Monday Monday

Since I am up before the alarm, I have a few minutes to add a note. Yesterday proved to be a test, yet again. I have been a nurse for many years, in a variety of settings. I started out in 1977 taking care of patients and that is what I migrated back to after some experiences in education and management. For the past ~10 years I have been in a Trauma/Neuro ICU. I have shifted from full-time to part-time and now 'casual part time' which means I am not regularly scheduled but can choose from open shifts of which there are always plenty. This has been working pretty well, since I was at the point of needing a change but didn't really want to change to another unit. I was resenting the every-other-weekend imposition on my life. Now I do still work mostly on weekends, since that is when the most open daytime shifts occur, but I only have to work twice a month minimum. I can schedule my other job and committments around it.
So yesterday I walked into a situation that had my nerves on edge for 8 hours. Now you see, we routinely deal with tragic situations, so that is expected. But some are worse than others from the perspective of the nurse. To the patient and loved ones, there probably is little distinction. Tragic is tragic when you are in the midst of it. Without breaking any patient confidentiality rules, of which there are many, I can describe the situation as end-of-life-decision-making for a young person as a result of someone's irresponsible and illegal behavior. Managing the care of the patient is my bread-and-butter, what interests me and keeps me coming back. Interacting with the family and friends is the challenge. While not being trained in crisis intervention nor greif counseling, my on-the-job-training has taught me a lot. Still, there are times of feeling very inadequate, and yesterday was an example of that. I was physically and emotionally drained after just 8 hours, and took full advantage of the recliner when I got home finally! After that, I was able to refocus and find some positive things to do for the rest of the day.
Cooked up a big pot of chili, cast on a mitten, and finished a purse project that involves clothesline, fabric, and zigzag! Once the handles get on I will see about posting a picture.
Now it really is time to sign off, I can hear my alarm in the other room. Have a good day!

A day of accomplishments!

I hadn't really planned it this way, but it has turned out to be a day of finishing. Finished quilting a small quilt for Nancy, finished knitting mittens, stocking cap, and lacey scarf. I do love the feeling of finishing! I need to do more of it. I do get behind in my projects and have been trying really hard lately to not take on anything new. This has worked pretty good, with only a couple minor exceptions. I especially want to finish off anything I have started knitting because I have come to the conclusion that I need to put aside the knitting to free up that time for working on my longarm. Except for socks, that is. I would like to continue with that aspect of my knitting, because it is small and makes appreciated gifts for others. As far as better descriptions of what I worked on today: the stocking cap is a bulky merino wool in variegated sherbert colors, purchased on my vacation in August in Maine; the mittens are a secret; and the scarf was an experiment in learning a new technique using some soft silky pastel yarn. My quilting was fairly successful, an improvement but still not on par with the quilting that I admire. I did get to experience the problems associated with a broken needle, but no great damage. And the mounting and process of quilting went much better this time than previously. There is a lot to remember about what gets pinned to where, what is done next, what needs to be double-checked, etc. Need to get some bulk batting and threads, I have been putting off getting that ordered. Tomorrow is working at the hospital, but only an 8 hour shift rather than the usual 12, so should be a breeze! Working in the Trauma/Neuro ICU is never a breeze!

Greetings!

A new beginning! Something new to try here and see what happens. My purpose with this blog site is not written in stone, but I'm thinking that it will be a good way to be in touch with interested people. My new business, Emmaline Design, has 2 elements. One aspect is designing patterns for quilts and related items. The other aspect is the development of my longarm quilting services. Both of these are in the starting stages, and one of my biggest challenges so far is just finding the time! I have many things on my plate, but I am sure that this is the direction that I want to move, so I know things will change to make room. People ask me how I am going to have time for a new business, but I honestly am not deeply concerned about it because I am confident that I can be successful. I know it can happen. One can make time for the things that are important.
So today I didn't get any quilting done yet, but did spend some time designing a new pattern for a bag to be shared at an upcoming retreat. I have a share in another business, Stitchin' Trips, that organizes and hosts quilt retreats. One of the things we do at our retreats is distribute something special to the participants, so that is what this pattern is for. I hope it is a hit! Have to go sew in the zipper now, it is done except for that and I had to make a run to JoAnn's to find the right color and length.
All for now--