I have been having some back problem lately. This morning it was so bad that I had to call in sick for a few hours. I love stretching, but I'm not sure how much stretching is going to help this pain. I haven't gone to the doctor yet. I don't like taking medicine either, so nothing for me. It's okay! I'm a tough cookie! I was already having a shitty day because of my back pain, so when Peter told me there's only one fudgesicle left, I was screaming, "How can you do this to me? I've only had one. Why are you so selfish? ..." Peter bursted out laughing, "I was just kidding." Oh my! Did I just yell at my husband over some silly fudgesicles? I need to go to bed.

Something that bothers me so bad is that some people can never admit when they are wrong. They can never be wrong. Even when you are not trying to be confrontational, they automatically switch on the defense mode. This is so ridiculous because most of the time it's about something so small that is not even worth mentioning. Why are people like that? It's very frustrating to work with these people. I happen to work with a few of them. Sometimes I think they are very insecure. Arrgh! I can't stand them!

Our hospital has become tabacco free for a couple months. People can't even smoke outside of the hosptial as long as they are still on the hospital ground. I personally don't care either way. It's interesting though to see some of my co-workers struggle through this. During the first month, one of the nurses I work would say she had to go move her car about the same time everyday. It's obvious she's going to her car to smoke. Why did she have to lie about that? It only made her looked worse, a smoker and a liar. Another nurse has gone as far as changing her working hours to accomodate her smoking habit. What kind of life is that when you let cigarette takes control of it?

The other day I was in the locker room getting ready for my workout, when there were a few old ladies, who just got done with their water aerbic, talking about their age. One said she's going to be 85 soon, and the others told her how great she looks being 85. Then another lady said, "I'm only 86." Haha... I hope I can be as adorable and happy as these ladies when I'm that age.

Thought of the weekend: Febreeze extra strength is essential at my work.

I hung out with Mary Ann today, finally girl. We went shopping, but we didn't do too much damage. Mary Ann bought a lot of white things. She's into white lately. Then we went to get carryout from a Chinese restaurant. She only ordered white rice, crazy lady. We will probably go to the work dinner thing next monday. There are gonna be plenty of margarita, yay!

I have noticed lately that many people at work are having money problem. Many of them are working overtime to get through. Which led me to realize that no matter at what stage we are in life, we will always have our own struggle. Some are easier to overcome than others, but somehow we always make it through. So don't give up, hang in there!

Forgetful

The funniest thing happened at work tonight. My somewhat forgetful elderly patient put her call light on. When my nursing assistant went in and asked what she needed, I overheard her saying, "The nurse told me to put the light on when I'm done, but I forgot what I'm supposed to be done with." Haha...

Kimberly

I recently reconnected with one of my college friends Kim through myspace. Our friendship started back in the summer of 1999 if I remember correctly. Although my memory of that summer is vauge, I remember we had a lot of fun together. There's this one time, I went with her to stand in line for Red Wings tickets. I personally am not a fan of ice hockey, and had never heard of Red Wings before that. While we were waiting in line, we were interviewed by the local newspapare. When they heard that I'm from Hong Kong, the next day they had an article saying that I came all the way from China to see the Red Wings. Haha... We had lost touch since she moved away that same year. It was a pleasant surprise when she conacted me again. We have been messaging back and forth. She's living in England now with her husband and is going back to Traverse City for a visit in Dec. I'm thinking about meeting up with her there.

Refreshed and energized

I got at least 8 hours sleep last night. Feeling refreshed and energized this morning, I'm ready to tackle another 12 hours shift.

Lame

It was a long day at work today. My legs got real sore and ah my back, yet I somehow found the strength to go to the gym after work. So proud of myself. Then I was going to get my favorite mandarin chicken salad from Wendy's, but they ran out. So I had chicken caesar salad instead and a baked potato. See all the big decisions I have to make everyday? Aww... Simple life.

Weekend in Minneapolis

I had a fun filled weekend visiting my friend Wing in Minneapolis and met some of her college friends, Tintin, Benedict, and his gf Jenny. I forgot how much fun it is to hang out with Hong Kong people. It was homey being with them. They were the antidote to my homesickness. All weekend I was speaking in cantonese, ate plenty of good asian cuisine, and played the popular chinese game mahjong. It's the most fun I have had for a long time. Wing's friends were very nice to me and made me feel welcomed. Canoeing at Taylor's Fall was fun. Apparently I forgot all my canoeing skill. There were 5 of us, so Wing, Tintin and I were in the same canoe. I sat in the middle of the most because Wing had never canoed before, so I let her had most of the fun. I got wet a few times from her paddling. I hope we can do it again sometime soon. Peter didn't go with me this time, and I think it worked out okay. Being as great of a husband as he is, he never once complains about my friends and I speaking in cantonese in front of him. Although he doesn't mind not being able to understand and join in our conversations, I know it can get really boring. Other than that, I love traveling with him.

Tennis

It was a nice day out today. Although it rained in the morning, it stopped by afternoon and stayed sunny the rest of the day. We went to the farmers market this morning trying to get to the Two Sisters Pantry stand. It's my third attempt. I spoke on the phone with one of the sisters this week and she said they would be at the farmers market this saturday. When I found out they left early because of the rain, I was disappointed. I was supposed to get some stuff for one of the girls at work too.

I was supposed to work for Mary Ann today from 3-7 but I was cancelled. Yay! I didn't work that much this week. I have signed up some extra shifts in the following weeks to make it up. Then I decided to play tennis. I've never played before, so we went to K-mart to get the cheapest racket they got. Peter took me to this hidden tennis court, probably didn't want me to embarrasse him. Haha... Yes, I sucked, but I don't care. We had plenty of laughter though. I was running like a dork. Peter thought it was cute. Hehe... Peter said if I play couple more times, then I can get the pink racket I orginally wanted.

Rediscovering my tune

I have been practicing piano lately. I had abandoned piano for quite some times now, and my fingers have completely betrayed me. They don't move like they once did. They don't listen to me anymore. It's like we are strangers again. After practicing for a little while, they started to dance again, but still very sluggish. Even my piano is acting up. It sounds like it has a cold. It needs to be tuned.

Cutest things

Klutz

Something terrible happened at work today. I fell down in front of my patient. It was a big fall too. I was just walking out the room, and I slipped. As I slipped, it was like a slow motion, I knew I was going to fall and I should have caught myself, but... Instead, I fell hard and landed on my left knee. Ouch! I even knocked down the walker. I scared the heck out of my patient. He asked if I was hurt. Of course it hurt, but my embarrassment was way more painful. What a klutz!

Lazy

I bought some socks this past weekend. The labels said fit shoe size 4-12. How is that possible? Stretchy I guess. Arrgh! Such a lazy day. Work called earlier to see if I want to work tonight from 7-11. I was going to, but Peter said I shouldn't. He wanted me to enjoy my day off and have time for myself. Aww... How sweet of him. I wanna see The Lake House, anyone wanna join?

Photos of the weekend

Farmers Market and steak dinner

We went to the Farmers Market today. The weather was perfect. I was all excited about finally getting some of those key lime cheesecake stuff from Two Sisters Pantry, so I was bummed to find out they weren't there today, boo... Despite the disppointment, we still had a very pleasant time and got some fresh corn, cookies and an anklet.

Going to the Y was a drag today. I wasn't feeling too good.

For dinner, I thought we would have a simple dinner with some steak and corn. I sent Peter to get the groceries. I wonder do all men suck at grocery shopping? Peter almost bought a whole cow home (well, not literally, just enough to feed 6 people) and a grill. He ended up spending over $100. I didn't know if I should be mad or laugh. I guess there's no use at being mad now. We may as well just enjoy it.

Hummer: restore your manhood

Just saw a commercial for Hummer where a man checking out at a grocery store with his tofu, and the guy behind him is buying lots of meat. The tofu guy saw that and then saw a magazine with a Hummer on the cover, so then he decided to go to the Hummer dealership to get one. It ended with a slogan "Hummer: restore your manhood". Okay, so what's the point this commercial is making here? Hummers are only for guys that are insecure about their manhood? Real men don't need Hummers. I guess all the stereotype about Hummers are actually true.

Faith and Reason

Sometimes I like to scream "BANANA!!!"

Tonight I watched a show on PBS called Faith and Reason with Sir John Houghton as the guest. It was very interesting. He seems like a fanscinating person. It's scientific to say "I don't know", and it's important feel ignorant. Isn't it true? Don't we feel most desire to learn and seek the truth when we feel ignorant? I'd like to catch more of this show.

Peter got me a new earphone because Orlando has been naughty and bitting my old one. The new one is more comfortable and has good sound.

Feeling better already =)

Worthlessness

Such a gorgeous day out today, yet my mood is so crappy. Maybe because I chose to sleep in instead of working out. I wasted all day staying inside instead of enjoying the sunshine. Sometimes I wonder if I have mild case of depression with lack of energy and interest to do anything. I hate days like these. Life seems so meaningless when you feel like nothing worths your time. I'm sure I will snap out of it soon.

Rejected

I didn't get the job. This is the e-mail I got from some random people from human resource.

"Dear Yuet:

Thank you for taking the time to apply for the Clinical Nurse position in the Recovery Room Department with Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines.

Your application/resume is no longer being considered in our current search to fill this position, however we recognize the contribution you make to Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines and encourage you to continue to seek opportunities for growth within our system.

Again, thank you for your interest in this position.

Sincerely,

Ryan Mulholland
Recruitment Coordinator
Human Resources"

What? I didn't even get a phone call? Who the hell is Ryan anyway? I didn't think they would send me a generic e-mail. I expected more from them, at least a phone call. It sucks because now I feel inadequate. I have the feeling of being rejected and not being good enough. I know there are people that are happy that I didn't get the job, Peter and my co-workers. I'm sure this happened for very good reasons. This works out better with Peter's new job, and I can continue to work only three days a week. All in all, it's for the better. Besides, it's what God planned for me, so I'm sure it's for the best. Anyway, thanks everyone who has been crossing their fingers for me.