Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Second Family

How wonderful is it when you can go to work and actually consider those you work with, a second family? I am doubly blessed because, for the most part, I work in such a place, and I also get a great sense of accomplishment from the work I do. Many would look down on my job, but to me, being a nursing assistant is not only a very hard job but is one that is very rewarding and does so much good for others. I know that I have often been referred to as an angel or treasure by both patient and family. I try to assure them that it is simply that I care and love what I do. Just seeing the good you can do is reward enough.

My friend Debbie was training a new nursing assistant last night. About halfway through the night, she commented on how Debbie and I had inspired her with how we worked so well together. We always have each others backs, we work like a machine because we know how each works, we know what the other is thinking and are just plain tuned into each other. When we come into work on the nights we work together, we get smiles and comments about us being the double d's. Yah...I love my job, co-workers and friends! How lucky am I????!!!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Cheap Therapy

There is something theraputic about blogging. Sharing ones thoughts and daily triumphs, challenges and the joys and sorrows. Putting thoughts and feelings down to read or be read by others. Sometimes we write in the heat of passion and go back and see things in a different light once the moment has passed. I think it helps us to grow as people and can even sometimes help others who might stumble upon our writing and "see" themselves in our words.

Today, I look at myself and see someone who is very "real" and just human, who is trying so very hard to become the best she can be. I am flawed, just like everyone out there. What makes me different from some others is that I am willing to see and accept and try to understand and change my flaws. I know I am a very passionate person. I love deeply, feel strongly, give generously and see that I deserve no less in return.

I enjoy my friends and family. I seek to spend time with them when I can and yet enjoy quiet time to write and reflect. As long as the time spent is quality, the amount doesn't much matter. I feel very blessed because mostly, it is quality! All in all, with the little annoyances with my health and nuisances in every day life, I am blessed and happy.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Out of Control

Good Lord but some people are out of control!

It always amazes me how some people can be so very peaceful and loving while others are "power crazy" and nasty and aggressive. I have seen this often through the years but got a double whammy with it yesterday and am, what you might call, rippin' mad! In both instances, people acted inappropriately and needed to be taken to task for it. ALSO in both instances, people are protected by the law. Go figure!

The first instance has to do with a friend. She has been dating this guy who at first appeared to be "perfect". Not long after, he started showing his true colors. Needless to say, he was less of a man than perceived. The last straw was him slamming the hatch on a SUV on her arm when she attempted to retrieve her house keys. I dunno but in my eyes, ya just don't DO that when you are a man! He ended up stranding her a great distance from her home and she was able to have the police intercept and get her keys and got a ride home. When she finally got home, this jackass had climbed through a window and taken his belongings. She would have gladly given them to him but he took it upon himself to let himself in the home. The law protects HIM because they lived together so very briefly. Really sick.

The second occasion involves me directly. Shortly before leaving work late last night, I received a phone call from my husband. He was very agitated and with good reason. Someone complained about our dogs being outside late. We, being considerate of our neighbors, only let them out for a few minutes to go before bed, so someone is just being a jerk. (Looking into ordinances today and gonna let em HOWL all time in between...LOL!) Anyway, this cop shows up at my house around 11 pm and shines the light in my 11 year old son's window, scaring a sleeping kid into running out of the room to find his dad. Next instant this jackass in law enforcement bangs on my front door (we DO have a doorbell). He was rude and ignorant and agitated my husband enough to slam the door so hard that he broke our outside light and my wall hangings fell. Seriously, what did this punkass cop think he was here for? Drugs? Guns? Murder? Nah...he came about a dog that barked for a minute or so! What a pathetic dipshit. These cops have no idea how poorly they are thought of by the townspeople!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Minor Work Rant

Forgive me but I just needed to vent a bit.

For those of you who don't know me, I work as a nursing assistant in my local hospital in the Cardiac Unit. Work I find very rewarding and I truly LOVE my job...most of the time. We can house up to 30 patients on our floor and usually have 2 nursing assistants. Many times I feel frustrated that I cannot give enough of myself to my patients and the nurses. I always say, " I have only 2 arms and 2 legs and can only be in one place at a time." Not that I don't try to rush and get it all done but sometimes you just cannot rush.

Last night we had an odd occurance which caused me to be taken from the floor to sit with a patient for a period of time. I was pulled to sit with my patient to "protect" him from his visitor because of a court order. Fun, fun, fun. Now, mind you, I have much to do and didn't really mind but when it turned into a full blown hour and a half visit...HELLO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was very frustrated as I was now an hour and a half behind schedule. A short while later, I was pulled to help with his care by the nurse and it was very time consuming. This, to me, was not an issue as it involved the true care of my patient. Thing is, another nurse saw me again in the room (working hard on the patient) and passed a spiteful few comments.

Normally it wouldn't really bother me but the nurse who asked for my help truly NEEDED it in that room. This other nurse genuinely could handle her tasks. Yah, it would have been nice if she didn't have to but I am simply one person. I am sure she was peeved at my sitting and watching earlier but it was something I had to to. I just wish people would think about others when they do or say things.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Hasta La Vista, Baby!


Have you ever noticed that, although it may take some time, people always eventually show their true colors? Some show it right away while others can even take years to let you see. In the end, the true person inside always emerges to be seen in either all his/her glory or in his/her flawed characteristics. Either is normal as everyone has a bit of both that makes us all wonderful.

I believe, as I think most people do, that friendship is genuine and given from the heart without anything asked in return other than reciprocated feelings. We must realize there are so many different personalities in the world, along with views, beliefs and emotions. To be a friend is to respect each others views and feelings, as long as they are not of a damaging nature to oneself or the other.

This leads me to wonder about the "so called friend" who turns away from a friendship when it is discovered that their politics or views differ greatly from the others. Shouldn't they still be friends? Isn't it all these differences that make us all individuals and add spice to life and friendships? Without all these differences, it would sure be a boring world, eh? Shouldn't we be able to seperate our views and opinions from the genuine love and caring of another? I know my views and feelings differ greatly from some friends I consider very dear to me, yet I love them for the people inside and honor and respect their views because these are important to them and I would not force mine on anyone else. Isn't this how God would want it? Friendship and Love is much more important than views and opinions?

I recently had a "so called friend" remove me from her friends list on a social website. We had different political views yet I always considered her dear to me and nothing would have changed that. I loved her for who she was...the whole package! Now, I shall simply respect her decision with the grace and courtesy I give to all my friends.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Coping Mechanisms

Something heavy on my mind lately...

We are complex animals living complex lives in which we are not always able to cope with the difficulties that we face. As a result, we are subject to feelings of tension and stress, for example the cognitive dissonance and potential shame of doing something outside our values. To handle this discomfort we use various coping methods.

Here are coping mechanisms by type:

Here is a full list of coping mechanisms:

So what?

To help people cope, find ways to let them safely let go of the stress that they experience or gain a greater understanding of the situation.

Remember that coping actions are usually symptoms of deeper problems and addressing them directly can be ineffective or even counter-productive. The best approach is to discover the deeper cause and address this, which will hopefully then result in the coping mechanism disappearing.

Be aware of your own coping mechanisms and move to more functional means of managing stress.

If you are using deliberate theatrical methods during persuasion, feigning a coping mechanism makes it harder for the other person to broach an apparently stressful situation for you.

See also

Defense Mechanisms, Theories about how we handle discomfort, Theories about resistance, Concepts in psychoanalysis, The Kübler-Ross grief cycle, Games, Resisting persuasion

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Sweet Dreams

It's official....the mail has gone out! I have officially registered for a web design course that I have been dragging my lil scared feet over. Well now there is no turning back, money I truly don't have to spare, is spent and so I shall learn. This has been a huge passion of mine for many years now! Probably ever since meeting a film producer friend of mine and him asking me to design a web site for him. Yah, I made one with a template and soon found myself VERY limited, frustrated and yearning to learn more! I was full of thoughts and ideas yet didn't have the know how. Now I will learn!

I have a very dear friend who has patiently guided, supported, encouraged and even pushed me to this moment. I have dabbled and learned and am ready and not feeling so overwhelmed at the prospect of going back to school. I am excited...probably more than I have been in ages! I will learn the "craft" and then consider what I want my project to be about. I have and always will think of it as a craft because in my eyes, it is pure art!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Of Superficial Significance

Good Lord...last night I realized that someone I had considered an old and dear friend had removed me from her 'friends list' on a social website! On another day, I would feel deeply hurt and not understand but today I see it very clearly. Boo hoo...another bleeding heart liberal fanatic blew me off when I spoke my feelings and they didn't agree with hers. How shallow and wrong is that? I mean, isn't part of friendship and just plain being a good person, respecting another's views? I don't agree with her 'over the top' political views BUT I did respect her right to them and still cherished her as a friend. So, instead of feeling sad or down, I feel almost good inside because *I* understand the value of true friendship vs. peoples different thoughts, ideas and views. Aren't they what makes us individuals?

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Stunned...that is the word that best describes how I felt when I visited the doctor yesterday. Oh how I felt he was going to tell me that my foot was healing 'slowly' and to keep doing like we were and all would be well in time. This was simply not to be. "Not good" was what he said instead, after reviewing the results of the MRI I had done. My heart sunk and I almost asked if he was joking. Yah, the foot still hurts but 'maybe' not quite as bad or the same as before. He assured me that my pain is very real and I am not a whiner...in fact, I am a trooper for limping around and still doing my job well.

So, here's the deal. I have Plantar Fascitis that has actually caused deep bruising of the bone and, as the doctor said, had I not been limping to protect my heel, I would have been suffering from a stress fracture too. WHOA...my poor mind could not absorb this. In my head, I was healing but slowly. Not the case. I ended up in a soft cast that made my foot "bigger" so the shoe was "tighter". Ugh...Mega Motrin...Percocet and sleep! Next I face a type of therapy like they do for kidney stones...where they blast em apart! On my foot! My HURTING foot! He even stated that it will hurt a LOT and he would have to give me a shot in it to numb it completely. Memo to self: Request pain meds! The only thing that made me not run...ok, hobble...out of the office was that he said he has a 90% success rate from this! Hmmmm could I possibly be in the 90% for once in my life instead of the usual, being in the OTHER 10%? Time will hopefully tell. As of now, we are simply awaiting the go ahead from the insurance.

Wish me luck!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Some Good Advice

The Hormone Guide:
Women will understand this!
Men should memorize it!


Every woman knows that there are days when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his hands! This is a handy guide that should be carried like a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other!


DANGEROUS


SAFER


SAFEST


ULTRA SAFE


What's for
dinner?


Can I help you
with dinner?


Where would you like
to go for dinner?


Here, have some wine.


Are you
wearing that?


You sure
look good in brown!


WOW! Look at you!


Here, have some wine


What are you
so worked up about?


Could we be
overreacting?


Here's my paycheck.


Here, have some wine.


Should you be
eating that?


You know, there are
a lot of apples left.


Can I get you a piece
of chocolate with that?


Here, have some wine.


What did you
DO all day?


I hope you didn't
over-do it today.


I've always loved you
in that robe!


Here, have some wine.






Forward this information to all of your friends and those who might need a good laugh...
and men who need a warning.

And, have some wine.

Thankful


There are so many things in the world to be truly thankful for:

  1. A bright sunrise
  2. A colorful sunset
  3. The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze
  4. laughter
  5. A pet's unconditional love
  6. true friendships
  7. The smell of fresh cut grass
  8. The crisp aromatic air in autumn
  9. The magic of snowflakes
  10. Holidays with friends and family
  11. The smells of Christmas (pine, cinnamon, bayberry...)
  12. The love we have for our children
  13. Hayrides
  14. Sledding
  15. Rainbows

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The Power Rangers

My current state of health and that of several others has me thinking today. The state of our government, the bold misuse of power and the sudden scramble for everything 'green' is also much on my mind. This year, myself and several friends that I know of, have been plagued with major "allergies", "sinus issues" and "God knows what else". What we DO know is how very sick we have all been.

This brings me back to when my daughter, now 19 yrs. old, was small. She was so very sick that they actually tested her 4 times for Cystic Fibrosis. After MANY years of sickness and worry, we were told that it was a severe and 'different' type of asthma. At this time, they were advertising using additives in the gasoline. She seemed to get worse and when they let up, better. Truly makes me wonder about the crap that is forced upon us with out our knowledge and to 'fix' issues caused by them using other crap on us.

Global warming...NOT. Greenhouse effect...NOT. There is proof to totally contradict all this hoopala, yet they push 'green' on us and charge 3 times more for the products. *I* am one who loves our planet and will bend to save it. I recycle religiously and curb my running around to cut out unnecessary car time but find it crazy when they have such STRICT emissions inspection in some states and none in others and the diesel trucks and busses drive around just spewing filth for us to breathe in.

In my eyes, the government, big corporations and the like have taken things over. We are rapidly changing from the United States of America to a socialist society and it scares the living hell out of me.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Mired in Survival

What am I? What am I good at? What is my purpose here? Questions I imagine we all have from time to time. I am unsure if the problem is that I seem to be mired down with the struggle to survive lifes daily obstacles or that I have such an insane need to learn and achieve that I don't know where to begin.

Web design, drawing, writing (God knows I have the mouth), stained glass, languages, nursing, sign language, music. The list is endless and where does one begin when she feels so torn by the love of them all?

Recently I have figured that life and everyday survival takes the ability to take too much on at once and had to choose. Web design and graphics won out but I am sure I will pick up drawing again and will just have to write here and work on what I once treasured so much...writing for the pleasure of all. I was once good at it and the words and thoughts flowed like the mighty Mississippi. Troubled times damned the river but I am hoping to open up many dreams I have and to live and enjoy so much and learn, learn, learn!

Ok so this is the start of my renewed joy in writing, October 1st will start my new experience in web design and I know me...I will fall in love with it and run to new learning experiences and perhaps enjoy the pleasure of graphic arts for my personal pleasure.

This all, hopefully, leading this girl to find the courage to go for her LPN schooling!

You go girl!!!

Time and Patience

On and off and off and on, I have realized that many of us often hear but we don't listen. We can be very busy in our minds or just plain busy overall. Either way, there have been a few times that I have been reminded at how many wonderful little gems we may miss by not taking a few minutes to truly listen and not rush off.

I work in a hospital and things are, more often than not, insanely busy. I tend to run from room to room and try to give all my patients my best care yet, at times, I get frustrated because there is so little time to just listen or hold a hand. Now, don't get me wrong, I often take way more time with my patients than I truly should, but I just realize that there must be so much I miss due to the "busy factor".

Last night, I did manage some extra quality time for several patients and got an earful! One of my ladies was extra sweet and gracious and a bit lonely. As the evening didn't seem to be slowing up at all and I was at the point of giving up on a break at all, I found myself in Room 438. I asked if she was alright and if there was anything she wanted or needed. She said she was fine and thanked me. I noticed a book on her table and asked if she would like to read some more or would she like me to turn the lights off. She wished to read. This lead to a conversation I will never forget. We talked of reading, passions, school and such. I found out that her son did not like to read early on because his passion was music. I also found out he is an accomplished musician today. His name is Collin Tilton and he has played with Clarence Clemons and Van Morrison. She absolutely glowed and came alive when talking about him! As she gushed, I LISTENED and the stories were amazing. She has his gold record from Moondance and was awaiting his call from a gig. She said He and Clarence walked down, sax to sax at 6 flags and her son blew Clarence away. LOL!