlier, and gave me antibiotics to clear up my infection. The pain was tolerable enough that I was able to have lunch at Denny’s with Rob and go to the pharmacy to get my medications. When Rob and I finally got home doing what we were doing, sitting on the couch became unbearable. I was back to trying to find a position for my arm so that it did not hurt too much. I was not comfortable sitting up… I was not comfortable lying down… A pillow under the arm made it worst… No pillow under the arm made it doubly worst. Therefore, Rob had me go upstairs to try to rest. As my doctor told me, give it some time… If I did not feel better by Monday, she recommended I see an internist. Well, by 10:30pm that Friday night, I was lying in bed with the chest pains AGAIN! They seem to worsen in any kind of position I was in, regardless of sitting, standing or lying down. Therefore, here we were… Friday night @ 11:00pm… My dad and Rob take me to the emergency room at Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina (btw… not one of the best hospitals, but that is a different blog). I’m having chest pains, I’ve got an abscess on my the size of a golf ball, and I’m in a lot of pain. Luckily, I saw a sign in the ER that said, “If you are experiencing chest pains or severe distress, please notify a staff member immediately.” I was in with a nurse in 10 minutes (wish I say that when my father went to the hospital back in November, but again, a different blog). When they were doing the screening, my blood pressure was 118/98, and blood sugar was 353. Not a good sign! I was given an EKG. I believe it did not come out so good since they immediately brought me back to a room, and was automatically hooked up to a heart monitor. The next couple of hours were rather interesting. Before I get into details, can I just say one thing? WOW is morphine interesting! OK, I will get into that in a minute. I had never been poked or prodded so much in my life! The nurse tried to get the pick line on me, but did not succeed in trying to find a vein. They tried twice, and oh, boy! I was not too happy about. A respiratory therapist came in to check my blood glass, and they had trouble finding a brachial pulse, so they went for the radial. Not comfortable to get a needle and blood draw around the area. Oh, and for my favorite part… DRAINING THE ABSCESS! They gave me Benadryl for the itching from the cellulitis… They gave me morphine for the “pain.” The instant they ran the morphine in my line I was out cold! Talk about a lightweight, huh? Anyway, that fun did not last too long because they got the local anesthesia on the abscess and drained that baby out! Oh, if you were there, you would have heard me scream like there was no tomorrow! The doctor and nurse that were working on that were great! The nurse even told me that it was OK for me to scream! Anyway, I was told that they took out about 50cc of pus. That is about 3 tablespoons of that stuff! They took it in for a wound culture, and found that I had a staph (Staphylococcus Aureus) infection. Therefore, I was automatically put on IV and antibiotics. The MD that admitted me said that there are no problems with my heart. My sugars are under control. I still have to change the dressing every day for my wound. I have a couple of follow-ups with the doctors next week. Anyway, other than a few sleepless nights, because of my fellow hospital roommates and hospital staff poking and prodding at me, I am glad to say that I am happy to be home, and sleeping in my own bed! It was tough week for me – physically & mentally – but I am moving forward to the best! So, if you were wondering what is being going on…? Now you know the story!

A reflection...

As I look back at 2006, I have come to realize that I have learned a lot from my many life experiences crossing my path. I have had some ups & downs that have allowed many changes help me "grow" into the next steps of my life. I celebrated my 30th birthday... I had to say goodbye to those who held a special place in my heart... I have looked back on my accomplishments and achievements.... I have welcomed a new love in my life.

I cannot clearly recall where my life was at around this same time last year. I know that I was looking at letting go of many things that I felt was bringing me down. At the time, I was reaching a crossroad in my career... I was at the end of the road with a teeter-totter relationship of four years.... IN ADDITION, I was at wit's ends with a long-time friend.

The keyword that was necessary for me to move on was "change." I was stuck at a job that was going nowhere -- no appreciation -- and it definitely was not enjoyable. My relationship with Aaron was not going anywhere until we simultaneously agreed that our individual goals came first. My friendship with Elizabeth came where the balance scale leaned towards her needs rather than it been even.

Therefore, as 2007 begins, I have learned to fall in love and allow someone to love me again. Rob means so much to me, and holds a special place in my heart... Yes, there have been times where I have probably gotten on his nerves (and vice versa), but he has taught me many things when fear, insecurity, and other feelings have overwhelmed me. I have welcomed the adjustments in my life with open arms. My job has taught me, though it has been a shock to my everyday life (as you all know), a great deal of patience... to get in touch with my inner child... and to just have fun! As for my family & friends, things are not always a one-way street. You never know when you feel so alone when those that you NEED around you are not there.

Rose Parade floats -- 2006

Rob & I had an opportunity on Friday (12/29) to see some last minute details done on a few of the Rose Parade floats out in Duarte, CA. Some of the cities involved that we could remember were Palmdale, Duarte, Ontario, and Oklahoma City. Despite all the scaffolding, each float was a work of art. One of my favorites is the float with butterflies... On it, there will be four waterfalls. Volunteers told us that the float, in full extension, would be at approximately 36 feet high (one of the highest in parade history). So, when you watch the parade, keep a look out for some of these! :)

Season's Greetings!

It's Christmas eve... All the shopping has been completed... The presents have been wrapped... Things are starting to calm down in our household as our family gathers together to celebrate this holiday... So, I wanted to wish everyone out there a

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

So, cherish this time with your family and friends... And enjoy the season!!!

A little bit of something...

Look what I got over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend from my boyfriend, Rob.... It's not quite an engagement ring... It's a promise ring! So, by this time next year, I will be engaged. :) It's a step forward in our relationship - which has had it's ups & downs over the months. It may seem like we're rushing things, but just remember... It is just a promise ring. I definitely am looking to the positve aspect of things to come... :)

Snyder Family's Annual Halloween Party

Jamie and her family held their annual Halloween party at Tony & Heather's house in Glendora by hosting a housewarming party as well. As you can tell I didn't go picture crazy this year... But here are some of the pics that I did take... :)

Rob dressed up as a 'Covenant Tyrant'

Pam as a "Baby Girl"... Think she's got the drink confused here! ;)

Jamie (Helle's Belle) & me (Midnight Priestess)

Beautifully stated...

I received the following as an email from my best friend, Jamie... Thought I'd share!

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.

You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.

You'll fight with your best friend.

You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.

You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love.

So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

A Family Visit

I haven't seen my cousin and her family from Palmdale in six months. I took a few pics of her kids... One of them is my nephew, Logan, dressing up as a doctor. Isn't he adorable?

Dance Dance Revolution

My cousin's 3-year-old, Logan, wanted to try out DDR -- just like everyone else... Here's a video clip of him trying it out!

Bella & "Fireflies"

My bird, Bella, seems to be a big country fan -- in particular, Faith Hill. She seems to enjoy singing to Faith Hill's "Fireflies" whenever she hears it. Here's an example...

Megan and shoes

Megan has this sudden fascination with feet and/or shoes... Take a look and see what she does with my feet.

Megan's Day

Here are the five stages of Megan's afternoon... (From from left to right) She went from having a pouty face... to a crying face... to a tantrum... to getting a timeout.... and finally falling sleep... Sad, isn't it?

Megan pictures

I wanted to share some of the pictures I had taken of Megan since I started babysitting her! :) 

Megan in a whirlwind...

Here's Megan getting her afternoon workout by playing "I'm gonna get Marissa" by running around the coffee table!

Yahoo! Time Capsule

Yahoo! has started a time capsule to show future generations what our world and lives were like up until 2006. So, between now and November 8, Yahoo! would like everyone to contribute their pictures, sounds, videos, writings, and drawings to the time capsule. Anything contributed will be used as historical data, and will be placed in the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings in Washington, D.C. In addition, Yahoo! will ask you to choose from seven organizations so that they can donate $100,000. The following organizations are:

• World Wildlife Fund (climate change)
• International Rescue Committee (refugees)
• Grameen Foundation (poverty -- microfinance)
• Unicef (basic education & gender equality)
• One.org (health -- AIDS)
• Seeds of Peace (peace)
• International Child Art Foundation (visual arts)
  
  

So, please visit the website below and contribute to this time capsule!
http://timecapsule.yahoo.com/capsule.php

Everyday changes...

I recently left my job of almost five years to try "experiencing something new." I am currently helping a friend of mine start his fitness-training center over the next few months or so. In the meantime, I have offered my babysitting services him and his wife since they are unable to have their little girl in daycare because of her heart condition (doctor's orders). This definitely is a different experience for me to go through. I am adjusting from a job interacting with 30+ people a day to spending about eight hours daily to watch a very active 19-month-old baby girl. It is definitely a shock to one's everyday life. I absolutely love what I am doing, but my people interaction skills have changed. I have the "Jack's Big Music Show" (on Noggin) theme song running through my head day and night. My brain used to be concerned about getting progress reports and treatment plans sent out to doctors' offices or making sure a patient was progressing properly in their rehab program. Oh, it is a shock, but I am getting used to it...

Another change that I am going through is that my boyfriend and I have decided to move in together. It has been an adjustment dating somebody new, especially since I spent so many months being independently single. He is not moving in until sometime in January or so, but I have been spending a lot of time with him at night. It definitely is an adjustment when he is the last person I see before I sleep, and the first one I see when I wake up. I have had some difficulty trying to share my space, but I am trying to adapt. I have needed some time on my own to figure things out. I definitely am not regretting any of the decisions I have made over the last few months, but it is something I will get used to. I know it takes time, but it is definitely frustrating.

All I ask is that my friends do not forget me when they are in the outside world.... Drop me a line every occasionally!

A weekend getaway...

This last weekend, my boyfriend & I spent a brief getaway from family and friends. It was a much-needed time for just the two of us. Since we have started dating, it has literally been a whirlwind time. We never really had our first official date until Saturday because of busy schedules and many changes in our lives. Therefore, Rob & I decided just to spend some time hanging out in Pasadena. We went out for lunch at The Yardhouse in Paseo Colorado, and then followed that with a movie. We saw Jet Li’s “Fearless.” If you are a fan of Jet Li’s, this is a good movie to watch. Just make sure you enjoy subtitles since the entire movie was spoken in Chinese. Other than that, a majority of our time was just spent having some much needed quality time together without the interruption of family or friends bothering us.

Anyway, I would say that we had lots of fun together. I look forward to having many more of these types of things in the future. We both can say that we returned home a lot more relaxed and rested than any other weekend we have had together! :)