RobynHode’s Neighborhood

Happy Holidays!

Team Vox
2 days ago
8 comments

6acardVOX

3 comments

Happy Holidays to you, your family, friends and neighbors from all of us at Vox.
See you in 2010!

Pre-CHristmas Update.

Katiebell
4 days ago
6 comments

Nothing overly Earth Shattering.

I start my new job on January 25th. I am not very excited. I am trying to be. At least 5 day shift nurses are leaving the Hospital I am leaving. The Director really has not spoken to me about this, but he does have to do an exit interview. I do hear he has to somehow answer for why everyone is leaving the department, while thats nice to know, it doesn't help my situation!

I *AM* excited to be leaving East. It has been a great place to make friend and work, but over time, they have allowed the mix of experienced nurses to new nurses to become lopsided, and for some reason they have decided to promote some of the newest nurses to "managing" roles. No one really knows why. Well, someone knows why, but they aren't really telling.

I'm not really excited about going to a unknown length of time for night shift.

Nn4

2 comments

Looking at the bright side: I get a huge differential for working nights, so I will be making quite a bit more money. I will be in a new environment, which hopefully will be a little more logical. On occasion, doing the night thing has led to huge weight loss. I've gained a few unintended pounds and have found it hard to work them off....so who knows.

and the brightest thing, I do have a job.

My tendon, ankle thingy. I just finished a prednisone pack on Monday. My ankle is not completely healed up,but it does feel better. I am able to tolerate walking for somewhat longer without major pain. I'm encouraged by this. I'm doing a lot of swimming (40-45 min daily) and am hoping that maybe by February I can start jogging a little. I plan to actually use the Couch to 5K plan as a way to get back into it. It's a great plan for non runners to start running. And by that time I'll be a true non runner!

Couch

Not being able to run has been very unusual. I admit it has given me more time to socialize and indulge in my photography, and also to clean my home.

Last weekend, I put up a small sign in the employee bathroom about dinner, then I put up an invite on Facebook, and wildly, 17 people showed up. I had expected about 4. It was really fun.

But I admit, I still rather miss running, so I am hopeful the ankle keeps improving. It would also be nice to be able to walk for an hour with the dog without pain.

The Dog is doing great.

DSC_2190

He seems to have received more CHristmas gifts than I did!

Here he is pictured with the peppermint scented Holiday "Lightbulb" from LLBeans. He loves it.

He has continued to become a better behaved dog over the past few weeks. Maybe he knows about Santa. Or maybe he is getting enough exercise. I'm not sure.

I hope he will adjust to me being gone at night. I have a feeling he won't care a bit either way, as long as he gets fed and walked periodically.

Family news: I finally convinced my Mom to agree to come to Florida for a Vacation! I'm taking her to do some birding and photographing. She is more talented than I am and can teach me some cool stuff!

Most importantly, I will get to spend some quality time with her doing something we both enjoy. She isn't that old, but then again, she isn't that young either. I'm trying to convince her to go to the Everglades, but she seems set on some smaller locations. At any rate, I am really looking forward it! We'll be going the week before I start my new job!

Images

I'm starting to think of New Year Resolutions. But I'm not sure what they will be....

Hope you all have a nice Holiday. I will be stuffing my face at work.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Katiebell
7 days ago
4 comments

This weekend, I spent a very chilly windy day at one small part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. It's about two hours from where I live. I was a little worried that I might get there and find acres of just grass. Not so!

The Refuge is incredible. It is 140,000 acres sharing a boundary with the National Space Center. It was originally set aside as a Buffer Zone for the Space Center in the 1950's.

DSC_2366

The terrain is not impressive, but the entire place is massive.

Since that time It has been tinkered with in a variety of ways to make it more habitable for both wildlife and people. I was really really impressed with the entire set up!

DSC_2394

Not only are there areas that are attractive to birds,it also contains an area of undeveloped beach which is popular with Loggerhead Turtles during breeding times, and the endangered West Indian Manatee. There are several miles of hiking trails, as well as a Manatee observation area.

In the winter the Wildlife Service allows the area to essentially "flood" the marsh areas. The flooding allows

for the growth of foods attractive to water birds and attracts many many water birds, big and small to the area. During the other months, when birds are not hanging out so predominantly in warm, sunny Florida the waters are allowed to ebb and flow with the tides of the rivers, which I think reduces Mosquitos as well as is a more natural state I suppose for the area.

DSC_2319

(Above is a Flock of Pelicans, on their way to Pelican Island another wildlife refuge adjacent to Merritt Island).

What impressed me most is that a great deal of the wildlife is very accessible to people who are not huge hikers. There is a 7 mile "wildlife observation drive" which has been placed so that one actually can observe a ton of activity just from the road. In fact, almost all of my photos were taken from the road. I think sometimes that Wildlife areas are so lovely, but that many people don't even get a chance to get interested because if they cruise through by auto they see nothing, and think Booorrrrring This drive would have gotten anyone excited about seeing more. Not only that, but, access to this area is free! It really is accessible to all who can physically arrive in Florida on the Space Coast.

So without Further Ado, let me show you all what a real Anhinga, snake bird, should look like!

Angh

1 comment

Anhingas are a little unusual. Once they get wet, they really have to dry their wings, so it's pretty easy to get this photo. I think thousands of amateurs like myself have this photo! It's so dramatic, but frankly, unless you really really purposely disturb this bird, it is not going too far until those wings dry up!

Anhingadry

I can't help but share two photos, I couldn't decide which I liked better.

GrBlueHeron

It was a very very windy day, making things rather chilly and sometimes blowing me around as I tried to hold the camera steady, you can see the feathers of this Great Blue Heron being upswept by the wind.

By far the most exciting thing I saw all day was the field of Roseate Spoonbills. I knew of the bird, but had never seen it.

SpoonbillCity

A lot of Florida tourists mistake these odd looking birds for Flamingos. But, as Flamingo Dancer will tell you, a Flamingo has longer legs and a dark blackish heavy bill. Like the Flamingo, the Roseate Spoonbill gets it's pink color from the foods it eats. The Spoonbill mostly eats crustaceans. The algae that the crustaceans eat gives the birds their wild pink coloration.

Spoonbill

2 comments

They use their shovel like Bill to sweep from side to side...there are actually odd little sensors in their bills allowing them to sense their dinner.

They are really funny looking birds, who are extra social, and seem to spend most of their time in huge groups, unlike the Great Egret , which can be seen all over Florida, usually alone.

White

The Spoonbills are so social, they will even hang out with any other wading birds. They aren;t judgemental about others not being quite so pink and pretty!

I caught these Ibises flaying out of a group of Spoonbills.

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The White Ibis birds are very common in Florida, and hang out at pretty much every retention pond in my area. I loved seeing them in a more natural atmosphere. They are easily known by the very obvious curved beak.

Most of the birds pictured here (with the exception I think of the Pelicans) were at one time threatened or endangered due to Hat fashions of the Victorian Era.

Victfeath

Thankfully, these hats have gone

rather out of fashion....and the birds have subsequently recovered.

All of the birds pictured here are considered "LC" or of the least concern these days.

And I am quite pleased to not have to wear such hats

to stay in fashion!

Hat5

So, thanks to changes in fashion and sensibilities, we now have flocks and flocks of these impressive birds to challenge my photography skills.

DSC_2351

I love this photo, If you look at it carefully, you will notice the bird, which was flying oddly solo, has the oddest little tilt to it's head. This tilt made me laugh, it gives the image of an aviator trying to navigate.

Most of the time, however, the Roseate Spoonbill in flight appears more graceful than the above photo.

FlightSPB

This is the same spoonbill, with its head in a less cocked position. As you can see, they really are very very pink,

but they are clearly not Flamingos!

DSC_2353

As I said, I was really really impressed with the area of the Wildlife preserve I visited. I was a bit concerned that I was going to prepare my camera, make a long drive, and find that the wildlife, being wildlife, would have retreated to areas that can't be accessed by humans, either on foot or in a vehicle! Instead, most of the photos were taken right off of the "wildlife viewing drive". The Drive is seven miles of gravel road, with 14 or so stops that are marked. At several of the stops are short 1-2 mile looping trails that allow people to get out deeper into the habitat. At stop nine (where the Spoonbill in flight pics were taken) is a 5 mile loop with an awesome observation deck). I walked the 5 mile loop. While the loop was fun...there were so many mosquitos, I actually eventually wanted to rip off my pants (which were being bitten through) and roll in the scratchy grass.

I would really recommend this to anyone who has even a passing interest in birds and wildlife. It's free, so you won't feel like you wasted a ton of cash on a short visit. I regret that I didn't have binoculars!!!

And on that note.....

Cloudscape

I'll share the view I had, as the light started to go.

I hope you enjoyed the photos! (I'm a little overly proud of myself...)

24 miles in the Black Hills

Black Hills National Forest

Yesterday, I went for a long run. Before I set off, I wasn't sure how far I'd go, I hoped for at least 20 miles.

That day was overcast with no wind and the high temperature would be 43. We haven't had temps that high for almost two weeks so it felt like a heat wave.

Only a mile from our house a neighbor parked her pickup on the road. She opened her truck door and her black lab promptly charged me.

He didn't stop, despite my yell. He kept coming, barking and growling. As he jumped on me with mouth open and teeth bared, I kneed him HARD. He grunted as my knee connected with his soft underbelly. Then, he fell back about six feet with the wind knocked out of him.

Lucky for him, he was smart enough to jump up, turn and run back to his owner. Had he decided to continue, I might have had no other choice but to take it up to a level 4 response. (level 1 = strong words or yelling, level 2 = throwing rocks or spraying pepper spray, level 3 = physically defending oneself, level 4 = well, l'll just say that after a level 4 response, no dog ever repeats their behavior again).

The owner then proceeded to yell and berate me for "beating up her dog."

I yelled right back and told her "What the #$%#% was I supposed to do?! Wait until he bit me?!?!?!"

She then apologized. She admitted her dog is kind of a bully (no kidding!) and said he can tell when people are afraid of him (Well, he certainly didn't read me correctly, I wasn't afraid of him).

What kind of stupid dog runs towards a person growling with teeth bared and jumps on them ?

A bully who hasn't had anyone teach them that running full speed towards someone growling and then jumping up with teeth bared is never acceptable. I have no problem with a dog standing at the end of his driveway letting me know that it is his territory and I should not enter. I also don't have a problem with a dog coming up to politely smell me. But I do have a problem with unprovoked attacks.

I've been chased, nipped, bit, attacked and treed by many dogs in my life. Long ago, I promised myself to never allow myself to be bullied or attacked by any dog or pack of dogs ever again. Of course, I now also run prepared, in the event that I have no other choice but to defend myself.

Anyway, after she apologized, I apologized too (though I think she didn't deserve my apology) and we introduced ourselves. There are better ways to meet the neighbors than after kneeing their dog when it charges you.

I continued my run. At Ghost Canyon, instead of turning left and heading on my usual route towards Mt. Rushmore, I turned right towards the town of Keystone. Playhouse Road is rolling through the Black Hills National Forest with many switchbacks, much altitude gain/loss and practically no shoulder. Fortunately, there were few vehicles.

Golden eagle (I did not take this photo)

I saw a HUGE female golden eagle swoop low over the trees. I stopped running and watched her glide silently. The wingspan of golden eagles average over 7 feet in width.

What a powerful, beautiful majestic bird!

Seeing this eagle, I was both inspired and humbled. I thought to myself: "No matter what else I see or experience today, being out here and seeing her has made my run worth it."

As the eagle disappeared over a ridge, I said quietly under my breath: "Mitakuye oyasin" and continued my run.

At highway 40, I turned east and headed home. A few miles from home, I called Jeanne and Nathan to tell them I was on my way.

Finally, as the sun set low on the horizon, I walked the last half mile up our snow covered drive. I looked at my GPS: 24.3 miles. One good run!

This morning, I have only a few areas of trace muscle soreness, but nothing that will keep me from our day's chores: cutting firewood.

It is amazing what the human body can accomplish with training, time and dedication. Only 6 years ago, I would have been extremely sore and had trouble walking after only 10 or 12 mile run. 24 miles is now a nice relaxed weekend jog for me. I could do it again today.

Run on and run well!

Winter is here!

Ultra'thoner
Dec 18, 2009
2 comments

Cold weather Ultrathoner

1 comment

Last week it was 4 degrees above and snowing. I decided to go for a long run.

After taking several weeks off due to my tendon injury at Lean Horse Hundred in August, I have been relieved to finally be able to run distances greater than 10 miles.

We humans are strange creatures, aren't we?

We worry about that which hasn't yet happened and which may never happen- all while at the same time forgetting to be grateful for that which we do have. We never appreciate what we have until it is lost.

Outbound

I started out in a snow at four degrees above- but the temps rapidly dropped to below zero.

I meet many fair weather runners who tell me they never go out when it is cold. Now, I admit that I would much prefer a warm sunny spring or autumn day to a below-zero frigid winter run.

However, with running, just as with life in general, we cannot expect to have an endless season of perfect weather. Storms and bad weather are part of life. I think of the less pleasant days as allowing me to more appreciate the beautiful days when the they do come.

Plus, I've found that I'm as much of a procrastinator as anyone. Humans are naturally lazy- it's in our genes. I'm no different.

It is always easy to find an excuse to not run:

"It's too cold!"
"It's too hot!"
"It's too early!"
"It's too late!"
"It's snowing!"
"It's raining!"
"I'm too tired!"
"I'm too busy!"
"I don't have time!"

And so on and so forth....

If began making excuses to not run, well quite honestly then I'd never run. So I run in all kinds of weather, no excuses! The sole exception being during an active thunderstorm when I may be in danger of being struck by lightning.

I may be insane but Im not stupid!

Some kinds of weather I definitely prefer over others. However, I am not going to let less that perfect conditions keep me inside.

Ultrarunning is all about perserverance.

By perserverance, I'm not only talking about keeping going and not giving up mile after mile during an actual race. I'm also talking about getting out and doing a training in a December blizzard at 4AM before going in to work- even when it would be easier to turn off the alarm and stay in bed a few more hours snuggled warm next to your spouse.

Winter Running

I love where we live.

The Black Hills of South Dakota are a well kept secret. We live on gravel roads south of Rapid City, a couple of miles east of Custer State Park.

I have miles and miles of gravel/dirt roads and trails to run on literally right off my doorstep.

Mile 8

Although I have enjoyed running anywhere, it is much nicer to run where there is beautiful scenery.

It makes the miles float on by. Every training run to becomes an adventure to look forward to instead of a chore to complete.

At the halfway turnaround (No, I'm not peeing here)

I decided to keep going after my usual mile 5 turnaround.

Instead I went out 9 miles. I stopped for a moment to eat some gel blocks and put on an extra layer.

In the distance, one could usually see Mt. Rushmore. On a clear day, the views from this overlook are exceptional. Today, however, Mt. Rushmore has completely disappeared in the clouds and snow.

I hadn't stopped for too long before I started to feel chilled.

"Get moving along!" I thought, "you need to warm up!"

For safety during winter runs, I carry a backpack filled with extra clothing, two space blackets, firemaking gear, and extra food. On today's run I was on the road and help was only a cell phone call away. However, when running trails in the mountains in the winter you need to be prepared to stay out overnight, in case of a broken bone or twisted ankle. Even less than an hour outside in cold weather without being adequately prepared could be fatal from hypothermia.

We ultrarunners may be tough, but we're not invincible.

Running in the snow with a 20 lb pack is not the most fun thing to do. However, once spring returns and I'm able to run with just a light fanny pack, it makes those runs seem all that much easier.

Long ears

On the return trip I saw several whitetail and mule deer, a few wild turkeys, melanistic phase red tail hawk (much darker coloration than normal) and a great horned owl.

A fox barked at me.What blood curdling little critters they can be! I saw he (or she) scurrying off in the meadow.

Then I heard what was a cross between a "Snort!" and a "Wuff!"

It was a donkey.

He (or she) was none-too-thrilled to see me out running on the road through the trees. Those long-ears are very observant. Many times while out packing in the mountains, our mules would be the first to sense other humans or wildlife, much sooner than we did. They were always aware of others even before our horses or dogs.

Donkey, more curious than afraid, walked over towards me. Two more"snort-wuff's!" and I was past. The horses in the same pasture with donkey, appeared bored. They stared at me blankly.

Silly long ears!

Homeward Bound

Darkness fell across the land. I put my headlamp on.

During my entire run, I was passed by only three vehicles. Two of them actually turned out to be the same one, a rancher going on an out and back trip in his pickup truck to water and check on his stock.

I felt a hunger pang and opened my bottle of Chocolate Boost. Now Boost is not what I would usually consider very appetizing. However, when you're at mile 15 and feel hungry it provides needed calories to keep you going.

Indeed, when Boost has frozen thick from the cold, like some kind of milkshake, I'd even call it "delicious," in its own sort of way.

I'm starting to get COLD!

The temperatures dropped further and icicles formed on my beard.

I first grew my beard when back in Wisconsin. I do not think it is my imagination or in my head: facial hair really does take the bite out of the cold winter wind.

Frozen Snot Dangler

I felt something bouncing back and forth on my chin. It was a frozen snot-dangler!

When running in cold weather, your nose runs. A quick wipe on the sleeve or a "turn-and-blow" usually does the trick.

This little guy, however, decide to freeze just as he came out of my nose and stayed around to hang on for a ride. I tried to run all the way home with him still attached so I could proudly show him to my 9 year old son.

However, ice quickly built up on him from my breath. He finally fell off after about three miles.

Oh well, at least I have this photo to remember him by. I know this is disgusting. It's more than any of you want to know; nevertheless, I've documented it so I'll never ever forget it- that little frozen snot-dangler of mine.

Home Sweet Home!

Finally, I made it home!

After running the last several miles in the dark, our log cabin seemed bright and warm and cozy. I caught the scent of wood smoke from our woodstove. Much of our heat is from trees that we harvest on our own land. There is nothing like the scent of wood smoke to let you know the hearth is warm and all is well in your little log cabin in the pines.

I looked at my GPS: 18.2 miles! What a great run!

I went inside. Jeanne and Nathan remarked at the icicles in frozen beard as it quickly melted in the warmth.

Yes, winter is here!

This-coming weekend it will be sunny and in the mid-40s. I can't wait to do another long run! How far will I go? It all depends how I feel.

Good luck and run well through the New Year!

#71 - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling

Cori
Dec 18, 2009
1 comment

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3)

J.K. Rowling

Read because: I'm listening to all the HP books on CD

Borrowed from: the Sacramento Library

Rating: 8 out of 10

Synopsis: Harry is back and in fine form in the third installment of his adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His summer with the hideous Dursley family is cut short when, during a fit of quite understandable rage, he turns his Aunt Marge into an enormous balloon and then runs away. Soon, it becomes quite apparent that someone is trying to kill him; even after Harry is ensconed in the safety of fall term at Hogwarts, the attacks continue. Myriad subplots involving a new teacher with a secret, Hermione's strangely heavy class schedule, and enmity between Ron's old rat, Scabbers, and Hermione's new cat, Crookshanks, all mesh to create a stunning climax. The pace is nonstop, with thrilling games of Quidditch, terrifying Omens of Death, some skillful time travel, and lots of slimy Slytherins sneaking about causing trouble.

My review: I really like book 3 of the series. Things get really dark, with omens of death for Harry, a mass murderer on the loose, and some really close calls for the three wizards. I also love the introduction of Sirius Black (played by Gary Oldman in my head), who is one of my favorite characters in the entire series. He's extra crazy in this book, and it's really fun to watch Rowling develop his character, not to mention the characters of other adults in the book -- Snape, James Potter, Pettigrew, and Lupin. I also really like Lupin in this book, and how he gives support to Harry when most others write him off. And once again, Jim Dale is the best audio book reader out there. (Finished 11/23/09)

#70 - Sex God by Rob Bell

Cori
Dec 18, 2009
2 comments

Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections between Sexuality and Spirituality

Rob Bell

Recommended by: a bunch of people. Plus I'd read other books by Bell.

Purchased from: A Borders going-out-of-business sale, at 80% off. Woot.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Synopsis: "Is sex a picture of heaven?" Bell wonders. It's all about God and sex and heaven, he says: "...they're connected. And they can't be separated. Where the one is you will always find the other." It's the story of God becoming human, of humans mirroring God and love made manifest in the chaos of our humanity. Sex God is about relationships revealed in a way that elevates the human condition and offers hope to those whose relationships are wounded. In Bell's spare, somewhat oblique style, he addresses lust, respect, denial, risk, acceptance and more. He does a fine job using the Bible and real life to show that our physical relationships are really about spiritual relationships. This book joyfully ties, and then tightens, the knot between God and humankind.

My Review: I feel like I should have read this a long time ago. I've had it for a while and I read it in less than twenty-four hours. It was a wonderful picture of what God has set out marriage and sex to be. Bell really delves into how the spiritual and the physical come together and how our relationships here are a picture of God's relationship with us. It's fascinating, really. Bell's style takes a little getting used to -- it's sparse and really uses the white space on a page. This book, though, was probably the least-difficult to handle visually (compared to his other books). I wish I had it with me so I could quote from it a bit. Anyway, I highly recommend this book, especially to high schoolers and people who work with them. I could have used some of this information back in my youth-leading days.

Employment Blues

Katiebell
Dec 16, 2009
12 comments

Well, Today marks the day that I begin

Hair-out-714605

pulling my hair out.

This entire day has been so so messed up . In addition to the below time line, I started a multi dose pack of prednisone. One of the side effect is that it can make a person jittery and irritable. Good timing.

09:15 I call FHW and accept position.

10:00 I tell My Directors Secretary that I am resigning, as I can not find director.

10:30 I go and purchase 2 new pairs of scrubs since I can only wear Navy blue at my new job.

12:30 I send my Letter of Resignation email to my Director. It was a nice letter. Date Jan 17.

13:30 I get a phone call from FHW telling me that due to "restructuring" they were pulling the job the offered and

offering me nights.

I proceed to gasp for air. Finally I said that I needed to talk to the actual Manager.

14:10 Actual manager calls back. very nice, states she is not sure how long I may remain on nights. Tells me how

nice she believes the night shift to be.

I remain really angry and in a state of Shock.

14:20 I take the dog for a walk. I think and I try to figure out what I am going to do.

15:30 I come home, and make a few quick phone calls. I call the local hospital, hoping that at the very least they have a nights position open. I mean, if I am going to work nights it would help to have the job be only 2.7 miles away.

15:45: I speak to Health Central. They confirm they do have days available.

16:11 I am drinking Coffee and wondering what I should do.

Nights really isn't that bad for 3-4 months. I feel like I might have my best opportunity to move up at FH-Waterman. On the other hand, If I am going to do nights, the lure of doing a night shift, walking across the parking lot to the gym and swimming, and then going to bed is very appealing...

and then well, there is a day shift at Health Central, still don't know too much about the place, except that Tiger Woods and his MIL were treated there recently....

I'm not going to rescind my resignation. I'm ready for something new, but I am just amazed at how things are turning out. Plus the prednisone is making me so so jittery and emotional it's rather difficult for me to think at all clearly.

At least I really did need new scrubs. I'm looking forward to seeing how they look tomorrow.

New Car Technology

Katiebell
Dec 15, 2009
5 comments

This morning, I went to get my camera out of the car, and discovered that my car was locked tight and I had no idea where the Key was.

This happens to me regularly. I even once went through an entire Wal-Mart trash can (eeeeeewwwww) to discover I had left the key in a pocket of a shirt I had considered buying.

My solution is usually, believe it or not, to pray about it. God, or the focus, usually leads me to recalling where my key can be found.

Today I could not find the key in any of the regular places. I looked in the couch (Found 5 ball points) emptied a box, and discovered multiple things I had been wanting (my dresser scarf, some hair items, a matching shoe for a lone shoe...) but no key.

FInally in desperation, I called the dealer. I had only gotten one key when I bought the car and that seemed odd. Turns out a new key for the Toyota Prius costs between 175.00 and 200.00

P-smart-key-system

Well. Not only that, they have to order it, and then program the car again to get it to work. And there is a charge for programming the car!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All of this would take a few weeks. During which time I would probably have to rent a car.

Back in the day, one could call a locksmith, and get a key cut to open and drive the car for like, oh, 20.00, and the service call would be about 75.00 So around the same, except that the locksmith person usually would come out that day and have you on your way in a few hours. Rather than weeks!!!!

After talking rather irately to the manager of the dealership about why did I have no key....I found my key. In a pile of Christmas cards.

I called him right away and told him I still wanted the second key. He said it had been delivered to me. He suggested I look deeply into the glove box. I said, OK.

Oddly, my second key was deeply deeply embedded in the glove box. I am a little embarrassed, but at least I told the guy Thank you in a fairly nice way.

I am really in LOVE with my Prius. I like it so so much. BUt I have to say I am not sure the electronic key system is that much of a blessing considering how much hassle it is.

(BUT! I now have my second key, safely in my home, in case I ever do get stupid enough to misplace my key again.)

It's a funny thing how technology is supposed to make life easier, but it never really seems to, instead I have more and more complications!

Job offer, Finally

Katiebell
Dec 14, 2009
3 comments

I finally got back in touch with the HR lady who called me. She was very friendly, in a way that I found difficult...Ie: she made small talk that was inquiring about my life. She asked if I had been at work, and I said, no...clearly if I had been at work, I would STILL be at work. But she's not really in touch with the Nurse schedule. She then asked if I was out Christmas Shopping.... And I am now trying to think of something to say. In truth I have been cleaning out my Kitchen and paying some bills.... So I finally just said, "Oh trying to get the house ready for the Holidays. Thank GOD, (really, I do thank God) she said, Oh I did a lot of that over the weekend too...So having identified with me, we moved on to the Job offer.

Agreement

The bad news:

It's the Mid shift they offered. 11a-11p

The Pay is somewhat Lower than what I am getting now, due to the rural area, they don't pay quite as competitively.

The never checked current references. Very odd. However- they may have pulled off the old references in my file. I don't want to ask. I think people do realize that your chosen references are going to say pretty good stuff about one anyway.

The Good News:

The Recruiter explained that the Manager wanted to let me know that they were "Restructuring their shifts" (What does that mean? Firing people?) and that a Day Shift would open up sooner than expected. Which sounds as if they might offer me the position even before I come on, due to the month's notice I have to give. I also like the fact that it was directly acknowledged that even though I would be hired for that shift, they understand up front that I want another shift.

It could also mean that I am being considered for the Charge Nurse Position that is posted under internal jobs, but conspicuously not being filled....SO...I'll have to look lively. I could be wrong though, and definitely not ready to hatch chickens that haven't become eggs yet.

The differential on the 11-11 shift will make up for the lower pay.

Plus the not having to drive for such a huge distance each day would be super great. I guess I will save on gas.

I said I'd think it over and crunch the numbers.

After talking to my friend on the phone, I realized how lucky we are just to have any job offers...