Guess...

Who learned how to use a power drill. Muhahaha. Mark may wish he never let me in on the secret. The student may surpass the teacher. 

And the projects commence. 

Happy

The Christmas lights are up. 

And they look beautiful. 

And as Mark promised, he did it. 

No problems. 

Construing a device of a broom and hockey stick to get them on the branches. 

And I love them. 

And Mark being on a roll of awesomeness. 

Brought all the staff on my unit cupcakes and cookies. 

Because we were working on the night of the Christmas party. 

And proving to many others his awesomeness. 

Something that I know plenty about. 

Great times continue on. 

Love

This is what I know

I love Christmas, as most people know. 

I feel it's officially time to celebrate as even hotels are doing it. 

Outdoor lights are an essential thing to have. 

Especially when there is an epic amount of snow outside. 

I also know that I don't think it is in my capabilities to decorate the trees outside. 

As it was an epic fail the first time I tried. 

The lights froze and got stiff. 

They tangled up and started to unplug as I flailed them onto a tree. 

And because I wasn't tall enough I used a rake to move them up. 

But that resulted in branches breaking. 

Thus resulting in the first Christmas activity that I have not enjoyed. 

Let's just say there were tears and lights strewn on our living room floor. 

But a husband was there to assure that he will attempt on his own. 

A Christmas present for me. 

In this moment...

I am content. 

It is Christmas in November. 

The tree is decorated. 

The piano player is playing Christmas carols. 

I just had a holiday drink. 

Before I was in a hot pool, sauna, and steam room. 

I ordered room service and ate in bed. 

I read a book. 

I took a walk around the mountains. 

And I am with someone I love. 

Total brag post I know. But I truly am content and I must remember these moments too. 

Mr J.

There are days where I encounter ordinary people that I find extraordinary. 

One of these was Mr. J. I met Mr. J awhile ago. He was a older gentlemen with a tremor in his hands. On my first day with him, he laid in his bed as I took his vitals. I asked my questions and he replied in a shaky/slurred voice. I looked at him puzzled as I couldn't understand what he said. I asked again. And he replied again. 

Still unable to understand, I felt embarassed as I didn't want to intentionally make someone feel bad. Just as I was about to say that I wasn't making out his words I heard him clear as day, "Sorry, I don't speak very well." It just clicked. If I listened hard enough I could hear him. 

Immediately I dismissed the apology and redirected the focus. "We are going to figure things out together, if you can be patient with me". Agreement was made and ahead we went. 

I had him for a long stretch of shifts. I figured out his needs and realized although there were many things that he needed help with, it didn't feel like it. He required assistance feeding, transferring, going to the bathroom. But he was so eager to practice his independence that it felt like less. I was in awe of how empowered he was. 

I never had to be that person to hound him to do things. He would practice his exercises in his free time, doing his leg movements at the edge of his bed. He would do his hand stretches and feed himself to the best of his ability. On the contrary sometimes I had to set restrictions when I felt he was pushing it too far and his safety may be at risk, like a fall out of bed, or out of a chair. 

He may have looked really sick to many. But his enthusiasm and optimism made you feel that he was a-okay.  I told him one evening that I found his attitude infectious and so positive. He said "there are worse things that could have happened to him. And worse things happening to others. He is fine and happy to be alive." 

Moments like that make me grateful for the opportunity I have. People who put a smile on my face and put me in my place when I have those self loathing days. So thank you Mr. J. I am still thinking of you with enjoyment. Hope you are doing well!

I love a good weekend

Especially when it is spent with good friends. 

And when you get to see good music on top of it. 

Like the Dixie Chicks. 

Who were fantastic. Even if I was hoping for some sass. 

But seriously. Love the voice and the music

And then the fun weekend continues. 

With a birthday celebration for a special lady. 

Shopping, catching up and laughs were involved. 

Plus eating out and chatting some more. 

Then I return home to the falling (first) snowfall of the year. 

To watch rental movies with my husband. 

And to cosy up on the couch today and continue watching movies. 

Eat leftovers and have pie. 

Life is good. 

And needs to be savored.