My parents and sister visited last week.
My sister just posted lots of pictures and videos on her blog. Check it out.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
Potty Training Conversations
Otherwise known as "Things for which my daughter will one day resent me."
Me: Anna, are you going poop?
A: (nods head.)
Me: You wanna go poop on the potty? Go tell Daddy to get out of there so you can poop on the potty!
A: But I don't wanna.
Me: But I want you to go poop in the potty. It's gross when you poop in a diaper.
A: Okay. (runs to bathroom door and starts pounding on it and yelling.) Daddy, come out, I gotta poop on the potty!
(John says it will be a minute yet.)
Me: Wanna poop on your little potty?
A: Okay. Where's my little potty?
Me: I'll get it. (gets potty and Anna sits on it.)
Anna: (grunts, scrunches up face.) I deeeed it!
Me: There's nothing in there.
Anna: All done!
Me: Are you sure? Do you wanna sit on the big potty?
Anna: Yeah! I poop on the big potty!
(John takes over to put her on the potty.)
Anna: I poop. On the potty.
John: Okay, go ahead.
Anna: I deeed it! I pooped on the potty, Daddy!
John: I didn't hear anything.
Anna: I deeed it! All done!
And lo and behold, she had!
Me: Anna, are you going poop?
A: (nods head.)
Me: You wanna go poop on the potty? Go tell Daddy to get out of there so you can poop on the potty!
A: But I don't wanna.
Me: But I want you to go poop in the potty. It's gross when you poop in a diaper.
A: Okay. (runs to bathroom door and starts pounding on it and yelling.) Daddy, come out, I gotta poop on the potty!
(John says it will be a minute yet.)
Me: Wanna poop on your little potty?
A: Okay. Where's my little potty?
Me: I'll get it. (gets potty and Anna sits on it.)
Anna: (grunts, scrunches up face.) I deeeed it!
Me: There's nothing in there.
Anna: All done!
Me: Are you sure? Do you wanna sit on the big potty?
Anna: Yeah! I poop on the big potty!
(John takes over to put her on the potty.)
Anna: I poop. On the potty.
John: Okay, go ahead.
Anna: I deeed it! I pooped on the potty, Daddy!
John: I didn't hear anything.
Anna: I deeed it! All done!
And lo and behold, she had!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Pennsylvania's Appalachian Mountains
Like a silver mink stole, fog
drapes around her hunched shoulders.
Apricot beams slowly peek
from behind her stooped frame,
landing on moist mosses.
Steel-blue arms wrap
around the skyline, hugging
deep green late-summer
earth to her breast.
She pulls me into her embrace.
The fog-stole tickles my nose.
I am home.
drapes around her hunched shoulders.
Apricot beams slowly peek
from behind her stooped frame,
landing on moist mosses.
Steel-blue arms wrap
around the skyline, hugging
deep green late-summer
earth to her breast.
She pulls me into her embrace.
The fog-stole tickles my nose.
I am home.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Ponderings regarding Profesionalism
It's well-known to those in the field of nursing that there is currently a group of nurses who believe that nursing is a true profession, and as such, a bachelor's degree should be the required education to enter into independent practice. The is also a group that believes that there is a role for "professional" nurses, but as a bedside nurse, the job and role is not that of a true profession. The definition of a profession encompasses four major markers: full-time occupation, professional associations, code of professional ethics, right to practice requires licensing. In that sense, nursing is a "profession."
But in my mind, a profession is much different than "being a professional." I think nursing as a whole meets the standards and qualifications that make it a profession. But do nurses act like professionals? I guess that depends on how you define a professional. So, what do you think are characteristics of a professional?
But in my mind, a profession is much different than "being a professional." I think nursing as a whole meets the standards and qualifications that make it a profession. But do nurses act like professionals? I guess that depends on how you define a professional. So, what do you think are characteristics of a professional?
Sunday, August 30, 2009
500 lbs.
This is another one of those touchy subjects where I feel a bit like I might get attacked by a portion of the public, but get a standing ovation by another portion (namely: RNs, MDs and any other health care worker.) So I am just going to say it.
God did not design the human body to weigh 500 lbs.
Patients who weigh 500 lbs are a health risk to me.
It was a 500+ lb. patient who I was attempting (along with 2 other RNs) to position on a bedpan that hurt my back on Friday. She pushed back against me and pulled something in my back. Normally I would have just let her go and not fought to keep her over, but my co-worker's arm was in danger of being crushed if I let go.
I feel like I did the right thing, but I hope I don't pay the price. Because I already have a co-worker, younger than myself, who is out with a severe back injury and may never be able to return to bedside nursing. What happens then? She didn't file a Worker's Comp claim when she was injured, so she would be totally, pardon the expression, screwed.
The clincher? None of the patients who have hurt me or my co-workers due to their obesity have ever apologized for hurting me/us. And yet, we are expected to go into these rooms and turn them and lift them and ambulate them- all at a risk to us- with no expectation that they will do everything in their power to help us help them.
God did not design the human body to weigh 500 lbs.
Patients who weigh 500 lbs are a health risk to me.
It was a 500+ lb. patient who I was attempting (along with 2 other RNs) to position on a bedpan that hurt my back on Friday. She pushed back against me and pulled something in my back. Normally I would have just let her go and not fought to keep her over, but my co-worker's arm was in danger of being crushed if I let go.
I feel like I did the right thing, but I hope I don't pay the price. Because I already have a co-worker, younger than myself, who is out with a severe back injury and may never be able to return to bedside nursing. What happens then? She didn't file a Worker's Comp claim when she was injured, so she would be totally, pardon the expression, screwed.
The clincher? None of the patients who have hurt me or my co-workers due to their obesity have ever apologized for hurting me/us. And yet, we are expected to go into these rooms and turn them and lift them and ambulate them- all at a risk to us- with no expectation that they will do everything in their power to help us help them.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Stink Eye and other blurbs
Aslan is sitting across from me and giving me the Stink Eye. He is very mad because Lily is sitting in my lap and he isn't. I am covered in cat hair. Much more and I will actually become a walking hair ball.
Crock Pot brownies are easy and delicious. You should make them. Then you can have fresh brownies without turning on your oven. You could even eat them with some ice cream and then think of what a tasty summer that would be:)
Anna went potty on the potty twice today at day care. I think her favorite part is getting to wash her hands by herself afterwards. She follows every potty with a big "I did it!" But always at school, never at home. I wish she would learn to poop on the potty. That would be rocksome.
I had a less than fantastic day at work. I am glad I was only working until 3:30 (even though I didn't actually get off the unit until 4:45...)
I don't like to discuss religion or politics when people are worked up about them. Because a lot of people say mean and hurtful things when they are worked up. And I really don't think that anyone is going to change their mind about politics or religion based on what I say. So I don't talk about that (especially politics!) when things are "in the heat of the moment." And definitely not on my blog! So that is why you are hearing all my political ranting now.
Crock Pot brownies are easy and delicious. You should make them. Then you can have fresh brownies without turning on your oven. You could even eat them with some ice cream and then think of what a tasty summer that would be:)
Anna went potty on the potty twice today at day care. I think her favorite part is getting to wash her hands by herself afterwards. She follows every potty with a big "I did it!" But always at school, never at home. I wish she would learn to poop on the potty. That would be rocksome.
I had a less than fantastic day at work. I am glad I was only working until 3:30 (even though I didn't actually get off the unit until 4:45...)
I don't like to discuss religion or politics when people are worked up about them. Because a lot of people say mean and hurtful things when they are worked up. And I really don't think that anyone is going to change their mind about politics or religion based on what I say. So I don't talk about that (especially politics!) when things are "in the heat of the moment." And definitely not on my blog! So that is why you are hearing all my political ranting now.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Continuing my serious thoughts...
1. I need to balance my checkbook. It has been more than 2 days since I did so, and I am starting to get nervous. I might be a little OCD like that. Just a little.
2. Abigail's teacher came over yesterday to meet the family and show Abigail how to check books out from the classroom library. I like her. A lot. I think this will be a good year for Abigail. I also think Abigail impressed Mrs. C. with her reading ability. She gave Abigail a list of "sight words" (words you should just "know" by looking at them, without having to sound them out or anything) and Abigail read that list so fast that Mrs. C. had a hard time keeping up with her check marks!
3. I believe the government should stay out of my private life. I believe that the way to approach and meet social needs is through religious and non-profit organizations, not through government programs. Along with these premises, one other major thought guides my personal politics.
I am a Christian or Christ-follower or whatever term you would like to use. My religious beliefs- my faith- is very real and is something that I seek to "live out." Because of this, my beliefs obviously effect my politics; in fact, I would say that my political views evolved primarily from my religious views. So, many of you probably think that I am a fan of Palin and all the other Religious Right politicians who say that the federal government should ban abortion, ban gay marriage, and put God back in schools. That's not exactly the case.
When you look at biblical accounts, Jesus was an interesting political figure. He interacted with some very high-ranking politicians in his time. Both the Greek and Jewish political leaders sought out Jesus. He lived according to the law, but didn't get pulled into the law vs. religion (state vs. church) debates of the day. He did not look to influence the political leaders to try to change the law to reflect his religious/moral beliefs (although I would say it is safe to assume he did try to influence their personal morals and religious beliefs.) He didn't politicize morals; he didn't create laws to bring people into behavior that he found acceptable. Rather, he made morals and religion personal issues. Issues of the heart.
Similarly, in modern America, I don't think we can turn moral and religious issues into political issues and have success in changing thoughts or behaviors. I think issues of morality and religion are best examined and acted upon by the individual. Like Christ, I believe that we should submit ourselves to the laws of the land, and pray for our leaders, but we shouldn't look to our government to legislate morality for all persons. It's unrealistic, and certainly in opposition to the basic tenant of American ideology: religious freedom- the right to practice (or NOT practice) religion according to one's personal beliefs, faith, and morality.
So where do I stand on these "Religious Right" issues? How do I find the balance between my faith and living out my morals in our political arena? Why am I babbling on and on about politics when there really aren't any active elections right now? Answers will be forthcoming- stay tuned:)
2. Abigail's teacher came over yesterday to meet the family and show Abigail how to check books out from the classroom library. I like her. A lot. I think this will be a good year for Abigail. I also think Abigail impressed Mrs. C. with her reading ability. She gave Abigail a list of "sight words" (words you should just "know" by looking at them, without having to sound them out or anything) and Abigail read that list so fast that Mrs. C. had a hard time keeping up with her check marks!
3. I believe the government should stay out of my private life. I believe that the way to approach and meet social needs is through religious and non-profit organizations, not through government programs. Along with these premises, one other major thought guides my personal politics.
I am a Christian or Christ-follower or whatever term you would like to use. My religious beliefs- my faith- is very real and is something that I seek to "live out." Because of this, my beliefs obviously effect my politics; in fact, I would say that my political views evolved primarily from my religious views. So, many of you probably think that I am a fan of Palin and all the other Religious Right politicians who say that the federal government should ban abortion, ban gay marriage, and put God back in schools. That's not exactly the case.
When you look at biblical accounts, Jesus was an interesting political figure. He interacted with some very high-ranking politicians in his time. Both the Greek and Jewish political leaders sought out Jesus. He lived according to the law, but didn't get pulled into the law vs. religion (state vs. church) debates of the day. He did not look to influence the political leaders to try to change the law to reflect his religious/moral beliefs (although I would say it is safe to assume he did try to influence their personal morals and religious beliefs.) He didn't politicize morals; he didn't create laws to bring people into behavior that he found acceptable. Rather, he made morals and religion personal issues. Issues of the heart.
Similarly, in modern America, I don't think we can turn moral and religious issues into political issues and have success in changing thoughts or behaviors. I think issues of morality and religion are best examined and acted upon by the individual. Like Christ, I believe that we should submit ourselves to the laws of the land, and pray for our leaders, but we shouldn't look to our government to legislate morality for all persons. It's unrealistic, and certainly in opposition to the basic tenant of American ideology: religious freedom- the right to practice (or NOT practice) religion according to one's personal beliefs, faith, and morality.
So where do I stand on these "Religious Right" issues? How do I find the balance between my faith and living out my morals in our political arena? Why am I babbling on and on about politics when there really aren't any active elections right now? Answers will be forthcoming- stay tuned:)
Monday, August 24, 2009
Holy Toledo! And more serious thoughts...
A second post in as many days! Yowsa!
But this is about a bit more serious topic. (How many of you just stopped reading?)
I posted today on FB that I believe in health care reform. I do, absolutely. The system we have in place just doesn't work- not in this country, and certainly not globally. We need change.
What we don't need is the government running health care. Here is part of why I believe this:
But this is about a bit more serious topic. (How many of you just stopped reading?)
I posted today on FB that I believe in health care reform. I do, absolutely. The system we have in place just doesn't work- not in this country, and certainly not globally. We need change.
What we don't need is the government running health care. Here is part of why I believe this:
But more importantly than the fact that the government doesn't know how to run health care or have the funding for a viable nationalized/universal option, I believe that the government should not be in charge of my health care for one simple reason: the government should stay out of my private life.
This simple premise is actually the starting point for a lot of my political views, and I guess that makes me a Republican. But what it comes down to, for me, is this: our government was designed to govern, not to micro-manage. Our government works best when it is focused on national governing issues, such as foreign policy, national security and defense, enforcement of laws, and inter-state relations. It does not work well and was never intended to be a "mother hen."
Our nation was founded on the belief of separation of church and state- the idea that the spiritual practice and daily life of the individual should be outside of the control of the government. Inherent in this idea is that the church (or non-profit organizations) should then tend to the spiritual and daily needs of the people. I truly believe that a return to the original design of this nation- where people are caring for their neighbors and helping them to meet their needs without government intervention- is the best way of addressing many of the concerns in domestic politics. Health care, women's rights/abortion, gay marriage... these issues all become clear for me when I view them from the standpoint that the government should stay out of my private life.
I will share more thoughts about this in the days and weeks to come. For now, be nice to me. I feel like I just "came out" on my blog about my Republican stance in politics, and somehow I think that is very unpopular with many of my peers...
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