Happy Canada Day!!!!

July 1st Canada Day!!! Yahoo.....here's to all my Canadian Bloggers....wishing you and your families a wonderful day!

Hubby and I are off to take in some of the festivities today....the clouds have rolled in. I am trying to be optimistic that the rain will hold off until the parade is over.

I've always enjoyed Canada Day. It holds a very special place in my heart for my family. Canada Day July 1st 1953 was the year my parents arrived in Canada. I have always been in awe at how my parents managed to do what they did. How does a family just up and leave everyone and everything they know and decide to immigrate to a new country? That is exactly what they did.
Finding steady employment in England was difficult at the time. My father did everything and anything to put food on the table. He wasn't afraid of hard work. My mom's brother was living and working in Vancouver at the time and convinced my mom that Vancouver was the place to be. So after discussion with my father they sold everything they had...packed up their personal belongings and boarded the ship with 5 children in tow and made the journey to a new country.

After a few days on the ship they made port in Montreal where there they made their way out west via a train. 5 days on the train. Can you imagine caring for 5 children one of them only 3 months old on a train for 5 days. The train made many stops. One such stop was in Winnipeg. There they were to meet a couple who would turn out to be their longest and dearest friends. To the children they became our Aunty and Uncle. The train eventually pulls into the train station in Vancouver. It was Canada Day July st 1953. A day that will always hold special for our family. A day of new beginnings.

I don't know how my parents found the strength to be optimistic with only $35 in my fathers pocket they struggled. Through the kindness of others they managed to find housing and eventually set up home. Although I am sure my parents thought their journey had come to an end. Little did they realize that their journey had only just begun.

Happy Canada Day to you all!

Saturday Photo Scavanger Hunt

This weeks theme is "Sweet" Now sweet can come in all shape, sizes and description, here are some things I find "Sweet"

A butterfly enjoying the sweet nectar from the flower

The joy of being with friends.....how "sweet" it is!!!

And then of course the delight one gets from a "Sweet" dessert.

For the "Sweet" tooth

Happy Hunting all!

Canada Day Weekend

This is a big weekend for Canadians. For most it is the beginning of the summer vacation. It's a time when vacationers pack up the car, truck or van, the kids and the dog... maybe not in that order and head on out to their vacation destination.

This was evident as I was driving to work last evening. The main highway was busy with holiday travellers. Motorhomes, trailers and the likes with the trusty drivers behind the wheel had taken to the roads, destination anywhere.

This weekend Canadians celebrate Canada Day. On July 1, 1867 Canada was established as a kingdom in its own right. Canada Day marks the creation of the Dominion of Canada through the British North America Act, uniting three British colonies—the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Canada. It is also recognized as a day off of work and is considered Canada's main holiday, if you are interested you can find out more about our Canadian holiday here.

Yes tomorrow most communities will have parades and celebrations and when the sun goes down there will be fireworks displays galour. I am thinking hubby and I are going to taken in some of these festivities, unfortunately they are not predicting very nice weather for the weekend, but I am sure we will make do.

I use to love to do things with my girls for Canada Day....we use to do all kinds of crafts....make flags....wind chimes.....window ornaments.....anyhow, I was searching the net and found this site for kids and crafts....for any of you parents out there that want to do an easy craft with your kids for Canada day here is a site that is loaded with fun stuff to do and things to make with your kids.

So I would like to wish all my Canadian Blogger friends A Happy Canada Day weekend from my computer to your computer!!!!

The life of others

What do you fear the most? For me I thought it would be to die from drowning. After my past two day shifts I think that has changed. I truly believe it is fire. The thought of being burnt brings all kinds of fearful thoughts to mind.

My past two day shifts I have nursed a patient who was the victim of a heinous crime. Her ex-boyfriend threw lighter fluid on her and set her on fire. I can't imagine, what that would have been like for her. To have someone that you trusted, someone who you cared for and thought cared for you, turned on you and to did something so cruel and unbelievably brutal.

The other morning when I came on shift I listened to report. They briefly outlined what happened but seemed to focus more on her behaviours than the care she required. My initial thought was....ok, I am up for a challenge. So I chose to nurse her. I really had no idea what I was in for. My morning started off rather hectic, and I wasn't able to really pay her much attention at first. She patiently waited only calling a couple of times. I explained what was going on and that I would be with her shortly.

Through report I was told that she had long history of drug and alcohol abuse, the circumstances to which she arrived at the hospital were very unusual. A bystander found her face down on the ground....picked her up and brought her to our ER. The driver advised the ER staff that while on route to the hospital she consumed a mickey of alcohol. I was told that her behaviour in ER was aggressive and abusive and required restraining.

What I was finding disturbing about all of this was that she was being labelled, as a problem patient with many psychosocial issues. Yes she had a past, yes she was intoxicated, yes she had mental issues, but she did not deserve to have what happened to her.

When I was able to spend time with her, I explained what I saw as the plan for the day. I told her that she could be assured that she would get her medications when she needed them and especially when it came time for the dressing changes.

When it did come time to change the dressings, I wasn't prepared for what I was going to see. Once I took down the old dressing and she was exposed I initially gasp inside....she wanted to see and requested a mirror....she looked, she cried...I cried inside along with her. I then asked if she would like to listen to some music while I did the dressing.....Sara Brighton was the choice...so soothing....I carefully cleansed and sponged the areas, applied the creams and dressings. I just couldn't help wonder what she must being thinking. It got me thinking about my husband and his burns and what he endured...the only difference is that hers were caused by someone doing this to her deliberately. Intentionally wanting to disfigure her.

I made it through my first day with her. Today, I am exhausted. She emotionally drained me. I so wanted to be there for her...but I knew I had to detach myself perform my tasks but also at the same time be her advocate and assure her that while she was in our care her safety and well being was of utmost importance, and my job was to ensure she had a safe and healthy environment and that I ensured she was comfortable.

Her emotional needs were more than I was ready for. At times I had to cut her short as others also required my attention. This caused her to retreat. I felt bad about that ..but there was nothing I could have done. As soon as time permitted I was there for her. I felt at times she needed more than I could give her. I wanted to take not so much her physical pain away but her emotional pain. I realize I couldn't do that....but I still wanted to. By the end of my 12 hour shift I was done. I knew that there was no more to give. I had sat with her and chatted....brushed her hair ....talked to counsellors.....spoke with the ministry for family and children.....spoke with victims assistance.....fielded telephone calls.....explained the situation to visitors......I am spent.

My long drive home gave me an opportunity to reflex on my day....could I have done things differently....what truly where her life's dynamics...that I am sure I will never know.....then my thoughts would float to my husband and how his whole life was altered because of his burns.

By the time I arrived home I was quiet. My husband even commented on my silence. I couldn't say much at first.... but eventually I started to open up....I wanted to cry..... I was angry, upset and in disbelief as to how one human being can be so cruel. The sad thing was that I knew that she was not alone, that many others endure terrible senseless crimes and it was beyond my control. All that I could control was my surroundings and those of my patient. Yes I was saddened and spent...but then I realized....there is tomorrow.....tomorrow I have a chance to make a difference.....tomorrow I will be rejuvenated and will do what I can...there are so many questions.....so many things I don't understand.......so much cruelty.....so much pain .......I wish her comfort. I wish her a bright tomorrow.

What Colour Green Are You....

Today as I was surfing the blog world I came across a little quiz at Mike's Place titled "How Weirdo Are You" so being the curious person I am I had to find out. Turns out I am 44% weirdo...not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing...but there you have it. I enjoy these little tests....some I find are right on...and others...well they are just darn entertaining and time wasters. Anyhow, this lead me to take another test/quiz. It was titled "What Colour Green are You" The timing for is perfect and such a coincidence. As of late, I have been purchasing uniforms in varying shades of green, many of my colleagues and patients have commented on how green looks nice on me. I have also found myself being drawn to certain shades of green.... I generally wouldn't be drawn to green but it seems I am...hence I was curious to see what this had to say about me.....

You Are Olive Green

You are the most real of all the green shades. You're always true to yourself. For you, authenticity and honesty are very important... both in others and yourself. You are grounded and secure. It takes a lot to shake you. People see you as dependable, probably the most dependable person they know.

What Color Green Are You?

I am not sure that I agree with all it has to say...but I am dependable, I am honest, brutally at times, especially to myself...the one I am not sure about is the grounded...sometimes I feel I am...other times I feel like I am floundering. What about you...what shade are you....and do the answers reflect who you are?

Thinking Blogger Award II

I can't believe it, I was award yet again for the "Thinking Blogger" Award. I was shocked this first time I received it and now to be honoured yet again I am speechless. My dear friend TomCat from Politics Plus nominated me for this award. For those of you that know TC you know that his blog deals primarily with the political environment both in the US and the world around us. His content often gets you thinking about what really is going on behind those close doors and then some. So thanks TC. Now I must past this forward and award this to 5 other bloggers. And that is not an easy task.


Ipanema Under the Canopy shares with us her tales and experiences, issues and travesties that are going on in the world around us that gets very little media attention, she tells what has been done and wonders what else could be done. Always so insightful.


Nurse Ratched from Nurse Ratched's Place. Keeps me in stitches, but through her humour she paints a very clear picture of what nursing and healthcare is faced with everyday. She is an avid reader and often uses book titles or pictures to introduce her topics...she has the most wonderful way of telling us as it is without being offensive. Always a pleasure to read and make me think about the nursing profession where we've come and where we are now...and maybe where we are headed.

Leslie from The Pedalogue often has such insight warm and kind things to say. She loves the arts and Jazz and introduces me to things I never thought I would like but turns out I do. She gets me thinking about life and yes bad things happened but one can always find the silver lining if we just take the time to look.

Shelby at Time with Shelby is one of my newest blog friends. Shelby is a mom wanting to finish her law degree and has been waffling back and forth. She loves the educational environment she loves everything about it...but there are decisions she has to make in her life...and that is what she shares with the reader. In doing this she gets me thinking about my life and the choices I have made...the career path I chose. She also loves music and she often starts her posts with a list of music she is has been listening too....thanks Shelby.

JMB at Nobody Important. Now first off I have always meant to tell her, I didn't think her header name did her justice...she is so important....to her family and friends and now those bloggers who visit her blog on a regular basis. She has made an impact on my life. Through her wisdom and life's experiences she gets me thinking all the time. One of her latest posts she talked about her preparation and presentation she made to the city council..I was so impress that this woman did all that...lady you have it and then some. Her travels to Italy and her home stays....she introduces me to a world out there that I might not otherwise get an opportunity to get to know. Just an absolute pleasure to read her blog.

Thank you, to all of you for allowing me into your lives you have no idea the impact some of your blogs have on me. You are all intelligent and rich with wisdom and I thank you for sharing your wisdom with me. Cheers to you all....and thank you TC again for voting me for this award again!

So winners please take the logo and paste it on your blog...if there are blogs out there that have touched you and have made you think then pass this on to them.

Nip and Tuck

As of late I have being watching my share of medical programs. Most of the programs have to do with how medicine and surgery(mostly surgery) can change a persons life. These procedures range from gastric bypass for the morbidly obese, reconstructive surgery for people born with debilitating birth defects, and then life saving procedures to remove tumors and the likes. The program on the obesity focused primarily on two people one woman who was 657lbs and the "Half Ton Man" Yes he actually weighted just over a 1000lbs!!! Now that is a story in itself and I would like to talk about it, but I think I will save that for another day.

Then there have been the programs on plastic surgeries the latest one was on the reconstruction of sexual organs. Yes, I was astounded. Woman actually going in and having their sexual organs reconstructed because they didn't like the way it look. Then of course there were the men who were having penile implants and reconstructive surgery to improve the length or girth of their penis. Of course everything else under the sun was discussed in this program, it seemed like anything was possible.

It got me thinking, has medicine gone to far? Have we gone to far? Why can't we be happy with the way we are? Why do we have to reshape, reconstruct, lift, tuck and remove parts of our bodies. One of of the plastic surgeons made an interesting comment. He said that most women who have breast augmentation do it to impress other woman not men. Now that surprised me, and I had to ask myself why? Why would women take the chance go under general anaesthetic and allow someone to change their appearance? I remember when a dear friend of mine went and had a breast enlargement ...we talked about it for days....I begged her not to do it....I told her she was beautiful just the way she was.....her bubbly personality, her spice for life and sense of adventure should be enough for anyone especially her. But that wasn't good enough for her...she wanted cleavage. She said she would feel better....but I never did get a straight answer from her about better in what way. She skirted around the issue of her doing it to attract men.

So why, why do we allow ourselves to be dictated to in such a way that we convince ourselves that the only way to be better is to gone under the knife of the skilled surgeon.

Again I wonder have we gone to far. I have heard of reconstructive surgeries for women who come from cultures that perform female circumcision and have been mutilated. I wonder if through doctors performing these surgeries they saw an opportunity to fill the lining of their pockets.

I have heard plastic surgeons say that they won't do a surgery unless the patient can give them a clear answer as to why they want the surgery. This one surgeon said that if they can't give him a clear answer then he wouldn't preform the procedure. I wonder. I guess he wasn't the surgeon who worked on Micheal Jackson or the Catwoman. How many of you have seen people that have been nipped and tucked to the point that they look like they are some kind of creature from another planet? Or women that have been through so much Botox that you see their lips coming through the door before the rest of them. I found these staggering figures on butt implants
here.

Why can't we leave well enough alone. Are there things about my body I would like to change. You bet. Smaller breasts, tighter butt and fewer wrinkles. There are things that I can change through exercise and I continue to work on. But nature plays a huge role. We all age. We all wrinkle, droop and sag. It's life's natural process. Why do we feel we should alter ourselves? Why can't we be happy in our own skin?

There is a place for plastic surgery. My daughter was the recipient of that.....when she had a tumor removed from her hand the plastic surgeon did an amazing job of reconstructing her hand. But plastic surgery for the sake of altering one's appearance I will never understand.

And that's all I have to say about that......

What were you doing 25 years ago......

A dear blogging friend Silverneurotic will be celebrating her "25th" Birthday on June 24th. She recognized that turning 25 can be a milestone in a persons life. As she puts it she will be a "Quarter of a Century" old. That does sound old when you say it that way. So in light of this auspicious occasion she decided that she wanted to celebrate her birthday by doing a Carnival and asking people to write about what they were doing 25 years ago. Other stories can be read by clicking her name.

So Happy Birthday Silver.....

What I was doing 25 years ago........

June 1982......I had just gotten engaged. My then fiancee and I had just returned from a two week holiday in Hawaii where he had proposed to me. Well if you can call it that. We had been dating for over 2 years when we decided to take this trip. I was hoping he was going to propose over the course of the holiday. Days went by.....and no proposal. The vacation was coming to and end...and still no proposal. On this particular day we had come home from the beach. I was a little disappointed that he hadn't popped the question. I wanted to be able to go home and tell my family that I was getting married. I showered and cleaned up and prepared for going out for dinner. I wasn't very talkative. He could tell something was wrong, but didn't want to ask. So I started making conversation, I honestly don't recall what brought us to the topic...but I finally told him. I said I thought and hoped that he was going to ask me to marry him while we were on this vacation. He said he had thought about it a few times......and I said well why didn't you....he said he didn't know....he was waiting for the right time....right time? I said....when is the right time? Are you going to marry me or not.....he said yes.....I said what....is this your proposal......I guess so....so then I said ok....now you can ask me.....and he did. You know what we did next......we went out and played packman and ate popcorn at a pub.....yup....that was my proposal. No bells or whistles....no candle lights and soft music....no airplanes printing my name in the sky and asking me to marry....Nope it was me asking him.....We decided we didn't want a long engagement, so 12 weeks later we were married.

Now 25 years later, I am divorced and happily remarried.

Rockin' Girl Bloggers.....

Well my dear friend Skittles voted me for the Rockin' Girl Blogger award. What a sweetie....she says I'm a Rockin' Girl Blogger because of all the daring things I do. Well I don't know about that, but it was sure nice that she thought of me.

So I think I am going to award five Rockin Girl Blogger's that I know.......Now this is hard...because I think you all rock! You all bring something to this table of life......Anyhow without out further adieu here are my five....

Josie......this lovely lady has a flare for the arts and culture. She introduces her readers to painters, musicians, and writers through her love for the arts. Being what I would call an accomplished artist herself she shares with us her early experiences and introduction to the arts through her fathers eyes. I think she is a Rockin' Artist.

Grandmocha......my dear friend....I think she is the Rockin' Grandma extraordinaire....I love how she shares with her readers her life, love and joys of being with her grandchildren.

Janet......A woman who loves the great outdoors. She shares her surroundings by using her camera....I was first drawn to Janet's blog from one of her bird photos....I enjoy how we both have a love for birding. Janet The Rockin outdoors woman and photographer.

Quiltnut...... Now this lady can craft.....she is amazing, what is also amazing is how she finds the time to be a mom, wife and crafter, but she does.....I have seen so many of her quilts and cards.....I truly think she should have her own little gift shop......she is The Rockin' Crafter.

Jeni......her love for genealogy is amazing....he patience in doing her research....her perseverance when her computer goes down....her passion for research and sharing history about her town....yup she certainly is the Rockin' Researcher.

So ladies, grab that badge at the top of this post and use it on your blog...and I hope that you pass it on to other Rockin' Girl Bloggers.

Have a grand day!

To drive or not to drive......

Last week, I spoke about a patient and her ailing husband. I referenced the fact that he still was driving. What I don't think I shared with you was what I experienced and observed when I wheeled him out to his vehicle. The fact that I even use the word "Wheeled" should make antennas go up for some. Here I was wheeling this 90 year old man out to his car, so he could get into it and drive home.....hmmmmm. I maneuvered the wheelchair as close to his vehicle as possible. It was now time for him to get up and be on his way. Well, it became quickly apparent that he required assistance even standing up. I gave aid and he finally stood although requiring the use of his cane to mobilize. With one hand on his car and the other on his cane he made his way to the door of his car. He gingerly moved his way into the drivers seat closed the door and started the engine. While all of this is going on I am thinking to myself, gosh should he even be driving? This was reinforced to me when an observer sitting on a bench having a cigarette said to me...."is he going to drive?" Yes was my response....the bystander then feels it was his duty to tell me that I could be held liable for allowing him to drive. I was taken aback....."Yeah" he said....it's like giving keys to a drunk and telling him to go drive. There was a part of me that couldn't argue with him.

So today I thought I would see what our Motor Vehicle Branch has to say about that.....and this is what I found...."Class 5 to 8 drivers are required to have a Driver's Medical Exam at age 80 and every 2 years thereafter because this is an age where medical conditions affecting driving are more common. Even though you may be in good health, and believe it is unnecessary, the Driver's Medical Exam form must be completed and sent to us. The form is mailed out about 6 months before the 80th birthday, then every 2 years after that. For further information concerning this requirement, please carefully read the instructions on the back of the form you've received."

So basically, what they are telling me is that this guy is ok to drive. He obviously passed his medical test within the past 2 years. What also amazes me with the Motor Vehicle Branch is that they say you can "mail it in" so they don't even have to see you. I know if they saw this man they would revoke his licence on the spot. But you see this is the loop hole. If you have a sympathetic GP he might respond vaguly on the form thus giving the individual the green light, the individual then mails in the medical form and voila his licence is renewed for another two years. This bothers me. I personally don't think this man should have been driving. I don't think his reaction time was good. Should he have had the misfortune of having to deal with a situation immediately I don't think he could have. I did feel bad about assisting him to his car and letting him drive. If that was my father, I wouldn't have let him drive. It truly did seem to me like I was letting a drunk get behind a wheel. But he wasn't breaking any laws. What was I legally allowed to do in this situation? I personally think his licence should be rescinded. But then that opens up a whole new ball game for them. What would they do then for transportation? In that little town there aren't any regular buses, taxis are rare and expensive they don't have any family around. So how do they then get out and about and to appointments? Oh it all seems just so complicated.

What would you have done in this situation?

Hope you all are having a great day! Cheers!

Happy Father's Day!!!

Being Father's Day, I was going to do a post about my dad.....but I thought better of it, as it would just be to emotional for me, and I will save that for another day.

Today I want to celebrate the two great Dad's in my life. I consider myself fortunate that I have not one but two great men in my life.....my hubby and my father in law. I posted about the two of them last week. But today I want to celebrate them.

These two men are the light of my life. They are warm caring men. They know how to show emotion and are not afraid to do it. They are very comfortable in their skin. They are hard dedicated workers. They would give you the shirt of their back if you needed it. They are creative and industrious. They are musicians and chefs....but most of all they are Dads and I thank God everyday that I have been blessed to have them my life!

Happy Father's Day to my favourite guys........

And Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there, hope you all have a fantastic Day....you deserve it!!!!

Cheers

Saturday's Photo Scavenger Hunt

Now this weeks theme is Hair....and in looking back over the years I have had some really crazy do's........My hair has been purple, bleached blonde, streaked you name it.... it's been long, short and bald...but this one...this just makes me laugh....this picture was my Grade 11 picture...we had just finished P.E. class and had to rush to get our photos done....

There you go....me in all my glory.....tee hee.....Happy Hunting all!!

Some Friday Ramblings......

Well I did it....I passed. There was no grade on this just a pass or fail. The instructor who tested me for my practical part said I did very well and that I just forgot one thing.....I was amazed.....I just wanted to puke after the practical portion....I was so tense....I know we all were...one of my colleagues actually went to the bathroom to be sick after her testing......but now it is done for another 2 years....dear god I don't know why I put myself through this.

You know what was weird about it all....I didn't start to get nervous until the day of the exam...but my anxiety level just hit the roof. So when it was all over and I arrived home, I was just a wreck....tense...knots in my stomach.....I think I bordered on an anxiety attack. Hubby finally arrived home and asked me what was wrong....I tried to tell him...then I just started to cry....yup ....I cried. He held me and then he started to laugh....don't know why he laughed....but it made me laugh...which was a good thing. After the hug I felt somewhat better but still knots....so what do I do when I am tense or stressed.....you got it....I clean.....I vacuumed, dusted, cleared the window sills, got on my hands and knees and got into the corners, cleaned the bathrooms and put on laundry. I then decided that I was going to cook. Hubby had brought home some Halibut steaks...he was going to bar-b-que them but I volunteered to cook. Having never cooked a Halibut steak...onto the Internet I went looking for a recipe..the one I choose was for grilling the halibut. I made a base of fresh squeezed orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, butter and fresh ground pepper.....I based the steaks and let them broil...whilst that was cooking I made some lemon and herbed rice.....sauteed zucchini, red peppers and mushrooms in a basil and olive oil base.....it all turned out really well...I was pleased as was hubby.

After cleaning up after dinner, I thought I would make some of my cards...which I did....still feeling tense I was hoping that is would ease my mind. It did. For a bit. Until silly me went and watched a documentary on the airplane crash that took place in 1972 with a KLM jet and a Pan Am jet, 600 people lost their lives in that crash. Apparently is considered one of aviation worst airline tragedies. These two planes collided whilst on the ground...the Pan Am flight was grounded waiting for instruction and the KLM plane was taxiing the runway in preparation for take off.....it was so very tragic.....I cried.

I went to bed after that....had a very restless night....up at 0200 till 0430. I finally got off to sleep...only to be awoken by a bad dream.....tears where streaming down my face. The bases of the dream was that my youngest daughter and I were visiting the zoo. We were at the reptile area....the care person said my daughter could go in and pet the turtles......and so she did....then up from behind came an alligator....he grabbed her sandal...she was able to get away....but as she was running it grabbed her from behind.....I jumped into the tank to try and save her...I was pounding on the alligator....people were standing around just watching....my ex was there...just watching...I was screaming to him to do something to get help...to throw me something....he didn't do anything......I woke up......tears running down my face. I wanted my husband to be there to comfort me....he wasn't he was up and didn't hear me. I felt abandoned. I felt like I couldn't trust anyone. I have always been fascinated by dreams and the meaning of dreams as I have always had very vivid dreams. So I looked up interpretations...in a nutshell...dreaming of an alligator or crocodile is not a good sign. It can mean I fear a decision that is going to take place, or someone I trust is going to betray me....or even....I could be mistrusting my own feelings...whatever it is....it was disturbing, and I am still struggling to get the vision of that dream out of my head.

So this morning, I put laundry on the line.....cleaned the house....made a couple more cards...and now I am going for a run. I hope the run will clear my head. Hubby just wanted me to sleep and relax. I told him I wanted to go and paint the suite....he said no. He wins....so I will run ....and then maybe get my hair done.

Sorry this has been all so scattered.....but I just have these overwhelming feelings that I just can't put my finger on, and that disturbs me. More times than not when I have been feeling this way, bad news has followed, and I really don't want any bad news today! I want to leave this post off on a positive note.....So here is what the sun looked like this morning...

What a great day to be alive!!!!

Cheers all and Happy Friday!

This and That Thursday....

Today I think I will keep things light hearted. This morning, I am up early as I am nervous and can't sleep any longer. I have to go and recertify for my Advanced Cardiac Life Support(ACLS). I have been studying for just over a week. Last night I did the pretest and got 95% so I am feeling pretty good about it. But with any test I freak out. Even when I know I know the answer to a question there are times I second guess myself. The ACLS has both a written and practical component to it. I don't know what worries me the most, being tested by a doctor in front of my colleagues or writing the test. I just have to keep telling myself "I can do this" And just to add to my nervousness, the place where I have to perform the test is about 60 km away, it's being held at one of the colleges, a place I have never been to before. So, I am a little freaked about leaving enough time to get there and find the room I am suppose to go to. So wish me luck!

Now on the lighter side of things. I thought I would share a little bit of nature with you. The other morning my hubby was out in the yard and looking at the garden when he spotted this butterfly fluttering around my flowers. So he got out his camera and here is what he saw......

Then at the beginning of then month when we were down in Victoria watching our daughters field hockey games, we spotted the most unusual thing going on up on one of the stadiums light posts.......

Do you see the size of that nest.....and the little head peaking out?.......

Well here comes mom to feed them.....do you see that she is carrying something in her claws....

She lands to feed the babies......

Then dad arrives......

And here she is in all of her glory.....

When we first started to observe all of this, we thought it was an eagle....now that we have the photos to compare we believe it to be an Osprey. We observed all this whilst sitting on the sidelines......

Cameras are amazing aren't they....the things we can capture. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Cheers

Sandwich Generation

I am sure by now most of you have heard of the term "Sandwich Generation" This generation have been identified as the generation who are still raising their own families and find themselves caring for their aging and ailing parents.

Well as you know I don't post much about my work anymore. But sometimes a situation arises that I feel I just need to share and would appreciate hearing your comments on the topic.

My last two day shifts I cared for an 86 years old woman. She came into the hospital for the treatment of her rapid heart rate. This woman is generally very active, as a matter of fact the day she came into the hospital she was planning a dinner party.

Her and her 90 year old husband live alone in a 3 bedroom rancher to which they just moved into. They made the choice to move because they realized that the farm was becoming to much for them. Good decision on their part. However, they bought their new residence before the farm was sold and are having financial worries. As it turns out they had the farm inspected and it turns out they need to spend $20K to repair the septic. Ouch! In addition to the financial worries her husband is very crippled with scoliosis and walks almost bent over, and mobilizes very slowly as a result. He also has other medical concerns I was witness to his condition when he came to visit her. He arrives to visit his wife and is completely short of breath. I get him a wheelchair for which he was very thankful and wheeled him into visit his wife. When it is time for him to go, my colleagued volunteered to take him to his car via the wheelchair. I know I know what you are thinking...what is this man doing driving. That is a whole different issue and a great topic for another day. Anyhow, this goes on for two days, on the second day another staff member brought him to the unit and I ended up wheeling him back to his car. Here is my concern. The patient is the primary caregiver to her husband. She was crying while she was telling me this...it's becoming very difficult to manage him, boxes are piled up that haven't been unpacked, she is maintaining the house to the best of her ability. She is doing all of this with her current condition. My heart went out to her. I contacted our Discharge planning nurse explained the situation to her and to see if there where any services that they would qualify for. Unfortunately, with all the cut backs, there was little she could offer. It was decided that maybe they needed a long term care assessment which would get the ball rolling for the time when they may need residential care. The discharge planning nurse and I both discuss about family involvement. And the role the families need to play in situations like this. I spoke with the patient about this and she of course said that they were all busy with their lives.

My question to you all is this. If that were your mother or father would you leave them to floundering? Or would you step in and assist them in anyway you could?

The patient told me that she has 5 children, a daughter who lives in Vancouver and the sons all live back east.

I can remember when my mom was deteriorating with her Alzheimer's, all the brothers and sisters got together and came up with a plan. We recognized that we all have our lives and families to care for but felt that if we worked together on this it wouldn't be to much of a burden on anyone. I being the nurse took the lead role. My eldest sister and I had power of attorney, but because my sister was travelling so much at the time I managed my moms finances....I liaised with the home care nurse, I arranged for my moms meds through the pharmacy, I did her shopping. The other brothers and sisters all took turns coming to cook mom her dinner and give her her evening meds. I had also arranged to have mom picked up for adult day programs. We took turns doing her laundry and I would bathe her and wash and set her hair. I guess there were some advantages to my mom having 12 children.

I realize that most families can't do what we did....but a lot can but for some reason chose not to. I recognize that distance and family obligations can make it difficult for families to step up to the plate for their parents. But I just can't help but think ....our parents were always there for us....they made many sacrifices so that we could have a good life. Shouldn't I do the same for them? When my mom took ill I went to the mainland and stayed....I knew my sisters and brothers were there...but she is my mom and I will do whatever I can. My life was put on hold. There were financial repercussions for me doing that....but I would do it again in a heart beat if I had too.

Is this culturally based? Some sociologist might say yes. Having being in the health care environment for a long time I have witnessed all kinds of family dynamics....some families just want to be totally there for their loved one and others it's really comes across as an inconvenience to them to have to be there or do anything for their loved one. For some families it is just an expectation that this is what you do. I wonder why this is? I know some would say people reap what they sow....but in this situation I can't imagine this woman being anything but kind and giving. So where are her children? Why haven't they stepped up to the plate?

So what is your take on this?

Hope you all are having a fantastic day!

What to do What to do.......

My middle daughter is visiting right now. She called just out of the blue yesterday afternoon...."mom can I come to visit"......of course! Was my quick response. I know when she calls me out of the blue like that, she is looking for some grounding and a place to escape to, a place where she can get away from the hurried life of the city. I know she likes to come see me, she loves the environment to which I live and the different adventures it brings her.

This trip is not just all about having an adventure or chillin.....she wants me to assist her with getting registered for college. She's been out of high school for a year now and has been working...but she is quickly realizing that she wants more than serving tables for the rest of her life.

Isn't it funny we spend 12 years in school being told that we must prepare for our future....like my daughter I had know idea what I wanted to be....why is that....we are presented with so many options....why is it so hard for us to make up our minds which career path we should take?

All during her high school years she was drawn to the arts and film. In actual fact one of the films she produced and directed won an award. It seemed almost natural that she would pursue this as a career path. She registered for a program in Film/Broadcasting and had been accepted....she changed her mind. She then said she wanted to get into Real Estate but she is to young to get into that right now. Personally I think she would do fabulous in Real Estate....she loves to talk, and she could sell you almost anything...she is very determined and strong minded. So that is something possibly down the road. I think the market is saturated with agents right now....but then......I haven't done my homework on that so I can't really comment. The next area she is thinking is becoming a Personal Trainer...she is crazy into fitness....there is a 2 yr Diploma program at the college which she is thinking she might like to get into. Again, I think that is ok, but I think she would have to check out the market

for employment opportunities in that field of work.

The way the job market is right now you can get any job.....actually I am trying to convince her to learn a trade....welding, pipe fitting, construction, drywalling....anything in the construction field they are screaming for qualified people and are paying crazy salaries to get them.....then there is health care....now I know she doesn't want to be a RN like her mom, but I suggested that she look at becoming a Radiologist technician or an ultrasound tech, or lab tech....all of these jobs are in high demand. I have also tried to suggest she get her Industrial First aid and Worksafe qualifications and be the safety officer at job sites.

Here is my problem.....she is motivate to go to school .....awesome......but I fear that she isn't really seeing the big picture the long term plan.....her future....any of those jobs are careers in the making....good jobs, great pay and benefits.....but she seems to be focusing on becoming a personal trainer.

The sensible side of me says...this is her life....she must choose her path.....then I say to myself... she did come to me for advice.
So tell me, how do I find a balance between giving her advice and not try to tell her what I think she should do? I think that would be a huge mistake and potentially alienate her from me on this topic...and I don't want that. Oh it is such a tough one....any suggestions folks......My eldest daughter is at the same point...she has asked me to help get her registered for a program for the fall...and again she has no idea what she wants. There is a part of me that just wants to do it for them get them registered for the program tell them where the need to be and when....and to some degree I think they want me to do this for them.....but they are grown and should be making their own minds...with my guidance if that is what they want. But it is such a fine line....guidance, instructing, advising, can be so easily misconstrued as ordering, telling, or intruding. Oh the joys of it all.....

So there you have it ....my conundrum for the day......

My 200th Post.......

Today is a special day for me...it is my 200th post. I know that doesn't seem like a lot to most, but to me it is a milestone. So what shall I post about? All posts have some meaning to the author or why else would we post? But there are some posts that seem to have had more impact on me than others. So if you will indulge me I would like to share with you some of those posts.

The post I did in remembrance of my mom Kathleen Sandford
The post when I asked you what you thought When is a Lie a Lie
Then there's my Christmas Tree post. I enjoyed that because it included my brother. He hadn't had a Christmas like that for many many years, and it just warmed my heart that my hubby and I were able to give that to him so here is my Christmas Tree 2006
My post on living life in the moment. Something my daughter showed me"

Then there are the post when I converted to "Beta"and all the fun I had with that ....NOT! And of course all of the meme's, the contests, Photo Scavenger hunt(which I haven't been able to participate in for the past two weeks....boo hoo)the weather and all the storms and power outages I experienced this past fall and winter. Yes it has been fun. I have met some absolutely wonderful people, I truly feel like we are a community, an extended family. Wondering when Motherkitty's grandson was going to join the world, Cathy and Curmudgeon and their health challenges they were faced with. Those of you who lost loved ones or where reunited with loved ones. Wolfbaby and the "Wolfden soap" So many many wonderful stories that made me laugh and cry. I thank you all.

Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement along the way. You're a great bunch!

Today is also special as it is my step sons 12th Birthday! Yup a whole 12! He lives 4300km away and hence we won't be able to spend the day with him but at the end of the month he and his brother will be coming out to join us for the summer and we will celebrate then. So a very Happy Birthday to you my dear Jesse....love you very much! A Birthday cake and party await your arrival!

Happy Sunday all!