Happy New Year

This is a post born out of a necessity to distract. A nagging cough is keeping me awake, and I decided it was time to move myself out of bed and onto something more productive than cough out both lungs tonight. So, here i am, sucking on my wonderful 'breezers-halls', and tucked into my cozy housecoat, and my fluffy blanket from my mom, in front of the main computer in the house. In the dark.
Gonna unload a bit.......stupid flu has hit our house. I guess thats what happens when you work in a germ loaded enironment, day after day, and you mutate what you work with and around. Bring it home to share with your family. Awesome. The head cold/sore throat/fever/chest cold viral influenza is definitely hitting hard this Christmas season. The surrounding communities are all struggling with this strain. And I managed to pick it up. Worked right thru Christmas tho, cuz who else will work. And Kyle started up with it on Christmas Day. Del is sporting some form of it as well. Fortunately, so far Jayde is winning, and hopefully that continues! Of course, my sore throat turned into a laryngitis, and my low, sexy, voice is here, competing with the non present voice. LOL! People love hearing my voice on the phone! (Rated material, I know!)
What else can I say?? Christmas was wonderful! I worked nights from Christmas Eve, Christmas night, and Boxing night. We celebrated at home on the 23rd. Christmas Day I slept till noon, and we had a wonderful afternoon playing Settlers of Cataan-an awesome boardgame you need more than half an hour to play! On Boxing day, I slept till noon, and then we were off to Dels parents to celebrate with the family there. Wonderful food, and games during the afternoon-and Del delivered me home early to go to work. On the 27th, we had invited some of Dels family over to celebrate. This is an annual tradition where we've invited some of his brothers, with their families, to spend an evening of food, presents, and games. This little tradition has evolved from a couple bachelor brothers to a lively group of men with awesome wives, and children! We've moved onto pulling names for tickets, and dividing up food duty. What a truly wonderful time we had. Awesome supper, great gifts, and a rousing game of Phase 10 for the adults, and the kids played playstation games, and movies, of course! I have to mention that I did win eventually, and I'm sure its the first time ever that I've won Phase 10 in that family!!! They are a competitive group that challenges everyone to rise to the occasion, and usually I'm the one with the most points. The aim of the game is to finish your sets with the least amount of points. Finally, I actually finished those sets!! First! Just barely!! Yesterday, Del was back at work, and the boys and I cleaned up at home. Cleaned up dishes from the night before, laundry, put away the tree, and stuff like that! Jayde had hockey practice once again last night, and Kyle has a friend over. Poor Jayde came home with a strained back issue. Advil & ice, massage and heat are in the works. Nothing he can't handle again.
Tomorrow, I've enlisted Jayde to help me haul garbage. I'm sure we are going to fill the box of the half ton with all the garbage of the last few weeks! It always amazes me how much garbage accumulates in such a short time!
Weatherwise, today was beautiful! Jayde shoveled the snow off the deck, and the sun melted away the little bit on the bottom. 0 degrees and sunshine! what a treat! Just read that a storm system is headed our way-so grateful we had the awesome temps this last week!
Oh, ya, I should mention my extended family is meeting this saturday, at Michelle's house. She bought herself a house, and moved in last week. She mentioned she would gladly host this event, and she won the lottery! She cleans, and I cook!!! We all win!! Food duty is divided up and everyone knows whats coming!!
Enough of this day to day event stuff. gonna attempt the bed again shortly!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Here we are-Christmas Eve/Christmas morning. And lucky me, its my turn to work. At my workplace, we alternate working Christmas. So, I'm working Christmas this year, and off for New Years. Next year, will be my turn to have Christmas off and work New Years. Yup, thats how it is when you choose my profession. Work the holidays, weekends, nights, and all that good fun stuff. It's what you sign on for, when you become a regular ward nurse. And that's what my husband and kids are used to. Versatility. And when I work Christmas, we celebrate before I start my shifts. Just doesn't seem fair to make the kids wait till after my shifts are done, and doesn't feel right to fit in between shifts. So, this year 'Christmas' was yesterday, the 23rd, at our house. The boys and I did home stuff in the morning, like cleaning, cooking, and making lots of meatballs for the functions this next week. Then, Del came home early, and we played games, and had an early supper. After supper, we did our gift exchanges, and of course, played around with all the new 'toys'. Had a wonderful time together!! Today was relaxing at home in preparation for my 3 nights of Christmas shifts. My extra special bonus is, when I get to work, I'm working with family. Michelle and I signed on to work nights together. We figured if we're working Christmas, we might as well be together-and we are! So far so good.........

Wishing all a wonderful weekend!!! Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time well spent with family and friends!

Mid-Dec

On another night shift-so far this one is a little less eventful than last night. Whew!!! last one was a blur from beginning to end. And I'm sharing this night with michelle-lucky me. So, December is half over. The days are getting shorter and the nights longer. I asked Del today, if it wouldn't be nice on Monday-the shortest day of the year-to go to bed at sunset and actually get to sleep till sunrise, thus enjoying the longest night of the year!!! Oh to have such a good sleep! Not in the works for me, cuz I get to work. But if anyone does get to try it, please let me know how that 15 hr sleep was!
Del's last single brother got married this weekend. Don & Noreen had a beautiful wedding! If I could post pictures, I would, but you know how thats going for me.....
Del's grandma stopped in for a visit at our house on Sunday night. That was special. She had decided when she came out for the wedding, she would visit all her grandsons in this family. I was quite impressed with her determination!!
Christmas shopping has wrapped up again. Ahead of all of the crazies at this time of year!! :-) Now I just like to shop and watch everyone else scramble for that special item on their list! Went for a fun shopping trip last week with a couple friends-had a wonderful time together!!! Between appts, eating, shopping, laughing, telling stories, and walking/sliding to where we wanted to go-special memories were made once again.

My mind is full of words, just waiting to come out.......not right now. I have work calling my name. Someday, when things are quiet, and nothing to do (yeah, right) then I'll have a long post once again.

Hope everyone is snug in their beds-snoring-dreaming-resting-rejuvinating-preparing for another wonderful day!

think its full moon!

I have to admit that I'm a little disappointed......i have tried to upload pictures the last few days, and no such luck!!! Keeps telling me unable or something...! So no pictures. Makes for creativity and imagination. Word pictures.

I'm relaxing after a long, steady, busy, but good day at work. Day 1 of 4 12 hour day shifts. Sanity intact even after working an hour past my shift....just because my shift ends at 7 doesn't mean that the work ends. Nope, we just keep giving till its done, or at least till its done enough so next shift isn't totally swamped making up from last shift!!1 Once again, a good day and night crew work together to make it work. Our roles are dependent on each other......give and take, and more of the same......I could give you some interesting stories...but that would be breaching confidentiality, and can't have that!!! needless to say, we could write many interesting books that would blow your socks off!

The last month has flown by. As i was trying to post in pictures-Jayde's 16th birthday, Alyssa & Michelles birthdays, volleyball for Jayde and Kyle ( which has fortunately concluded for another school year!), hockey, hockey, hockey, and we have increaseed our family size. Of the four legged variety. Unbelievablly we have taken on the role of dog owners once again. In the matter of 2 days, we got 2 12 week old german shephard puppies, and a 1 1/2 yr old husky. Extremes I know. Puppies have adjusted well. And the big boy, and yes, he is a big boy, has adjusted a little. LOL!!! How do you teach a dog boundaries????? This poor dog has obviously always been on a leash and is in dog heaven, meaning he loves the space. Run, run, run. And jump! And chase cats!!! Poor felines don't have a chance here anymore! He has tremendous amounts of energy! He is settling down and not just running anymore. he likes to lay by our bedroom to sleep-like outside..... like he knows thats where we are. He is a beautiful dog!!!! I just need to like him after fetching him home from his adventures, and try to monitor his rambunctious playfulness with the pups.

Jayde is enjoying his hockey team; plenty of ice time there this last month. Due to injuries the defense has put extra effort in and played thru some aches and pains! Kyle is enjoying splitting his hockey prowess between the bantam and midget teams. Interesting, cuz his bantam team has too many children and ice time is a little sparse. The other extreme is the local midget team is desperate for players and he has been AP'd to play with them whenever he is available. He is truly loving this opportunity and has claimed them as his team and gets plenty of ice time. This is a wonderful opportunity for him to push his skating ability and speed, and has challenged him to play against players that are up to 4 years older-15-18 yr olds-making him stand up for himself!!! My fun loving, smiley boy is learning that its okay to stand up for himself and his teammates! :-) Wonderful sport to develop teamwork!! Definitely an asset to learn as young as possible!

Winter has come once again.....snow is here.......cold today, -22 this morning......parkas and boots are out.

So excited!!! 3 weeks till Del's brother Don, and fiance, Noreen, are getting married. Cute couple!!! Ceratinly looking forward to this fun day!

My brain is finally slowing down...takes awhile to unwind after a work day like today. Gotta get it prepped for another interesting one tomorrow. I'm sitting in my bed, listening to Kyle and Nathan talk and laugh, and Kyle is practising trumpet...Those two are so cute together! Best buddies!! And I could listen all day to my kids practise their instruments. I'm gonna find a book to read!!! Yay for me! Oh, ya,
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!! I THOUGHT THIS POST DELETED RIGHT BEFORE I WAS DONE!!! I FOUND IT IN DRAFT LAND!!!
Anyway, oh ya......jayde is playing hockey tonight and thankfully Del could take him and watch the game....hope its going well for them!

what is the significance of Remembrance Day?

It's that time of year-almost mid-Nov. Poppy time. Remembrance Day. What, why, and who????? Ever wonder truly why this is a holiday? A day off work, and kids get to stay home from work??? Every year we see poppies being worn by people on the street, and all TV hosts and celebrities. But, I wonder how much thought actually goes into this little ritual. Not to sound preachy or anything, but I think we are forgetting too easily of why this day is here for us to observe a historical event. I don't remember the wars. Before my time. At least the ones that started this observance. Maybe I'm getting older and have more time to consider why we do this. I asked my dad what he remembered of WWII, and he couldn't remember much. I found it interesting what he did remember-the sky turned very dark at 9 that morning-the start of the war. Odd, isn't it??? The weather was feeling along with the situation. He said he and his older sister were riding along with his dad, delivering milk, and the sky turned dark. He was 4 yrs old apparently. He doesn't remember anything else of that day. His father did not have to serve in the war because of family and farm responsibilities. I remember my mom telling me her father served, and received medals in honor of his service. Those are my family connections to the war. I don't have a close family member serving now, either. Can you imagine???? It would be difficult enough to send your family member now, in this era of technology. but, back then, you would let your loved one go, not knowing when your next form of communication would be, if there was one!!! What tremendous sacrifice was given of those people!!! Those that went, and those that stayed behind to support in other necessary roles!! I do take my 'free' country for granted. Lives were lost so that I can live the way I do-so our children can go to school and be educated-so we can express our thoughts and feelings openly-to believe what we choose-to travel-to maintain friendships openly-to be employed in our professions-to eat like royalty!!-.......the list could go on and on....... we are truly blessed!!! I admire the men and women who still serve today in the areas around the world that are struggling. To fight for freedom for people you don't know personally! To fight for the right thing! For the minorities, for the men, women, and children, who are stuggling, in dire need of basic needs. So hard for me to imagine this neediness, but its there, and there are people from our country serving in the capacity to enable these to be able to cope and improve their environment! So, my gratitude and respect, go out to those who have served, and are serving at present!

musing from a hockey game

i was sitting watching a hockey game tonight and i felt inspired to write a post. del & i went to watch the Sioux play their second game this weekend. university hockey! what an interesting evening. some of the highlights were-a live university band playing in next section to us-what an awesome job the drummer did!-got to sit next to, and chat with Craig McTavish-remember him from his oilers days??-he left during the second intermission-we think cuz of the guy sitting on the other side of him, who had imbibed a bit much and was carrying on!!-i amused myself during the third watching the yahoo make obsene gestures, cheer wildly, get drowsy, lose his cell phone, and so on......-awesomefan support for the team, even in a losing game-skating cheerleaders, decent parking-and organized after game driving patterns. What a beautiful rink, as well!

Another thing that i re-learned today-shopping for myself with my husband and two teenage boys-well, its not the best idea I've ever had. i did get some alone shopping time while del and the boys watched a football game during the day. i thought they would want to hit the stores too, but, i obviously was wrong, and it was only me who gets a thrill of walking the malls. we had an awesome supper at texas roadhouse-reminds me, my leftovers are in the fridge-i should have them.

yes, we have gone away for the weekend. Booked it as going away as soon as we got jayde's schedule and realized it was the only weekend he did not have a hockey game. relax and have fun is the schedule!

I've been off work all week. last weekend, i worked , and throughout the weekend my back and shoulder got increasingly tighter(is that a word??), which on Sunday night culminated in constant muscle spasms and pain, and a useless left arm. Monday was spent getting a massage and multiple injections and meds.....which now 5 days later, has left me with an arm that is there, but alternates between numbness and pain, no more spasms thankfully. 3 sick days later, I'm on a scheduled week off and then a couple weeks of vacation. Hopefully that will be enough time to regain some use of that limb.

I.m typing , but as you've noticed, i:m not capitalizing all the letters I should, cuz its too much work. oh, well, i think it still makes sense.

my dad is scheduled for gallbladder surgery first thing monday morning. hopefully all goes well-day surgery and hes out. that should take care of that pain that has bugged him off and on the last few years.

okay, i'm fizzling out-i;m gonna go read a book.....

Quick one!

Another beautiful fall day....spent at work and the rink. The drive to the rink was awesome! Sunshine and beautiful fall colors. Yes, the leaves are coming off the trees but it is still beautiful!

Jayde is at practice right now. I am in the parking lot-catching up on paperwork and such. Making use of time. I am in a stretch of nights at work, and once I deliver Jayde home, i go back to work. Jayde's team is in full swing-2 practices/wk, along with 2 games/wk. He is enjoying being on this team, and that certainly makes it worth the extra effort required to make this happen. Kyle's team started skating last week, and I'm assuming they will start their games next week. Both boys are still trying to manage school, volleyball practices and games, hockey, along with homework, chores at home, and playing around like all teenagers should.

My dad is hopefully in the air right now, winging his way to visit my sister and his brother and his family. A week away for him-this is well deserved for him!! And has been difficult to make it actually happen! So many deaths and funerals for my dad the last few weeks-he has been busy trying to get to all the functions. 2 rescheduled flights later, I think he has done it! At least he texted me he was sitting in the plane waiting for take off!

This is short and sweet-just informing all that are interested that we are still doing the usual. Work, school, hockey, and farming-yes, Del is on the field. Trying to get those fields in some sort of shape to seed for springtime. Time will tell once again.......

bathroom tissue

You are gonna think I've lost my mind!! I probably did a long time ago!! :-) or its one of those times I shouldn't be in front of a computer. But I'm off work, the kids are gone to volleyball and school, and Del is at work. And I've started laundry, cleaning, and now here.

When you purchase bathroom tissue, otherwise known as toilet paper, do you just grab something off the shelf, or do you shop for the best value/deal? Or buy according to packaging, color, softness, or brand???? Really doesn't matter to me what you do. I'm here to tell you, the last packagee I bought is a joke....... serious. What a rip=off! The other morning, at 530 am, in my not so awake state-I''m not a morning person- even I noticed what a joke the toilet paper was! Like half a roll on the roll! And it was a new roll! I'm thinking i was shopping some sale and threw in this package thinking what a great price!!! and raced thru checkout and out the door. Toilet paper has got to be the greatest money maker. Wanna know how many sheets are on a roll? I think its usually 198, on a 2 ply roll. I actually have checked sometimes. Well this package looks like any other package of that brand, and each roll has only 133 sheets on each roll. Yes, I'm iimpressed with myself that I caught that in my morning fog.

This is all rather useless info-but, I thought you might find it amusing to realize the things I think of at a rather early and dark time of day. And it makes for some laughs after some of the things I think and post about.

Go out and enjoy this beautiful fall day!!

Beautiful fall day!!

I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I am where I always am-work, home, on the road, and at the rink. I even tried to post pictures once, but it took too long to upload them, so I gave up! And there were times, I wished I could blog, but wasn't close to a computer-or fortunately there were times I was unable to blog due to time, or someother constraint. :-)

Got home from work an hour ago. Picked up supper on my way home, cuz that was the easiest way to cook tonight. Kyle wanted a night off from making supper. Jayde has been playing hockey for the last month, attempting to make it on a hockey team-somewhere! Therefore, Del has driven a fair bit, I've carried on with me shift work, and Kyle still holds it together for us at home!! Jayde skated for a week at the end of August with a Junior A team, and did very well-or at least they told him he did. (like what do I know!) They gave him a positive review, told him to look forward to next year, keep working on his game, and protected him on their roster. He is a young one, and has to be their top 2 defencemen to make it their this year, and no, hes not that good. So, prepare for next year, and to try out for a team his age group and region. Tryouts for the provincial team for our region were very short for him. Yes, I will sound a little disgruntled with the politics involved. Moving on, he has been skating with the regional team, at his age group, AAA in the city, and sounds like he will likely play there for the winter. If this sounds confusing to you, it should, cuz, I'm confused too. :-) Del and I just keep putting on a happy, positive face, and keep driving that child, and get to spend quality time with each other on the road and at the rink. Jayde is very excited to get the opportunity to play with other peers in his region!!! We are so blessed with his positive attitude!
We shall see where Kyle plays hockey this year. Another political gong show, that he chose not to tryout for the regional AAA team. In his words, "If Jayde has this much trouble, why should I bother". So, he will play regular minor league hockey, just not sure where at this time.
Del is still working his Monday to Friday job, and maintaining the farm. This grain operation, is well watered again this year. Truly, we wonder how much rain we actually need, or deserve. Enough already!!!

Work for me has been very busy-like the facility has been crazy!!! So many sick people!!! As well, we are so short staffed! Plenty of overtime for all who want!!! And even overtime for those who don't want, and are forced to stay hours after a shift is over.

I probably blog about this too often, but the subject came up again at work today!!! The subject of people assuming they are so smart and informed about things they're actually not that educated about. Like if I wanted information on how to build a house, would I read a book, hire a contractor, and try telling the guy how to then build my house.-this after he has been to university/college-taken his appropriate architechure/drafting/whatever courses???!!!! And the 20 years of experience!! Seriously, I need to leave the building to the professionals. Yes, to be informed and well read is good, but to assume I'm the professional seems to be overstepping my bounds. But, this is just me talking, and what do I know......
Sometimes the internet is just to convenient for people to do a quick study, and then provides way to much information, with out the background/experience/trust/support/credibility........ I think I'm getting my point across.

What beautiful sunshine we had today!!! And a few days this last week, when I was home!!! It was wonderful to go for a walk outside and enjoy the warmth, blue skies, and fresh air!!! This is a very good thing!!! Forecast is for a week of sunshine coming up!!! I sure hope so!!! That would certainly help with our harvest of our last crop of soybeans!!!

Alright I've gotten out my share of words today!!! I'm going to relax and mentally prepare for another day at work tomorrow!!! Hmmm, thats kind of like an oxymoron-relax and work in the same sentence!!! I'll say it this way-I'm going to lay in bed, read a fluffy fiction book, chat with my hubby, watch TV, and do nothing work related!!!! Good night all!

Aug 3

So much to say and so little time to get it out! Here goes....

Had a wonderful weekend last weekend! We went for a short camping trip-Thursday to Sunday. Camped at 1 place and did little day trips. One day we checked out an old fashioned threshermens reunion. Wow!! That was very interesting. It took us through time and how it was done in the good ol' days. From horses to steam engines to gas jobs and now diesel. We are one spoiled generation!! To imagine doing the work the pioneers did, with the little horsepower they had! Amazing! We closed that day off with watching the rodeo. Cowgirls and cowboys-riding, bucking, falling-the works! Very relaxing day for us! Best part was-spending it with Del and the boys! Eating and enjoying the fair! So good. Then.. the next day we went on a whirlwind of visiting extended relatives! Four places in one day, including an uncle in hospital, and an aunt with her family on a colony. We so enjoyed meeting all the families!!!! Even came away from the colony with fresh bread, and produce from the garden! So good!!! And had awesome visits with all! Ended at the campground that evening-tired, but pleasantly reliving the good times we had! Ended the weekend with a relaxing start, drive home, and then of course, cleaning out at home and getting ready for the week.

Work-seems thats all I do. It's almost funny. The last two weeks, I've either been camping with the family, or at work with the 'family'. And I love it! My hubby and kids have been wonderful, and my friends and family at work have been great! We make it work. We are so short of staff at work. Everyone is helping out with extra shifts and hours here and there, so everyone can get some time off for vacation and family time.

Today I'm home!! Yay!!! I've kicked the boys out of the house. One is cutting grass and the other is tilling the garden. I have to get laundry done, clean house, bake, cook, and whatever else. And it will get done. Tonight we are celebrating Kyle's birthday. Family is invited and whoever else wants to drop by. Only one week late for him!

Kyle, my youngest, has reached 14. Unbelievable. From a screaming infant-oh the hours he cried-to the kind young man hes grown up to be. A ready smile for everyone. And his blue eyes. That combination is enough to persuade anyone to agree to his wishes. Good thing he is not unreasonable in his demands. lol... We are so proud of him!! I don't know how I'd have managed this last while without his willingness to help out. He is our sandwich maker, cook, cleaner, laundry getter-doner, whatever we ask him to do kind of guy. And a morning person to boot! And he's even the worrier/where is everyone/concerned one! Always looking out for the people around him. Thats my sweet, kind, and loving 14 year old. Belated Happy Birthday, Kyle!!! You are so precious!! We love you very much!!!

Whew! Got that out!! :) Last few days at work have been interesting! Between irate, unreasonable people to totally grateful families and patients, it certainly is a roller coaster of craziness. Thank you to my wonderful niece, Michelle, we've had good times. We share rides to and from work when possible, and we share the laughs when we're at work. I'm a lucky auntie!!

BAck to work for a bit-it still continues to not surprise me, but maybe it does, the amount of ego some people have. I don't know how people come to such amazing beliefs of self importance. or self absorption. Whatever it is, it still does take me by surprise. Illness does bring out some interesting characteristics, doesn't it???!!!

Okay, I need to get a bun dough going. and cake. Have a safe and enjoyable day!

Pictures!

Finally!! My computer allowed me to load up some pics! Random of course!

Camping with family is always wonderful!!! Waiting for supper to cook-compliments of Gerald!
Gerald prepping the meat!

Bethany-Happy Graduation!!! Congratulations!

Nothing quite like the crackle of a wonderful fire! With knack zote!

Michelle and I had an interesting day at work this last month. To make a long story short-it was a trial at best!! When we finally escaped, it was to cursing, tears, and whatever else. So, it was only fitting, as Michelle is driving the car home, and I'm on the cell phone, that a prairie chicken forgot to cross the road, and ended up, perfectly placed in the front of Mich's car. After the shrieks-we doubled over in laughter in front of the car, till tears were streaming down our faces. As this was the perfect way to sum up our day!!! Ya, we can laugh now!

A couple of my very dear friends! Dawnett & Heather-you are very special women! Love working with you, and love hanging out with you after work even more! We have some good times together!

Happy Birthday to Dawnett-this was a little party we had at her house, with a few good friends! Wonderful relaxing evening on her amazing yard!! PS-the men are on the other side watching the women, of course!!

My two favorite boys!!! Mimicing the good 'ol UFC. Quite the pose, eh?

People post pictures of their diapers on the line, well, I couldn't resist taking this picture the day I asked the boys to bring me their socks, and I bleached them all!!!

I can't figure out how to delete this pic quickly as I posted it twice. So enjoy it twice! I'm off to check my pizzas and get ready for work!

Work!

Work, work, work, work.

Went to an awesome concert last night. I'm now at work, still thinking about Del & I and our awesome evening out. And, I'm reminded of the song that was sung regarding work. Song written to honor the hard-working, everyday people that our countries need to make them succeed. And off we go to work.....

Yes, it was such a good concert. Outdoor, with an amazing light show, great sound. and awesome bands!!! Such a treat!!! It's been awhile since I've been at a concert, and I truly loved it!!! What a 'spiritual' experience. Don't laugh. Nothing speaks to the soul like music. Feel it in your inner self. Felt the reverbation of the bass guitar in my chest!!! Ahhhh, thats a good feeling!!

One of these days, I might take the time to download pictures from my camera onto the computer at home, and then post them. Maybe. On a rainy day. Oh, that could be any and every day. Other things seem to take priority.

My last scheduled days off from work, included yard work, staining the house, indoor maintenance stuff, bookwork, sleep ins, go-cart racing, visiting, reading, canning cherries, etc.....

Alright, I'm off to take care of patients again! Fine little break this was!

Happy Canada Day!

No pressure for me now.......I know I haven't written in awhile, and here I am in a room at work, with 2 co-workers, and I'm gonna do it.
Third night here. Then a quick switch over to days. Sleep is over-rated.

Days are passing by. You know when your kids are little it feels like a day never ends. Well, I'm telling you now that they are teenagers, its flying by. Take them here, there and everywhere! Thats beside jobs, and everything else that has to get done. Fortunately, school is done for another year. Yay!!! ANd both children managed to move on to the next grade. I am trying to make lists for them of jobs they are to do at home. Much to their chagrin. But, I can't stand the thought of them lazing around all summer.

The other night I showed up at work, and I met a co-worker that was leaving out the back door. Quick 2 minute how are you discussion. She's such a sweetie!!! Then, she brought tears to my eyes, as she hugged me and told me she was reminded of my mom. I'm not telling you this to brag. Not at all!!! I'm saying this cuz it was so sweet to hear. Cuz my mom was so sweet to everyone, and I will never be as good as that. So to receive a wonderful compliment like that was so encouraging. (Think she was sucking up, right??)

Weather here is sickening. Would love to feel a drought. I know that sounds extreme. But enough is enough alreadys. Seriously, how much rain do we actually need??? Yard is floating, even the frogs don't know where to go!!

Ever wonder what your biggest pet peeve is??? Like not something little like bad breath. I've concluded what mine is. Two facedness. Is that a word?? It is for me. I truly don't know how some people can look in the mirror in the morning. Say one thing and do another. How do they sleep?? Be true to yourself. Come on already. I just asked my co-workers if it was okay to write that. They agreed. Maybe they're scared of me. Lol. Nah, they are the best!!! I know we need to put up with people that aren't always our favorite to deal with. Hey, I can hold a conversation or work with anyone. Anytime. I can tolerate, but seriously. That doesn't mean I have to suck up to them.

Hmmmm..... what else can I bitch about?? Lets see. Can't talk about work. I've whined about the weather. Discussed my pet peeve.

i have awesome friends at work. We put up with each other, and still talk to each other at the end of the day. We even have fun sometimes. Lol.. With all the overtime, even when our families want us home, and we're stuck at work. Our co-workers become our second family. Thank goodness!

Today is Canada DAy!!! Happy Canada Day to all!! We are truly blessed to live in a country of freedom. Enjoy your families!

its 5 am somewhere.... here

My buttons have been 'popping off' a bit this last week. Yes, I admit I have some pride issues. All over something wonderful and good. And not about me. Then its okay, right??? Let me fill you in...... last Friday evening, was a social evening for the school choir and band. Let me give you a mental picture. (Cuz thats what I create in my head-it helps to envision it) Imagine a community hall, built to hold maybe 450 people. I could be wrong on this number. Imagine 600 tickets sold to parents, friends, and supportive community members. Now imagine sitting with the lights dimmed. Children have been required to be here by 6 pm. We've been visiting with people at our table and surrounding tables/chairs. The background noise is people visiting, chairs scraping, and band instruments warming up. at 645 pm, we observe a lone, young female, face the entire group of musicians-count them at about 120 children- she raises her little baton, and she coordinates them in warm up. You feel the ground reverbrate with the sound of deep bass. She moves from musician group to group, and warms them up separately, and together. Its like the appetizer to the real thing. And my heart beats in anticipation!!! Then comes stillness. Its 705 pm, and someone approaches the podium and welcomes the crowd. Introduces the band numbers to come. And then, its the real thing!! That amazing group of Grades 7-12 kids, from 4 different schools, come together and play their first public piece. And they do a second piece. Then its a 5 minute break as the band is done, and children move about and a childrens choir assembles to the right of the crowd. On risers, for all proud parents to see their children. And then to the utmost pride of all parents in the room, they perform 4 pieces of beautiful music. Beautiful is an understatement. Imagine hearing 100 male and female voices-4 part harmony-lifting the rafters. Angelic sounds. Beautiful song choices. Solo pieces. Deep male bass parts. High female sopranos. Ahhhhh! Heavenly sounds! My heart
has been so full since that night. I'm so proud of this group of kids. These kids come from many different backgrounds/homes/experiences/ etc..... and from different schools......you get the picture...... and here they are-performing under one roof, in one large group-together. Was it perfect??? No. It was better than perfect. Cuz, they accomplished what some said could not be done. Yes, it was beautiful. And, I admit there were tears in many peoples eyes that night. Pride, happiness, joy, relief........ many emotions. And impressed that one music teacher could pull this off in such a short time. Children who have not played instruments before, to pulling it together in 4 short months. She handled them with a great deal of respect, encouragement, and pride as well!!! Great job all around!

That takes me to my next little moment of pride-drama production at the high school on Wednesday night. Jayde elected to take drama this year instead of home ec. (sewing is not his forte!) So, drama class culminated in putting on a short Shakespeare production. Two evenings. All of 5 kids in this class. And they put on a half hour play. History and modern day together. Jayde has always enjoyed acting, and this was his kind of evening. It wasn't that they had to memorize exact lines. Apparently part of the project was to know how the play went, and improvise and come up with their lines as well as they could. And these kids pulled it off. Among the laughter and giggles, came a story line, that they could all relate to. And feel good about accomplishing what they set out to do!

And it was so good to see all these positive things. Sometimes we can get down on our school system, or kids, and its so good to be reminded of how much potential there is in our children, if we give them some support and a little effort!

Weather-its been extremely wonderful this last week. Beautiful sunny skies!!!! And balmy temperatures!! Now to have this last year long. Is it too much to ask for??

Seeding is almost complete. The boys have been helping out, and my dad has been pitching in. Hopefully another good day, and we can say its in the ground.
Dels work is at its busy time. Thankfully. Always good when a farm business is busy. Means there is positive production somewhere.
My work is busy. The place is full to overflowing-not good when my place is busy, cuz that means people are ill, and we never wish that on anyone.

Shall i bitch a bit?? Don't know if I should, but I feel like. My partner at work and I were just visiting and the topic came to government and bureaucracy........ like where do groups/people/persons get off playing God? Who deemed someone so important that they think they have the right to control others and make decisions in their stead?? I'm all for people being in charge, but at what expense do these people lord their positions over others?! Just because someone needs to be responsible, does not mean they are more important, smarter, more special, .....whatever, than anyone else, does it??? Thats an issue that really confuses me. Respect. Isn't that what should be included? Dignity and respect get forgotten so easily. Ya, I could go on and on.....really, I could, but I won't.

Thank God for friends. These are the people who choose to be with you. Not cuz they have to, but cuz they want to. Tough times, good times, laughs, crying, sickness, health-sounds almost like vows, doesn't it?! To my dear friends........love you!!!

May 14 early early morning

Still at work....... yeah, I did get to go home last time. After I started phoning staff. :) Sometimes you just have to know who to phone, and other times, you get stuck here! 3 am. Interesting time of night/day to be thinking about what to write. I could comment about what I've done at work tonight. Hmm, don't know if thats presentable to write to you about. Lets say a couple interesting situations-and I can say I'm proud of myself!
Yes, I did say I'm proud of myself. I've realized I can be a pushover. Sometimes its easier for me to put up with other people's garbage, and I just carry on. Well, tonight I stood up for what needed to be done, and I did good!!! We'll see come morning! he he he....
The sun was shining yesterday, and the forecast is for sunshine today! yay!!! Awesome temperatures coming our way! Grass is growing, and the dirt/mud is drying! Washed some bedding yesterday and hung it our to dry. I love the smell of laundry that has dried hanging out on the line.
The boys school choir & band are having a special night tonight. A concert with them performing, along with special presentations by two other groups. I'm sure its going to be awesome! I'm looking forward to hearing the two groups. This will be the first time the band will perform publicly!
I've not planted a garden yet, much to my dads dismay. I'm thinking it will be a good year to work it regularily and just have a few tomato plants. I see all the weeds and grass growing in it now, and it would be so nice to get rid of that stuff. But, then its so nice to eat the fresh produce that comes out of the garden......I love gardening in January, and even May. Its July and August that become the challenge!
Seeding is underway once again. Hopefully all goes smoothly. Right.
I'm off to check on my prize patients!

whatever

Can you say bone weary??? That's me. Friday afternoon, and there is a lull at work. Amazing, I know. And I'm beat! Just want to lay on the floor and sleep. Feels like that would be no problem......... The weather is rainy and dreary, caught up at work after a busy week, and the phone has stopped ringing here for a millisecond. I feel a second wind coming.
Dad is doing well. Up and about-back to volunteering with whatever he can find to do.
Boys are doing well. At school. Jayde did another round of hockey a week ago. Full weekend of hockey. Think they're done now till August. Soccer practise twice a week, and games start next week! This is going to be interesting!
Jayde had his CT on Wednesday and will follow up with a specialist for his headaches next week, as well as fit in a plastics appt. Along with me working my busiest week. Sleep is definitely over rated! Someday!
Jayde is driving!!! Yay!!! He did pass his learners test and is now in the drivers seat with mom or dad beside him.
DAMN!!! Just got a sick call! Off I go to trouble shoot this! I'm not staying......

dad, hockey playoffs, and headaches

Came home early from a day shift, actually, not early, but late. Hmmm....come to think of it, I'm not sure. We are in a crunch at work, being short a few RN's. So being the kind and generous person that I am, I agreed to work an 8 hr day shift today, as no one else was available. I realized in the last few days that there was no one to work when I was supposed to go home, so I nicely phone my boss yesterday and asked what the expectations were of me and when I would be allowed to go home.......yes, I would have to stay a couple hours later. And reality is, if there is no RN to relieve me, I can't go home. I can't just leave!!! So, come 6 pm today, I did get to go home. I'm a little curious as to how the next few months will go with this arrangement. But what a blessing to go to work with wonderful co-workers. Good attitudes, willingness to work together, and the ability to laugh, all makes for a successful day at work! Yes, another great crew today!

My dad is having some health issues again. He was admitted to hospital on Sunday with an acute pancreatitis, once again. He had this a year ago. So, same treatment, same tests, on and on...... and he finally was allowed clear fluids at supper today-much to his delight! He is doing well. Coping well. Loves to ask when someone will bring him food. Time will tell what this will bring. Some further testing and referrals will be in our future, I'm thinking.

Hockey playoffs-now who is keeping up with all the excitement??? I am the lone female in this household, and therefore have no choice but trying to stay caught up in the hoopla!! I'm all for Crosby!!! What an amazing kid!! He has accomplished so much for a young man! I could have a child his age! Wow! So many people slam him-I don't understand it! We should be so proud of this young and talented Canadian!

The boys have put away their hockey equipment, and are caught up with badminton and soccer now. Our first spring of laying the hockey stuff to rest this early and trying out soccer. Bring it on!!

Jayde has been having occasional migraines the last couple of years. For some reason, they have come around a little more often in the last while; so, appts are coming. Just to make sure. Or to figure out what is triggerring this. I've battled with this for years, and to see my child now having to cope with this, makes this mama feel so bad. Hopefully this stage will pass quickly!! ( To top it, Kyle had one the other night too-a sympathy headache I'm thinking) lol!

What a gorgeous spring we are having!!! The beautiful sunshine has been awesome! And we are certainly enjoying the dry spell we are having!!! Hopefully this continues!

Gerald and Kathy and kids came to visit us last weekend and that was relaxing....good food and good visits.

April 26 brings us to the one year anniversary of moms death. A time to reflect and focus on the special person she was. Her legacy continues to live on!

Alright-gotta join the kids and see what the game updates are!

Abstract musing

Among my travels in the last few weeks I've come up with some thoughts-yes, they're a little abstract
-we are spoiled in our country
-we have too much
-I'm a fussy eater
-i didn't think i was a fussy eater, but my taste buds are obviously accustomed to eating the same things
-our society is crazy
-our country is totally extreme about body image
-other cultures have different appreciations
-other cultures respect body image totally different than our culture, which thinks that size 3 should be what we want to be
-sometimes to have nothing, must be freeing
-to work for what you have is to develop an apppreciation for what you have.
-i think i'm overcoming my fear of flying
-to go somewhere by flying is a whole lot faster than driving
-did i mention we're spoiled in our country? yes, we have too much!
-'entitled' people are frustrating at times
-yes, lyss, I'm waiting for your post on entitlement....lol

the list can go on and on.........

-i have the best kids in the whole world
-i also have the best niece in the whole world!! Thank you Michelle for everything!!!
-i have the best nieces in the whole world-check the plural
-some hockey parents are extreme
-parents expectations of their kids can overshadow the real child inside

getting too deep-i wasn't going to do that today.

We are at my wonderful cousin, kathy's house, this weekend. Jayde is skating this weekend for a rookie camp. So far he seems to be doing alright. He is having a good time! And so are the rest of us!!

I'm off to visit and hang out with my favorite cousins kids. What do I call them????? Great cousiins???

February 2010

February-the month of love......

To my wonderful husband-I love you!!! For more than just the beautiful roses you bought me!!! Thank you-they were awesome!!!

February also brings about thoughts of moms birthday. Feb 12. We as a family got together at dads that evening; a meal of salads, pizza, and cake & ice cream.

And, the Friesen family has a new addition!!! Announcing a baby girl-my newest great niece. Emery Shae Friesen. Congratulations to Keith & Stacey. And to the proud older siblings-Rowan & Bria! Check out Alyssa's blog, or Stacey's blog, for pictures. I had to smile at Alyssa's comments about being the proudest aunt. I think I have dibs on that! Reminded me of my younger years. Not many aunties are as fortunate as I was, being young enough to still live at home when nieces and nephews are being born! I was a lucky one. We lived 3 miles from Roland, and 3 miles from Roger. So, those precious nephews and nieces were just down the road! And when Vicky came to visit, it was for the weekend with her kids. Yes, I changed countless diapers before my own babies came along. I got to play with the cuties, change diapers, have fun with hairdos, bake, and on and on. And I got to watch my parents interact with their oldest grandbabies. They adored the grandkids. And so with those kind of thoughts in my mind, I found some pictures to put on here to give a glimpse of the good ole days!

This first one is one of my mom, cutting grass on the farm. Endless hours on a lawn tractor! And when that didn't do a good enough job, she pushed the push mower, cuz it cut nicer! :)

Yes, even I was little and cute once. A long time ago. My dad, Vicky, and I.

Tyrone & Katelyn-there was one year, the third year we were married, that I delivered a birthday cake on each niece/nephews birthday. Kate got a 'little miss muffet' cake with doll.

Oldest nephew, Keith, with special cousin, Tyrone. Can you believe it, Keith has 3 of his own now??

Keith, Tyrone, Alyssa, & Michelle-at Grandma's house.

Katelyn, Stacey, Michelle, Tyrone, & Alyssa-posing for Grandma in front of her farm house, among the flowers, of course!

Bethany, Tyrone, & Katelyn-now atop Grandma's walkway project. Yes, mom hauled in those stones, and put it all together-herself!!

Jessica, Justin, & Grandpa-of course, its story time, and guess who falls asleep first??? Not the kids. Guaranteed, its the adult in the bed. Only way to get those kids to bed was to bribe them with a story, and telling them grandpa needed a rest!

More stories on the sofa-Tyrone, Michelle, Grandma, Justin, Alyssa, & Keith.

Alyssa & Michelle, with my grandma-their great-grandma- on their birthday. They shared a birthday-only way to get my grandma on the picture was with the babies!

My mom on the floor with Michelle, Alyssa, & Keith.

Once again, me, cute in my early years. With Vicky.

Vicky, Mom, & I.

Vicky, me & Roland. On the farm yard, before Mom had time to turn it into a park. And yes, my brother seemed to take care of me back then! :) Love his hat!!

Love this one!!! Mom with the twins. Michelle & Alyssa. Yes, Grandma loved all those kids!!! Her smile is genuine. She's another one who didn't like to be on pictures. But put a kid on her lap and she was happy!!!

So, with tears in my eyes, and a smile on my face, I love to look at these pictures. Just a little glimpse of what was, and is, and will be for the future generations!

And yes, to my nieces and nephews, you were adorable babies, funny toddlers, mischievous children, hormone laden teenagers, and turning into unique adults-and I'm proud to be your aunt. Your favorite aunt-I hope! I love you all!

Blustery!

Ahhhh....... its a snowy, windy, blizzard day. Yes!!! I'm home-did not have to go to work, even tho I got called (as if its any easier for me to drive in than someone else! I could have but chose not to), and school was cancelled. So its me and the boys at home. As, of course, Del went to work! No staying home for him cuz he's no wimp! :-) And he made it there safe and sound. The boys had dentist appts in town today which were cancelled so its home for us during the day. Hockey tonight, and time will tell if that will go ahead. Wait and see.

Nothing new to write about again. Not that anyone wants to know anyway! Work, hockey, school.... and more of the same. Can you tell thats a cycle? Makes it difficult to write updates in our lives when it revolves around the same stuff.

But, I will share some thoughts. At work a couple of weeks ago, I had one of those moments where a light bulb went off for me. Nothing spectacular, just a different view of a mundane chore we do at work, on a very regular basis. Medication. Ever put any thought into it?? I often think about why, what, and when, and who. But that morning I was passing regular patient meds, and i thought, 'here is life in a cup'. A little, white, paper med cup. I'm trying to recall what meds they were. Lasix, Slow K, ASA, Calcium, Vitamin D, Altace, Tylenol, and one I can't remember. I remember it was 10 pills. We've solved this persons struggle with congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and recovery from a fractured hip. All in one little cup. Isn't it amazing! oh, yeah, the other pill was thyroxine. Without these little lifesaving meds, this person would become short of breath, fill up with fluids and the circulatory system would slowly tire out and shut down. With a couple tiny little colorful pills we give the patient the opportunity to carry on life as a regular human being. Who was the bright scientist who came up with this??? Why has life expectancy lengthened in the last 20-30 years? Because some very smart and wise people have researched long and hard and enabled others to make progress in the medical field. And why not??? A way to improve someone's quality of life. An easy fix! So for the next while, my mundane task of pouring routine meds has a new spin on it.
It's easy for me to see the results of giving some medication by intravenous and seeing it work immediately. Try some cardiac drugs-change a heart rythym just like that, if you're lucky. Or a sedative.......within seconds to minutes. Done. Or a few months ago.......someone thought it was cool to go out and drink a few. A few too many. Passed out. Ambulance called. Comatose. Unable to rouse by any means, including pain. Pop in an IV, push the med in, and voila!....... 2 minutes later, a miracle, the patient is opening eyes and wondering what it going on! Those are the moments we live for in our field....... adrenaline rush at its finest!
Kudos to the people doing the grunge work that has gotten us to this pinnacle of medical excellence. Hopefully this pinnacle is only going higher.

Thats my wise thought of the day. :-) Now onto regular house wife/mother duties. Like cleaning house and bathrooms. Laundry. Necessary. Nothing too glamorous or fancy. Rewards are smiles, kisses, and hugs. The important stuff!

2010-off to a rousing start!

Good morning & Happy New Year to all! Early morning greetings are the best, aren't they? 4 am and unable to sleep. Woke up to being unable to breathe........just a head cold fortunately, and the nasal passages are FULL! Flu of fever and muscle aches earlier this week has just gone to this head cold. So, I sprayed some nasal decongestant and received a head rush when one side got too much..... therefore its easier to just get on out of bed and type some thoughts on out of that merry go round going on in there. :-)

Kyle came home from the first day back at school this year, with the same flu as I, and we spent the day together at home on Tuesday. Fortunately for him, he only missed one day at school, and is back to normal routine; oh to be 13! Jayde & Del have managed to ward off the germs so far, and have been at work and school, and at the rink, like always.

I've been back at work-first shift back after Christmas was New Years Eve. A full moon on new years eve....makes you a little wary of what to expect. Nothing we couldn't handle, fortunately, but yes, it was steady, and yes, some people need a kick in the a**.

I'm going to try and create a mental picture for you of a situation at work-without breaking any confidentiality or anything like that! So work with me here, please.
I admit a patient late Thursday evening. A stranger to me. A very pleasant, elderly person. Is brought to us from another community due to a lack of beds in their facility. This patient is supposed to be a routine admission. I settle this patient in a bed, thinking that maybe they are sicker than initially thought. Color is off, respirations are labored, you know, you get that sinking feeling, when your instincts tell you that something is off. But this patient is grateful for any little thing that we do for them. Constantly thanking us and apologizing for any inconvenience they are to us. So, we treat this patient as we need to. I speak to the family on the phone, as they are a distance away. Very pleasant conversation on the phone. I'm impressed with the caring attitude I'm picking up from this family and patient. This patient tells me they have the best spouse in the world. They have the best kids in the world. The kids don't live close by, but one of the children has travelled across the world to surprise them on Christmas Eve with a visit for Christmas and a birthday. Tears in patients eyes as they tell me how wonderful a Christmas they had with their family.......I hope you're getting my picture. Very sweet. So, forward now to yesterday. I'm off my nights, and back on day shift. I get to see my patients with their room lights on. I get to meet patients when they're supposed to be up and awake. I get to meet visitors during normal visiting hours. This patient is still in my facility and I get to meet this family and see the interaction with each other. Its so tender and sweet. The words and emotions I saw the other night weren't empty. You can feel the love in the air between this couple and their family....... Tender touches, smiles, hugs, laughter, treats for each other, time, holding hands. Yes, it was beautiful! And then reality comes to bite-a CT report comes in. Results. Damn!! A 5 pm meeting with the doc and the patient and family-a bomb for this family. The results are accepted with tears, questions, and grace. 56 years together...... and now this. You know, I don't know how to aptly describe how tender this couple was...... they were emanating an aura of love and peace. For each other, totally. 56 years!!!! And the sweetness, respect, and caring was still there! Don't know where they've been along the way, but they still have it!
I've been so honored to have gotten to know this patient and family! What an example! How heartbreaking to watch this devastating news throw a wrench into this family's senior years! But how beautiful to be a part of it!
Don't know how this saga will end-time will tell-but I think I'll always remember this family, and hopefully I'll take a little bit of what I've seen, and apply it to my life.

And so I mentally prepare to go back to work today. Yes, I'm short of sleep, and my head and nasal congestion is sickening, but I will be just fine. And I'm gonna do a fine job at work, once again. So, I'm going to hit the shower. Have a wonderful day everyone!!! And please, if there's anything you take from this.......... appreciate the family you've been blessed with!

Del, Jayde, & Kyle- I love you!