Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thursday December 3rd 2009
What a great day!
I slept in and enjoyed walking over to the Cornerstone Cafe for a coffee and a muffin while I read my kidney material for my training this upcoming week. I sit at home and waste so much time fretting over what I should do. Who the hell cares about house work---it'll still be there when I get back yet it haunts me when I'm sitting int the middle of it! So I left.
I ended up working for an hour or so and came back home where I proceeded to waste more time so I showered and packed all of my gear up. I may as well do stuff I really enjoy and skip the bull^%$^&*^^& of trying to sit at the table to do my reading!
I walked down Cook street until I bumped into the ocean and followed the path until I walked up Government to head into to my favorite bookstore, Munro's. I always end up buying something from there and that's totally ok---I like it in fact.
And then I thought, what do I most want to do? Sit down, read, write, and down a cold beer because I can! So I'm at the Local Kitchen and I've finally connected to the internet (which reminds me of Europe) and I'm about to upload my treasure trove of today's catch!
I'm feeling particularely good right now, not because of the beer, but because I'm finally trying to live a bit more and that means listening to what my soul is bloody well saying. I swear, sometimes the thing screams at me and I stand there deaf and afraid to move, like feeling life is going to kill me or something! Really. Anyhoo, no time wasting time---got pics to upload, a beer to finish, and barely enough time to hoof it over to my friends house for 1830.
Dd
I slept in and enjoyed walking over to the Cornerstone Cafe for a coffee and a muffin while I read my kidney material for my training this upcoming week. I sit at home and waste so much time fretting over what I should do. Who the hell cares about house work---it'll still be there when I get back yet it haunts me when I'm sitting int the middle of it! So I left.
I ended up working for an hour or so and came back home where I proceeded to waste more time so I showered and packed all of my gear up. I may as well do stuff I really enjoy and skip the bull^%$^&*^^& of trying to sit at the table to do my reading!
I walked down Cook street until I bumped into the ocean and followed the path until I walked up Government to head into to my favorite bookstore, Munro's. I always end up buying something from there and that's totally ok---I like it in fact.
And then I thought, what do I most want to do? Sit down, read, write, and down a cold beer because I can! So I'm at the Local Kitchen and I've finally connected to the internet (which reminds me of Europe) and I'm about to upload my treasure trove of today's catch!
I'm feeling particularely good right now, not because of the beer, but because I'm finally trying to live a bit more and that means listening to what my soul is bloody well saying. I swear, sometimes the thing screams at me and I stand there deaf and afraid to move, like feeling life is going to kill me or something! Really. Anyhoo, no time wasting time---got pics to upload, a beer to finish, and barely enough time to hoof it over to my friends house for 1830.
Dd
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Hmmmmmmmm
SOmetimes doing what needs to be done is hard.
Sometimes doing what's good for you is hard too.
Small steps are amazing. You can look back a million steps ago and see all of your progress and at how long it took you to get here.
My life right now seems to be full of small steps. Small steps at work, small steps to get out of school debt, small steps to creating a vision of a home in the near future, small steps in traveling, some leaps here and a few jumps over there. I often forget to just keep looking forward. Oh how I love to dramatize the moment eh? I look around and freeze and forget to keep moving. It seems I want everything right now---and reality smiles at me and says, keep doing that moving forward like everybody else!
So here's to trucking forward. I am surrounded by family and friends who are currently all in the same position as I am. We are all trying to get somewhere and sometimes the road seems blurry and it's hard to figure out the direction to head into. Thank goodness for get together's and chats because it helps to reinforce the energy to try and try again.
Last night shift tonight and then it's free time!
Dd
Sometimes doing what's good for you is hard too.
Small steps are amazing. You can look back a million steps ago and see all of your progress and at how long it took you to get here.
My life right now seems to be full of small steps. Small steps at work, small steps to get out of school debt, small steps to creating a vision of a home in the near future, small steps in traveling, some leaps here and a few jumps over there. I often forget to just keep looking forward. Oh how I love to dramatize the moment eh? I look around and freeze and forget to keep moving. It seems I want everything right now---and reality smiles at me and says, keep doing that moving forward like everybody else!
So here's to trucking forward. I am surrounded by family and friends who are currently all in the same position as I am. We are all trying to get somewhere and sometimes the road seems blurry and it's hard to figure out the direction to head into. Thank goodness for get together's and chats because it helps to reinforce the energy to try and try again.
Last night shift tonight and then it's free time!
Dd
Saturday, November 28, 2009
November 28th 2009
It's Saturday morning and it's raining---no surprise here at all.
I had breakfast with Mom and Dad and looked into the large aquarium tank that looms over the dining room table. In there swims a new family, one that my parents take diligent care to watch over. All the little fish have a name and my parents know who is the bully, the happy go lucky, the timid, and the loner. Each little fish has a color, a sex, and a preference for space in the tank. It's really quite something to see.
I'm so happy to see my dad looking so healthy and happy. Just last month he was laid up in a hospital bed. What a difference it makes to see ones family member in the hospital. That little glimpse of reality makes me a bit of a better nurse. I remember creeping upstairs after a night shift to go and see if my dad was ok. Visiting hours are not at 0700! The room was dark and he was sitting up in his chair. His hair was tussled and his eyes were closed. Hands crossed over his abdomen and mouth open. He was sleeping sitting up. I stood for a while and watched him. I wanted to remember how human, how fragile, and how vulnerable we all are. His unshaven face made him look old, tired, and like another man I didn't know. I thought to myself, how many of my patients look like this everyday? I don't see them that way at all. I woke my father up and he lit up to see me. I couldn't help myself so I shaved him, wet his hair and combed it, straightened out his bed, and when all seemed right, I was able to leave. He looked like himself again but tired and that was ok.
Momo's here---gotta go---no time for proof reading---Dd
I had breakfast with Mom and Dad and looked into the large aquarium tank that looms over the dining room table. In there swims a new family, one that my parents take diligent care to watch over. All the little fish have a name and my parents know who is the bully, the happy go lucky, the timid, and the loner. Each little fish has a color, a sex, and a preference for space in the tank. It's really quite something to see.
I'm so happy to see my dad looking so healthy and happy. Just last month he was laid up in a hospital bed. What a difference it makes to see ones family member in the hospital. That little glimpse of reality makes me a bit of a better nurse. I remember creeping upstairs after a night shift to go and see if my dad was ok. Visiting hours are not at 0700! The room was dark and he was sitting up in his chair. His hair was tussled and his eyes were closed. Hands crossed over his abdomen and mouth open. He was sleeping sitting up. I stood for a while and watched him. I wanted to remember how human, how fragile, and how vulnerable we all are. His unshaven face made him look old, tired, and like another man I didn't know. I thought to myself, how many of my patients look like this everyday? I don't see them that way at all. I woke my father up and he lit up to see me. I couldn't help myself so I shaved him, wet his hair and combed it, straightened out his bed, and when all seemed right, I was able to leave. He looked like himself again but tired and that was ok.
Momo's here---gotta go---no time for proof reading---Dd
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
November 25th 2009
It's been a while eh?
Where has all the writing gone?
The urge to write has shown up again and I must say it's a marvelous thing. Yesterday I packed my little bag and walked five minutes up the road and found a cozy spot in the Cornerstone Cafe, ordered a hot coffee and a muffin, looked around like a pleased cat, and began writing whatever came to mind. I was really happy.
Tonight I'm off to Uvic in a short while to take a continuing ed class on geriatrics---it's been a while since I've carried on with these classes. I'm listening to some great music. Chris Botti is a phenominal trumpet player. In the 'Italia' CD there are a few tunes that knock me off my feet. 'Deborah's Theme' reminds me of Omaha Beach. When I listen to this piece I am transported back to a sunny beach with a history as deep as the ocean. The piece is uplifting and powerful and it reminds me of the wind, the crashing waves, and the range of emotions I felt thinking about the young lives that departed long ago. 'It never entered my mind' makes me ache for something---it feels like Christmas and of something else I haven't quite found yet. And 'Nessum Dorma' I listen to full blast in order to vibrate along with the rise and fall of the song. I must discover his other albums because this man is gifted, smooth, and sooooooooooooooooo easy to listen to.
Well---it's raining enough for three provinces here and I must find parking---so I must go.
Dd
Where has all the writing gone?
The urge to write has shown up again and I must say it's a marvelous thing. Yesterday I packed my little bag and walked five minutes up the road and found a cozy spot in the Cornerstone Cafe, ordered a hot coffee and a muffin, looked around like a pleased cat, and began writing whatever came to mind. I was really happy.
Tonight I'm off to Uvic in a short while to take a continuing ed class on geriatrics---it's been a while since I've carried on with these classes. I'm listening to some great music. Chris Botti is a phenominal trumpet player. In the 'Italia' CD there are a few tunes that knock me off my feet. 'Deborah's Theme' reminds me of Omaha Beach. When I listen to this piece I am transported back to a sunny beach with a history as deep as the ocean. The piece is uplifting and powerful and it reminds me of the wind, the crashing waves, and the range of emotions I felt thinking about the young lives that departed long ago. 'It never entered my mind' makes me ache for something---it feels like Christmas and of something else I haven't quite found yet. And 'Nessum Dorma' I listen to full blast in order to vibrate along with the rise and fall of the song. I must discover his other albums because this man is gifted, smooth, and sooooooooooooooooo easy to listen to.
Well---it's raining enough for three provinces here and I must find parking---so I must go.
Dd
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
October 27th 2009 PM
I went to see Dad tonight at the hospital and I was glad to see that our beloved Momo was still there, tending to our Dad's needs. Momo was there since 3:30pm.
Dad is still nauseated and continues to get bouts of not feeling well at all. Momo walked the hall with him and got his legs going. Dad's nurse suggested they re-insert a naso-gastric tube (a tube that goes into the stomach and enables the build up fluid to escape into a container). Although it looks a bit uncomfortable sticking out of a nose, the NG tube provides much comfort as the patient doesn't feel bloated. Dad's pain is well managed and his AAA repair and his left hand are of little discomfort. He says he only has two fingers that bug him but that the swelling and pain has significantly decreased and he looks at ease.
We tucked Dad in and he looks much more comfortable by the time we left.
He is suppose to get his epidural and catheter removed some time tonight so Dad is very happy about not having to drag all of this equipment with him when he wants to move. He will still have the running IV but he needs to keep hydrated.
I look forward to seeing him tomorrow sooner than later to find out if he feels better and to see how he's slept. He has a new roomate who I think will be quiet this night. Hopefully he gets a good sleep---he so needs it.
Claude I will kiss Dad on the forehead at your request. We know that you and Etienne are with us all in thoughts and prayers.
We all think of you.
Goodnight for now---Didi
Dad is still nauseated and continues to get bouts of not feeling well at all. Momo walked the hall with him and got his legs going. Dad's nurse suggested they re-insert a naso-gastric tube (a tube that goes into the stomach and enables the build up fluid to escape into a container). Although it looks a bit uncomfortable sticking out of a nose, the NG tube provides much comfort as the patient doesn't feel bloated. Dad's pain is well managed and his AAA repair and his left hand are of little discomfort. He says he only has two fingers that bug him but that the swelling and pain has significantly decreased and he looks at ease.
We tucked Dad in and he looks much more comfortable by the time we left.
He is suppose to get his epidural and catheter removed some time tonight so Dad is very happy about not having to drag all of this equipment with him when he wants to move. He will still have the running IV but he needs to keep hydrated.
I look forward to seeing him tomorrow sooner than later to find out if he feels better and to see how he's slept. He has a new roomate who I think will be quiet this night. Hopefully he gets a good sleep---he so needs it.
Claude I will kiss Dad on the forehead at your request. We know that you and Etienne are with us all in thoughts and prayers.
We all think of you.
Goodnight for now---Didi
Sunday, October 25, 2009
OCtober 25th 2009
Good morning!
Well I went in to see Dad this morning and found him sitting up in the chair.
He looked so innocent with his little nightgown and hugging his miniature pillow over his stomach.
I had to comb his hair so that he looked like 'Dad' and then we had a nice visit.
Dad is in good spirits and is dreaming about a good cup of coffee---from Tim Horton's he said! I told him he's got one coming once he starts drinking a bit more and eating.
Breakfast this morning was all liquids and although Dad says he's not hungry he ate up what he could without wasting any time.
The left hand is still numb and a constant source of frustration. He'll have to go see his GP to get a referral for a neurologist and for the meantime I think they'll start him on Gabapentin for nerve pain---let's hope this helps.
Besides that he was able to walk over to the chair and he said his balance was much better.
As I did my undergrad in CVU I know all the staff there and while Dad was eating I went to the opposite corner of the unit to see one of the nurses. THis woman is nuts and she makes me laugh because she always says terrible things outloud---and you laugh because you have to!
Here's the picture. The nurse is sitting at her desk in front of her one patient. Her head is bent over and she looks like she's looking at something interesting---and she is---it turns out she's got a fancy little gadget that allows you to connect to the internet and she was scoping out some stuff on the web when I showed up. Her patient is sitting up in his chair with his wrists tied to his wheelchair tray---a la crisscross fashion. He's old, is wearing one of those nasal prongs that inflate into a small sacs on each side of the nose (basically looks like a puffy mustache with two prongs diving into the nostrils---cute) and looking everywhere for a way out. His fingers are scratching at the edges of his table top and he is valiantly pulling on his wrists to be let free. He sees me, 'can u let me out?' he says. 'NOpe, your nurse will make me pay for it' I replied. She pipes up and tells him, 'I'll tie her up with you and that'll be her punishment, now sit still'. Later she says outloud to me, 'have you seen the movie 'IT's a wonderful life?' He's my Clarence!
Well anyways, sometimes you just have to be there to appreciate the humor in these situations. And by the way, the old guy is restrained because he's pulling at his arterial line and is delirious---as soon as he's safe he'll be free from his predicament.
Oh I must go to bed and I don't want to.
Who wants to go for breakfast????? THird street cafe in Sidney anyone??????
Come on! Puuuuuuuuu---leaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Fine then, off to bed----Didi
Hey Claude---did you not sign up yet as an author? I saw your comment. It's fun to read you again. Tooth tooth xo.
Well I went in to see Dad this morning and found him sitting up in the chair.
He looked so innocent with his little nightgown and hugging his miniature pillow over his stomach.
I had to comb his hair so that he looked like 'Dad' and then we had a nice visit.
Dad is in good spirits and is dreaming about a good cup of coffee---from Tim Horton's he said! I told him he's got one coming once he starts drinking a bit more and eating.
Breakfast this morning was all liquids and although Dad says he's not hungry he ate up what he could without wasting any time.
The left hand is still numb and a constant source of frustration. He'll have to go see his GP to get a referral for a neurologist and for the meantime I think they'll start him on Gabapentin for nerve pain---let's hope this helps.
Besides that he was able to walk over to the chair and he said his balance was much better.
As I did my undergrad in CVU I know all the staff there and while Dad was eating I went to the opposite corner of the unit to see one of the nurses. THis woman is nuts and she makes me laugh because she always says terrible things outloud---and you laugh because you have to!
Here's the picture. The nurse is sitting at her desk in front of her one patient. Her head is bent over and she looks like she's looking at something interesting---and she is---it turns out she's got a fancy little gadget that allows you to connect to the internet and she was scoping out some stuff on the web when I showed up. Her patient is sitting up in his chair with his wrists tied to his wheelchair tray---a la crisscross fashion. He's old, is wearing one of those nasal prongs that inflate into a small sacs on each side of the nose (basically looks like a puffy mustache with two prongs diving into the nostrils---cute) and looking everywhere for a way out. His fingers are scratching at the edges of his table top and he is valiantly pulling on his wrists to be let free. He sees me, 'can u let me out?' he says. 'NOpe, your nurse will make me pay for it' I replied. She pipes up and tells him, 'I'll tie her up with you and that'll be her punishment, now sit still'. Later she says outloud to me, 'have you seen the movie 'IT's a wonderful life?' He's my Clarence!
Well anyways, sometimes you just have to be there to appreciate the humor in these situations. And by the way, the old guy is restrained because he's pulling at his arterial line and is delirious---as soon as he's safe he'll be free from his predicament.
Oh I must go to bed and I don't want to.
Who wants to go for breakfast????? THird street cafe in Sidney anyone??????
Come on! Puuuuuuuuu---leaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Fine then, off to bed----Didi
Hey Claude---did you not sign up yet as an author? I saw your comment. It's fun to read you again. Tooth tooth xo.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
OCtober 24th 2009
Well Dad is in the hospital and is slowly recovering.
Yesterday Dad had a AAA repair and Monique and Mom were his #1 supports.
I went with Mom to visit Dad at 8pm.
He looked a bit groggy but overall seemed to be doing fine.
Today Mom and I went in to see him again. He tried to stand today and he said that he felt like he was standing on a ball so his balance felt off.
Dad's left hands bugs him to no end, he has numbness usually but since the surgery his hands have been swollen and he says his hand feels really uncomfortable. I am sure his Doc will look into this because 'the patient' is really bothered by it.
It was so wonderful to see my old coworkers in CVU. I did 2 years of undergrad on this ward and it brings such comfort to see Dad being attended to by awesome nurses.
Anyways, so far so good and soon he'll be transferred to 3 Royal (a couple of floors above me) and he'll get some sleep.
Mom and I went to Mattick's farm for lunch but the place was packed so we went to the Golf course Pub instead.
Mom is looking well and we parted in good spirits.
I'm off to work tonight so it's time for a weeeee nap.
Dd
Yesterday Dad had a AAA repair and Monique and Mom were his #1 supports.
I went with Mom to visit Dad at 8pm.
He looked a bit groggy but overall seemed to be doing fine.
Today Mom and I went in to see him again. He tried to stand today and he said that he felt like he was standing on a ball so his balance felt off.
Dad's left hands bugs him to no end, he has numbness usually but since the surgery his hands have been swollen and he says his hand feels really uncomfortable. I am sure his Doc will look into this because 'the patient' is really bothered by it.
It was so wonderful to see my old coworkers in CVU. I did 2 years of undergrad on this ward and it brings such comfort to see Dad being attended to by awesome nurses.
Anyways, so far so good and soon he'll be transferred to 3 Royal (a couple of floors above me) and he'll get some sleep.
Mom and I went to Mattick's farm for lunch but the place was packed so we went to the Golf course Pub instead.
Mom is looking well and we parted in good spirits.
I'm off to work tonight so it's time for a weeeee nap.
Dd
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Here's where it starts...Oct 21st 2009
First of All, I need to add that we are missing a nice picture of Doug, aka 'TOI LA LA LA LALALALALALLA'. Doug is Monique's other half and he needs to be added here...so he is not forgotten, I just don't have any recent pictures of Doug to do the man justice.
Secondly, we all need to be able to access this site and to be able to log on, upload, and contribute at will...so we will have to set that up.
So! The point of this blog is to be creative, interactive, and to connect with family and our friends at our own pace, at our leisure, and in our own time. You want to write in french---you go ahead, you wish to express yourself in English---that's just fine, you want to post pictures and not say a word---great! The deal is, you do as you do!
I've been eager to set this up because I miss writing on the blog. I miss looking forward to seeing who wrote a comment and as well, I miss the urge to write for a purpose, reconnecting with myself as well as with my family.
Tonight I went over to Sarah and Greg's house for dinner, wine, and movies. Sarah and I carefully picked out two movies. I was so sure I had done a great job of picking a 'man' flick! The title was good, the graphics were cutting edge, and the whole thing looked interesting. Well the movie was good...and disturbing. Let's just say our flick was nicknamed 'the poo movie' as it dealt with prison and a different kind of wall art. The other movie I was eager to see was about a concentration camp and the little boy perished in the end. SO, maybe I should keep my movie picking to myself.
Instead of walking home alone at midnight, Greg lent me a state of the art mountain bike. It really looks like a supped up orange BMX with fat tires, major springs, and an attitude. I rode home in the rain and in the dark like a 12 year old on a new bike. It was awesome!
It's late and I must go to bed.
Dd
Secondly, we all need to be able to access this site and to be able to log on, upload, and contribute at will...so we will have to set that up.
So! The point of this blog is to be creative, interactive, and to connect with family and our friends at our own pace, at our leisure, and in our own time. You want to write in french---you go ahead, you wish to express yourself in English---that's just fine, you want to post pictures and not say a word---great! The deal is, you do as you do!
I've been eager to set this up because I miss writing on the blog. I miss looking forward to seeing who wrote a comment and as well, I miss the urge to write for a purpose, reconnecting with myself as well as with my family.
Tonight I went over to Sarah and Greg's house for dinner, wine, and movies. Sarah and I carefully picked out two movies. I was so sure I had done a great job of picking a 'man' flick! The title was good, the graphics were cutting edge, and the whole thing looked interesting. Well the movie was good...and disturbing. Let's just say our flick was nicknamed 'the poo movie' as it dealt with prison and a different kind of wall art. The other movie I was eager to see was about a concentration camp and the little boy perished in the end. SO, maybe I should keep my movie picking to myself.
Instead of walking home alone at midnight, Greg lent me a state of the art mountain bike. It really looks like a supped up orange BMX with fat tires, major springs, and an attitude. I rode home in the rain and in the dark like a 12 year old on a new bike. It was awesome!
It's late and I must go to bed.
Dd
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