Take a moment to breathe in the chaos

[Dr. Jocelyn Sentino]

This was going to be one of those days. The special ones. Not the ones where everything goes horribly wrong, out of hand, and nothing seems to fit together. No. The better ones. The ones where the day before you go to bed, with this funny feeling in the pit of your stomach knowing that something will go wrong, yet you fall asleep anyways. The next morning, wake up before the alarm clock, after spending the night tossing and churning, and dreaming of God only knows what. And then spend the whole day with that same funny feeling, knowing that something must go terribly wrong, just today, and just the worst possible thing, before going to sleep, as nothing still happens. Granted, it is also on those days that things can and usually do go wrong, even if not quite how one may have expected them to. THough, even then, it is rather hard to say, that one saw it comming, or that you came prepared for them, as it's hardly possible to prepare for the curve balls that life seems to love tossing at the people once in a while.

Jocelyn rubbed her eyes. She has been up the entire night, not to mention the two nights before that. If last night was understandable, the funny feeling could be blamed on that, or vice versa, the previous two nights? Not so much. Granted the funny feeling could have originated from teh lack of sleep. It's not like she got out much of this place. Then again, did anyone?

The curse of being a doctor, the bittersweet truth. Long hours of labouring at the hospital, constantly confronted by the most absurdest of situations, especially here.... with some hours to spend away from this place. Yet, somehow, one finds themself right back in the middle of the action, even when trying to escape it, as far away as possible. Seems as if everyone in the Asylum was stuck in the Asylum. All those that needed it, and all those that with out a doubt, would need it soon. Eventually everyone would end up here, the question was how soon?

Small shiver passed down the woman's spine as she jumped up. Her eyes quickly scanning the room, as she began moving about it, organizing and re-organizing things. Jocelyn found comfort at it. Order. Somethign stable adn something right among the rest of the disorganized chaos of this place, or any hospital, or any other place. An island of peace, a sanctuary among the sea of disorganized and frazled existance. Her hands were moving quickly, as she whent through the drawers, and cabinets, putting things in their proper groups and places. Most likely it would not last the day, but it was osmething to occupy the body at least at the moment. Even if the mind was racing. Though, when that happened, not many things could stop the thoughts. And that day, Jocelyn's thought seemed to be speeding somewhere beyond the horizon, on mind boddling speeds. If only she knew where they were off too, that might be nice.... just a little.

Must be the lack of sleep and the excess of coffeine in teh system...it would explain the jitteryness and the thoughs... perhaps...

[logan]

you're only as tall as your heart will let you be ,
and you're only as small as the world will make you seem

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Logan had spent all day working with the same patient, an aggressive, angry little girl who hadn't seemed that dangerous. She had stood at maybe 5'3” and was far too thin from the eating disorder she had been admitted for. Well, she had been admitted for the anorexia and her conduct disorder. She had a violence problem in that she preferred using her fists to her words. It wasn't his first violent patient. Actually, he had had to deal with a lot of them at his previous job. He had been one of the stronger doctors and had been assigned the patients that were most likely to fight with their doctors. He was used to it at this point. Unfortunately, Logan was unintentionally sexist. Most of the violent patients he had had to deal with were either strong, burly men, or weak little girls. As such, he expected this girl to be much of the same and hadn't taken her doubled up fists seriously. Which was why he was now nursing a swollen cheek and a cut over his right eye. She had had some nails on her.

Three doctors had offered to look at the cut, telling him he would need to put a couple butterfly band aids on it and that they could do it for him. He had politely declined. Ever since med school he had been afraid of other doctors touching him. It was a weird phobia, considering he, himself, was a doctor. He had applied the proper bandages himself and had been walking around the hospital with an ice bag held to his cheek until he realized that made him look vulnerable to the patients and had decided to disappear into the staff lounge until it stopped aching. Also, he would really appreciate it if the cut over his eye would stop stinging and throbbing.

He hadn't spent a lot of time in the staff lounge up until now and wasn't sure what he was going to find. He didn't really care that much, to be honest, he just wanted somewhere he could sit for a few minutes until his cheek at least made an attempt to return to normal size. When he reached the doorway, Logan stopped, looking in at the woman already in the room. She seemed to be dead-set on reorganizing everything in the room. She was pretty, of course he noticed that first. This is Logan we're talking about, after all. He watched her for a few minutes, before realizing that that seemed kind of stalkerish and creepy. He smirked at himself before crossing the threshold.

“You know, if you reorganize everything in the room, no one's ever going to be able to find anything ever again.” For all he knew, she was well aware of exactly where everything went and wasn't displacing anything at all, however, he had needed to say something and 'Hey, what's up?' had seemed a bit lame. Logan crossed the floor of the lounge, dropping into one of the chairs in the room, wincing as he pushed the ice pack harder against his cheek than he meant to.

when the going gets rough and you feel like you may fall
just look on the brightside, you're roughly six feet tall

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[/color] Jocelyn
words 523... not my best... ah well.
outfit here
notes Hi!
template nixxy of CAUTION 2.0 (with modifications)[/font][/ul][/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/quote]

[Dr. Jocelyn Sentino]

After about ten minutes, Jocelyn began running out of things to organize, least she would start going over the same objects over and over. But, as much OCD as she was, second time over was too much, at least in the row. And yet, still, her mind was racing. The funny feeling in the pit of her stomach, also still there. Yet, what was bothering her, was not even the fact that she was utterly unable to grasp a single strand of thought for more then a few fleeing moments, or that none of them were even remotely making sence, no. What bothered her, was the fact that they were out of her control. They were racing, and running, and distracting her attention even more so. That, is what caught her off guard. They were taking her to places which she would far rather leave behind and forget.

Soon I'll need to end up checking myself in here if it'll continue! Perhaps some rest would be nice. The young doctor chuckled bitterly to herself as she flipped all the cups over in the cubbord and whent on to the drawer with utencils. She shouldn't have such nice. They never served anyone any good, especially in a mental fascility, as some being may overhear, and just grant that. Fates worked in funny ways like that.

Just as she whent on to organize the knifes and forks, Jocelyn heard a voice behind her. Letting out a small yelp, she churned around sharply, one of the knifes dropping to the floor as her hand flew up to her mouth. She had got to stop being startled so easily. She was not a brand new nurse here for crying out loud!

Taking a deep breath, Jocelyn calmed herself down, as she glanced over the individual who entered the room. She hadn't seen this doctor around much, perhaps once or twise, but always passing by in the hall, or perhaps at the station while droppnig off and recieving papers. Right now, she glanced him over. Quite handsome, save perhaps that nasty looking blow to the face. That one had to hurt. Now, what was his name again?

"Perhaps, but then the staff may have some fun with a treasure hunt. Maybe organize a contest and have a nice prize for the winner?" Jocelyn smiled a little, as she bent down getting the knife from the floor, and placing it on the counter, befoer leaning against it, her arms folded on her chest.

(^-^ Hi!)

[logan]

Logan couldn't help but chuckle at her surprised scream. He felt bad for laughing, and he hadn't meant to scare her, but that didn't make it less funny. She seemed frantic, as if there was something wrong, something freaking her out. He assumed that was why she had jumped so much when he had spoken. At first he had thought maybe she was a patient that had snuck into the lounge and that's why she had been so surprised. But on second look he recognized her as staff, though he couldn't put a name to the face and wasn't sure if she was a doctor or a nurse to be honest. He decided not to admit that, some doctors got touchy if you accused them of being a nurse.

“I've got to admit, a scavenger attack does sound like fun. Liven the place up a little. I think the prize should be a week off, I don't know about you but I could use some time away from this place.” Logan pulled the ice pack away from his cheek, flipping it over so the colder side was against his face. He felt kind of ridiculous, like a little kid in a nurses office or something. That being said, he wasn't going to go the stereotypical masculine root and let his face swell, Logan liked to believe that he could take pride in his appearance.

Logan once more tried to put a name to a face, but he couldn't locate it. Ah well, I'm just going to have to ask. “I'm Logan, by the way, I'm afraid I don't know your name.” He was a little embarrassed to admit that, Logan usually made a strong attempt to remember everyone's names. Then again, he had been focusing on the patients more than the staff, wanting to remember who suffered from what and who he had to be careful around. It was obvious that that hadn't worked out as planned, either. Still, he felt the need to defend himself for having to ask, “I'm new here, I've only been here about a week, so I'm still getting to know people's names.” He smiled at her, wincing as it made his cheek throb all over again.

Notes: Sorry, it's a bit short, but I have a bunch of other posts to respond to as well. Next time will be longer, I double-pinky promise!

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[Dr. Jocelyn Sentino]

Jocelyn, smiled shaking her head softly. This place... this place gets to anyone. From even a single day spent here can begin to wear one down. Bit by bit, one little sane morsel at a time, untill one is worn down, and practically insane themself. She thought for a moment, before pulling herself up on the counter, allowing her legs to swing a bit.

"A week off sounds lovely! Though, I'd say a payed vacation to Bahamas, is a much better prize." Jocelyn smiled, pushing a lock of her hair behind her ear. She wanted to take a break. Oh, all of them needed a break. They all needed a vacation... Somewhere far, far away from this place. Away from the usual lively routines. Away from the madness of the common world. A paradise... Alas those do not exist. Not upon this Earth, and no technologies were yet invented to allow humans to go to another planet. Movies and fairytales never come to path either.

"Here only a week and already wanting to leave? So soon? Not even going to stop for tea?"The woman chuckled shaking her head softly, before pulling a curl back behind her ear. Stubborn hair, always getting anoying at the most unneeded part. Yet, she could not blame him. This was a strange place to be indeed.

"Pleasure to meet you Logan, I'm Jocelyn. Or Dr. Sentino... depends on how formal you wish to be." She smiled again shrugging gently. How are you enjoying your, oh so lovely days here at the Manor?"The woman asked, her head tilting to the side, as she looked over Logan again. She was, oh so tempted to ask where he got the bruise from, but she could already see that most likely she would not get much of an answer...or even if she did, it was doubtful that he'll allow her to look it over. But, on the other hand, a bruise upon a guy could make him look even better.

(Heh, don't worry about it! Besides, my posts aren't that long anyways... I don't do well with Essays....and uhh.. I hope you like this one... seems akward to me though....XP)

[logan]

Logan had to admit that the Bahamas sounded nice right about now. He wasn't much of one for lying on beaches or swimming and he had never held a desire to learn how to surf, he was more of a traveling to a foreign country or camping in the woods. The beaches didn't hold much interest to him, but he would have liked to get away from Lucid Manor and go somewhere anyway. “Well, beggars can't be choosers, but yeah, Bahamas vacation does sound much better. You might want to make the hiding spots a bit more difficult though. Plane tickets aren't cheap.” he considered it for a moment before adding, “you know, maybe we should just skip the scavenger hunt and we should all go. Leave the patients to their own devices for a little while.” That would probably be the worst idea anyone had ever come up with. All of the patients would probably wind up dead. “Nevermind, bad idea.”

He had only been here a week, and he did feel bad for already wanting to leave. That being said, it was probably the only way to hold on to his own sanity. Even spending just a week somewhere like Lucid Manor could drive someone up the wall and that was not a place he wanted to go. “Well, I suppose I could stop for tea. I mean, tea is good. I would prefer a french vanilla cappuccino, though, if that's also an option.” He could actually go for a cappuccino right now, but he'd have to wait until his shift was over before he got the chance. Then again, if he was going to wait until after his shift was over anyway, he could get a real drink, something with a bit more to it than just a cappuccino.

Jocelyn. The name sounded familiar, like he had heard it in passing. He didn't remember where or when, but he had at least heard of the other woman. “Do you mind if I call you Jocelyn?” he asked, knowing that some staff members at Lucid Manor preferred more of a formal atmosphere. That was true everywhere, really, and he had quickly learned to ask whether the other person minded if he called them by their first name, rather than just assuming they wouldn't mind.

“The manor is... well, let's put it this way, I've only been here a week and I'm ready for a vacation.” He laughed before adding, “Actually, yeah, that pretty much sums the past week up.” He had known coming into this job that there was no real orientation for new staff members at mental institutes. You jumped right into it and if you couldn't handle that you didn't last long.

“What about you? How long have you been here? You seem just as eager for a vacation as I am, this isn't just the most fun place you've ever been in your life?” There was perhaps a bit too much sarcasm in his voice, but he didn't make an attempt to cover it up. Anyone who thought working at a mental institute was good fun probably belonged in one, but not as a staff member.

[Dr. Jocelyn Sentino]

Jocelyn laughed, shaking her head slightly as she observed this new doctor. He was a silly one... and for now, with majority of his sanity still in tackt. That is for this short while. And already in such a need of vacation? This place must be hitting him hard! Though... it happened at times. Some got a good welcome and a relatively smooth ride, and some had it bumpy... and it never seemed to get better untill they left this place. But even then, from the conversations she had, this place never seems to really let anyone go. At least not willingly.

As tempting as the idea of walking out is, you right.. it would be terrible! I mean... who'd keep the flowers in the garden all neat and pretty? And the sidewalks? Oh, those would simply be trashed.. and they aer so nice..." Jocelyn smiled, shakign her head. "Now, we can't possibly let the garden be destroyed, now can we?" In fact, she did like the garden.. it was always so nice and peaceful. Quite beautiful too. She especially liked flowers. Alas, in real life, that is outside of this fascillity, she couldn't grow a cactus to save her life! And those were supposed to be teh easiest to take care of!

"Er... sure, I don't mind. How ever, I swear, they have got to instull a full on coffee bar in here! Not just some coffee machine... A nice latte or a cappuchino in the middle of a day would be a nice little break between patients. The woman agreed. There was no argument there. hell, she was sure that if they were to throw an unanamous poll about 99% of votes would be for it!

You would not belive me if I told you. But, I've been in this oh, so wonderfull fascility for two and a half years. And I must say, they are the best years of my life!Jocelyn picked up on the sarcasm. This place... it was at times enough to drive her crazy. Miricle she survived her this long. Mostly normal.... Granted one can hardly call anyone here normal, as you must be compleately insane. Especialy to stay after being here for more then a day, if you are not the patient.

[logan]

“Yeah, the flowers were what I was worried about, too. I mean, clearly the patients aren't the concern here. Who would weed the flower beds and sweep the sidewalks?” he chuckled. Jocelyn was fun, more fun than most of the other staff members he had spent long periods of time interacting with. Logan settled back further into his chair, ready to hang out with Jocelyn for a while. He had been told to relax and not worry too much about working with the patients until his cheek felt better. He had only planned on disappearing for a few moments, but now he wanted to hang out with Jocelyn until one of them had to be somewhere else.

The idea of a coffee bar was genius. “It might help the staff members keep their sanity. As long as the patients didn't get hold of the coffee. That would be bad. The last thing we need is a bunch of hyperactive patients attempting to beat us all up in their caffeine induced high. That's how this happened, by the way,” he gestured to the lump on his cheek, moving aside the ice pack to reveal the bruise already forming beneath it, “I sort of underestimated a patient.” he didn't mention he had underestimated her because she seemed like nothing more than a little girl. Best not to risk any sort of sexist comment. Some women got very offended by them.

“Two and a half years? Does it get any easier? Any less insanity-inducing?” Logan already felt like he knew the answer to that from his experiences with his last job, but perhaps Lucid Manor was different. “I mean, have you gotten used to the patients here?” He picked up on the sarcasm in her voice, but didn't comment on it simply because he wasn't sure what to say. On the one hand, he would have liked to make a joke in response, however, he also felt like there was something good about being at Lucid Manor. At least they got to help people, it wasn't like their job was completely miserable. And sometimes the patients helped them too, which sounded ridiculous, that an insane homocidal/suicidal/deranged/etc. person could really help anyone who happened to be sane, but he had seen it first hand with Gabrielle.

Notes: no offense to David, the other staff member he's talked to! He's fun, too! XD.

[Dr. Jocelyn Sentino]

Oh my... patients getting ahold of the coffee machine... I think I'd fear the day! The day the patients grow hyperactive...adn the doctors loose the remains of their sanity! then again... maybe it would be fun.... get to relax... kick back.. and just enjoy the pretty flowers and the nicely swept sidewalks... Jocelyn joked in a bright tone, with only a hint of a dreamy and drammatic note to it. A dreammy smile upon her lips as she looked up to the scilling, just as if she were imagining being admitted here, being looked after.... But with a chuckle, she shook her head.

Alas, it is, perhaps quite impossible.... Oof.. .that looks bad... Did you get in a fight with a patient who thought he was a boxer? If you did, that is one swicked uppercot!" Jocelyn teased. Sure, perhaps it was not the smartest idea to tease a man about his little defeats, but, Jocelyn felt that this one could take those little teases with a smile, and tease right back. At least it seemed right. And if not right, at least plausible in any case. I want some coffee now.... damn.... Jocelyn mumbled, with a small playfull frown, before shaking it off.

"To be brutally honest? It doesnt' get better. The patients come and go... a bit of their insanity seems to rub off on you. You know, here and there... bit of schitzophrenia here... some nurololgical disorder there... get ordered around by the Napoleon, and blessed by the angels, and you have nothing to fear. Jocelyn laughed. It was bad to laugh. It was probably, horrible to laugh, but after all, one could only do so much. Time passes, and people end up giving up on many things. After all, a person can only take so much to heart, before the heart would start refusing certain aspects. And as for jokes? If one was with out a sence of humor, then one would at all costs perish. Quickly.

Shame really... that a person can become rather cold on the inside, while smilling quite lively on the outside. Such a depressing fact, but alas a true one. True, there are still feelings, still emotions... but they are always temporarely muted, when one steps trhough teh doors of the place. That is the only way to survive. pass thorugh day after day. And hope no one kills you.

(hehe, it's ok.. I understand. ^-^)