I didn't get the position.

Sadly, I didn't get the position I applied for at the hospital. I really liked the person who interviewed me and I'm sure he just found someone with better qualifications than me. So, after finding out that I didn't get my first pick of spots I consoled myself with pizza and ice cream while making a new plan. Next time I'll play it cool and pretend I'm not super excited. I'm just grateful I found out so fast and can try again.
This morning I applied for the 4 positions the hospital has that I'm even remotely qualified for. I hope I get one! I really want the hospital because it offers the best benefits and will work with my schooling when I go back for the nursing degree. It's also where I worked for most of my life and I want to go home.
If I don't I will be applying to long term care and rehab facilities. I'm sure I would be happy with one of them, but I'm a stubborn little booger. If I don't try I can't succeed, right?
Now the waiting is on and I have cold pizza to munch for lunch!
Wish me luck please!

Bombs away!

Still waiting for my number

I'm still trapped in limbo waiting for my number from State that says I'm a CNA. Technically I have a number but it's not valid because it expired 17 years ago. Wow that's a long time.
Day before yesterday I got my application back with a different application that I had to fill out because I had a defunct number. It was enclosed with a very nice note explaining the new application. It also meant I had to pay a late fee for my change of address from the one they have on file. The funny thing is we've lived here for about 14 years. I did appreciate the addressed envelope they sent with it though. I informed the school of this annoyance in case they have anyone else who is re-getting their CNA after a lifetime away. Now I'm waiting for them to get this one and give me my number. I wish I could charge them a late fee for sitting on it for almost a month while I waited, but oh well. That's the way it goes.
Lots of spinning wheels here. I made Sylvia a new set of skirt guards. Her old ones were eaten by the washer and I found another skein of the same yarn. I'm thinking of drilling her fender so I can make a more vintage looking set that will hold up better, but that would be a lot of work. I'll probably do it when I decide to repaint her later on. That way I won't be damaging the paint. Her new basket is still perfect, I like the way it carries weight. It really helps to smooth out the steering.
I've picked the places I'd most like to work and have been practicing the ride distances to get there and back. I've only actually gone to two so far but I can easily cover the distances with out dying. It's fun to explore on her, I'm going more places than ever and it feels good. It's my therapy! The only downside is I have to get up super early to go out, it's hitting 95 degrees before 9:30 am now a days. Good thing I like the heat.
I've been working hard on a new Old Agnes short story. It's a race to see what comes first, finish and publish the story or I get a job. It'll be interesting to see what wins. I hope everyone is doing great and keeping cool!
Have Fun!

I see you!

My first day of clinicals!

Today was the first day of clinicals. I arrived early, just like the 5 others who made it through the skill test last Thursday. I'm still a bit shocked I passed it, but I'm so proud I did. There were 4 who didn't.
The lobby looked great, it had been newly remodeled and still had that new smell. It seemed spacious and modern. The people at  desk were friendly and I was super excited. I waited impatiently with the others to find out who my CNA trainer for the day would be. When I found out I would be on the rehab unit I was super happy. I haven't decided what kind of aide I want to be yet, but rehab sounds like fun. Then I met my trainer.
My first sighting of her had my heart sinking. She was ignoring the resident she was "feeding" and chatting with those around her. I introduced myself and sat down. The resident was nice and friendly though. The day devolved from there.
I watched her ignore multiple residents pleas for help. One wanted out of bed, she told them she had to do a shower first, then promptly went on break.  I got to wait in the break room for her.  Another had gotten his oxygen tubing tangled around his neck and the wheel of his chair, I fixed that one so the poor person didn't choke himself. It just kept going like that until she went to lunch. I was not amused.
After she was 10 minutes late coming back I looked in the break room for her. She was asleep. I closed the door quietly then knocked before I went in to wake her up. That was a mistake! Next thing I know she's dressing me down for looking for her and how I'm a big girl. It's her break and blah blah blah. I stopped listening before we got back to the unit. I did make the rude response of responding to someone else while she was berating me which pissed her off even more. I apologized.
We were warned when we got there to not make waves because finding clinical facilities is hard, so I had to be nice.
For the rest of the time I was there, about 1 1/2 hr. She ignored me and was only found at the opposite end of the hall from me. I got ditched by my trainer and that was fine with me. I answered call lights and passed out lunch trays. It was good way to end my first day of clinicals. I just hope she's not normally like that and I had her on a really bad day after the worst party night of her life.
I'm sure tomorrow will be better, I get to shadow someone else.
Wish me luck!

I hate waiting!

Patience has never been my virtue and I'm currently waiting on two very important things so it's really driving me nuts.
I've had two interviews for the job I really want and now I have to wait until next week to see if I can move forward in the hiring process or if I failed and wasn't chosen. That's crazy making. At least there was a lot of laughter at the peer review, that's a good thing right?
I want Sylvia to be done and home, I hate the waiting to get her back. I have faith that they can get the hub to fit, but I'm still worried. I'm starting to wonder why I thought this was a good idea.
I decided to alleviate my worry by researching other bikes and that's been fun. If I do have to replace her I will probably save my pennies and go the custom route. I don't want to have to look forever again. I wish Linus made 8 speeds in my size.
I just got off the phone with a very nice man who gave me several tips on how to make her better. His website is DBC City Bike Design  and it would take a while, but I do like that he's worked with short people like me before. His Facebook has lots of great pics of bikes they've built as well as some of the neatest dishes. There's also a really great looking coffee table.
I just really hope I don't have to get a new bike and they don't break her by accident. It's taken me a year to get her this way and the thought of starting over sucks.  Well that's enough moping, I have bedding to hand sew for Rory because I killed the electric sewing machine and my treadle has decided that needles are more fun to break and shoot than sew with.
Have fun!

Rory likes his new ball.