The OPPOSITE of lady-like

At work yesterday, we were having a major lull so I was offered the opportunity to go home early.  I jumped at the chance and called the hubby to set up an impromptu date to see "The Avengers."  I made some the phone calls (using my built in bluetooth) and we planned to meet at home and leave right away.

I was sitting at a stop light, in heavy traffic, contemplating whether or not I'd have enough time to change when I got home, and my car lunged forward.  I thought I might have killed the engine, but I looked down and saw it was still running.  That's when I looked in the rear view mirror and saw a compact SUV ON my bumper.

I got out of the car to inspect and the other car was still touching mine.  I stomped over to the drivers window and screamed,

 

"DID YOU JUST HIT MY CAR!?!?!"

"it's okay!" said the driver...obviously keeping her window up while a maniac yelled at her.

That's when I literally spun around, while throwing my hands in the air, and screamed, 

"SERIOUSLY!"

"I'M GOING TO PULL OFF THE ROAD UP AHEAD ON THE RIGHT, DO THE SAME!"

I got back in my car, put on my hazards and pulled off onto a side road.  It was rush hour traffic and I saw no need to block traffic.  I turned my car off and waited...and waited...and the other driver stayed in the road.  

I called 911, and said I had just been rear-ended and "THE OTHER DRIVER IS INSISTING ON BLOCKING TRAFFIC LIKE AN IDIOT" to which the operator said, "unfortunately, it isn't against the law, but you are supposed to clear vehicles off the road if possible."

I then called the hubby and he called to cancel the sitter and said he was on his way.

I stood on the side of the road and watched as the other car continued to block traffic, and people stop to assist her to push her car off the road, until a Sheriff escorted her off the road and said he had called in the accident.

The only damage to my car was a couple indentions on the bumper from her license plate cover. 

When the cops arrived, and HOUR later, they asked us what happened, which is when they pointed out the damage on my car to the other driver, who said, "how do we know that wasn't there before?"  The cop then said, "because it matched your license plate holder perfectly."

I apologized for yelling and explained this was my first accident.  She said, "I'm a born again Christian which is why I didn't get upset."

The hubby called USAA, and her insurance called me last night to go through the details.  

I'm thankful that no one was hurt, but I'm very sad about my car, and my missed date with the hubby.

So, I'm hoping there's never a next time, but let's hope that I can conduct myself in a more lady-like manner if it ever happens again.

Happy Nurse's Week!

Since Nursing has become such a huge part of my life, I wanted to join in the celebration of a profession that has changed my life.  I've been afforded such an opportunity to educate myself and those I interact with on a daily basis.  I've had many 1st's in the last three years, but nothing compares to the past year.

When I decided to go to school for Nursing, I knew it would be difficult.  I knew it would be challenging.  But most importantly, I knew it would be rewarding.  I loved working with people, so no matter the trials I would endure, I was positive this decision was the right one.

I graduated from Nursing School in 2009 and started working right away.  I've never had a patient die, until this year.  I always tried to mentally prepare myself for how I would feel, what I would say to the family, and how I would conduct myself.  When all was said and done, all could do was hug the parents as I cried on their shoulder and tell them how amazing their child was.  I apologized for crying and the family's pastor said, "Jesus wept too."  I continue to cry every time I think of their face, their smile, and remember their sweet voice.  

I know God does not give us trials that we can not handle, and so I pray for the family to find peace at this time and celebrate the life of one of God's newest angels.

I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to meet this family, and have my life changed forever.

I know every single person has had a nurse make them smile or infuriate them, it's the nature of the job.  We are first and foremost a patient advocate, and one of my many mantras is, "it's okay to make me the bad guy."

I have many goals in my career that will take me many years to accomplish, but the one that I strive for on a daily basis is to do right by my patients.

Hug a nurse this week!!