A week from today we Americans are heading out to the polls to vote for the next President of the United States. No matter what your political persuasion, I hope you go out and cast your vote. I am going bright and early next Tuesday because I have to then get in the car and drive to Boston so I can go to work Tuesday night. I have thought about voting early since Vermont does provide this service, however, there is something special about voting on Election Day.
Please go vote and make your voice heard!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sunday, October 05, 2008
As economy sags, so do faces ... and breasts
Sometimes you read things that make you go "huh?" or "wtf?" The title of this post is certainly that. It is the title of an article on MSNBC.com, here is the link.
I guess that with the economy being so bad, women can't go for face lifts or boob jobs.
I guess that with the economy being so bad, women can't go for face lifts or boob jobs.
Authors
I have read books from a couple of "new" authors recently. One is a new author in the past couple of years. The other is just new to me.
Stephenie Meyer, the author of "Twilight" and its sequels. It is definitely part of the young adult genre, except maybe the last book, and it is definitely easy reading. One of my Facebook friends called it brain candy, and maybe it is, but I REALLY enjoyed reading all four of the books.
Jodi Picoult, is the author of many books, all of which (from what I understand) are set in New England. I am in the process of reading my first Jodi Picoult novel and I am really enjoying it. It is interesting because it is set here in the Upper Valley (the region of Vermont and New Hampshire that I live in.) I was also interested to read that she lives just across the river from me in New Hampshire. I do hope I enjoy the last 1/3 of the book as well as I have the first 2/3 of the book.
Of course, my favorite authors JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, and Anne Perry are still my favorites, but I am always looking for someone new to add to the list.
Stephenie Meyer, the author of "Twilight" and its sequels. It is definitely part of the young adult genre, except maybe the last book, and it is definitely easy reading. One of my Facebook friends called it brain candy, and maybe it is, but I REALLY enjoyed reading all four of the books.
Jodi Picoult, is the author of many books, all of which (from what I understand) are set in New England. I am in the process of reading my first Jodi Picoult novel and I am really enjoying it. It is interesting because it is set here in the Upper Valley (the region of Vermont and New Hampshire that I live in.) I was also interested to read that she lives just across the river from me in New Hampshire. I do hope I enjoy the last 1/3 of the book as well as I have the first 2/3 of the book.
Of course, my favorite authors JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, and Anne Perry are still my favorites, but I am always looking for someone new to add to the list.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Sunday Scribblings ~ Somewhere
This week's prompt is "somewhere."
I automatically think of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz. I love this movie, I have loved it since I was a little girl. My children have seen it once or twice, maybe this weekend I will put it in again for them. Here is Judy Garland singing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow."
I automatically think of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz. I love this movie, I have loved it since I was a little girl. My children have seen it once or twice, maybe this weekend I will put it in again for them. Here is Judy Garland singing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow."
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Unspectacular Quirks
Okay, I am going to respond to the tag, but I am not going to tag anyone else. I will have to explain that further for quirk one.
1. Most of the blogs I read are written by people I don't know. I have generally stumbled across them by accident. Such as, reading a comment they left on another blog and following them to their own blog. I follow about six such blogs by following one to the other. It is interesting. However, it means it would be weird for me to tag the folks because they don't even know who I am or that I read their blogs!
2. I am a neat freak...at work. I hate my work area to be junked up. My biggest pet peeve is when another nurse leave medication wrappers on the counter instead of throwing them away. I end up cleaning up after them as well as myself. The biggest irony to the quirk is that I am NOT that way at home. I cleaned my desk off the other day and can actually see it for the first time in about a month (or more!)
3. I don't like dealing with strangers on the phone. If a number shows up on my caller ID as unknown or I don't recognize the name/number, I won't answer the phone. That is why I have voice mail. If they really want to speak to me, they can leave me a message and I will return their call. I am more comfortable having a phone conversation with someone if I know who you are and why you are calling.
4. I am an amazing grocery shopper (just ask my husband!) Between coupons and sales, I can get a huge amount of groceries for a relatively small amount of money (which is good with a large family.) My hubby used to be blown away when he would see what I would bring home, he would ask me what I spent (fearing I had gone way overboard) and I when I would tell him, he couldn't get over how I got so much for so little.
5. I am terrified of snakes. Not slightly scared, but deathly afraid. I can't even go into the snake house at the zoo, I can't see them on television, or even see pretend rubber snakes (can you say, hyperventilating anxiety attack?) I have only had to take care of one patient with a bite (a ten year old boy) and I had to go into his room every hour to take measurements on his leg. Seeing the area where the fang marks were scared the crap out of me. I have managed to avoid caring for anyone with a bite since then, thankfully venomous snakes are very uncommon in Vermont.
6. Recipes are good things. I like recipes. I follow them to the letter. No experimentation at all. Ever. Of course, every rule has an exception and mine is my spaghetti sauce! I make the most amazing spaghetti sauce (and that is other people's opinions, not just my own.) But, again, recipes are good things and they should be followed exactly (except for spaghetti sauce.)
Okay, so I am not going to tag six people, but if anyone reading this would like to do it, leave me a comment and I will come read yours.
1. Most of the blogs I read are written by people I don't know. I have generally stumbled across them by accident. Such as, reading a comment they left on another blog and following them to their own blog. I follow about six such blogs by following one to the other. It is interesting. However, it means it would be weird for me to tag the folks because they don't even know who I am or that I read their blogs!
2. I am a neat freak...at work. I hate my work area to be junked up. My biggest pet peeve is when another nurse leave medication wrappers on the counter instead of throwing them away. I end up cleaning up after them as well as myself. The biggest irony to the quirk is that I am NOT that way at home. I cleaned my desk off the other day and can actually see it for the first time in about a month (or more!)
3. I don't like dealing with strangers on the phone. If a number shows up on my caller ID as unknown or I don't recognize the name/number, I won't answer the phone. That is why I have voice mail. If they really want to speak to me, they can leave me a message and I will return their call. I am more comfortable having a phone conversation with someone if I know who you are and why you are calling.
4. I am an amazing grocery shopper (just ask my husband!) Between coupons and sales, I can get a huge amount of groceries for a relatively small amount of money (which is good with a large family.) My hubby used to be blown away when he would see what I would bring home, he would ask me what I spent (fearing I had gone way overboard) and I when I would tell him, he couldn't get over how I got so much for so little.
5. I am terrified of snakes. Not slightly scared, but deathly afraid. I can't even go into the snake house at the zoo, I can't see them on television, or even see pretend rubber snakes (can you say, hyperventilating anxiety attack?) I have only had to take care of one patient with a bite (a ten year old boy) and I had to go into his room every hour to take measurements on his leg. Seeing the area where the fang marks were scared the crap out of me. I have managed to avoid caring for anyone with a bite since then, thankfully venomous snakes are very uncommon in Vermont.
6. Recipes are good things. I like recipes. I follow them to the letter. No experimentation at all. Ever. Of course, every rule has an exception and mine is my spaghetti sauce! I make the most amazing spaghetti sauce (and that is other people's opinions, not just my own.) But, again, recipes are good things and they should be followed exactly (except for spaghetti sauce.)
Okay, so I am not going to tag six people, but if anyone reading this would like to do it, leave me a comment and I will come read yours.
Job Hunting and School Starting
Job hunting is STRESSFUL! Especially when I am job hunting because I am not happy in my current position. I like most of my co-workers, which is nice, but I am not thrilled about the job in general. I am not going to rant here about all of the issues I have with my job, because I have been through them enough as it is.
Now, job hunting....I have applied for about six or seven positions at the hospital where I currently work. I have heard back about two of them and am in the process of interviewing or setting up interviews. The others? I can't imagine how it can be three weeks with no word at all. If they aren't interested, then let me know. But just leaving it hanging is not very professional, which makes me really think I may not want to work in those areas anyway.
I have also put in an application at another facility. While I am not very impressed with their human resources department (or at least the individual I was dealing with,) I really enjoyed my brief conversation with the hiring manager. I spoke with him to set up the interview and he seemed very nice and very pleasant. This is good. Of course, the interview will hopefully tell me more, but my first impression of the manager was very good.
On to school starting. I am very ready for the kids to be back in school, they are going stir crazy. Drew says he isnt' ready to go back, but I really don't think he is being honest with himself. I think he is more worried about being a junior in high school, it is getting time for him to figure out his future and that is scary.
Sam is going into first grade. The first day of school is probably going to be very stressful for him. He doesn't deal well with change and has a hard time making the adjustments. However, the second day of school will be so much fun for him as he will know who is in his class and he will have some idea of what to expect from his teacher.
Olivia is so excited about starting kindergarten that she is about to jump out of her skin! She was in pre-K for three days a week once we moved to Vermont last year and she LOVED it. She was so much in her element in school. She is so giddy about school starting that she makes me laugh. We are now counting down the days until next Wednesday.
Well, the kids are in bed and all is quiet, I think I am going to enjoy the lack of noise :o)
Now, job hunting....I have applied for about six or seven positions at the hospital where I currently work. I have heard back about two of them and am in the process of interviewing or setting up interviews. The others? I can't imagine how it can be three weeks with no word at all. If they aren't interested, then let me know. But just leaving it hanging is not very professional, which makes me really think I may not want to work in those areas anyway.
I have also put in an application at another facility. While I am not very impressed with their human resources department (or at least the individual I was dealing with,) I really enjoyed my brief conversation with the hiring manager. I spoke with him to set up the interview and he seemed very nice and very pleasant. This is good. Of course, the interview will hopefully tell me more, but my first impression of the manager was very good.
On to school starting. I am very ready for the kids to be back in school, they are going stir crazy. Drew says he isnt' ready to go back, but I really don't think he is being honest with himself. I think he is more worried about being a junior in high school, it is getting time for him to figure out his future and that is scary.
Sam is going into first grade. The first day of school is probably going to be very stressful for him. He doesn't deal well with change and has a hard time making the adjustments. However, the second day of school will be so much fun for him as he will know who is in his class and he will have some idea of what to expect from his teacher.
Olivia is so excited about starting kindergarten that she is about to jump out of her skin! She was in pre-K for three days a week once we moved to Vermont last year and she LOVED it. She was so much in her element in school. She is so giddy about school starting that she makes me laugh. We are now counting down the days until next Wednesday.
Well, the kids are in bed and all is quiet, I think I am going to enjoy the lack of noise :o)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Harry Potter and Bon Jovi
Yes, I know that Harry Potter and Bon Jovi have NOTHING to do with each other, well except for the fact that I love them both!!!!!!
Olivia and I went to Boston yesterday and saw Bon Jovi. The concert was amazing! They put on a great show and I am so excited that I FINALLY got to see them after wanting to for over 20 years! Just don't tell anyone how much I was drooling everytime Richie showed up on the jumbotron. Thankfully my hubby knows how much of a crush I have on Richie Sambora and is cool with it (of course, I know who his celebrity crushes are also.)
Now, Harry Potter, how does this fit in? I took my iPod with us on the drive and I have multiple episodes of PotterCast on my iPod. When I discovered PotterCast after JK Rowling gave her interview, I downloaded every episode available on iTunes and started listening from the "beginning" (beginning is in quotes since I started listening to the earliest available on iTunes.) I am almost caught up to present. I love Melissa, Sue, John, and Frak...they are great!
These days I can be found online most often at the Leaky Lounge, which is the discussion board area of The Leaky Cauldron. I love having people to discuss Harry Potter with, most of it is intelligent discussion and it makes me think.
Harry Potter and Bon Jovi, my great escapes. LOL!!! Even my little kids love both Harry Potter and Bon Jovi. Olivia went with me to see the concert. These days the kids are going to sleep listening to the HP audio cd's. They are just starting book 3!
Olivia and I went to Boston yesterday and saw Bon Jovi. The concert was amazing! They put on a great show and I am so excited that I FINALLY got to see them after wanting to for over 20 years! Just don't tell anyone how much I was drooling everytime Richie showed up on the jumbotron. Thankfully my hubby knows how much of a crush I have on Richie Sambora and is cool with it (of course, I know who his celebrity crushes are also.)
Now, Harry Potter, how does this fit in? I took my iPod with us on the drive and I have multiple episodes of PotterCast on my iPod. When I discovered PotterCast after JK Rowling gave her interview, I downloaded every episode available on iTunes and started listening from the "beginning" (beginning is in quotes since I started listening to the earliest available on iTunes.) I am almost caught up to present. I love Melissa, Sue, John, and Frak...they are great!
These days I can be found online most often at the Leaky Lounge, which is the discussion board area of The Leaky Cauldron. I love having people to discuss Harry Potter with, most of it is intelligent discussion and it makes me think.
Harry Potter and Bon Jovi, my great escapes. LOL!!! Even my little kids love both Harry Potter and Bon Jovi. Olivia went with me to see the concert. These days the kids are going to sleep listening to the HP audio cd's. They are just starting book 3!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Birthday to Sam
My baby boy, Sam, is six years old today. He was born Saturday, June 15, 2002. Thomas always said he was the best Father's Day present in the world. Sam celebrated his first birthday on Father's Day and now he is celebrating his sixth birthday on Father's Day.
It is amazing to me that it has been six years since I had him, sometimes it really does seem like it was just yesterday (of course, the c-section pain is gone, so that should be an indication that it wasn't yesterday, but you know what I mean!!!)
This picture is the earliest I have of him on my compter, he was about three months old. We got our first digital camera at this time, all the pics before that are real, live, developed pictures :o)
This picture was taken about a month ago. Yes, we were still wearing long pants and long sleeves in May. Sam wanted to wear a tie with his pink button down shirt, he decided he wanted to dress up for school. He and Thomas went through Thomas' ties and he about had fits when he found the Mickey tie he is wearing. Sam loves Mickey more than almost anything. His cake is a Mickey cake, I can't wait to see his reaction after I go pick it up from the store :o)
Happy Birthday to my wonderful little boy.
It is amazing to me that it has been six years since I had him, sometimes it really does seem like it was just yesterday (of course, the c-section pain is gone, so that should be an indication that it wasn't yesterday, but you know what I mean!!!)
This picture is the earliest I have of him on my compter, he was about three months old. We got our first digital camera at this time, all the pics before that are real, live, developed pictures :o)
This picture was taken about a month ago. Yes, we were still wearing long pants and long sleeves in May. Sam wanted to wear a tie with his pink button down shirt, he decided he wanted to dress up for school. He and Thomas went through Thomas' ties and he about had fits when he found the Mickey tie he is wearing. Sam loves Mickey more than almost anything. His cake is a Mickey cake, I can't wait to see his reaction after I go pick it up from the store :o)
Happy Birthday to my wonderful little boy.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Update
I have been slow to update my blog, sorry about that.
My cousin went into surgery last week and when the surgeon went in to remove the tumor, it turns out it wasn't a tumor. He found a large pus pocket in her brain. Very large from the descriptions I have received. It is a streptococcus infection that was originally an ear infection that spread. She went home with a PICC line (a long term IV) and she will be on high dose IV antibiotics for at least six weeks. She is also going to be receiving physical therapy to help overcome some of the disabilities caused by the pressure of the "tumor" in her brain.
It is awesome that everything worked out so well. When she went to surgery, my uncle had been told to say his good-byes because they weren't sure she would make it through. We are all very grateful to the happy ending.
My cousin went into surgery last week and when the surgeon went in to remove the tumor, it turns out it wasn't a tumor. He found a large pus pocket in her brain. Very large from the descriptions I have received. It is a streptococcus infection that was originally an ear infection that spread. She went home with a PICC line (a long term IV) and she will be on high dose IV antibiotics for at least six weeks. She is also going to be receiving physical therapy to help overcome some of the disabilities caused by the pressure of the "tumor" in her brain.
It is awesome that everything worked out so well. When she went to surgery, my uncle had been told to say his good-byes because they weren't sure she would make it through. We are all very grateful to the happy ending.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sad News
My cousin, Lauren, who is 26, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor today. She is going to surgery tomorrow to have it removed (or as much as possible.) She will then need chemo and radiation. Please keep her, and her family, in your prayers, as well as the surgeon who will be operating on her. My uncle is not handling this very well according to my mom. He has remarried and has two little boys aged 5 and 4. Lauren is single, but has a wonderful boyfriend who has been with her through all of this.
I think I am rambling now, but just please keep everyone in your prayers.
I think I am rambling now, but just please keep everyone in your prayers.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Jimmy Kimmel/Ben Affleck
Jimmy's response to Sarah's video. LOL!!! PLEASE don't let your kids watch. My four year old walked by as this was playing and said she liked this song and asked if I could make her a CD (of course, the answer was no!!!) LOL! Again, if you are easily offended, please don't watch!!!!!!
Sarah Silverman/Matt Damon
OMG! This is so funny. Of course, please don't watch it in front of your children, it really isn't appropriate. Of course, it is a catchy tune, so please don't sing "I'm F*cking Matt Damon" in front of them either...LOL! Also, if you are easily offended, please don't watch.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
McCain and Obama!
Wow! If the nominations go the way things are leaning now, I am actually looking forward to a Presidential race.
I have liked John McCain for a long time now. I have also developed a huge amount of respect for Barack Obama. For the first time, I feel the two major parties may actually nominate someone interesting.
The Bush/Gore baloney was an embarrassment. Bush/Kerry was just more of the same old, same old. McCain/Obama has the potential to be something different than the usual politics.
I dated someone for a while who was very involved in politics. He was a member of the North Carolina Young Republicans and dating him helped me develop more of an interest in politics. He was MUCH more conservative than me, but that was okay, we had great conversations.
I have been a registered Democrat, a registered Republican, and I have been registered as Independent. In Georgia, we didn't need to register with party affiliation, which was great, I much prefer that. I am not sure yet about the process here in Vermont, I am going to register when I get my driver's license changed. I just hope I don't have to claim party affiliation...the reason being, I can vote either way depending on who is running.
I am very opposed to the party system and party affiliations. I could never identify myself as a Republican without cringing when the image of George Bush or Dick Cheney entered my mind. At the same time, I could never identify myself as a Democrat without cringing when the image of Hilary Clinton or Barbara Boxer entered my mind.
My politics vascilate back and forth between moderate to conservative and moderate to liberal. I definitely don't fit any "definitions." I am against abortion, for the death penalty (sometimes), for gay marriage, and am lenient on my views of immigration. I think the war in Iraq is wrong and the president lied to us. I think we should be more worried about our own economy, housing issues, credit concerns, etc. I am so split down the middle, that the only way I could find a candidate who represented MY views would be if I were to run for public office...which I am not EVER going to do.
I have never, and probably will never, vote straight down any party line. I always know who the candidates are (even for small positions like sheriffs or other local offices) and I research those running. I do my best to learn as much as I can through research and vote my conscience, whether that be Democrat, Republican, or Third Party.
Okay, now that I have offended ALL of my friends (on both sides of the aisle,) I am going to shut up and watch the political landscape over the next few months. I have NO idea who I want to vote for in the upcoming election, but I do know that I am glad that the individuals that I would NEVER vote for have either dropped out of the race or will not get the nomination. Now, lets do something about Hilary and make sure she is out of the running!
I have liked John McCain for a long time now. I have also developed a huge amount of respect for Barack Obama. For the first time, I feel the two major parties may actually nominate someone interesting.
The Bush/Gore baloney was an embarrassment. Bush/Kerry was just more of the same old, same old. McCain/Obama has the potential to be something different than the usual politics.
I dated someone for a while who was very involved in politics. He was a member of the North Carolina Young Republicans and dating him helped me develop more of an interest in politics. He was MUCH more conservative than me, but that was okay, we had great conversations.
I have been a registered Democrat, a registered Republican, and I have been registered as Independent. In Georgia, we didn't need to register with party affiliation, which was great, I much prefer that. I am not sure yet about the process here in Vermont, I am going to register when I get my driver's license changed. I just hope I don't have to claim party affiliation...the reason being, I can vote either way depending on who is running.
I am very opposed to the party system and party affiliations. I could never identify myself as a Republican without cringing when the image of George Bush or Dick Cheney entered my mind. At the same time, I could never identify myself as a Democrat without cringing when the image of Hilary Clinton or Barbara Boxer entered my mind.
My politics vascilate back and forth between moderate to conservative and moderate to liberal. I definitely don't fit any "definitions." I am against abortion, for the death penalty (sometimes), for gay marriage, and am lenient on my views of immigration. I think the war in Iraq is wrong and the president lied to us. I think we should be more worried about our own economy, housing issues, credit concerns, etc. I am so split down the middle, that the only way I could find a candidate who represented MY views would be if I were to run for public office...which I am not EVER going to do.
I have never, and probably will never, vote straight down any party line. I always know who the candidates are (even for small positions like sheriffs or other local offices) and I research those running. I do my best to learn as much as I can through research and vote my conscience, whether that be Democrat, Republican, or Third Party.
Okay, now that I have offended ALL of my friends (on both sides of the aisle,) I am going to shut up and watch the political landscape over the next few months. I have NO idea who I want to vote for in the upcoming election, but I do know that I am glad that the individuals that I would NEVER vote for have either dropped out of the race or will not get the nomination. Now, lets do something about Hilary and make sure she is out of the running!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Vermont
Well, we made it to Vermont safe and sound. I love it here. I love the snow, the area, everything. After spending most of my life in the south, I am very surprised to find people here more friendly and gracious and hospitable than any I have met anywhere. Mountain View, CA, is a VERY close second though. I don't know if it is that we live in a small town, or if the people are just that much nicer, but I definitely appreciate it, especially after the minor catastrophe yesterday that could have been a MAJOR catastrophe, and would have been back at Sam's old school. Drew has found the high school to be a great change from South Cobb in Austell. He also says there are a lot of cute girls (well, he is almost sixteen, so this would be a priority.) Sam is getting settled into his kindergarten class and adjusting well to the half-day routine as opposed to the all day kindergarten he has been used to. One OUTSTANDING thing is that Pre-K is in the public schools in our district AND they had room for a new student. Olivia had her first day of school yesterday and loves it! Pre-K is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for a half day. She is in afternoon Pre-K and Sam is in afternoon kindergarten, so it works out great.
Snow has been the name of the game since we got here though. Last Wednesday schools were delayed by two hours. This Wednesday (today) schools are canceled completely. Every school district in the area, both on the Vermont side and the New Hampshire side are closed. We have had a huge amount of snow overnight and it is still snowing pretty heavily. There is some expectation of ice accumulation as well today, so I am glad we have nowhere to go at all. I am SO glad that I was able to take care of my errand to the capitol of New Hampshire was able to be completed yesterday afternoon. My only frustration is how long it is taking to obtain my NH nursing license. I hope that my errand to Concord yesterday corrects everything and I am licensed in relatively short order.
We live in beautiful condos. This is a resort area and many of the homes are second homes. Our condo is 2300 sq. ft. so it is very nice sized. There are three buildings adjacent to our parking lot and each building has four condos in it, all with separate outside entrances. The picture to the left gives an idea of the outside. None of the other 11 units around us are occupied full time. Most folks come up on weekends for skiing (or golfing in the summer.) It is interesting (strange) to be the only full time residents. Of course, some of the other condos/homes in other sections are full time homes, but it is very strange having no immediate neighbors. On the weekend the parking lot is full of CT and MA cars (in addition to our Georgia cars, of course.) The downtown area is about two blocks in length and the post office appears to be the hopping spot. Of course, that could be because there is no mail delivery and everyone has to go to the post office to pick up their mail from their p.o. box. That is a very strange phenomenon to me.
Oh well, I have rambled a lot now, I should probably be doing something else. I hope everyone is well!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Saying Goodbye
I am 34 years old and I am too young to say goodbye to my friends, my generation. I am too young to die, so are my friends. Way too young. However, age doesn't always matter. Cancer doesn't care how old you are. Neither does any of the many things that can take our life.
You might be wondering why I am struggling with this. I am a nurse in a Pediatric ICU, I see death in children all too often. I have lost some patients that I have come to care about. Little Miss LPD, Mr FQ, and Mr YJ, all have become angels, all I have cared about so much. Do I think it is fair? Not a chance, the oldest of the three mentioned above was two, all were much too young to die. However, I saw them all struggle and fight. I was there for their battles. I was there for one of their final moments as he was held in his mother's loving arms. I have hugged so many grieving family members and it never becomes any easier.
However, on my way home from work this morning, after spending the night caring for a little boy who may not live much longer, everything was challenged. I found out that one of my peers, a beautiful young woman who was 36 years old, has died after a battle with breast cancer. Suzie was a couple of years older than me, and I adored her when I was a kid. She was the most beautiful girl in the world. She had blonde hair, blue eyes, and looked like a model.
As I grew up, she became a source of great strength to me. She had her son Zach around the time I got pregnant with my son Drew. Zach was born in September (I believe) and Drew was born in February. I was alone, Drew's father left, and at that time, Suzie was a single mother. She lived at home with her parents after Zach's birth and she was such a great friend to me during the time I was pregnant, and scared.
As it happens, so often in this life, she moved on and so did I. She married Zach's father and moved away. I moved away, became a nurse, and got married. My mom would keep me updated on Suzie and her family whenever she heard news. Last spring, Suzie's father died after a massive heart attack. Don Varela was a wonderful man and it hurt so bad when he died. However, he was in his sixties, and sometimes people in their sixties die, even though sixty is still young in my book (the older I get, the further away old gets.)
However, fate is sometimes cruel. Suzie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer???? What? I know. I really do. I am a nurse, I used to work with adults. I worked on plastic surgery units where I would take care of MANY women after reconstruction post-mastectomy. My grandmother lost both of her breasts, one in the 1980's and one in the 1990's. I know that cancer doesn't care who you are, how beautiful you are, or how old you are. Breast cancer is deeply devastating to women and their families.
I don't know how to say goodbye. I can't even wrap my brain around that fact that Suzie Varela is dead. I haven't seen or spoken to her in a dozen years, but I can't even imagine that she is not a part of this world anymore. I can't say goodbye, I don't know how to. Maybe someday.
You might be wondering why I am struggling with this. I am a nurse in a Pediatric ICU, I see death in children all too often. I have lost some patients that I have come to care about. Little Miss LPD, Mr FQ, and Mr YJ, all have become angels, all I have cared about so much. Do I think it is fair? Not a chance, the oldest of the three mentioned above was two, all were much too young to die. However, I saw them all struggle and fight. I was there for their battles. I was there for one of their final moments as he was held in his mother's loving arms. I have hugged so many grieving family members and it never becomes any easier.
However, on my way home from work this morning, after spending the night caring for a little boy who may not live much longer, everything was challenged. I found out that one of my peers, a beautiful young woman who was 36 years old, has died after a battle with breast cancer. Suzie was a couple of years older than me, and I adored her when I was a kid. She was the most beautiful girl in the world. She had blonde hair, blue eyes, and looked like a model.
As I grew up, she became a source of great strength to me. She had her son Zach around the time I got pregnant with my son Drew. Zach was born in September (I believe) and Drew was born in February. I was alone, Drew's father left, and at that time, Suzie was a single mother. She lived at home with her parents after Zach's birth and she was such a great friend to me during the time I was pregnant, and scared.
As it happens, so often in this life, she moved on and so did I. She married Zach's father and moved away. I moved away, became a nurse, and got married. My mom would keep me updated on Suzie and her family whenever she heard news. Last spring, Suzie's father died after a massive heart attack. Don Varela was a wonderful man and it hurt so bad when he died. However, he was in his sixties, and sometimes people in their sixties die, even though sixty is still young in my book (the older I get, the further away old gets.)
However, fate is sometimes cruel. Suzie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer???? What? I know. I really do. I am a nurse, I used to work with adults. I worked on plastic surgery units where I would take care of MANY women after reconstruction post-mastectomy. My grandmother lost both of her breasts, one in the 1980's and one in the 1990's. I know that cancer doesn't care who you are, how beautiful you are, or how old you are. Breast cancer is deeply devastating to women and their families.
I don't know how to say goodbye. I can't even wrap my brain around that fact that Suzie Varela is dead. I haven't seen or spoken to her in a dozen years, but I can't even imagine that she is not a part of this world anymore. I can't say goodbye, I don't know how to. Maybe someday.
Friday, November 09, 2007
BON JOVI CONCERT!!!!!!!!!!!
I just got my tickets for the Bon Jovi concert here in Atlanta. The show isn't until April and the tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow, but I got a password for one of the pre-sales and got my tickets this morning. Olivia and I will be going to Bon Jovi!!!
We are on the floor, not right up front, those tickets were too pricey and weren't available for the pre-sale anyway. I got the tickets from the second price level, which is still more than I wanted to pay, but the tickets from the third price level weren't what I wanted. I kept trying to pick new seats from Ticketmaster, but none of the options they gave me were what I wanted. So, I went up to the second price level....and damn, I got some good seats!
Thomas is going to pay for my ticket as part of my Christmas gift and Olivia's ticket is going to be part of her Christmas gift from me and Thomas!
I am so freaking excited!!!!!!!!!
Did I ever mention that I love Richie Sambora? I have? Well, maybe once or twice...LOL! Olivia loves Jon Bon Jovi, so we will be a good pair.
Oh, speaking of Olivia, she has decided that "One Wild Night" is her favorite song now. Her favorite song changes often, generally between Bon Jovi songs and Avril Lavigne songs, but "One Wild Night" is just not the most, well, appropriate song for a four year old to have as her favorite. Oh well, it will probably change in a few weeks. Her last favorite song was "Bed of Roses," and I couldn't blame her on that, it is one of my most favorites too.
I have wanted to see them in concert since about 1987 and haven't managed it yet, so this is definitely going to be a first for me...hopefully well worth the 20 year wait (21 years by 4/30/08!)
We are on the floor, not right up front, those tickets were too pricey and weren't available for the pre-sale anyway. I got the tickets from the second price level, which is still more than I wanted to pay, but the tickets from the third price level weren't what I wanted. I kept trying to pick new seats from Ticketmaster, but none of the options they gave me were what I wanted. So, I went up to the second price level....and damn, I got some good seats!
Thomas is going to pay for my ticket as part of my Christmas gift and Olivia's ticket is going to be part of her Christmas gift from me and Thomas!
I am so freaking excited!!!!!!!!!
Did I ever mention that I love Richie Sambora? I have? Well, maybe once or twice...LOL! Olivia loves Jon Bon Jovi, so we will be a good pair.
Oh, speaking of Olivia, she has decided that "One Wild Night" is her favorite song now. Her favorite song changes often, generally between Bon Jovi songs and Avril Lavigne songs, but "One Wild Night" is just not the most, well, appropriate song for a four year old to have as her favorite. Oh well, it will probably change in a few weeks. Her last favorite song was "Bed of Roses," and I couldn't blame her on that, it is one of my most favorites too.
I have wanted to see them in concert since about 1987 and haven't managed it yet, so this is definitely going to be a first for me...hopefully well worth the 20 year wait (21 years by 4/30/08!)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
I AM SO F-ING MAD!!!!!!
Okay, so I just read an article on MSNBC.com that was talking about people LYING about religious beliefs in order to avoid immunizations for their children. As a nurse who works in a pediatric ICU, I have seen a number of children come in this year for pertussis. I even had to take prophylactic antibiotics because I was around this child for an extended period of time before s/he was diagnosed with pertussis!
I, personally, don't think there should be a religious exemption, or any other kind of exemption for immunizations except for medical exemptions. Medical exemptions are allowed only for children with medical conditions that would interact poorly with immunizations. YOUR beliefs could make MY child sick even though my child is immunized. IF you lie about RELIGIOUS BELIEFS and your child makes my child sick, I will sue you for the medical costs of caring for my child. Even children who have been immunized may get sick, even if not to the extent of the full blown disease.
YOUR RIGHTS MAY NOT IMPINGE ON MY RIGHTS!!! You may not choose to make decisions that may harm my children. You may not drink and drive, or you go to jail. If your children make my children sick, AND YOU LIED, I will pursue every criminal and civil court in the nation and you will pay for lying and your lie making my child sick!
These people who are LYING are evil, in my opinion. Their irrational (read: stupid) fears about vaccinations are the reason there are laws in place requiring vaccinations!
I, personally, don't think there should be a religious exemption, or any other kind of exemption for immunizations except for medical exemptions. Medical exemptions are allowed only for children with medical conditions that would interact poorly with immunizations. YOUR beliefs could make MY child sick even though my child is immunized. IF you lie about RELIGIOUS BELIEFS and your child makes my child sick, I will sue you for the medical costs of caring for my child. Even children who have been immunized may get sick, even if not to the extent of the full blown disease.
YOUR RIGHTS MAY NOT IMPINGE ON MY RIGHTS!!! You may not choose to make decisions that may harm my children. You may not drink and drive, or you go to jail. If your children make my children sick, AND YOU LIED, I will pursue every criminal and civil court in the nation and you will pay for lying and your lie making my child sick!
These people who are LYING are evil, in my opinion. Their irrational (read: stupid) fears about vaccinations are the reason there are laws in place requiring vaccinations!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Still Alive and Well
Life has been hectic. Since I last blogged, Sam has turned five and Olivia has turned four. The boys are back in school now, Sam is in kindergarten and Drew is in his sophomore year of high school. Let's see, I am at work right now for an overtime shift and I worked extra last Sunday night as well. We moved our unit to the new building the hospital just opened and we have been very busy getting used to everything. The biggest challenge is finding where things are, I think.
Thomas is working on an album, hopefully it will be finished soon :o) The girls are growing so fast, it is hard to imagine that Sofia is almost 2 now, time flies when you aren't paying attention.
Well, I should end here, hopefully it won't be five months before I blog again.
Thomas is working on an album, hopefully it will be finished soon :o) The girls are growing so fast, it is hard to imagine that Sofia is almost 2 now, time flies when you aren't paying attention.
Well, I should end here, hopefully it won't be five months before I blog again.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
So Busy
I haven't been on here in quite a while. Life has been busy.
We started using a new computer charting system at work, so I had been taking multiple classes to learn the system. I am one of the many "superusers" in the hospital. It means that we are helping everyone else with their charting and not taking care of patients ourselves. Finally I got to do patient care on Friday and Saturday nights this week, which was wonderful as that is why I became a nurse. It was also nice to actually use the computer charting system while there are superusers around to help me, but I have to admit that I really liked it and it was much easier than I thought...at least with two "easy" PICU patients. Easy is in quotes, because they are never "easy" but everything is relative.
My mom came to visit on Mother's Day and stayed until that Thursday, we went everywhere and had a blast.
On Tuesday of last week, we drove to Birmingham, AL, to visit a friend in the hospital. He has been in nine weeks now and is lucky to be alive. He spent over a month in ICU on the ventilator and continuous dialysis. He is still having dialysis three days a week and is going for a biopsy this week to determine if he will ever regain kidney function. Please keep him in your prayers (and his wife as well.) We left here after we dropped Sam off at school, drove straight to Birmingham, visited about 45 minutes and then had to come back so we could pick Sam up. It was definitely worth the long day though.
My other new "venture" is that I am now running a MySpace Baby Contest. I used to enter my beautiful babies/kids in this contest, as well as others, and had a blast doing so whether we won or not. It is just fun. However, the lady who ran the contest was not going to be able to do so anymore, so she gave me her MySpace contest page. This, in and of itself, takes a bunch of time, but it is so much fun. I have met so many moms on MySpace and it is great having folks online who share so many interests. I love MySpace, even prior to the contests. I have made friends all over the world and they are great. It is neat to interact with people all over the place.
Okay, I am sharing some wine with my hubby. I just wanted everyone to know that I have NOT fallen off the face of the earth. Have a great night.
We started using a new computer charting system at work, so I had been taking multiple classes to learn the system. I am one of the many "superusers" in the hospital. It means that we are helping everyone else with their charting and not taking care of patients ourselves. Finally I got to do patient care on Friday and Saturday nights this week, which was wonderful as that is why I became a nurse. It was also nice to actually use the computer charting system while there are superusers around to help me, but I have to admit that I really liked it and it was much easier than I thought...at least with two "easy" PICU patients. Easy is in quotes, because they are never "easy" but everything is relative.
My mom came to visit on Mother's Day and stayed until that Thursday, we went everywhere and had a blast.
On Tuesday of last week, we drove to Birmingham, AL, to visit a friend in the hospital. He has been in nine weeks now and is lucky to be alive. He spent over a month in ICU on the ventilator and continuous dialysis. He is still having dialysis three days a week and is going for a biopsy this week to determine if he will ever regain kidney function. Please keep him in your prayers (and his wife as well.) We left here after we dropped Sam off at school, drove straight to Birmingham, visited about 45 minutes and then had to come back so we could pick Sam up. It was definitely worth the long day though.
My other new "venture" is that I am now running a MySpace Baby Contest. I used to enter my beautiful babies/kids in this contest, as well as others, and had a blast doing so whether we won or not. It is just fun. However, the lady who ran the contest was not going to be able to do so anymore, so she gave me her MySpace contest page. This, in and of itself, takes a bunch of time, but it is so much fun. I have met so many moms on MySpace and it is great having folks online who share so many interests. I love MySpace, even prior to the contests. I have made friends all over the world and they are great. It is neat to interact with people all over the place.
Okay, I am sharing some wine with my hubby. I just wanted everyone to know that I have NOT fallen off the face of the earth. Have a great night.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Potter Puppet Pals in
This is hysterical. My friend Monique at work told me about this and, she was right, it is too funny!