It snowed A LOT yesterday. It makes sense being spring and all. ;) So I thought long and hard about what to be grateful for this week. And I could think of quite a few.
1. Days off. Especially since I have a little bit of a commute. With a bit of a mix up, my orientation training got split. And I got the lucky draw as I didn't need to go in the last three days. I know it hardly seems fair to have time off after just a week and a bit. But I will make up for it. For now I am grateful.
2. With those said days off I have done some work related stuff but I have also stayed snug as a bug in the house watching movies and scrapbooking. It is just how I feel when I wake up and see snow but I usually have to go to work. Ha ha. Not today! Again I am grateful.
3. To extend my happiness Mark and I are outta here on Monday, New York bound to meet up with my parents. Now New York is no Hawaii, Mexico or anywhere else hot hot hot. But it is warmer than here with little to no snow. And New York is fun. Pumped. Grateful for a long awaited retreat to make up for Las Vegas. He he.
4. And with all this bragging (err, I mean all these things I am grateful for) I have to say something in all seriousness. A cab didn't come for Donna today to drive her to the airport, so I hopped into the car and got her to a cab. On the way home I was pulling in when I saw a neighbour stuck in their driveway. Mark and I then helped push them out. It just made me think and put out there how grateful I am to all the people in my life that have helped me and us out. Like going outside last night to see Lawrence and David had shoveled not just our walk, the whole driveway but my car too. Thank you! Moments like that not only are appreciated but help in extraordinary ways. Knowing that, Mark and I both acknowledged after our offerings of help that we have absolutely no problems helping others in a bind. Putting goodness out into the world promotes more goodness right?
Love
Friday, March 22, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
I'm ready
So it has been a pretty stressful week to say the least. I may have broken down into a few hysterical sobs. Lol.
It all started with me leaving Facebook. Reason being. As much as I love my fellow nursling friends. I knew that once the crne results came in people would be posting like crazy. And why shouldn't they? They passed and should have every reason to shout it from the hills or social networking sites in celebration.
I left Facebook as I didn't want to see these results out of the slight chance that my results wouldn't come at the same time. But then I cracked. And by shear coincidence I went on when the results started to pile in. And then I found out that I was right in my assumption as I wasn't going to get my results right away. All this happening during the first week of my job which I found to be info overload and really one stressor is enough! Ha ha.
Not to mention that during this whole result waiting I have been convinced that I failed. Convinced. Sometimes I would think about it replay some of the answers I got wrong. Not a smart thing to do for a smart person! I think I managed to even convince others. Not many but some.
So what happened you asked. Mark found out that it had come in the mail. Rushed home to open the results and then phoned to call me. Where I proceeded to cry in HAPPINESS in my work parking lot.
Yes. There is a lot to learn in this situation.
1. Worrying sucks and I really need to figure out a way to get rid of the horrible bad habit. It wastes useless energy.
2. It's not what I learned but what I know. I have an amazing husband. He let me cry this week. Then he boosted me up. Rushed home from work or call from work to have someone check the mail. Just so he could be with me when the results come in. I love him and so appreciative and GRATEFUL he is in my life. He is a champ. Anyone that can deal with me in my disastrous moods is a good one!
3. People have more faith in me than I do myself. And that is just plain old silly and kind of ridiculous. I gave that stupid exam power. Instead of giving it to myself. Definite self improvement here. Time to bone up on my confidence!
That is it. Thank you all for your faith, confidence and just being there. I hope to return it to you all!
Love
P.S. and I am back on Facebook. So much for a permanent change. Lol.
It all started with me leaving Facebook. Reason being. As much as I love my fellow nursling friends. I knew that once the crne results came in people would be posting like crazy. And why shouldn't they? They passed and should have every reason to shout it from the hills or social networking sites in celebration.
I left Facebook as I didn't want to see these results out of the slight chance that my results wouldn't come at the same time. But then I cracked. And by shear coincidence I went on when the results started to pile in. And then I found out that I was right in my assumption as I wasn't going to get my results right away. All this happening during the first week of my job which I found to be info overload and really one stressor is enough! Ha ha.
Not to mention that during this whole result waiting I have been convinced that I failed. Convinced. Sometimes I would think about it replay some of the answers I got wrong. Not a smart thing to do for a smart person! I think I managed to even convince others. Not many but some.
So what happened you asked. Mark found out that it had come in the mail. Rushed home to open the results and then phoned to call me. Where I proceeded to cry in HAPPINESS in my work parking lot.
Yes. There is a lot to learn in this situation.
1. Worrying sucks and I really need to figure out a way to get rid of the horrible bad habit. It wastes useless energy.
2. It's not what I learned but what I know. I have an amazing husband. He let me cry this week. Then he boosted me up. Rushed home from work or call from work to have someone check the mail. Just so he could be with me when the results come in. I love him and so appreciative and GRATEFUL he is in my life. He is a champ. Anyone that can deal with me in my disastrous moods is a good one!
3. People have more faith in me than I do myself. And that is just plain old silly and kind of ridiculous. I gave that stupid exam power. Instead of giving it to myself. Definite self improvement here. Time to bone up on my confidence!
That is it. Thank you all for your faith, confidence and just being there. I hope to return it to you all!
Love
P.S. and I am back on Facebook. So much for a permanent change. Lol.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
bad me
i promise myself that i will be posting here in the next week about the going on(s). right now i just have to sort those thoughts out. i am still thinking. he he. till then. here is one of my favourite shows and a favourite clip of said show that i saw recently. couldn't get enough of it (although i know it will only be funny to those that have actually seen the show)
love
love
Saturday, March 09, 2013
Time to put on the big girl pants.
School is over. It has been for awhile. But I still have that student feel.
Then on Saturday we got a Costco membership. It may seem small but it kind of felt like something my parents would do. I felt like an adult. Until we made our first purchases, sour soothers, cereal and hot dogs. He he.
And still more. This whole week we have started to officially look at houses. Not going to them but looking online and seeing what we are both interested in. Narrowing choices down. Doing budgets. It seems kind of like it did when we picked out our wedding venue. And hopefully just like that choice we will both just know.
And of course I am officially starting my job tomorrow. No more free student work. Nervous is really all I can say are my feelings right now. He he.
It's funny to think of all the changes that have accumulated over the years. And yet sometimes I still just feel out of high school, having fun, laughing, taking part in adventures. Maybe it's because I still have that. Hopefully with all these grown up decisions we have had to make and will continue to make we will continue to be young at heart!
Then on Saturday we got a Costco membership. It may seem small but it kind of felt like something my parents would do. I felt like an adult. Until we made our first purchases, sour soothers, cereal and hot dogs. He he.
And still more. This whole week we have started to officially look at houses. Not going to them but looking online and seeing what we are both interested in. Narrowing choices down. Doing budgets. It seems kind of like it did when we picked out our wedding venue. And hopefully just like that choice we will both just know.
And of course I am officially starting my job tomorrow. No more free student work. Nervous is really all I can say are my feelings right now. He he.
It's funny to think of all the changes that have accumulated over the years. And yet sometimes I still just feel out of high school, having fun, laughing, taking part in adventures. Maybe it's because I still have that. Hopefully with all these grown up decisions we have had to make and will continue to make we will continue to be young at heart!
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
gotta love good
so i took a temporarily leave from facebook. no big deal. there were a lot of reasons. some trivial, others not so much. i will probably go back after awhile. we will see. but i think this means i will probably be writing more blog posts in the future. AND i like that idea as i have come to consider this as kind of like an online journal of events and things that come into my life.
but before i dismiss facebook altogether i saw this little video that seriously had me in tears. happy tears but tears all the same. i love seeing absolute, genuine goodness in the world. i literally have a physical reaction where i feel all warm and i get chills up my spine.
take a look if you haven't seen it already!
love
but before i dismiss facebook altogether i saw this little video that seriously had me in tears. happy tears but tears all the same. i love seeing absolute, genuine goodness in the world. i literally have a physical reaction where i feel all warm and i get chills up my spine.
take a look if you haven't seen it already!
love
Sunday, March 03, 2013
new job
In a mere weeks time I will be training for my job. I feel like I have been on a super extended vacation since school ended December. Like I had the summer off from school. The only difference was I wasn't enjoying like I should have. Until I found out I had a job then I could relax. This last week I am going to try to make the use of. What do I have planned?
1. Continued early runs. I am hoping to keep them up after (more for after work than before). I will see. I know the place I work has a gym for a mere 8$ a month. That may be the option of choice.
2. Do a chunk of scrapbooking. It is sad to see my hobby so far behind. But it is a hobby so I deem it acceptable. I did however want to finish scrapbooking my New York trip before I went a second time. I don't think that will happen.
3. Wake up early. It has been nice to be able to sleep in these past months. But that is over. Starting tomorrow I must train my body to wake up early. At least the long dark days are waning.
4. Review work stuff. The perfectionist in me wants to keep on learning what I already know. It gives me reassurance.
5. See my wonderful friends. It's not like I won't be able to see them after but with this spare time it has been nice chatting and walking with them, seeing the kiddies. Those days will soon be ending.
6. Relax and enjoy this last week. And the weeks that follow. I am learning once again. Everything will not come easy at first but they will in time. Forgive myself and trust myself. Two things I must remember.
This sounds reasonable enough, doesn't it?
Love
1. Continued early runs. I am hoping to keep them up after (more for after work than before). I will see. I know the place I work has a gym for a mere 8$ a month. That may be the option of choice.
2. Do a chunk of scrapbooking. It is sad to see my hobby so far behind. But it is a hobby so I deem it acceptable. I did however want to finish scrapbooking my New York trip before I went a second time. I don't think that will happen.
3. Wake up early. It has been nice to be able to sleep in these past months. But that is over. Starting tomorrow I must train my body to wake up early. At least the long dark days are waning.
4. Review work stuff. The perfectionist in me wants to keep on learning what I already know. It gives me reassurance.
5. See my wonderful friends. It's not like I won't be able to see them after but with this spare time it has been nice chatting and walking with them, seeing the kiddies. Those days will soon be ending.
6. Relax and enjoy this last week. And the weeks that follow. I am learning once again. Everything will not come easy at first but they will in time. Forgive myself and trust myself. Two things I must remember.
This sounds reasonable enough, doesn't it?
Love
Small moment of gratitude.
Small moments in sad times. This is what I found to be grateful for.
I was able to listen and enjoy my husband and his cousin laugh, reminisce and tell stories about all the memories they had of their grandmother. Whether it be their own memories or those told from their parents, so much of it showed what a truly remarkable person she was and what fun and infectious children they were. I love hearing stories about families when they are young. Both of them brought smiles and images to me and more importantly (I think) they brought it to themselves.
Family togetherness can bring great things. Especially in moments of sadness.
Love
I was able to listen and enjoy my husband and his cousin laugh, reminisce and tell stories about all the memories they had of their grandmother. Whether it be their own memories or those told from their parents, so much of it showed what a truly remarkable person she was and what fun and infectious children they were. I love hearing stories about families when they are young. Both of them brought smiles and images to me and more importantly (I think) they brought it to themselves.
Family togetherness can bring great things. Especially in moments of sadness.
Love
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
a month in pictures
what pictures have i been taking lately....here is just a snippet of what i have been up to this month...atleast what i have taken pictures of
hanging with jimi at his place watching "role models"
annual superbowl party with our usual friends. this time much more refined at anita's place
i may have got shunned into the corner cause i brought martha stewart magazines...
i have said this before but i must brag again that i really have great friends. i had to write the crne this day and mark was unable to get off work so casey took jimi to his leg appointment. looks like everything is healing nicely and they both seemed to have some fun.
markness cleanly shaven and cut from an errand day of ours. i really like errand days. especially when he is there to spend time with me. makes all the tedious boring stuff you do fun when you have someone to joke around with.
guess who is coming for dinner? jimi being a goof trying to get mark to drive him home after dinner
a walk with the girlies. i love that snowsuit and the person in it attempting to do the walking.
picture time!
happy valentine's day to me. definitely spoiled here. and to top it off i found out i got a job today!
i really don't know what to tell you. i took my cupcakes and ran. he he. spent valentine's day after supper with the girls cause we really haven't seen each other enough!
i got some valentines snuggles with these sweethearts
date with penny and time to bond with my lovely little honorary niece. sledding, eating cupcakes, singing to songs, and terrorizing the animals.
hockey date watching markness play hockey. he is such a blur. for some reason he just would not stand still. he he. this is me being a dork pretending not to watch but he was pretty rockin!
everyone needs a little kitty love now and again.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Gramma Edey
To you.
I knew you for six years.
I came to know you,
Love you,
And more importantly like you.
You had opinions.
You had drive.
And what I enjoyed the most:
You had spunk.
You ate snails with me at Christmas time.
You were happy we were not serving green beans.
You disliked green beans.
We requested no green beans for our wedding reception.
And to have music for the church service.
We were happy to do it for you.
You had specific instructions on how to make toast.
This still gives me a chuckle
I remember my husband trying to perfect it.
I don't know if he ever did.
But he tried.
And it was endearing to watch you both.
You told endless stories from your childhood.
Your working life as a nurse.
My husbands childhood.
I enjoyed those stories the best.
We had dinners together.
You always asked me how I was.
How was school.
One time I replied it was horrible.
And to be truthful it was and I was not happy.
You responded:
"I'm sorry I asked."
This produced giggles.
All I really needed was to laugh.
I remember endless times.
On a chair.
Knitting.
Always knitting.
Sometimes our cat would visit.
You would pet him.
I know you were ready to go.
I am happy you got to go on your own terms.
I feel fortunate to have seen you.
To hold your hand and be present.
It was nice to have an honorary grandma for six years
You will be missed.
You will be remembered.
Your memories will live for a long time.
Love
I knew you for six years.
I came to know you,
Love you,
And more importantly like you.
You had opinions.
You had drive.
And what I enjoyed the most:
You had spunk.
You ate snails with me at Christmas time.
You were happy we were not serving green beans.
You disliked green beans.
We requested no green beans for our wedding reception.
And to have music for the church service.
We were happy to do it for you.
You had specific instructions on how to make toast.
This still gives me a chuckle
I remember my husband trying to perfect it.
I don't know if he ever did.
But he tried.
And it was endearing to watch you both.
You told endless stories from your childhood.
Your working life as a nurse.
My husbands childhood.
I enjoyed those stories the best.
We had dinners together.
You always asked me how I was.
How was school.
One time I replied it was horrible.
And to be truthful it was and I was not happy.
You responded:
"I'm sorry I asked."
This produced giggles.
All I really needed was to laugh.
I remember endless times.
On a chair.
Knitting.
Always knitting.
Sometimes our cat would visit.
You would pet him.
I know you were ready to go.
I am happy you got to go on your own terms.
I feel fortunate to have seen you.
To hold your hand and be present.
It was nice to have an honorary grandma for six years
You will be missed.
You will be remembered.
Your memories will live for a long time.
Love
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
gotta love her
i don't think its a secret how much i love beyonce. her songs are just what gets me to run that extra km or 2. love her. this is what i am loving in particular right now!
love
love
Saturday, February 16, 2013
craft night revisited
we organized a revival of our craft nights.
something that we started when very few of us were married
where we would sit back
talk, banter, laugh and giggle
work on the endless projects we would bring
whether that was scrapbooking
cross stitiching
embrodering
quilting
we would eat sweets
sometimes we wouldn't do crafts at all
we would just talk, banter, laugh, and giggle
it was to have it again
i missed it
love
something that we started when very few of us were married
where we would sit back
talk, banter, laugh and giggle
work on the endless projects we would bring
whether that was scrapbooking
cross stitiching
embrodering
quilting
we would eat sweets
sometimes we wouldn't do crafts at all
we would just talk, banter, laugh, and giggle
it was to have it again
i missed it
love
Thursday, February 14, 2013
right now
at this very moment
i am nervous
ready to embark on new adventures
ready to see what the future has in store
i am nervous
but i am ready
love
i am nervous
ready to embark on new adventures
ready to see what the future has in store
i am nervous
but i am ready
love
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
let's talk campaign
let's talk about mental health and mental illness.
how do you take care of your mental self?
is it through:
reflection, speaking with friends, colleagues, partners.
exercising the body physically
exercising the mind through reading
exercising the spirit through church/yoga/retreats
do you have extracurricular activities that are a great release?
baking, crafting, watching movies, playing video games
do you meditate, listen to soothing music, or do you take a long bath?
have things gotten so hard that you have trouble getting out of bed
not getting to sleep at all
or your thoughts are just so disorganized?
are you experiencing feelings of lonliness and hopelessness?
or are you overwhelmed with the bussle of life
money, children, aging, unemployment
divorce, stress, separation, anxiety
just know that you are not alone
and there is NOTHING wrong with you
there is nothing to be ashamed of
everyone needs help sometimes
know there are people out there to help you
willing and able
to comfort
to listen
to provide you with steps to get better
the body gets sick and people are out there to help you get it better
the same happens to the mind
please seek out help!
http://www.cmha.ca/
how do you take care of your mental self?
is it through:
reflection, speaking with friends, colleagues, partners.
exercising the body physically
exercising the mind through reading
exercising the spirit through church/yoga/retreats
do you have extracurricular activities that are a great release?
baking, crafting, watching movies, playing video games
do you meditate, listen to soothing music, or do you take a long bath?
have things gotten so hard that you have trouble getting out of bed
not getting to sleep at all
or your thoughts are just so disorganized?
are you experiencing feelings of lonliness and hopelessness?
or are you overwhelmed with the bussle of life
money, children, aging, unemployment
divorce, stress, separation, anxiety
just know that you are not alone
and there is NOTHING wrong with you
there is nothing to be ashamed of
everyone needs help sometimes
know there are people out there to help you
willing and able
to comfort
to listen
to provide you with steps to get better
the body gets sick and people are out there to help you get it better
the same happens to the mind
please seek out help!
http://www.cmha.ca/
Sunday, February 10, 2013
The simple things.
So I was trying to think of something grateful this week. I decided on the simple things. Whether they are small gestures like a hug, or a peck on the cheek. Or small moments of time with special people doing errands, driving in the car, listening to music. Whatever they have been they have been special to me. And hopefully those in return.
Love
Love
Thursday, February 07, 2013
it is done
Be forewarned this is a vent post.
Ugh. The exam is over and done. You would think this would be a great relief. But I just feel a little icky. I can't talk about it much only to say that I think it was hard. I say think cause I looked at the questions at one point and didn't realize how I got to 120. And then when they called 'hour left' I was on question 140 wondering where all my time went. I did finish it all. And asking what others felt of it they said it was hard. And then I went onto the Facebook group for the exam and they too said it was hard. He he. Well I guess it was hard.
All I can say is that I am hoping and willing for just a pleasant 'P' pass when the mail comes. But as my mom says, there is not much that can be done now, and if it comes down to another undesirable letter I just write it again. BUT let's hope that doesn't occur. Lol.
Time to move on to bigger things and put this degree to use. So...no more vents or worries about this dreaded thing. I will erase it from my mind. Until 6-8 weeks time....he he
Ugh. The exam is over and done. You would think this would be a great relief. But I just feel a little icky. I can't talk about it much only to say that I think it was hard. I say think cause I looked at the questions at one point and didn't realize how I got to 120. And then when they called 'hour left' I was on question 140 wondering where all my time went. I did finish it all. And asking what others felt of it they said it was hard. And then I went onto the Facebook group for the exam and they too said it was hard. He he. Well I guess it was hard.
All I can say is that I am hoping and willing for just a pleasant 'P' pass when the mail comes. But as my mom says, there is not much that can be done now, and if it comes down to another undesirable letter I just write it again. BUT let's hope that doesn't occur. Lol.
Time to move on to bigger things and put this degree to use. So...no more vents or worries about this dreaded thing. I will erase it from my mind. Until 6-8 weeks time....he he
Monday, February 04, 2013
2 more days.
The big exam is coming fast. And over the last few days I have been feeling really good. I can sleep again and I am not nearly stressing like I was in the beginning of the week. What has changed?
I have been taking melatonin.
Stopped studying at night.
Booked a massage for the day before my exam. Just the thought has relaxing results.
See and talk to friends for multiple occasions. Super Bowl being the big one.
Went to a movie.
Running in this wonderful weather.
And writing about all that I am worried about and the forgetting about them as really there is nothing to worry about.
Love
I have been taking melatonin.
Stopped studying at night.
Booked a massage for the day before my exam. Just the thought has relaxing results.
See and talk to friends for multiple occasions. Super Bowl being the big one.
Went to a movie.
Running in this wonderful weather.
And writing about all that I am worried about and the forgetting about them as really there is nothing to worry about.
Love
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
a review in pictures
busy busy busy. it may not seem so to the outsider but i have been on a non-stop road of studying like a mad woman. then i go to a study group. then i come home and study more. it has become to be a little on the crazy side. so i promised myself and my husband that i would take a step back and relax just for tonight....then hopefully i stop writing crazy notes everywhere and dream about exam questions.
so what am i doing on here?? thought i would take a moment and review what i have been up to this month. but because i don't want to write anything down, i thought i would just post some pics...because frankly i am too tired to think! he he he.
so what am i doing on here?? thought i would take a moment and review what i have been up to this month. but because i don't want to write anything down, i thought i would just post some pics...because frankly i am too tired to think! he he he.
happy new years to us. because it was gorgeous out we went skating.
this is mark's look out in the distance pose.
had fun making heart shaped pancakes with a pancake pen i got for christmas
photo-booth fun at my grad
we can be classy.....
....and maybe not....
our annual christmas celebration that has now become our new years celebration
jeaninne got our group picture...i took the action shots...here is us playing games...i think we got a little giddy at the end
love this little guy. so easy going and this is not an insult although mark takes it as one: he looks like charlie brown with his round head and big eyes....CUTE!
the ice cream cake i made for our anniversary....yummy!
but maybe i should have let it freeze a bit more as when i attempted to open it....
the chocolate oozed out....lol
someone got his cast wet...but gotta admit it was looking good...
recasted again and all is well in the world....
till next month!
love
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
6 years
our anniversary came and went this year. six years. when we got married i still wanted to celebrate this anniversary. the date of the wedding was organized by people that had opening dates available and when family would be able to come. but the day that we became a couple, i think that is pretty special and a reason to celebrate.
however with all the hussle and bussle of last week it sadly wasn't the priority. we had company, my brother had surgery AND got discharged from the hospital, and mark is helping coach basketball. needless to say our nights and days are jam packed.
i had a small present made (which i think i am going to utilize again so must keep that underwraps) and i made tandoori chicken with homemade ice cream cake (i know, pinterest and me can get carried away). but by the time it was complete and cooked mark had to go back to school and coach. AND i think doing all that stuff may have just made us feel bad that we really didn't have the time to celebrate the way we wanted.
BUT if we do look at it another way. that week:
love
however with all the hussle and bussle of last week it sadly wasn't the priority. we had company, my brother had surgery AND got discharged from the hospital, and mark is helping coach basketball. needless to say our nights and days are jam packed.
i had a small present made (which i think i am going to utilize again so must keep that underwraps) and i made tandoori chicken with homemade ice cream cake (i know, pinterest and me can get carried away). but by the time it was complete and cooked mark had to go back to school and coach. AND i think doing all that stuff may have just made us feel bad that we really didn't have the time to celebrate the way we wanted.
BUT if we do look at it another way. that week:
- we got to see my cousin and take her out to one of our new favourite restaurants that serves an amazing african buffet.
- we ate the ice cream cake many times through out the days AND really what is more fun than to have ice cream for breakfast?
- we appreciated the importance of being there for people that need us, and in return made sure to be there
- i realized that in the thick of a mess i have a person that i can depend on to help me out (i actually already knew it, but it was reconfirmed again)
- AND i lost the leftover meal that i made that day and for some reason neither of us knows where it is, so it may be a fun surprise to figure out where it ended up...hopefully it doesn't smell too bad at that point! he he he.
love
Friday, January 25, 2013
A new love
For a girl who doesn't drink coffee I am really loving my biweekly dates at second cup that involve a hot chocolate or frozen hot chocolate and my crne study book.
Love
Love
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Imperfection
I think that sometimes in the most imperfect times one can really get a glimpse of perfection. My life can be a little messy and as organized as I try, right now it is slightly adventurous and disorganized. That being said, I have seen amazing strengths and bonds during these messy times.
Two of theses strengths are pretty special.
My Brother:
My brother had a slight mishap on Sunday. And by slight I mean bad. I am not the greatest with X-rays but even I can read his. He got into a hockey mishap and slammed into the boards resulting in a spiral fracture of both long bones in his right calf. Asking about spiral? Think about twisting a lid on a jar but that lid is my brothers bones. And these bones are not meant to twist so they break. Ouch.
So I walk into the ER see my poor little brother on the stretcher and just feel horrible. He has been through this before breaking his back 12 years earlier. How much can this one guy take. But what I saw was amazing strength. He did not weep or give himself a pity party (I can't see this writer doing the same). He took his pain meds, he listened to the doctor and just took everything a step at a time. Once the pain was under semi control I even saw him tell a few jokes and laugh a little.
I hate seeing my brother vulnerable, probably just as much as he felt. But it just reinforced that I would do a lot for that pesky guy. The one that used to interrupt me when I was playing with my friends, bug me with games of copycat and beat me up a little when I could no longer beat him up. He is awesome. He has such a warm spirit, with so much love to give that you really can't help but give back to him.
And I got to see someone else in an extraordinary light as well:
My Husband:
I am slightly biased, I know. He he. I knew he was great taking care of me when I am sick but I saw a really cool bond between him and my bro. As soon as I called him to tell him about my brother, he was right over at the hospital. He jumped right in to make Jim comfortable, take off the skate on his left foot, and make sure the doctor was covering all the bases with X-rays. When the leg needed to get set and my brother was put under, they shooed all of out of the room but my husband settled into the back with no intention of leaving Jimi's side until it was absolutely necessary. Even discharged, He was helping him get dressed and making sure his computer gear was organized so that Jimi could access all the things he needed.
What can I say. I am a lucky lucky girl to have two incredible men in my life. I know the next few months are going to be tough on you Jimi. But know I love you. You are a hard worker and you are a strong person inside and out. And although there may be times you will be sick and tired of being housebound just know you can call on us. I will listen. And you know that you have a good friend in Mark. I don't know what happened in Vegas, but I like it. You guys have an amazing bond and I know Mark would do anything in his power to help you.
Crumby things happen. Downright horrible. And although I always prefer for nothing bad to happen at all, if it didn't I would not be able to see the strength in the human spirit of people who contribute so much to my life.
Two of theses strengths are pretty special.
My Brother:
My brother had a slight mishap on Sunday. And by slight I mean bad. I am not the greatest with X-rays but even I can read his. He got into a hockey mishap and slammed into the boards resulting in a spiral fracture of both long bones in his right calf. Asking about spiral? Think about twisting a lid on a jar but that lid is my brothers bones. And these bones are not meant to twist so they break. Ouch.
So I walk into the ER see my poor little brother on the stretcher and just feel horrible. He has been through this before breaking his back 12 years earlier. How much can this one guy take. But what I saw was amazing strength. He did not weep or give himself a pity party (I can't see this writer doing the same). He took his pain meds, he listened to the doctor and just took everything a step at a time. Once the pain was under semi control I even saw him tell a few jokes and laugh a little.
I hate seeing my brother vulnerable, probably just as much as he felt. But it just reinforced that I would do a lot for that pesky guy. The one that used to interrupt me when I was playing with my friends, bug me with games of copycat and beat me up a little when I could no longer beat him up. He is awesome. He has such a warm spirit, with so much love to give that you really can't help but give back to him.
And I got to see someone else in an extraordinary light as well:
My Husband:
I am slightly biased, I know. He he. I knew he was great taking care of me when I am sick but I saw a really cool bond between him and my bro. As soon as I called him to tell him about my brother, he was right over at the hospital. He jumped right in to make Jim comfortable, take off the skate on his left foot, and make sure the doctor was covering all the bases with X-rays. When the leg needed to get set and my brother was put under, they shooed all of out of the room but my husband settled into the back with no intention of leaving Jimi's side until it was absolutely necessary. Even discharged, He was helping him get dressed and making sure his computer gear was organized so that Jimi could access all the things he needed.
What can I say. I am a lucky lucky girl to have two incredible men in my life. I know the next few months are going to be tough on you Jimi. But know I love you. You are a hard worker and you are a strong person inside and out. And although there may be times you will be sick and tired of being housebound just know you can call on us. I will listen. And you know that you have a good friend in Mark. I don't know what happened in Vegas, but I like it. You guys have an amazing bond and I know Mark would do anything in his power to help you.
Crumby things happen. Downright horrible. And although I always prefer for nothing bad to happen at all, if it didn't I would not be able to see the strength in the human spirit of people who contribute so much to my life.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Little things and grateful
I feel quite boring. I study. And then some more and then some more. Ugh.
But with all of that there has been some happy moments.
Food: pasta dinners, frozen hot chocolate, and trying out some Asian fusion, fondue
Friends: study group laughs, games day/new years celebration, dessert and giving belated xmas gifts
Family: holding hands before one falls asleep, visits in the hospital with some smiles, laughs...always laughs, facetiming and miraculously talking to my dad for 45 minutes past his bedtime.
Misc: talk of future travels, homemade crafts, loving your current job, watching movies, warm winter weather continued.
Love
But with all of that there has been some happy moments.
Food: pasta dinners, frozen hot chocolate, and trying out some Asian fusion, fondue
Friends: study group laughs, games day/new years celebration, dessert and giving belated xmas gifts
Family: holding hands before one falls asleep, visits in the hospital with some smiles, laughs...always laughs, facetiming and miraculously talking to my dad for 45 minutes past his bedtime.
Misc: talk of future travels, homemade crafts, loving your current job, watching movies, warm winter weather continued.
Love
Sunday, January 13, 2013
So I know this person...
So I know this person...
They had their first week back to work last week...
During that week their was a flu warning...
And someone this person knew had the flu...
And this someone that had the flu puked all over this person I know...
And this same person that I know went swimming with a group...
But this person I know forgot their swim trunks...
And they needed to assist someone out of the pool...
So this someone I know had to jump into the pool with their clothes on...
This person I know had a rough week...
From an outsiders perspective it can be funny to laugh about...
That is what I did with this someone I know...
They laughed in return...
But I am wishing for a better week, this week...
Love
They had their first week back to work last week...
During that week their was a flu warning...
And someone this person knew had the flu...
And this someone that had the flu puked all over this person I know...
And this same person that I know went swimming with a group...
But this person I know forgot their swim trunks...
And they needed to assist someone out of the pool...
So this someone I know had to jump into the pool with their clothes on...
This person I know had a rough week...
From an outsiders perspective it can be funny to laugh about...
That is what I did with this someone I know...
They laughed in return...
But I am wishing for a better week, this week...
Love
The big accomplishment.
Yesterday was my graduation party. I celebrated with my peers and friends at a hall, decorated beautifully in blue and purple. There were centerpieces, a DJ, a photobooth, and a candy bar. We had speeches from CARNA, our faculty, and our students. We had a full course dinner, with three different kinds of meat, perogies, potatoes, veggies galore and dessert. It was fantastic and we got to finally celebrate together and not by ourselves driving home from our last shift.
But what was I most excited about you may ask? I spent at least four hours in high heels (maybe 5-6??). The first time I have ever worn heels before in my life. Well atleast these kind of heels that have the spiky end. I walked in them, sat in them and even did some dancing in them until my little toes couldn't take it anymore.
I don't know how people do it, seriously. Sure there were perks, like making direct eye to eye contact with Mark, being one of the tall ones, and they sure were pretty shoes (ha ha ha). But the pain at the end of the night! And I wore the shoes that my bridesmaid's wore to my wedding. How could I subject them to that horror and pain (although I know in my heart that at least two of them didn't mind since they love and live in shoes like that). The other I am sorry but atleast we were smart enough to bring flip flops, unlike my smartness last night where i was barefoot.
I regress...thanks all for a wonderful party last night and fantastic end of school. it may have finally hit that i won't be going back to G-Mac again (or atleast for a awhile, never stop learning right?). AND the new beginnings are soon to come!
love
But what was I most excited about you may ask? I spent at least four hours in high heels (maybe 5-6??). The first time I have ever worn heels before in my life. Well atleast these kind of heels that have the spiky end. I walked in them, sat in them and even did some dancing in them until my little toes couldn't take it anymore.
I don't know how people do it, seriously. Sure there were perks, like making direct eye to eye contact with Mark, being one of the tall ones, and they sure were pretty shoes (ha ha ha). But the pain at the end of the night! And I wore the shoes that my bridesmaid's wore to my wedding. How could I subject them to that horror and pain (although I know in my heart that at least two of them didn't mind since they love and live in shoes like that). The other I am sorry but atleast we were smart enough to bring flip flops, unlike my smartness last night where i was barefoot.
I regress...thanks all for a wonderful party last night and fantastic end of school. it may have finally hit that i won't be going back to G-Mac again (or atleast for a awhile, never stop learning right?). AND the new beginnings are soon to come!
love
Thursday, January 10, 2013
grateful post 2: all I need is a little help from my friends.
Tonight was something I really needed. My first official study group date with nursling Robyn. It was a great kick off to this weeks grateful post. This week has been a little daunting for me. It's my first week of no job (since I capped my vacation as over on Monday) and the panic has set in. Sometimes change just doesn't work for me and being unemployed is not something I am good at. But applying for jobs and waiting is not my strong suit either. And to top it all off with its January and I hate this month. Its my bluesy month when the Christmas high is over. What is a girl to do: Talk with ever supportive friends and family.
Who:
Robyn was most excellent at telling me what to expect, what I need to be prepared for and to embrace and do.
My parents ever encouraging and ever supportive. Always. Boosting me up when I need that extra boost.
Jeaninne for making me laugh and letting me express my fears.
Markness is most excellent to be there for my tears, give me a hug, and make me laugh and smile. Heart him so much especially during these times.
AND lastly
Myself. Tonight I just dug in my heals and started studying. Good start at embracing the new change in my life. I am feeling good, excited and ready, for the first time.
Love
Who:
Robyn was most excellent at telling me what to expect, what I need to be prepared for and to embrace and do.
My parents ever encouraging and ever supportive. Always. Boosting me up when I need that extra boost.
Jeaninne for making me laugh and letting me express my fears.
Markness is most excellent to be there for my tears, give me a hug, and make me laugh and smile. Heart him so much especially during these times.
AND lastly
Myself. Tonight I just dug in my heals and started studying. Good start at embracing the new change in my life. I am feeling good, excited and ready, for the first time.
Love
Friday, January 04, 2013
grateful post 1
i was thinking about what i should do for my new years resolution. there is a lot of newness that is coming my way this year. some of it frightening and scary while other parts are exciting and adventurous. instead of going through the usual book reading, blogging, healthy eating, exercising mantra, i thought i would try something new.
atleast once a month (i would like to try once a week). i think i will write about the things in my life, whether it was actions, feelings, thoughts, people i have encountered and so forth that i am grateful for. that way, if i am feeling a little blue or anxious i can focus on the goodness out there!
lets face it a lot of bad things happen. AND i am not one of those girls to deny it. my life is not perfect and i love it for its messiness, as messy can be more fun and provide more learning and growth. i am not going to try to put on a display that everything is perfect but a little positive focus can be good. and i am sure i will do some venting every now and again!
so to start of the beginning of january i am grateful for:
skating rinks, running outside, talking with friends, fresh air, warm winter days, car washes, little baby snuggles, chocolate, popcorn, water fights, laughs with my partner, movie nights, kitty purrs, and the person that started this little mantra for me (my friend jeff) who quoted A.A. Milne on his facebook after expressing what he was grateful for: “Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
love
atleast once a month (i would like to try once a week). i think i will write about the things in my life, whether it was actions, feelings, thoughts, people i have encountered and so forth that i am grateful for. that way, if i am feeling a little blue or anxious i can focus on the goodness out there!
lets face it a lot of bad things happen. AND i am not one of those girls to deny it. my life is not perfect and i love it for its messiness, as messy can be more fun and provide more learning and growth. i am not going to try to put on a display that everything is perfect but a little positive focus can be good. and i am sure i will do some venting every now and again!
so to start of the beginning of january i am grateful for:
skating rinks, running outside, talking with friends, fresh air, warm winter days, car washes, little baby snuggles, chocolate, popcorn, water fights, laughs with my partner, movie nights, kitty purrs, and the person that started this little mantra for me (my friend jeff) who quoted A.A. Milne on his facebook after expressing what he was grateful for: “Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
love
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
First Run of the Season
For Christmas/birthday I asked Mark for running things so that I could run outside in the winter. Basically the cold and I do not see eye to eye. However my body doesn't agree with me when I decide to run the speed I left off in the fall, every spring. I am noticing it now as I get older. Grumble grumble. Lol.
I digress. So for the celebrations I got spikes, running gloves, jacket, and pants. No excuses. So what did I do today. I ran. And it felt really good. Mind you it was probably only -5. I don't know how great I will feel in the -20 or if I will ever consider it a possibility but today it was awesome. Cool air, few stars, clear skies, quiet, and serene.
It was love.
I digress. So for the celebrations I got spikes, running gloves, jacket, and pants. No excuses. So what did I do today. I ran. And it felt really good. Mind you it was probably only -5. I don't know how great I will feel in the -20 or if I will ever consider it a possibility but today it was awesome. Cool air, few stars, clear skies, quiet, and serene.
It was love.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
A new year, new beginnings and a new life!
Happy new year all! Hope all of you have embraced this lovely day with excitement and fervor! Myself I mixed it with a bit of musical madness, pancake shapes and a lovely skate outdoors with my partner! Really can't get better but it has....
Welcome to the world new little nephew! I will give you a bit of anonymity as the webverse doesn't need to know all your details. Just know that many are very excited about your arrival. And you arrived at a perfect time to see your grandparents, you obviously couldn't wait to see them as they to you! There is so much love around you right now. Even though you are far from some, the love is there. I won't go all cheesy on you, I don't want to be that crazy aunt, he he. But I am wishing you a most exciting year that is ahead. It will be full of milestones, mischief, adventures, laughter and love (probably should be the case for all of us, shouldn't it).
So to the year ahead for the new little guy and all of us....make everything count!
Love
Welcome to the world new little nephew! I will give you a bit of anonymity as the webverse doesn't need to know all your details. Just know that many are very excited about your arrival. And you arrived at a perfect time to see your grandparents, you obviously couldn't wait to see them as they to you! There is so much love around you right now. Even though you are far from some, the love is there. I won't go all cheesy on you, I don't want to be that crazy aunt, he he. But I am wishing you a most exciting year that is ahead. It will be full of milestones, mischief, adventures, laughter and love (probably should be the case for all of us, shouldn't it).
So to the year ahead for the new little guy and all of us....make everything count!
Love
Monday, December 31, 2012
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas....unless you write a blog.
A series of complete and utterly unfortunate events lead my lovely and I to a most adventurous (and to us a somewhat disastrous) vacation. He he. As I look back and told my mom about the experience it really wasn't meant to be at this time. I am not one to always believe in the fates of the world, but it helps as it is said and done and I must continue to 'carry on'. He he.
It started when I misplaced my wallet and left it in the waiting area for pre-boarders. Luckily someone caught it and delivered it to the unaware me when I was on the plane. But the boarding passes were missing. Aw. Just a little reprint no issues at all in Vancouver.
Cut to Vegas and the rental car. Our mind lapses left us with no rental as I had a credit card and an expired license and my lovely had a license but no credit card. Note to self, in most all circumstances one needs both. Quick thinking called the bank. Nada. Called my brother as I know the location of the card. Dearest brother of mine - who I love so much - and has proven to be great in these kinds of silly circumstances - spent his Saturday trying to locate a mailing agency to deliver the card by Sunday or Monday. Unfortunate for all of us no luck as most were closed on Sundays and with New Years no card would come till Wednesday.
Now you may be wondering. Why a rental in Vegas? True true. But we never intended on vacationing in Vegas. First world problem I know. The truth being we wanted to hike the Grand Canyon and thus packed for that kind of trip, and most importantly budgeted for that kind of trip. ;)
Thus brings the next possible solution. People go on tours all the time. Surely we could take a bus there. Nope, they did not want our luggage. Sigh. Nor the helicopter rides and the greyhound would not go far enough.
Was there any rental company we could go through. Two. One much better than the other. But alas no cars. And the other....well you can check out the reviews. Lets just say we wanted to be alive after this was all said and done.
So what does one finally do when all has failed. Get a bit angry at self, maybe cry a little. Then set sights on a solution, cancel previous bookings and look into having fun in the one day we would be there. Remember tight budget for this vacay so we had to make the short stay count.
What did we do:
Soak in a hot pool, devour a buffet, walk the strip, admire the various people dressed as: showgirls, cupids, chewbacca, Winnie the Pooh, Spider-Man, batman, bane, religious protestors (they probably were not dressing up), dance to the bellagio fountains numerous times, people watch and read numerous signs, absorb the lights, see a cirque show, drink from a cup that may have 10 oz. of alcohol, play the horse races by betting on horses named after your pet and husband, win money, play penny slots, lose money, laugh with your husband as he is the only one in the world that you want to be with in any moment let alone that moment, lean on husband and love him as his vacation dreams were shattered too. Make vow to try again. Say good bye to Vegas and bring in the new year at home in comfort.
Hoping and wishing next year will have continued good fortune, learning, and growth for all of us.
Love
It started when I misplaced my wallet and left it in the waiting area for pre-boarders. Luckily someone caught it and delivered it to the unaware me when I was on the plane. But the boarding passes were missing. Aw. Just a little reprint no issues at all in Vancouver.
Cut to Vegas and the rental car. Our mind lapses left us with no rental as I had a credit card and an expired license and my lovely had a license but no credit card. Note to self, in most all circumstances one needs both. Quick thinking called the bank. Nada. Called my brother as I know the location of the card. Dearest brother of mine - who I love so much - and has proven to be great in these kinds of silly circumstances - spent his Saturday trying to locate a mailing agency to deliver the card by Sunday or Monday. Unfortunate for all of us no luck as most were closed on Sundays and with New Years no card would come till Wednesday.
Now you may be wondering. Why a rental in Vegas? True true. But we never intended on vacationing in Vegas. First world problem I know. The truth being we wanted to hike the Grand Canyon and thus packed for that kind of trip, and most importantly budgeted for that kind of trip. ;)
Thus brings the next possible solution. People go on tours all the time. Surely we could take a bus there. Nope, they did not want our luggage. Sigh. Nor the helicopter rides and the greyhound would not go far enough.
Was there any rental company we could go through. Two. One much better than the other. But alas no cars. And the other....well you can check out the reviews. Lets just say we wanted to be alive after this was all said and done.
So what does one finally do when all has failed. Get a bit angry at self, maybe cry a little. Then set sights on a solution, cancel previous bookings and look into having fun in the one day we would be there. Remember tight budget for this vacay so we had to make the short stay count.
What did we do:
Soak in a hot pool, devour a buffet, walk the strip, admire the various people dressed as: showgirls, cupids, chewbacca, Winnie the Pooh, Spider-Man, batman, bane, religious protestors (they probably were not dressing up), dance to the bellagio fountains numerous times, people watch and read numerous signs, absorb the lights, see a cirque show, drink from a cup that may have 10 oz. of alcohol, play the horse races by betting on horses named after your pet and husband, win money, play penny slots, lose money, laugh with your husband as he is the only one in the world that you want to be with in any moment let alone that moment, lean on husband and love him as his vacation dreams were shattered too. Make vow to try again. Say good bye to Vegas and bring in the new year at home in comfort.
Hoping and wishing next year will have continued good fortune, learning, and growth for all of us.
Love
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Christmas in Stanley part 7
Many of the same wonderful moments.
Seeing a cousin from west but in the east.
Seeing an uncle and young cousin after his hockey game.
Watching 'its a wonderful life'.
Tormenting aka loving the cat.
Listening to the rain from outside my bedroom window when I woke up.
And another. Going for a walk in the woods with my dad. Reminded me of another small memory I had when I was small. When Sherwood Park was small. When there wasn't a micheals, a home hardware, a clinic, a superstore, or a cloverbar ranch. There was our area and not to far away there was a woods area. We would spot deer, run around, pick wild flowers for mom (more me than dad) and enjoy the presence of nature and the peace (dad was peaceful, me not so much) of the nice walk. That is what we did today. Walk in the snow, look at the fallen trees from the big snowfall, admire the sprigs (aka two year old trees that dad planted) and spot deer tracks. It was nice.
Good trip.
Continue to eat the many sweets that mom worked ever so hard to make.
Laugh and joke at the table. BINGO, Tracey.
Slowly pack and prep for a good bye.
Nice beginning and middle to my Christmas season.
Love
Seeing a cousin from west but in the east.
Seeing an uncle and young cousin after his hockey game.
Watching 'its a wonderful life'.
Tormenting aka loving the cat.
Listening to the rain from outside my bedroom window when I woke up.
And another. Going for a walk in the woods with my dad. Reminded me of another small memory I had when I was small. When Sherwood Park was small. When there wasn't a micheals, a home hardware, a clinic, a superstore, or a cloverbar ranch. There was our area and not to far away there was a woods area. We would spot deer, run around, pick wild flowers for mom (more me than dad) and enjoy the presence of nature and the peace (dad was peaceful, me not so much) of the nice walk. That is what we did today. Walk in the snow, look at the fallen trees from the big snowfall, admire the sprigs (aka two year old trees that dad planted) and spot deer tracks. It was nice.
Good trip.
Continue to eat the many sweets that mom worked ever so hard to make.
Laugh and joke at the table. BINGO, Tracey.
Slowly pack and prep for a good bye.
Nice beginning and middle to my Christmas season.
Love
Friday, December 21, 2012
Christmas in Stanley part 6
What does one do on a Friday when holidays
1. Watch your father feed the birds.
2. Go visit your grandmother for some tea and cookies
3. See a market and eat more
4. My I oh my there is a lot of eating over the holidays
5. Watch muppets family Christmas a brother/sister tradition
Wow really need to work out tomorrow!
Love
1. Watch your father feed the birds.
2. Go visit your grandmother for some tea and cookies
3. See a market and eat more
4. My I oh my there is a lot of eating over the holidays
5. Watch muppets family Christmas a brother/sister tradition
Wow really need to work out tomorrow!
Love
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Christmas in Stanley part 5
Lets leave the country!
- up at 8 and out of the country by 11.
- a visit to wardens
- a talk with my aunt
- a snooze in the car
- back in Canada
- window shopping with mom in too cute stores
- dinner with cousins and aunts
Fun days all around!
Love
- up at 8 and out of the country by 11.
- a visit to wardens
- a talk with my aunt
- a snooze in the car
- back in Canada
- window shopping with mom in too cute stores
- dinner with cousins and aunts
Fun days all around!
Love
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Christmas in Stanley part 4
No rules today. Just go with it.
- take your old cat for a walk on a leash in your shorts and flip flops in the falling snow
- watch another Christmas movie, miracle on 34th street
- go shopping with my mother dearest
- admire mom's snowman
- ponder what to do when there is a power outage
- sit outside with white wine and talk while your dad BBQ's stirfryon the BBQ
- go inside cause you thought you may have heard zombies and you promised your husband that you would try to stay alive during the apocalypse
- play card games and create barricades
The end is near. He he.
Love
- take your old cat for a walk on a leash in your shorts and flip flops in the falling snow
- watch another Christmas movie, miracle on 34th street
- go shopping with my mother dearest
- admire mom's snowman
- ponder what to do when there is a power outage
- sit outside with white wine and talk while your dad BBQ's stirfryon the BBQ
- go inside cause you thought you may have heard zombies and you promised your husband that you would try to stay alive during the apocalypse
- play card games and create barricades
The end is near. He he.
Love
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Christmas in Stanley part 3
The rules on this fine winter day:
1. Go for walk around the land, making jokes with mom and listening to stories from dad
2. Spot a partridge, deer tracks, rabbit tracks and fox tracks
3. Stop for occasional photo op with parents
4. Eat homemade granola
5. Go to the theater and as per tradition watch the new Peter Jackson movie: The Hobbit
6. Have a snowball fight with my brother in the parking lot
7. Sit by a cozy fire
Reward: I could get used to this. He he.
Love
1. Go for walk around the land, making jokes with mom and listening to stories from dad
2. Spot a partridge, deer tracks, rabbit tracks and fox tracks
3. Stop for occasional photo op with parents
4. Eat homemade granola
5. Go to the theater and as per tradition watch the new Peter Jackson movie: The Hobbit
6. Have a snowball fight with my brother in the parking lot
7. Sit by a cozy fire
Reward: I could get used to this. He he.
Love
Monday, December 17, 2012
Christmas in Stanley part 2
The rules for this day:
1. Watch White Christmas and sing 'sisters, sisters' out loud. Optional is a dance number.
2. Spot three deer when driving and note the beauty of nature
3. Visit a great aunt and sample sweets
4. Brag to husband about the amount of buttertarts that have been consumed
5. Workout...tomorrow
6. Eat lobster gifted by a generous aunt and uncle (thanks Keith and Cheryl)
7. Put air in flat tires and note that your husband may have been right, you should really learn how to change a flat.
8. Laugh with family. Love with family.
What shall tomorrow bring?
Love
1. Watch White Christmas and sing 'sisters, sisters' out loud. Optional is a dance number.
2. Spot three deer when driving and note the beauty of nature
3. Visit a great aunt and sample sweets
4. Brag to husband about the amount of buttertarts that have been consumed
5. Workout...tomorrow
6. Eat lobster gifted by a generous aunt and uncle (thanks Keith and Cheryl)
7. Put air in flat tires and note that your husband may have been right, you should really learn how to change a flat.
8. Laugh with family. Love with family.
What shall tomorrow bring?
Love
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Christmas in Stanley part 1
The rules for today:
1. Eat a buttertart for breakfast followed by dad's blueberry pancakes and mom's fruit salad
2. Wrap the final bit of presents while watching The Family Stone
3. Hang out in pajamas for the morning and through out the day
4. Bug the cat for just a tiny bit, enough that he still loves you and may reward you with a cuddle (it has yet to happen)
5. Have aunts and uncles over for some Christmas love and food
Reward:
A fantastic holiday day.
Love
1. Eat a buttertart for breakfast followed by dad's blueberry pancakes and mom's fruit salad
2. Wrap the final bit of presents while watching The Family Stone
3. Hang out in pajamas for the morning and through out the day
4. Bug the cat for just a tiny bit, enough that he still loves you and may reward you with a cuddle (it has yet to happen)
5. Have aunts and uncles over for some Christmas love and food
Reward:
A fantastic holiday day.
Love
Saturday, December 15, 2012
A list of things needing to do before one goes away
What does one do when one has a day off from finishing school but right before going away.
- see old friends and old job. fun morning of visiting and shenanigans with my old coworkers and old clients.
- get the last of my Christmas shopping done and maybe, possibly get myself a small something with gift cards I received for my birthday. wink wink.
- clean the house. it's kind of funny I did this as my mentality is to come home to cleanliness, but someone is still living in said house.
- pack. kind of important considering I needed things to wear.
- go out for dinner with someone that I love.
- visit more lovelies that I won't see in awhile at the hospital.
- know that you are coming back to someone that is so important (and I must say heroic as he changed a flat with no qualms, doubly impressed).
See you soon
Love and hugs
- see old friends and old job. fun morning of visiting and shenanigans with my old coworkers and old clients.
- get the last of my Christmas shopping done and maybe, possibly get myself a small something with gift cards I received for my birthday. wink wink.
- clean the house. it's kind of funny I did this as my mentality is to come home to cleanliness, but someone is still living in said house.
- pack. kind of important considering I needed things to wear.
- go out for dinner with someone that I love.
- visit more lovelies that I won't see in awhile at the hospital.
- know that you are coming back to someone that is so important (and I must say heroic as he changed a flat with no qualms, doubly impressed).
See you soon
Love and hugs
Friday, December 14, 2012
Christmas
The presents are bought and wrapped
The decorations are up in the house
The lights are strung on the balcony
The music is playing in the background
The movies are waiting to be watched
The goodies are waiting to be eaten
The Christmas spirit is everywhere
I think tomorrow is a good time to go to my 'second' home and celebrate
I heart you Christmas time!
Love
The decorations are up in the house
The lights are strung on the balcony
The music is playing in the background
The movies are waiting to be watched
The goodies are waiting to be eaten
The Christmas spirit is everywhere
I think tomorrow is a good time to go to my 'second' home and celebrate
I heart you Christmas time!
Love
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
the hike...
as we prep to go on one this upcoming mind i started to think of the past hike attempt we did this summer. this hike took a LOT of compromise and work to come about. mark loves loves loves hiking with all his heart. when we initially thought of going to europe our three week trip had a two week hike planted firmly in the middle. needless to say i wasn't very pleased, and made it quite known. in the end we figured it out, all was well and a week hike was planned.
i have to say, with all the hustle and bustle in paris, i (yes its true) was looking forward to a little escape into the mountains. seeing nature in its finest. what we soon realized was that canada is pretty fantastic and really just impossible to beat! way to go our country.
to play fair, our one attempt at hiking did not fair well. we went in pretty sick doing this climb. it was suppose to be a 5 hour hike that took us 8 hours to do. we had 1500mL between the two of us and ran out of water about 5 hours in. when we went to get the to the water source, unfortunately they had closed up for the day, leaving us significantly parched. we did find water, but not in the most hiker responsible way. AND to top it off. the pass between the swiss/france border that we worked so hard to cross. many took the gondala to do the same. leaving us a lttle weary and defeated.
but we came out with plenty of stories, wonderful pictures and (still some) spectacular sights. AND i did get to do my running in the mountains once in the swiss alps. in addition we saw plenty of olympics in between our sleep deprived sickness. that was the one motivator that brought us to london to continue our wonderful european getaway.
love
i have to say, with all the hustle and bustle in paris, i (yes its true) was looking forward to a little escape into the mountains. seeing nature in its finest. what we soon realized was that canada is pretty fantastic and really just impossible to beat! way to go our country.
to play fair, our one attempt at hiking did not fair well. we went in pretty sick doing this climb. it was suppose to be a 5 hour hike that took us 8 hours to do. we had 1500mL between the two of us and ran out of water about 5 hours in. when we went to get the to the water source, unfortunately they had closed up for the day, leaving us significantly parched. we did find water, but not in the most hiker responsible way. AND to top it off. the pass between the swiss/france border that we worked so hard to cross. many took the gondala to do the same. leaving us a lttle weary and defeated.
but we came out with plenty of stories, wonderful pictures and (still some) spectacular sights. AND i did get to do my running in the mountains once in the swiss alps. in addition we saw plenty of olympics in between our sleep deprived sickness. that was the one motivator that brought us to london to continue our wonderful european getaway.
love
Monday, December 10, 2012
The end is near.
Three more shifts and I will no longer have the word student in my signature. Not yet a registered nurse either as more studying needs to occur for that. What will it be? Graduate nurse. Wow. It seems so surreal. The first three years seemed to fly. But the last one was long and tiring. Anytime you make me do as many papers as I did it will always seem long. He he. Needless to say I am pretty pumped.
This last course, my preceptorship, I have been pretty silent on. Maybe it's because I really don't want to jinx it. But I can honestly say I love it. It is in my future to do this. I have had so many unbelievable opportunities that other clinicals were never able to provide. I had the privilege to be part of people's lives and be in there homes. I have also had the opportunity to contemplate and think about various topics that I had to learn in theory. Boundaries, empowerment, providing teaching and understanding, death and dying, not to mention more skills and opportunities to do in clinical. I have laughed and listened to fantastic stories that people lead in their lives. These are skills that I will take to my next place but as a paid employee. Eek.
It has been quite a magnificent journey. And this is just the beginning. I have met friends and patients, colleagues, mentors, and teachers that have altered my perceptions, and thoughts for what I can only hope is better. Can I ask for any more?
Here is to the next stage as a GN.
Love
This last course, my preceptorship, I have been pretty silent on. Maybe it's because I really don't want to jinx it. But I can honestly say I love it. It is in my future to do this. I have had so many unbelievable opportunities that other clinicals were never able to provide. I had the privilege to be part of people's lives and be in there homes. I have also had the opportunity to contemplate and think about various topics that I had to learn in theory. Boundaries, empowerment, providing teaching and understanding, death and dying, not to mention more skills and opportunities to do in clinical. I have laughed and listened to fantastic stories that people lead in their lives. These are skills that I will take to my next place but as a paid employee. Eek.
It has been quite a magnificent journey. And this is just the beginning. I have met friends and patients, colleagues, mentors, and teachers that have altered my perceptions, and thoughts for what I can only hope is better. Can I ask for any more?
Here is to the next stage as a GN.
Love
Friday, December 07, 2012
Birthday week continues
On the first day of birthday week my true love gave to me a birthday dinner with my friends
On the second day of birthday week my true love gave to me 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends
On the third day of birthday week my true love gave to me a card from my nan, 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends.
On the fourth day (and actual day) of birthday week my true love gave to me many lovely presents, a visit from my brother, a card from my nan, 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends.
On the fifth day of birthday week my true love gave to me a parcel in the mail, many lovely presents, a visit from my brother, a card from my nan, 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends.
On the sixth day of birthday week my true love gave to me leftover Chinese food, a parcel in the mail, many lovely presents, a visit from my brother, a card from my nan, 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends.
On the seventh day of birthday week my true love gave to me a movie date with popcorn, leftover Chinese food, a parcel in the mail, many lovely presents, a visit from my brother, a card from my nan, 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends.
He he. Lets be honest. Although he is mighty awesome not all the credit goes to my love. Parents, more parents, siblings of us both, grandparents, friends, social networking sites and FaceTime has made for a great week, hehe.
Thanks and love
On the second day of birthday week my true love gave to me 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends
On the third day of birthday week my true love gave to me a card from my nan, 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends.
On the fourth day (and actual day) of birthday week my true love gave to me many lovely presents, a visit from my brother, a card from my nan, 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends.
On the fifth day of birthday week my true love gave to me a parcel in the mail, many lovely presents, a visit from my brother, a card from my nan, 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends.
On the sixth day of birthday week my true love gave to me leftover Chinese food, a parcel in the mail, many lovely presents, a visit from my brother, a card from my nan, 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends.
On the seventh day of birthday week my true love gave to me a movie date with popcorn, leftover Chinese food, a parcel in the mail, many lovely presents, a visit from my brother, a card from my nan, 4 cupcakes and a birthday dinner with my friends.
He he. Lets be honest. Although he is mighty awesome not all the credit goes to my love. Parents, more parents, siblings of us both, grandparents, friends, social networking sites and FaceTime has made for a great week, hehe.
Thanks and love
Sunday, December 02, 2012
A shout out to the lovelies in my life
You know you have fabulous friends when you can laugh so hard that you cry. And that laughing that made you cry was inflicted by near silliness of doing sound effects and impersonations. Those same friends start the debate of the difference between men and women as we chide one another of our differences. They drink wine and dine on delicious homemade awesomeness made by Markness. They play games, eat cupcakes and just all around make you feel so special.
Thanks to all of you for making a girl feel special and celebrate her birthday.
I love you all!
Thanks to all of you for making a girl feel special and celebrate her birthday.
I love you all!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Days like this
On days like this I don't want to make supper
On days like this I don't want to work out
On days like this I don't want to be outside
On days like this I don't want to clean
On days like this I want to take a hot bath
On days like this I want to be in my pajamas
On days like this I want to snuggle under the blankets
On days like this I want to make popcorn
On days like this I want to watch television
On days like this I want to relax
Lets choose the wants on days like this instead of the don'ts.
He he
The homestretch is here. Eight more days till I am an Graduate Nurse.
Love
On days like this I don't want to work out
On days like this I don't want to be outside
On days like this I don't want to clean
On days like this I want to take a hot bath
On days like this I want to be in my pajamas
On days like this I want to snuggle under the blankets
On days like this I want to make popcorn
On days like this I want to watch television
On days like this I want to relax
Lets choose the wants on days like this instead of the don'ts.
He he
The homestretch is here. Eight more days till I am an Graduate Nurse.
Love
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Lets appreciate our bodies shall we?
With the Christmas season approaching so comes the Christmas goodies. And not just any Christmas goodies my favourite Christmas goodies. The Christmas cookies, mocha cakes, confetti bars, gumdrop cake and cherry flips. Ahh my mouth is drooling already.
For someone like me that TRIES to eat healthy, believe it or not I do, this is a very hard season for my body to take. Especially more so as I don't quite get out to work out like I do in the summer. The night time, cold, snow and ice make it hard for me to run outside. The assignments keep my mind on other things and right now the commute I am doing at school is ever draining as I am asleep by 930pm and up at 6. Yea I am a party animal. I start to feel blah and feel that my body is blah in return.
So what should I do about this? Get an attitude adjustment. Ha ha. Sometimes I think I am extremely hard on myself. And I don't think I am alone. Many of my friends are always complaining about one part of their body. It's funny cause as they say it and I look I never understand their complaint as I think they are just beautiful the way they are.
Why oh why must women always want to achieve the concept of thinness? What is it that is so appealing? Is it the women role models out there? Is it the magazine covers I hear so much about or just the overall media of body image?
If that is the case I say to others and to myself lets look at other images. For me I am going to appreciate the Amazonian body type. I always joke to Mark that is what I am as I have strong legs meant for hiking, working and speed skating (a sport never tried but I feel I was meant to do, he he). Many female media players can fit this image. Its the strong women like Clara Hughes, Jessica Biel, Gabreille Reece, America Ferrera. And why can't they be wicked beautiful. I think they can. Anyone can. Really any body type, can.
So lets stop criticizing our bodies, k? Lets make it a resolution not just for the year but the years. Be healthy and be happy and just love what you see!
Love
For someone like me that TRIES to eat healthy, believe it or not I do, this is a very hard season for my body to take. Especially more so as I don't quite get out to work out like I do in the summer. The night time, cold, snow and ice make it hard for me to run outside. The assignments keep my mind on other things and right now the commute I am doing at school is ever draining as I am asleep by 930pm and up at 6. Yea I am a party animal. I start to feel blah and feel that my body is blah in return.
So what should I do about this? Get an attitude adjustment. Ha ha. Sometimes I think I am extremely hard on myself. And I don't think I am alone. Many of my friends are always complaining about one part of their body. It's funny cause as they say it and I look I never understand their complaint as I think they are just beautiful the way they are.
Why oh why must women always want to achieve the concept of thinness? What is it that is so appealing? Is it the women role models out there? Is it the magazine covers I hear so much about or just the overall media of body image?
If that is the case I say to others and to myself lets look at other images. For me I am going to appreciate the Amazonian body type. I always joke to Mark that is what I am as I have strong legs meant for hiking, working and speed skating (a sport never tried but I feel I was meant to do, he he). Many female media players can fit this image. Its the strong women like Clara Hughes, Jessica Biel, Gabreille Reece, America Ferrera. And why can't they be wicked beautiful. I think they can. Anyone can. Really any body type, can.
So lets stop criticizing our bodies, k? Lets make it a resolution not just for the year but the years. Be healthy and be happy and just love what you see!
Love
Monday, November 12, 2012
do you hear what i hear?
i have already said that i have been slightly unmotivated since november 1st.
school papers may play a role but i think it is something stronger, a bigger force that can not be controlled or held back...
"what?" you ask
its none other than....
CHRISTMAS
yes, that is right. it has come upon us.
i cannot wait to decorate.
i have already been found perusing websites for christmas gifts for family and friends.
i saw my first christmas commercial last monday, such a welcome site.
not to mention the first christmas tree decorated on friday, i may have squealed in delight.
the season is upon us.
it snowed and gave us (yes, treacherous roads)
but also a winter wonderland
where sleigh-bells ring and
frosty the snowmen are being built left, right and center.
i just must reign in my christmas spirit slightly so that i can finish this term with a bang and finally enjoy the holidays like they were meant to be enjoyed, good ol' fashioned work and no more homework! eek!
till the next holiday post as i am sure i have many!
love
school papers may play a role but i think it is something stronger, a bigger force that can not be controlled or held back...
"what?" you ask
its none other than....
CHRISTMAS
yes, that is right. it has come upon us.
i cannot wait to decorate.
i have already been found perusing websites for christmas gifts for family and friends.
i saw my first christmas commercial last monday, such a welcome site.
not to mention the first christmas tree decorated on friday, i may have squealed in delight.
the season is upon us.
it snowed and gave us (yes, treacherous roads)
but also a winter wonderland
where sleigh-bells ring and
frosty the snowmen are being built left, right and center.
i just must reign in my christmas spirit slightly so that i can finish this term with a bang and finally enjoy the holidays like they were meant to be enjoyed, good ol' fashioned work and no more homework! eek!
till the next holiday post as i am sure i have many!
love
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Les miserables
remember this post. well i am practically peeing pants as it is going to be a feature movie. the unfortunate thing is i won't beable to see it with my mom as it opens christmas day...but that will not stop me from seeing it. i will go alone if i have to, although i have a few fanatical musical friends to take so i am sure i will be in good company.
he he. i still remember obsessing over this play when it first came to edmonton. i dreamed that i auditioned for cosette and would dance around the house singing castle on the cloud obsessively. i even think my mom took me out to buy a nice outfit as it was my first big musical to see at the jubilee. she definitely started a long never ending expensive hobby as i continue to see a play (or two or three) a year (just yesterday seeing rock of ages with jeaninne, anita and casey)...fun fun.
this is also the musical that (ironically enough) got me out of my funk when i was in that hard clinical last year. i think just the music and singing it loudly in my office gave me such a tension release. oooo, les miz, i love you so! you will be such a welcome christmas treat!
love
he he. i still remember obsessing over this play when it first came to edmonton. i dreamed that i auditioned for cosette and would dance around the house singing castle on the cloud obsessively. i even think my mom took me out to buy a nice outfit as it was my first big musical to see at the jubilee. she definitely started a long never ending expensive hobby as i continue to see a play (or two or three) a year (just yesterday seeing rock of ages with jeaninne, anita and casey)...fun fun.
this is also the musical that (ironically enough) got me out of my funk when i was in that hard clinical last year. i think just the music and singing it loudly in my office gave me such a tension release. oooo, les miz, i love you so! you will be such a welcome christmas treat!
love
Thursday, November 08, 2012
A lot of churches can be a lot of fun
It has come. The un-motivating force of being sick of school. He he. And by that I mean papers and assignments. I loathe you. So instead of thinking of that I have been baking, scrapbooking and thinking a bit about travels that have been.
That travels means churches. We saw lots of churches. You would think after being in the fifth one we would have been sick of it but they just seemed to be more intricate, have a more fascinating story and hold a magnificent mystique. Not to mention holding some pretty famous people from kings, queens, philosophers and artists (even if those said people never wanted to be there in the first place).
Two of my favs were Westminster abbey and an extravagant one in Sienna. So many wonderful stories, beautiful architecture and my love for stained glass came out. ahhhh. Heart. I have said it before, but one must do an audio tour where ever they tour!
Mark, enjoyed them too. Churches hold all the history he loves and with that many things to look and examine. Again something fun to watch in him as he enjoyed so much of it!
Well off to procrastinate some more!
love
That travels means churches. We saw lots of churches. You would think after being in the fifth one we would have been sick of it but they just seemed to be more intricate, have a more fascinating story and hold a magnificent mystique. Not to mention holding some pretty famous people from kings, queens, philosophers and artists (even if those said people never wanted to be there in the first place).
Two of my favs were Westminster abbey and an extravagant one in Sienna. So many wonderful stories, beautiful architecture and my love for stained glass came out. ahhhh. Heart. I have said it before, but one must do an audio tour where ever they tour!
Mark, enjoyed them too. Churches hold all the history he loves and with that many things to look and examine. Again something fun to watch in him as he enjoyed so much of it!
Well off to procrastinate some more!
love
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Food
I have said it before but if you know a way to my heart, you must love food. Seriously. I thank my parents for this fantastic habit/indulgence/way of life.
My parents, like me, love food. Especially good food. They introduced me to Indian food, seafood, spicy food, and just plain ol fashioned home cooking. Everyday, no matter what we sat down and ate this wonderful food as a family. We socialized. And when my brother and I became teenagers we grumbled. He he.
Then I met Mark. Another foodie who knows what he likes and it coincides with my loves. One of our first dates was Mark cooking me an Indian meal. Definitely knew he was a keeper. He he.
Why all this food talk? Because our weekend was surrounded by amazing company and FOOD. Social gatherings with an Indian/African buffet and the next day lobster. Ahhhhhh life is good. To be surrounded by people you love, eating and drinking. Telling jokes, reminiscing about the past, talking of our day and revealing our thoughts of the future. All in the presence of food.
These are things that make me happy. And with that big shout out to Jeaninne and Anita! Happy birthday! And thanks for thinking of the idea for going out for food.
Love
My parents, like me, love food. Especially good food. They introduced me to Indian food, seafood, spicy food, and just plain ol fashioned home cooking. Everyday, no matter what we sat down and ate this wonderful food as a family. We socialized. And when my brother and I became teenagers we grumbled. He he.
Then I met Mark. Another foodie who knows what he likes and it coincides with my loves. One of our first dates was Mark cooking me an Indian meal. Definitely knew he was a keeper. He he.
Why all this food talk? Because our weekend was surrounded by amazing company and FOOD. Social gatherings with an Indian/African buffet and the next day lobster. Ahhhhhh life is good. To be surrounded by people you love, eating and drinking. Telling jokes, reminiscing about the past, talking of our day and revealing our thoughts of the future. All in the presence of food.
These are things that make me happy. And with that big shout out to Jeaninne and Anita! Happy birthday! And thanks for thinking of the idea for going out for food.
Love
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Value
While we travelled we visited someone whom I enjoyed thoroughly. With that visit we talked. And with that talk she said something that I feel holds fantastic importance. Basically she said that tradition is important yet so is change. It is important to surround yourself with people from all walks of life. Everyone has something to offer in those ages and you can learn from all of them.
This was something that I loved. If I were to think of one person who followed this philosophy whether intentional or not it was my Grammie. She had people of all ages and all walks of life around her. From her university friends that were at her 80th birthday to the 16 year old girls that would show up for a visit and a laugh (my grandmother was pretty hilarious) to her youngest people her great grandsons. She kept current using the Internet cursing the mouse as it kept running away from her, discussing what young girls do now compared to when she was young, and told magnificent stories. I loved her stories.
With that in mind I decided that I need to start valuing the people who are important to me. With the ever changing world it seems that the written letter has somewhat become extinct. I used to write to my family all the time. I then grew, became a teenager, became "busy" and started to focus more on the faster and more efficient email system.
The problem. There are some very important people in this world that do not use the computer. People that I value and are important. So I have started up again on the written letter. I want to be in contact with those important people of different generations. I want them to know that they are appreciated and I value them. What better way to do that is a written letter?
Just a little thought and action on this weekend.
Love
This was something that I loved. If I were to think of one person who followed this philosophy whether intentional or not it was my Grammie. She had people of all ages and all walks of life around her. From her university friends that were at her 80th birthday to the 16 year old girls that would show up for a visit and a laugh (my grandmother was pretty hilarious) to her youngest people her great grandsons. She kept current using the Internet cursing the mouse as it kept running away from her, discussing what young girls do now compared to when she was young, and told magnificent stories. I loved her stories.
With that in mind I decided that I need to start valuing the people who are important to me. With the ever changing world it seems that the written letter has somewhat become extinct. I used to write to my family all the time. I then grew, became a teenager, became "busy" and started to focus more on the faster and more efficient email system.
The problem. There are some very important people in this world that do not use the computer. People that I value and are important. So I have started up again on the written letter. I want to be in contact with those important people of different generations. I want them to know that they are appreciated and I value them. What better way to do that is a written letter?
Just a little thought and action on this weekend.
Love
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Never fully dressed without a smile
love love this glee. mainly because it has one of my favourite songs from annie, loved when all the orphans sang this part!
and of course the original.
love
and of course the original.
love
Friday, September 28, 2012
a lot of thoughts
this last clinical (although not over) has been truly a fascinating one for me. my biggest complaint i have with my clinicals is life moves fast and hard. i am constantly learning and relearning and then learning again, that my mind feels spinny. i never truly get to wrap my thoughts and think and reflect about anything. then i start theory and i become wrapped up in learning more things.
this time around has been nice. first i get to see some extraordinary leaders at work. i get to see what it means to be a leader, live a leadership role, and try it out (it's hard). it has given me a chance to strive for more in my professional development (although i seriously am in need of a break from school, so not for awhile).
i have also experienced simulation labs. now i am not going to get into specifics (breaks confidentiality and all) but i will say that they have been the best part i have ever experienced (to date) in the theory part. and believe me when i say this, i hate sim. in the past i have felt self-conscience, not knowing what to do, and made me feel a little stupider as i left the room.
this time i have left knowing more about myself. for instance how i communicate in certain situations. exploring topics that i am uncomfortable talking about and things that i thought i knew tons about but when talking realizing i do not, nor do i have the words to find. it has been a month full of self-realization and growth.
i really can't ask for more from school or myself.
love
this time around has been nice. first i get to see some extraordinary leaders at work. i get to see what it means to be a leader, live a leadership role, and try it out (it's hard). it has given me a chance to strive for more in my professional development (although i seriously am in need of a break from school, so not for awhile).
i have also experienced simulation labs. now i am not going to get into specifics (breaks confidentiality and all) but i will say that they have been the best part i have ever experienced (to date) in the theory part. and believe me when i say this, i hate sim. in the past i have felt self-conscience, not knowing what to do, and made me feel a little stupider as i left the room.
this time i have left knowing more about myself. for instance how i communicate in certain situations. exploring topics that i am uncomfortable talking about and things that i thought i knew tons about but when talking realizing i do not, nor do i have the words to find. it has been a month full of self-realization and growth.
i really can't ask for more from school or myself.
love
Saturday, September 22, 2012
List of thanks and happiness
With the season approaching I feel the need to write a list of all that makes me happy and how I am so thankful for them.
- changing leaves. So lovely right now and with that, the warm weather as the leaves have not blown off and I can appreciate them all the more as I run in the river valley.
- market days with my loveliness. I love our Saturday morning dates of pasta, hot dogs, and loads of fruit. It's wonderful.
- opportunities to learn so much about myself and the ability to change and grow. I think this is a post in itself but this clinical has taught me so many valuable things.
- family. I love all of them so much. This year for certain has taught me how important each member is and how special each one is to me.
- friends. It is amazing to see friendships truly shine. I love all my friends and know how amazing they are. It was special that others got the opportunity to see it too!
- a fantastic partner to spend my time with. He is just so much fun. And funny. I can laugh so fantasticly with him and still have those serious talks. He picks me up and gives me hugs in all the right moments. Lucky me.
I know there is more to add but I think that is the best moment to end it.
Love
- changing leaves. So lovely right now and with that, the warm weather as the leaves have not blown off and I can appreciate them all the more as I run in the river valley.
- market days with my loveliness. I love our Saturday morning dates of pasta, hot dogs, and loads of fruit. It's wonderful.
- opportunities to learn so much about myself and the ability to change and grow. I think this is a post in itself but this clinical has taught me so many valuable things.
- family. I love all of them so much. This year for certain has taught me how important each member is and how special each one is to me.
- friends. It is amazing to see friendships truly shine. I love all my friends and know how amazing they are. It was special that others got the opportunity to see it too!
- a fantastic partner to spend my time with. He is just so much fun. And funny. I can laugh so fantasticly with him and still have those serious talks. He picks me up and gives me hugs in all the right moments. Lucky me.
I know there is more to add but I think that is the best moment to end it.
Love
Friday, September 14, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
How does it feel?
I am at a stage right at this very moment of extreme frustration, a little bit of anger and wonder.
Our car got broken between last night and today. As I went into the car this afternoon to scoot off to work I noticed the change drawer had been ripped out of the car.
My first instinct was "Awe, Mark needed coffee money this morning and he was in a rush".
But as I further explored I noticed garbage strewn on the ground. Why would Mark do that? Then glass in the backseat. Then a broken window. I know Mark isn't that desperate for coffee money...atleast I hope not. He he he.
Knowing we really keep absolutely no value in the car except for change to pay for parking, or a car wash, I wasn't too worried about anything missing. But I was still frustrated. The future hassle for just 2-5 dollars seems quite ridiculous. Especially when the repairs might be 100 times more that.
I then had a cancelled my shift for work and extra calls needing to be made. That was where the feeling of anger may have occurred. What can I say, I hate added nuisance.
Then wonder came. Further reinforced by Mark (who I am incredibly thankful for as he came home as soon as he heard my shaky voice). Both of our thoughts went to the idea of what gets a person to the point where they would do that to someones property for simple amount of change.
Just that thought makes me sad, and sort of frightened for them that they were that desperate to steal so little.
Just a little thought. That little thought helps a bit with the frustrating and angry thoughts. And I will cling to that little thought when the frustration and anger may start to intrude my brain during the next few days and try to escalate. Because its a sad thought that deserves my compassion and should supersede frustration and anger.
Love
Our car got broken between last night and today. As I went into the car this afternoon to scoot off to work I noticed the change drawer had been ripped out of the car.
My first instinct was "Awe, Mark needed coffee money this morning and he was in a rush".
But as I further explored I noticed garbage strewn on the ground. Why would Mark do that? Then glass in the backseat. Then a broken window. I know Mark isn't that desperate for coffee money...atleast I hope not. He he he.
Knowing we really keep absolutely no value in the car except for change to pay for parking, or a car wash, I wasn't too worried about anything missing. But I was still frustrated. The future hassle for just 2-5 dollars seems quite ridiculous. Especially when the repairs might be 100 times more that.
I then had a cancelled my shift for work and extra calls needing to be made. That was where the feeling of anger may have occurred. What can I say, I hate added nuisance.
Then wonder came. Further reinforced by Mark (who I am incredibly thankful for as he came home as soon as he heard my shaky voice). Both of our thoughts went to the idea of what gets a person to the point where they would do that to someones property for simple amount of change.
Just that thought makes me sad, and sort of frightened for them that they were that desperate to steal so little.
Just a little thought. That little thought helps a bit with the frustrating and angry thoughts. And I will cling to that little thought when the frustration and anger may start to intrude my brain during the next few days and try to escalate. Because its a sad thought that deserves my compassion and should supersede frustration and anger.
Love
Thursday, September 06, 2012
It's here and I am back and I learned something
So here is a little post on something I have been dreading in the last few weeks. Really, it's something I should be excited about since I will be done so soon. But after a bit of a fantasy, like our summer end, school was really hard to think about let alone do all the grinding like activities.
So what do I think of this tiny little introduction so far into my leadership clinical? Pretty interesting (and I am not going to lie), a nursing leaders job looks supremely tough and I am sooo not ready for it right now (yet something that I hope one day to strive to be).
So that is it. I am sure I will be filled with stress and angst once the due dates to my assignments come through. But as of right now I am happy and positive.
And I heard one little tidbit today re how someone handles stressful situations and I really felt it. I think it should be integrated into my way living. The lady said that a stressful event is just a temporary moment in time. It will go away. Ahhh. Words to live by. So simple and so true.
Love
P.S. The cupcakes have started to come back. That was pretty awesome too!
So what do I think of this tiny little introduction so far into my leadership clinical? Pretty interesting (and I am not going to lie), a nursing leaders job looks supremely tough and I am sooo not ready for it right now (yet something that I hope one day to strive to be).
So that is it. I am sure I will be filled with stress and angst once the due dates to my assignments come through. But as of right now I am happy and positive.
And I heard one little tidbit today re how someone handles stressful situations and I really felt it. I think it should be integrated into my way living. The lady said that a stressful event is just a temporary moment in time. It will go away. Ahhh. Words to live by. So simple and so true.
Love
P.S. The cupcakes have started to come back. That was pretty awesome too!
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
tower of london and british museum
one thing that i particularly enjoyed about going to europe with my partner in crime was seeing how much he really did enjoy the things around him. mark is normally a hiker, wanting to explore the outdoors, see nature untouched, and get down to the ruggedness of life. although he was enthusiastic about the trip i really couldn't figure out what HE really wanted to do. but he seemed to embrace the cultures. he tried out more food than even i was willing (that is just crazy as i am a human garburator), took all the tours of the historical areas with such interest, and just seemed to enjoy every minute.
the parts i loved watching him was the tour of the tower of london. when planning the london leg i asked what he wanted to see when there. the tower and the museum. on the first day we passed the tower on our way to the tower bridge and he could have been a two year old boy at christmas for how happy he was. especially when he saw the white tower. lol. i think that was one of the more fantastic memories.
i particularly enjoyed it for the history. i never realized that i knew as much as i did about henry the VII and anne boleyn. it excited me similarly of how marie antoinette excited me. who knew that about myself?
then we went to the british museum of natural history. mark of course knew all about the rosetta stone. but he was more fascinated with the antiquities and their set up. unlike the louvre, the museum had workers set up at stations where one could touch and feel all the ancient artifacts. you would have thought mark was a kid in a candy store. he was quite amusing.
i have to admit that for me, i was slightly tired on that leg to the museum. i think all the plenty of walking and travel was finally wearing on me. that was the day i had a long nap after returning! he he. but it was still fun to watch him and i would not have missed that for the world.
love
the parts i loved watching him was the tour of the tower of london. when planning the london leg i asked what he wanted to see when there. the tower and the museum. on the first day we passed the tower on our way to the tower bridge and he could have been a two year old boy at christmas for how happy he was. especially when he saw the white tower. lol. i think that was one of the more fantastic memories.
i particularly enjoyed it for the history. i never realized that i knew as much as i did about henry the VII and anne boleyn. it excited me similarly of how marie antoinette excited me. who knew that about myself?
then we went to the british museum of natural history. mark of course knew all about the rosetta stone. but he was more fascinated with the antiquities and their set up. unlike the louvre, the museum had workers set up at stations where one could touch and feel all the ancient artifacts. you would have thought mark was a kid in a candy store. he was quite amusing.
i have to admit that for me, i was slightly tired on that leg to the museum. i think all the plenty of walking and travel was finally wearing on me. that was the day i had a long nap after returning! he he. but it was still fun to watch him and i would not have missed that for the world.
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
museums i heart you!
i have an over fondness of museums. and in particular art museums. i don't know if i grew up with this taste. i know we visited quite a few when i was young, from the space museum, to a medical one in manitoba, to of course the provincial one where i live today. i think the one that impacted me the most was when i went to the beaverbrook gallery in new brunswick and saw "santiago el grande" by salvador dali. it was huge and magnifcent. it seemed like my dad and i stood there for quite sometime taking it all in. that was when i felt i loved art.
after that i took off. a high school trip to italy we traveled to florence and saw the "madonna della seggiola" by raphael and the "birth of venus" by sandro botticelli and the work of michelangelo's in the sistine chapel at the vatican. then jeaninne and i continued to hit hot spots in new york where i fell in love with the guggenheim, "starry night" by van gogh in the moma, and toured as much as we could in the met.
when the honeymoon trip came up i did have a few dreams of seeing other pieces of work. the real david in florence (something truly magnificent), was one. but the absolute, the one place that i wanted to spend a vast amount of my time and one of the MAIN reasons for going to paris was to visit the louvre and see the mona lisa.
luckily i married the right man as he also has a fondness for museums like myself. he tends to spend most of his time in the antiquities section, being immersed in the ancient histories and cultures. i humor him there, as he examines the walls with writings, the sculptures with intimidating beasts attached and the armor used in battle. AND he humors me in the art section. listening to the artists motivations, watching me as i piece out the detail of a painting and analyze the brushstrokes.
we did not take this louvre tour lightly. suiting up with our audio tours around our neck we ventured off to discover all we could. after that we got another tour this time with someone that specialized in art who could explain all the masterpeices in the museum and show us where they were. AND just a side note about that tourguide, we enjoyed him thoroughly as he had a combination of humor, passion for art and he looked like elvis!
after that (because certainly that is not enough time to spend), we ventured off again on our own private tour to catch more of da vinci's work, and see more french history.
a definite highlight and renewed love was found again.
love
after that i took off. a high school trip to italy we traveled to florence and saw the "madonna della seggiola" by raphael and the "birth of venus" by sandro botticelli and the work of michelangelo's in the sistine chapel at the vatican. then jeaninne and i continued to hit hot spots in new york where i fell in love with the guggenheim, "starry night" by van gogh in the moma, and toured as much as we could in the met.
when the honeymoon trip came up i did have a few dreams of seeing other pieces of work. the real david in florence (something truly magnificent), was one. but the absolute, the one place that i wanted to spend a vast amount of my time and one of the MAIN reasons for going to paris was to visit the louvre and see the mona lisa.
luckily i married the right man as he also has a fondness for museums like myself. he tends to spend most of his time in the antiquities section, being immersed in the ancient histories and cultures. i humor him there, as he examines the walls with writings, the sculptures with intimidating beasts attached and the armor used in battle. AND he humors me in the art section. listening to the artists motivations, watching me as i piece out the detail of a painting and analyze the brushstrokes.
we did not take this louvre tour lightly. suiting up with our audio tours around our neck we ventured off to discover all we could. after that we got another tour this time with someone that specialized in art who could explain all the masterpeices in the museum and show us where they were. AND just a side note about that tourguide, we enjoyed him thoroughly as he had a combination of humor, passion for art and he looked like elvis!
after that (because certainly that is not enough time to spend), we ventured off again on our own private tour to catch more of da vinci's work, and see more french history.
a definite highlight and renewed love was found again.
love