This and That Friday.....

One of my new blogging friends tells me she "loves my blog" so I got this cool blog badge from her....thank you Misty Dawn for thinking of me

Misty is new to the blog world but I think she is going to be a dynamo blogger....she loves dogs and photography and a team called the "Indians?" Any of you know who they are? Tee Hee.......I enjoy your blog as well Misty.......keep on blogging girl!

I am going on a holiday in 3 weeks. I am so excited. Hubby and I and the girls are all going to Mexico for a week. Hubby and I haven't had a holiday in so long we have forgotten what that is all about. With any holiday there is preparation that needs to be done. One such item is insurance. Making sure you have travel insurance and health insurance. I had a rude awakening the other day.

Where I live the fishing is fantastic this time of year and attracts many tourists from all over the world. With any travel you have to be prepared for the worst case scenario, that being you or one of your travelling companions taking ill. This just so happened recently with some travellers from the US. They had an accident in which all were injured some more so than others one of the travellers ended up on life support. Needless to say when the family found out about the accident they wanted their loved ones home and as close to home as possible. Well try as they might their insurance company would not cover the cost to fly the patient on life support home. There was telephone call after telephone call....what I found terrible for this particular family was how poorly they were treated by their insurance company. There was no compassion, there was no flexibility by the company at all. The family did finally manage to get their loved one flown out at their own expense.....I just couldn't imagine. Here you are...you think you have insurance hoping that you will never have to use it...and then BAM and accident has occurred you think you are covered and you are not. Here you are dealing with the fear and sense of hopelessness your loved one thousands of miles away in a foreign country on life support and all you want to do is get them home and be at their side.

So note to self, read the fine print of your travel insurance....and then read it again. If you have any questions about the insurance ask the representative before you leave for your holiday. There is nothing worse than having to deal with insurance companies during such an emotional time.On a much lighter note. A couple of weeks ago when the girls were over for my birthday we went out to Parksville to observe the Sandcastle Competition. Apparently, this is an annual event which atracts participants from around the world....below are photos of some of the sandcastles we saw......

The above three pictures are of the same sandcastle just taken from different angles...this sandcastle took first place.

This one was my favourite.....

So there you have it......a small tour of some of the sandcastles we saw......it was a fun filled day.....isn't is just amazing how they can make them look so life like and keep their form as well as they do.....it truly is an art form....

What do we all have in common?

Do you know what Tom Cruise, Jay Leno, Whoopie Goldberg, Leonard da Vinci, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie , Walt Disney and I have in common?

Dyslexia. There are many famous people who suffer from dyslexia. For years it was thought that people with dyslexia were stupid. Yup stupid. Can you imagine ever thinking of Leonard Da Vinci as being stupid....eccentric maybe....stupid...certainly not. There are many documented cases of people who have dyslexia but have the intelligence of a genius.

So where am I going with this. Well in a recent post I mentioned that I was going back to school. I have decided to get my BSN in nursing. I talked about how excited and scared I am about embarking on this new chapter in my life. I have been trying to put my finger on where my fear stems from, and I think I have finally figured it out. It has to do with something that I have observed with my writing/typing recently. I am not sure if it's that I have gotten lazy and have become accustom to using spell check and hence my brain has gotten lazy....or that it is my dyslexia rearing it's ugly head.

What I have observed is that I have been switching letters in words around more often than usual....sometimes I know exactly how the word is to be spelt but my fingers type the letters in reverse...it is the strangest thing, and it is becoming frustrating. Dyslexia is not something you out grow....it is a learning disability that you are born with but if discovered early enough you can be taught the basic of the English language using something they call Phonemic Awareness. I never learnt the skills as I wasn't officially diagnosed. It wasn't until my youngest daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia that it was brought to my attention that I was dyslexic as well. That was a happy and sad day for me. Finally, somebody realized that is wasn't that I was lazy or stupid....I just processed things differently...words were never clear.....word problems were always a challenge for me....and you know all those spelling cues or hints ...like "i before e except after c" I never understood that. I needed a visual of it to be able to make it concrete. Alternate learning techniques were not an option when I was growing up. I was always made to feel and was told I didn't study hard enough, I was lazy. But it wasn't so, I studied twice as hard.....there was nothing more frustrating than knowing how hard I studied only to receive a passing grade, when others would barely even open a book and sail right through... after awhile when you have been told for so long you that you aren't applying yourself and that you are lazy you begin to believe it. You know, I have no idea how I ever managed to get myself through nursing school and then go on to get my Critical Care training. I taught myself strategies....the flash cards...cue words....I am a very visual and tactile person, that is how I learn best...if I see something demonstrated and have an opportunity to demonstrate the skill then I can incorporate the theory to the practical component.

Now, here I am pushing my envelope yet again. I am nervous as there are components of this program where the student must do joint assignments...ones where you work as part of a team...that worries me. But I am sure somehow I will figure a way around it.

I am sure most of you have notice at times when I leave comments on your blogs that often there is a word misspelled or grammatical error....I like to think that you see it as a typo....and yes sometimes it is...but often it is not....I wish the comment section had spell check.....when I do my posts I thank god for spell check, my hubby and the dictionary. I truly make an effort for my post to be grammatically correct without spelling errors, and because of that you as the reader don't see 90% of the errors I make. So in my next paragraph I am truly going to free type....not make any corrections and you can see what I mean.

Now that I am registered for my couse I can start doing the reading and get a head start...which I most probably should do.....I tihnk tomorrow night I will get out the material and get oing on it. I hope I have nt gottne in over my head. I ahve always enjoyed learning....I love to read research coduements .....heatlhc care is very research based. If you ever wnat to put something forward to a committee or make change it always has to be research based for it to be considered as credible.

In the above paragraph I have highlight and put in italics the words where letters have been reversed or letters added or missed. There were a few more errors, but I have gotten into the habit to try and change them as they occur...anyhow that gives you some idea as to what I am up against.

Well as my post began....at least I am not alone and I am in good company....and if they can achieve what they have...I certainly can do this.....

Cheers all!

What's in a Name

Well here is an interesting meme....I have been tagged by my good friend Grandmocha this a meme that uses your middle name. Well I don't have a middle name but I do have a confirmation name...and that was Veronica...but I always liked Ronnie.....so I will use Ronnie....the instructions are below on how to play...

R - redhead.....I am not really a red head...always wanted to be...so I enhanced the red highlights in my hair to make me a red head....they think blondes have more fun.....I think not.....

O - Old.....I use to think being 40 was old....well now that I am closer to 50 than I am 40 I don't think that 40 is that old...

N - aughty....I have been known to be very naughty

N- ice......I have also been known to be very nice

I - ron.....I've started ironing again......you know what I actually like it......

E -ileen......I still really really miss my sister Eileen.....

There you have it...things about me based on my middle name.....now I will pick 6 people....

Drew
whimsicalnbrainpan
silverneurotic
Tomcat
wolfbaby
Tammy
Cathy

Below are the instructions.....enjoy

What's in a name?

1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.
2. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post containing your own middle name game facts
.4. At the end of your blog-post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Blogging Star

I have come home early from work today. I am not sure if I am suffering from a very bad case of allergies or if it is a cold and allergies combo. I don't think it is a cold but here is an article I found from CNN allergy season and how to distinguish between a cold from allergies.... I started off my day as usual taking my antihistamines...I suffer terribly from allergies. Seasonal, environmental, food and drug allergies. Not fun, and they seem to be getting worse. Even though I took something before I left home today once I arrived at work it was non stop sneezing, running nose...itchy eyes....and then my voice went it seemed to get exacerbated when the cleaner was dusting the floors and using chemicals for cleaning....my chest got heavy and I knew things were progressing.....I just so happen to have antihistamines with me so I took another plus my puffer. I sounded terrible and I hated going into my patients rooms...I kept having to excuse myself so I could either sneeze or blow my nose. Not very professional...and I felt I shouldn't be around patients if that was going on....so I called the shift supervisor asked her if she could find someone to replace me at 1500 hrs.....she was able to do so...lucky for me...but I could tell she wasn't impressed....she started giving me heck and asked if I knew what was causing it...I told her I had know idea...she wondered out loud if it was a latex allergy and then went on to tell me that if that is what it was I should find myself another job outside of health care.....Wow!! I have been to my doctor many times about it...but where I live there is only one allergist on the whole Island and that is a 3 hour drive away and it takes months to get in to see her. So my doctor has made an appointment for me to see an internist to see if he can help and or get me into the allergist sooner. I just know something has to be done. But I certainly didn't need the supervisor getting upset with me....it's not as though I did it on purpose or anything.

Anyhow, the purpose of me telling you all this is that when I came home today there was something very pleasant awaiting me in the blogosphere. One of my favourite bloggers has presented me with an award. This is very special to me for a couple of reasons....it is the first time this award has been given out...and it was awarded to me by a blogger who I think deserves the award herself...and I told her that. This blogger is none other than our dear Skittles. She decided that she wanted to start up her own award and she titled it "Blogging Star "

Here is what she says it stands for......

"This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogoshere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures."

We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition? Here's what to do if you receive this:
Proudly display it on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you.
Mention that it originated at Skittles' Place so she can follow it's journey.
Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it.

So there you have it my friends.....please check out Skittles Place and find out more about it and what a truly blogging star she is......now here are some bloggers I think are worthy of this award....

Tomcat for his insightful view and thoughts on the political environment

Drew for his wonderful writing and the gift he has with words and his captivating and thought provoking ideas.

Please stop by their blogs and see what I mean.....

Heads or Tails Tuesday

This weeks theme is "Hobby or Hobbies" and we where given a choice of Heads or Tails... I chose Tails - things that rhyme with Hobby......the first thing that came to mind was an English Bobby.....

If you'd like to play along check out Skittle's Place for all of the instructions......hope you join in on the fun....

Nice Matters

My new blogging friend Akelamalu has awarded me this "Nice Matters Award"



"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world." Once you've been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award .

Thank you so very much Akelamalu for this.....I am humbled.

So without further adieu I pass this award along to the following bloggers.......


Michelle at Rocky Mountain Retreat, she brings, humor and little tidbits of information that you always wondered why something was but never investigated...she does and then tells us about it....

Dora aka Peppylady who regales us with her adventures and currently the process she has had to go through for a job application....she gets you thinking....

Janet at Westcliffe is always up to a new adventure...her latest family endeavour is building the cellar, she talks about things we all can do to save the environment....but I love her photographs...I am always in awe.....

Josie in-good-time takes me on tours of the city I grew up in and introduces them to me in a totally different light...she is very artistic....and has such a gentle warm and welcoming way about her.

You are all so deserving.....

K-OS:

Sunday Morning....this just seemed so appropriate for today....I love this song...just makes me want to dance.....

Saturday Scavenger Photo Hunt

This weeks theme is "Happy" I like this one.....there are so many things that make me happy....and I think we are going to see some amazing photo's in this weeks hunt because of this theme......happy hunting all.....and here is the link if you would like to play along

PhotoHunt

I love to watch and photograph birds.....they give me great pleasure..... and make me happy....

My drive home from work in the morning watching the sun come up and feeling blessed that I can observe a new day beginning...that makes me very happy....

....being by the water and watching the Herring Fishery in action...... ....recieving a lovely gift and card from a fellow blogger...... The happiness I felt for my sister when she married the man of her dreams.... How happy I feel to be outdoors and surrounded by mountains and the ocean..... How happy I feel watching my daughter play field hockey...... Being with my boys makes me really happy..... As does being a mom to my girls and friend to my sister...... The beauty of nature and the road that lies ahead that makes me so very Happy!!!

Higher education.....is it a Right or a Privilege?

I feel like someone has put time on fast forward......I truly can't believe it is Friday the end to another week and only 10 days till the kids go back to school!!! Yup just 10 days, for all you parents that can't wait for school to begin...it won't be long.

It's funny how fall is often the start of new beginnings. I love the fall. I always have. I love the crispness in the air....I love the colours....I love the great produce you can get from the farms...there are just so many things I love about the fall. I know it isn't fall until September 21st....but the air is different...although the sun is shining the dew on the ground is heavy in the mornings....the air is crisp and fresh and the leaves on some trees have already started to change colour. With this along comes a new chapter in my life as well. I am going back to school in September. Well part-time. It will be mostly distant education for the first two semesters. I am really excited and scared at the same time. I have been toying with the idea of going back to school for sometime. Actually, three years ago I started the process but my life was in such a state of flux that there was no way I could focus on school. So here I am three years later starting the process all over again. This time I am committed, and generally when I set my mind to something, it happens.

The process of applying for university and registration has been a real eye opener for me. I am astounded at the hoops one must jump in order to be accepted into university and then comes the cost. The cost .....I can see why they say higher education is for the privileged. I mean when you are young and go to university right from high school it is different. Often one's parents are footing the bill or you take out student loans and work when you can or you have been fortunate enough to get a scholarship. It just seems that applying for student loans is the norm and an almost given. But going back to school at my age, the financial obligations are different. I don't want to go into debt to go back to school at this stage of my life but I do want to go to school. I don't want a student loan....so I am going to try and pay as I go. I am amazed at how the universities and colleges can ding you for everything. Transcripts for example...the university request so many copies which all cost money. Then there is your non refundable registration fee, your course fee and then your books and supplies..and it just keeps on going. In my case I am doing what they call Post RN to BSN program. The university wants proof of my being a member of my nursing professional body......well I have my current card that says I am full paying active member of the Nursing association of BC....but that is not good enough....I have to go to the college of nurses and have them send a letter to the university....at a cost of course. Then I look at the courses they want me to take....first and foremost I have to take a course they call "Bridging" it's suppose to help me understand the current terminology used in nursing and health care......hmmm, let's see I have been in the nursing field for over 15 years now.....I think I know the terminology....then they want me to take an English course. Ok granted sometimes my grammar and or spelling leave much to be desired...but I mean really....and when they say you have to take ANY 2 credit courses of your choice......I wonder what's the point of that? I am all for education....but why on earth does it have to cost so much...why on earth do I have to take courses that don't necessarily have anything to do with nursing but I have to take them because I need the credits. You know I have 5 years of post secondary education under my belt....but it doesn't count for anything now days as I need to get more letters behind my name and that costs money. It is a requirement of my job that I maintain my standards of practise and that is obtained by updating my ACLS, CPR anything to do with current modalities in the delivery of health care. I am forever reading and researching drugs and treatments and current practises...but that isn't good enough if I want to move from bedside nursing into any form of administration or community nursing or just advance period. I am not pursing my degree to get into a management position....I am pursuing it for the personal satisfaction of knowing that I did it, and that is the best reason of all. But I don't want to have to sell myself in order to achieve my goal.

What do you think......do you think the cost of higher education is just getting out of control....like in this picture are the doors being kept closed for some?

Heads or Tails Tuesday

This week's theme is on "Luck".........sometimes we have it and sometimes we don't......

The other day I had to go for a test......I was scheduled for for 1100 am.....as "luck" would have it ....the doctor was running behind...emergencies came through the door.....I ended up being the last case of the day.....my 1100 test started at 3:30......I didn't get out of there until 4:30.....a whole day shot......guess they would call that "luck" of the draw.....

I would rather focus my luck on good "Luck".....the day after my test was my Birthday.....I was still feeling pretty seedy....but I had my girls and hubby around me...

So I feel very "lucky" about that........

Take the Quiz day.......

Today has been a bit of a blah day for me...I have been preparing for a test I have to have tomorrow and hence have been house bound and not in the mood for doing to much of anything. I have been checking in on some blogs but I just don't have the energy today. I was over at Skittles Place and she always has fun things to do...well one of her posts led me to these little quizzes so I thought today's post would be "Take the Quiz" kinda of day.....here's the first one

You Are 49% Independent

Overall, you're a pretty independent woman. You don't follow trends just to fit in. You've got your own cool thing going on, though you sometimes still care too much about what other's think.

Are You an Independent Woman?

Here's one...what time of day are you?

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary. You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts. All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Your Personality Is

Idealist (NF) You are a passionate, caring, and unique person. You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals. You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily. Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings. You seek out other empathetic people to befriend. Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships. In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily. At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career. With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone. As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style. On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.

The Three Question Personality Test

And here's one for those of you who need to know do I throw or keep....

You Are a Not Pack Rat

You're not a pack rat - and there's probably no rats in your home. You have a living style that's totally minimalist. You're definitely not attached to stuff.

Are You a Pack Rat?

I won't be around for a couple of days...tomorrow I have to go for my test....and well, Saturday.....is my Bday and I will be spendng it with my kids....so cheers all and I hope you have lots of fun doing the quizzes!

Face Behind the Blog

Misty_Dawn from Dreams of border collies tagged me for this meme. It's called Face behind the Blog. The idea is, I tell you a little something about myself and show you a picture of me...I then get added to a blog roll......I pick some bloggers to participate there it goes. Please check out Dreams of border collies for more information as to how to play along.

Most of my regular visitors know what I look like and a lot of the things I do.

Skittles from Skittle's Place says I am one of the most daring women she knows, I don't know about that but I do like to have fun and push my limits.

My first skydiving experience.....Going Parasailing.....that's me waving...Quadding with my daughter on the back.....I love to downhill ski....this is me and my youngest daughter... This is my baby....I love to drive fast....I have been known to do 220km/hr in this car.....

I love to do all kinds of sports.....softball, waterskiing, knee boarding, fishing,swimming...you name it....even miniature golf

Me youngest daughter and son.....I try to be crafty....I have started to make cards.....These are my first attempts at making cards......I also like to bake.....That's my pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin bread in the background......I'm a really "theme" gal...if there is a party there has to be a theme....this was for a parade we were in .....can you figure out what the theme would have been?I'm a mom to three wonderful girls....this picture is about 4 years old.....The picture below are the men in my life.....hubby and our boys....I am one of 12 children.....my youngest brother wasn't even born when this picture was taken....can you find me in the picture? This was taken last month....the boys and I had just finished swimming in the river.....oh yeah...I love to ride tubes down fast moving rivers and streams.....I REALLY want to go white water rafting.....that's after I learn how to surf...... So there you have it.....the face behind the blog.....

Cathy's Place
Douglas Qualicum Life
Grandmocha and Janet from Life in Westcliffe