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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Easy Assessment Tool
It only took me about 3 minutes...As a nurse, I think this is so important because it's a cancer that hides for a long time, but is so easily cured if found early (age 50 or so). The polyps are removed during a colonoscopy and usually that's it! And we give really really good drugs for the procedure - the prep is what sucks.
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Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!
May your Christmas be Bright
May your Family be Blessed
May Joy & Laughter Ring in your Ears
May Love Fill your Heart
~And~
May you Bring the Same to Those Around You
~And~
May the New Year Bring Health, Prosperity and Love
To You and Yours
From My House to Yours
Blessings
May your Family be Blessed
May Joy & Laughter Ring in your Ears
May Love Fill your Heart
~And~
May you Bring the Same to Those Around You
~And~
May the New Year Bring Health, Prosperity and Love
To You and Yours
From My House to Yours
Blessings
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Obama's Choice..
Apparently, you're only allowed free choice when certain people like it.
Fair weather supporters want what they want and will bitch and moan when they don't get exactly what they want.
So much for 'inclusion' and 'diversity' and 'open discussion' spouted by the liberal far left.
Fair weather supporters want what they want and will bitch and moan when they don't get exactly what they want.
So much for 'inclusion' and 'diversity' and 'open discussion' spouted by the liberal far left.
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Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Millionaires Need To Strike???
I came across this article. The SAG - the union for actors - has been without a contract since June. SAG is considering a strike. They have asked their membership to vote for an authorization to strike.
Now, the article gives the names of many actors who are against a vote to authorize a strike, but also lists many who are for it.
My main burning question is this: Where do people who make more money for one job than I will make in my entire life get off threatening a strike?
If you read my posts, you know that I'm not exactly a fan of unions. For the most part I think they are only in business to make more money for themselves and tend to 'protect' workers who can't get a job anywhere else. But in this case, the mind boggles!
How much money can these people need? They want a cut of every dollar made on projects that just happen to have their face, voice or mental input attached to them. Fine. How about every time I perform CPR, give a life saving drug, change a wound dressing - in other words, every time I take care of any human being, I get a cut of their livelihood? That would be nice. Figure, I've been doing nursing for nearly 20 years - averaging about $45K (sometimes more, sometimes less) a year. If I conservatively see around 10 patients a day, around 4 days a week, about 50 weeks a year - well, that's around 2000 patients a year (a really modest number), that comes to about $22.50 per patient - before taxes! And I'm considered well paid! If I asked for a cut of every dollar my patients made, they'd lock me up as a mental case.
If they strike, not only do the consumers suffer, but all the other people involved in the movie industry: the guys and gals that make even less than I do, who don't get a cut of the future earnings of the project. How do they feed their kids? Pay their mortgages? Do these millionaires even care? If they do, I don't see the evidence of it.
It's nice that they believe a strike vote 'now', during the current economic crisis, isn't the time to be putting people out of work.
Really? And just when IS it a good time?
Now, the article gives the names of many actors who are against a vote to authorize a strike, but also lists many who are for it.
My main burning question is this: Where do people who make more money for one job than I will make in my entire life get off threatening a strike?
If you read my posts, you know that I'm not exactly a fan of unions. For the most part I think they are only in business to make more money for themselves and tend to 'protect' workers who can't get a job anywhere else. But in this case, the mind boggles!
How much money can these people need? They want a cut of every dollar made on projects that just happen to have their face, voice or mental input attached to them. Fine. How about every time I perform CPR, give a life saving drug, change a wound dressing - in other words, every time I take care of any human being, I get a cut of their livelihood? That would be nice. Figure, I've been doing nursing for nearly 20 years - averaging about $45K (sometimes more, sometimes less) a year. If I conservatively see around 10 patients a day, around 4 days a week, about 50 weeks a year - well, that's around 2000 patients a year (a really modest number), that comes to about $22.50 per patient - before taxes! And I'm considered well paid! If I asked for a cut of every dollar my patients made, they'd lock me up as a mental case.
If they strike, not only do the consumers suffer, but all the other people involved in the movie industry: the guys and gals that make even less than I do, who don't get a cut of the future earnings of the project. How do they feed their kids? Pay their mortgages? Do these millionaires even care? If they do, I don't see the evidence of it.
It's nice that they believe a strike vote 'now', during the current economic crisis, isn't the time to be putting people out of work.
Really? And just when IS it a good time?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Another Elected Idiot
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New Study Firmly Ties Hormone Use to Breast Cancer
Even though it has been speculated on in the past, this study proves the theory.
I'll put up with my hot flashes, thank you!
I'll put up with my hot flashes, thank you!
New study firmly ties hormone use to breast cancer
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Detroit Lions: On the way to a record!
The first team in NFL history to be on the verge of an 0-16 season! They are FIRST at being the WORST! Aren't we PROUD???
Sheesh.
Sheesh.
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Sunday, December 14, 2008
An Eye for an Eye - Literally.
If you read my post, "I M H O", you know that I believe there are times when a criminal deserves to pay for his crime in the same manner he killed or injured another human being.
This one, I'm conflicted about. This man is a stalker, a mental case. I'm not convinced that blinding him would change anything - especially in that part of the world. Let's face it, someone in his family will be compelled to retaliate (honor-bound) against this girls family. And then her relatives will have to get their revenge. This is how blood feuds start.
Should he go to jail for a very long time? Yes. Should he be made to pay for her support and medical care? Yes. Should he suffer an Eye for an Eye? I'm not so sure.
What do you think?
This one, I'm conflicted about. This man is a stalker, a mental case. I'm not convinced that blinding him would change anything - especially in that part of the world. Let's face it, someone in his family will be compelled to retaliate (honor-bound) against this girls family. And then her relatives will have to get their revenge. This is how blood feuds start.
Should he go to jail for a very long time? Yes. Should he be made to pay for her support and medical care? Yes. Should he suffer an Eye for an Eye? I'm not so sure.
What do you think?
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Enough Already!
Got this in an email....not sure of the author, but the stats & observations are impressive.
How many zeros in a billion?
This is too true to be funny. The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about how you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money.
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of it's releases.
A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
D. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.
While this thought is still fresh in our brain... let's take a look at New Orleans ... It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division.
Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu is presently asking Congress for 250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild New Orleans .
Interesting number... what does it mean?
A. Well... if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, and child) you each get $516,528.
B. Or... if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.
C. Or... if you are a family of four... your family gets $2,066,012.
Washington , D C ...HELLO!
Are all your calculators broken??
> Accounts Receivable Tax
> Building Permit Tax
> CDL License Tax
> Cigarette Tax
> Corporate Income Tax
> Dog License Tax
> Federal Income Tax
> Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
> Fishing License Tax
> Food License Tax
> Fuel Permit Tax
> Gasoline Tax
> Hunting License Tax
> Inheritance Tax
> Inventory Tax
> IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
> IRS Penalties (MORE tax on top of tax)
> Liquor Tax
> Luxury Tax
> Marriage License Tax
> Medicare Tax
> Property Tax
> Real Estate Tax
> Service charge taxes
> Social Security Tax
> Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
> Sales Taxes
> Recreational Vehicle Tax
> School Tax
> State Income Tax
> State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
> Telephone Federal Excise Tax
> Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
> Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax
> Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
> Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
> Telephone State and Local Tax
> Telephone Usage Charge Tax
> Utility Tax
> Vehicle License Registration Tax
> Vehicle Sales Tax
> Watercraft Registra tion Tax
> Well Permit Tax
> Workers Compensation Tax
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago... and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt...We had the largest middle class in the world... and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened?
Can you spell 'politicians!'
And I still have to press '1' for English.
What the heck happened?????
How many zeros in a billion?
This is too true to be funny. The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about how you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money.
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of it's releases.
A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
D. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.
While this thought is still fresh in our brain... let's take a look at New Orleans ... It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division.
Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu is presently asking Congress for 250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild New Orleans .
Interesting number... what does it mean?
A. Well... if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, and child) you each get $516,528.
B. Or... if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.
C. Or... if you are a family of four... your family gets $2,066,012.
Washington , D C ...HELLO!
Are all your calculators broken??
> Accounts Receivable Tax
> Building Permit Tax
> CDL License Tax
> Cigarette Tax
> Corporate Income Tax
> Dog License Tax
> Federal Income Tax
> Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
> Fishing License Tax
> Food License Tax
> Fuel Permit Tax
> Gasoline Tax
> Hunting License Tax
> Inheritance Tax
> Inventory Tax
> IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
> IRS Penalties (MORE tax on top of tax)
> Liquor Tax
> Luxury Tax
> Marriage License Tax
> Medicare Tax
> Property Tax
> Real Estate Tax
> Service charge taxes
> Social Security Tax
> Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
> Sales Taxes
> Recreational Vehicle Tax
> School Tax
> State Income Tax
> State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
> Telephone Federal Excise Tax
> Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
> Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax
> Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
> Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
> Telephone State and Local Tax
> Telephone Usage Charge Tax
> Utility Tax
> Vehicle License Registration Tax
> Vehicle Sales Tax
> Watercraft Registra tion Tax
> Well Permit Tax
> Workers Compensation Tax
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago... and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt...We had the largest middle class in the world... and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened?
Can you spell 'politicians!'
And I still have to press '1' for English.
What the heck happened?????
Contagious!
Do you know someone that suddenly develops whatever disease they read about????
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Saturday, December 13, 2008
My Son!
My son is a playwright, currently getting his Masters in Fine Arts, and one of his one act plays is being performed. Tonight is the last night, and the whole family is going.
I'm so proud I could just bust!
I'm so proud I could just bust!
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Can You ImagineThe Election Coverage THIS Will Get?
First, I gotta say - Blagojevich has balls the size of grapefruit! But In the Political Machine that is Illinois, this is not unusual.
As for an election to determine the Senate seat, I imagine it will be followed almost as closely as the Presidential Election. The only good thing is that if Obama is smart, he'll keep out of it...and keep his staff out of it too.
Wouldn't it be a hoot if a Republican won?
Click the link to read the article.
As for an election to determine the Senate seat, I imagine it will be followed almost as closely as the Presidential Election. The only good thing is that if Obama is smart, he'll keep out of it...and keep his staff out of it too.
Wouldn't it be a hoot if a Republican won?
Click the link to read the article.
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Friday, December 12, 2008
And Now For Something Completely Different!
Click on the link for the full story...
Wonder how much this dried up old brain has in common with some of our politicians?
Wonder how much this dried up old brain has in common with some of our politicians?
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Get Used To It
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So - how many empty store fronts in your town? How many with this kind of sign? How about your business?
Ya know, we can turn this around. Really, we can! We just have to look back - at how our grandparents lived. They ate at home (of course women knew how to cook back then), they didn't buy things with credit. They celebrated Christmas with family togetherness, not the latest gadget. They drove a car until it was dead.
It is possible to live quite well on a budget. If you don't yet, you should.
Ya know, we can turn this around. Really, we can! We just have to look back - at how our grandparents lived. They ate at home (of course women knew how to cook back then), they didn't buy things with credit. They celebrated Christmas with family togetherness, not the latest gadget. They drove a car until it was dead.
It is possible to live quite well on a budget. If you don't yet, you should.
Waiting....
I sit and wait....sit and wait....for the phone to ring....for the email pop up...for some sign that all the applications completed, the resumes sent will result in at least a little bit of interest.I REALLY hate being unemployed.
Have you ever noticed that the more time you have to do things, the fewer things get done? For example: Since I've been off work, I keep the house tidier than normal and I keep up on the laundry, but the big projects? Nope. I've cleaned out ONE closet. I did manage to get a bedroom in order ( the younger boys room - he's at college and might come home for a visit ).
I've baked and cooked more since I've been home. But I love to cook, so that's not really a chore. I've read a few books - even though I actually average 4 books per week when I'm working. I've had more time to blog! That's obvious by the volume of posts since I've been home...but I haven't done anything more with my book.
Oh, yeah - I'm writing a book - Romance/Mystery - might finish it someday. If I thought anyone actually read my blog, I might post a chapter at a time - it would force me to finish it at least.
So, I'm still waiting.........
I guess I'll check and make sure my phone is working.
And my email.
I sure hope SOMEONE is out there......
Ciao
Thursday, December 11, 2008
No Large Scale Participation in Day Without a Gay
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Like I said - only 4% of the population. Did you or anyone you know 'Call in Gay' yesterday. If so, why? If not, why not?
Unemployment....Has It Hit You Yet?
For the complete article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081211/ap_on_bi_ge/financial_meltdown
The last I had heard, the unemployment rate in Michigan was 9.3%, nationally it was about 6.5%. Basically, one person out of 10 has filed for unemployment benefits in Michigan. This does not include people who have used all their benefits or who don't qualify.
The unemployment rate only reflects NEW CLAIMS - not the ongoing ones. When you think about it, this means that it's closer to 2 out of 10 people are unemployed. Because of this the homeless rate is going up, the Gross Product is going down, and the consumer is even more strapped for cash.
Has it hit you yet? Are you working? Have you suddenly started clipping coupons? Do you go through the sales ads and only buy something that you need if it's on sale? Are your kids moving back home?
My Predictions:
1)The 'Bail Out' of the financial institutions will be a disaster. (Hasn't helped yet)
2)Bailing out the Big Three automakers an even worse crime against the taxpayers.
3)State taxes will increase to pay for all the entitlements (I really hate that word....).
4)Sales tax will have to be increased at some point.
5)Property taxes will increase and property values will drop like a stone. (oh wait, that's already happened!)
6)More of your friends and family will lose their homes, their jobs, their independence and their health will suffer.
7)President-elect Obama will fail to make good on any promises he made.
If you only knew how badly I want to be wrong. But I'm not.
Ciao
The last I had heard, the unemployment rate in Michigan was 9.3%, nationally it was about 6.5%. Basically, one person out of 10 has filed for unemployment benefits in Michigan. This does not include people who have used all their benefits or who don't qualify.
The unemployment rate only reflects NEW CLAIMS - not the ongoing ones. When you think about it, this means that it's closer to 2 out of 10 people are unemployed. Because of this the homeless rate is going up, the Gross Product is going down, and the consumer is even more strapped for cash.
Has it hit you yet? Are you working? Have you suddenly started clipping coupons? Do you go through the sales ads and only buy something that you need if it's on sale? Are your kids moving back home?
My Predictions:
1)The 'Bail Out' of the financial institutions will be a disaster. (Hasn't helped yet)
2)Bailing out the Big Three automakers an even worse crime against the taxpayers.
3)State taxes will increase to pay for all the entitlements (I really hate that word....).
4)Sales tax will have to be increased at some point.
5)Property taxes will increase and property values will drop like a stone. (oh wait, that's already happened!)
6)More of your friends and family will lose their homes, their jobs, their independence and their health will suffer.
7)President-elect Obama will fail to make good on any promises he made.
If you only knew how badly I want to be wrong. But I'm not.
Ciao
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Did You "Call In Gay"?
Yes, you read that right.....Call in Gay. If you saw the news yesterday, then you know that gay rights activists in California wanted everyone upset about the ban on gay marriage to "Call In Gay" today. They hoped for a nation-wide protest.
The purpose, as I understand it, is to show us how important gays are to our everyday life. Now, gays only represent about 4% of the population generally, but in places like San Francisco the percentage is higher. Of course, they hoped that straight people who support them would also call in 'Gay'
I can't call in gay because..........well, I'm straight. I don't support a ban reversal. (I don't live in California, so I don't have a vote either!) And, well, I'm unemployed right now!
So, did you? Are you? Do you care? Was your life impacted today by this 'protest'?
Ciao
The purpose, as I understand it, is to show us how important gays are to our everyday life. Now, gays only represent about 4% of the population generally, but in places like San Francisco the percentage is higher. Of course, they hoped that straight people who support them would also call in 'Gay'
I can't call in gay because..........well, I'm straight. I don't support a ban reversal. (I don't live in California, so I don't have a vote either!) And, well, I'm unemployed right now!
So, did you? Are you? Do you care? Was your life impacted today by this 'protest'?
Ciao
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Kissing
Kissing should not be hazardous to your health! I've seen some strange things in the ER but this is really different!
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Sunday, December 07, 2008
The Day After
No, not hung-over. Not even a head-ache. But I am tired.
We got on the bus at 6:50 and left at 7:00. Our driver, Chuck, has taken this particular group of women safely to and from Chicago annually for the last 14 years. In the 4 years I've gone, we've had only one decent weather trip. The other 3 it snowed, had an ice storm or a combination of the two.
Chicago was cold, but the snow and wind were light. Here in SW Michigan we were hammered by another Winter Storm....about 12 inches total at home. Wonderful.
The group I was with - Donna, Vicki and Steph - usually have our day pretty well planned out. We even made reservations for dinner at Rose Bud on Rush - wonderful, authentic Italian. If you get to Chicago, you really need to try it. Not cheap, but worth the price. More about that in a minute.
When we arrived, we headed for Water Tower first. This was just a cursory stop - Vicki was looking for something specific. Then we got directions for the Red Line (subway) to North Wilson Street. I haven't been on the L in about 30 years! Anyway we went to an Asian market area - knock off Coach handbags, beaded jewelry, cashmere and silk scarves and shawls... That kind of stuff. The girls were looking for Christmas presents. As per my usual routine, I didn't buy anything, just helped them find the deals they were looking for. LOL
After a few hours, we got back on the L and headed downtown. By this time we were hungry and wanted to keep it light. We found a soup shop - 12 kinds of soup (the Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice....OMG was it good!) served with a hunk of crusty bread. I'd forgotten how expensive even a light meal can be...$8 for a small soup and a coke. But it was really good.
Then we headed back to Water Tower - by this time it was crowded and I was overheating - literally! I had dressed for being outside, in blustery cold, for extended periods - I even wore my heavy winter coat. Well, I overdid it! My "energy surges" (ummm hot flashes) were in full force. By the time we dropped off packages at the bus at 3:30 - I needed to divest myself of the turtle neck and then the long underwear top I was wearing. I felt a little better.
Before we knew it it was time for us to go to dinner. We arrived just a little early, and were seated quickly. Last year, we had to wait an hour even with a reservation, but they seemed more 'together' this year.
The ambience is muted lighting, white linens, stem wear and silver. Hot bread with olive oil is brought out first. We decided that no driving meant that drinking was ok and each ordered our favorite drinks. I must say mine went straight to my head but as I do that infrequently, I enjoyed myself.
We had an appetizer of Carpacchio (very thin beef tenderloin with micro greens, balsamic, & lemon oil on crustini). My entree was Ricotta Gnocchi with tomatoes, basil and a creamy garlic sauce. Vicki had the risotto, Donna had the tortellini and Steph had lasagna. After we each sampled a bit of each, we ate with relish. Oh, and of course there was desert! Tiramisu and Italian Wedding Cake....wonderful! The waiter also brought us home made Italian cookies. We all had leftovers to bring home. Yummy!
By the time we got out of there - slightly tipsy I might add - we worked our way over to Crate and Barrel (what a great store!) and then it was soon time to get back to the bus for the ride home.
We had gotten reports all day about the weather at home - it never improved. The roads didn't really get bad until we were in Michigan. By the time we were 20 miles outside of Kalamazoo they were awful. My wonderful friends talked me into spending the night in Kazoo rather than risk the drive home (35 miles). A quick call to Greg and I was set for the night.
So this morning I woke to a very white scene, but the roads were plowed. I headed home without any problems to a hot shower, a little nap and a restful day.
We decided that we need to go over there in nice weather - so will try to get our little group to go in June. Maybe we'll spend the weekend there and really have a ball.
Oh, a little update: I didn't get the Lafayette assignment - yet. There may also be a possibility in Texas or Arizona. I'm still hoping for Indiana - close enough to come home once a week. The other two mean being away for extended periods. So, if anyone would like to send up a prayer - I could sure use it.
Ciao
We got on the bus at 6:50 and left at 7:00. Our driver, Chuck, has taken this particular group of women safely to and from Chicago annually for the last 14 years. In the 4 years I've gone, we've had only one decent weather trip. The other 3 it snowed, had an ice storm or a combination of the two.
Chicago was cold, but the snow and wind were light. Here in SW Michigan we were hammered by another Winter Storm....about 12 inches total at home. Wonderful.
The group I was with - Donna, Vicki and Steph - usually have our day pretty well planned out. We even made reservations for dinner at Rose Bud on Rush - wonderful, authentic Italian. If you get to Chicago, you really need to try it. Not cheap, but worth the price. More about that in a minute.
When we arrived, we headed for Water Tower first. This was just a cursory stop - Vicki was looking for something specific. Then we got directions for the Red Line (subway) to North Wilson Street. I haven't been on the L in about 30 years! Anyway we went to an Asian market area - knock off Coach handbags, beaded jewelry, cashmere and silk scarves and shawls... That kind of stuff. The girls were looking for Christmas presents. As per my usual routine, I didn't buy anything, just helped them find the deals they were looking for. LOL
After a few hours, we got back on the L and headed downtown. By this time we were hungry and wanted to keep it light. We found a soup shop - 12 kinds of soup (the Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice....OMG was it good!) served with a hunk of crusty bread. I'd forgotten how expensive even a light meal can be...$8 for a small soup and a coke. But it was really good.
Then we headed back to Water Tower - by this time it was crowded and I was overheating - literally! I had dressed for being outside, in blustery cold, for extended periods - I even wore my heavy winter coat. Well, I overdid it! My "energy surges" (ummm hot flashes) were in full force. By the time we dropped off packages at the bus at 3:30 - I needed to divest myself of the turtle neck and then the long underwear top I was wearing. I felt a little better.
Before we knew it it was time for us to go to dinner. We arrived just a little early, and were seated quickly. Last year, we had to wait an hour even with a reservation, but they seemed more 'together' this year.
The ambience is muted lighting, white linens, stem wear and silver. Hot bread with olive oil is brought out first. We decided that no driving meant that drinking was ok and each ordered our favorite drinks. I must say mine went straight to my head but as I do that infrequently, I enjoyed myself.
We had an appetizer of Carpacchio (very thin beef tenderloin with micro greens, balsamic, & lemon oil on crustini). My entree was Ricotta Gnocchi with tomatoes, basil and a creamy garlic sauce. Vicki had the risotto, Donna had the tortellini and Steph had lasagna. After we each sampled a bit of each, we ate with relish. Oh, and of course there was desert! Tiramisu and Italian Wedding Cake....wonderful! The waiter also brought us home made Italian cookies. We all had leftovers to bring home. Yummy!
By the time we got out of there - slightly tipsy I might add - we worked our way over to Crate and Barrel (what a great store!) and then it was soon time to get back to the bus for the ride home.
We had gotten reports all day about the weather at home - it never improved. The roads didn't really get bad until we were in Michigan. By the time we were 20 miles outside of Kalamazoo they were awful. My wonderful friends talked me into spending the night in Kazoo rather than risk the drive home (35 miles). A quick call to Greg and I was set for the night.
So this morning I woke to a very white scene, but the roads were plowed. I headed home without any problems to a hot shower, a little nap and a restful day.
We decided that we need to go over there in nice weather - so will try to get our little group to go in June. Maybe we'll spend the weekend there and really have a ball.
Oh, a little update: I didn't get the Lafayette assignment - yet. There may also be a possibility in Texas or Arizona. I'm still hoping for Indiana - close enough to come home once a week. The other two mean being away for extended periods. So, if anyone would like to send up a prayer - I could sure use it.
Ciao
Friday, December 05, 2008
Still Waiting
Good morning...
Just waiting to pee in a cup. Yeah, it's drug test time. Every time you start a new job, join a new agency, look hung-over (lol), somebody says.."Time to pee in the cup". So it's my turn today. But just like my background check, it will be boring. Nothing to report. That's a good thing, but kinda makes you wonder....Am I missing out on something fun? Probably not, but still makes ya wonder. Nah - rather not risk it. I'll stay clean and boring.
Greg and I drove to Indianapolis yesterday. I had to renew my Indiana nursing license - in person. It's called a 'Walk-Through'. We literally drove 4 hours there and 4 hours back and it took about 8 minutes to hand over my ID, my Michigan license, and a check for $100 and have them print my new license. So one minute work for each hour in the car. Thank goodness gas isn't still $4 a gallon! As it is, we put 500 miles on the car (it already has nearly 200K miles) and spend $50 in gas, plus coffee, munchies and the parking meter. Actually, it was a pretty expensive day for a job I don't even have yet. *sigh*
So, now I have to get moving: Pee in a cup, pay the property taxes (yuck), pay the mortgage, get my TB test read (negative, thank you!), and get the lab results for all my immunization titers. And then email all of the above (well, not the pee) to the agency. Then sit with fingers crossed and hope I get the job. *double sigh*
Tomorrow I'm going to Chicago - you know, the annual bus trip with 40 women drinking jello shots at 7 AM... I'm going to look at all the decorations, fight crowds of Christmas shoppers and eat some really good food. I never buy anything there - way too expensive, but I do enjoy the trip.
I'll let ya know how it goes.
Ciao
Just waiting to pee in a cup. Yeah, it's drug test time. Every time you start a new job, join a new agency, look hung-over (lol), somebody says.."Time to pee in the cup". So it's my turn today. But just like my background check, it will be boring. Nothing to report. That's a good thing, but kinda makes you wonder....Am I missing out on something fun? Probably not, but still makes ya wonder. Nah - rather not risk it. I'll stay clean and boring.
Greg and I drove to Indianapolis yesterday. I had to renew my Indiana nursing license - in person. It's called a 'Walk-Through'. We literally drove 4 hours there and 4 hours back and it took about 8 minutes to hand over my ID, my Michigan license, and a check for $100 and have them print my new license. So one minute work for each hour in the car. Thank goodness gas isn't still $4 a gallon! As it is, we put 500 miles on the car (it already has nearly 200K miles) and spend $50 in gas, plus coffee, munchies and the parking meter. Actually, it was a pretty expensive day for a job I don't even have yet. *sigh*
So, now I have to get moving: Pee in a cup, pay the property taxes (yuck), pay the mortgage, get my TB test read (negative, thank you!), and get the lab results for all my immunization titers. And then email all of the above (well, not the pee) to the agency. Then sit with fingers crossed and hope I get the job. *double sigh*
Tomorrow I'm going to Chicago - you know, the annual bus trip with 40 women drinking jello shots at 7 AM... I'm going to look at all the decorations, fight crowds of Christmas shoppers and eat some really good food. I never buy anything there - way too expensive, but I do enjoy the trip.
I'll let ya know how it goes.
Ciao
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Oh, the Paperwork!
Last night I was contacted by a Travel Agency for nurses. Essentially, what this means is there are nursing positions open that are not filled locally so an agency contracts nurses from outside the area to fill the positions. Most contracts are 4, 8 or 12 weeks. Some are longer. Most require that you have so many years experience in one or more fields and they try to place you within your specialties.
For me, Endoscopy and Research are the most recent. I'm also an experienced ER and CCU nurse. I've been at this since 1990. Nearly 20 years on my fourth career! When I got out of high school, I didn't have a clue. I worked as an insurance claims adjuster/examiner, a beautician and got my EMT certification. I went to college years later - for many reasons. I graduated in 1991 with one year of nursing experience as an Extern under my belt and I've been at it ever since.
One thing I have learned: There is no end to the paperwork! Forms to complete, resume's to update, federal forms, state forms, background checks, vaccinations, and so on...
But in the end, it should be worth it. I have an opportunity to work in Endoscopy in Lafayette, IN. It's a 12 week contract, 40 hours a week, great pay, travel reimbursement and even a bonus. I should be able to get home every weekend and maybe even have Greg come down there to see me. Being apart from Greg will be the hardest part. The only reason I'd even consider it is to work. Who knows? Maybe this will be a perfect fit for me.
So, if you get a chance, say a prayer that I'll know this is right, good for me and my family, and that I don't get horribly home sick.
Ciao
For me, Endoscopy and Research are the most recent. I'm also an experienced ER and CCU nurse. I've been at this since 1990. Nearly 20 years on my fourth career! When I got out of high school, I didn't have a clue. I worked as an insurance claims adjuster/examiner, a beautician and got my EMT certification. I went to college years later - for many reasons. I graduated in 1991 with one year of nursing experience as an Extern under my belt and I've been at it ever since.
One thing I have learned: There is no end to the paperwork! Forms to complete, resume's to update, federal forms, state forms, background checks, vaccinations, and so on...
But in the end, it should be worth it. I have an opportunity to work in Endoscopy in Lafayette, IN. It's a 12 week contract, 40 hours a week, great pay, travel reimbursement and even a bonus. I should be able to get home every weekend and maybe even have Greg come down there to see me. Being apart from Greg will be the hardest part. The only reason I'd even consider it is to work. Who knows? Maybe this will be a perfect fit for me.
So, if you get a chance, say a prayer that I'll know this is right, good for me and my family, and that I don't get horribly home sick.
Ciao
Monday, December 01, 2008
Are You Going Into A Carb Coma???
You know the feeling: bloated, sleepy, lethargic...
It used to be that after the big Thanksgiving Feast, the women of the family would clean up (and work off the meal) - do the dishes, parcel out the left-overs, set out the deserts while the men 'watched' football with one eye closed and belts undone. The kids would be sent outside, or allowed to play on grandma's bed, usually too full to get into to much trouble.
We used to blame this on the turkey - you remember tryptophan? (not sure I even spelled that any way near right) Now we know that the mashed potatoes, the dressing (or stuffing), the heavy gravy, those yummy yeast rolls and all the other carb loaded foods are to blame. They fill us up, induce an insulin spike, and that post-prandial need for a nice nap.
Now, I don't know about your family, but mine really overdoes it. We have a HUGE bird and enough food for at least 20 people - and only 5 of us are there! So this means that not only do we overeat at 1:00 in the afternoon, we do it AGAIN at around 6:00...and eat the leftovers for the next couple of days.
This year was even worse! My sons spent the day with their Dad's family, so came out to our house on Saturday night. I made another big meal: Ham, scalloped potatoes, rice, those yummy yeast rolls again and a couple of veggies: corn and carrots (more starch!).
While all of it sounds good (and boy did it taste good!), we're feeling every fork-full. The four day weekend was a food-for-all of homemade goodness but at what cost? The experts say that if you just have ONE extra helping of anything per day, you will gain AT LEAST 5 pounds before January 1. And that just plain sucks. So do I have to feel guilty for making really delicious food? No. I just need to watch how much I put in my mouth and maybe not make enough for an army.
So, my advice, for what it's worth: Make all your favorites. Enjoy them. Enjoy feeding your families. Just limit the second helpings, be the one to get up from the table to clean up and take the dog for a walk. Maybe the New Years resolutions won't need to include a diet.
On to Christmas!..............................Where did I put that cookie recipe????
It used to be that after the big Thanksgiving Feast, the women of the family would clean up (and work off the meal) - do the dishes, parcel out the left-overs, set out the deserts while the men 'watched' football with one eye closed and belts undone. The kids would be sent outside, or allowed to play on grandma's bed, usually too full to get into to much trouble.
We used to blame this on the turkey - you remember tryptophan? (not sure I even spelled that any way near right) Now we know that the mashed potatoes, the dressing (or stuffing), the heavy gravy, those yummy yeast rolls and all the other carb loaded foods are to blame. They fill us up, induce an insulin spike, and that post-prandial need for a nice nap.
Now, I don't know about your family, but mine really overdoes it. We have a HUGE bird and enough food for at least 20 people - and only 5 of us are there! So this means that not only do we overeat at 1:00 in the afternoon, we do it AGAIN at around 6:00...and eat the leftovers for the next couple of days.
This year was even worse! My sons spent the day with their Dad's family, so came out to our house on Saturday night. I made another big meal: Ham, scalloped potatoes, rice, those yummy yeast rolls again and a couple of veggies: corn and carrots (more starch!).
While all of it sounds good (and boy did it taste good!), we're feeling every fork-full. The four day weekend was a food-for-all of homemade goodness but at what cost? The experts say that if you just have ONE extra helping of anything per day, you will gain AT LEAST 5 pounds before January 1. And that just plain sucks. So do I have to feel guilty for making really delicious food? No. I just need to watch how much I put in my mouth and maybe not make enough for an army.
So, my advice, for what it's worth: Make all your favorites. Enjoy them. Enjoy feeding your families. Just limit the second helpings, be the one to get up from the table to clean up and take the dog for a walk. Maybe the New Years resolutions won't need to include a diet.
On to Christmas!..............................Where did I put that cookie recipe????
Saturday, November 22, 2008
MSU vs PSU
It was awful. At first, I thought we had a chance. Our defense looked pretty good. They went 3 and out, we went 3 and out. Thought it would be a tight game. Didn't really expect MSU to win - we were a 14 point underdog - but I didn't expect for us to get so blown away. The final score was 49-18. Hoyer should have come out much sooner. Using Ringer when it was obvious that Penn State could read him so well was a poor choice. But I have to say that they never quit playing - they just didn't play well.
So, now we wait and see - will we play in Tampa at the Outback Bowl or in Tempe, AZ in the Insight Bowl? In all likelihood, we'll be in Tampa. The Spartans have had an awesome season. Back to back winning seasons, back to back Bowl games...Dantonio and the Spartans deserve praise.
The Band will go to the Bowl Game and for them, it's an opportunity to be seen by people who only see the Spartans on TV. ESPN and ABC don't show much of the bands before or during the game, and never any part of the half-time show. That's a shame really. They work so hard - a new show for every home game means new music to memorize and new sets/marching routines. If you think they aren't athletes, just try it some time! The talent, dedication and shear physical work involved deserve respect. It annoys the hell out of me when the bands are ignored or ridiculed. These are awesome young people.
Unless you know someone in a college level marching band, you can't know, really, what I mean. People who can't walk and chew gum at the same time look down on the 'band geeks'. If they only knew...
Ah well - enough of my soapbox.
GO GREEN GO WHITE!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Unemployment............Sucks.
Well, today I applied for Unemployment benefits. The last time I did that was 25 years ago and it was a humiliating, tedious experience.Now, it's not so bad. You go online, answer about 30 minutes worth of questions, post your resume on Michigan Talent Bank and then go to the Michigan Works office. Once there, you show them that you already did the hard part and they give you a form to fill out with the exact same information and then they put you on the computer and you enter the exact same information again. Then you print off your resume, so they have a hard copy, and they give you a little key chain card with a bar code on it. The office was clean, bright, quiet. No lines, no waiting and everyone was very pleasant. Now I have to call into "MARVIN" at an appointed time and answer questions and I'll have to go into the Works office every 2 weeks and probably answer the same questions.
So, all in all, not too bad. But I'd rather be working. I really would rather be working. I know that I'm 'entitled' to benefits - it's not my fault that there's no work right now. But I feel like a leech. I know that there are people out there that live off the state - via welfare, disability, and other such governmental handouts. Some are deserved, but I've seen many who are not. I know perfectly healthy people who collect disability benefits and I know people who truly are disabled but can't get benefits. I see women having more babies to get a bigger check. I know people who can work, and don't - even in a good economy.
I'd rather be working. Entitled or not, I don't like taking a check and not doing a damn thing to earn it.
So if anyone needs a nurse....
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Got this in an Email
I received the following article from a friend ... he doesn't know the source. I don't agree with everything in the article, but I hope some good will come of the results of this election. A large number of folks now have to try and make it work. There can no longer be any obstruction and Bush-bashing from the Democrats. They finally have a stake in American domestic and foreign policy. It will be interesting to see what they do with their newly found power.
Not the End of the World
November 05, 2008 (day after the American election)
It's easy to let yourself go into complete despair and start thinking things like "We are well-and-truly f..d" or "This is the worst of all possible outcomes". But it isn't true. I think this election is going to be a "coming-of-age" moment for a lot of people.
They say ... "Be careful what you wish for" and a lot of people got their wish yesterday. And now, they're bound to be disappointed. Not even Jesus Christ could satisfy all the
expectations of President-Elect Obama's most vocal supporters, or fulfill all the promises Obama has made.
I think Obama is going to turn out to be the worst president since Carter, and for the same reason: good intentions do not guarantee good results. Idealists often stub their toes on the wayward rocks of reality, and fall flat on their faces. And the world doesn't respond to benign behavior benignly. But there's another reason why: Obama has been hiding his light under a basket. A lot of people bought a pig in a poke yesterday, and now they're going to find out what they bought. Obama isn't what most of them think he is.
The intoxication of the cult will wear off, leaving a monumental hangover. And four years from now Obama's cult worshippers will be older and much wiser. A lot of bad things are going to happen during this term. But I don't think that this is an irreversible catastrophe for the union. I've lived long enough to absorb this basic truth: the U.S. is too large and too strong to be destroyed from within or from without in just four years. Or even in eight. We survived six years of Nixon. We survived four years of Carter. We even survived eight years of Clinton, God alone knows how.
The President of the United States is the most powerful political figure in the world, but as national executives go his powers are actually quite restricted. Obama will become President, but he won't be a dictator or king, let alone deity. He still has to work with the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and he still has to live within U.S. Constitutional restrictions, and with a judiciary that he mostly didn't appoint.
The main reason this will be a "coming-of-age" moment is that now Obama and the Democrats have to put up or shut up. Obama got elected by making himself a blank slate, with vapid promises about "hope" and "change" -- but now he actually has to do something. Now he has to reveal his true agenda. And now, with the Democrats also having a majority in both chambers of Congress, the Democrats will really have to lead.
And they're not going to do a very good job of it. It's going to be amusing to watch. And the people who fell for the demagoguery will learn an invaluable lesson. Oh, the Democrats have tried and will continue to try to blame failure on Republican filibusters, of which there will continue to be many. But that's always been a factor in our system of government, and many people believe it's an important check on government excess. The tradition in the Senate is that it is supposed to be a buffer against transient political fads, and the filibuster is a major part of that. If the Democrats go all in, and change the filibuster rule, then they'll have truly seized the nettle with both hands and won't have any excusesany longer. That's why they won't do it. It's their last fig-leaf.
But even with the filibuster rule in place, they'll be stuck trying to deliver now on all the promises implied, or inferred, during this election. The Republicans can only filibuster on bills the Democrats have already proposed. And it ain't possible for the Democrats to deliver what's been promised. Gonna be a hell of a lot of disillusioned lefties out there. A lot of people who felt they were deceived. A lot of people who will eventually realize that the Obama campaign was something of a cult. Disillusionment will turn to a feeling of betrayal. And that will, inturn, convert to anger.
In the mean time, Obama and Congressional Democrats will do things that will actually cause harm, but very little of it will be irreversible. I would have enjoyed watching lefty heads explode if McCain had won. But we're going to see lefty heads exploding anyway; it's just going to take a bit longer.
In the meantime, those of us who didn't want Obama to be President have to accept that he is. And let's not give in to the kind of paranoid, feverish dreams that have consumed the left for the last eigh years. Let us collectively take a vow today: no "Obama derangement syndrome". Obama is a politician. He isn't the devil incarnate.
So, what are the good sides of what just happened?
1. It is no longer possible for anyone to deny that the mainstream media are heavily biased. The mainstream media have been biased for decades, but they managed an illusion of fairness. That is no longer possible; the mainstream media have squandered their credibility during this election campaign. They'll never get that credibility back again.
2. Since the Democrats got nearly everything they hoped for in this campaign, they'll have no excuses and will have to produce. They'll haveto reveal their true agenda -- or else make clear that they haven't really had any substantive agenda beyond
gaining power.
3. Every few decades, the American people have to be reminded that peace only comes with strength. The next four years will be this generation's lesson.
Now, a few predictions for the next four years:
1. Obama's "hold out your hand to everyone" foreign policy is going to be a catastrophe. They'll love it in Europe. They're probably laughing their heads off about it in the middle east already.
2. The US hasn't suffered a terrorist attack by al Qaeda since 9/11/2001, but we'll get at least one during Obama's term.
3. We're going to lose in Afghanistan.
4. Iran will get nuclear weapons. There will be nuclear war between Iran and Israel. (This is the only irreversibly terrible thing I see upcoming, and it's very bad indeed.)
5. There will eventually be a press backlash against Obama which will make their treatment of Bush look mild. Partly that's going to occur because Obama is going to disappoint them just as much as all his other supporters. Partly it will be the mainstream media desperately trying to regain its own damaged credibility, by trying to show that they're not in the tank for Obama any longer. And because of that they are eventually going to do the reporting they should have done during this campaign, about Obama's less-than-savory friends, and about voter fraud, and about illegal fund-raising, and about a lot of other things. And
6. Obama will not be re-elected in 2012. He may even end up doing an LBJ and not even running again.
One last thing: I'm not saying I'm happy with this outcome. I would much rather have had McCain win. But this is not the end of the world, or the end of this nation. We've survived much worse. And now we need to show the lefties how to lose. Our mission for the next four years is to be in opposition without becoming deranged. UPDATE: One other good thing: no one will be spinning grand conspiracy theories about this administration's Vice President being an evil,conniving genius who is the true power behind the throne."
Not the End of the World
November 05, 2008 (day after the American election)
It's easy to let yourself go into complete despair and start thinking things like "We are well-and-truly f..d" or "This is the worst of all possible outcomes". But it isn't true. I think this election is going to be a "coming-of-age" moment for a lot of people.
They say ... "Be careful what you wish for" and a lot of people got their wish yesterday. And now, they're bound to be disappointed. Not even Jesus Christ could satisfy all the
expectations of President-Elect Obama's most vocal supporters, or fulfill all the promises Obama has made.
I think Obama is going to turn out to be the worst president since Carter, and for the same reason: good intentions do not guarantee good results. Idealists often stub their toes on the wayward rocks of reality, and fall flat on their faces. And the world doesn't respond to benign behavior benignly. But there's another reason why: Obama has been hiding his light under a basket. A lot of people bought a pig in a poke yesterday, and now they're going to find out what they bought. Obama isn't what most of them think he is.
The intoxication of the cult will wear off, leaving a monumental hangover. And four years from now Obama's cult worshippers will be older and much wiser. A lot of bad things are going to happen during this term. But I don't think that this is an irreversible catastrophe for the union. I've lived long enough to absorb this basic truth: the U.S. is too large and too strong to be destroyed from within or from without in just four years. Or even in eight. We survived six years of Nixon. We survived four years of Carter. We even survived eight years of Clinton, God alone knows how.
The President of the United States is the most powerful political figure in the world, but as national executives go his powers are actually quite restricted. Obama will become President, but he won't be a dictator or king, let alone deity. He still has to work with the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and he still has to live within U.S. Constitutional restrictions, and with a judiciary that he mostly didn't appoint.
The main reason this will be a "coming-of-age" moment is that now Obama and the Democrats have to put up or shut up. Obama got elected by making himself a blank slate, with vapid promises about "hope" and "change" -- but now he actually has to do something. Now he has to reveal his true agenda. And now, with the Democrats also having a majority in both chambers of Congress, the Democrats will really have to lead.
And they're not going to do a very good job of it. It's going to be amusing to watch. And the people who fell for the demagoguery will learn an invaluable lesson. Oh, the Democrats have tried and will continue to try to blame failure on Republican filibusters, of which there will continue to be many. But that's always been a factor in our system of government, and many people believe it's an important check on government excess. The tradition in the Senate is that it is supposed to be a buffer against transient political fads, and the filibuster is a major part of that. If the Democrats go all in, and change the filibuster rule, then they'll have truly seized the nettle with both hands and won't have any excusesany longer. That's why they won't do it. It's their last fig-leaf.
But even with the filibuster rule in place, they'll be stuck trying to deliver now on all the promises implied, or inferred, during this election. The Republicans can only filibuster on bills the Democrats have already proposed. And it ain't possible for the Democrats to deliver what's been promised. Gonna be a hell of a lot of disillusioned lefties out there. A lot of people who felt they were deceived. A lot of people who will eventually realize that the Obama campaign was something of a cult. Disillusionment will turn to a feeling of betrayal. And that will, inturn, convert to anger.
In the mean time, Obama and Congressional Democrats will do things that will actually cause harm, but very little of it will be irreversible. I would have enjoyed watching lefty heads explode if McCain had won. But we're going to see lefty heads exploding anyway; it's just going to take a bit longer.
In the meantime, those of us who didn't want Obama to be President have to accept that he is. And let's not give in to the kind of paranoid, feverish dreams that have consumed the left for the last eigh years. Let us collectively take a vow today: no "Obama derangement syndrome". Obama is a politician. He isn't the devil incarnate.
So, what are the good sides of what just happened?
1. It is no longer possible for anyone to deny that the mainstream media are heavily biased. The mainstream media have been biased for decades, but they managed an illusion of fairness. That is no longer possible; the mainstream media have squandered their credibility during this election campaign. They'll never get that credibility back again.
2. Since the Democrats got nearly everything they hoped for in this campaign, they'll have no excuses and will have to produce. They'll haveto reveal their true agenda -- or else make clear that they haven't really had any substantive agenda beyond
gaining power.
3. Every few decades, the American people have to be reminded that peace only comes with strength. The next four years will be this generation's lesson.
Now, a few predictions for the next four years:
1. Obama's "hold out your hand to everyone" foreign policy is going to be a catastrophe. They'll love it in Europe. They're probably laughing their heads off about it in the middle east already.
2. The US hasn't suffered a terrorist attack by al Qaeda since 9/11/2001, but we'll get at least one during Obama's term.
3. We're going to lose in Afghanistan.
4. Iran will get nuclear weapons. There will be nuclear war between Iran and Israel. (This is the only irreversibly terrible thing I see upcoming, and it's very bad indeed.)
5. There will eventually be a press backlash against Obama which will make their treatment of Bush look mild. Partly that's going to occur because Obama is going to disappoint them just as much as all his other supporters. Partly it will be the mainstream media desperately trying to regain its own damaged credibility, by trying to show that they're not in the tank for Obama any longer. And because of that they are eventually going to do the reporting they should have done during this campaign, about Obama's less-than-savory friends, and about voter fraud, and about illegal fund-raising, and about a lot of other things. And
6. Obama will not be re-elected in 2012. He may even end up doing an LBJ and not even running again.
One last thing: I'm not saying I'm happy with this outcome. I would much rather have had McCain win. But this is not the end of the world, or the end of this nation. We've survived much worse. And now we need to show the lefties how to lose. Our mission for the next four years is to be in opposition without becoming deranged. UPDATE: One other good thing: no one will be spinning grand conspiracy theories about this administration's Vice President being an evil,conniving genius who is the true power behind the throne."
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