R(etired)N

Yes, humans are suffering.

But animals don't have a voice or a choice.

SPCA of BC is one of the charities I support.

So does our local gal, Sarah.

Had a performance evaluation last week.

It was all positive. 


The week before that, I had a peer review of my work where myself and another nurse sits down and discuss several cases that I have handled.  It took about an hour and a half out of my working day, which in of itself is an amazing thing.

Can you believe that management even provided staffing to cover this time?

It was with trepidation I anticipated the evaluation because the person assigned to do it was not someone with a normally positive outlook.  It was my experience - in the past - that she was quite judgmental of other nurses' performances.

I was expecting, as is usually the case in nursing, that all the bad points would be found  - with glaring examples of everything I had done wrong.  Not that I could really think of anything critically wrong....but you know how these evaluations go......

Pleasant surprise.

I was told at the interview start that there was enough negativity in nursing - that we didn't need more of the same.

The management wanted  the positives highlighted....that each nurse does a good enough job of self-flagellation when reviewing her own work....and that encouragement and praise goes further to improve morale and thus perhaps improve nursing care.

The questions at the review end were:

1. What did you feel you did well in this instance?

2. What was your "takeaway" from this patient interaction?

It was a refreshing and positive experience and so unlike other performance reviews in the past whilst working in hospitals.

Apparently they are arranging monthly reviews.

I am actually looking forward to the next one - and at that time, I won't have so much of a knot in the pit of my stomach.

(not that I like the idea of animals confined in zoos too much... )

Meanwhile, bear with me as I tweak colors and design with my blog!

Now, if you are like me, you might have some difficulty in picking out the correct invitations, or finding the right words for an apology or airing of grievance ....or just give feedback on a situation at work.

Well, ok. Strike that. 

I usually am quite capable of putting my point across.

But -  here's the thing.

Sometimes you just can't be bothered to go to all that trouble and you just want a quick and easy fill-in-the-blanks type form.

Well - here's the site for you.

Check it out.

Fill out a form or two.

If nothing else, it will make you feel good to get what you want to really say off your chest.

Go on.

You want to.

It's good for your blood pressure!

The form I should have sent to that Facebook ex-friend that I deleted yesterday.

Ok, so now the USA is on board with reducing the recommended daily dosing of Tylenol.....
why isn't Canada following suit?

thank you once again, wikipedia

It should have been done long ago.

It certainly isn't because Canadians are smarter about their use of Tylenol!

Believe me. They aren't.

I can't tell you the number of patients of mine that tell me they have just exceeded the recommended dosage by the handfuls because the normal dosage " didn't work".

Not that I have mentioned a caution about Tylenol in a blogpost previously - and the damage it can cause!


If the normal dose didn't work to reduce your extremely high fever:  get checked out by your MD (preferably before the office closes to avoid an ED visit!)  - the danger is with what's behind the fever - not the fever itself!

If the normal dose didn't work to make tolerable your extreme pain: get checked out by your MD (ditto the above in parenthesis!) - pain is there for a reason.  ( please note that I didn't say TAKE AWAY YOUR PAIN ENTIRELY)

And please, when you are dosing your children - read the labels.  There are so many products with multiple medications in them.   Try to use only those products that have single medications in them - and only if you have to.

Take the time to read the fine print. 

It may save your -  or your child's - liver.

56,000+ dying livers countrywide due to Tylenol use must mean something, after all.

.....why we have iphones???

Hammacher Schlemmer

Not only can I now comment on the blogs I follow...... but now with Google Chrome, I can download this :
AdBlock Plus
and I don't have to watch any of those annoying pop-up ads that interfere with my online viewing pleasure.

Good stuff!

oh.

And for those of you who want to transfer all your Facebook data info to Google+ seamlessly?

Try this!

 

Hello Kitty button

One of my "Friends" on Facebook posts a link about how Canadians are coming across the border in droves to buy groceries and such.

Innocuous, right?

That's how I took it, anyway.

Then, a friend of hers makes a disparaging remark - suggesting her dislike for this, followed by a "dislike" from another friend of hers.

If Canadians weren't shopping across the border, the city would be a ghost town  and they would probably be even worse off than they are.  

I made a comment to the effect that Canadians are helping out the US economy - don't complain! :)  (smiley face included to try and convey friendliness - helping them to interpret it as a nicely put comment!)

Then I get an email from The Friend (well, actually she's my husband's friend - OR should I more accurately say, a friend of one of my husband's exes) saying how she "took offense" to my comment.*

Oh my. Really??

Such drama.

I am on the cusp of making a friend deletion.

Lately it doesn't take much.  I am so fed up with Facebook I am ready to jump ship.

I really don't have the energy. 

Or the time.

The alternate take-away of this story?

Smiley face emoticons don't really mean much.


:)

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* I did message her back apologising for any misunderstanding and to clear it up - that I did mean it in a nice way - no nastiness intended in the least!  No answer..... so far.

WARNING: Political rant

Just finished watching this on Netflix. (Yes I know I am behind the times!)



Honestly, if the story has any bit of truth to it - I fear for America....and I fear for us in Canada too....because what affects the USA will eventually affect us.

So far Canada has been only affected in a small way by the events in the last few years .

Because our banking system is different - we didn't run into the same problems as  south of the border.



Why were the same people that caused the problem allowed to step into a position of responsibility again? Why wasn't anyone prosecuted for the criminal activity that rose from their greed?

Make no mistake, there are corrupt activities by officials going on in Canada - we are not exempt.

As an average citizen, we vote and do due diligence to the best of our ability to make the right choices and put those people in power that we perceive to be honest and that we believe will make the best decisions for our country.....but what do we do when the actual truth is covered up and we are lied to?
The tax payers of the USA paid dearly for the criminal acts of Wall street and no one is going after them or even keeping them in check.

Sadly, history is bound to repeat itself because it seems that a lesson wasn't learned.

What with all the talk of death and dying in the news....and working with those with limited lifespans...one gets to thinking about what we are handed.

Why is it that some only live out their life in 8 years....or 13 years .... or 27??


And, why is it that some of us who end up living a life right to the end somehow don't appreciate the fact we are still alive?

If we can't live any longer for ourselves....why can't we change our purpose and live for someone else who won't be living a long life?  Re-focus from "me" to "we"?

I think that's what nursing became for me at different times through the years.

At the times I didn't have the will to live ... and didn't want to live...  nursing and working to help others and live for their sakes was what I did...and it kept me alive long enough to get to the place where I could appreciate life and the value of living.

I took away so much more from patients than patients' did from me.

It's still that way but from a different angle.

Although I am in a very good and stable place right now, I still appreciate the good that nursing did for me.

I was watching the news this morning and  they were talking about a motorcycle fundraiser drive from Vancouver to Whistler this September...."Music Therapy Ride".

The Music Therapy Ride is an annual motorcycle charity ride designed to raise funds for community-based music therapy services in British Columbia. Established by members of the music industry, with representatives from record labels, radio stations, booking agencies, talent managers, concert promoters and recording artists, the Music Therapy Ride has broadened its reach over the years to all motorcycle enthusiasts.

the "Bandwagon" photo credit: MTR website

Today is the day that the "Bandwagon" - funded by this Music Therapy Ride - is delivered to Children's hospital in Vancouver, which will provide Music Therapists with a mobile recording studio  to allow each child to "create a permanent record of the music composed during their Therapy sessions" at their bedside.

Megan McNeil, singer, songwriter and someone who fought hard to live succumbed to adrenal cancer January 2011.  Visit her blog.  It gives you an appreciation for Life....and why it's worth fighting for.

This year's ride, celebrating it's 10th year, is in honor of Megan.

I am an advocate of Continuing Education, whether it be CEUs or going on for one's Master's or just going back for a certification.   I have enjoyed the many classes,  Lunch'n'Learn and workshops throughout my years in nursing.  

I have already done several specialty training courses in addition to the informal learning in the course of my career....as you can see by my sidebar.

I just really enjoy learning new things.

Problem is, I am now getting to the end of my career, and although I still love to learn and extensively read and study on my own.....I just don't have the interest in going for a formal degree. 

The expense and time it would take would exceed the number of years left in my professional career and financially speaking, wouldn't be a wise thing to do.   I don't want to be working into my 70's - and that's exactly where I would be if I ever made that decision.

Besides, as I have mentioned previously,  I have many other interests - painting and all things creative -  that I will eventually want to segue into.

However.   I was asked if I wanted to take the Certification program for my present specialty.

Thinking it over, I thought....why not?

So, I have decided  to go for it. 


Again.

It's being paid for by my employer - I just have to make arrangements for it in my own time.   It is a course that most nurses take two years to complete - but we are permitted to take up to five years.

I certainly won't be stretching it out to five.  If I did, I will be at the cusp of retirement, so I am thinking I had better git 'er done in less than two.

or here is the expanded version

I can't go into great detail about the course since it is for my present specialty, although some of you who have been following this blog o' mine from the beginning will know anyhow. 

Tomorrow I will give you the general lowdown on the program.

I start it at the end of the year.

NPO, you are an inspiration. I thank you.  You gave me the kick in the butt that I needed.

And - also - all you nursing student bloggers out there who have inspired me with your love of learning as you struggle through the processes.   I thank you too.

Don't ever stop learning!

Watch this. They took a dangerous risk but they did save a life:

As you recall, I mentioned we would be going to "The Island" this past weekend.  That's what British Columbians call Vancouver Island.

The 49th parallel jogs down and misses the tip of Vancouver Island.  Don't know why they didn't do the same to Point Roberts....which is a piece of the USA by which you can only go to it (unless by water or air) through Canada and two border crossings.

Anyway.

Active Pass

One of the other ferries to the smaller islands

We attended the wedding of the daughter of an old friend of mine.   The trip there was an hour and half by land and an hour and half by ferry boat. 

The wedding was well worth the trip.

She was just like a princess.

Blossoms, and the Wedding party walking down the pathway in Beacon Hill Park

The Men in the Wedding party. They looked more like Secret Agents This is the back side of the Parliament Buildings

And speaking of princesses....one of the guests was the old college room mate of Prince William. 

Apparently, at a night out, knowing that Kate would one day be Queen, this fellow "groped her bum" during a dance, just to say that he did.

So much for Royal Treatment.

The delightful tiny cupcakes that formed the Wedding cake

The party was fun.....and the food superb! 

A small party of us went to take photos in Beacon Hill Park.  If you have never been to Victoria - make sure you get there one day.

The bridge in Beacon Hill Park

Wildlife in the park

Ducklings! so cute! Took this with my telephoto lens standing 20 feet away Didn't want to make their mamma mad by getting too close!

We were thankful for the wee bit of sun that peeked through while the photos were being taken.

A whirlwind trip.....but well worth it!

The ferry we took was between Tsawwaasen and Swartz Bay going through Active Pass between Galiano and Mayne Islands

This is a photo taken while going through Active Pass

We are planning a trip to "The Island" at some point.

A Nurse friend of mine recently went across on the ferry and when he looked at his boarding pass...he did a double take!

Now, my friend is very skinny and definitely wouldn't be classified as a "whale" by any stretch of the imagination.

Even if it's just the designation name of that particular sailing, you would think they would be a little more sensitive about the animal names they use.

He tells me he will be out of therapy by the end of summer.

And while we are praying to see *just a little* sunshine....my cousins in Texas are praying for rain:

Near Sweetwater - can be seen from Abilene - 12 hrs ago Fire is now contained

No drama this time. Just relaxing by the little lake and a little golf.


It was a great weekend!

The lanterns we hung from the canopy reminded me of this great song from 1986 (oh my, what embarassing clothes and hair!) :



Now, back to work and reality!

The year was 1939.

A little nine-year-old girl was chosen to give Queen Elizabeth a dozen roses when they were to stop at the little town on the cross-Canada train route.

courtesy of Frances Miller

She was so excited.  Her hair was twisted in rags the night before and then carefully fashioned into curls that hung to her shoulders. 

She excitedly put on her Sunday best dress and arrived well before the arrival time so as to be there in the designated spot when the Royalty chugged into town.

She was handed a dozen red roses and she stood at attention for a long time, barely able to contain herself, because she was the one to be handing the Queen her roses.

Then.

Off in the distance they could see the train coming.  The whistle sounded.

She could barely contain herself.

Excitement building.....

Anticipation.

The train kept coming....slowing a little.....then  - roared by.

Everyone was waving at the shadows at the window they guessed was the King and Queen.

Then the comments, "Weren't they supposed to stop? And what is Frances to do with the roses?"

The little girl stood, holding her bouquet....confused...disappointed....not really comprehending what had just happened.

A glitch in the schedule had the train miss the stop.  It wouldn't be turning back.

Heartbroken, the little girl went home, roses wilting. Dejected.

Apology letters came a month later from Buckingham castle, along with a photo of the King and Queen and the two daughters, of which one would be the present day Queen.

Through the years that little girl, clutching the dog-eared photo would retell the story, over and over.  Years passed and little girl became a young woman....a mother....then a grandmother......and a great-grandmother.

Her story would became a legend in the town, still passed around through generations.

Then -  years after the fact - fate had it that another Royal couple would be touring close by.

2011 - that very same Queen's great-grandson Prince William and his new wife were to come to Calgary....and a grass-roots movement arose to push for the now octogenarian to finally present her red roses. 

Finally, after several months and despite the bureaucracy and red tape that ensues with royalty meeting and greeting.... permission was granted.

Today that little girl's wish came true......72 years later.

Frances Miller and a future Queen 72 years later

And, that's what happened today in Calgary, as the Prince and Princess were leaving Canada.

Quite the pair! The prince and his bride in their Cowboy hats and blue jeans:



Now, on to Hollywood.......

Even my cat loves to watch the White Rock eagles:

My cat was watching the adult eagle feed the eaglets this am. They were chirping quite loudly!

She doesn't know how BIG those eagles are now - but they sure catch her attention. Go take a look!

My cat loves watching any animals on TV - her favorite being cat food commercials or any animals that make noises.

Nature shows she watches for hours.

She's easily amused.

***************************
This am both eaglets were in the nest with the adult eagle still feeding the one.

Then, an hour later one eaglet was sitting on a distant branch.

Now there is only one in the nest!!!  Don't know where the other is!

************************

Oh good! The eaglet found it's way back to the nest!

Prince William and Catherine had a 24 hour break.

So where did they go?

Skoki Lodge apparently.   It's located in Banff National Park.

Check out this blog that describes the lodge - plus photos!

The only way to get there is hiking in - 11 kms - four hours uphill  - using this map for directions - or if you happen to be royalty - you come in by helicopter.

The lodge was built in the 1931 and still has no running water or electricity (yes, they have outhouses - the Royal Loo!).  Very austere...but then, if you are coming to Canada - you might want to get that "backwoods" pioneer experience!

It certainly would give a little dose of reality for those in a world of Royal Protocols and such.

If I had my druthers....this is where I would stay

I would tend to forgo any sort of accommodation that is lacking the basics....but that's just me.   And I certainly wouldn't pay $265 per person for that kind of experience!

The Royal couple are young and love adventure, and might happen to think that a log cabin in the middle of nowhere is sort of - romantic.

Trip Advisor reviews on Skoki Lodge. Note the antlers!

I am pretty sure they didn't have to abide by the 2 night minimum stay - or if they did, the government of Canada picked up the tab anyway - for the entire trip, so what do they care.

I wonder if William chose the King-size bed?

He could have gone to watch fireworks in a multitude of places.

He could have gone with his friends and celebrated with mucho food and libations.

What he chose to do, as an incredibly responsible citizen (USA and Canada) was to volunteer for cleanup in nearby Joplin Missouri - where there is still plenty of work to be done.

Here are some of his photos of how Joplin looks today:

Can you picture your living room arranged like this?

...or your backyard like this?  for months on end?

..how about the inside of your house, which looks more like the outside....

...your local hospital.....

your bathroom......

...your neighborhood......

he just happened to find a bible lying in the debris, serendipitously opened at Revelations 22....

As we go about our daily lives and as other tragedies come forth in the news, it's easy to forget about what is still going on in Joplin....and probably will be for years to come.

If people would get just as enthused about cleaning up this tragedy as they are about obsessing over a certain courtroom outcome, perhaps a successful cleanup might happen.

A protest that proved the opposite of what they wanted.

I suppose the protest was more to do with individual freedoms than anything, from what my cousin tells me.

HOWEVER:  it is ironic that someone protesting the helmet law would crash their bike and suffer a fatal injury that a helmet would have prevented.

I know that those who oppose the mandatory helmet at any cost exists because I have certain family members south of the border that would rather die than wear a helmet, and wouldn't consider this a high cost.

said American cousin's helmet

Personally, after working on a Surgical Unit that had many motorcycle injuries come through, you couldn't even get me on a motorcycle. 

For anything.

Nothing nicer than when the warm weather finally rolls around and everything starts to grow. Everything in B.C. is at least 4-6 weeks behind...including the fruit, the corn, the gardens....and our flowers!

Our fence is starting to fill in.

Last year a little girl came up to my husband as he pruned the outside the fence. She wanted to know if she could peek inside our "Secret Garden". Of course my husband obliged her - and her mother!


I love the privacy the fence offers. But best of all...the flowers that grow on it are amazing! Lucky for me, they mostly grow on their own....or my husband has done something to encourage them!

The shrub to the right of the purple clematis is an English Oak leaf hydrangea.  The flowers are on the cusp of flowering.   To the left of the door is the Purple Star of India clematis.  There are yellow bell clematis on the other end of the fence.

In the fall we pluck grapes off the fence.  I think this year will be a bonus crop!  Our apple hedge will finally produce some apples.  I hope. Maybe.

I am also hoping the Saskatoon bushes will bear fruit.

the clematis

I am not much of a gardener.

Lucky for me my husband lives for the yard.

I just like to take my coffee out there and admire his handiwork!

What a Weekend!

the view

Drove a total of 600 kms to Ktown and back for the enjoyment of family! Saw my grand-nephew for the first time....and what a darling.

my pasta salad contribution!

He is 1 1/2 years old and is speaking in complete sentences.

Not only that....but because he has a Spanish-speaking Ecuadorian nanny and a French-speaking mama....the kid converses in three languages.

I took 5 years of French in high school, but what did I learn? I could understand somewhat...but to converse in French?

he's adorable!

Not so much.

One thing that I wish I could have been was  bilingual - and -  any other language would have been great! 

The time to learn is when you are young. 

If you know another language - or two -  and you have young children.....have them learn it.   They will appreciate it when they are older.

My husband's parents were fluent in Spanish, originally from New Mexico.

Unfortunately, when they moved from Colorado to Washington, the relatives told his mother that the cousins were having a difficult time in school because of not speaking English at home - and advised not to teach their children any Spanish.
 
As a result, my husband never learned the language except for a few words.

Meanwhile - the trip home was lovely - through the mountains as the sun was going down.

I have never seen so much snow remaining on the mountaintops at this time of the year!

And the Okanagan is greener than usual!

of course we visited a golf course

dessert: Strawberry shortcake!

Note the Maple Leaf motif in the Fascinator on Prince William's wife Catherine. She also wore diamond-studded maple leaf brooch which her mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth wore on her first visit to Canada.

photo credit and to read whole story

 Here is their itinerary. They aren't coming to British Columbia...but then - perhaps Vancouver isn't ready for them anyway...
Catherine has always loved Anne of Green Gables...so of course they are going to Prince Edward Island.

They will also be going north up to Yellowknife, NWT - then on to Calgary and the Stampede. They will be visiting the Calgary Foothills Hospital....so hopefully some of the Nurses there might get a glimpse of them!

After Canada....they head on down to California before jetting off home.

Happy Canada Day!