Hello and happy Wednesday!
For me, today was a bit of a stressful day.
The day actually started off pretty well. I got up early, made sure my Sweetheart and the pups were fed, then I went to shower and get ready for the day.
My day was supposed to consist of getting some pre-op bloodwork done, then coming back and continuing to work on the house (getting ready for the in-laws next week).
Well… that plan went out the window as soon as I drove out of the driveway.
First off, I had a few extra minutes and thought it might be a good idea to get some fuel. Which I did — and as I was walking into the gas station, I realized I had on the wrong shoes. Yes, shoes make a difference, especially when the shoes I had on are not meant to be worn in public, only around the house near dogs.
So after pumping gas, I hurried back home, changed shoes, and then hit the road again. Luckily, it only took me 30 minutes to get downtown. Did I mention I dislike driving downtown? Well… I do.
After making it downtown, thinking I was at the right location (according to GPS), I ended up lost inside the building. 🙁
I called registration, and they said I was at the wrong location — it was across the street. So I made it back to my car and drove over. Yes, it was better to drive… or at least I thought so at the moment.
Once I got to the supposedly correct location, I made it through the registration process and headed upstairs to the lab.
Guess what… WRONG LAB!
Now frustrated, but wanting to just get it over with, I decided to walk back to the previous/correct location. I figured why not — I’d get a little extra exercise in (bad idea). I was tired once I got there and was now 30 minutes late for the original appointment.
Once in the correct location and area, I was sent to the labs — finally.
Well… not quite. I had to wait for the nurse to be able to work me back in (my appointment was for 1:00 pm).
I sat there for another hour.
Finally, the nurse came in. We went over the required paperwork, then she proceeded to try to find a vein.
She found a really nice big vein, BUT it was a slippery devil. No sooner did she stick the needle in than the vein rolled in the opposite direction — and it was painful.
So… she called for another nurse who works with infants (hard-to-stick cases). She figured this other nurse would find a vein.
WRONG!
The second nurse checked both arms and agreed the same vein was the best, and since it was still intact, we would try it.
Nope… it rolled away again.
Now they called in another nurse — one of the hospital’s best.
She arrived and checked both arms and hands. And guess what… the same vein, surprisingly still intact and still the best option, was the chosen vein. By this time, the area had already formed a bruise (kind of a double). But out of all my veins, it was still the biggest and best.
The third nurse got it with a little digging around (it kept rolling), but she got it. A few things we realized: the pain is because the vein is likely too close to a nerve, and my veins are deep. I was told to make sure to let anyone else who needs to get to a vein know these things. They did their best and were very sweet ladies.
By the time we were done, it was now around 3:20. I had a hangry headache, was tired from lack of food, and stressed from all the needle play. And I still had to walk back to the other building to get to my car.
Thankfully, there was a coffee shop in the lobby where I grabbed a peppermint mocha (decaf), a cinnamon pastry, and began my long walk back. I wasn’t really hungry, but my energy was lacking. I figured something was better than nothing and it was yummy. Meaning I finally ate something around 3:30 pm, got to my car in about 10 minutes, left the parking lot, and began the hour and fifteen-minute drive home.
The closer I got, the more it felt like my energy had been drained instead of my blood. Thankfully, I have a great Sweetheart. I called and asked if I could just pick up pizza and wings. All I wanted to do was sit down.
By the time I picked up some coffee and my dragon drink, the pizza and wings were almost ready. I grabbed them, got home, took care of the dogs, and made my way to the couch — where I’ve pretty much been ever since (other than caring for the pups).
Tonight, I doubt I’ll be up past midnight. And if I am, it won’t be by much.
I may sound like I’m complaining, but honestly, I‘m just happy that it was only three needle sticks (there have been times where there were more). As tiring as it was, I did get some exercise, and I made it back to my car safely. Even though it was a long drive home, it went surprisingly fast, and I made it home safe. I didn’t have to cook, and I got my dragon drink.
It may have been a stressful day with painful moments, and I was reminded why I don’t like driving downtown — but I still have a lot to be grateful for.
My lesson today: There is always something you can be grateful for, even on a day that looks like nothing but pain and stress.
With that, I’d like to say I hope you have a fabulous week filled with hugs, love, laughter, and many blessings. And if you find yourself having a stressful day, try to find a moment to be grateful for in the mess.🌻
Have a good night — and Later!🫂
We are Creatively Unlimited! 
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