thank u, next

Current Mood

Greetings everyone from St. Louis! I have made it back home. But first, I must revisit Flea Fest and my last week of work in SETX.

Flea Fest is a flea-market in Lake Charles, LA held semi-annually. As a final request before I left, my girls Kelsey and Congetta came with. It was held in the livestock arena with tons of booths galore including old and new items. Also??? It was really cold. Like 50 degrees cold in the sun. No thank you TX.

I calf to show you this one!! 

All puns aside, we had a good time and I thank them for going with me. I love a good antique show and flea market.

Behold this costume jewelry beauty. Call it what you want but I call it FABULOUS!!!

My last week of work was relatively uneventful- I made a point to not stay later every night (like I usually get stuck doing) so that I could go home and finish packing. I will miss the friends that I have made and the patients I came to love.

Traveling Takeaways:

• I do feel like I have improved my overall clinical skills and documentation after doing skilled nursing for so long consistently (before February I was used to just being PRN).
• Home is where they love you.
• It goes a LONG way to show your staff appreciation for all their hard work. Everyone deserves a thank you every now and then. It makes coming to work a lot more enjoyable and sure makes you want to stick around longer. 
• Insurance has become easier to understand- but that doesn't mean it won't change again.
• Good friends stick around and understand that it is not always to stay in touch regularly. 
• Nursing homes and therapy companies are primarily businesses and don't you dare forget it!
• everyone must recycle more!!!! reduce your carbon footprint. some parts of the country are better than others at this.
• Your clinical skills can speak volumes- no matter how long you are out of school we all need to be sponges to new ideas and interventions!!! 
• YOU IS KIND, YOU IS SMART, YOU IS IMPORTANT.

Award-winning therapist right here in the flesh. 

Thanks everyone!!! 

I'm on my merry way to namaste-

Peace, love, and enlightenment 🕉

ME

⭐ I'm going to start a new series for the next couple blogs to give you clues as to where my next assignment. NO GUESSING until you get all of the clues (I will probably do max of 5 clues) and NO COMMENT from those who already know. ⭐

1. 10/20/18- FIRST clue: Wells Fargo Wagon 
2. 10/28/18- SECOND clue: Kanye
3. 11/9/18- THIRD clue:  close to THREE Teddy Roosevelts
4. 11/20/18- FOURTH clue: blue donkey

The Great Escape

Hello there campers! 

It's Friday evening and my apartment is LIT right now. The bass beat is pumpin' and the jungle juice is flowing. I'm taking a break from all my hard partying to post on my blog and pack. 

This week has been my penultimate week here in SETX. The weather started out great this week and it is now blustery and cold (50-60 degrees). I shouldn't complain because it's been snowing in MO but I guess I wasn't expecting this chill. And I didn't bring any of my great winter accessories (my best accessorizing season) so I'm a bit chilled in my fleece jacket at times. 

We are beginning to pack containers and get them ready for the Big Move home courtesy of the Johnson Moving Company. It's been hard to get everything all together just because of time. I work late, come home, shower, and then want to go to bed. Hard to do much but we are making headway. 

So BJL had to be kenneled this Monday in the apartment because the smoke detector people were coming by. I bought a crate from Wal Mart and put it together Sunday with her bed inside so she could get used to it. For those who don't know- Bella is not crated at all when I leave. She pretty much just camps out in one or two spots and does not cause trouble. She was crated in her foster home and hated it- I also think other dogs there did not help but nevertheless she is a free-range dog. So I give Bella a quarter of her chill pills so she won't freak out about a) being crated and b) strange people in the apartment. I have been worrying about her all day and come home hoping all is well- what do you know but Bella comes to the door like normal all 'happy to see you! now let me out!" I'm like waaaaat? No signs of distress from her or the crate so I was wondering is my dog a Houdini genious (already certain about the genius part) or did one of the workers let her out when they were finished? Well, I called the next day to the office because I didn't want to be fined for my dog being out during this and wanted to find out if there was an incident with her- lady says no report, nothing happened. Hence, Bella is an escape artist. So on a whim this week I put her in it and just sit there looking at her to see if she will try to get out- little brat just sits there like an angel like "who me? I wouldn't do that ever"

New Segment: Weird ICD-10 codes. All codes are true.

 * for those who don't know- ICD-10 codes are medical diagnosis codes for billing that must be written in for admissions and such *

• V97.33XD- sucked into jet engine, subsequent encounter
• Y93.D- activities involving arts and handcrafts
• W55.41XA- bitten by pig, initial encounter
• Z63.1- Problems in relationship with in-laws
• W55.29XA- other contact with cow, subsequent encounter
• Y92.146: Swimming-pool of prison as the place of occurrence of the external cause.
• W61.12XA: Struck by macaw, initial encounter.  ​

⭐ I'm going to start a new series for the next couple blogs to give you clues as to where my next assignment. NO GUESSING until you get all of the clues (I will probably do max of 5 clues) and NO COMMENT from those who already know. ⭐

1. 10/20/18- FIRST clue: Wells Fargo Wagon 
2. 10/28/18- SECOND clue: Kanye
3. 11/9/18- THIRD clue:  close to THREE Teddy Roosevelts

Lights out time! 

Peace, love, and leftovers,

ME

Texas Slow Down

Hey y'all- it's Monday eve. And I did NOT WORK this weekend- it was amazing. I did not take a contract wanting to work weekends and I'm tired of it. I have done it to make up for lower week hours (see previous post) but I've decided f*ck it I'm not going to worry as much about productivity and do my damn thing during the week. That's not to say I don't care about that just that I'm not going to spend as much time off the clock. 

One work story and I'm done for this post. So middle of last week rolls around and I head to one of my  buildings later in the day to see my patients after working at the other building the majority of the day. So I get a text from someone asking me about seeing one of their patients...  To shorten the story- the moral is I do not mind helping out my co-workers and generally feel like I am very dependable. HOWEVER- if you can't get your shit together and manage your time appropriately then that is not my problem. On the same vein of thought... 

There appears to be a stigma about single women in their 30s, especially from those older-fashioned. But generally speaking- I feel that people start to wonder what is wrong with you if you're still single. 

• Is she weird? 
• Does she have a big secret?
• Why is she still alone? Why hasn't she married?
• Is she going to shrivel up and die an old maid?
• Will she ever claim a dependent on her taxes? 

The answers to those questions are none of your business.  I'm not directing that at my readers by any means but if you are wondering those things kindly keep them to yourself. I'm perfectly fine and I'm gonna make it after all. Working with the senior population a lot of them ask if you have kids, are married, etc. It's a different time and generation and I respect that. You just get tired of saying 'no' all the time. But coming back to the previous paragraph- just because I DON'T have a kid or DON'T have a spouse doesn't mean my time outside of work isn't valuable. I won't stay later because you can't manage your time- I have a dog at home who needs to pee and dammit I just don't want to. 

Moving on. Sorry about that. Had to get it out of my system. Moving on. Things are slowing down in Texas and we did have some fall days and overall it's cooling down but we're back in the 80's for most of this week. I miss fall foliage. I have 3 weeks left in Texas before I head home for a couple weeks. The leaves will be dead when I come home. Just like my soul.  Kidding, mostly. 

Last weekend, Bella and I went to Tyrell Park's Cattail Marshlands for a leisurely walk in the sun that ended in a longer walk than intended, scalp and facial sunburns, and almost gator snack. It was a beautiful sunny day with a nice fall breeze. I did not anticipate my walk would be a lot longer- the map they provided was crap. 

Happiest. 

You can't even see the end. That's how far we walked. 

No gators, snakes, or other vermin in sight while we were walking the long long road. 

Do you SEE that gator lounging in the sun?

So I ended up Bella on and off again on our walk because it was long, she's a senior dog, and it was warm. So there's this family ahead of me and I finally catch up with them because they have stopped. Well, I reach them and they tell me they're at a standstill. I turn and see this gator resting peacefully resting in the sun. It's a mom, dad, daughter, and a German Shepard and they were waiting for me to catch up so they could warn me about the alligator. I told them whichever way they decided to go I was going with them. Ride or die. They had been trying to set off their phones for noise to see if this guy would react. Nothing. Just enjoying the sun. Of course their dog is quiet and thankfully Bella didn't see it (the gator). I pick up Bella, cover her mouth, and we all walk behind the dad on the furthest side of the trail. All's well that ends well. Except for my scalp sunburn. I feel like that gator sighting was a sign it was time to move on from Texas.

It's time to go shower. No fun fax tonight! 

Thanks for reading

peace, love, and INDEPENDENT women,

ME

⭐ I'm going to start a new series for the next couple blogs to give you clues as to where my next assignment. NO GUESSING until you get all of the clues (I will probably do max of 5 clues) and NO COMMENT from those who already know. ⭐

1. 10/20/18- FIRST clue: Wells Fargo Wagon (edited from last week)
2. 10/28/18- SECOND clue: Kanye

"It was a dark and stormy night..."

I'm aware Texas is not on this map... I just found this humerus. 

It finally feels like what I imagine fall is like for Texas. I could be wrong since I'm not a native but this mid 60's weather we had earlier this week felt like it for me though my locally-grown co-workers say that was cool for this time of year. 

I am enjoying this windy evening listening to Miami Sound Machine radio on Pandora. And yes, the rhythm IS gonna get you. TONIGHT. I have fall vibes going on with my pumpkin spice tarts and vanilla candles. And my Dia de Los Muertos candles (when in Rome...). Moving on. 

Nothing really new to report with work. OT all day err day. I worked today. I feel like I am working my tail off with not much to show for it because I spend lunches completing paperwork therefore increasing my productivity but decreasing my overall hours. I can't keep doing that because I need the 40 hrs and am definitely working over that- just not all on the clock. 

There are always a couple winners at every nursing home who are a) crazy, b) hate therapy with a burning passion, and if you're lucky c) crazy people who hate therapy with a burning passion.  Well, there's this incredibly charming and friendly gentleman (all of those words are too polite) who jumps (not literally) at the chance to hate therapy. Well, on his hallway there has been a red rollator walker  (4 wheels and a seat) that has been collecting dust it sits there so long. Well, we're short one in therapy so I had suggested to a PTA to use that one since it didn't appear to belong to anyone we could borrow it. BAD IDEA. This a-hole rolls his ass down to the gym and demands we get his walker. I said that I knew who had it and I would go look for it. Since he was being such a jerk and demanded I look for it then and there (while having a patient in there with me who saw all of this)- I glared at him and said I would look for it in a little bit. No. not enough. He rolls down to where I am in the gym and starts yelling at me and telling me what to do to which I replied that "I don't take orders from you"- I will admit not the most professional thing to say but he was being a shit. When he said that that walker has been sitting out of his room for 1 year I WANTED to say 'for what? you aren't using it!' I didn't. The DOR took over from there and them I embarrassingly cried from anger but not in front of him. I'm pretty sure he won't forget my mean mug but I'm faster and stronger.  And in all reality, the majority of nursing home residents are lovely and kind people, there are just a couple gems in each building that make you question your patience and tolerance. 

Last weekend, Bella and I went to Beaumont for a walk in Wuthering Heights Park- no sight of Heathcliffe, Katherine (?) , or any of the Bronte sisters. Also no moors. Cute little park with decorated benches. Also, don't ask me anymore about that book. That's pretty much all I know and care to know. 

Those are in fact supposed to be cardinals. I'm calling it the murder bench. 

For those of you who don't know, birds are typically monogamous creatures and mate for life. Strange concept, huh?

And now for your 3 Fun Facts:

1. The first umbrella factory was established in Baltimore (1828).
2. Charles Schultz's comic Peanuts debuted in October 1950
3. Baseball player Lou Gehrig's nickname was The Iron Horse 

⭐ I'm going to start a new series for the next couple blogs to give you clues as to where my next assignment. NO GUESSING until you get all of the clues (I will probably do max of 5 clues) and NO COMMENT from those who already know. ⭐

1. 10/20/18- FIRST clue: Wells Fargo 

The show must go on and Bella must have her evening constitutional, 

Peace, love, and pumpkin spice 🎃,

ME

You Can Lead a Horse to Water...

Happy October everyone! Congratulations to those of you who are living in a state which recognizes fall as a seasonal change. Texas does not. Word on the street is that the mosquitoes NEVER die and frankly, I believe it. My limbs are evidence of it.

I am in Lambert Airport waiting for a flight back to Houston. I came into STL for a brief stop for important events and of course family fellowship. More of that to come. But first:
- within my sight i see what might be TRIPLETS that are likely on my flight, a man who resembles a retired Crocodile Dundee, and a bespectacled man who could be Clark Kent.

I won't regale you with my flight details into St. Louis but it has lead me to believe that I need a private jet. Plain and simple. Everyone who knows me knows I love children but at the same time just can't deal. Regardless, children are the future (be it bad or good) so we must teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside.  And I must learn patience. In all fairness, adults are more the problems on flights.

I came in this weekend to go to the 5th Annual STL Cure Sarcoma in support of someone and also in support of sarcoma research in general. It was great to see some good ol college friends. Seeing my buddy Nichole reminds of our wild party bus and foam parties days- when I was younger and more vivacious. Now I'm bitter, old, and growing my talons as we speak.  Anyway, a happy time and a beautiful day to sweat through 3.7 miles. my PR was 1:15... I know what you're thinking, that I'm super fast and ran it in a minute fifteen seconds! Not this time.. can't always show off. 1 hr 15 minutes.

Also, it was Peg's birthday party this weekend complete with cupcakes, bikes, and groovy tunes. Cat ears headband courtesy of Lindsey.

Nothing new to say about work. Trying my best to be a good OT and supervising therapist. Productivity is still a bitch. Interesting patients but no time for that now! Got to get to my gate change-

Peace, love, and aviation,

ME

UPDATE:

I made it back safely to Port Arthur after an arduous journey from Houston, getting back to my apt. at 12:00 a.m. I-10 is NOT well lit and neither is 73 so it was a cautiously driven route home. Thankfully, no rain.  I stopped at Buc-ee's!!!! It's amazing!

If I Ran the Zoo

Hello everyone! Yes, I am still in TX and yes it is still hot AF. No sign of fall here. I miss that even though I know it's still hot in STL.

Two Topics Today: the post title and Gatorfest. 

First. I decided that the world needs a light satirical book about my therapy thoughts. Therefore I think I shall become Dr. K. Boose. That is a PhD, mind you. Not an OTD because I don't want one of those. The pictured book title came to me because I was thinking "If I were the rehab director"... Thus a vision was born. Here are some titles I'd like to run by you. 

• If I Ran the Rehab Dept...
• The Snitches (Get Stitches)
• Harriet Hears a HIPAA Violation!
• How the Government Stole My Paycheck
• One Dish Two Dish Puree Dish Ensure
• Myrtle the Girdle
• Did I Ever Tell You How You HAVE to Do Therapy Today? 
• There's a Gait Belt in My Pocket! 
• Oh! The Many Ways You'll Fall (If You Don't Get Your Butt Down the Hall)

Second. Gatorfest. A couple weeks ago my COTA's and I hatched a plan (pun intended) to go to Gatorfest as B and I are both not from Texas and our curiosity piqued. (By the way, I feel like you're either from Texas or just 'not from Texas'). The suspension mounted until Saturday when the day finally dawned and thankfully no more rain! Muddy grass and Texas-sized mosquitoes to be expected. 

Gatorfest is held annually in the town of Anahuac, TX, outside Port Arthur on the way to Houston. It was pretty much everything it sounds like. We paid to park in muddy grass and took a school bus shuttle to the actual festival site. It was like a field trip but with alcohol. Anyway. All our crew met up for food, beverages, and gator conversation. B and I both tasted gator-on-a-stick (and no, it is not a baby alligator as I envisioned)- both concluded we weren't dying to try any more than that. It's like chicken but a little more rubbery. I had a steak kabob which was divine and later a chocolate dipped cheesecake!!! It gave me nostalgia of the Muny ones but like 3x bigger. 

By the way, we were all way over-dressed. Also, definitely some ignorant folks there emboldened by alcohol saying stupid shit to others but I'll leave it at that. 

With Kelsey. No gator sightings- they were probably pissed. The lighting makes my legs look weird. 

The swings. They were more functional-looking than the Ferris wheel. 

Brianna and I ready to take off! 

We don't know the guy in the background. 

I didn't see an extinguisher nearby. 

The bus ride on the way back to the parking lot/field was hilarious due to the amount of inebriation on the bus. There was Bobby "let's sing a song" leading singing on the way back starting with country, Journey (didn't know all the words), and my contribution Friends in Low Places. 

That's it. Here are your 3 Fun Facts:

1. There have been 6 US Presidents named James
2. Cotton Candy made its debut at the 1904 Worlds Fair (St. Louis thank you very much)
3. The mythological 'Pandora's Box' was given to Pandora by Zeus

Goodnight,

Peace, love, and mac n' cheese,

ME

and Bella.