FOR TODAY December 1, 2008

Outside my window...it is cold and blustery...the last of the leaves have fallen from the trees and are dancing across the lawn in a brisk, cold wind.

I am thinking...too bad I have to go to work today as this would be a great day to snuggle back into my bed and read a book or watch TV all day long...

I am thankful for...my family who came and spent Thanksgiving day here and that everyone had a good time

From the kitchen...there are so many leftovers....for lunch today I think that I will have a turkey sandwich, with cream cheese and cranberry relish on rye bread....tomorrow I plan to cook the ham bone and a pot of beans.....whip up some cornbread and fry some taters Yum!

I am wearing...my usual..it is Monday so I have to work ...I have on my scrubs

I am creating...a plan in my head for how I want to decorate for Christmas this year

I am going...to work pretty soon

I am reading...Into Thin Air by Stan Washburn...just started it

I am hoping...that we don't get any accumulation of snow

I am hearing...peaceful silence

Around the house...things are clean, beds are made, and the refrigerator is full from Thanksgiving

One of my favorite things...leftover Turkey

A few plans for the rest of the week:work today..off on Tuesday and Paige will be here..work on Wednesday..off on Thursday, get my hair colored and highlighted and Paige has a Christmas program at school....work on Friday and have the whole blessed weekend off to get the Christmas decorating started

Here is picture thought I am sharing...my beautiful 8 year old granddaughter Paige at the computer....

Click on The Simple Woman's Daybook picture above if you would like to join

MORE OF THE SAME

Obama Tells Disappointed Supporters: “I Am the Change.”
Gateway Pundit
November 27, 2008
Oh, brother…
Barack Obama told his disappointed supporters who voted for him on the promise of change only to find him appoint old Clintonites and Bush cabinet members not to be upset– “I am the change.”
McClatchy reported:
President-elect Barack Obama essentially said Wednesday that he is the change, striving to assure Americans that he’ll shake up Washington despite filling his administration with old hands from the Clinton administration and the capital’s corridors of power.
“Understand where the vision for change comes from, first and foremost,” Obama said. “It comes from me. That’s my job, is to provide a vision in terms of where we are going, and to make sure, then, that my team is implementing.”
Halleluiah.

And all he did was bitch that Bush was more of the same.......guess that doesn't count for him huh? And don't get me wrong I am a Clinton supportor all the way...it is just that Barack sure led a lot of people down the wrong path didn't he?

Cheers to all us thieves!
Sunday Stealing: The Seven Layer Meme

LAYER 1:

Tell us your...

* Name:* Paula

Birthday (month, day): April 8

* Birthplace:* Nashville, Kansas

Current location:* Kansas

Eye color:* Brown

Hair color:* Brown with blonde highlights

Height:* 5' 10"

Righty or lefty:* Righty

Zodiac sign: Aries

LAYER 2:

What's...* Your heritage:* German, Indian

The shoes you wore today:* Avia nursing shoes

Your weakness:* food

Your fears:* mice

Your perfect pizza:* Supreme

Goals you’d like to achieve:*Retirement

Your first waking thoughts:* Shoot I have to go to work

Your best physical feature:* legs

Your most missed memory: talking with my mom

LAYER 3:

Do you...*

Smoke:* Quit 9 years ago

Cuss:* yes

Sing:* I love to sing and I don't care how I sound

Do you think you’ve been in love:* a couple of times

Did you go to college:*yes...I have an associate in nursing

Liked high school:* no

Want to get/stay married:* don't know if I want to but I will stay married and I will never marry again!

Believe in yourself:* not always

Think you’re attractive:* sometimes

Think you’re a health freak:* No way...I wish I were more so

Get along with your parent(s):* both are deceased...my dad when I was only 8 and my mom two years ago...we got along okay

Like thunderstorms:* nope

Play an instrument: nope

LAYER 4:

In the past month have you… *

Drank alcohol:* yes....

Smoked:* nope

Done a drug:* ibuprofen is as strong as it gets

Made out:* nope

Gone on a date:* nope

Gone to the mall:* nope Gads I am boring.....

Eaten an entire box of Oreos:.* maybe not the whole box at one time

Eaten sushi:*Good Lord no

Been on stage:* nope

Been dumped:*nope

Gone skating:* nope

Gone skinny dipping:* not in the past month...

Stolen Anything: nope

LAYER 5: Have you ever…

* Played a game that required removal of clothing:* yes./...strip Scrabble

Been trashed or extremely intoxicated:* many a time

Been caught “doing something”:* like what?

Been called a tease:* a time or two

Gotten beaten up:* nope but I have beat someone up

Shoplifted: nope

LAYER 6:
* Age you did get/hope to be married:* the first time I was 18...too young...second time 45

Numbers and names of children (either you have or want):* 2 boys...Daniel and Justin 1 adopted daughter Heather

Describe your dream mate:* very very rich

How do you want to die:* quickly and before I end up in a nursing home

What did you want to be when you grow up:* I wanted to be the lady that sold cookies at the grocery store

What country would you most like to visit: I'd like to go back to Thailand

LAYER 7: Now tell...

* Name a drug you’ve taken illegally: smoked marijuana once

* Name a person you could trust with my life:* my brother Fred

Name a favorite CD that you own:* Kenny Rogers Greatest Hits

Number of piercings:* one in each ear

Number of tattoos:* none yet

Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper:* 2-3 maybe

Name a past experience that you regret: getting married so young

Thanksgiving pictures 2008

The clan at my house on Thanksgivng




My sister and my brothers with me on the

left......wow I need to lose a few pounds!

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Just Like a Pill

. What was the last pill you took? I just took an 800 mg ibuprofen...my head is hurting and my knees ache!

2. What time of day do you usually feel most energized? I am a night person and I feel my best after 7 p.m.

3. Who was the last person you hugged? Oh my I hugged a whole lot of family yesterday....but today it was my brother Fred

4. If you had a restaurant serve you a perfect breakfast, what would it be? French toast, egg sunny-side up and bacon....warm maple syrup

5. What did you do on Thursday? We hosted the family Thanksgiving at our house...were 23 of us and two doggies

6. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? I would change the relationship that I have with my oldest son....I want to be in his life but I want him free of his addictions...and I miss my grandkids

7. What is your favorite TV commercial at the moment? HMMMMM at the moment I can't think of one

8. Who would you'd be surprised to wake up and find in your bed? LOL!

9. Who is your favorite 80’s band? I was too busy in the 80's to have a favorite...I worked 3 jobs, went full time to nursing school, and was a mom to two boys

Fun Blogging Terms....

I found this list recently on-line (can't remember where) and thought I would share them here
Blogging Terms (just for fun):
Blogstipation - Writer’s block for bloggers. Can't think of what to blog about?
Blogathy - I do not want to post today and I do not care about it
Blogopotamus - A long long blog postBlogorrhea - Unusually high output of articles
Bleg - To use one’s blog to beg for assistance etc.
Hitnosis - Refreshing your browser repeatedly to see if your hit counter or comments have increased
Blog hopping - Jumping from one blog to another
Blogoholic - Addicted to blogging
Blogorific - Blogtastic - Something which a blogger says is terrific
Blogsit - Maintaining a blog while the primary blogger is on leave
Blurker - A blog reader not posting comments, just lurking around quietly.
Blogathon - Update your website every 30 minutes for 24 hours straight. Maybe collect sponsorships.
Blogiversary - Your blog birthday
Blog Carnival - Links to other articles covering a specific topic.Multiblog - Running multiple blogs
Blogger bash - A blogger party
Blooger - A blogger who exhibits adolescent tendencies and lacks basic social graces or good manners. A portmanteau of “blog” and “booger.”
Blogroach- A commenter who rudely disagrees with posted content
Weborexic - Referring to tiny (width-wise) layouts.
Gulog - Used when a blog is so dismal and depressing, it’s as if it were written in a Soviet labor camp.
Glog - A first-person recording of an activity, in which the person doing the recording is a participant in the activity

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my family and friends in 2008....May your day be blessed!

Enough Enough Enough

Okay this is my blog and I am going to write about something that is irritating me! All the hoopla over Barrack Obama....now the black people in the USA want to keep race out of everything but they just can't keep race out of this. I am sick of hearing about him being the first black president.....who cares. He's just a man. Puts his pants on the same way everyone else does. Has good days and has bad days....his past wasn't much different than yours or mine. He grew up pretty good and has had a pretty privileged life...as had most president-elects. They aren't like us no matter how much they want us to believe they are. He is 5o% white. Why don't we hear about that? You are right..I didn't vote for him . I didn't feel like this year I really had much of a choice on who to vote for. But I sure didn't want Barrack Obama. And it doesn't have a dang thing to do with the color of his skin. It has everything to do with my fear of who he is and what he will do to this country. But I am more than willing to give him a chance and see what he does. But as for my support....nope not gonna give him that until he does something to prove that he really has this country's best interests at heart. I am not too proud to say I was wrong about him but he has to do something first.
Now about Barbara Walters and The View...I have turned them off. I have been saying for a long time that I was through with them but now I mean it. What ever happened to the tough questions asked by Barbara Walters? She used to cause fear among political candidates. But not anymore...now she just kisses their behinds. It is time to retire Barbara. And I was the biggest fan ever of Joy Baher but I am sick of her too....if this is what this TV show needs to do to draw viewers then I guess it is just time to exercise my freedoms in this great country of ours and turn them off. Wow that felt so good to say that!
I am happy to live in the greatest country in the world. I am happy to see that we are moving forward in the fight against racism but Mr. Obama is just causing the rift to continue . Let's stop referring to him as a black president and just refer to him as The President. I am sick of it!

FOR TODAY November 24, 2008

Outside my window... the sky is a brilliant winter blue, the sun is shining through the bare trees and the grass has finally turned an ugly brown....I am already longing for the return of spring

I am thinking...I have lots and lots to do to get ready for Thanksgiving

I am thankful for...my dear husband who is currently running the carpet shampoo machine in the family room...

From the kitchen...the counters are cluttered, the refrigerator is empty except for the thawing giant turkey but my beautiful white cabinets are sparkling clean

I am wearing...my scrubs as I will soon be leaving to work the 2-10 shift

I am creating...a wonderful menu for Thanksgiving day

I am going...to work soon and leave the grocery shopping in the hands of my husband who loves to shop and can follow a list without calling me a million times

I am reading...S is For Silence...wonder if I will ever finish it

I am hoping...I can have a full day tomorrow to clean and get ready because I have to work again the 2-10 shift on Wednesday

I am hearing...the hum of the carpet shampoo machine and All my Children

Around the house...oh so much to do yet

One of my favorite things...is finally sitting down at the table with all of my brothers and sisters for Thanksgiving day

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tuesday I will clean, Wednesday I will work, Thursday I will cook and enjoy my family and blissfully Friday I will relax....then I work the weekend

Here is picture thought I am sharing All of my brothers, my sister and I at a Thanksgiving in 1983....I am on the left in the dark sweater...Oh those were the days

If you would like to join us go here http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Sunday Stealing: The Favorite Meme

Fill in your favorite for each of the following:

1. Political show: Right now I am sick to death of all of them....don't watch any right now! These shows are so unbalanced and not worth my time.

2. Picnic food: I love fried chicken, potato salad, watermelon

3. Mixed drink: Bourbon and coke...need one right now!

4. U.S. President: Not the current one and not the future one...I would have to say my favorite was Bill Clinton...whata riot his years were and our economy was so much better!

5. Kind of student to teach: one who listens!

6. Hobby you do or wish you still did: I read and garden....I used to collect dolls and I have over 100 but I am so over that hobby...want to sell them but will wait until the economy improves

7. Sports commentator: None...I am not a sports fan

8. Sport to watch on TV: None if I can help it...I do like ice skating

9. Animal to have as a pet: A goldfish...

10. Halloween costume you have worn: I have gone as a nurse for the past 25 years LOL!

11. Kind of dessert: any kind of cheese cake or anything with chocolate

12. Comic strip: I don't read them!

13. Ice cream flavor: vanilla....I am very boring

14. News source: I watch our local news and read our local paper

15. Vacation spot: No place like the Caribbean

16. Wine: Canei....it is a very mellow white wine and I can drink a whole bottle by myself...of course you might not want to be around me cause I always end up crying after too much wine

17. Way to waste time instead of working: right here in front of my computer...

18. Reality show:I am a reality show junkie...I love Survivor, Amazing Race, Rock of Love, Big Brother....I can't help but watch as people make fools of themselves..

19. Children's movie: Gee...I am not much of a movie watcher....I will say Cinderella

20. Celebrity you wish would retire: Joan Rivers....and you don't need to ask why do you?

Oh once again I have been tagged...

I've been tagged by my friend Carol over at Charlie and Me.. You really must get over there and pay her a visit . And she thinks she is being followed so be careful. I think she might be a little paranoid! This is how the tag works.......Share seven random or weird Book facts about yourself. Then tag seven other people. Notify the seven others that they have been tagged.

1. The first book I ever remember reading was my mother's Better Home and Gardens Medical Book. She says that I used to hide and read this book and stare at all the pictures (especially of the pregnant women) Must be why I grew up to be a nurse.

2. I usually do not read books over and over again. If I have read it once then I really can't get into reading it again.

3. An exception to #2 is my collection of children's books. They are the books that I read to my kids when they were young and I am now reading them to my grand kids.

4. I can't help myself but about half-way through a book I read the last chapter. I've done this all my life. I just don't like surprises. (I think I share this fate with Carol at Charlie and Me!)

5. I belong to the Paperback Swap Club and it is the best way in the world to get and get rid of paperback books.

6. My favorite Christmas present ever is a collection of autographed paperbacks by

Joel Goldman that my son got me two years ago (I just came from his site and see that book

#5 is finally out....I must get it!)

7. I read the complete collection of Lemony Snicket books. I bought them a few years ago for my grand daughters and when they came I couldn't help but start to read them. I read the whole collection before I gave them away....you must go check out this web site. These books are so weird and fascinating and the girls loved them.

Now the people that I am going to tag are:

1. Jodi at Beacon of Hope

2. Mindy at LadyBug Farm

3. Nurseexec At Driven to Distraction

4. Heather at Heather's Heavenly Stampations

5. Charlene at Crazy Charlenes-in-Ar

6. Dawn at 4:53

7. Vee at A Haven for Vee

I hope you will come and play and leave me a post so I can come visit your post!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 17, 2008

Outside my window...it is cold and black...just 12:30 a.m. I haven't been home from work long

I am thinking...I really should be in bed and not here at the computer

I am thankful for...my residents in the nursing home who have become my extended family...I love something about all of them!

From the kitchen...We will have left over Chinese food as my husband bought too much for just one meal.

I am wearing...black shorts and a grey t-shirt...what I wear to bed!

I am creating...this blog post for the moment

I am going...to bed when I am finished here

I am reading...S is for Silence....haven't finished it yet

I am hoping...tomorrow's weather is as beautiful as today's was. It was well into the 60's here today...

I am hearing...blissful, peaceful silence

Around the house...I still have many things to do to get ready for the family coming for Thanksgiving.

One of my favorite things...is pumpkin pie with whipped cream

A few plans for the rest of the week:off Tuesday, work Wednesday, off Thursday, work Friday and then the whole weekend off and Paige and Justin will be here.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...This was taken this summer in front of the tree where my husband and I were married 12 years ago...we call it the wedding tree...It is at Lake Isabel in Colorado

My Sixth Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Woman's Work 45 Meme

Cheers to all us thieves!

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? Yes I sure do!

2. Favorite late night snack? Potato chips with sour cream...if no potato chips I have been know to eat the sour cream with a spoon! Yum!

3. Do you own a gun? No and I won't let one be in my house...

4. What’s your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shop? Vanilla Bean Freeze

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Not always

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I love them with a beer at the ballpark..or cooked on the grill

7. Favorite Christmas song? Elvis Presley Blue Christmas

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee with French vanilla cream

9. Can you do push-ups? LOL....maybe one

10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? A necklace my youngest son bought me on my 40th birthday...was the first gift he ever bought me all on his own with his own money It is gold with RN on it

11. Favorite hobby? I love to garden

12. Do you have A.D.D.? Sometimes I wonder.....

13. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself? My impatience

14. The last disease you contracted? I had the flu last winter...don't know what kind..I was too damn sick to go to the doctor

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. 1. Crazy questions 2. Sorry I have to work today! 3. Wish I had another cup of coffee

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? 1. coffee 2. Pepsi 3. Beer

17. Current worry right now? same worry I always have...involves my oldest son

18. Current hate right now? State inspectors

19. Favorite place to be? At home first...next anywhere in the Caribbean

20. How did you ring in the New Year? Last year???? I can't remember

21. Like to travel? sometimes

22. Name three people who will complete Sunday Stealing this week: beats me!

23. Do you own slippers? No

24. What color shirt are you wearing? a purple flowered silky scrub top!

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Never have but don't think I would!

26. Can you whistle? No but my mom had the loudest whistle I ever heard..she used to call us home with that whistle

27. Favorite singer/band? I love Kenny Rogers, Elvis Presley and Brett Michaels

28. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor? No I am too much of a bitch

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? None!

30. Favorite girl’s names? HMMMMMMMMMM

31. Favorite boy’s name? HMMMMMMMMM

32. What’s in your pocket right now? my cellphone, a pen, a pack of Five and a little notebook (I'm off to work soon)

33. Last thing that made you laugh? my granddaughter Paige getting ready for school on Friday morning! She has ADHD and sometimes is a hoot until the meds kick in!

34. Like your job? I love my residents....hate the politics of the place...and wish we had management with a backbone

36. Do you love where you live? I love my house....wish it were somewhere warmer

37. How many TVs do you have in your house? Three

38. Who is your loudest friend? Ginger

39. Do you drive the speed limit or speed? Yes I do...my son is a cop! Wouldn't ever live down a speeding ticket!

40. Does someone have a crush on you? Yes, a little old man at work and I love him too!!

41. What is your favorite book? I don't have just a favorite book

42. What is your favorite candy? Snickers

43. Favorite Sports Team? Kansas City Royals

44. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Browsing the net

45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today? Shoot I have to go to work

A Bookworm Award

My Friend Carol over at Charlie and Me gave me this cute little award and asked me to play along....Now here are the rules:
Open the closest book to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment.
Turn to page 56....
Write out the fifth sentence, as well as two to five sentences following there.
Then pass this lovely little award on to five other people.......

The Name of my book is DeadLocked written by Joel Goldman.
This book, along with three others, were given to me for Christmas last year by my youngest son, Justin. He knows how much I love to read and this is a new author from the Kansas City area about the Kansas City area. He stood in line for a couple of hours to get all four books signed for me....so they are very special

Page 56...He stopped in front of the dry erase board, a siren from the street shrieking into his open window as an ambulance raced by, the coincidence of Somni Efron's murder and Ryan Kowalczyk's execution occurring on the same day more stunning than the siren. Mason didn't believe in coincidence any more than he believed in King Tut's curse. Legend had it that those who entered King Tut's tomb were cursed to die horrible deaths, many of them doing so, their deaths serving the legend if nothing else..........

I would like to pass this award on to the following people:
1. Heather at Heather's Heavinly Stampations
2. Nurseexec at Driven to Distraction
3. Charlene at Crazy Charlene
4. Mindy at LadyBug Farm
5. Joy over at The Tubb Family

Isn't it Just like Being a CMA?

Today at work one of the CNA's asked me: "Isn't being an RN just like being a CMA (certified medication aide)? Anybody out there who is a nurse will know why I laughed. A CMA passes medications in a nursing home. PERIOD! That is all they are allowed to do. They take a 75 hour course (of which 25 of those hours must be in a clinical setting). Then they take a test and receive a "certification" good for 2 years that allows them to pass medication under either a LPN or an RN's license. PERIOD! Well they can help out the aides if they have time but most of them don't want to do that. They want to pass medications. PERIOD!

Now let me tell you what an RN does. First of all the shortest period of time it takes to go to school to get a license is 2 years. I have never known anyone who can do it in that short period of time. Mine took 3 years as I was also working 3 part-time jobs and being the single mom to 2 small children. (And I made straight A's with the exception of one C..not to brag). And that was 25 years ago...At the end of that three years of school we had to sit for a 2 day long testing at the state capitol (they now take the test on a computer) which if you survived that ordeal you deserved to be a nurse.

Now let me tell you about my duties as an Rn in a 124 bed skilled nursing facility. I am usually the only RN on my shift. There may be ( on a good day) 2 other LPN's. We usually have 2 medications aides taking care of the 22 residents that live in the Traditional homes; one or two other CMA's and approximately 11-12 other certified nurse assistants (CNA) scattered throughout the home. Now my job as the RN is to supervise all of this staff. In addition to that I am responsible for the 25-26 residents that live on my unit. There I pass all the medications for this 8 hour period; do all the charting; call doctors; talk to family members and visitors about their loved ones; do all the treatments (breathing treatments, bandage changes, eye drops, blood glucose monitoring.etc) On top of these duties in my unit only, I am available to help the other 5 units in case of emergencies or to solve other problems that may crop up.Now if that isn't enough I also must take all call-ins (as when you call in that you are not going to come to work the next shift or the next day you must talk to a nurse) and make up the schedules for the next shift. It is my responsibility to try to find coverage for those who call in. And I do that while answering the phone that seems to always be ringing and transferring calls or taking messages. We do not have anyone that answers the phones after 5 pm Monday-Friday and no one is there on weekends at all. Now have I covered everything. No wait a minute....what about the toilet that is over-flowing...wait the nurse will run get a plunger (because for some unknown reason those are kept behind a locked door that is on the same key ring that the narcotic key is kept on) grab a mop to mop up the floor as we also have no housekeeping staff on this shift after 5pm.

Now am I done....nope...I am the only one who can sign for and check in medications when they arrive on my unit. And then I get to put them all away.

Now I am done....no wait...who is it that the CNA comes to tell...Mr. Johnson has a temp of 102F...Mrs Brown is on the floor...Mrs Gray has some funny smell coming from under her belly flap...Janie said that I work too slow!....Billy told me to shut up...Kelly was supposed to work for me tomorrow and now she says she is not going to...Mrs. Taylor won't eat..


I doubt that I am now done. I am sure that I have left something out of this list of things that I do in a typical 8-hour shift. But in answer to the question that was asked to start this post....nope, an RN is not just like a CMA...go to school, become an RN, come on back to work here and let me know what you think.

Veternas Day November 11, 2008

To all Vets....I say Thank you!

And God Bless to those still serving....

Do you Remember Linclon Logs?

In the 1910s, American builders were busy on construction sites in the city and in the playroom. Introduced just after Tinkertoys and the Erector Set, Lincoln Logs were yet another construction toy to make it big during the decade. John Lloyd Wright, son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, brought out the line of sturdy, interlocking logs in 1916. Wright claimed that the foundation of Tokyo’s earthquake-proof Imperial Hotel, which he saw while it was under construction, inspired the shape of his logs.Lincoln Logs turned out to be a toymaker’s dream. The original sets were an instant success, and after World War II, sales of Lincoln Logs got another boost from the baby boom. The sets were popular among postwar parents because they were more sophisticated than plain building blocks but still challenged children’s powers of concentration and eye-hand coordination. Ironically, Lincoln Logs—long a favorite of proponents of educational toys—were among the first toys to be promoted on a television show, 1953’s Pioneer Playhouse. The ads targeted affluent parents, who were most likely to own a television set and to buy educational toys. Sometimes a toy that has had a previous life returns to catch the eyes of children at just the right moment in history.

My grand daughter was here this weekend and she loves building things. She often plays with her daddy's old set of Legos. But granny had a surprise this weekend as hidden away in the closet was her Papa's old set of Lincoln Logs that he had gotten for Christmas when he was her same age.....long, long ago in 1941. Here she is with her creations

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 10, 2008 (My second entry into the Simple Woman's Daybook)

Outside my window... the sky is blue and the sun is shining...you can feel the nip in the air and you know that winter is just a whisper away.

I am thinking...I need to make a list and start to get myself organized for the holidays.

I am thankful for...my sister who came on Saturday. We were not very close growing up but her husband became gravely ill about 4 years ago and through his illness and death we became very close and now I call her my best friend.

From the kitchen...yesterday's left-over meat loaf made by my husband is going to be my lunch today.

I am wearing...my uniform as I will soon be out the door and on my way to work. I work the 2-1o shift in a nursing home up the road about 12 miles from here.

I am creating...some Christmas ornaments that I purchased from Stampin' Up Club.

I am going...to finish organizing my kitchen cabinets this week.

I am reading...S if for Silence by Sue Grafton

I am hoping...this beautiful weather holds out for at least this week. I am a warm-weather gal and the longer I can put off winter the happier I am.

I am hearing...silence...beautiful silence!

Around the house...the beds will need to be stripped, the carpets cleaned, lots of dusting to be done....company coming for Thanksgiving

One of my favorite things...is browsing through blogs..I have found so many that I can't tell you what are my favorite ones.....so many creative people

A few plans for the rest of the week:I work on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On Tuesday I will finish in the kitchen. We always have Paige on Tuesday and Thursday after school and on Thursday I think we will meet her daddy for dinner....then the weekend is mine to work!

Here is picture thought I am sharing.....

This is my youngest son Justin with his daughter Paige....he is an awesome daddy!

Go here if your want to join The Simple Woman's Daybook

What I am reading now.....

It twas time for a good mystery...

Thirty-four years ago, Violet Sullivan put on her party finery and left for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display. She was never seen again.In the small California town of Serena Station, tongues wagged. Some said she'd run off with a lover. Some said she was murdered by her husband.But for the not-quite-seven-year-old daughter Daisy she left behind, Violet's absence has never been explained or forgotten.Now, thirty-four years later, she wants the solace of closure.In S Is for Silence, Kinsey Millhone's nineteenth excursion into the world of suspense and misadventure, S is for surprises as Sue Grafton takes a whole new approach to telling the tale. And S is for superb: Kinsey and Grafton at their best.

Sunday Stealing

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The Nudder Meme

1. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? Paige my grand daughter

2. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? Having Thanksgiving

3. Who was the last person you called? My brother Fred

4. What were you doing at 12am last night? Reading S if for Silence

5. Are your parents married/divorced? Both of my parents are deceased

6. When did you last see your mom? A few days before she died in 2006

7. What are you wearing right now? My pajamas

8. Where is your favorite place to be? On vacation in the Caribbean

9. Where is your least favorite place to be? At work

10. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Back to St John Island

11. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? Sitting right here at this computer blogging

12. What was the last thing that really made you laugh? Playing a game of Pengapop with my grand daughter

13. What cities/towns/villages have you lived in? Pratt, Kansas; Kingman, Kansas; Newport News Virginia; Hutchinson, Kansas

14. Are you a social person? not so much

15. Do you sleep alone? most of the time...

One Word Meme

Where is your mobile phone? kitchen counter

Where is your significant other? outside

Your hair color? brown

Your mother? Heaven

Your father? Heaven

One favorite thing? grandkids

Your dream last night?stupid

Your dream goal? peace

The room you're in? office

Your hobby? gardening

Your fear? mice

Where do you want to be in six years? retired

Where were you last night? working

What you're not? rich

One of your wish list items? retirement

Where you grew up? Pratt

The last thing you did? laundry

What are you wearing? jeans

Your TV? off

Your pets? none

Your computer? IBM

Your mood? sad

Missing someone? yes

Your car? Oldsmobile

Something you're not wearing? hat

Favorite drink? beer

Your summer? over

Love someone? yes!

Your favorite color? purple

When was the last time you laughed? yesterday

When was the last time you cried? today

Why not join in and play along?Let me know....I'll come over to your place and learn more about YOU!

Saturday 9: So Far Away

1. Where is the furthest place that you have traveled and how far away from home is it?

I don't know how many miles away it was but I live in Kansas and we flew to Sydney Australia....18 hour non-stop flight from Los Angeles

2. What is a blog that you would recommend for us to read and why?

I have just discovered Just Livin Large and the reason that I love to read her is she is brave and honest and states her opinions.

3. What is the biggest surprise you ever have had and was it a good one?

I think the biggest surprise I ever had was when I found out I was pregnant with my first son. I was taking "the pill"...and yes it was good one!

4. What is your favorite quote? (We know we've asked this recently. But there is always another great quote! :)

If we all worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true were really true,there would be little hope of advance.Orville Wright (I have so many favorites)
5. Have you ever been hospitalized for a major health situation?

The biggest health issue I have ever had was in 2004 when I fell and broke my leg in 4 places. But I was only in the hospital 2 days....4 months not walking!

6. Do you prefer long hair or short hair for yourself?

short for me....it is just easier!

7. What was your favorite amusement park ride growing up?

I was never on an amusement park ride as a kid....and my favorite now is the merry-go-round LOL!

8. How long do you talk on your phone on a typical day?

Not very much on a typical day as I am a working RN and don't do much more than answer the phone and transfer the call.

9. Other than Saturday 9, what is your favorite meme to do each week?

I get a kick out of Sunday Stealing

Hope you all have a super Saturday...

.

Thinking on Thursday



Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant,gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

"Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

by Marianne Williamson

Here are 3 of my gorgeous grandkids on Halloween

Yipee I have Done it

Today my site has gone over 1000 visitors...that is awesome. I have really entered into the world of blogging and I love it! I love other people's blogs and I love to write in mine. Thank you to each and every person that has come here to visit.

God Bless America

The last word I have to say on this election!

Finally...Election Day

Well it is finally here......Election Day! All the people in the United States who registered will finally make their ways to the polls and cast their ballot. I already did mine and mailed it in last week. I am ready for this election to be over with....we have been hearing about it for so long and I am just so tired of it. Whoever is elected our next president is taking on a big job and will need all the help that he can get. I don't really think it is at all about who is best for the job; who has the most experience; or even who the citizens really want. I think it is all about who has the most money and who the press has been in love with all this time....Now we all need to pray for the best

Sandwich Day

Today in the United States is Sandwich Day....What is your favorite sandwich?

My favorite sandwich is a Turkey-Cranberry Sandwich....slices of leftover turkey with cranberry sauce (yes that yummy stuff from the can) and cream cheese...I like it best on dark rye bread...yummy!

Stolen from Nursing Is Hell Blog

TOP TEN SIGNS OF BURNOUT
10. You're so tired you answer the phone with "Go to Hell!"
9. Your friends call to ask how you have been and you immediately scream "Stop asking me all these damn questions!
8. Your garbage can IS your "in" box
7. You wake up to discover your house is on fire ,but go back to sleep because you just don't care
6. You consider a forty hour week a vacation
5. Visions of the upcoming weekend help you make it through Monday
4. You don't set your alarm anymore because you know your phone will go off before your alarm does
3. You leave for a party and instinctively bring your ID badge
2. Your day timer/week planner exploded a week ago
AND THE NUMBER ONE SIGH THAT YOU ARE BURNED OUT AT WORK...........
1. You think about how relaxing it would be if you were in jail right now

I found this on a nursing blog that I was browsing.....Nursing Is Hell
#5 if one that I really relate to right now

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For November 3, 2008 (My first)

Outside my window......are the most beautiful fall colors of red, orange, green and yellow....the colors of fall are awesome

I am thinking.....I have so much to do that I should just get up and quit this daydreaming here at my computer

I am thankful for.....my day off today and no one knows that I am off so there will be no interruptions, I can do as I please!

From the kitchen.....I will lay out that steak to thaw and serve it with baked potato and fresh peas...apple dumplings for dessert.

I am wearing.....a t-shirt with shorts...I haven't yet dressed for the day.

I am creating...nothing at the moment..I have bought a bunch of stamps, markers, and papers for making my own cards but I have just not yet started.

I am going to....start some deep cleaning today getting ready for Thanksgiving.

I am reading...Pieces of My Sister's Life by Elizabeth Joy Arnold....almost finished.

I am hoping....that Indian Summer will continue. Today it is already 65F and not yet noon.

I am hearing.....The Millionaire is on in the background.

Around the house....there is so much that needs done and I have to get started...One of my favorite things....Is writing on my blog. It helps to relieve stress. And I am so glad to have found it.

A few plans for the rest of the week are....clean today, tomorrow we have Paige, work on Wednesday, see my sister on Thursday, work on Friday and oh the whole weekend is mine.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing.....

If you would like to Join The Simple Woman's Daybook go to

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/2008/04/join-simple-womans-daybook.html

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The McDanger Meme

What are your nicknames? My growing up family calls me Pokey; my husband calls me honey; my grand kids call me granny....

What TV game show or reality show would you like to be on? I would love to take a stab at Who Wants to Be a Millionaire......I think I could do it!

What was the first movie you bought in VHS or DVD? I know this is going to be hard for some of you to believe but I have NEVER bought a movie either VHS or DVD...I am not into movies and if I have seen it once, why would I want to own it?

What is your favorite scent? Like perfume?....don't really have one. But I love citrusy bath products and the smell of baking bread..now that is Heaven

If you had one million dollars to spend only on yourself, what would you spend it on? First off I would take a week long vacation to St John Island...all by myself....then I'd take another vacation and take all my grand kids and Papa...of course to a beach somewhere...then I would put an in--ground heated pool in my backyard....buy my oldest grand daughter a car..and put some away for each of the others to get a car when they reach 18....then I'd buy myself a new vacuum cleaner, new dishwasher, and put hardwood floors all through my house...wonder if there would be any left for new furniture.

What is one place you've visited, can't forget and want to go back to? I would love to go back to Bangkok, Thailand.

Do you trust easily? Nope...I don't trust anyone....at least not for a long time and then sometimes that has been a mistake.

Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think? Yes I think too long before I act...now I rarely think before I speak. I speak what is on my mind.

Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days? My oldest son makes me unhappy

Do you have a good body image? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

What is your favorite fruit? Fresh pineapple

What websites do you visit daily? I have a family website and a group on MSN and I visit lots of blogs everyday

What have you been seriously addicted to lately? French vanilla cream in my coffee....I have got to give that up....might help with the body image thing

What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Kenny Rogers....Through The Years...for some reason it is always stuck in my head....that is why it is playing here I guess...

What is your favorite thing to wear? shorts and a t-shirt

Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy? Not unless they are in Rice Krispie Treats

What would you do if you saw $100 lying on the ground? Snatch it up and hide it for a rainy day

What items couldn't you go without during the day? my coffee with French vanilla cream, my computer, my cell phone

What should you be doing right now? Sleeping as it is past midnight here...

The Nasty ending to a Halloween night

Well if there is anyone out there who works in a nursing home they will know exactly how I felt tonight........my 8 hour shift in the home was over and it had been an uneventful evening. The nurse coming on was late getting to work(due to Halloween and trick or treating with her son). I was anxious to give her report, count the narcs, and head home. I gave report and she said:"You can go on home..she (meaning the CMA on duty with her) and I can count the narcs. So I said okay and left. I walked to the parking lot with my CNA and we talked a few minutes before I headed to my car. I work in a little town about 12 miles from where I live so I always call my husband on my cell phone before I head home so that he will know I am on my way. He said "I just got a call from the nursing home and they want you to call as soon as you get home" Instead I turned around and went back inside to see what was up. The LPN and the CMA had counted the narcs and in place of one of the residents Ambien card...was another residents Mucinex (not a narc) card which was empty and the name blacked out. Today was med change-over day and we black out all the names on the cards before we throw them out. Now how the hell did that card find its way into our locked narc box. I was really stunned and could not imagine how this could happen. The LPN asked me "did you let someone else use your keys tonight" No, I never do that....."did you leave them on the table at some time"...no I never do that. The keys were never out of my pocket. There is no way that someone could have gotten into that locked narc box in the cart without my keys. Then she asked..."did you count with the day-shift nurse when you came on?".....yes, I did and I handled the cards while she had the book!!!! Anyone who works in nursing knows what I am talking about. I was starting to sweat..WHAT IN THE HELL IS GOING ON?? I know that I need to call someone in management. But first I am going to call the day shift nurse to see what she remembers.....ring, ring, ring.....and no answer. Okay now I place a call to my unit manager...ring,ring,ring...no answer. I know that the next call needs to be to the ADON or the DON....this is very serious business to have a missing card of Ambien. I am thinking to myself and the LPN is agreeing with me "I have been set-up"...She says.."try the day-shift nurse again" This time she answers....Thank God...we talked a bit and then she said..."don't you remember when we were counting and you leaned over the med cart and dropped one of the cards in the trash..but you picked it right up and put it back......yeah yeah yeah...let me off this phone I have trash to deal with. So off the LPN and I go...to the back of the nursing home to do some dumpster diving...yuck..do you know what kind of things are thrown away in a nursing home...After going through several pretty nasty bags of stuff...in my hands I have it...........THAT BEAUTIFUL CARD OF AMBIEN. This was one relieved and slightly smelly nurse. I owe that LPN something really nice for all her uh digging with me...Thanks Michelle.

Saturday 9: Being a Good Sport

1. Were you raised around a lot of sports? Not really..one of my brothers played football and baseball but that was about it...I found that sports were not something I was good at and not really something I was even interested in.

2. What is your favorite sport? I love to watch ice skating....

3. When did you last play a sport? well if bowling counts...I used to bowl on a league about 1o years ago..

4. When did you last attend a professional sporting event and what was it? When my kids were little we took them once to the Kansas City Royal Baseball Stadium for a game...It was enjoyed by all. I mostly loved my beer and hot dog!

5. What was the last sport you watch on TV? The Basketball game that was won by Kansas University

6. If you have children, do they play the same sports that you did? If not, someday if you have kids, would you like them to? Both my boys played soccer, the youngest played basketball and football in high school and then he went on and played in college.

7. Do you think other people care too much about sports? Probably some do

8. Do you have the freedom to be as involved in either playing or watching as much sports as you’d like to?

Yes I have as much freedom as I want...also the freedom not to watch or play

9. Who is your favorite sports team? I really don't have one