My worst nightmare...

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Have you ever dreaded walking to the mailbox to see a jury summons with different family members names on them, and wonder if one of them was for you? Ever since I have been of age to serve, that has been my fear. Up until recently, I have been off the hook. About a month ago, my first summons came in the mail for March 10th - 14th along with one for dad. My world came closing in pretty quickly stressing about what it would be like (seeing I had never stepped foot in a court room before), praying I didn't get picked, etc. Family tried very hard to relieve me of worrying, saying... there's so many poeple that show up, that it's very unlikely you'd get picked anyways. Then your duty would be done for 5 years! I finally gave in and took faith in some of their talk, trying to stay strong and get it over with.

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Monday the 10th came. I made my way to the court room, waiting for a period of time before they could even start picking numbers for potential jurors. I sat in the back waiting. After every number called, I took a deep breath. All 8 jurors had finally been called up for their questioning. I felt like.. wow.. I made it through! After much time, the judge, attorneys, etc. went out of session to determine who they wanted to stay on for this trial. 7 out of 8 poeple were chosen, so they had to go through this process all over again to pick 1 MORE. This one was for an alternate! My number happened to be the 3rd one called out of 8, and my heart sank! I kept telling myself, Im 1 out of 8. I still have a good chance to get out of this. After another session of questioning, they went out to decide. "Miss Myers, you will be our final pick for the day." I was sick. What did they see in me? Others called up, had experience. Surely someone else could have been more equipt to fill this last spot. So, I watched everyone else be released for the day, while I stayed. My worst nightmare had come true.....A few brief instructions on what to expect these next several days, an address on where to meet and at what time was given. I wrote this stuff down, not knowing how to get anywhere in downtown schenectady.

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Tuesday, the 11th came. I had been out that morning with my best friend, rushing home in time to get ready for the first day of trial. In my mind, I had a specific place that I just thought I knew was the place I needed to be, estimating my time to get there and all. I thought there was no need to plug this address in to my navigator on my phone and just grabbed the pamphlet they gave as I walked out of the house. Parking is always a nightmare in downtown. I finally found a parking meter, ran across this several lane road to this jail (which I forgot was a jail and thought it was a police station), because I was suppost to be at "Police Court". Out of breath, I ran inside just in time for my 2pm trial to start. I learned very quickly by an officer that this was NOT where I was suppose to be. They pointed down the road to another building. I went running, of course in a skirt and shoes that hardly allowed this. At my next stop, the people had no idea what I as talking about. After a couple more stops at other buildings running down the streets, an officer was soo kind to take me outdoors and point to a FAR off gold dome high up in the sky.. and tell me that was where I was suppose to be. I was sick. At this point, it's well after 2 pm. I had never done this before, and feared they were all waiting on me. I thought about where my car was located and where I was now after running. It was too far away.. so I kept runnning, crossing intersections and down other streets, trying not to get lost. I FINALLY called dad (even though I had wanted to keep him out of this), giving names of streets etc. He made it plain and clear.. I was absolutely no where near where I was suppose to be. He had assumed I really knew where I was going..so he didnt bother to take me on a trip to show me the night before. =) At this point, I decided that I needed to try contacting someone to tell them I'd be late, but who knows how late exactly. Then it finally dawned on my that I had that pamphlet with a contact number on it. Calling.. I was transfered 4 different times, before I had gotten to the one I needed to talk to. Some lady, graciously stayed on the line until I ran all the way back to my car.. and sent me in the direction I needed to be. What an embarrassing moment of my life. I finally got there about 2:30pm as they all were still waiting to go into session. Somehow I concluded that it wasnt because of me though.

*****

Sparing anymore of the details because there are a LOT, this was quite an experience for me! At least the rest of the week wasn't filled with as much drama. I then knew where I was going and made up for lost time by getting there VERY early. One of the jurors told me later, "I knew something was wrong.... a nurse wouldn't be late. I think she's lost somewhere! " I've concluded that I'm glad Im not the ultimate judge of humanity. People percieve us cetrain ways because of something they hear or see, when it may not be that way at all. God ultimately knows the intent of our hearts, and it shouldnt matter much what others think.

Life

Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books written in a foreign language. Do not look for the answers now. They cannot be given to you now because you could not live them. It is a question of experiencing everything. At present you need to live the question. Perhaps you will gradually, without even noticing it, find yourself experiencing the answer, some distant day.

-Rainer Maria Rilke

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I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. -Gilda Radner

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I think we all hit these stages in life and sometimes multiple of times! Life is a journey, a mystery and an adventure. It's up to us to make the best of what comes our way.=)

Determination & Sacrifice

Exercising on a regular basis requires true determination & sacrifice on one's part. Sometimes it's been hard coordinating this into my daily schedule, but when I do, I'm reminded of how important this is for every person. When Ashley comes home on visits from college, we buddy up and go together, while a family friend, Donna & I, have set our own gym schedules to go together throughout the week.

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As addicting as it may be, this is the worst thing anyone can do!

Keep chocolate away from me.

Sometimes it is depressing to do this, but as the figures come down, it should give anyone more of an incentive to keep working hard.

...........................

=)..... if this is what it takes...... I'll do it.

Valentines...& working.

Since I've started working as a nurse, I've found every day to be a challenge! A challenge to do my very best, to learn something new, help make an impact on someone's life, and the list goes on. Throughout my hospital experience at Albany Med and now at Sunyview, I have found my time well spent and very rewarding. Oh, not always at first, but as time goes on, definitely.

There is a very big difference between Albany Med and Sunnyview hospital, and that difference is the length of stay. The rehabilitational hospital is for weeks to sometimes months. It is here that I find the opportunity to build closer, trusting relatonships between the familes and patients. You get to the point where you feel like you are a part of them, their life history, and there are no problems carrying on conversations. We all learn how to pick & tease as if we're a family. That's pretty awesome I'd say.

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Anyways, there are moments where we as a staff are given such wonderful gifts that you hate to even accept them. They're given to us out of thankfulness and love for caring and helping to make such a difference/impact on someone's physical condition.

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Last night, Valentines day... we had very few patients(compared to normal) to nurses. The supervisors have been cutting a lot of us because it wouldnt be cost effective otherwise. Being fairly new to the facility, I had never been left alone on my unit to keep things in order. Everything you can think of, I was to do... but didnt feel like I had anyone to lean on in time of need. The RN for the unit was being split between 2 units and so most times I was holding the fort ALONE. A bit frazzled I was at times... but the patients were so good! I couldn't have asked for better patients to care for last night. Their families helped make Valentines Day special for us there.

How sweet & thoughtful.

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Now, back to work this weekend..and hope we have a few more patients than we had, or else Im afraid I'll be floated. Now that wouldn't be very sweet and thoughtful.

In Glens Falls

A post a bit late.

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I don't know what has gotten into me this winter season, but I have absolutely loved going to our Albany River Rat's hockey games. I have posted several times here, but dont think I included them all. Anyways, this past weekend Ashley's roomate came home with Ash and had several different plans. One being going to a game seeing, for 1) Luba had never been to a hockey game & 2) they were playing Syracuse Crunch. Ash and Luba are going to school in Syracuse so they wanted to see the teams play. There was a change to where the game had to be held because of some home show being held in the Albany arena. With this being so, the game was in Glens Falls.

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What a wintery evening, as we were to be hit with several inches of snow that night. Anyone that knows my dad know that a few snow flurries would be enough to keep him home for the evening. He hates anything but perfect weather, but we kept with plans as such. The northway was quite an adventure to say the least. It didn't seem to bother me so much, but as far as the others... I can't quite say that. Right and left, we would see flashing lights off in the distance signaling a warning. Another car off the road and down in the ditch... I mean IN THE DITCH. Snow pounding more as we headed farther north.. oh how exciting.

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Sounds crazy, but I was looking forward to a different arena seeing I have only ever been to the Albany one. Dad had warned us that this one only held nearly 5-6,000 people where as Albany held over 20,000. YUP.. definitely much smaller, but who cared. It was the game that I was there for.

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Here's a few snapshots with my phone camera that were taken.

Cell phones....

Do ever miss something that you once had, even after knowing that whatever you've gotten to replace it, is incredible, has lots to offer, and is one of the top on the market right now?

Silly, huh? I know... but when it comes right down to it, I don't like change. Things attract me, and I'll usually buy it if I seem to want it bad enough, but when it comes time to mail my item out for someone else to use, I feel like Im giving away something really personal. I just recently sold my Orange EnV and bought The Voyager. My EnV is now somewhere out in the mail today heading to TEXAS. Oh dear...

Winter Snow

I'm waiting for the moment where we're litterly getting pounded with snow, feel it's too risky to leave the comfort zone of home, and relax. This winter has been VERY weird to say the least. Our first snow fall didn't come until the middle of December if I'm not mistaken. That happened to probably be the biggest for this season too. Since then, the forecasts seem to be more of a wintery mix of sleet, rain, & snow flurries. Most days when I look out the window, I see patches of grass, puddles and mud. Not an attractive winter in my opinion!!!

I'd wanted to pack winter fun in the past couple months and months to come, but at the rate things are going, I'm afraid that wont be happening. I mean, at least not exactly how I would plan it. Some plans have been canceled already, phone calls have been made for other areas with the same type attractions, but no snow! That's all I've heard recently. I guess this winter has come in like a lamb...... BUT BETTER go out like a lion! =) I know some of you probably hate me for saying this, but I'm just eager to make this season worthwhile. Cold weather isn't attractive without snow.

Sometimes, it is nice to go do errands in spring-like weather, WITHOUT a coat in the middle January. There was a 3 day stretch when this happened... but it seemed all too weird.

SO, in December I decided to make my own little wintery world in my room with blue and white lights, snow and lighthouses. At night time, with only those lights on, my room seemed so relaxing to me. Here are a couple snap shots of course during the daylight.

Just this week, I decided to take everything down and put it away. I did contiplate leaving it up for awhile longer to prolong the wintery feeling at least inside, but decided against it. It's time to move on I guess. =/

The Great Encourager

The Great Encourager

We all need some encouragement

Along this life of days,

And there are always those who help

In their own kindly ways;

A spoken word, a flashing smile, A visit, letter, call;

Within our hearts we realize

That each of them stands tall.

But there's a great Encourager,

Above and over all,

And he will always fill us up

If we on him will call.

He IS the Christ, the living Lord,

He is our strength and stay;

He is our great Encourager

Along this life of days.

-Louise Pinkerton Fritz

Reminiscing...

Do you ever find yourself reminiscing...??? As of recent, I have! Not too long ago while the family was cleaning out some much needed things before company was to come, I came across some 3 1/2 inch floppy disks ( What? Yup, we still have them laying around=) ) but didn't have the foggiest idea as to what was on them. Popping one in, I found some of these scanned pics that are below reminding me of some times past. Most of these are very difficult to see, but because I'm reminiscing... they are going on here anyways.

It's definitely amazing how much time changes things, people, some friendships. We all once had so much free time compared to life today. At the snap of a finger, we made plans to get together, spent hours on the phone, met up at camps, church, school, etc. Now... most of us have gone our seperate ways- living new lives, and only hearing through a "little bug" what's going on. Some of us have stayed in contact, just not as often as we'd like. Life has become busy and sometimes complicated when it comes time to try making plans/ working around everyones' schedules.

Some of you... I haven't heard from in years, and I wonder what's changed, why the distance??

I have these moments when I think of you guys and only wish we could relive past times or at least bring things to the present. However things are, I want you to know that you've played a special part of my life, and for that I thank you.

Just because your picture isn't on here, doesn't mean you've been forgotten. It just means that I apparently haven't found your scanned pic yet. HA.

.PICTURES.

Megan Marshall & I at someone's reception.... not sure who's though.

Youth Convention activity

This was my sunday school class in '99. Back row from left: Liz Stewart ( Mosier), Victor Swint, Glenn Quintana, Tom Bowman. Front: Trisha David ( Mincer) and myself.

Amalia Stancavage ( and her married name now, I can't remember...) Mali and I went to school together and worked @ Customer Service in the mall together. She actually pulled some strings to get me in. =) Those actually were some nice times... We were each others personal psychologists too.

Kimmie Lindell on left- we also went to school together. We definitely were buddies throughout high school, and were like everyone else.. promising each other we'd never lose touch. It wasn't until just recently that we've contacted each other again.

This was a Harvest Fest @ Hallenbeck's barn near Halloween time several years ago. Liz and Trish were on either side of me.

Before a Sunday School picnic @ Thatcher's Park

Downstairs in our Junior Church... Ashley, Danielle, Ange, Liz and myself. WOW, I can't believe my "afro..." that was definitely part of times past. =)

Here we all are crunched in the back of someone's van. Left to Right: Aimee, Trisha, Latoya ( I MISS YOU..) Ange, and Jamie.

Aimee & Liz

One of the VERY first Youth camps before the banquet, Im assuming.. Danielle, Ange, Victor, Kelly and Ginny. I MISS YOU GINNY...

This was one of the few times I was up front playing the clarinet. It was such a squeeky mess=)

I believe these are some of the cousins @ our Grandparent's 40th Anniversary celebration. Ange, Donnie, Rachel, Beth and Sandy.

Saturday 1-12-07

I decided to try making an attempt to take advantage of some winter fun this past weekend with my best friend, but unfortunately due to the beautiful weather that we have been having recently, there were more puddles noticed than snow. I was in the mood to cross country ski, do some ice skating, take a horse drawn sleigh ride etc. but was unable to do everything I wanted to. Here are a few things that we did get to do.

My ice skating expertise aren't very good, and most times this is what happens to me, but I can go on record to say that I didn't fall this time. There were close calls and found myself creating a dancing show on the ice many times =)

The Rats WON 4-3 !!!!

This was my first time ever going to Apple Bee's. Their food was good, but I got too full too quick=/ This is pretty suprising seeing I hadn't eaten much all day.

Recipe

I came across a recipe for an Iced Mocha Frappuccino, but dont know how it tastes. I'm thinking I might try making this and see how close it is to the real thing. If I'm impressed... I'll have my very own starbucks right here @ home. =)

Ingredients

1. 1 cup Starbucks espresso coffee, cold
2. 3/4 cup Silk Soy Milk- coffee latte flavored
3. 1/4 cup half and half
4. 1/3 cup chocolate sauce
5. 2 large scoops vanilla lowfat frozen yogurt
6. 1 package Carnation Instant Breakfast - cappuccino flavored
7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
8. 2 tablespoons sugar
9. 2 1/2 cups ice

Directions:
Mix in blender for 10 seconds on low then 20 seconds on high. Always put liquid ingredients in blender first. Serve in glasses that have been in freezer. Serve whipping cream on top!

Starbucks

Anyone addicted to Starbucks?!? It only took one taste of an Iced Mocha Frappuccino to win my heart. =) Within these past couple weeks, I have tried stopping to grab one, but for whatever reason, I end up ordering the wrong thing, and walk to my seat to enjoy it, disappointed. I don't really know how this happens.... =/. Anyways, my addiction hasn't gotten to the place that I'm there everyday, just yet... but I'm sure it will get pretty close to it, if Im not careful.

I never use to drink any sort of coffee drink when younger, due to the rumor that coffee stunts your growth. I knew I already had issues in that department, and didnt want to take the chance of it stunting my growth in the slightest bit. Now, that I realize or have accepted the fact that I'm officially done growing, I don't care. STARBUCKS here I come!

I thought for sure when Trish and I stopped last week for a drink after a couple hours of shopping and Mr. Subb, that I would be able to get my order correct this time, but once again, nope!

Gym Membership

It never hurts to get in shape and stay fit. I've realized for some time now that this would be necessary. Last year, I went hiking with my best friend @ Macomb Mountain and insisted on stopping multiple times due to feeling like I could pass out. What a work out that was and something I didnt expect, so I convinced myself that something had to be done before I attempted another one. =) I'll spare you the details of some other vital reasons as to why this membership is so important and necessarily to me.

I plan on creating a chart/graph of my progress over time, which hopefully with encourage me to continue working hard.

Stessing, etc

Ok, ok... I'm finally posting again=) I've looked back on life every once in a while and have realized how quickly time flies by. It seems like yesterday, we all were still trying to tie up the loose strings for the holidays, my sisters were both home, etc. Now, its been getting back to the "new norm" again. These past couple weeks have been very busy, but as I look over these times, I'm finding that it wasn't necessarily LARGE things that took up time, but many many small things. Work has been very stressful recently due to the higher ups thinking they need to cut staffing due to a small ratio between patients and nurses, but what they don't understand is that the few patients we have had, have been VERRRY difficult. We've needed extra help, so I say until they are in our shoes busting our butts off, they shouldn't touch the staffing.=)

Many, many errands most days, lack of sleep, trying to arrange to get together with a few people seeing everyones schedules have been so busy, last minute stresses to try getting into a much needed class, which ultimately failed because someone couldn't give right information when I originally inquired about it. Contacting the director about the situation didnt help matters either. Anyways, I'm waiting another semester and untimately feel like I'm wasting some more time. Mom has been faithful to help me see that this apparently is what was meant to be and not to try pushing open a door that has obviously closed in my face.

Hockey

Hockey games are always so exciting, but can also be a time when you want to crawl under the seats. Everyone has their own way of expressing how they feel, but there are just some moments......... These moments are quickly pushed aside when our team scores and ultimately wins. I'm looking forward to attending some more games in the very near future.

Ever wish you could be someone that you weren't necessarily? Sometimes I do, especially at games. I think people misunderstand me at times for not having a good time due to sitting back not expressing much. What's wrong with just taking it all in & ultimately enjoying every moment? ........I guess this is an area in which I need to work on a bit, expressing myself more in whatever comes my way.=)