Gotta Love Garfield!

clipped from my.yahoo.com

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.

clipped from www.nih.gov New Tool Developed to Predict Colorectal Cancer Risk A new online tool for calculating colorectal cancer risk in men and women age 50 or older was launched today, based on a new risk-assessment model developed by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health. This new tool may assist health care providers and their patients in making informed choices about when and how to screen for colorectal cancer and can be used in designing colorectal cancer screening and prevention trials. An article describing the new risk-assessment model and a second article describing its validation appear online December 29, 2008, in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The risk assessment tool is available on the NCI Web site at www.cancer.gov/colorectalcancerrisk, and people using this tool should work with their health care providers to interpret the results.

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

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.

clipped from www.cnn.com Obama's inaugural choice sparks outrage (CNN) -- Prominent liberal groups and gay rights proponents criticized President-elect Barack Obama Wednesday for choosing evangelical pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the presidential inauguration next month. Warren, one of the most influential religious leaders in the nation, has championed issues such as a reduction of global poverty, human rights abuses and the AIDS epidemic. "There is no substantive difference between Rick Warren and James Dobson," Kolbert said. "The only difference is tone. His tone is moderate, but his ideas are radical." Linda Douglass, a spokeswoman for Obama, defended the choice of Warren, saying, "This is going to be the most inclusive, open, accessible inauguration in American history." His book "The Purpose Driven Life" has sold more than 20 million copies since it was first published five years ago, and Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in 2005.

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?

Another Elected Idiot

clipped from www.foxnews.com Drunk Wisconsin Lawmaker Crashes into Snowbank, Found With Marijuana Reports say State Rep. Jeffrey Wood was arrested early Friday, with a blood-alcohol content nearly twice the legal limit. A truck driver reported Wood to police after watching his vehicle weave for several miles on an interstate highway. Wood's car then went airborne and smashed into a caution sign and a snowbank before returning to the road, the report said. He was arrested early Friday in south-central Wisconsin, far from the northwestern district he represents in Bloomer. His blood-alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit, the report said. Wood told WAYY radio in Eau Claire that he had no plans to step down. He also told the station how marijuana ended up in his car: "Somebody offered me some and I took it, and for whatever stupid reason got in my car and decided to drive home." Wood was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2002 as a Republican but quit the GOP this year and was re-elected as an independent.

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!

clipped from hosted.ap.org New study firmly ties hormone use to breast cancer SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Taking menopause hormones for five years doubles the risk for breast cancer, according to a new analysis of a big federal study that reveals the most dramatic evidence yet of the dangers of these still-popular pills. Even women who took estrogen and progestin pills for as little as a couple of years had a greater chance of getting cancer. And when they stopped taking them, their odds quickly improved, returning to a normal risk level roughly two years after quitting. Collectively, these new findings are likely to end any doubt that the risks outweigh the benefits for most women. It is clear that breast cancer rates plunged in recent years mainly because millions of women quit hormone therapy and fewer newly menopausal women started on it, said the study's leader, Dr. Rowan Chlebowski of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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.

clipped from www.woodtv.com Colts push Lions to 0-14 Colts overcome miscues to beat Lions Last Edited: Sunday, 14 Dec 2008, 11:16 PM EST Created On: Sunday, 14 Dec 2008, 4:49 PM EST INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- - Click on the Video tab to see Ty Hallock's reaction to the Lions' loss to the Colts and their current 0-14 record. The Indianapolis Colts weren't themselves Sunday. Against winless Detroit, they didn't need to be. The Lions, seemingly on their way to the first 0-16 season in NFL history, were victimized in the fourth quarter by Peyton Manning and the Colts, falling 31-21. Despite a litany of missed tackles and two lost fumbles, Manning kept the Colts (10-4) on track for a playoff run. And he kept the Lions (0-14) on track for a winless year. Indianapolis has won seven straight games.

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?

clipped from www.cnn.com Iranian to be blinded with acid for doing same to woman TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- An Iranian woman, blinded by a jilted stalker who threw acid in her face, has persuaded a court to sentence him to be blinded with acid himself under Islamic law demanding an eye for an eye. Ameneh Bahrami refused to accept "blood money." She insisted instead that her attacker suffer a fate similar to her own "so people like him would realize they do not have the right to throw acid in girls' faces," she told the Tehran Provincial Court. Her attacker, a 27-year-old man identified in court papers as Majid, admitted throwing acid in her face in November 2004, blinding and disfiguring her. He said he loved her and insisted she loved him as well. "I am not willing to get blood money from the defendant, who is still thinking about destroying me and wants to take my eyes out," she told the court. "How could he pretend to be in love? If they let this guy go free, he will definitely kill me."

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?????

Contagious!

Do you know someone that suddenly develops whatever disease they read about????

clipped from news.yahoo.com

LMAO! My New Motto!

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!

clipped from www.wholeart.org Late Night Series... At the Whole Art Studio! 246 N. Kalamazoo Mall December 5 - 13 Familiar Faces and Peculiar Places Written by John Stahl, Randy Wyatt, Joe Sanders, and Nancy Stefanick Directed by Adam Carter, Sarah MacLean-Nagle, Trevor Stefanick, and John Thierwechter These four short plays all contain references to pop culture, but that’s where the similarities end.   Join us at the Late Night and discover what happened to Buttercup and Westley, the goings-on in a bathroom with Oscar winners, when fanfiction gets loose on The Island among The Others, and when Transformers and Jem find out knowing is half the battle! Familiar Faces and Peculiar Places performs Friday Dec. 5, Saturday Dec. 6, Friday Dec. 12, Saturday Dec. 13 @ 11:00 pm at the Whole Art Studio, 246 N. Kalamazoo Mall. Tickets are $5 and as for all Late Night shows, include complimentary Biggby's Gourmet Coffee and Sweetwater's Donuts.

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.

clipped from www.foxnews.com Illinois Democrats Reeling As Blagojevich Scandal Develops Illinois Democrats who were likely contenders to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate could face a fierce battle from Republicans if a special election is held after the fallout of the Blagojevich corruption scandal.

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?

clipped from edition.cnn.com LONDON, England (CNN) -- Archaeologists have discovered what they say is the oldest surviving human brain in Britain, dating back at least 2,000 years to the Iron Age. A representation of the skull generated from the CT scans taken at York Hospital. The remains of the brain were found in a skull unearthed during excavations at York University in northern England, a statement from the university said Friday.

Get Used To It

clipped from news.yahoo.com

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.

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

No Large Scale Participation in Day Without a Gay

clipped from www.wwmt.com (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Some workers across the country staged a different kind of protest Wednesday to raise awareness about the rights of gays and lesbians.   The effort was called Day Without A Gay. It encouraged people to call in gay to work to show how much the country relies on gays and lesbians.   The movement sprung up after California passed Proposition 8 last month which banned gay marriage.   In San Francisco's Castro District, which has a large gay population, business owners said they support the message behind the movement, but didn't think a work stoppage was practical given the poor economy.    "I do support boycotting Yes on 8 businesses and people who deserve to be boycotted for what they did, but arbitrary boycotts hurt our friends as much as our enemies," said business owner Steven Afriat.   Organizers say the effort didn't draw large-scale participation.   Day Without A Gay was modeled after a similar protest by Latino immigrants two years ago.

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

clipped from news.yahoo.com New unemployment claims surge unexpectedly The Labor Department reported Thursday that initial applications for jobless benefits in the week ending Dec. 6 rose to a seasonally adjusted 573,000 from an upwardly revised figure of 515,000 in the previous week. That was far more than the 525,000 claims Wall Street economists expected.

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

Business101

clipped from news.yahoo.com

Kissing

Kissing should not be hazardous to your health! I've seen some strange things in the ER but this is really different!

clipped from news.yahoo.com BEIJING (Reuters) – A young woman in southern China has partially lost her hearing after her boyfriend ruptured her eardrum during an excessively passionate kiss, local media reported Monday. The 20-something girl from Zhuhai, in southern Guangdong province, went to hospital completely deaf in her left ear, the China Daily said, citing a report in a local newspaper. "The kiss reduced pressure in the mouth, pulled the eardrum out and caused the breakdown of the ear," the paper quoted a doctor surnamed Li from the hospital as saying. The woman's hearing would likely return to normal after about two months, Li said. "While kissing is normally very safe, doctors advise people to proceed with caution," the paper said. (Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Nick Macfie)

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

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

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

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????