Schools back and so are the germs.....

I made this post for the Wetcoast Womens blog and then I thought it might be useful here as well....so for those of you who have read this post there please excuse the duplicaiton.

Our little darlings are back in school….yay for some boo hoo for others. But with the joys of beginning another school year comes the increased risk for our little precious ones being exposed to many more germs.

The common cold for one. You know our little munchkins sneeze….and rather than use a Kleenex they wipe that snotty little nose with their hand or the sleeve of their shirts. Never intending of course to pass the germs along but they do. Think of all the items they touch just after sneezing….their desk….the teachers desk….the building blocks….the books….the door handles the list goes on.

So what can we as parents do to help minimize the spread of these germs. First and foremost we can teach our children the basics of good hand-washing and why it is so important. I know this may sound so elementary to most but a lot of children don’t understand why it is we nag at them about washing their hands, not just when they finish in the bathroom, but when they come in from outdoor play, or sneeze. Most classrooms have a sink and towels encourage them to use it. Now days you can buy those small antibacterial soaps that they could keep in their desks…..or better yet insist that your child’s school installs the hand cleanser dispenser outside the classroom door and in the class room.

There is study after study proving how simple hand washing eliminates many of the common germs, and decreases the risk of spreading germs and other diseases dramatically. So why aren’t we insisting that the hand dispensers are provided for every classroom? If it only costs a couple of bucks to provide one for your child or have the school install(more dollars I know)isn’t it worth it? Think about all the lost days of school that happen because children are passing the cold or flu bug around? Thousands of instructional hours are lost. And what about the poor teacher who has to deal with the sniffles of every other student in the class.

This brings me to another topic….Immunization. What is wrong with people who don’t keep their child’s immunizations up to date? What are they thinking? I was shocked when I heard about the Mumps outbreak in Abbotsford. That should never happen…..people have gotten lacked when it comes to immunization. They were initiated because immunization do save lives. I know there are groups that don’t believe in them….part of me thinks that’s because they have never experienced it…and why is that…..because the rest of the population has dutifully ensured their child’s immunization are kept up to date. Believe me you don’t want to see your child get the mumps….or what about Polio….something that was totally eradicated as a result of the immunization…..do we want to go back to those days? I don’t think so.

And while I’m on the topic…..please please please don’t use the school as your babysitter. If your child is sick…keep them at home…no one needs them coughing or sneezing all over them, and they will recover much faster at home rather than sitting in a stuffy not well ventilated classroom. Here are some statistics about the common cold:

“From the time a cold virus enters the nose, it takes 8-12 hours for the viral reproductive cycle to be completed and for new cold virus to be released in nasal secretions. (13) This interval is called the incubation period.

Cold symptoms can also begin shortly after virus is first produced in the nose (10-12 hours). (13) The time from the beginning of the infection to the peak of symptoms is typically 36-72 hours. (1, 2)” So what does that mean…that means we need to keep our little darlings at home during that time….don’t you think it is worth it in the long run?

You can get more information about the common cold here: http://www.commoncold.org/undrstn3.htm

Anyhow, that is my rant. Let’s try and make this a cold and flu bug free year for our little munchkins.

Good health to you all and your little darlings….

Well if you like contests and are interested in winning a little something jenn At my kids are the world to me has a September give away....who doesn't like free stuff...please go check it out.

Have a great day all!

Saturday Scavenger Photo Hunt

I haven't plays this for awhile but it's Saturday Photo hunt...and this weeks theme is "String(s)".....so here are my pics.....

The wool(string) used to knit...my daughter and her first attempt at knitting......

String used to help keep things covered during the rain......And finally the string(ok rope) used on the mast of this sailing ship....

If you would like to play along please check out....tnchick

Happy hunting!!!!

Tell me what you think....

I am struggling with something and your input would be appreciated.

In this day and age of technology there are many ways to stay in touch and to find old friends. One such venue is Facebook. I primarily use facebook to stay in touch with family and friends that I have worked with. Personally I have not attempted to contact anyone from my college or high school days. No desire really. But there are those who really have a need to reach out and find people from their past for whatever reason.

So I present this to you. A few months ago an old girlfriend of my husband contacted him. She found him via Facebook. They connected there and then exchanged MSN addresses and IM and eventually she sent him her telephone number.

She made the initial contact.....I know he was excited to talk to her...as he says she was not only his girlfriend but a good friend....I can accept that. What I am having difficulties with is her continued need/desire to contact him. It's one thing to catch up on things...it's another to make regular contact. As of late a mutual friend of theirs past away unexpectedly, she contacted my hubby to let him know...she went as far as calling his dad in an attempt to get a hold of my husband. They connected. He got the information about their mutual friend......and sent his condolences to the family. The family were appreciative of his letter and called to tell him so. That was a very touching moment, and I am glad that he was able to connect.

So there, Facebook was good for that....but now what? She continues to make contact....in one of her IM's she actually said...."Your hot"....now how am I to take that? Why would she say that....I asked my hubby about it...he said she always talks like that....hmmmm.

Personally I just find it all very odd. Why would a women who is supposedly in a relationship make continued contact with my husband, telling him he is hot and asking him when he is coming out east, if she wasn't interested in him? Am I being paranoid? Does anyone else find this odd?

I have asked my husband to just acknowledge how this all makes me feel. His response is....that he doesn't respond to her IM's anymore because he knows how it makes me feel. Well that is all well and good. But that is not acknowledging my feelings. Anyone who has taken any conflict course will know what I mean by that. Rather than saying what he said.....if he truly was acknowledging he would say something along the lines....".....I know how that must make you feel"...or " I know that must be hurtful to you and because of that I don't want to talk to her"...but rather he says....I don't talk to her out of respect for you.....so what...if I wasn't around he would? I don't know...maybe I am making a mountain out of a mole hill, but it has upset me. All I want him to do is acknowledge that I am upset....that's it...nothing more......

Personally, I'd like to dim her lights but I know that would be frowned upon. I have asked him...if the shoe were on the other foot how would you feel? He never gives me a straight answer...but I know he would not like it. I can't help but wonder what is her motivation for all of this. Is it that she just wanted to connect with a friend from the past? Albeit a lover. I don't know. All I know is that it hurts me, and I don't like it. If she knows he's married which he says she does...then why doesn't she talk to both of us...why just him...why exclude me?

I am thankful that he has a bit more class and has opted not to respond to her advances.

I really would appreciate hearing your take on this....I have broad shoulders tell it as it is...if I am a nut ball and off of my rocker for being upset about this...then tell me...I can handle it....personally I just want to put it to rest....but it's hard when she continues to make contact via MSN.....I want to reach through the screen and give her a shake and tell her to leave us alone. But that won't happen....so here I am....left trying to deal with the silly emotions. I know my husband loves me....I truly believe that....and I trust him....it's her and her motivations I don't trust.....

Health care and ethics......

In all my years of nursing there is one thing that I have found to be constant. Ethics. Health care practitioners are faced with ethical dilemmas on a regular basis.

Look at the ethical issues around stem cell or egg harvesting. Those are some of the more controversial topics but ethical all the same.

As an RN I have been witness to many situations that I questioned the validity of treatment or lack of treatment. It's such a hard call sometimes. I mean do we replace the hip of a 95 year old who has fallen? The questions that are posed from that are: What was their quality of life prior to the fall? What was their level of function will a new hip improve their quality of life?.....my answer would be yes....but then we have to ask ourselves what are the risks of surgery.....what was their health prior to the accident, do they have lung problems? Heart issues? Are they diabetics? What is their cognitive state? Those are all things that should and must be considered prior to surgery.

I had a situation the other day....a young male came in for dental surgery. His teeth were in such bad shape that if they weren't dealt with they could cause him much worse problems in the future. Unfortunately, he had mental health issues as a result of a previous head injury. The young man did not want the surgery,his parents thought it best that he have the surgery. He was belligerent prior to the surgery. He refused to undress I don't know how they managed to sedate him for the procedure but they did. He arrived in the recovery room and I knew we were in trouble. He was semi awake and already calling out and being verbally abusive. We anticipate and accept a certain amount of obscenity post op as often it is the drugs that are used during surgery that cause people to respond in a certain way.

When this young man started coming around....he didn't want to have anything to do with being in the hospital...he started pulling off his oxygen mask, the monitoring equipment... we attempted to calm him and eventually he would settle down, although briefly.....the unfortunate thing with this person is that he stopped breathing a couple of times and had what we thought were seizures......it was all very strange...the anesthestist was called and we ended up helping him with his breathing. He came around .....and again he was aggressive and did not want to be there......he was a big person and very strong......we ended up calling a code white on him(aggressive patient) and hoped that security would arrive in time to give assistance....this didn't happen....he pulled out his IV....jumped off the end of the bed.....left the recovery room.....punching holes into the wall. The patients mother was there......she asked people to back off.....she assisted him to the car and left.

Here's the dilemma......was he a candidate for the surgery? Yes....did he want the surgery.....NO....was he in a right state of mind to make that decision for surgery......Questionable.....should we have insisted he stay in the hospital and recover fully before leaving the hospital....my gut told me yes..... should we have restrained him until he was fully recovered......possibly.

I don't know if there are any clear cut answers to this. I know my colleague and I were very upset by what transpired. The anesthetist and the doctor came and spoke with us....explained that it wasn't the drugs that were given during surgery...that those drugs would have worn off by the time he arrived in the recovery room. So what was it, what caused this person to behave and act out that way and should they have performed the surgery?

I don't know that I have the answers to these questions....all I know is that sometimes I am faced with situations that push the ethical boundaries for providing care and treatment.

What do you think?

The Wedding..............

This past weekend hubby and I had the pleasure of traveling to the mainland to participate in my nieces’ wedding.

The ceremony and dinner were going to be outside, so we were hoping the weather god’s would shine favourably upon us, and they did. The sun shone brightly as did many a happy face.

My niece is the only daughter and eldest child to my brother and his wife. The special event took place at HMC Discovery in Stanley Park. A lovely setting.

It was so nice to see so many family members and friends. I hadn’t seen my one brother in over a year as he and his wife had been in Europe on a teacher’s exchange program.

Here are a few photos of the special day…..

One of my sister's and my youngest daughterMy middle daughter and her date...

Thank you....

Thank you all for your kind birthday wishes.....I did have a nice day. I received many email wishes and ecards, my sister had flowers delivered that day, youngest daughter,hubby and I went shopping and then out for dinner. When I arrived home a little elf(FIL) had been and left me a gift, how truly thoughtful. Then yesterday when I arrived home from work there was a lovely bouquet of flowers and some candles from MIL. So yes I did have a very special birthday.

Working is going well. I'm into my 2nd week of orientation. I think one of the biggest adjustments I am going to have to this job are the hours. Everyday almost it seems like I have a different start time. All in all so far so good!

Have a great day all!

They say it's your Birthday.........

Yes it's that time of year again, another birthday is upon me......I have always LOVED my birthday....I mean LOVE!!!! For some reason my birthday use to go on for a week, birthday dinner with the grandparents, dinner with my girls and their dad, then my girlfriends would take me out....and then my sisters....yes I use to love my Bday!!!

This year is a bit different. I have started a new job, so no one there knows me well enough to be able to go out or anything, all my friends live on the mainland, and my two eldest daughters have to work. So it looks like it will be a quiet day. My youngest daughter has come for a visit, which is awesome and I feel blessed to have her here. My birthday isn't until the 18th but I am hoping that youngest and I will be busy doing something. I want to go out for Greek dinner for my birthday so I am sure that is what we will do.

I got my first birthday card from the girls grandparents on Friday, how sweet of them to remember me and to send a card. My brother who is in Europe sent me a message via Facebook wishing me a Happy day......so I do feel kinda of special.

Isn't it funny though. A part of me doesn't want to make a big deal about it...and yet...in my heart of hearts I really want people to remember my Bday......I know how childish. It's just that when I was growing up your Birthday was always special. You see coming from a family of 12 children that was about the only time of the year that you were made to feel like you were really someone special.....well I guess it wasn't quite like that...but you know what I mean. We use to have this rule, when it was your birthday you didn't have to do any chores....Yippee!!! Somehow, as I got older that rule went out the window...boo hoo, but I do extend the rule to my girls when it is their birthday.

Anyhow, that is all I shall say about that....I am sure it will be glorious day....any day you can get verticle is a good day in my books! LOL!

Another week in the life of............

I can't believe how time has flown! Here I am just finishing my first week of orientation at my new job, and I survived it! It's funny a few of the gals there have asked me on more than one occasion if I like it and if I am going to stay? Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.... after getting over the initial jitters I must say I am enjoying it. I love learning new things which is a good thing as there is so much to learn.

I think some times I am very hard on myself. I for some reason figure I should know more than I do. But how can I in this environment. I mean I had a general understanding of what went on in PACU having taken report and received many a patient from PACU directly to ICU, but hands on direct patient care in PACU I haven't done. It has been very beneficial having my Critical Care training, the ABC's(airway, breathing, circulation) are always the same, and if I remember that I think I will do ok.

Like any new job you have to learn the paper trail, the administrative side to things. For me I have also changed work environments, I have gone from a small rural hospital to a hospital who boost the 4th busiest ER's in the province. Which potentially means lots of surgeries!

It's a learning curve but not insurmountable. I am keen, reading whatever I can get my hands on, jumping in to take the admissions as they come, and some days you can't even catch your breath. I think one of the things I love about this unit is that you truly work as a team. There is not designated patient assignment you decide when the call comes from OR who is going to take the patient and then who is going to be your 2nd RN, and that is how it works. It's just awesome. They have all been so welcoming to me. I think partially that the group I was working with this past week are also fairly new to the unit, with two of them coming from ER background the other with telemetry background, all of them under a year on the unit, but all very seasoned RN's, and bring a wealth of knowledge.

Another thing I have enjoyed is the instant repoire we have with the anesthetists and surgeons. Everyone is called by their first name and treated with respect. I was always greeted by the doctors with a big welcome and often humour.

I think my biggest adjustment are the hours. Having never worked rotating 8 hr. shifts it does take a little getting used to. Case in point this week I have worked an 08-16, 10-18, and three 16-24, all great shift times. However, three of the shifts have mandatory overtime ie. oncall. So for example if you are the evening person working 16-24 you are then oncall from 2400-0600 and then expected to report to work at 1600 after coming off of call at 0600. I am told that it doesn't happen to often that you get called back often it's staying late. Like the other night the evening staff had to stay until 0500 and then come back to work at 1600...ouch! But I guess I will get use to it.

Now, some fun stuff. As you know before I started my new job I took a week off. Spent the one day at the spa and then spent a few days on the in-law's boat. The weather was sunny and warm. The first day we spent travelling up the inlet to eventually get gas. When ended up spending the night and a friend of mine and her daughters came to the boat for a visit. We set out early the next day. The skies were blue the sea was calm it was perfect. We actually even put down a line to try and catch some fish...but they weren't biting. We ended our day by setting anchor in a very tranquil spot. Hubby bar-b-qued and we sat on the deck with our glass of wine and just enjoyed the surroundings, the loudest noise was that of the seal slapping on the water playing with their catch of salmon.

The next morning we set sail with the intention of dropping anchor in another bay at days end. Well that didn't happen. Although the sun was shining, the winds were gusty. Weather report were for winds up to 25km. We started to pull up the anchor with the automatic winch....the anchor stopped....for the life of me I couldn't get it going again. Hubby was up on the fly bridge steering the boat and trying to give me instruction but it just wouldn't work....we had to change spots, I had to steer and keep us away from the rocks(remember I mentioned about the winds)while he worked on the anchor. He figured it out....a fuse had blown he fixed it and we were off. We made our way out through a passage which eventually led us to open water. Let's just say it was a rock'n roll time. Hubby says the swells were about 5 - 6 feet with a 2 foot chop....that means something to the seasoned sailor but to me it was just darn rough! It's a good thing I don't get sea sick. It was a little unsettling for awhile but once we were able to turn and head into the direction we wanted we were travelling with the waves. I mean who needed a roller coaster when you've got this...LOL

We made it to a lovely little cove were we took shelter for a couple of hours and then decided it was time to venture out to the bay we had initially intended on staying. The winds were still strong and the water still rough. Then it all changed. One of the engines gave out....yup....just died. I won't go into the details of it all but it made steering of the boat a little more challenging. The winds into the bay were strong so we opted not to drop anchor.....at this point we were not to far from home so we opted to go home, moore the boat and just have dinner down on the dock. Then things changed again, engine two would only go in forward, no reverse and no neutral. Not good. My hubby planned to drop anchor in the harbour and see if he could have a look at the engine. Then he thought that if there was a slip at the end of the dock that we could just tie up to we would just do that, but there was none. That is when it got really scary. Hubby was attempting to turn the boat around when the winds caught us and pushed into the row of moored boats....I was already on the bow with the gaffle hook in hand, and bumpers down....we were heading right for the stern of two boats.....hubby cut the engine......I pushed with all my might with the hook and then using my body to kick us off of the boat...hubby flew down from the fly bridge off of the boat and threw his body between us and another boat...an older gentleman who just so happened to be on his boat jumped in to help....it was all very frightening...but we stopped tragedy from happening....not one scrape or dent in any of the boats, and us...well that is another story!!!! I don't know how we managed to prevented hitting the other boats but we did....thank god! So there we were stalled, the winds continually pushing us into the boats I am still trying with all my might to keep us off of the boats....the old man went and got the harbour manager and a helper .......with all of them we managed to tether the boat to the end of the dock and moore up against another boat. Whew!......I needed a drink and debriefing after that. What an adrenaline rush.....and then the let down....I think both hubby and I were just mentally and physically beat by the end of it all. We tidied up the boat and decided that we would go home, call the in laws tell them what happened and deal with the rest the next day.

And that is where I will leave this story......I have some photos of our short trip....enjoy!

The boat......32' Bayliner Avanti

The cove, where we dropped anchor

The Captain, my hero!

And me the first mate!

"Sister's Islets" Lighthouse....this picture doesn't really give you an idea of the swells....they were a little calmer here.....I can imagine for some sailors in rough seas that this is a beacon of hope that shore is close by.....

A Day just for me..........

I finished at my old job on Saturday morning and I started a week of holidays! I guess I didn't spend my first couple of days very well, as I filled them with have to do things.....like cutting the lawn, painting, cleaning, you know.....anyhow, I ended up getting a tad stressed shall we say, I think primarily due to sleep deprivation. I had just finished working 3 12 hour night shifts and most probably only had about 8 hours of sleep in my system....not good.

For Mother's day this year my girls and husband bought me gift certificates for a complete body massage, manicure and pedicure at this very exclusive spa. I had plans to use it some time this week, but husband suggested I use it sooner rather than later. I am glad he convinced me to go.

So today was the day were I got totally pampered. It was amazing. I have had massages in the past with manicure and pedicures but nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to experience.

My appointment was for 1045, they suggested to be there at least a 1/2 before your session so you can enjoy the mineral pool and hot tub. I decided I would go for a run along the beach which was very close to the spa,before I went for my session. I was all hot and sweaty by the time I got there and ready to be pampered.

I arrive and you can feel the sense of calm in the air. I was lead to the changing room, given my key to my locker shown around the locker room and then led to the mineral pool. Let's talk about the change room, of course they provide the most comfortable housecoat and sandals, I headed for the shower which of course is stone enclosed really cool, and full of all the amenities for a shower, from there I headed to the pool. The lay out of the pool it that of a cave "grotto" , waterfalls from ceiling to the ground the one wall is a waterfall that is glass....it was just so soothing and peaceful.

I was told I should head up to the third floor where I would be greeted by a concierge who directs me to the lounge where you there is complementary fruit plates, water, tea, and coffee. I wasn't there very long when I was greeted by the person who was going to do my hour long massage. We walk down some stairs and went down a hallway, again everything is so peaceful and soothing, pan flute and harp playing the background, I am taken to my room.

and the a The massage was more than I could have ever imagined from my head to my toes simply amazing. Hot towels draped around your face, or on my shoulders, spritzed with lavender, and then lavender pack placed on my face....ooh my goodness to die for......I wondered at first if I would feel uncomfortable and tense, but the therapist was so professional I just felt so at ease. I was sad when that part of my treatment came to and end. I was escorted back to the lounge.

Once in the lounge I was greeted by the concierge who advised me that if I wanted to go back to the pool and return they would then be ready for me. I did exactly that. Upon my return I was informed that they were running a little late and they offered me a Mimosa....yummmy very crisp and refreshing. I was then lead to another room where I am directed to sit in a chair and and my feet were immersed in this tub of warm mineral water....my feet are loving this....from there I go to sit up on the wonderful large reclining chair where my feet begin to get pampered. I swear they are doing the happy dance, from the exfoliating to foot massage and spritzing again and finally the choice of nail colour I picked what they call "It's Greek to me" A nice bright and fun pinky/red colour very summery I thought. After my pedicure I greeted by the next individual who was to perform my manicure.

I lead to a room where other women of like mind are being primped and pampered. Again, I receive the wonderful hand soaks, rubs, creams, spritzers....just simply decadent. For my nails I chose a colour called "Strawberry Margarita" with out knowing the names of the colours I picked were names of places for vacation destinations, how appropriate I thought . It just so happens that hubby and I are off tomorrow for a few days cruising on the open waters.....oh life is good.

By the time this is all said and done I have been at the spa for over 5 hours! You know besides feeling wonderfully relaxed I got a great bonus. As it turned out, unbeknownst to me I was suppose to get a different treatment for my pedicure but they had overbooked so I got my pedicure for free!! Thumbs up on that one. I left there a very happy camper.
It was time to get back to reality, but in a much more relaxed state of mind. Off to town I went got a few groceries for our vacation, did a couple of errands in town and made my way home. I had really wanted to get my hair cut, so I took a chance at my hairdresser and as luck would have it she was able to take me in right then and there. Was this my lucky day or what.

So here I am now totally chillin the sun is still shining and I am thinking about what to pack for our adventure tomorrow.

Ah life is good sometimes isn't it?

Mars and Venus.........

We all the know or have heard of the book "Men are from Mars Women are from Venus" written by John Gray Phd. The purpose of his book is to help men and women to communicate better in a relationship by understanding the differences in the way the sexes think and process information.

I have just spent the past 5 weeks living in a house with 4 males, my hubby, my two step sons and my brother in law. Life couldn't be more different. I think now I can understand how my ex felt living in a house with 4 females.

When we get married for the first time we see the world ahead of us, as a couple we try to grow together the first few years can be difficult finding the comfort zone in the relationship and how each person fits within the relationship. Then as a couple you decide to start a family. You raise your children with values that are important to you and try to teach them life's lessons in preparation for them to one day leave the roost and spread their wings.

I think things are a little different when you remarry and combine families. Again, one would hope that the husband and wife would share the same value system, goals, and expectations. Then come the children of the new union. In this new marriage the children live with the other parent, due to distance the couple now only sees them on scheduled visits. As a result the other parent has more input with regards to instilling values and life lessons. Which brings us to now.

I have lived these past 5 weeks with two young teenage boys. Having only raised girls this can be a challenge. I found myself trying to understand their sense of humour. Case in point. Bathroom humour. They find is necessary to share their bathroom experiences with everyone. The other day we were all out and I had to excuse myself to use the washroom, upon my return my hubby pipes up "Did everything come out ok?" right in the middle of the store of course this opened the door for the boys and on came the bathroom humour. I was disgusted and walked away and went looking at other things, this unfortunately caused conflict. I have mentioned to the boys and to my hubby that I do not appreciate that kind of humour, for me actually there is no humour in it at all. I tried to think if I ever experienced anything like that with my girls and I can honestly say that I haven't. Never in a million years would my girls bring up such a topic...and certainly not in mixed company. Which brings us to an example of Venus and Mars.

I know boys think very different than girls. The eldest stepson is 15 and the hormones are jumping. He is so girl crazy right now, which I am accepting as teenage boy behaviour. However, his comments sometimes are extremely rude and as far as I am concerned degrading to all women. I have tried to explain this to him, but I think it is falling on deaf ears. I could give you examples but I am to embarrassed to even repeat some of the things he has said. I truly don't know why he thinks it's ok to say those things and especially in front of me. Hubby has corrected him at times but sometimes he says he is just joking....well if I find it offensive then it is not a joke.

Then there is the free flowing of bodily noises. I truly think they forget that other people are around. Again, I try to correct them tell them it is socially not acceptable...they just laugh.

Now lets talk about manners or lack there of. This evening for example, I made tacos for dinner granted a bit of a messy meal. Youngest son decides he wants to make two at the same time, well two don't fit on the plate. He makes one puts the one he made straight on the table and the finishes making his second. I tried to point out to him that it would have been more appropriate to make one and come back for the second rather than putting the other on the table. Napkins....napkins are a foreign object to them. Every meal I put out napkins. They rarely get used...instead what I see are hands getting wiped onto shirts or shorts....or sock wiping something up off of the floor. This is just not right. If the napkin are there why don't they use them? This just increases the amount of laundry I have to do..... Do they think I just put the napkins out to look pretty? That I have noting better to do than think about putting them out NOT to be used? I don't think so.

It has been more of a trying time than I ever expected. I have tried to teach them social skills and the likes but I feel now like I am being the bad guy. The nag....I do wonder what it is they learn at home....what table manners have they learnt? Eldest step son does little, he stays up late and if left to his own devices doesn't get up until noon or later. Again, I recognize that teenagers need more sleep but it certainly doesn't leave us much time for doing anything now does it.? He actually complained to his father that he didn't like how I always made him get out and do things, like go to the beach or hikes. I didn't even know what to say to that. He was upset that I didn't' let him spend time more time on the computer or watching TV.

That brings me to technology. Eldest son brought his cell phone with him. I have never seen anyone other than him text as much as he does and very very fast. He texts from the moment his eyes are open till they close at night or should I say whee hours of the morning. We have had disagreements about this, hubby is finally starting to see why I had such concern last Christmas when he came and was texting so much. Eldest son has now had his phone privileges removed for the past 3 days it is out of control. He tells us all of his friends text like this...I really think these kids need to learn some cell phone etiquette. They text while they are talking to you....does anyone else find that rude or is it just me?

So back to my Venus and mars. They think so much differently than I, what they think is sociably acceptable is often times far from what I would consider acceptable. Eldests as I mentioned is so preoccupied with the "self" and thoughts of girls. Youngest is finding it challenging being a teenager, finding his footing he needs a language control on his mouth...there's something wrong about hearing a 13 year old say "damn this...." or "what the hell" amongst other things. Hubby often agrees with what I have to say, but also reminds me that they are not my girls. Not sure what the means. Does he think girls don't get raging hormones, or talk badly? Sure they do but I just taught them differently. So there you have it another example of Venus and Mars.

After all is said and done I do love the boys and will miss them when they are gone....I just wish I had more time with them to teach them more social graces, household responsibilities, life experiences. I just want them to grow into respectable young men. Some days I just want to give up. Like why bother, they are going to go home and continue to do what it is they did before they came out here. But I do, I continue to try and instill values and respect and social graces and even if they take one thing home with them it's better than nothing.

Jesse's 13th Bday

This past weekend we celebrated youngest sons 13th Birthday. His Birthday was actually in June, but he was in Ontario for his birthday...so now it was our turn. Along with giving him some money we got him a fishing rod that is for both fly and reel fishing....he loves it. We had him at the lake today testing it out.

The boys go home on Thursday. I can't believe that 5 week shave already passed.
On Wednesday we are going to celebrate eldest son's 15th Birthday. He wanted to be back home in Ontario for his birthday which is the 31st so we had to try and squeeze in another birthday celebration.

We did keep busy while they were here. Almost everyday while I was off of work we did an adventure. Lots of time spent on beaches and by creeks, boating, fishing and prawning, go cart racing, to paint balling just to name a few things. I am back to work tomorrow so this really is the end of my adventures with them. Their father will take them over on the ferry on Thursday and put them on the plane. I know it will be a sad day for all of them, but it is never good bye, just so long till later.

Somethings got to give.......

Sometimes when I get frustrated with the system and I don't know where to vent my frustration I write letters. I have been known to write letters to CEO of boards, my MLA's, MP's the papers and now the Premier of our Province.

Recently our provincial government in it's infamous wisdom thought it would be a good idea to send every British Columbian a cheque for $100. They are calling this initiative the "Climate Action Dividend cheque". Along with this cheque came a lovely glossy brochure telling British Columbians how we could save energy. Some of their suggestions were things like weather strip your windows, change your light bulbs to more energy efficient bulbs, walk instead of drive, use a push mower instead of gas. First of all, why did it take a whole department to come up with those suggestions and secondly, I think most British Columbians do those things anyways. As far as the push mower goes, I don't use one on my 5 acres...if the Premier wants to come and cut my grass using the push mower he is more than welcome.

As most of us know governments never give without taking away. So with this $100 cheque they are increasing the tax on gas. Calling it the Carbon Tax. Go figure. This whole climate action things is just an insult to my intelligence. Do they really think we are that stupid and don't know what they are up to. How much did it cost them to print the cheques, set up a department to monitor the disbursement and implementation of this initiative? How much did it cost them to produce the high glossy brochure that accompanied the cheques? Oh I could go on.

The higher fuel costs have had a direct impact on the economy as a whole. For example farmers are having to raise the prices on their produce because of the increased cost of fuel, manufacturers are increasing costs again because of increased fuel costs, and all that filters down to me the consumer. The consumer who is having less and less disposable income because of taxes like these. Did you know that Canada is the Number 1 supplier of crude oil to the US with Saudi Arabia as second did you get that Number 1!!!. We export 1.86 millions gallons of crude oil to the US daily. So why are we paying twice as much on gas as our US counterparts? I am insulted that the government shadows the cost of fuel as a "Climate Action" initiative. Give me a break!

So what did I do about all of this, well I wrote a letter to the Premier of our Province and I sent him back his cheque. I told him he should use it towards the programs he is cutting. Like the 350 publicly funded long term care beds his government is closing on Vancouver Island. Whatever happened to his governments promise in establishing 5000 publicly funded beds? They sold out to the for profit organizations...they fell for the "Assisted Living" which are for profit facilities staffed by less qualified personnel. I also wrote to my local paper and sent them a copy of my letter.

I wish more British Columbians would do the same, send their cheque back. What the government is trying to do here is just wrong, and if we don't speak up they will continue to try hide behind their glossy high powered campaigns to make it look like they are trying to make it better for us.

In my closing remarks to the Premier I said....".....Mr. Premier, here is your $100.00 back please put it towards a worthy cause, like long term care beds, you might need it in the future."

I know my letter will most probably fall on deaf ears, but at least I know I tried. I couldn't fathom the alternative...that being .....doing nothing.

Good health to you all....and Happy Sunday!!!

Heads or Tails Tuesday

This weeks theme is "Sit or Stand".........................

My sweet dog Bert.....wondering if he should Sit or Stand......

Mighty Bert "Standing gaurd"

If you would like to join in on the fun check out

Skittle's Place for all of the instruction.

Happy 400th Post......

To all of my readers, thank you for your support and encouragement. I hope the next 400 will be just as much fun!

An Open letter of thanks......

I was back at work today, and I had the pleasure of nursing one of the most pleasant individuals I have ever had the opportunity to nurse. This individual was so gentle, they just oozed kindness and sincerity. This person was in their 80's and had many life experiences both good and bad but appeared to take them all in stride. They were more than happy to share their life experiences with me. They had the most subtle way of sharing some of life's lessons and unknowingly provided some wonderful words of wisdom and insight. I felt fortunate.....no blessed to have had the opportunity to have cared for this individual today. I think what made it so special was that even though there was over 40 years between us, I still could appreciate what they had to say.

When I reflect on my nursing career and all the patients I have nursed there are a handful that really stick out in my memory banks....some of those patients go back to my early days of nursing, the others are spread throughout my nursing career. The times when I have felt down and dejected about my profession I reflect on these encounters and realize it is these interactions that have kept me so passionate about nursing.

People often ask me "how can you do it" How can you do what you do. I often say I don't know, but today it was different. If someone were to ask me today how I could do what I do I would know exactly what to say. It's because of days like today. It's because of the encounters with patients like I had today that keeps me going. Genuineness.....I remember in nursing school learning about this....I read it...I wrote papers on it....I thought I understood it....today this word for the first time this action of genuiness came so naturally. It wasn't until I started writing this post that I realized that this skill had been used. In writing this post I am able to reflect on the true meaning and purpose of this word and the impact of using this technique enhanced the nurse patient relationship. I genuinely and actively listened what they had to say.....I used that information to build a working, healthy trusting relationship with the patient. A relationship that helps promote health. It was odd how naturally the skills taught in nursing school came to me, it was as though it was second nature to me....

So today when I think about nursing, I think about what it brings to me. How it has been a part of making me who I am today. How it has provided me the opportunity to enter some ones life, to be part of their life if only for 12 hours. To be given the opporutnity to hear about their life experiences, to sit there like a nursery child listening to a teacher read one of your favourite stories. Yes it is days like today that affirms for me why I went into nursing.

I thank all of those patients who have allowed me to enter their lives if only briefly. I thank you for teaching me some of life's lessons. I believe it is because of you that I am a better nurse for being able to be part of your healing journey.

I thank you.

Sincerely,

Smalltown RN

Island life.....

Hello, I'm back. Well for now anyhow. I have been asked if my absence is because I am suffering from writers block. On the contrary. I have lots to say, I generally do. Life has just been busy.

Our latest find, a little secluded spot we found one day while exploring the logging roads.

Since the end of June I have had the pleasure to have the company of my two step sons, they are here visiting us for 5 weeks. It's amazing how time is flying by. They are now into week 3 three of their visit and there is still so much we want to do.

We have had a full house this past month. Along with the boys, we have had my girls here with my youngest staying for a week, and my brother in law,his son and girl friend and their dog Cooper who is pure bred golden lab and is just a live wire. I guess you could now say the Inn is full, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I've been asking family to come visit for some time now so they are finally starting to take me up on my offer.

Just another new find.....

Amongst all of this activity I decided to apply for a new job and got it. August 11th I start my new job working in the PACU(Post Anesthetic Care Unit)at the main hospital in Nanaimo. It's a very busy hospital so I don't imagine I will be lacking for work. I opted to make this change primarily to improve the quality of my life. I am finding that after 18 years of 12hour night shifts that this body of mine can't take it anymore. The change to PACU means that I would be doing 8 hours shifts with no nights!!! Life is good. The position is only part-time, which I really can't afford but I couldn't afford to pass on the opportunity. I really needed the change and this seemed like a great way to make that change happen. The manager is very pleased with being able to get me on board, but I am having a little grief with their Human Resource department with transferring a few benefits that I am entitled to, but I have been working with them on this and I am optimistic that things will work out, and they will see things my way.
Panning for gold in our new spot

My brother in law has been here almost two weeks now. He has come to the Island to get away from the hectic life on the mainland. He has recently retired and had been helping my niece out by providing childcare and being an extra hand around the house, so she could go back to work. However, he was finding it tiring chasing after her two young boys and being chief cook and bottle washer. He was hoping his retirement was going to provide him with more time to be on his boat fishing. Hence he finally told my niece that he was taking himself and his boat for a much needed break to the Island to where he plans on spending his summer, and voila here he is and has been out on his boat almost daily, and is really enjoying this Island life.

The girls and I grabbing some R&R at another one of our favourite swimming holes

Interspersed with his time out on the boat he has been helping out here. Not that I or hubby have asked but he has volunteered. Which brings us to the good and not so good. A couple of the projects he decided he wanted to do for us was to plaster, and paint my stairwell. Well thank you very much, but along with that comes dust, the stair well being covered by a tarp so the dust doesn't travel throughout the whole house, ladders strung across the stair well, buckets, vacuums and well the list goes on....this project so far has taken over a week....today I am hoping that he will get to painting...which he tells me is his intent once he gets back from picking up his prawn traps. I guess we will see. Another project that he decided he wanted to help us out on was finishing our main bathroom. Do you remember at Christmas when I told you about the bathroom reno's. Well they never got completed, primarily due to hubby having his shoulder surgery. Anyhow, my bathroom now is looking like a war zone. More tarps, plaster everywhere, half painted, parts of the flooring pulled up....oh yes it's a joy to go in and see. I wish I could just close the door to the room, but hey, they decided to remove the door. Oh I could go on, but I shant. I know this to shall pass, and at the end of the day I will have the bathroom that I have been looking forward to.

So there you have it, a very quick run down on what has been going on in my life. The sun is out and the birds are singing it is a glorious morning and life doesn't get much better than this. I have a pretty full day ahead of me. I've got to get that hallway vacuumed and the walls wiped so they can get painted, and then I have to go and do some volunteer work with a lady I visit in the community. Still lots of adventure to share with you all with lots more photos.

Eldest son at the new found spot....just taking it all in...

Youngest son climbing the wall so he could jump in....brave soul he was.....

My nephew and his girlfriend

She is visiting from Zagreb and said she knew it was beautiful in British Columbia but she had no idea that is was a beautiful as what she has seen. I take that a great compliment to our province.