Dave always answers those surveys on the bottom of receipts. And, if you can be a member of some club, he signs on the dotted line. Call it a weird hobby is you will. He puts up with all of the spam emails he gets as a result because he actually wins stuff. Earlier this year he won $500 gift certificate to Family Dollar. And, now the artichokes. He won them for becoming an official member of The Artichoke Club. I am not sure how one becomes a member of said club, but the pay off was being entered into a drawing for a free case of artichokes, so Dave would have done anything to be a member. He has an official ID card and everything.
Just Kidding, but they did send an official welcome letter.
And, Dave won the artichokes. He has been waiting weeks for them to arrive. He tracked the shipping number and announced that his babies were in Provo last night. And............today, they finally arrived all the way from California.
Artichokes.......they are what's for dinner
 |
| Can you see the artichoke love? I don't know if he is gonna share them....... |
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Artichockes!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
wisdom
I ran across this article today. It's worth a read. It is why I wanted to be a hospice nurse. We can learn so much from those that have gone before us.
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.
I learnt never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.
I learnt never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Neglected
Why is it that when I was a student, I still found time to post in my blog at least every two weeks but now I can't seem to manage?
Maybe I needed to vent more and the blog was good for that
Maybe I needed a break from all of my homework, and there it was
Maybe now I'm watching too many TV shows, catching up on all the good stuff I missed in my 2 years of exile (Dexter! Sherlock!!!)
Whatever myexcuse reason, I resolve to get back into the blogging habit......because I really do enjoy it.
What up with us you ask?
Dave-- He's learning new and amazing paracord skills that keep my kitchen table a mess. I think he has permanently bonded with his kindle (it's never more than 3 feet away from him unless it's charging).
Drew-- We just sent in all of his application stuff to Dixie State University and are waiting to hear back from them. He is working at a metal manufacturing plant Mon-Fri where he washes and applies coating to metal pieces. Other than that, he just kinda hangs out with me and Dave and plays video games. He helps us out with groceries and buys treats for everyone.
Me--I'm loving my job as a home health and hospice nurse. I got the first hospice patient that I will be case manager of this weekend. That means I will be the go-to girl on his end-of-life care. I am thankful for this opportunity to be a part of this time in the family's life. It is tough but rewarding work that strengthens my faith.
Theresa and Zane-- They are both working as housekeepers at the hospital. Married life is treating them well. Theresa is so busy with school and work she has time for nothing else during the week. ( I remember those days....... ) It is nice to have them in town to hang out with. Theresa is still always working on an art project. It is great to see her and Zane support and encourage each other.
Heather-- She has been working as a housekeeper at a Nursing home in SLC. She says that she loves cleaning and often works double shifts. She just got an offer from another facility for more money, so that is exciting. It is hard to have her so far away from us, but we stay in touch on FB and texting. She always makes me laugh. I am so glad that she likes her work and is doing well.
Okay, all
consider this blog posted!
Maybe I needed to vent more and the blog was good for that
Maybe I needed a break from all of my homework, and there it was
Maybe now I'm watching too many TV shows, catching up on all the good stuff I missed in my 2 years of exile (Dexter! Sherlock!!!)
Whatever my
What up with us you ask?
Dave-- He's learning new and amazing paracord skills that keep my kitchen table a mess. I think he has permanently bonded with his kindle (it's never more than 3 feet away from him unless it's charging).
Drew-- We just sent in all of his application stuff to Dixie State University and are waiting to hear back from them. He is working at a metal manufacturing plant Mon-Fri where he washes and applies coating to metal pieces. Other than that, he just kinda hangs out with me and Dave and plays video games. He helps us out with groceries and buys treats for everyone.
Me--I'm loving my job as a home health and hospice nurse. I got the first hospice patient that I will be case manager of this weekend. That means I will be the go-to girl on his end-of-life care. I am thankful for this opportunity to be a part of this time in the family's life. It is tough but rewarding work that strengthens my faith.
Theresa and Zane-- They are both working as housekeepers at the hospital. Married life is treating them well. Theresa is so busy with school and work she has time for nothing else during the week. ( I remember those days....... ) It is nice to have them in town to hang out with. Theresa is still always working on an art project. It is great to see her and Zane support and encourage each other.
Heather-- She has been working as a housekeeper at a Nursing home in SLC. She says that she loves cleaning and often works double shifts. She just got an offer from another facility for more money, so that is exciting. It is hard to have her so far away from us, but we stay in touch on FB and texting. She always makes me laugh. I am so glad that she likes her work and is doing well.
Okay, all
consider this blog posted!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Age is just a number
........Is it life experience that determines how the world interprets our maturity? Is it how we look? How we present ourselves?
In my humble experience, it is a combination of all of these things.
I was asked today how old I was, and I honestly didn't have an answer. The calendar says that I am 37. Depending on the day, I feel younger or older than that.
My mom's good genes help me look younger than my age. People are honestly shocked to learn that I have a 19 year old son, a daughter that is married, and another daughter that will be 22 soon. Is it because I put out the vibe that I am younger than i really am? Or because I really am not old enough to have kids that old? (I always have to explain that while I did not give birth to the girls, they ARE my kids--I can't imagine NOT being their mom). And, granted.......I did start kinda young.........
Which brings me to my next point. I have a lot of life experience because of my teen pregnancy. I had to grow up and be responsible.....fast! Yet, it took a long time for me to consider myself a REAL adult. It was right before I got married, at age 25 that I thought "I am a real grown up, now." I couldn't tell you what brought me to that decision. It just hit me one day.......that feeling of 'I can really do this'.
The kids also matured at different rates and times. Theresa was always the most mature, even though she was the middle child. Heather and Drew often seemed like they were the same age in a lot of things as they grew up. As adults, Heather took a little while to find her footing, while Theresa and Drew seemed to jump into the real world with both feet. Theresa never looked back, just kept going and going. Drew was hesitant with a few things (learning to drive) while Heather had an adventurous spirit (NYC on her own). Different 'adult' things in their own time........ for all of them. And, they have ALL made me proud by overcoming and enduring.
Working with elderly people, age seems to be an attitude; an overall way of seeing the world. Some decide that they are old and can't do anything. Others decide that they finally have the time to do what they want. Yet others just need some convincing that they can still have a good quality life. It is interesting to see a 60 year old that has resigned to live in a wheelchair and a 80 year old that still goes for a walk every morning.
I do realize that we have no control over the things that happen to us (illness, disease, etc.) but we CAN control our attitude about it; our outlook on life.
And, a positive attitude seems to be the best medicine for any age.
In my wise and humble opinion.......lol!
In my humble experience, it is a combination of all of these things.
I was asked today how old I was, and I honestly didn't have an answer. The calendar says that I am 37. Depending on the day, I feel younger or older than that.
My mom's good genes help me look younger than my age. People are honestly shocked to learn that I have a 19 year old son, a daughter that is married, and another daughter that will be 22 soon. Is it because I put out the vibe that I am younger than i really am? Or because I really am not old enough to have kids that old? (I always have to explain that while I did not give birth to the girls, they ARE my kids--I can't imagine NOT being their mom). And, granted.......I did start kinda young.........
Which brings me to my next point. I have a lot of life experience because of my teen pregnancy. I had to grow up and be responsible.....fast! Yet, it took a long time for me to consider myself a REAL adult. It was right before I got married, at age 25 that I thought "I am a real grown up, now." I couldn't tell you what brought me to that decision. It just hit me one day.......that feeling of 'I can really do this'.
The kids also matured at different rates and times. Theresa was always the most mature, even though she was the middle child. Heather and Drew often seemed like they were the same age in a lot of things as they grew up. As adults, Heather took a little while to find her footing, while Theresa and Drew seemed to jump into the real world with both feet. Theresa never looked back, just kept going and going. Drew was hesitant with a few things (learning to drive) while Heather had an adventurous spirit (NYC on her own). Different 'adult' things in their own time........ for all of them. And, they have ALL made me proud by overcoming and enduring.
Working with elderly people, age seems to be an attitude; an overall way of seeing the world. Some decide that they are old and can't do anything. Others decide that they finally have the time to do what they want. Yet others just need some convincing that they can still have a good quality life. It is interesting to see a 60 year old that has resigned to live in a wheelchair and a 80 year old that still goes for a walk every morning.
I do realize that we have no control over the things that happen to us (illness, disease, etc.) but we CAN control our attitude about it; our outlook on life.
And, a positive attitude seems to be the best medicine for any age.
In my wise and humble opinion.......lol!
Monday, September 9, 2013
men
I spend most of my at home time with Dave and Drew......the men. They will sit with messes around them, oblivious to the starving, meowing kitty. Selective hearing, I say. But, in their defense, they will clean up if I point things out to them (and complain). My dream is to come home and have one of them tell me he cleaned the bathroom without even being asked. They have chores.....a list made by me as a solution to my nagging them......and, guess what? Yep, they still don't get done without a reminder from me. If some one knows how to motivate men to clean.......let me in on your sorcery.....please!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
An MA no more
Working in home health and hospice is everything I love best about nursing. I have plenty of time to teach my patients and interact with them. I am getting to know them and their families. I see how what I teach them improves their health. I love every second of it. And it is a bonus that I can usually get all my visits done by 2 or 3 pm. My co workers are great, but most of my day is driving around and being with my patients. It is awesome.
I am only part time for now, but my visits are already increasing. I will be full time by the end of this fall. And, I have officially put in my notice to Dr Saifee's office. As of 9/13 I will no longer be an M.A.! It was a good 15 year run. I learned so much about myself, made so many great friends, but it is time to move on.
I am only part time for now, but my visits are already increasing. I will be full time by the end of this fall. And, I have officially put in my notice to Dr Saifee's office. As of 9/13 I will no longer be an M.A.! It was a good 15 year run. I learned so much about myself, made so many great friends, but it is time to move on.
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