Once again I am humbled

I have no idea who nominated me but thank you whoever you are, I am humbled.





This just made my day!!!

Cheers!

And the Winner Is.................

First off I want to thank everyone for their great stories!!! Yuck! There have been some pretty nasty experiences out there. I had my hubby help me choose which of you had the nastiest story. What did I base nasty on....I think simply....did it make me cringe while I read the story. It was a close competion. One story actually made me wretch! But with out further adieu the winner for the "Best Dental Horror Story" goes to ............................

1st Place

Best Dental Horror Story

TomCat

Here is TomCat's story. When he was a youngster his father took him to the dentist to have a couple of teeth extracted. The dentist went and strapped dear Tom into the dental chair and without any freezing or notice proceeded to remove his teeth. After the procedure the dentist released the wrist restraints and our dear TomCat decided to give the Dentist a present I am sure the dentist will remember....I nice punch in the mouth. Needless to say, TomCat never return. Tomcat then went on to give me a little history lesson about the dental chair. Apparently, the Dental chair was the protege for the use of the "Electric chair" seems rather fitting don't you think?

As I said there were some great stories. I would like to acknowledge

Josie for her "Most Embarrassing" dental story. Ladies, can you imagine. You are 12 years old sitting in the dental chair in your wonderfully white peddle pushers when the dreaded curse arrives for the first time!

And the "The Grossest" without a doubt goes to
Janet C . Janet was a dental assistance and she told me about a time when a patient came in to have dental work done on an abscess tooth. Apparently the tooth was extremely swollen and infected when the dentist used the scalpel to the spot....oh it burst and gushed and the smell would have knocked your socks off. I must admit, I think I would have had to leave the room at that point or I am sure someone would have been wearing something not pleasant. I know being a dental assistant is a job I just could not do.

So once again thanks to all for your participation. It was a lot of fun!!!

Saturday's Photo Scavenger Hunt

Today's theme is "Silver". This is a hard one! I searched my computer for a picture and this is what I came up with. The fish might be "Silver" but it was gold to my hubby!!

22 lb. Chinook Salmon (also known as King Salmon )

Laughing IS contagious

Have you ever heard the saying "If I don't laugh I will cry". I have and I use it a lot. Well I was feeling kinda of blue this morning and I was feeling just that....that if I didn't laugh I would cry. Then when I was checking my email a dear friend of mine had sent me this email. It is a comedy show and a bit long but boy it was just what the doctor ordered. It truly made me laugh and put a smile on my face and turned my frown upside down. Hope it does for you as well. Laughter is contagious Have a grand day all!!!


Oh and don't forget, tomorrow is the last day to send me your "Dental Horror" story. Winner to be announced Monday January 29th.

Another Meme

I got this from Skittle's place. Kinda of liked it. Hope you do too!

The 25 Question Meme

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? North of Vancouver Island, Westcoast near Tofino or in the interior of BC Oysoyoos.

2.What's your favorite article of clothing? My pair of guess jeans. I have had them so long they are wearing through. But really I LOVE shoes, have way to many.

3.Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? Oh for certain my hubbies smile and his lips...

4.What's the last CD that you bought? Bought a Johnny Cash CD for my stepson.

5.Where's your favorite place to be? Anywhere with my hubby.

6.Where is your least favorite place to be? In a line up anywhere. Hate line ups.

7.What's your favorite place to be massaged? Now, that is a hard one.....my feet

8.Strong in mind or strong in body? Another tough question....I guess it would be the mind...although I am one tough cookie!

9.What time do you wake up in the morning? The days I work I get up at 0445.

10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? My oven

11.What makes you really angry? Arrogant and inconsiderate people.

12.If you could play any instrument, what would it be? Well I have a perfectly good piano I don't know how to play, but I would say guitar.

13. Favorite colour? Red!

14.Which do you prefer...sports car or SUV? Oh it would have to be my 2004 Mustang GT convertible.

15. Do you believe in an afterlife? I most certainly do.

16.Favorite children's book? Any Dr. Suess book.

17. What is your favorite season? No contest, FAll!

18. Your least favorite household chore? Putting the groceries away.

19.If you could have one super power, what would it be? Wisdom.

20.If you have a tattoo, what is it? I so want a tattoo, problem is I can't decide where I would like to put it. When I do get one it is going to be something Celtic incorporating my children's initials.

21.Can you juggle? I wish. Life would be so much easier if I could.

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? My sister Eileen.

23. What's your favorite day? My first day off.

24. What's in the trunk of your car? Something practical of course.

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? No contest sushi. Don't eat beef.

Tag:

Grandmocha

Josie

Sunflower

Dirk_Star

What to do with a meme: Copy the questions then answer them in your own blog. Tag some unsuspecting bloggers. Come back and let me know you've done it!

Birds

I was looking out the window and the rain is teeming down, it is dark and grey and I am questioning if I should even be out of bed. But as I sip on my latte and visit my blog friends I have noticed a trend as of late. Birds. Lots of you out there like to observe birds and have bird feeders near by. I too love to observe birds and guess I would consider myself an amateur birder.

I was visiting my friend Pea's blog today and she had a wonderful photo of a "Downy Woodpecker" at least I think that is what she said. You can go over to her blog and check it out. Anyhow, it got me thinking that I have some photos of birds that I have taken, that I thought I would like to share. These birds shown I have spotted in my surrounding area.

The resident " California Quail" family. As times I have seen as many as 16 of them in my backyard. The California Quail are native to Oregon and introduced to Washington and B.C. They occur year-round in the southern coastal area of Vancouver Island and Washington state.

"Dark-eyed Junco" Oregon. One of the smallest junco. This one I believe is an adult male. When in flight there is white plumage in the tail.

And we all recognize this bird. The great "Bald Eagle"

This is a tree full of eagles at a bird estuary there were at 30 of them here that day.

Red Tailed Hawk....amazing bird.

Well, I think I will leave it at that for now. Hope you enjoyed them. If any of you are birders I would love to see some of your photos.

Happy Monday to you all!!!

Thought for the Day

Unrealistic Promises

We workaholics make so many promises that no human being could possibly keep them. That is one of the ways we keep ourselves feeling bad about ourselves.

~Lynn~

Do you ever feel that way? I know I have at times. Try to be everything to everyone except myself. Trying to be super mom/parent, employee extraordinaire, wife/sex goddess, sister, friend, organizer/planner, volunteer and the list can go on. I know I have done this to myself. But I can assure you I didn't do them all well at the same time. Something had to give. And for me at times, it was my family.

If I was organizing something for work that was where my focus was. In the back of my mind I was thinking how can I be here and still cook dinner for the kids. Their father had to step up to the plate on more than one occasion.

Having a career is wonderful, being successful at what we do is even better. But what is the price we pay to get there? And at the end of the day, is that truly where we wanted to be?

I don't know, I don't have the answers, sometimes I wish I did. Finding that balance I guess is what it is all about, and not feeling guilty in saying no. No I just can't do anymore, my plate is full. How wonderful that would be!

Saturday's Photo Scavenger Hunt

The theme for today is "Wild" I am not sure if it is for things living in the wild or doing wild things. Bald Eagle Living in the wild

Great Blue Heron

People acting wild Polar Bear swim and the waves being wild. What a great combination!

Shift work

Just an update on the "Dental Horror" stories. I am getting some really good stories coming in....ouch! Keep them coming. As some of you have left some good/scary/embarrassing comments on my blog about your experiences I have decided to include those as well. You can continue to send your stories to me until January 26th.

Well, I have just finished another set. As I write this I realize I should be sleeping, but I am not. The life of a night shift worker. You know I have been thinking about the effects of working night shifts alot lately. Maybe it's just because some days I am really feeling my age, and I realize I still have a long way to retirement, and wonder if I can keep this up.

There has been a lot written on the effects working night shifts has on the individual. I am sure most of you know about our circadian rhythm. That is our bodies biological clock. In one article I was reading by Joe Twarog he says " While the human body performs at peak performance during the day, the biological clock(circadian rhythms)drops to its low point during the night~ usually a time meant for rest. But those who work the night shift have to reverse this cycle and operate at top performance as the body struggles to adjust. Rotating shifts create the most severe problems as adjustment is not possible." This truly bothers me as this is my life and the life of most night shift workers. He goes on to say that ...." shift workers generally get 1.5 hrs. less sleep than workers who word day shifts. And the sleep that night shift workers get is during the daytime, when the body rhythms are geared up for activity." He says that this sleep is less satisfying and leads to general fatigue.

Another article I was reading says that Night/Shift work may cause:

1. Biological Effects:

• cardiovascular disorder
• gastrointestinal disorder
  circadian dysrhythmia

2. Psychosocial Effects:

• sleep loss/fatigue
• lowered performance
• increased accidents
• stress

3. Individual Effects:

• disrupted family and social life, eg. isolation from friends, family, social events and celebrations, etc.

You know I hate to admit it, but I have experienced every single one of the items listed. There are lots of suggestions about how to minimize the effects of working shifts. But the bottom line is I am shortening my life every night shift I work. I am putting myself at risk for an accident every time I get behind the wheel of my car post 12 hr night shift and make the 55km trek home. I have chosen to be in a profession that requires human contact 24/7 I realize that. But I just wanted to share this with you to give you a little insight as to the effects this has on us shift workers. And sometimes I may not be little Mary sunshine, and having to boost and reposition that obese patient at 0530 in the morning might be the last thing my back wants me to do. I do it, I do my best, but I am only human.

Dental Horror Stories

My dear friend was telling me about her hubby and his dental surgery he had. He was experiencing a fare amount of pain and requiring analgesic regularly. My heart went out to him, as my own experiences of visits to the dentist flashes through my mind. I don't know about the rest of you, but I Do Not like going to the dentist. I white knuckle it every time I sit in that dental chair. It's not that the staff aren't pleasant enough, they are. It's just the different sounds of the drill makes me cringe in the chair. The polishing the grinding, the having to keep your mouth open sometimes for hours and trying to swallow. Oh I get flustered just thinking about it. I know I must go, I am behind on my check up and cleaning.

It was one of my last visits to the dentist that did me in. I was having crowns put in on my back molars. For any of you who have crown work done you know how long that procedure can take. Anyhow, I am in to the second hour of sitting in the chair. I am frozen from my chin to my forehead. I feel like I am drooling everywhere. This dentist does not use "dams" you know those plastic grey things they fit into your mouth before they start your dental work. So here we are, I am thinking not long now and I will be out of this chair. When I hear him say "Ah oh"....you know it can't be good when the dentist says that. Remember I am frozen I can't feel anything....except a sensation and the taste of blood running down the back of my throat. Then I notice there is blood spewing out of my mouth. I look at the dental assistant and then the dentist, they say nothing but have they both have this look of "Oh my god" on their face. Next thing you know they are suctioning my mouth like crazy, packing my mouth, and then used this stuff to help stop the bleeding. Then out comes the needle and thread. Yup, he was having to stitch me up. What had happened, he dropped the drill in my mouth and it cut into the bottom of my tongue. I had to get 8 stitches. I mean as if getting the crowns wasn't enough I now had a tongue with stitches in it. 3 1/2 hours I was in that chair. I didn't know what to make of the whole thing. By the time I left I was just glad to be going home. For a week I was only able to tolerate liquids or thickened anything that minimized the use of my tongue.

You know the funny thing about that story is, I went back to him, as there was work to be finished. Yes you can call me crazy.

So there's my dental horror story. What about you. I bet there are some of you out there who can top that. I would love to hear your stories.

So this is what I was thinking. I would like to have a competition for the "Best Dental Horror Story". So if you are interested send me your stories. It has to be 250 words or less. Competition closes January 26th with the winner being announced January 29th. I will post the winning entry on my blog at which time an award will be given. So if you are interested in entering send your stories to smiles4u_61@hotmail.com I think this will be fun. Please note that there is an "underscore" between the u and the 6 on the email address.

Living the Moment

Have you ever heard of that saying


"Living in the Moment" or some people say "Being in the Moment". I have heard that saying many times in my life. It's such a nice saying and easy to say. But to really sit back and take in what it truly means is not an easy task. I use to think I knew how to live in the moment. I think I paid it lip service. Sure I appreciate things, people, or a special moment. But that seems to last only briefly. I find myself rushing to find the next something to entertain me or to bring me pleasure. In this fast pace life we all lead, how many of us truly have taken the time to Live in the moment? To experience everything that moment brings us. For example, have you ever really watched a baby smile? Have you ever just sat there not cooing or playing with baby but just watched. Watching, allowing your senses to drink up the moment. Can you feel it? Can feel the warmth and energy just bursting from that little ones being it engulfs you. It's a wonderful experience if we allow ourselves to Live in the Moment.

When I lived in the city it was go go go. I worked full time, busy raising my girls, attend school meetings, volunteer activities, taking the children here and there. Then there were the family holidays. Those hurry up and have fun holidays. Rush to get ready. Rush to get your destination. Planning and scheduling. Sounds like fun doesn't . I spent many holidays this way. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed many of them but I am not sure that I was living the moment.

You have heard me speak many times about where I live and how I am still in awe of the beauty of this Island. Everyday I am blessed to see another of natures miracles. It wasn't until the other day that I think for the very first time that I lived in the moment.

My moment was a present from my daughter. One of the wonderful things about it, she doesn't even know she gave me a present. We were going for a walk. The day was cold, the smell of snow was in the air the ice crystals kissed our cheeks as we walked. We have this pond where I live and it had frozen over. My daughter wanted to test science and her ability to balance. Will the ice be able to hold her, will she fall through. The challenge and excitement beamed on her face, her eyes glistened, her cheeks rosy. She giggled, she wobbled as she was trying to keep her balance. She threw caution to the wind and pushed her personal envelope. I stood there and just watched her. Watched her enjoy the moment. I didn't have to rush anywhere, I didn't have to do anything. I was there with her, just watching. As I write this my heart is jumping I am smiling I am reliving the moment. That moment which then became a memory comes back so easily to me and I think know why. I was Living in the moment.

I wish that for you all.

Happy Monday!

Thought for the Day

Today's thought has to do with Communincation

Some people talk simply because they think sound is more managable than silence.

~Margaret Halsey~

Saturday's Photo Scavenger Hunt

This weeks photo hunt has to do with Technology. My husband is in the granite industry and I have always been fascinated with the whole process of how they get the raw product of stone from the quarry to the end product.

These are finished products that my husband designed and made.

Thinking Meme

1. If you had to choose one vice in exclusion of all others what would it be? My homemade chocochip cookies

2. If you could change one specific thing about the world what would it be? The intolerance and lack of patience.

3. Name the cartoon character you identify with the most. A girl I used to work with used to say I reminded her of "Tigger" from Winnie the Pooh. She went as far as buying me a Tigger pen and button.

4. If you could live one day in your life over again which one would it be? There has to be three days for this one, and that would be the day I gave birth to each of my daughters. Words can't even describe how incredible I felt.

5. If you could go back in history and spend a day with one person who would it be? Mary Queen of Scots. I would like to know what she was thinking and what she did all those years being lock in Castle towers.

6. What is the one thing you lost, sold or threw away that you wish you could have back? My girls great grandmother gave me diamond earrings, I sucked one of the earrings up in the vacuum. I tore that vacuum bag apart and used a sieve to find it. I never did.

7. What is your one most important contribution to this world? Teaching my children to be honest with themselves and to others and the "Golden Rule" But I am still living so I really hope I can contribute something more.

8. What is your one hidden talent that nearly no one knows about? Does being able to recite the alphabet by burping count?

9. What is your most cherished possession? Everything I got in remembrance of my mom and my sister.

10. What one person influenced your life the most when growing up? My elementary P.E. instructor, he help me believe in myself and he saw my strength and worked with me on developing them.

11. What one word describes you better than any other? My hubby says "Wacko" and my daughter says "Amazing" I like both.

I was tagged byJeni and Janet C. , go check out their sites to see their great responses.

When is a Lie a Lie?

Have you ever had the discussion about when is a lie a lie? I have. Do you think it is as basic as just not telling the truth? Do you consider a little white lie a lie? And what is a little white lie anyhow? Would you consider it a lie if your friend asked you what you thought she looked like it a particular outfit and you told her she looked fine, when actually you think it is to revealing or to tight or not the right colour, but you don't want to give her your true opinion for fear of hurting her feelings. Would you consider that a lie? Is it a lie when you ask your child not to hang out with a certain someone and when they come home you ask who they were with...they tell you they were with all kinds of people but they neglect to tell you that certain person you don't want them to be around was there as well. Is that a lie? You find an error on receipt and it is in your favour, is it a lie not to fess up and give the funds back? A family treasure has gotten broken, you did it or you know who did it do you fess up or let be or tell them the cat did it? If a lie is a lie plain and simple, then should all lies be treated the same?

In looking on the net for a definition of a lie this is what I found:

v. lied, ly·ing (lng), lies

1. To present false information with the intention of deceiving.
2. To convey a false image or impression: Appearances often lie.
v.tr.
To cause to be in a specific condition or affect in a specific way by telling falsehoods: You have lied yourself into trouble.Idiom:
lie through one's teeth
To lie outrageously or brazenly.
lie - a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth

I for one know that I have told a lie. Something I am not proud of. In looking at the definition of a lie, I think I had a misguided idea of what a lie was. I didn't want to hurt anyone. I didn't want to tell the truth about something or someone for fear of hurting feelings and repercussions. The funny thing about that is someone always gets hurt, and usually that someone is the person telling the lie. Lies are like parasites, they eat you up inside, and they can spread like a virus causing harm to those around you.

I was terrible at commitment. I feared it. I wanted it, but I didn't know how to go about getting it. Through my lack of commitment came lies. Lies to myself and lies to those that I couldn't commit to. The reason for my lack of commitment varied, some due to childhood experiences, some due to lack of confidence in myself, some due to fear of loss, and what ifs. As a result came the lies. Personally, I never intentionally told a lie to hurt anyone. In fact that is what I was trying to avoid. Little did I know that it would backfire.

As we grow I like to think we learn. Learn from our life's experiences. If telling a lie has caused grief in the past chances are it will always cause grief. If not for the person you are telling the lie to then to yourself. It is so easy to fall into the trap of telling a lie.

So, when is a Lie a Lie?

Friends

I learnt this little song in Girl Guides " Make new friends but keep the old, one is Silver and the other is Gold". At the time I learnt it I never really understood what it meant. Why would I substitute one friend for another?

When I was in elementary, I hung out with the same girls right up until early high school. I thought we would always be together. It wasn't until I got older and my circle of friends changed that I realize life is not static. It is ever changing. So do my friends.

I have never been one to have a large number of close friends. I have many acquaintances but true and close friends no. When I was in junior high school, I had a girlfriend who I thought we would be buddies for ever and ever. For two years, we did everything together. Then my parents decided to change my school. My friend and I stayed in touch for a year the best we could. We both lived on different parts of town and I went to school even farther away, so getting together was becoming difficult. Our friendship started to dwindle. We had made a promise to each other that our first daughter would be named after each other. Well I was the first one to have a child and lo and behold it was a girl and I did name her after my friend. We somehow managed to keep in contact as she found out I had a child and we ended up meeting for lunch, her mother had knitted my daughter a sweater, we shared some stories had a lovely time together and then it was time to go. We promised each other that we would try and stay in contact, but that was the last time I saw my friend. I never knew if she ever had a daughter or if she did if she named her after me.

When I worked in the office, I became very good friends with my supervisor. So much so that she was the godmother to my eldest daughter and I was the maid of honour at her wedding. Over the 20 years that we have known each other we have shared many laughs and tears. We took vacations together, we played on teams together, we raised our children together. Then she moved about a 3 hour drive away. That didn't stop us. We continued our friendship. As a family we would go visit her and her family in the winter and we would all go skiing and then in the spring we would have driveway parties at her home and in the summer we would go to her place on the lake and camp and water ski. We truly have a bond. She is an extremely busy lady and is always involved in many volunteer committees. She also just finished her Master in business administration and is now building her own consulting firm. She is an amazing woman, one that I have always aspired to. But as a result of all of this, we have seen less and less of each other. We have made plans to get together, but through no fault of of our own plans have fallen through. She is still Gold to me.

In my nursing career, I to have made some very good friends and many acquaintances. Again, I thought some of those friendships would last forever. There was a group of us that would do birthday lunches together, Christmas , we always seemed to be there for each other. Then when I moved to the island and remarried many of those friendships dwindled. I have some wonderful memories of times spent together. I guess I will call those Silver.

Now here I am on the island. I have been here two years come February. I have made no new friends but acquaintances. I work in a community far from where I live so I don't see much of my colleagues other than at work. I live in a very rural community and haven't connected with anyone primarily due to my work schedule. I am going to join the volunteer fire department this spring so I am anticipating connecting with some new folks.

It has finally come to me what that little song meant. I have lived it. I treasure all the people who have come into my life. I have shared lots of fun times with so many and some very sad times with a close few. They are all valuable friendships to me. Some just hold a place of gold in my heart and others silver.

What about you? Has this been true for you in your life?

Friendship

She became for me an island of light, fun, wisdom where I could run with my discoveries and torments and hopes at any time of day and find welcome.

~May Sarton~

Something about me

As you can see, my thought for the day has to do with "Growth". It mentions character building. This, out of all the thought's for the day that I have posted so far, really made me reflect on my own life. Things that have happend to me in my life, and how it has made me the person I am today.

Character building. I use to call them hurdles. Some of those hurdles I got over, some of them I didn't and others I am stilling stepping back and taking another approach at jumping over the hurdle. When I do make it over a "hurdle" I find myself saying things like "another hurdle over what's next". That is how I felt at times. One of those hurdles for me was school.

I was never very good at school at all. In my elementary years it wasn't for lack of trying. Oh I tried, it's just that it never came natural for me. I remember when I was in grade three. In religion class a student would read a bible story and then we would talk about it. Well I remember when my turn to read the a story was coming up. I practised and practised reading that story to myself and then to anyone of my brothers or sisters who would listen to me. My day came to read in class. I was so nervous the whole trembling thing. I can do this I kept telling myself, I've practise I can do this. I started to read. The first paragraph went well but then it went down hill. I forgot how to say a word and got all flustered the teacher wasn't helpful at all. I remeber Sister Anne saying to me "somebody didn't practise" Oh but I did sister I did. The recess bell went, and I never did finish reading that story.

That was so devasting to me. Situations like that repeated themselves through out my school years. It never seemed to matter how hard I studied or prepared I would make mistakes. Finally while others were getting B's and A's I gave up. I was so tired of trying and feeling like I wasn't succeeding that I didn't want to do it anymore. In my seniors years I think I skipped more school than I attended. My parents hounded me to continue and not to drop out. I don't know what kept me going but I did. I did manage to graduate on a acedemic program but the grades were not that good.

After graduation I was planning on going to Vocational school and take a legal secretaries course. I remember going to the school with my mom and getting registered. I never made it to the first day of class. Over the summer I managed to get myself a job working for the Department of Agriculture, working in the office doing a variety of duties. I met my 1st husband that fall. I got married two years later. I thought there was no going back to school for me now. At the age of 28 when my eldest was 3 and my second child was 8 months I decided I had had enough of working in an office and wanted to go back to school. So back to school I went. Nursing school full time. Oh I worked hard. I went to school Monday to Friday all day. I would come home from school, play with my girls for a bit make dinner and after dinner the children's father would take them and bathe them and get them ready for bed. I would sit at the kitchen table for four hours every night preparing for class the next day. This went on until I graduated from nursing school. Again, I was not one who's grade were that great. Oh I questioned what the heck I was doing here. I didn't know this stuff, how can I remeber this stuff. I made myself flash cards, coloured coded things did study sessions with classmates, whatever I had to do to get myself through nursing school. As I said, may grades were ever only passing marks. I got so frustrated. What does it take, why can't I do this. It certainly wasn't for lack of trying. I never graduate with an honours or anything from nursing school but I did win the Humanitarian award and got a scholarship for that. I think the thing for me, was that I had more life experience than most of my 20 year old classmates. Here I was a mom of two, I had been married since I was 21 and had 10 years of office experience under my belt before I went into nursing school. So when it came to doing the psychosocial skills of nursing school I did excel as I could bring my life's experiences into play and tended to be a more active listener than most of my classmates.

I got a job right away after nursing shcool. Little did I know I was preganant with baby number three. I spent my first 8 months as a RN being pregnant. I was then off on maternity leave. When I went back after my daughter was born I was so nervous as I felt I had never solidified my skills before I went off on maternity leave. Oh that first year was tough. I almost gave up a couple of times. If it hadn't been for some wonderful colleagues at the time I think I might have.

When my youngest daughter started school, I knew things weren't right. She couldn't read and she didn't know her ABC's. Early on in her shcool years I met with the class teacher the principle and finally the District psychologist. After much testing it was determined my little girl has dyslexia. Through this process it was discovered that I too have dyslexia. I remember crying when I found this all out. My poor daughter what was she in for with school, and crying for me. Finally there was an answer to why I had such a hard time learning things. Why my spelling was so terrible. My math skills at times questionable. Finally, I could say to myself. It wasn't my fault. I did try all those years. It finally made sense to me. I wasn't dumb. I just learn't things differently than others and saw things differently.

Today when I tell people I have dyslexia they laugh and tell me "oh you don't" Oh but I do. Through all those years I just learn't ways to cope. Strategies to get me through. My spelling is still very bad, and I find now that I turn my letters around a lot more than I used to. Hubby laughs and says I am only noticing that now because I spend so much time on the computer blogging. Thank god for spell check.

So there you have it. Albeit a little long winded but I hope it gives you a little more insight about me.

Dyslexia may have been one of my hurdles I will never get over, but I have learn't to acknowledge it and deal with it to the best of my abilities and for that I am thankful. It has made me a much stronger, understanding and I like to think compassionate person.

If you want to know more about Dyslexia check out Dyslexia Canada

Thought for the Day

Growth

Character building begins in our infancy and continues until death.

~ Elenaor Roosevelt~

I want to celebrate

My 101st post!!!

I can't believe it. Holy fairies how time flies.

When I started blogging I had know idea really what I was going to blog about. I thought initially it would be about a big city RN moving to a smalltown and what it was like to be a nurse in a smaller community. But it never really worked out that way.

It turns out I really blog about everything and anything. My life in general really. I am in awe of where I live. I am surrounded by such beauty pictures and words can't do it justice. When I drive home after a nightshift I watch the sun come up. I am struck by it's beauty, the sun, how it stretches it's beams like little tentacles working it's way up the inlet. The morning mist over the shores and birds diving for their breakfast. The seal lions on the log booms. Absolutely breath taking. The mountains with their snow capped peaks. This truly is one of creations masterpieces.

I have blogged about my family, my children, and my husband. All of whom bring me such pleasure and joy. I have had to deal with some difficult situations but have been able to work through them through support I have received from fellow bloggers.

I have met some absolutely wonderful people through blogging. There has been controversy at times and I changed my blog name and title, but hey would it be blogging if there wasn't some kind of controversy? What a boring world this would be if we all were the same. I have had to practice being tolerant and patient. I have been hurt by comments and questioned why I continue to blog. When I wrote about my experiences and how it made me feel, people came out of the wood work and said the nicest things and gave me encouragement to keep on blogging. I was humbled.

Blogging has become a wonderful pass time for me. I had no intentions of it ever being something to make me money, or to win awards. I just want to blog and to share stories, thoughts and ideas. I have come across some everyday folks doing amazing things and amazing folks do simple things. Variety is the spice to life I am told. So in my quest for knowledge and variety, I would like to celebrate our differences and continue to explore this vast world known as "Blogging"

Vive le difference!!!

Thought for the Day

Parenting

If we try to control and hold onto our children, we lose them. When we let them go, they have the option of returning to us more fully.

~ Anne Wilson Schaef~

Why?

Early on in my career as a Registered Nurse I worked as a Palliative care nurse. During my 5 years as a palliative nurse many wonderful patients and their families crossed my path. I remember many of them to this day. Some of these patients were old and had lead long and fulfilling lives. Even in their dying days they were vivacious and wonderfully colourful. Then there were those who were just beginning their lives starting their families cradling their babies and now this hope for a new beginning was being taken from them.

I often thought "Why?" Why do some people have to deal with so much. For most part the patients had come to terms with what they were facing and were at peace with it. It was the impact their dying was having on the ones being left behind that was creating the feelings of hopelessness and challenging their faith and questioning "Why?"

I remember then wanting some answers as to why do these patients have to go through what they go through, why do these families have to watch their loved ones fade and become weak and fragile. To find solice for myself I came across this book:
When Bad Things Happen to Good People written by Harold S. Kushner. It was a fabulous book. The Rabbi had lost his son toProgeria and was trying to come to some understanding as to why? Why did he have to lose his son.

Last evening one of my patients who was a 47 year old female had spent the last 6 days in and out of hospital for an upper GI bleed. She was sent to us from another hospital as she required an ICU bed. This unfortunate young woman had a multitude of aliments one of which was
Scleroderma. This disease can cause a variety of medical aliments of which she was experiencing.

What I found sad, is that this disease, which is generally hereditary had already taken her father. I kept wondering what was going through her mind. Was she thinking that she was going to die this time. Why? Why her? Why now? Why after all that she has dealt with should she have this to contend with? What was in store for her?

I think I need to go and read that book again.

Thought for the Day

My thought for today has to do with "Hopes and Dreams"

Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul......And sings the tune without words And never stops .......at all.

~ Emily Dickinson~

Bloggers Code of Ethics

Well looks like I might have offended a fellow blogger. Something I never intentionally go out to do. Conflict and controversy are just not my style. Anyhow, yesterday when I posted about "Blog hopping" I had mentioned that I had found out about this by visiting other blogs. I couldn't remember at the time which blogs it was that drew it to my attention, but I gathered by saying that I found out about the idea from other blogs, that would indicate that this was not my idea. Anyhow, I fear I have offended. It turns out one of these bloggers dropped by my blog and jogged my memory, so sure enough I went to her sight and she was correct so in order to make things right here is a link to rose desrochers blog she also has a link on her site about the "Bloggers Code of Ethics" which is worth a read. See we learn something new everyday.

Hope you all have a grand day. I for one am going to bed, I have to face another nightshift tonight.

Blog Hopping

Ok, so the latest thing seems to be this "Blog hopping". The funny thing I find about this is...isn't that what we have been doing from the get go? I mean really, haven't we been visiting different sites after sites day in and day out? Now someone has come up with a name for it. Thank you, who ever you are, I mean I hate to do anything without a purpose, and hence giving it a name legitimizes what I am spending so many hours on the computer doing. Anyhow, today I thought I would give it a try. It was suggested that we visit 20 sites and link these sites in our post. Well you know what....I only managed to visit 10 sites in over an hour. I travelled the world mind you while doing it, but it takes a lot of time. I like to read what the posts are about and leave a message letting them know how I found their site, what I liked about their site and that I was just out on a walk and hoped that they would drop by sometime. I remember reading at Skittles blog yesterday that she had come to a dead end at one point. I thought how could that be possible...but you know what....it happened to me as well. So back to my list I went and started again. It was kinda of fun. Now I told you I had travelled the world during my walk. but that is not exactly true. I started off back in Michigan which took me to England, which took me to Florida, then to Midwest, then to Quebec, and funny thing is I ended up back in BC without even planning it. So I figured after visiting those 10 sites and ending off where I did, that was a good omen, so I should stop while I was ahead. So here are the folks I visited.....

crpitt
tomcat
brit and grit
grandmocha
busted can of biscuits
chesneygirl
ocean
Barbara
Allison
Conversation

There were some very interesting reads, politics, music, food, animals...a plethora of topics. Hope you all are enjoying your day!!

Thought for the Day

Thought for the day has to do with "Freedom"

My sisters, my mom and I

Sisterhood, like female friendship, has at its core the affirmation of freedom.

~Mary Daly~

Saturday's Photo Scavenger Hunt

This weeks theme is "Memories"

The training before the big jump

Me after my very first time skydiving....see the huge grin on my face....I remember being thankful to be on land!!!

Thought for the Day

Life without awe is like food without herbs or spices. I have only to look around me to remember the feeling of awe........Anne Wislon Schaef

"Wolfden Bar and Grill" Soap Part 3

Welcome to the third part of "Wolfden Bar and Grill" Soap. For those who don’t know, this is a soap opera started by bloggers (wolfbaby) and played by bloggers. You can read part one here and part two here.

Part two ended with a mysterious person dressed in black lurking in the parking lot. It turns out it was Dr. A and he was up to no good and just waiting for a victim. Little did Laundress know what she was in for when she stepped outside.

Part three:

Now that Cathy was safe in the ambulance with Dr. Rob at her side, providing her with much needed comfort and support, things could start to settle down at the Wolfden Bar and Grill or would they? There had been some undertones that it wasn't really Cathy that was taken away in the ambulance but rather her estranged twin sister...but if that was the case...then where was Cathy?

Mysti was leaning up against the bar swaying to the gentle tunes that Jungle Tart was playing on her clarinet. Mysti would have loved to danced but her beloved Dr. A was no where to be found. Heather walked up to Mysti and put her arm around her in a friendly manner and said " so where's lover boy?" "I'm not sure" Mysti replies in a sheepish fashion. "I was told he was here...or was going to be here...but I haven't seen him". "It's alright honey...let's you and I go find some fun without him...poor sucker doesn't know what he is missing" Mysti smiled and lower her head.

Meanwhile, over in the library section of the grill, Heather, Willow tree and Susan were all discussing Susan's latest children's television script. Susan was asking them for their input and telling them about a the story line she was working on. "Well if you ask me, I think kids are a little spoilt these days and you should write about something that gives them a life's lesson" said Willow tree in her very Aussie like manner. " I'm not sure that's a good way to look at things" says Heather " there should be balance" " What do you think Susan?" both Willow and Heather looking questionably at her...Susan just shrugs her shoulders and takes another sip of her chardonnay.

Pamela and Karmyn were having a wonderful time just catching up on things and chatting about everything from birds, gardening, painting to writing science fiction novels, when JP and Patient Anonymous joined in. Patient Anonymous was saying how much she loved reading anything on medical blogs and with that JP jumped in and said "Anyone know where Dr. A is?" Difficult Patient piped up and said "well I thought I saw him out in the parking lot...but I could be mistaken as I was kinda preoccupied chatting with Fallen Angels about neurology and behavioural science stuff"

Just at that moment Pearls and Dreams was coming out of the washroom and looking around the room for Laundress. "Has anyone seen Laundress?" Smalltown RN aka Qualicum RN and Wolfbaby were near by and looked at each and shook their heads. "Nope haven't seen her" "Well she's got to be here....we came together" says Pearls and Dreams " That's not like her to just wonder off" "Well she does have a lot on her mind lately, she is reviewing that new laundry soap you know and it is a big contract for her if all goes well" said Wolfbaby. "You know come to think of it...I think I heard her say she was going to step outside to get some fresh air" Qualicum RN said.

Pearls and Dreams headed for the doorway and out to the parking lot. "Laundress are you out here" she shouted. No answer. Pearl and Dreams starts to panic..."where are you" she whispers to herself "you've got to be here somewhere" Just as she is walking by a van she sees what she thinks is a man and woman embraced in each others arms. "Excuse me but have you seen a woman about my height. dark hair and wearing a black dress?" The man responds with a hurried "NO" there was no answer from the woman. Pearl gets a knot feeling in her stomach like there is something wrong with this couple neither of them make eye contact with her. As a matter of fact both keep their heads down. She watches the man put the woman in the car....she is not moving well at all, she is staggering and her body seems limp. Pearl tries to get a good look at the woman but she couldn't see very well as the lights in the parking lot were dim. Just at that moment out comes Fallen Angel and Difficult Patient "What's going on" they ask in unison. " I don't know I can't find Laundress....but I think she might be in that car that just drove off""

So I leave the story here....our dear Laundress has gone missing....and who knows could it be our Dr. A who has kidnapped her? Cathy and Dr. Rob where are they....was it really Cathy in that ambulance or was it her estranged twin sister? Poor Mysti pining for her beloved Dr.A. Will Susan come up with a script for her children's program? Poor Jungle Tart all she wanted was to play her clarinet while Dr. Rob played his guitar and she dreamt of them making such beautiful music together.

So without further adieu I pass the soap opera baton off to you Willow Tree your part of the story is to be posted the week of Jan 12th. Below are the links to all of the other participants. If you have any questions or want to join in on the fun please contact Wolfbaby and I am sure she will be happy to fill you in on how to become part of this fun.

Writing Participants:

Wolfbaby Dec 22
Cathy Dec 29th
Qualicum RN Jan 5th
Willow Tree Jan 12th.
Dr.Rob Jan 19th
JIP Jan26th
Mysti Feb 2nd
Patient AnonymousFeb 9th
Pamela Feb 16th
Heather feb 23rd
Karmya R March 2th
JungleTart March 9th
SusanMarch 16th
The LaundressMarch 23rd
Difficult Patient March 30th

Actors but not writers:

DR. A
FallenAngels
Pearls and Dreams orPk

Thank you

Just a quick note to thank all of you who left me a comment regarding my post "A sad day". I recognize there was nothing more hubby or I could have done. You are right, it is he who has to truly decide if he wants change in his life. By doing some of the things we did I realize we were enabling him. I was never very good at "tough love".

Thanks again for all your kind words.

A sad day

Well it is a sad day. I have been moping around the house, trying to distract myself by doing housework. When I stop I just cry.

In previous posts I had written about my brother coming to stay with hubby and I. Originally it was only going to be for 6 weeks. He was in a bad way and needed to get away from where he was living and to be in a safe place so he could get healthy again both physically and mentally. Well I think he achieved that. In his 3 months with us he gained over 30lbs and regained some peace of mind. My brother has led a very hard life. He was a drug addict for most of his adult years. He suffers from anger issues and depression and has been on medication for that. He is on a pension due to injuries he has sustained over his life two of which include being buried in a mine. Yes he has had a hard life. There were many adjustments we all had to make when he came to live with us. Hubby and I set up a room for him. Put a television and stereo in his room, and tried to give him a space of his own. Hubby even put a computer together for him and we set up a computer station for him and connected him to the world of computers. It was a challenge for him as he didn't type so we downloaded a typing program for him. The best thing in all of that was that he was able to have contact with family and a couple of friends. He helped out with chopping wood and stacking it. If he was up first he got the fire going and coffee. Sounds good doesn't it. Well it was. For awhile.

Remember I mentioned about adjustments. Well he has been on his own for so long that he just does his own thing. He isn't used to being asked to pick up after himself, or to put his dirty dishes in the dishwasher. No he was a bit of a slob. A great cook but you knew when he had been in the kitchen. He tried I know he did, but so did I. Our life styles were so different. He was just used to doing his own thing when he wants and how he wants. And well we have schedules and household expectations, I think it became to much for him. I think we all were starting to feel like we needed our space. He is a solitary man as well. He would spend a day or two in his room only coming out to go outside for a smoke or grab a coffee or sandwich. I think those were days he was having difficulties coping. But he never talked about it. I tried to involve him in our daily lives. Going out for dinners, shopping. With Christmas he participated in getting the tree and truly seemed excited about having a homestyle Christmas, something he hadn't had in such a long time.

On December 30th he decided he was going to go to the store to get smokes. Sounds fine. But he had to walk there. It's about 12 km one way, that's 7.5 miles. He stopped at the pub on the way back. He had our dog Bert with him and had tied him up outside the pub. Anyhow, he arrives back home, needless to say drunk and belligerent. There is a saying "only babies and drunks tell the truth" and I think this applied to him that day. Being drunk gave him the courage to say what he wanted to say. That being he was leaving. The discussion got a little heated, and other things were coming out, we tried to stay calm and let him just blow off steam. He said he was thankful for all that hubby and I had done for him but that it was time for him to leave. He eventually went to bed.

Yesterday morning I finally went to him and told him we had to talk. He had been staying in his room since the incident. I told him that hubby and I had been talking and that we agreed, it most probably was best he leave, but we hoped that he wouldn't go back to the mainland that he would let us help him find somewhere here on the Island somewhere he continued to feel safe. I told him he would still be welcomed for dinners and could do laundry at our home, and walk Bert whenever he wanted. But he said no he would leave the next day.

Today was the day. Even as we were going to the car I asked him if this was what he wanted, he said yes. I stopped at the bank and got him some money. I just couldn't see him go back to the mainland without anything in his pocket. I had packed some snacks and treats in his pack. I drove him to the ferry. I hugged him and kissed his cheek and then I had to turn and go. I knew I was going to cry.

I never really knew my brother, being 15 years older than me he had already left home by the time I was born.

I really had hopes for him. I really thought being here would help change things for him. I feel like I have failed him, and yet I don't know what I could have done to make things any better.

Oh Life.....

He says he is a Blog widow

Oh my....my wonderful hubby told me yesterday that he was working on something. I had know idea what he was up to until this afternoon. He quietly comes into the livingroom where I am busily taking down the Christmas tree, and tells me to go check out his blog. So unsuspecting wife goes to have a look....I mean it is the blog you know...I must go have a look...right? Well, what should I find but the ramblings of a lonely hubby....oh it is to funny. I just have to share it with you...it is a bit of a long story,but a very enjoyable "fictional" story. I hate to admit it but I think a lot of spouses might be able to relate to Douglas . He titles his post " Lonely Victim looking for Allies"

If you need a good giggle, it's worth the read.

Cheers all! P.S. I love the post he did at the end of it...that just about says it all.

Polar Bear Swim 2007

It's official. I did it. I didn't want to say anything for fear that I might not do it. But I did. It was cold and very wet. Raining and the waves were something. The theme was "Tropical" so I dug out my hat from Mexico, put on some parrot paraphernalia I had, but then ended up covering it all up with hubbies housecoat.....want to see a silly picture?

There I am in my hat and orange skirt...don't I look warm!!!

It's now official time to go in!!!!!

And now without further adieu Polar Bear swim 2007

Ah Shucks......

I feel so honoured. Skittles has posted her 2006 Blogger awards and guess what, I won the

Most Thoughful Blogger Award



If you click on her name on the award it will link you to her site and you will see who all the other award recipients are.