Nursey's Niche

time to move

2010-09-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

time for a start fresh start!

you can find me here:

carinhenschel.blogspot.com

Biggest Loser - Challenge!!

2010-05-01T08:04:00.001-07:00

Starting May 3-7!!

$40.00 due by May 7^th

You have 8 weeks to show yourself what you are made of! At the end the person who has lost the most fat (based on body fat percentage) will take the pot! Throughout the 8 weeks you will be provided with an optional weekly bootcamp and lots of encouragement to keep you motivated on your journey!

Final Weigh-in: June 30^th!

If you are interested… contact Carin @ 631-6116 or stop by 4708 Loen Ave. to weigh-in!

I had taken a leave...

2010-03-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

"In Luke 15:17-20 a young man who has badly insulted his father 'comes to his senses'. It is a remarkable turn of phrase, because it implies that we are never truly ourselves or at our best when we are far from God. It implies that when we leave God we take leave of our senses." - Herb Sawatzky

How often do you have 'bad' days? It seems that I have had more than my share the last while... not anything in particular really just an overabundance of sleepless days/nights, probably some PMS, and unfortunately too many days where I haven't spent the time with my Papa... all of the above contribute to a bad day or temporary insanity but I think that the last one is the clincher... we are not ourselves when away from our Papa... this seems to be the turmoil I have felt... I KNOW the truth - and I am pressing into that - singing and praying - HE IS MY JOY - MY ALL IN ALL.... and that is the purpose of my life...

My cousin posted the above quote on her facebook... and I just about glanced over it... my Papa is so incredible the ways that Publish Posthe speaks to me! :)

and so... I am officially no longer on leave of my senses! ;)

swaps...

2010-03-08T01:40:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to work day shift today but here I sit at 0235am in the ER waiting for the next patient to come through my door... not because I worked so many hours but because I swapped one of my shifts... Serge doesn't really like nights - and I wanted to go to church.

I am so glad that I did. Church was amazing today - what a great word - difficult but great! Dealing with spiritual sight and how we allow the things of this world to crowd out what should be our greatest love... how we choose to set our idols of this world above our relationship with God... how we shut our own eyes... wow did that ever hit home for me... I've been so tired and just blah that I haven't gone to the word for the food that I needed to revitalize myself - I feel so foolish that I have allowed myself to fall like this... to not make HIM my priority and instead placing myself in that role of being number one.... I feel ashamed to say that - but repent I must... and to my friends I apologize for without HIM I cannot be a good friend...

could this be me?

2010-03-04T01:58:00.000-08:00

SO? what do you think? Do you think that this could be me? hmm.. ok maybe I don't look quite like her... but I am feeling that I might like to be her... she's (some random) travel nurse in Hawaii!

I have been thinking that it might be kind of fun to go work in Hawaii or some tropical place during the summer while Matt is not in school? now of course because I am feeling like it I want to go now... like this year... but maybe even next year? hmm... something to pray about! What do you guys think?

when you fall...

2010-02-27T01:07:00.000-08:00

'When men fall down, do they not get up? When a man turns away, does he not return?' - Jer 8:4

So I have left the blogging world... not really intentionally... in a way I had fallen or turned away... so it is time to return, to get back up!

Life has been busy and the verse seems more appropriate and applicable to more than just my blogging life... it seems as though there are many things in my life that I have turned away from... so with renewed resolve - I am back... I dont' think it is going to be easy but I am going to try again...

Today I felt very blah - I woke up feeling 'blah' then went to the hospital to write my midterm (for my BCIT course) and then came home... had a bath and then had a nap... woke up kinda meh... and now am at work! It's a decent night - started out busy and now things have settled...

Tomorrow - I am going to sleep then try to go for a run... part of this new resolve... hmm... can I do it? I dont' know but I am gonna try.

today is significant because...

2010-01-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

Matt and I have been married for FIVE months.... time sure does fly when you are having fun!

looks like???

2010-01-05T02:08:00.000-08:00

A busy busy next three months! Not only am I on the journey of fitness X-style... P90X style that is... (I am 4 days into it and its pretty great!) the next three months also are going to be pretty busy with my two courses... I just got the outlines today for what is going to be involved... and I have a bunch of quizzes, two assignments, and four exams... not to mention all of the studying in between... oi - its going to be um...great! I am looking forward to the learning curve and to all of the new information to help with my patient care...
I am once again updating while at work... smiles - this time its actually a busier night - I have four patients... they are all finally a snoozing... and my charts are checked...
Hope you are all enjoying your new year! I sure am!

groceries on a budget?

2010-01-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

... is it possible? I have found that since Matt and I have returned from our honeymoon, we have spent an enormous amount on our grocery bill! How is it even possible?! We have tried to not eat out so much, which we have done surprisingly well at... however, the grocery bill is just too high!

So how do we cut that bill in half? How do I shop on a budget?

This is one of those things that the new year brings to me... I must learn how to take control of my finances... in this food area! So... if you have any tips... I need them!!!

typical December 31st... ATYPICAL NEW YEAR!!

2009-12-31T17:21:00.000-08:00

In official New Year’s Eve fashion I am sitting here with a heart full of dreams and goals and resolutions for the New Year ahead… things that I want to accomplish, things I want to try, and things that I want to improve upon… I also sit with my Bible beside me: why you ask? Simply because I have learned that to embark upon a new journey alone would only lead to disaster – I need the guidance of my creator – he is the plumb line of my dreams and aspirations, he begins by instilling the dreams and passions within my heart and then he is the strength within me to carry them to fruition….

I read a quote yesterday that I am going to use again today: Something we were withholding made us weak, until we found it was ourselves. – Robert Frost…… It takes a life of complete surrender to live a life of true success. We cannot withhold who we are neither from our creator nor from those around us, let alone from ourselves. We were created for a passionate engagement and love affair with our Heavenly bridegroom and with all that he has placed in our lives. I look back at my year 2009 and see the times of purest joy and truest life were those times that I allowed the me that God created to shine beyond the fears that so often hold me back.

2009 was a great year, one that I will always cherish in a special way as it marked the joining of my life with the man my Papa gave to me… Matt and I were married in August at the riverside… This year – 2010 – it is time to jump into the river… the river of God… to quote a great artist: “sink or swim, I’m diving in!”

Ps 36:8 “They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.”

**Ps 46:4-11 “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts IS with us; The God of Jacob IS our refuge. Come behold the worlds of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I AM God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts IS with us; The God of Jacob IS our refuge.

Rev 22:1-5 “**And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.”

I am excited to see what God has in store for myself and for my marriage and family this year. There are certainly a few ‘high priority’ things on my ‘to do list’ for 2010 – some of them being adapting a healthy lifestyle of nutrition and exercise (starting with completing a 90 day program with my sister!), saving some money for some upcoming trips to visit our family in Creston, learning how to care for my rose, organizing my house, completing some more courses for my nursing specialty, and of course spending more time with friends, growing with them toward the heart of God… And for my marriage, it is my goal this year to find ways that make my husband feel respected and appreciated and adored… ways to help him to succeed in his life and his calling as a man and a husband. I would love to really become a runner this year… so, one step at a time, one day at a time lived moment by moment with a glimpse of the prize leading me on… I will bring my body into submission lest by any means after I have preached, I myself might be disqualified (1 Cor 9:27)

Who is standing in your way?

2009-12-30T23:11:00.000-08:00

Something we were withholding made us weak, until we found it was ourselves.- Robert Frost

Imagine someone regularly tying small weights around your ankles as you try to climb a mountain. Doesn't sound fair, does it? But that's exactly what you can do to yourself, a little bit at a time, if you don't watch out. When you think of who and what is standing in the way of your dreams, it's easy to forget your own responsibility. Even the best of us can be guilty of unknowingly hurting our own progress. Procrastination, lateness, being disorganized, pessimism, not being honest with yourself, severe self-criticism, downplaying achievements, focusing only on weaknesses while ignoring strengths, keeping goals a secret, demanding perfection, giving up after a small setback--these are all ways you can make it tough to be (and do) your best. Smart systems, the right attitude, and a promise to keep going no matter what will make a world of difference.

This was in an email that I received today... very timely words for me... thought I'd share them with you...

can't keep...

2009-12-30T05:56:00.001-08:00

...my eyes open much longer!!! I picked up some overtime and it is about 6am... one hour left to go - SO tired right now!!! For a change it has been pretty busy... but right now... oi I just wanna snuggle up in bed and sleep ALLLLL day long.... cuz I have to work an extra shift tonight too!

(listen to me whine!)

What a wonderful Christmas...

2009-12-27T20:17:00.000-08:00

It turned out to be a great year after all! :) The morning of the 24th we rolled ourselves out of bed and got ready for our Skype date with Matt's family in Creston - watched the kids open their gifts... it was so incredible to share those moments with them! Kids sure do make Christmas great! After we watched them open all their gifts we were able to open ours... Aaron, Heather, Matt and I... we all got spoiled!
What did I get you ask?! Well.... not that I am excited or anything... but I got an...EXPRESSO MACHINE!! So I spent a good part of the rest of the day making eggnog lattes, mochas, london fogs, peppermint mochas... it was just great!! I kept thinking of people I could just invite over so I could make a coffee for them! ha ha ha... I never did end up calling anyone, I was just too busy getting ready for our big dinner... which turned out wonderfully! We all had a great time...
On the 25th I got up nice and early (about 6am) and got my behind off to work - it was a great day full of birthday wishes and birthday cake! Work was not very busy at all - I had only one little bitty baby... (their family was waiting to celebrate til the babe got to go home, which I might add was today)...

the 26th - BOXING DAY! started out to be a bit of a disaster... Matt was a little grumpy that he got out of bed to go to Walmart so early only to find out they didn't have what they had advertised... oh dear... and me - it was just sooooo early - it was really fun to see everyone there though! Anyhoo - the rest of the day went wonderfully! Matt and I came home for a bit then he went to check out Staples, came home with breakfast and we snuggled on the cough while watching one of our BoxingDay finds... then we went for a walk so that I could pick up my new "gym" and some veggies for Turkey Soup... it was a little colder than anticipated... but it was just so nice to be spending that day with my husband... smiles - after we got back I had to nap... to get ready for work that night... but really - it was just one of those nice "spending time together days"...
Hope you guys all had some great Christmas Days! Only 363 more days to go before we get to do it all again!!!

what to say?

2009-12-17T21:25:00.000-08:00

every feel like you run out of things to say??? smiles... I am working nights tonight... and tucked all my patients(all three of them) in... just a few meds to bring to them at 2200... wonder how the night will go?

I have a book that I am reading... and have been waiting to read for like EVER... I am reading Maggie... by my favourite author Charles Martin... ooo speaking of which I just got his new book of poems... "My Bible Crushed in the Winepress" I've only read one and its amazing... Ruthie - we should read a few together (Sat maybe!)... speaking of Saturday - I can't wait to finish up my stocking stuff with Ruthie! :) I love hanging out with her - she's a great friend... speaking of great friends - I was out with one of them today - we went up to Shames for some beautiful boarding! :) It was a nice morning... but my boots kept bugging me... oh well by the end I was tired... and freezing!! Had a hot bath when I got home, made some lunch then had a snooze... Matt made a great yummy dinner... then it was time for work! :) I like my job...

So.. for someone with nothing to say - that was quite a rambling!! :P

more courses

2009-12-15T16:36:00.000-08:00

So tired today... didn't sleep well at all last night... for many reasons - but the bottom line remains - I didn't sleep well... and I am here at work now... after a busy morning awaiting the arrival of my post-op patient. I took the liberty of using this time to register for some more courses... starting in January... just when I thought that I was going to have a resemblance of a life... I go and take not just one more course - but two! The first one is an ECG and Dysrhythmia management course (my nemesis) and the second one is a Critical Care Theory course (which means essays galore)...

I do have to add... its a blessed thing that Northern Health is paying for these courses... just one of them is $986 with an extra $260 for all the materials required... WHAT???? SO when you hear/read about my complaining come Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr... remind me that I am blessed to have these courses being paid for... that I love my job... that I am not tired, I am growing... expanding my mind... learning how to better care for my patients... oh my, what have I gotten myself into...???

and they are on their way!!!

2009-12-14T21:04:00.001-08:00

With only 10 more days until Christmas!!!!! I finally have the packages shipped!!! This great big box (full of over 30 gifts) is on its way to my sister Jenni and her beautiful children... and my brother Timmy too! The picture is a little sideways... but it is going to Creston, BC (where I am going in the spring!)... Getting everything into this box was quite a chore... first finding a box big enough was quite the dilemma... Heather and I drove around town for over an hour after church yesterday looking for one big enough... then after packing it all in... I realized that I had not packed Gabby's birthday present!!!! :( had to unpack all that tape to squish it in... don't know how I did it... but its in - and its off to Creston!!!!

This one is off to Montreal! I stood in line for almost an hour to get it out... fingers crossed that it arrives on time!!! Happy Merry Christmas Brook!!! Its really too bad that he won't be here with us this year... first time he's never been with us on Christmas... :( Hope the stuff inside brings a smile to his face!

Now... just to shop for the stocking stuffers.... (with Ruthie on Saturday!!!) and then I am D. o. N. E!!! ooooooo I can't wait!!

Island of Misfit Toys

2009-12-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

There are many of you out there that don't know my whole family situation... but in the efforts of not exposing everyone's pains... I will share with you the simple fact that we will not all be together this Christmas... its been a hard few months andnow with the Christmas season here I am doing my best to make it a Merry one... Heather and I have done a whole bunch of things in the efforts of finding the joy of the holiday season...

First we planned a Christmas Costume party and made a whole bunch of invitations:

next we set out with one of Heather's friends from school to do some Christmas baking... the tin below is to be sent out to our brother Brook to add some Christmas cheer to him (he's not coming out to spend time with us this year... :(

then... we went and cut down our very real Christmas tree - it was a windy affair full of adventure and hot cider.... (this picture is a replica of sorts from last year's tree hunting adventure... smiles - last year was our first Christmas as a couple... this year is our first one married!)

then in efforts to keep the Christmas joy flowing freely - Heather and I set out to make our very own Christmas garland out of popcorn and cranberries (just like Lorelai and Rory)...tee hee

Our tree decorating was wonderful... aside from my knee crushing one of the lights... a little blood and a pretty butterfly band aid... some beautiful snowflakes and lots of lights... a great time was had... and it lasted over 3 days! (I had to work quite a bit)

and most recently... :) was our Christmas Costume Party!!! There was so many different costumes! It was really great - there was cookie decorating, candy guesses, name games... and Jack Frost won the Best Costume! I was so proud of that man of mine... he dressed up and he did so much to help get ready...

And coming up is our Christmas dinner... this year because of all of the family drama we have decided to open our home and have people over who don't have other places to go... a sort of 'misfits Christmas' if you will... I am actually quite excited about it - two friends from work are coming who don't have any family around and then there is a couple from church whose families are all not here - and then there is another girl from our church family... maybe misfits is not the right word... but its from a Christmas movie... and in the end - they all belong!

pillow talk...

2009-12-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

I thought that today I would share a little of my recent struggles with you... I hadn't really realized how much I was feeling this way until last night when Matt and I were laying in bed last night... we were just talking and praying together... and I was for once being a little vulnerable...
I have been feeling quite isolated lately... it seems that I am working so much and so I have to miss church or prayer or anything... and with all of my family drama going on... and lack of outside friendship - I just have been feeling alone.
I sometimes feel like I don't have things in common with anyone... I mean, I can share in the joys and journeys of God with people... but I have no gift to share with anyone - who really wants to hear about the sick people I take care of? I can listen... but how else can I bless people and share in their lives? It makes me feel a little emotional... smiles - but I guess that is a good thing... better than bottling it all up...
It makes me wonder how many other people out there feel disconnected or alone sometimes... I mean I always have God - he never leaves me nor forsakes me... he's been my constant always. I have Matt and by no means do I mean to say that he isn't the greatest friend of all time - cuz he is my best friend...
So yeah... just feelin a little down - maybe too much work-too many night shifts... In the efforts of not sounding too blah and depressed, I feel much better after praying and talking with my husband last night... those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength... sigh... peace...

tree hunt!

2009-12-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

So in the spirit of the holiday season I thought that I would update you all as to my plans... yes... I am alive - and WELL!!! Matt, Heather and I are going to find our Christmas Tree today!!!

It has been a VERY long time since I have updated this blog of mine... and it certainly needs a facelift (which I will have to enlist the help of my dear friends)... I have decided that I enjoy reading your blogs so much that it is only fair that I update mine for you... not that I can add very much excitement :P BUT I think that updating here would help you all to know me better.. and me to know you too!

So the question I leave you with for now... what kind of tree are you putting up this year?

vulnerability

2009-04-06T02:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about why you feel so much closer to people after you have spilled your guts about your deepest darkests?
It never ceases to amaze me how vulnerability creates intimacy - and yet, I am so often afraid to be open and vulnerable with people. why??? why is it that I think that walls will protect me, when in reality they are the very things that harm me because they keep people away... we are designed to be in relationship with people... fellowship - to be one as Jesus and the Father are one... it is our design - created in His likeness for such... and yet - I still hide behind my walls... sometimes unknowingly (to my defense :P)... Matt and I have had quite a few conversations these last few days about some pretty tough issues and I have found that at this end of things we are closer than before... I think it has to do with that verse about 'confessing your sins one to another that you may be healed' and 'love covers a multitude of sins'... Matt challenged me in many areas... and now I want to ask you - those of you who are close... please feel free to challenge me if and when you notice me putting up walls... trying to hide behind a certain facade of 'have it all together' - cuz I really most certainly don't... sigh I am human... walking in the grace that is afforded me today...
And I also want to challenge you... take the opportunity in the next few days to be vulnerable with someone - share what you are going through at the core of who you are... and let love overflow from above into that situation and watch the intimacy grow... be it with a spouse, a friend or relative...

wedding website

2009-03-24T11:39:00.001-07:00

hahahahahaha... oh my gosh I can't even wait to share this website with everyone - I am under orders to wait though - but I can tell you all how absolutely hilarious it is - I dont' think I quite understood how brilliant my man is with words... oh gosh... :) You'll all have to stay tuned for the link... it will be coming soon - about two weeks til Matt gets here... we still have stuff to do to finish it up!!!

Um... on that note... lots to do to finish things up... um ok I don't really know what I am talking about.. :P

I made it to the gym today 2nd day in a row... I have a new trainer now and she's gonna be pretty hard core... I am excited! Only 136 days til our wedding... which means less than that to get this girl in shape for a wedding dress! :P and I plan to work hard at it... afterall isn't that the best wedding present I can give my future husband? (ok one of the best) speaking of which... any ideas for wedding party gifts?

Engaged!

2009-03-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

Definitely time for an important announcement to all blog readers - who don't already know! March 4th 2009 marked the day of engagement for me and the love of my life!

After a long practicum in Prince George, my babee had me drive out to Jasper to meet him... (my favourite town in the whole world!) where he surprised me by showing up early - I was of course shopping in the Christmas Store (the most perfect store for me!!)... we cancelled that IceWalk tour due to extreme exhaustion and grabbed a coffee and took a little walk of our own...

Then with Jasper the bear as our only witness... I set him up for the greatest question of his life... which I of course jumped up and down - gave him that kiss right there and said YES!!!!

Now, I have been pretty giddy ever since then... the excitement of wedding planning all coming together... and of course looking at the ring when nobody is watching... tee hee... I am sooo excited to be joining my life in 141 days to my best friends life... to be marrying my real life prince charming... August 8th is the day peoples!!! Save the date!!!

an up and coming surprises!

2009-02-26T17:39:00.000-08:00

Today has been a good day... definitely a relaxing one...

I got up at 8 and was going to go to a class at the hospital but then decided that I only really have two days off so didn't really want to... so I played some tic-tac-toe with my babee then we both headed to the gym (Matt in GP and me in PG)...

After a good run I stopped to pick up some groceries and then some 'things' for a surprise that I have planned for Matt... now, I can't actually tell you about it on here cuz he may just read this blog... and it MUST be kept secret! I haven't decided when Iam going to give him the surprise - either his bday or some random visit to Terrace... hmmm

Now... apparently HE has a surprise for me!!! I love surprises... love love LOVE them... and Matt is so good at surprising me! After Jasper and Edmonton... he has a surprise for me in Grande Praire before I have to leave to head back to Terrace... apparently he says its his best one yet... any ideas what it could be?! he won't give me any clues...

(sorry if my excitement is repetitive... :P)

oh... the rest of my day... loungin around... :)

an unfortunate poke

2009-02-21T20:14:00.000-08:00

So day one of this set... not even 4 hours in and I was drawing some blood from an arterial line - did good... remembered all the steps... was wearing gloves... was doing wonderfully... or so I thought...

Well... as I go to hand off the vials of blood to the lab tech waiting just outside of the door - I took the adapter piece to dispose of it... which had some blood on it and was apparently sharp...

sharp enough to poke through my gloves... UGH - (no no..) DOUBLE UGH!!!

This patient is Heb A, Heb B, and Hep C positive... just freakin great! needless to say the poke drew my blood and that means I have to be screened... so is a 2hr wait in ER for a freakin tetanus and some lab work...

End result there is a 1.8% chance of contracting Hep C... I am covered through my vaccinations for Heb A and B... and as far as the HIV possibility goes - they are slim - the woman is older and doesn't appear to be a high risk patient for HIV... phew - no antiretroviral drugs for me...they are nasty horrible - make you ridiculously ill... And I am really not all that worried... which apparently according to some is ridiculous - but I figure why worry about something that I can't change now anyway? what can I change by worrying? it would only make it harder to deal with for me... really - I would rather just trust that God has everything under control... that his plan for me is bigger than a needle poke and some Hep C... so not that my first inclination is not to worry - but rather, I choose not to worry... I don't hold the power to change anything... so I choose to trust in the strength of my Papa to carry me through - his arms are strong enough... strong enough for anything - even an unfortunate poke.

2 months later...

2009-02-20T12:04:00.000-08:00

I have to say... I am rather disappointed in myself as I see how long it has been since I have updated my blog! I can make excuses about how busy I have been and all that has been going on... but really? how long does it actually take to write down a few words??? yeah, not long... smiles
So here I am...
It is a super nice sunny day today in PG... it is my last day off before heading back to work... well not really work - its education time for me as I am in PG 'learning' in their ICU for 12 shifts... I have 4 finished and 8 more to go! The excitement of finishing is more than I can handle... you see... I get to see Matt again after I am all done!!!
We have a pretty busy few days planned when I am finished... he is taking me to Jasper (cuz its my favourite place pretty much in all the world), and then we are going to go to Edmonton - his friend Brian (his old youth pastor/focus on the family speaker person) and Celia live there... and I have to meet them... :) AND we are gonna go to the West Ed Mall!!! :D I love that mall, just cuz its soooo overwhelming! And it will be fun to go there with Matt... then after there I have to head back to Terrace for my orientation the our ICU... smiles... I am looking forward to seeing everyone again too... I miss my sibs and my wonderful friends... and hey guess what?! no more courses!!!! (for a while anyway... I need a break!) So anyone who wants to just hang out - go for coffee - go to the gym... let me know... cuz I want to see you!!!

a new season begins...

2008-12-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

This is the picture... coming in after only 4 runs on my first day of the season... this is the picture of freezing me, Birke, and Aaron.... It was a great day... gorgeous - beautiful... talk about a reflection of Papa's glory! The sun was shining so brightly - I was amazed again at how incredible creation is... wow... it took my breath away... or was it the subzero weather that took my breath away! It was cold. no, that is an understatement... it was FREEZING!!! I was a big whiner... but that is nothing new to Birke... she's the greatest boarding partner of all time!! Our new protoge (who already far exceeds my skills) is my little brother Aaron... he really is such a great guy - I love his sense of adventure and his apparent lack of fear... he will certainly challenge Birke and I to expand our snowboarding skills!!
Now I leave you with one more picture - just to prove to you how freakin cold!! Yes, I wanted to cry - the pain in my feet from cold... now forever captured in a photograph! (no worries though - no frostbite... as much as I felt like there was!!)

Can't wait to go again!!!

some exciting news!

2008-12-19T02:45:00.000-08:00

With the encouragement of Travis (a friend at work), well ok... he brought the application and filled out half of it... I applied for a part time position in ER/ICU!

I heard back on the 17th from the nurse manager for that department and it looks as though I have the job! :)

It would mean that I would work part time in ER/ICU - floating between the departments, and part time on the Acute Care Unit where I already work. One day and one night in each department... I am really excited about this opportunity! I am excited to expand and develop my skills as a nurse... it really is a great opportunity! :)

It is not that I dislike my job... not at all! I love the people I work with and the work on the floor... I find myself very blessed to be working in a job that I love and with so many great people... and again with so many opportunities to be His hands in this world...

I won't start this new position until the end of January... I will start with an orientation to the ER (even though I already work casual down there) and then as soon as thats over...
I go to Prince George... for the month of February I am going to PG for my ICU practicum! It is not where I originally wanted to go... I did want to go to Nanaimo, but it seems that God has other plans... and it looks like it will be easier to visit Matt on my days off... :) blessing in disguise I would say!
After I return to Terrace in March I start a month long orientation to the ICU here... before starting in on my line in April...

SO much goes on... each day truly is an adventure!!! To think that all this is happening... when CHRISTMAS is in less than a week!!! Yes... I am beyond excited for that... but thought I would share with you all a little tidbit of my daily happenings and events...

SQUISHES

'not tomorrow but the next day'

2008-12-09T03:14:00.000-08:00

so I can officially say "not tomorrow but the next day" for what you ask?? Matt is coming to Terrace for two whole days! It is a short visit... (please don't remind me of that) but I am so grateful that he is coming at all! This whole working a zillion miles away kinda sucks! But it is good - I see Papa's hand in it all... I know that God has a plan and purpose for this time and although difficult at times - he makes it light and easy... and Matt does such a good job of easing the distance with phone calls, emails, cards and surprises that make the time between visits seem at least bearable... mushy mushy I know... but what can I say - I love him! yep its true :) and I am pretty excited to see him on Thursday!

The Christmas banquet is this Friday! I am excited to dress up again (I just had my work party last Saturday night) and to dance the night away with Mark and the girls! smiles... good times had and good memories more to be made! Hopefully if Marlene isn't feeling sick still, I will be meeting with her to go over the program for the night... I have a few games planned... get ready for music and laughter! (great combination wouldn't you say?!)

(I am actually at work right now... and it is almost time for my break! yes, that is something that excites me at 3:30 in the am! I am getting sleepy... even though I did get a good sleep after last nights shift... maybe tomorrow, I mean today sometime I will get around to a picture post... if not today - soon cuz there are bazillions that should be posted for all non-facebook peoples!)

havin a great day!

2008-12-04T16:04:00.001-08:00

SO after another ridiculously late night call with Mr. Wonderful... I had to get up this morning for work!
I thought for sure that the day would be the longest one ever and yet here I am on my coffee break wide awake and still full of pep and sunshine... even though the great outdoors is being blanketed with beautiful puffy snow - it looks soo magical!

Its the cutest thing of today really... I walked into my one room this am and said my goodmornings... and as the day goes on this one ol man says to me... "so the way I see it - you and me we have two problems..." (oh really, and what are those??) "your boyfriend and my wife!" ha ha ha... he is only jokin around - grateful for the assistance with things... he's a sweetie... and it certainly has made my day light and easy. ;) Thanks Papa, for being you and for shining through me today... for carrying me through...

Ok and another greatest thing ever about today... I GOT A PRESENT!!! smiles... my little sis and my Mom brought me a coffee and bagel and then handed me... a package! Mr. Wonderful strikes again... the cutest card ever and a Christmas CD for me to enjoy!!! He is seriously quite the thoughtful guy... and looks for so many ways to make the distance less... I can't wait to see him on the 11th!

Now - one more thing before I have to go back to work... really there is so much to say and not enough time or can't type fast enough... K - long story short - I have been trying to swap around a bunch of my shifts at the end of December cuz Matt is coming!!!! He was going to surprise me but as it turned out I was scheduled to work 9 out of 11 days that he was going to be here... BOO... anyhoo... the latest and greatest news - I just got the 23 and 24th of Dec off!!!! YAHOO!!! I still have to work 25th and 26th night shift but thats ok.. cuz its all triple time... thank you Jesus! Oh and I have to work New Years Day - I won't be hung over... but I will be zonked! lol... what else is new these days... sigh - so worth it though... this must be love! giggles...

K... best get back to work! I'll try to pop on here again soon!! Happy 20 days til Christmas and my birthday to all!!!

update on the last excitement!

2008-12-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Well... it as ONLY been just over 3 and a half months since my last post! :P
So to start I will update on my list of excitement (which is kind of fun cuz I get to relive all that excitement!)
1. the yardwork... umm yeah... kinda needs to be done all over again- the leaves are just not done... oops... thankfully Aaron raked up a bunch of them for me... he is such a great guy!! You all should know I love him to bits!

2. the GTT - was amazing!! I think if I look back what I remember the most about the sermons is how often people will say oh thank goodness I am not going here, not on this road anymore... and they miss out on the joy of the time that they are in... um yeah guess you had to be there... ALSO, all the good times surrounding that weekend will be heart memories that will be treasured for always... the trip to the Nass... the teambuilding night... the campfires... the HotRod movie night... le sigh - good times!

3. April's arrival home! It has been great having her back... she seems to have grown up more over the summer... and is becoming quite the young woman... a little bit of a tyrant at times... a little obsessive about next Christmas... but I know its just cuz she loves me and wants to be with me...

4. Meeting Bernie Bunnie... that was interesting to say the least... not really too sure what to make of him... really... I am glad though that April is happy with him - and he treats her well.

5. Matt's visit... smiles - well there have been a few more of those in between...but I think that was the first visit that he was here after we decided to pursue our relationship beyond just a friendship... and just to add... I think that was a great choice on his part! :P kidding... I meant on my part! He is amazing... and yes, I love him!

6. The back to school bash... went wonderfully... smiles - had to quiet some of the kids down a bit by 3am but meh... good times and great pics were had!

7. My pediatric specialty... the first course is done done done! I passed it with a 90% (the last rushed assignment must not have been a good one!) I am glad to have it finished... and not sure how excited I am about starting up again in January... guess I had better get moving on that if I am going to register!!

8. Hiking shoes... I love them! They are great for walking too - oh and I did take them with to Creston and they were quite wonderful for hiking up Thompson with Jen, Adam, Gabby, Josh and Matt... oooo that was COLD!

9. Working with they youth... :) Yes this dream has come true! We have had two weeks so far and I am excited to see what God is going to do in their hearts... I am looking forward to developing my own leadership skills and to doing what it takes to see these young people grow...

10. I did end up preaching in September... I spoke about how our identity is found in intimacy... if you want to hear it, I will try to figure a way to upload it or send it... It was an incredible learning experience for me, and I was truly blessed to have the opportunity and the support of my church family.

OK - now to PRESENT DAY!! yes... I said present day... eeekkk!! I am sooo excited for Christmas - and my birthday!!! This year is extra special... as far as Christmas goes I am getting the greatest gift ever - Matt is going to be here! And as far as my birthday goes... this year is my golden birthday! that means... turning 25 on the 25th! ... can we say party anyone?!?!

Yes, I know I am rambling at this point... I have tons to do... really I have tons that I could talk about as I have not updated on here in beyond forever... but for all of my new fans who live forever and a day away... I am going to try and be faithful on here... smiles!

Well off to work for me - and by work I mean cleaning and organizing my overfull house!! (mom and the kids have moved in... :S)

Excitement!

2008-08-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

So just thought I would share a bit of my excitement... seeing as it has been once again way too long since I have last posted!

There are many things of great excitement to me... but I will list for you only 10!

1. I finished my yarkwork - finally!!!
2. GTT this weekend coming - what is God going to do??? !!!
3. April is coming home on Friday!!
4. She is bringing Bernie Bunnie to meet us all!!!
5. Matt is coming to visit on Wednesday!!
6. Back to School BASH next weekend - 8pm at the church - be there!!
7. Starting my pediatric specialty in September...
8. I have new hiking shoes! - hike anyone?
9. I am going to (hopefully) start working with the Youth
10. I just may preach a sermon this fall...

So those are some of my top excitements for today... Love you all - pray you are doing well!

time to build...

2008-08-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

We can only build what Jesus is building... we must build for him a dwelling place for Holy Spirit to dwell... He is building us into a royal priesthood - a holy nation... we are God's fellow workers - his building (1Cor3:9)... We must show up and take our place in the wall - we must take our place as a living stone... we must have a heart that anticipates that God wants to use us... we are his hands and feet in this world... we are his dwelling place... his temple.

It is time to start building what Jesus is building. To get vision from the throne of heaven and to take action. Our Father's kindom suffers violence... and the violent must take it by force (Matt 11:12)... it requires action! We must shout our battle cry with our actions. We must ask ourselves what our worship is costing us? What sacrifice are we presenting before our God?

He is asking: "Where is an offering that I can consume with my presence?"

What are we offering him, where are we sharing the gifts that he has given the world through us... they are not for us - they are for the world - for the body of believers... it is time to bring the sacrifice... it is time to build the Kingdom of God

I find my heart stirred today... I find my heart humbled before my maker and my master as he challenges me to bring my offering. I have been sitting by holding onto the gifts that he has placed within me for fear that I would not be 'good enough'... but that is the key... to NOT be good enough... for when we are weak HE can be strong and HE receives glory. Holy Spirit is challenging me to bring a sacrifice of praise... to serve my church... to serve my community... to remember that it is NOT about me... I am once again humbled at his feet... I confess my selfishness before him, I confess my laziness to my creator... and I receive forgiveness... I receive his commission to GO...

Undivided Focus

2008-07-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

As the days thoughts and battles are tumbling around in my mind... He brings me back to the beginning... to why I am here, to my purpose in this world... He gives me focus again... I am created by him and for him... it is a passionate love affair like no other... the walls I build cannot stay - for as fast as I try to reinforce them, he is removing the the stones in my wall... I was created to behold...

Holy Spirit I surrender to you
Holy Spirit I surrender to you

Take my life, I lay it down
All my gifts and all my crowns
I am yours

I am in love
Undivided focus
I am in love with you

Holy Spirit, I surrender to you
Holy Spirit, I surrender to you

Take my hand and lead me through
How glorious it feels to be with you
I am yours

I am in love
Undivided focus
I am in love with you

I am in love
Undivided focus
I am in love with you

Take my life, I lay it down
All my gifts and all my crowns
Take my hand and lead me through
How glorious it feels to be with you
I am yours

todays battle

2008-07-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

These walls are high, these walls are strong
I've been locked in this castle that I've built for far too long
You have surrounded me, a sea on every side
These cracks are forming and I've got nowhere to hide

Now I see, these walls I've built are falling
And Your waves of grace are washing over me

My heart's been hard, I have been blind
I have often worked so hard to keep You from my mind
I have ruled my life, a palace built on sand
But I want You to reign, Lord take me by the hand

Lord please reign in every part
I give my life to You, I open up my heart
I want to be like You, I want to seek Your face
Oh Lord, please wash me in Your awesome waves of grace

just two more sleeps!

2008-06-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

So... once again I have been a blog slacker! I thought I was going to update a lot while in Thailand.. .yeah that didn't happen!! smiles... But all the world should know that I had a great time...well behaved, relaxing, and adventurous! :)

I got home just over a week ago now... and was back to work immediately! smiles - well, the next morning! the second day I had my CC course... (critical care) I have only missed three weeks, and this week they were 'reviewing' ACLS - cardiac arrest management - would have been helpful if I had even taken the course!! anyhoo... still did ok... and no more class til Aug 14!

Friday night was Chris' 30th! Wow... didn't know he was so old!! It was great to see everyone and to celebrate with Chris!

Saturday - friend from Southern BC came to visit... we walked, we made dinner, we talked, made cookies and watched a movie... thanks Heather for getting the choc chips!!

Sunday - Papa's house.... soooo good to be home! Good worship, good word, good fellowship! Aferward lunch at Mr.Mikes... a visit to Can Tire... and a trek to Gruchy's... some Wii sports and then off to Kim's to visit with her and Heather before my OT shift in the ICU started at midnight...

Monday... sleep... coffee with mom at 9... sleep... prayer!!!

Tues.. that was just yesterday... I slept and then worked...

Today... the day is just beginning... and I am going to bed!!!

OH... Just two more sleeps... referring to Teen Camp!! I am going to be Nursey again for a few days!!

a thought...

2008-06-24T03:29:00.001-07:00

just one thought before I go to bed...

ready?

here it goes...

- I really need to update this!

TRAVELS...

2008-05-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

So after a very very long journey from Vancouver to Thailand... Jess and I are sitting here in Bangkok... :)

We had a 10hr layover in Japan - Osaka to be exact, which was really cool because we went out to an outlet mall and then over to a beach where we saw an awesome sunset... the only bummer was how exhausted we were! I was so tired that i was actually laying on the bench while waiting for the bus to take us back to the airport!! ha ha ha... it was awesome
The flight on Thai Airway was great - such a pretty plane! and the food was all incredible! We took a taxi in to KohSan road... backpacker central and arrived at about 6am... we walked around a tiny bit - grabbed a room showered and took a quick nap... and now here we are at 9am letting everyone know we are safe!
Our day plans... eat, shop, and catch the bus we already booked for Koh Phangnen... no agenda really!! oh I love that!!
Love you all... keep us in your prayers... BIG SQUISHES

a warring bride...

2008-05-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 2 Corinthians 11:2

“The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name” (Ex. 15:3).

The Lord, my warrior, my husband fought for me... he fought through the turmoils of this world and has gone to eternity and back to fight for me...

Sometimes I ask myself why? why would the God of heaven and earth fight for me, really... I am not the 'greatest' at anything and I spend more time flat on my buttocks than I do standing... I ask myself why?

And then, the love that surpasses understanding envelopes my heart and calms the storms of my heart and I know why... its about a love affair that my mind cannot comprehend, it is about taking the least of these (me) and bringing me into my destiny... a warring bride of Christ... it seems impossible to me - but what seems impossible to man is more than possible for the master creator!

I will buckle my boots, put on the gown he has given me, pick up my sword - and add my tiara... I will fight the battles set before me... even though they seem so numerous... I know I will prevail if I just set my heart in Papa's gentle hands... I am already victorious - its time to remind someone of that!

(for all who read... this princess could use some prayers these days... smiles-thanks)

Eternity in our hearts...

2008-05-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

"Forever and ever? That’s it? That’s the “good news”? And then we sigh and feel guilty that we are not more “spiritual.” We lose heart, and we turn once more to the present to find what life we can. Eternity ends up having no bearing on our search for life whatsoever. It feels like the end of the search. And since we’re not all that sure about what comes after, we search hard now.
Remember, we can only hope for what we desire. How can the church service that never ends be more desirable than the richest experiences of life here? It would be no small difference if you knew in your heart that the life you prize is just around the corner, that your deepest desires have been whispering to you all along about what’s coming. You see, Scripture tells us that God has “set eternity” in our hearts (Eccl. 3:11). Where in our hearts? In our desires.

The return of spring brings such relief and joy and anticipation. Life has returned, and with it sunshine, warmth, color, and the long summer days of adventure together. We break out the lawn chairs and the barbecue grill. We tend the garden and drink in all the beauty. We head off for vacations. Isn’t this what we most deeply long for? To leave the winter of the world behind, what Shakespeare called “the winter of our discontent,” and find ourselves suddenly in the open meadows of summer?
(The Journey of Desire , 111)

a great day to blog about!

2008-05-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

Ok Tams... you win.... for now! But only cuz I have something incredible to tell the world!!!

I AM GOING TO THAILAND!!!!!

I will blog again either later - or tomorrow or soon... about my excitement...

I am leaving May 24 and returning June 16... how freaking awesome is this going to be!!!!!!

birthday wishes...

2008-02-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!!!!

love you today and always... hope your day is FULL of blessing!!!

another bit of OT!!

2008-02-04T22:04:00.000-08:00

Can just reiterate how thankful I am... smiles - I was able to work some OT as and Emerg/ICU float the other day (SUN) and now, get to go in again to ER for 8 hours... yes the time is a little odd - 2300-0700 but that is all good!! I can now banksome OT... you know get those bills paid!
Everytime I start to feel a little stressed about anything God always reminds me that he is faithful - he IS more than enough for me... and he always provides for my needs...
Thanks Papa for the OT! (especially in the ER dept - cuz I love working there!!)

thankful...

2008-02-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

I think that it was at work the other night that I was thinking how thankful I was to be alive... I was thinking about how much I really did have to be thankful for...

like the fact that after backing into someone's car I had the money to pay for it...
like the fact that I have the ability to help a little girl and her foster family...
like that fact that when I wake up to a freezing cold home, I can get my furnace fixed...
like the fact that I have a home with a furnace that needs to be fixed...
like the fact that my sister comes to visit me and we can laugh ourselves to sleep...
like the fact that my brother stops over after his week long holiday to say hello...
like the fact that my sister and her friend will sit at the table and talk to about school...
like the fact that I have friends who call and leave incredible messages on my phone...

Yes, I have a great deal to be thankful for in this world... I am glad to be alive - although I am sure many of you often wonder if I still exist... giggles.... I am here, and I get your messages - and I am truly very grateful for them!

Thanks Papa for the gifts you give - even the ones that come in strange packages

The Secret Set within Our Hearts

2008-01-22T08:15:00.000-08:00

It seems to me we can never give up longing and wishing while we are alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger for them. (George Eliot)

And I still haven’t found what I’m looking for. (U2)

There is a secret set within each of our hearts. It often goes unnoticed, we rarely can put words to it, and yet it guides us throughout the days of our lives. This secret remains hidden for the most part in our deepest selves. It is simply the desire for life as it was meant to be.
Isn’t there a life you have been searching for all your days? You may not always be aware of your search, and there are times when you seem to have abandoned looking altogether.
But again and again it returns to us, this yearning that cries out for the life we prize. It is elusive, to be sure. It seems to come and go at will. Seasons may pass until it surfaces again. And though it seems to taunt us, and may at times cause us great pain, we know when it returns that it is priceless. For if we could recover this desire, unearth it from beneath all other distractions, and embrace it as our deepest treasure, we would discover the secret of our existence.

(The Journey of Desire, 1–2)

A love affair of the heart...

2008-01-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

For above all else, the Christian life is a love affair of the heart. It cannot be lived primarily as a set of principles or ethics. It cannot be managed with steps and programs. It cannot be lived exclusively as a moral code leading to righteousness. In response to a religious expert who asked him what he must do to obtain real life, Jesus asked a question in return:
“What is written in the Law? . . . How do you read it?” He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:26–28, emphasis added)
The truth of the gospel is intended to free us to love God and others with our whole heart. When we ignore this heart aspect of our faith and try to live out our religion solely as correct doctrine or ethics, our passion is crippled, or perverted, and the divorce of our soul from the heart purposes of God toward us is deepened.
(The Sacred Romance, 8)

Days like today...

2008-01-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

It is days like today that make me feel like being a nurse is the greatest ever... I am currently on my morning break and feeling quite joyous that my day is going so smoothly thus far! I have started 2 new IV's, finished all my morning meds, morning assessments, some charting even and have gotten all my IV meds mixed for the rest of the day! Yes ladies and gentlemen I am on the ball today!!
There is something to be said for starting your day right... I have come to notice that the days that I make the time to get up and get myself ready - spirit, soul and body - those days are always the most productive... funny how that is... maybe there really is some truth in the whole "those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength" or "the joy of the Lord is your strength"... hmmm do we really believe that what we believe is real?? I have come to realize that believe it or not... smiles... it is the truth - and the truth supercedes the illusion that the world offers...
All that to say - its a great day to be alive - I have great patients today... well mostly, smiles... I love it when you get a room full of good ones...

A woman's journey...

2008-01-16T05:36:00.000-08:00

Then the time came when the risk it took

To remain tight in a bud was more painful

Than the risk it took to blossom.

- Anais Nin

Spirit's Kiss...

2007-10-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

Oh we touch, spirit to spirit we entwine and we are lost in the air

Heaven and Earth draw close to see what's this, spirit's kiss

Oh we love, spirit to spirit we entwine and the truth is laid bare

Heaven and Earth weren't made to see all this, spirit's bliss

You sent the stars to shine in the night sky

and I know that I'm a twinkle in your eye

you make the laughter run like water

I'll be the one to make you smile, make you smile

I wanna make you smile, I'll make you smile

Oh we touch, spirit to spirit we entwine and we are lost in the air

Heaven and Earth draw close to see what's this; spirits kiss

Oh we love, spirit to spirit we entwine and the truth is laid bare

Heaven and Earth weren't made to see all this; Spirit's bliss

**it's a love song like no other... a song that echoes the cry of my heart... my love for God grows deep like the ocean, farther than the sky - I will seek him and reach for him, He is my desire every day - to pour out my love... to see him smile...

It is in the small things that make my heart delight in his love for me... a friend wanting to give me a manicure, a colleague smiling when they see me, a patient complimenting my beauty... all things that I know are purely because of who it is inside of me; because of who I am a reflection of... may that beauty grow deeper and be a more accurate description of my master designer... his handiwork is wonderful - how well I know it!!

Turkey Day

2007-10-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

It was a glorious day... in so many ways I have to say thank you, thank you, thank you... I absolutely love this holiday - it gives us an extra special reason to say thank you to our creator for the joys and the beauties in life... This year was the first time that I had turkey dinner in a home that I own... and it went mostly perfectly!! There was a brother missing and a certain adopted sister missing as well (Tamara!!)... but there was an extra special blessing found in Melissa - an agency nurse who turns out is a 'kindred spirit' (as Anne would say)... we dined and laughed and laughed and cried with laughter until the wee hours of the morning... it was grand...

Thank you Papa... for life... for the ability to enjoy life and to share it with your creation - to recognize beauty beyond comprehension in others... help me to never forget that a thankful heart is not one to show up just on Thanksgiving but each and every day that I am blessed with breath... love ya

and the painting continues on...

2007-10-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

So here Ella and I are... painting away... this has been the life that we have led in the last few weeks after getting possession of the house... this and of course working!!

(oh and we musn't forget Moneca's Bachelorette - Starla, I need those pics!!) and also Monec and Devin's beautiful wedding - Moneca... truly stunning!!

Ok.. I thought I would have more time... nope - back to painting the bathroom!!!

puppy needs a name...

2007-09-16T05:23:00.000-07:00

Ok everyone... not only do I get my keys tomorrow!!! I get a puppy on Tuesday!! She will look just like the one above... and she needs a name!! I have a few ideas in mind but I would love to hear what you guys suggest!

I am getting the puppy from Jo's mom... Jo is the little girl that I am 'hanging out' with once a week... Henny set me up through the socialwork department and I am acting in some ways as a 'bigsister' - doing some respite care for the girls foster parents... so they breed these pups... and I have fallen in love with one - her current name is Twilight... but I need to change that... so comment away!!

only...

2007-08-30T20:25:00.001-07:00

19 more sleeps until I get the keys!!!

So its been almost 10 days since I last posted... and now in only 19 sleeps I get the keys to my new house!!! I can hardly wait - but I am working crazy hours so that I can buy furniture to fill my house... so you all can come and have a place to sit and visit and yes... have many many parties!!!

So that leaves me to work tomorrow morning... super sorry to Henny and Tams - I was going to come and help out where I could with your moving! I will stop over as soon as I am finished at work - just in case you need more help!! AND -I will update again on life on my next night shift! Ciao for now mis amigos!

It's mine!!

2007-08-21T02:14:00.000-07:00

It is with great excitement that I report to the blogerland world that I got the house!!! The financing came through just before I headed in for an overtime shift!! yahoo!!! Ok, so I am just a little teensy bit excited! Can't wait to post pictures - can't wait to have you all over!!!

So yes, working overtime right now... was looking forward to having the night off... but I am a sucker for the OT - and I really don't like leaving the people short-staffed! Just two nights ago, I showed up to a super short-staffed situation - and I had to be in charge! It was crazy! Every department was short of RN's... so I had to bite the bullet and take charge of the floor! Good times... ha ha ha

Hmm... what else is happening in life...???

Oh - I guess I haven't reported in a while about my love life... still going strong with the big man - although the amount of time spent together is somewhat lacking - I do wish I could have more time... I really love when I am at work and I hear him whisper some random thing or another... its good to know that I have him... smiles

It is super late right now, and yes, I am tired! I think I might actually sleep on my break tonight cuz this night is going by sooo slowly!!! Miss you all - hope you are all coming to the wedding shower for Devin and Moneca on Friday night!!!!

a good one...

2007-08-13T04:31:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted a good post. Really it is mostly due to my laziness - yes it is true! I have so much going on - and yet have no idea where to begin!!
Let's start with right now - working overtime! Yesss!!! I am hoping and praying to be a workaholic for the next month and a half... why you wonder - because I am buying a house!!
I put in an offer on Friday - and after a few counter offers back and forth - we settled! Now, we have to go through the contract and remove all of the subject to's... ie: subject to financing, subject to buyer (thats me!) obtaining satisfactory insurance, subject to satisfactory inspection... those kind of things!! I dont' really have any concerns though - so *squeals* I am super excited about that!
My closing date is September 17... so I have to work work work so that I have all of my downpayment, then I also am going to need absolutely everything to fill the house up - kitchen wares, furnitures, lawn care... all the joyous things that fill a house and make it a home!
I am thinking that I won't move in right away (I will be housesitting for my old preceptor anyway) but that I will do some painting first... the kitchen is perfect! I want to paint the bathroom, the master bedroom and who knows what else yet! I just figure that it would make the most sense to paint before the furniture arrives! Painting party anyone????
Ok - so that is my biggest, hugest news!! Next up, white water rafting on Tuesday - woot woot!!! Super excited about that - I love the sense of adventure that it instills in me... I love the wide open world that is before me... yahoo - rapids here I come!!
Also on the go right now... planning a shower for Devin and Moneca - it will be a joint shower, guys and girls all mixed in together - August 24th @7pm(kind of last minute but I couldn't let the girl go without a shower!!) If you are interested in coming let me know and I will fill you in on details!! Let's bless the socks off this couple!!
So now, that this has become quite a rather lengthy post, I am sure you are wondering - at work????? Yes, I am at work - don't worry, on a break!! Patient load is good, not too heavy - cant complain... actually I love my job!

home and back...

2007-08-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

so not a lot of time (what else is new!) to update you all's on my adventures... but I am home from the Charlotte's - yes still alive to tell the stories!! - and I am back to work right off!!! Right now just waiting for laundry... then need to catch some zzzz's before work... but oh - so many stories to tell!!! I will touch base with you all in blogland soon... even post pictures!!!
This just in... Starla asked me to be a part of her labour team! Truly I am honoured Starla, that you would consider me and invite me to be a part of Lily's arrival into this beautiful world... can't wait!!!
OH - one more thing... White Water Rafting trip planned for August 14 (tues) - anyone want in??

my bag is packed...

2007-08-02T02:43:00.000-07:00

and I am ready to go??

In just a few short hours I will be finished my last night shift of this set... why is that important you may ask? It means that in just a few short hours, my outdoor adventure to the Queen Charlottes with my gum girl will commence!
We have spent the last week or so planning this trip - for her birthday - to the Charlotte's... we are taking our bikes, our backpacks and a tent over on the 11am ferry and trucking (ok biking) around the island for 4 days... we will be back the night before our next set starts...
I am not really sure what to expect... and I am not really sure that I am as prepared as I should be - but meh! It is our outdoor adventure!!
We are planning on hiking up to Yakoun Lake, basking on the beaches, checking out the half-carved canoe, the fallen Great Golden Spruce (or whatever kind of tree!), the old shipwreck, and the balancing rock! Its gonna be full of fun - freedom - and fresh air!
So... if you dont see me around for the next few days... nothing to worry - I will be over the waters... and returning on Monday evening.... enjoying (hopefully) some much needed time off!!

for my Honey Bunch!

2007-07-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

...After all, its not easy to decide the best out of the best...For the best sister in the world!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY BUNCH!!!

I can hardly believe it... but yes it is true... after days of counting down... you are 14!!!

Time to celebrate!!! Can't wait for our slumber party tonight... tiara's and pjamas... and Disney Princess movies... what an incredulous combination... if anyone wants to come - you know where we live!

It's Official!!

2007-07-24T01:14:00.000-07:00

I went out shopping today after I woke up with my gum girl... we both had wedding gifts to purchase... (I can hardly believe Leah is getting married on Saturday already!!)

So, when I returned home - after the delightful thunderstorm - I grabbed the mail and headed inside... my letter had come... I was almost scared to open it... Heather (darling that she is) asked me if I wanted her to do it... I had to be brave... I opened it... read it... SO?? I coundn't find the results.... there was a slip of paper... and I PASSED!!! YAY!!! (I apparently skipped right over that part while reading the letter!!) So know it is official! I am an official RN!! I can sign my name: Carin Vivian BScN, RN - yahoo!!! no more worries!!! So glad to get those results!!!

Now... tomorrow! I am sleeping when I get home - but have to go for a drive to Kitimat (anyone want to go?) I have a course on our computer charting that I have to attend... brutal - but will be back by 5pm... just in time for the fire!! yahoo!! looking forward to seeing everyone!!!(totally missed church on Sunday as I ended up working a double shift - 24hrs... so sleep was needed that day as I was working nights that night as well... the life of a working girl!)

Love and squishes...

I miss the world!!!

2007-07-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

So I was totally looking forward to going for a run last night after work (was going to call you Jess), and then someone called in sick for nights - leaving only one RN on the floor... so I volunteered to stay until midnight. I couldn't stay later as I have to work today too! :) and it looks as though I will be here til midnight again... yahoo... lol

So I miss everyone!! seriously... Starla, you could have had your little Lilly and I wouldn't know! (ok I know its not for a few months! but still!) Tams... what's happenin?? Tuesday night for sure ok?! ANYONE ELSE... please call!! I would love love love to see your beautiful healthy faces!! giggles... see you at church tomorrow morning! YES!!

V8

2007-07-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

ok so I know I really need to update... seems that I am slacking quite a bit these days... but really what can I tell all of you?! Do you really want to hear how much I have been working??? probably not! But just for your information... I have just finished 6 night shifts and one day off! Now, I am starting on my first of 2 days/2nights rotation... will there be more overtime after that... hmm we'll see! It is looking like the next paycheck will be quite wonderful!!

Oh - during this lovely work schedule... I received my very first ever pedicure!! It was a treat from my previous preceptor... followed by lunch for my first time at DonDiegos... it was a lovely day... and let me tell you - pedicures are AWESOME!! yah! (super great to see Tams!! I feel so separated from the world when I work... I need to arrange for dinner and coffee times!!)

Ok... break is ending... squishes to all!!

some camp adventures

2007-07-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

And we are off... to Rough Acres Bible Camp - Teen Camp!

at camp, they still love each other... look at my sibs all sweetly sitting together...awww..

everyone hanging out by the lodge during free time... can you spot my new special friend?? BOB!

are you serious?!? hail?!?! on the 30th of June??? *tear

too funny! (blowing up latex gloves with your nose til they burst)

poor guys... I got 32 clothespins on Aaron's face... we won!!

gross!!! there is a raw egg in there... first one out of breath... ewww

Happy Canada Day darling sister!

new and old friends! (from the worship band)

getting ready for the next game... with our team mascots!! GO YELLOW GO!!!

the lodge.... thank heavens I got to sleep inside there!

Judge Jughead's sentence: eat a jalapeno pepper.... yikes!

the sentence: whipped cream in face.... (I was a baliff!)

Deeply in love

2007-07-15T02:46:00.000-07:00

In my life, you've heard me say I love you, how do I show you its true, hear my heart it longs for more of you, I've fallen deeply in love with you.
You have stolen my heart, I am captivated by you, never will you and I part, I've fallen deeply in love with you.
You and I together forever, nothing can stand in the way, my love for you grows stronger each new day, I've fallen deeply in love with you.
You have stolen my heart, I am captivated by you, never will you and I part, I've fallen deeply in love with you.
Deeply in love, deeply in love with you...

The crystal above has taken its shape within the environment of love. There is a man who would create the frozen crystals with various words written on the outside of the container, some positive and some negative. The positive ones such as love, peace, grace etc take on a beauty incomparable whereas the ones with negative words such as hate, anger, etc look cracked and broken... this leads me to think more about the words that we surround ourselves with - the environment that we place ourselves in.
Is my life one that reflects the love that I feel deep in my heart? I sometimes wonder about that - actually I often wonder about that. I continually say that I want my life to reflect and exude love - but do I truly make the efforts in my day to day life to show that love? probably not like I should... not like my mentor does - and that is the standard that I ascribe to.
So day by day, as I grow and walk this journey, choreographing my daily dance - I must be sure to take the time to reflect, to humble myself, to grow, to love.
I want my legacy to be one of love and compassion... I want my life to say that I was deeply in love - for all to see...
Each day is fresh and new, with a realm of possibilities... What will I choose? Am I living a life of love today?

update on me.

2007-07-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

super quick here.... an update!

I finished my orientation with flying colours!! yay - now, off to Jr.Boys camp to be the nurse for the week!! Back on the 12th!!
LOVE everyone - miss you all!!
SQUISHES!

Just about time...

2007-06-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I like the bigger writing... giggles... makes me feel like I am writing more even though really the lettering is just taking up more space... funny how the mind plays tricks on you eh?! (now, that has nothing to do with what I was going to post about!)

Just about time... for... well, for many things really! I am embarking on many new adventures within this next week! Going to Teen Camp on Friday with my bro and sisters... no, not as a camper - I am going as the camp nurse! (nursey returns!) It is going to be lots of fun to be there with my siblings and to experience camp nursing in a different way... (I was a camp nurse for a camp that was geared toward giving people with various disabilities/abilities a camp experience) So I am driving Sally up on Friday morning... yahoo!! The only bummer part of this deal is that we have to leave at 3am on Monday (the others get to leave after lunch!)...

That brings to the next new adventure!! I am starting work on Monday at 7am!! (which is why we have to leave Houston so early!! I am just doing orientation for the first set - which is good... have lots to learn, am a little apprehensive about working independently - well being responsible now!! ack! So glad I have such great people to work with though!

Now that I am rambling (in big letters), I have to add... the HAT PICNIC tonight in honour of Leah... wedding shower!! I have to say ladies... the decorating looks phenomenal... so incredible and wonderful!! YAY!! Can't wait!!!

Thank you everyone!

2007-06-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say a great BIG thank you to everyone who came out last night to celebrate the end of my career as a student!! All who dressed up - you looked fantastic!! (don't forget: growing up is optional!!)
Thanks for the kind words and gifts and of course all of the laughter!!

ER and scrapbooking...

2007-06-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

So today - tuesday - as I await the glorious dinner to be had with Moriah n Tamara (and Henny?) I am catching up on some ER episodes... I truely do love the show - just am so far behind in the episodes... so now while I have the time - I am gonna catch up a bit! smiles... have to admit - can't wait for the real thing to start!!

While I watch, I am working on finishing my Greece scrapbook - I am just over half way and am trying to get it finished so that I can show everyone at cell on Thursday! I am also going to finish my laundry today and print a my pictures from the Dominican!

Is it dinner time yet?!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

2007-06-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish Papa a Happy Father's Day!! I love him so... smiles

And to all the other dads out there... wishing you a day full of blessing as we celebrate the role that you play in this world! The world certainly needs you - to fight for us kids and to lead us to eternity!

Nursing Fun

2007-06-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

You believe every patient needs TLC: Thorazine, Lorazepam and Compazine.
You would like to meet the inventor of the call light in a dark alley one night.
You believe not all patients are annoying ... some are unconscious.
Your sense of humor seems to get more "warped" each year.
Almost everything can seem humorous ... eventually.
Every time you walk, you make a rattling noise because of all the stuff in your pockets.
You refuse to watch ER because it's too much like the real thing and triggers "flash backs."
You check the caller ID when the phone rings on your day off to see if someone from the office is trying to call to ask you to work.
You've been telling stories in a restaurant and had someone at another table throw up.
Every time someone asks you for a pen, you can find at least three of them on you.
You can intubate your friends at parties.
You don't get excited about blood loss ... unless it's your own.
You live by the motto, "To be right is only half the battle, to convince the physician is more difficult."
You've basted your Thanksgiving turkey with a Toomey syringe.
You've told a confused patient your name was that of your coworker and to HOLLER if they need help.
Eating microwave popcorn out a clean bedpan is perfectly natural.
Your bladder can expand to the same size as a Winnebago's water tank.
When checking the level of orientation of a patient, you aren't sure of the answer.
You find yourself checking out other customer's arm veins in grocery waiting lines.
You avoid unhealthy looking shoppers in the mall for fear that they'll drop near you and you'll have to do CPR on your day off.
You've sworn you're going to have "NO CODE" tattooed on your chest.

I'll do it Tams!

2007-06-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

And so I say "I'll do it Tams!" because I am here at home waiting for a games night to begin... waiting for work to begin... blogging about silly surveys which people love way too much! giggles... here goes!
1.ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT? the scar on the dorsal side of my right hand is there as a result of somebody's snowboard being in my seat and my spinning around and scraping my hand across it... barely broke the surface yet check out the scar!
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM? hmm... some photographs, artwork from various places...
3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP? could be all of the above... I know that when I was a kid I used to grind my teeth... don't know about now... and I am sure everyone snores to some extent... my snore would be very delicate of course!
4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO? a little of this, a little of that...
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?5:51pm I believe... sometime around dinner!
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW? I want a place to call my own!
7. WHAT or WHO DO YOU MISS? I miss my sweet love, my roommate, and my jillybean
8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)? well... my car, my ring, and my necklace are probably the most expensive things...
9. HOW TALL ARE YOU? 5"7 practically a giant!
10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC? not generally...
11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK? not generally...
12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY? Jillybean... why did we have to say goodbye?! *tears
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PERFUME FOR THE OPPOSITE GENDER? oh such a hard question!! I love so many... I think its one of my favourite things on a man!
14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX? depends on the person I suppose... generally like all men!
15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF PROPOSING/ BEING PROPOSED TO???? umm... as my sister says that requires a man!
16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK? most certainly coffee!!
17. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA?Hawaiian is my fav!
18. IF YOU CAN EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE? a delicious Greek Salad with extra feta!
20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH? no way... and don't plan on it!
21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST GIFT SOMEONE EVER GAVE YOU? Beatrice was my first doll... from my aunt when I was born... she was the most loved cabbage patch doll ever!!
22. DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU? everybody loves me! (and if not don't burst my bubble!)
23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED? not in the least!
24 and 25..where did you go?!
26. DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW? well Foundher is the family dog... and Koda (my love, is in Ontario)
27. WHAT KIND IS IT? both are dogs...
28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS GOING TO LEAVE YOU? it is better to live and love than to never have loved at all...
29. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU?show them... actions speak louder than words!
30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED: 43 - yeah JO!!
31. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES? Brunettes are better!
32. WHAT IS THE ONE NUMBER YOU CALL MOST OFTEN? that is a hard one... Jillybean maybe?
33.WHAT ANNOYS YOU THE MOST? where do I begin?! ha ha - kidding...
34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA? I most certainly have!! Welcome to Canada!
35. YOUR WEAKNESSES? chocolate!
36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS? several
37. FIRST JOB? mother's helper before I was old enough to babysit
38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL? *hangs head* I have - all the girls in gr.8 would call the guys randomly... oh my...
41. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT? waiting to go to a games night...
40. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY? dental surgery when I was a kid...
42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOSt? I never noticed...
43. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES? never
44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY? a new snowboard jacket...
45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT? two or three...
46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? my middle name is... after one of the gifts brought to Jesus...
47. DO YOU WISH ON STARS? starlight starbright first star I see to night, I wish I may I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight...
49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE? I switch it up all the time...
50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? its ok
51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? blackforest ham
52. ANY BAD HABITS?I am flawless... (right)
53.WHAT IS THE MOST EMBARRASING CD ON YOUR SHELF?um... none
54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? of course
55. DO LOOKS MATTER? not as much as the heart!
57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER? I am not good with anger...
58. WHERE IS YOUR SECOND HOME? now it is Ontario...
60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? Dolls, barbies, easybake oven...
61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE? way too many!
62. WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A KID?I was before Barney... but loved him while babysitting!! "barney is a dinasaur from our imagination..."
63. DO YOU USE SARCASM? at times...
64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE? well both - but not at the same time!
65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL? the world... my standards are pretty high...
66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES? Princess, CC, Churchie, C, Nursey, Care
67. WHATS YOUR FAVORITE BAND/SINGER? Ruthie all the way!
68. WHATS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? long standing favourite is Friends... although there are others
69. WHAT WAS YOUR ACT/SAT SCORE? highest distinction
70. DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES? all of em!
71. WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOT?hmm... I think Dominican needs a re-visit!
72. WHATS THE FASTEST YOU HAVE GONE IN A CAR?? around 160... its wrong!
73. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU FLIPPED OFF? can't remember... I was flipped off more recently than I did the flipping off... lol

Never loved you more...

2007-06-12T09:25:00.001-07:00

Well you could take a cup, fill it up and just keep on filling until it all comes spilling down the sides, thats what you do in my life.

Or you could watch the sky at sunrise and see the clouds turn shades I never knew, and make me want to cry, thats what you do in my life...

Never mind moderation, you exceed my expectation...

I have never loved you more cuz you have never loved me less than the day before or the day before I have never loved you more...

Have you ever tried to count the stars, way up past mars, it would blow your mind don't even try to think about infinity, thats how you love me

Much more than I can contain, a balloon once tethered to the ground could not stick around to stay... free to fly away

Never mind moderation, you exceed my expectation...

I have never loved you more... cuz you have never loved me less than the day before, or the day before... I have never loved you more... I have never dared to dream, beyond what I have already seen the day before, and the day before... I have never loved you more...exceedingly... abundantly more....

I have never loved you more, cuz you have never loved me less, than the day before or the day before... I have never loved you more... I have never dared to dream, beyond what I have already seen, the day before and the day before... I have never loved you more... never loved you more...

The pursuit of the lover of my soul is something that most cannot comprehend... it is something that can only be felt deep in the soul... it is experienced with each new sunrise, each raindrop, a babies first cry, laughter that rings into the silence... all exclaim that there is a creator passionate about life, passionate about people... passionate about me.

Sometimes I don't know how to explain the love of God to people... but it is somethat that has to be experienced... and is so easy to experience, if we just open the eyes of our heart to see the love that surrounds us, envelopes us in so many ways... Today I say... I have never loved you more - because YOU have never loved me less...

"I am my beloved's and he is mine" ~Song of Solomon 2:16

Flying into a Flood

2007-06-06T16:49:00.001-07:00

So not really sure what I am getting myself into here... heading back to the floodlands of Terrace, BC!! YIKES!!!

Tomorrow... I shall board a wonderful AirCanada flight to my home... Terrace!! Can't wait to see everyone!!! Until then!!

HUGS N SQUISHES!!

University Graduate...

2007-06-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

So... today I have become a university graduate! I put on my cap and gown... walked in to the orchestra playing pomp and circumstance... put on my apricot hood... walked across the stage... shook some hands and received my degree... YAY!! Papa is so proud of me! giggles...definitely wish my family could have been there... but my Papa was there to share it with me... and it was good to sit there... and to realize the culmination of all my work... of the grace that Papa provided over the years to make this day possible...

After grad... it was off to Cobourg to help Theresa finish setting up the hall for her wedding tomorrow... the the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner... good times for sure!

And now... just in after driving Jilly's JeepTJ -standard I might add!! :S back to the reserve... Jilly is staying in town with all the girls from the wedding party... so it was up to me to remember how to drive standard to get back here....

Time to sleep... wedding is tomorrow... lots of work to be done still!! I am going to be the videographer... decorate the getaway car... and whatever else needs to be done by the MOH (maid of honour) or the bride... smiles... here to help in the celebration - and hopefully ease some of the crazy stress!!

bonne nuit tout le monde!

still setting up house

2007-05-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

So I have been told that June 3rd would be a good day to come home - as a surprise... smiles - I would have to agree that it truly is going to be a phenomonal day!! (Tamara's birthday if the world was wondering!)
Unfortunately... (truly am bummed) I still have to write the CRNE (registering exam) on June 6... so i am hurrying home to celebrate as soon as I possibly can!

So what to tell you all... other than I miss you! I am looking forward to catching up with everyone and discovering the world that Terrace has to offer this summer... camping trip is one thing I have in mind - Tams!

Tomorrow (a very special day), I am having lunch with my 'sis' Kailee... and dinner with my sweet love Chandra... spoiled girl I must say!!

Ok... with this I leave you for now... squish!

Kalispera...

2007-05-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

and so I say to you all... good evening... smiles!
It has been ever so long since I have communicated with you all in blogland... miss you I must say in all honesty!
I had a truly divine time in Greece... wish I had more addresses with me so I could have sent more postcards! BUT I will be returning with a few treats for us all to enjoy while we gaze upon the lovely photographs... smiles!
I am staying in Oshawa for a few nights - at the Drews... hanging here until my grad formal dinner/dance on Friday night - its going to be super fun to hang out with all my nursing friends!
OH! I have to leave word... I got my hair chopped today!!! Took my braids out last night and this morning - took about 6hrs in total...sad to see them go - but it was time... now - short short hair! Like Sandra in The Lakehouse... not sure what I think of it yet... pictures to come of course!
Well I think that is it for right now... I would love to write more - actually what I would really love is to speak to you all and tell you all my stories! BUT that cannot be for another few weeks yet... so for now I say Kalispera - goodevening... and I let my droopy eyes leave the computer screen for the evening... (tomorrow I pick up my laptop and will have more time to spend regaling you all with my life stories... )
SQUISHES AND KISSES TO ALL!

chillin on the reserve...

2007-04-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

Just so all of you who aren't on Facebook know... I am still alive... hanging out on the Ojibway reserve for the past few days... and a few more days still to come... its soo nice to be back with my old roomie - Jillybean... feels familiar... although I definitely can't say that I had it rough at AJ's... her family was so great to take me in after the Dominican!

So that is my life right now... smiles... takin er easy and definitely getting excited for my trip to Greece... and yes looking forward to sharing all the pictures and memories with all of you - if I ever get enough time to update this thing then we'll be golden...

Love ya's all - squishes

Home sorta...

2007-04-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

so much for keeping up with the blogging! ha ha ah... I have to agree with you Tams... vacation is no time for blogging! There wasn't a moment where I could break away... here, there, everywhere... and not a lot of sleep!

So I sat around the first day... didn't get too much sun - just enough! AJ on the other hand... burnt to a crisp on day one! (there are pictures that will NOT do justice of her burns...) Also on the first night we made it out to the show - wonderful dancing and fire breathing... and we met people (little did we know these people would be our week long friends)

I then got my hair braided the next day... count with me for just a moment - one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and yes one more... nine hours!!! I had the extensions put in and the lady was super slow... I would have been totally bummed to have spent a whole day doing it but AJ needed a break from the sun and I was able to sit and enjoy the scenery... how incredible the scenery is...

The next day we went on a Jeep Safari... it was incredible! We went all over a local town - we visited a local one room school house....

and then to a typical dominican countryside house where we were able to walk through and see what their home was like... there were tons and tons of kids... some little boys had some turtles - I got to hold one!

After this stop we were off to a cacao plantation... where we got to tour around and even try the cacao before it has begun the drying process... its really quite interesting (thats me reaching for a cacao been from the pod...

A lunch break where we had pina coladas made right in the pineapple... they were soooo good!

Next we went to different beach for a dip in the ocean before heading to the blue lake...

our last stop on the Jeep safari was at a waterfall where some locals jumped off and scurried back up the sides like spiders...

There are way too many pictures to be posting... smiles... that was only the first excursion... more pictures to come... and of course more stories!!!

Hola!

2007-04-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

Words cannot describe the beauty of this picture! I am sitting here now sipping a pina colada... have already had numerous dips into the gorgeous atlantic... hours basking in the sun... and been given a gift by one of the locals! (a beautiful blue bracelet...)
AJ and I arrived late last night to find that her sunscreen and shampoo had burst open and covered the majority of her clothes so we spent a while trying to get it all out... poor AJ!! But all is well... and when we opened our blinds this morning before our meeting with our resort representatives we were completely taken aback by the absolute beauty - and how close we were to the beach!! WOW!!

I will try to continue with the updates... we get 15mins/day internet here included in our package... hope all is well with everyone!!
squishes n prayers!

honoured and celebrated

2007-04-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Talk about being honoured... it was absolutely incredible the treatment that I received last night - my last shift as a student nurse...

Sonja (my preceptor) and the other nurses brought in a ginormous platter of fruit and dip, veggies and dip, crackers and anitpesto, cheese and a huge 'Congratulations Carin' cake... it was incredible! And then I had my final evaluation as well... words spoken were so incredibly honouring and humbling to me - I pray that I one day will live up to all of the confidence and kind words... you know the saying 'go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated'? Well... I definitely feel celebrated here!

And to top it off... Sonja gave me the most incredible gift ever! I took a picture just moments ago and it is gorgeous enough that I had to take the time to speak of this last evening and post the picture for all to see...

There are no more words to describe the beauty of that quilt... She said the colours and patterns reminded her of me when she was making it and thus decided it would be a perfect graduation gift... I couldn't agree more!! I will miss everyone at Mills over the next two months... they have become another 'family'...

SO that said, today I depart on the red eye flight to Toronto! I will then spend the day and night in TO with my friends Graham and Somer... before returning to the airport on Friday to head off to glorious sunshine and happiness!

Spending today packing some last minute stuff, laundry, meeting the notary, some other errands (gotta get that benadryl-can't believe I forgot that one! thanks Gwen!)and then having dinner at the Hot House (thanks to Henny's introduction to the place!) with some girls from the hospital... oh and if all goes well maybe a quick nap in there somewhere?! sooo tired as I didn't really sleep before my shift last night... sigh... too much excitment and stuff to think of!

I will update as often as I can... and I will miss you all... Chan - I can hardly wait to see you!!!!! Excitement that cannot be contained for much longer!!!

For Tams...

2007-04-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

THE OLOGIES
MOUTHOLOGY
Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. homemade

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. Tim Horton's... coffee!

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. East Side Mario's - oh I can't even wait to go!

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. no less than 20% - people count on their tips...

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick off of it?
A. Peanut Butter - my favourite ever!

Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
A. Ham, pineapple, and cheese

Q. What do you like to put on your toast?
A. Peanut butter of course!

Q. What is your favorite type of gum?
A. cinnamon or this mintberry blast stuff...

TECHNOLOGY
Q. Number of contacts in your cell phone?
A. too many to remember - thats why they are in my cell!

Q. Number of contacts in your email address book?
A. over two hundred, not sure of the exact number!

Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. a collage of pictures with friends in them...

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. 4

BIOLOGY
Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A. Right

Q. Do you have any weird markings?
A. I have some wierd looking spots on my face, some people call them freckles... and some other birthmarks in places

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. teeth... horror

Q. Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
A. touch

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. probably right now!

Q. What is the heaviest item you lifted last?
A. box of 0.9% Sodium Chloride 1000mL IV bags...

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. do not believe so - I am a tough bugger

BULL[CRAP]OLOGY
Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. I don't think so... that would take the joy out of living...:)

Q. Is love real?
A. Yes

Q. If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
A. hmm... I like my name

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. light ocean blue

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. I am sure I have... can't think of it right now though

Q. Have you ever saved someone's life?
A. I have helped save many lives...I am a nurse

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. Yes. He's quite amazing really...

DAREOLOGY
Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
A. I like my baby fingers... but I might be pursuaded...

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. Never!! (yeah I probably would -there are other sites to journal in! :P)

Q. Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?
A. um, not likely!!

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
A. definitely not!

Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
A. couldn't do it...

Q. Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
A. sure I would!

DUMBOLOGY
Q: What is in your left pocket?
A: nada

Q: Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A: never saw it...

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A: hardwood and linoleum

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A: Stand... maybe when I am older I will have to sit...

Q: Could you live with roommates?
A: I have... now I live with family! yikes!

Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
A. I really couldn't say...

Q: Where were you born?
A. Bowmanville - I was their first Christmas baby...

Q: Last time you had a run in with the cops?
A: yesterday - they came to the hospital...

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A. when I grow up I want to be like Jesus.. :P

Q: Who is number 1 on your top 8?
A: Tamara is my no.1 on my top blogger list...

LASTOLOGY
Q: Friend you talked to?
A: Chandra

Q. Last person you hung out with?
A: Mark and Ruthie

Q: Friend you called?
A: Justin

Q: Person you hugged?
A: oh dear - I can't remember! Someone hug me!

Q: Place you went:
A: Home after a VERY long and busy day at the hospital

FAVORITOLOGY
Q: Number?
A: 16

Q: color
A: orange

Q: Season?
A. I like them all!!

CURRENTOLOGY
Q: Missing someone?
A: I am always missing someone

Q: Mood?
A: frazzled - why am I doing this?! when I should be packing!

Q: Listening to?
A: silence - time to crank the tunes!

Q: Watching?
A: computer screen...

Q: Worrying about?
A: What if I forget to pack something important?! ok.. I have my passport and credit card...

OK - so now that I spent 10 minutes in needless ranting - although it was rather fun! :P I must continue with my packing... and then nap before nights tonight!! ONE MORE SHIFT AS A STUDENT!!! (after tonight I never have to work for free again - unless its volunteer!)

only two!

2007-04-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

Only TWO more shifts as a student nurse!!! I can hardly comprehend the reality that this presents to my life... wow - time to grow up and really step into the role of responsibility... for real!

Ok. I'll put that off for a while so that I can travel and celebrate with friends... tee hee - priorities peoples priorities...

Speaking of priorities... I have waaayy too much to do in the next 2.5 days... Packing of course being one very important thing! I went through all my summer clothes with Heather the other day... ugh - so hard! How can I pack 2months worth of stuff into one bag?!? and pack for two weddings, the beach, sailing, exploring, a bachellorette party and graduation ceremony... did I mention in ONE bag?!

So I also need to go to the notary public to get my temp RN license application notarized... bank to withdraw americano dollars... umm, complete my final evaluation at clinical, oh and did I mention PACK?! And I have two more shifts to put in at the hospital - days tomorrow and nights on Tues... my flight is on Wed!

HELP: anybody who has any ideas of what to remember to not forget to pack! I have some gravol (got queasy on the cruise ship - so anticipating it on the yacht in greece)... seriously - I am so frazzled with busyness, I am worried I might forget something... so lists of things that I should remember or might be helpful... :) would be MOST appreciated! :)

muchos gracias!

Life events...updates...

2007-04-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

First off... a BIG thank you to my darling Gwen who made all the necessary changes for me with regards to my flight back to Toronto! It almost became a big scare when I couldn't fly out on the 12th!! (my flight to the dominican leaves from TO on the 13th!) But Gwen of course rescued me and got me a seat on the 11th! (a day early I am sad to say but I will still make it!) Also leaving a day early kind of impacts my final evaluation for my clinical work but - I already contacted my faculty advisor and all is well!!

Life has been so busy and so full I don't even know how to catch everyone up! So I will add some highlights!

- The HUGE snowfall we have just recently encountered in our spring loving Terrace! We (Heather, Aaron and me) built a snow fort outside - inside would have just been a little too messy! oh and by the way - Aaron did most of the work! I was too busy throwing snowballs! It was their first snowday of the year - talk about craziness!! I love it!!

- Lunch with Henny at the Hot House!! My very first ever butter chicken tasting in the form of a butter chicken wrap, my first ever veggie samosa, AND my first ever Pakora? (SP) But of course the best part of all of that was being able to just enjoy Henny's company - she is such an incredible woman! I can only hope to be half the woman she is... :)

- Boarding with Birke... for this there is no words... I will post a picture of us at the top of the black diamond run that I, yes I, dominated!!

- cell group... I so enjoy going to see that group of 'family' each week... the playing of wallyball, the discussions and teaching, the conversations of randomness, the shared excitement over life events, and the love that is shared between all... Thanks to my cell for last night - the prayers and words of encouragement will go the distance I am sure! :)

- oh and one mustn't forget the birth of beautiful baby Isaiah Stuart! I loved being able to visit him in the hospital! "Jenna, that boy of yours is beautiful!"

WELL... today is going to be a full day of sorting and packing and should be homeworking, taxes and Grey's (going to a colleagues to watch!)... add in a little hazelnut coffee (ma fav) and some tanning to prepare for this impending luxury vacation and we have a wonderful day!

2 weeks...

2007-03-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

Bahia Principe San Juan - Club Golden

ok... in just two more weeks I will be completely FINISHED university and headed to the DOMINICAN!!! Yes, it is true - I just booked the trip only moments ago! My friend AJ and I are headed on a grad trip to the tropics... going to relax away the past four years of study!!

I am more than just a little excited after talking with AJ and exploring different places to go... an all-inclusive journey to the carribean... sigh...horseback riding on the beach, sunfish sailing, catamaran rides, boogie boarding, scuba lessons, merangue lessons, spa, massage, kayaking, windsurfing, and the good ol soaking in the sun... can I leave tomorrow?!?!

So I know I have been quite remiss in updating around here... I will try to keep on top of things... thanks Gwen for missing me :)

he scores!!

2007-03-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Derks-42 SCORES!!!

Thats what I am talking about... smiles - I am sitting here after a glorious day of boarding, listening to the webcast of the Chicago Shamrox game against Rochester Nighthawks... Jonas, my good friend is playing his first game as a Shamrox is kickin butt out there!! And just scored his first as a part of the team... the announcer just said that the team appears to be more confident now that Jo is on the floor... such great things to say!! I am so proud of him!!

Lacrosse is just wonderful... :) I have no question in my mind why it is our national sport... its absolutely great!!

emergency

2007-03-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

So the last two days... have been the most intense days in emergency yet I think! We were super busy, but thats ok because I like it busy! (sorry if that sounds morbid) These past two days weren't the typical days of busy either - typical meaning "I have a temp, my throat hurts, I have pain..." they are legit but not as crazy wow as all the stuff that has come in the past few days... on my first day the most 'yikes' thing was a person who came in with severe facial fractures from a MVA (motor vehicle accident), her face was so badly broken that her sinuses were exposed - I have never seen anything like it ever!

Yesterday was really busy too - fractured collar bones, seizures, chest pain, incomplete miscarriage, and the grossest was a guy who came in with his fingers all mashed... one finger tip was still in the glove... I think it was the grossest thing ever... I had to pick it up and put it in some normal saline solution... ugh - I felt so bad for that guy! OOO and I got to teach the two other nurses how to test for RSV in infants... it involves sticking a suction catheter up the baby's nose and suctioning it into a sputum trap.... boring for you - but yay for me!

So... wonder what tonight will bring...

GO SHAMROX GO!!!

2007-03-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

It's official! Jonas Derks has signed with the Chicago Shamrox!

I am super excited for him - he is such a great lax player... big smiles!! I do however wish that I was in Ontario about this time... I am missing the season! There will be a wonderful roadtrip at the end of March to see him play in Buffalo...I sadly will not be there in person... but! I shall dress in green to support our man! Sigh, the memories.... such wonderful wonderful times... I will post a few pictures to include you all in the memories of the last few years!

It all began with the BUFFALO BANDITS... my first experience with the wonderful game!

Proudly wearing our orange... (Jilly even painted her dresser ORANGE!)

Then Jo was traded half way through the second season to ARIZONA STING... and thus our colour support changed... burgundy girls we are now!

Even baby Braeden was proud of his daddy! (This was at the Champions Cup 2006 in Toronto)

and yes... Koda at home was a proud supporter of #43!!

last few days...

2007-03-05T18:20:00.000-08:00

so I am headed into a night shift now... hopefully I am rested enough!! feel free to bring coffee all you beautiful coffee fairies out there! Other than that life is going... I miss people - it seems I am so busy with work... I need a girls night... thank goodness Tamara and Henny's housewarming is on Sat... I will survive until then... I think! ;)
Love you all - miss you tons... Chan... I get off at 7am... wanna meet for breaky?? (I so wish!) I will settle for a breaky date with the gym... sigh...

promised pic

2007-03-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

So here is that pic from the "clowns of the high seas" party that I promised! It was a great time and I was so impressed with everyone's costumes - most people just kept to the pirate look though! I left by 11 because I had to work the next day... but I heard that it went well into the morning... well past 3am! Birke and Carla brought me a mocha at work the next afternoon... that was super sweet! They said that the birthday boys had a great time!

UPDATE

2007-03-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

A few pictures from our day....

the journey begins....

gorgeous...although visibility was poor!

Aaron... after a tumble!

our boards... mine is the pretty one on the left!

It was a lovely day today up on the hill!!! hard to see at times... Aaron did incredibly well!! He's going to exceed my abilities in a few short runs...
I did good too today ;) I fell once - and not badly! It was awesome in the powder!! And we ran into Dave and Wanda and kids... fun fun!

ok so tonight I am off to a "clowns of the high seas" party... one of the guys from work is celebrating his birthday... and we are dressing up in some combination of clown and pirate...interesting and wierd!! I'll definitely post a pic!

boarding with my bro

2007-03-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

For Christmas I got my youngest brother (Aaron/Arie/Dauly) a snowboard rental, pass, and lesson... and today we are going to use it!! YAY I will try to take some pictures today... and give an update afterward... as we all know - me and snowboarding usually accounts for some injuries... sigh... maybe this time will be different?? Aaron will probably do great! Anyhoo... their snow report for today says that it is excellent conditions... yipee! So off I go...

Have a good day everyone!!

questionnaire time...

2007-03-01T21:12:00.000-08:00

1. What time did you get up this morning? 0715am
2. Diamonds or pearls? diamonds are a girls best friend...
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? We Are Marshall (when I was in ON)
4. What is your favorite TV show? Grey's Anatomy, House
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? cereal or protein shake
6. Favorite cuisine? Italian
7. What is your middle name? Myrrh
8. What food do you dislike? sushi
9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? a mix of songs...
What kind of car do you drive? Mazda MX6
11. Favorite sandwich? Peanut Butter
12. What characteristic do you despise? Dishonesty
13. Favorite item of clothing? right now... my cozy bathrobe from Jillybean - sooo warm!
14. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? headed to Greece soon!!
15. What color is your bathroom? white
16. Favorite brand of clothing? thats a tough one for me... no brand in particular I guess
17. Where would you retire to? somewhere warm with mountains!
18. What was your most memorable birthday? I am gonna have to go with #22 - my princess party!
19. Favorite sport to watch? Lacrosse
20. Furthest place you are sending this? Ontario
21. How many do you think will send this back? not even an inkling
22. Who will have the craziest answers? well probably the craziest person...
23. Favorite saying? hmm...
24. When is your birthday? December 25
25. Are you a morning person or a night person? hard to say - depends on the shift... but more productive I guess in the morning after I finally wake up!
26. What is your shoe size? 9-10 (depends on the brand)
27. Pets? Koda is in Ontario (tears, no longer mine)... Foundher is here...meh
28. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? I am going boarding tomorrow!
29. What did you want to be when you were little? a mamma
30. How are you today? feeling kinda under the weather... had to have a nap and feeling nautious... yikes!
31. What is your favorite candy? tootsie rolls
32.What is your favorite flower? orchids/roses/daisies
33. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? there are so many! April 22 -Amanda's wedding, May 7-trip to Greece, June 1 - GRAD, June 2 - Jo n Theresa's wedding!
34.What church do you attend? Rock Christian Community
35. What is your full name? Carin Myrrh Vivian
36. What are you listening to right now? the furnace...
37. What was the last thing you ate? a sandwhich
38. Do you wish on stars? sometimes I do... I love looking at the stars!
39. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? orange
40. How is the weather right now? relatively stable - as far as Terrace goes!
41. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Mom - she's in Texas
42. Do you like the person who sent this to you? she's wonderful!
43. Favorite soft drink? 7-up I guess... don't drink soft-drinks often
44. Favorite restaurant? East Side Marios - can't wait to be in ON to be able to go!
45. Hair color? dark brown - the fucia has faded leaving some highlights
46. Siblings? 2 brothers 2 sisters
47. Favorite day of the year? December 25 and not cuz its my birthday - I just love Christmas!
48. What was your favorite toy as a child? my dolls!
49. Summer or winter? I like all seasons... but summer is best!
50. Hugs or kisses? I'll take both please!
51. Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
52. Do you want your friends to email you back? I always love getting emails!
53. When was the last time you cried? last Grey's episode
54. What is under your bed? some easter surprises for my sibs... and a duffle bag
55. Who is the friend you have had the longest? Shannon
56. What did you do last night? Progressive Dinner (salad at one house, entree at the next and dessert at the last... too much fun!)
57. Favorite smell? mmm cinnamon!
59. What are you afraid of? heights I suppose sort of...
60. Plain, buttered, or salted Popcorn? buttered
61. How many keys on your key ring? not sure actually... I only need one of them though!
62. How many years at your current job? 2 months (just moved here)
63. Favorite day of the week? Sunday I think...
64. How many towns have you lived in? lots!!! at least 7
65. Do you make friends easily? I do
66. How many people will you be sending this to? not even a clue - again

spinal cord injuries (SCI)

2007-03-01T20:19:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone... a lot of people have been asking questions about what happens with spinal cord injuries and what the chances of surviving and complete recovery are... I had some good conversation last night at the (wonderful and amazing) progressive dinner with a few people...

I posted the above picture because it gives a very good idea of what level of ability is impaired at each level of the spinal cord.

I have another really great resource if there is anyone who really wants to learn more about this - please feel free to comment or call! For those who don't really want to read more I will give you a brief idea of some stuff I do know...

After any spinal cord injury the person sustaining the injury will go into spinal shock. This is the total loss of all reflex functions and movement below the level of the lesion (injury). This condition may last several hours, days, weeks, or even months. The full extent of the injuries could take up to a year sometimes to determine.

There are also two types of spinal cord injuries - complete and incomplete. A complete SCI is the total absence of movement and sensation below the level of the lesion. The cord is either completely severed or destroyed in the region. All the areas of the body whose innervation (where nerves connect to the spinal cord) begins at or below this section of the cord will now remain isolated from the brain.

Incomplete SCI indicates that some sensory and/or motor function below the level of injury has been preserved.

There are different functions that are affected according to the neurological level of injury. (see picture)

At the level of L4, the person with SCI can extend the knees and flex the feet. There is a certain amount of paralysis in the back of the legs, but walking is possible with forearm crtuches or with short foot braces and a cane. Most lesions at this level affect the cauda-equina (sheaf of nerves beyond the spinal cord down to the coccyx). The bladder reflex function may be lost as well.

I am praying along with everyone for recovery the recovery... I have had a lot of experience with SCI's and I have no doubt that a full life is ahead! I hope that some of this information helped and that it will help you to direct your prayer... this info was taken from a book published by the Canadian Paraplegic Association called "Life after a spinal cord injury"...

a cheers to my heroes in chairs... my heroes who life life to its fullest, challenging standards and achieving their dreams!

wine

2007-02-27T10:42:00.000-08:00

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some
items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up
a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with
golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed
that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and
poured them into the jar.

He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it
into the Jar.

Of course, the sand filled up everything else He asked once
more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two glasses of wine from under
the table and poured the entire contents into the jar,
effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want
you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things; your family, your children, your health,
your friends, and your favorite passions; things that if everything else was lost
and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car.

The sand is everything else; the small stuff.

If you put the sand into the jar first, he continued, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

>>>

The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner
out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter.

Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the wine represented.

The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that
no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple
of glasses of wine with a friend."

This story really calls me to wake up to what life is and to the reality that priorities need to be set in place. It is so easy to get caught up with the 'sand' in life - so much so until there is no time and no room for the important golf balls and rocks.
Stories like this always seem to come at the right time for me... just as I am filling my world with too much sand... I hear the call to 'be still and know'

I have found that I have allowed my life to get so busy at times that I have neglected relationships, family time, and time with the lover of my soul. People are what is going to last. Nobody is going to remember what I did on any given day... but people will remember who I was each day... am I loving, caring, compassionate, full of mercy and grace... have I laid down my life for another today? How did I show people that they were important, How did I affect the world? Am I becoming who I need to be?

surgery

2007-02-21T22:12:00.000-08:00

A middle aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital.
Whileon the operating table, she had a near death experience.
Seeing God, she asked, "Is my time up?"
God said, "No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live."

Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, brow lift, lip enhancement, boob job, liposuction, and a tummy tuck. Afterher last operation, she was released from the hospital.

While crossing the street on her way home, she was hit and killed by a car.
Arriving in front of God, she demanded, "I thought you said I had another 40 years? Why didn't you pull me out of the path of the car?"

God replied, "Girrrlllllll, I didn't even recognize you "

oh how this made me laugh... how often do we try to cheat life, to twist the things that God tells us so that they suit our lives?

another day

2007-02-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

so it has been quite a busy past few days - well not really... but in my mind it has been crazy busy!
I was in an awful bad mood on Sunday... not sure if it was related to the insane stuff happening at work or if it was just a build up of everything over time... all I know - I was in one foul mood!
I took yesterday to just wrap myself in music and the word... it is so easy to try and carry everything on my own, to think that in some way I am big enough to carry all that I see, that I am strong enough to make it through... It is humbling for me to realize that this is not the case - I am weak... but I know someone who is strong! Its still incredible to me to recognize that the creator of the universe know, cares and loves me... in all times... there is nothing I can do, nothing I can give, nothing I can be that will ever make me good enough or deserving enough of that gift - it is free... his love is free... simple as that! WOW
Needless to say, I was refreshed - life will go on, my circumstances will not change... but my attitude through it will... not because of who I am but because of who HE is...

Off to my other job... smiles

what do you call it when..

2007-02-17T07:49:00.000-08:00

when you get a little of this and a little of that, some of this and some of that and put it all in one... my brain is on shut down and I can't even think of the word - but that the word to describe my shift last night!

We saw it ALL.... head to toe, you name it! We had a guy who was committed to the psychiatric ward, we had a guy who fell in an RCMP cell and hit his head, we had a guy who sustained an eye injury while playing hockey (I sure hope he will be able to get it all fixed!), a guy who would go into idioventricular (wierd) rhythms and then convert (not often seen), a guy who got hit by a car and then dragged by it - police of course involved - three of em!, babies with spiked temps, a guy who was allergic to the cold? A woman with an ectopic pregnancy, a woman with a miscarriage (another half hour to hour and she'd have bled to death right in front of us!), an emergency surgery for a girl who came in with abdomenal pain - ruptured appendix, she went septic, there was people with breathing difficulties, chest pain, earaches, backaches, drug seekers... sigh... there was everything! It was a busy busy night to say the least!

But now I am off for the next few days... so I can update this thing at some point! For now... dreamland, I'll find out what the world has been up to while I was working when I wake up!

exercise

2007-02-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

woke up this morning and grabbed a shake then ran out the door to head to they gym... smiles - it was a wonderful time of workout and laughter! there are a whole bunch of nurses from the hospital who all go to the same place and its always a good time when we all get in there and push each other to the limits! Good times as always!

I start back at the hospital for another set tomorrow... which leaves today to get some things done.. :)

I am also watching a wonderful movie today "a night with the king" - it is the story of Esther... I am really enjoying it! (I don't get the chance to watch many movies these days... life is pretty busy!)

Also going to get some stuff organized and ordered for MaryKay... I need to start that up again :) So anyone reading and wanting to order anything let me know!! I am going to put an order in this weekend :) Let me know so I can give you a discount - anyone who orders can get a 20% discount!! There's some new stuff out - that reduces the cellulite - after only 3 weeks 6/10 women saw results and after 12 weeks 100% of women saw results!! I am going to try it for sure! It's called cellu-shape if you are wondering! :)
(www.marykay.ca)

yummy in my tummy!

2007-02-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!!!
(yesterday was the day the world celebrated my mom's 44th birthday... and the day I bake this delightful oreo cheesecake yumminess for us to enjoy!) I am sorry to say that between all the people in this house there is none left... but that just goes to show that it was yummy!

we of course ate this after a delightful meal complete with April's favourite punch... then after dinner we all played a new game called Tribond... it was good times for sure!! Aaron is really good at it... and must say that next time - he's on my team!!

It was a good day - before dinner I went for a lovely windblown walk with Starla... gosh it sure can get windy!! Thanks for the constant motivation Starla... you are wondeful!!

Even before the walk I was up for breakfast with some girls from the hospital... its always nice to meet up with friends - something I truly enjoy!!

OK - so today - just got back from that workshop at church... didn't really learn a whole lot of new things... but it was really great to build faith... I needed it! I loved hearing them speak, totally stirred inside all the dreams and passions for the things that God has for people - and there's nothing we can do to ever be 'good enough' its ALL free through grace!!

So now, totally procrastinating - I have to submit a proposal for a change project by the end of today... but I should really do laundry too.. *wink... I am such a procrastinator...

mac n cheese

2007-02-08T04:12:00.000-08:00

ok so its o415hrs and I am eating my dinner... mac n cheese - now generally I like to have ketchup in my mac n cheese but there is none in the ER/ICU staff fridge... so I have done without...

It's been pretty quiet since about 0200hrs, we have two inpatients down here right now and they are quite demanding - ringing their bells, but otherwise... super quiet... I know you are thinking "inpatients in the ER?" yes, the hospital is completely full right now... and so we have people in here... It's been a good set (I am finished my last shift of this set at 0700hrs) - I have experienced and seen many new things!

I am looking forward to some time off... time pretty much filled up with things to do and places to be - but I am sure that it will be enjoyable...

Ok, while its still slow I am going to work on some assignments... *wink

tis a sad day...

2007-02-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. - Proverbs 23:18

Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. - Proverbs 24:14

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future. - Ecclesiastes 7:14

Ok, so I know that this is not some conspiracy out to get me but it was sad at the same time... I received an email late last night from the person who had initially wanted me to attend to their needs on the trip to L.A. - anyway the email said that they found another attendant who had worked for them before that would go along. I can understand that this would make someone more comfortable (already knowing the person) and ultimately I want for them to enjoy their holiday... but still it is saddening to me that I cannot go.
I know that God has a purpose and plan for my life and so as disheartening this is that I can't go - I know that it is all a part of the plan for my life! So thank you to everyone for the well wishes... its so great to get the support of people! :)

Today, I am just a little sore - soft tissue injuries (yes multiple of em!) I went snowboarding again yesterday - what a glorious time I had!!! Even the few falls on my head - not a deal (well today they are as my neck hurts like a bugger)... it was the final fall that ended our day... I was coming off of the lift and fell just like every other time - only difference was... I didn't take my knee with me... :( twisted and couldn't stand on it at first.... then hobbled about half way down the hill because there was no way in the world that I was going in one of those rescue toboggans!! I didn't need any help... I could do it on my own -the pain would go away eventually and I knew there was nothing they could do for me... I could suck it up... it was sooo hard to do!!!
WE made it only half way down the hill before the ski patrol stopped - "are you ok?" well what do I say to that?! um yeah just enjoying a walk??? lol... so I said 'kinda, just hurt my knee but I will be fine' - so she made me sit and put ice(snow) on it and wait for the stupid toboggan thing... urgh!! SOO embarrassing... when I knew that all I had was a soft tissue injury - nothing broken... sigh... so that was yesterday - today of course the pain all settles in - can't move my neck, my wrists are pained... one knee immobile, both knees are bruised, bum is sore, shoulders sore, arms sore, abs sore, toes sore - its all sore!!!
Thankfully I am alive... and I have a destiny still to fulfill... my future is bright!!! (just not a pro boarder or an Oscar attendee.... this year! *wink)

OSCARS!!

2007-01-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

So apparently this chiquita bonita here might be headed to the OSCARS!!! Yes I know, sounds quite incredulous for someone as inconsequential as myself... but it is true - I got the call this morning... I was sleeping... so I called back when I woke up.

The call came from Kevin... he is one of the people I travel with regularly - (we are headed to Greece in May!) Kevin told me that someone had contacted him at work - he works for the CPA (Canadian Paraplegic Association)... the person is looking for someone to go with them to L.A. so that she can go to see her daughter at the Oscars... Kevin recommended me - me, little ol me! wahoo...

Now, its almost not fair for me to be going because I am not a movie buff, nor am I starstruck at all... so in that regard, I wish I could send someone else... I am totally thrilled to be maybe going to L.A. though - a dream that once again might come true much earlier than anticipated!

Gotta - run, get ready for work - but had to tell the world of the maybe in my future!

Oh.. and I am sure you are all wondering WHO?! giggles... the name of the 'star' is Lisa Ray - she is in HollywoodBollywood and the movie nominated is "Water" - I personally have never heard of her or the movie but one of my friends says that it is quite the acclaimed movie for real movie watchers... heck I say - send me to Cali!