10 On Tuesday & The End of a Challenge

Good morning, y'all! Or I guess since I'm not that far from Pittsburgh, I should say "yinz." Somehow, y'all sounds a lot more welcoming and friendly to me and I lived in the south for 2 years a long, long time ago....so that should count for something! Ha!

It's my day off and I'm going to be babysitting Colton this morning while his mommy and daddy go to the dentist. I might have him this afternoon while Mommy has another sonogram, but maybe not, as she can't decide if she wants to take him along to see the baby.

Anyway, the point is that I'd better get my list of 10 done while I can. I'm throwing in the final two entries of the April Challenge as a bonus. 

10 On Tuesday

1. I need to start wearing my Vionic's flip-flops today so I can get used to them. They are supposed to realign you from the feet up...feet, ankles, knees, hips, back...and the company suggest wearing them only for a few hours a day at first and building up to all-day wear.

2. It's going to be 80 tomorrow. Sandal weather will be here to stay before I know it. I need a pedicure. Soon.

3. This is day 2 of a muscle knot right where my left shoulder and neck meet. I hate that sore, achy feeling. Ibuprofen and hot showers didn't work. Might have to try the heating pad today.

4. The silly, fluffy book I'm reading (mentioned yesterday) is actually pretty funny. I like when a book makes me laugh out loud.

5. I have a feeling things are going to be changing in the dementia unit. 

The woman in charge of developing the program has a real heart for those with dementia, but according to how the program was set up, residents are to be in the unit only as long as they are able to participate in the group activities. Also by how the unit was set up, when they cease to participate or refuse to, they are to be moved out to regular nursing care to make room for others who will participate. This woman doesn't like to let them go so we now have a unit filled with residents who mostly don't or can't participate. We were able to get some results by working hands-on with the residents. 

Enter my other boss, the one in charge of the activity staff. She has become more involved in the dementia unit following a reduction of the other woman's responsibilities. She was very upset to find that we were walking with residents and moving the limbs of those who can't move themselves....seems we need to be CNA's with physical therapy training to do that. 

What it all means is that our hands are now pretty much tied because of the type of resident we have. Hands-on is the only way we can do the activities. Now the dementia coordinator is out because her husband had a heart attack this past weekend. No one knows when she will be back. 

Anyway....I think big changes are coming and we are all nervous about what they will mean for us and if we are going to hate them because they will prevent us from doing all we can for the residents. I suspect it will be the latter because everyone who works there is there because they really love those residents.

6. I'm really hungry this morning. It might be a big breakfast kind of day.

7. Bible study tonight. I'm going to have to call my teacher. It's been so long since we've had a regular class I don't have a clue where I'm supposed to be at in our studies.

8. Our contract expires at work today. Starting tomorrow we'll be working without. I'm not a huge fan of unions and this isn't doing anything to change that. We, the ones being represented, are in the dark. We have no idea what they are negotiating on our behalf. We have no idea when there will be a meeting to tell us and ask for our vote. I have real issues with an organization that isn't transparent with those it represents.

9. I'm wondering how the measles/vaccination debate is going to end. I know many who refuse to vaccinate. I get their concerns. It's good to be educated about the risks of stuff you give your kids, but it's also important to consider how high the risk is of the drug vs. the disease it's preventing. One non-vaccinating friend says of measles, "I had measles. I didn't die." No, and that's a good thing, but some people do. Probably more than there are people who have complications from vaccines. Our generation has no idea what an unchecked epidemic can do. 

10. The grass really needs mowed. Tim didn't get it done on Saturday because the tractor needed a new battery. It's been too rainy and wet since then. The monster grass (a contractor mix used to patch a bald spot that has spread and is much taller than normal grass) is up to the Poodle's chin. She's short, but still.


April Challenge

Day 29

A Happy Moment:  Coming home from work to find Megan and Colton already here and Colton's excitement that I'm finally there. There's nothing better than his big smile, excited calls of "Nanny!", and him running to me with arms thrown wide to be scooped up in a big hug.


Day 30

Your Preferred Method Of Communication: At one time, it was letters. Hand-written letters. I loved writing them and I loved getting them. Nobody does that these days. So, I have adapted. Somewhat. I do text and message, but if I need to communicate with you I'd much rather talk to you on the phone. Please answer.

Anywhere Other Than Here

Day 27

A recent compliment: My PCP said I was doing a good job and he's proud of me for losing 6 lbs. my first month back on Adipex.

Day 28

Where you want to be: At the moment, anywhere other than here would do. I need a break.

April Challenge: Day 26

Organized Or Messy?  

I really, really, really want to be that woman whose kitchen cabinets look like something out of a magazine, whose closet is organized by season and color, whose shoes are lined up like soldiers, whose craft room/office is so organized it's a work of art on its own. 

But in reality...I more closely resemble Oscar Madison. 

*sigh*

April Challenge: Day 25

Happiness Is...: fleeting and dependent on circumstances. It can come from anywhere...a good song on the radio, an unexpected compliment, puppies, a child's arms wrapped around your neck, a good hair day, etc. It can also be taken away in a flash. Give me joy, instead. Joy in the Lord to be specific. That comes from only one thing and is free from circumstance. It is what gives a person peace in the most unpeaceful of times.

Wednesday Medley & The April Challenge

Hmm...it's pigs-in-a-blanket day. It cracks me up the things people think up to have a holiday for. I keep up with these things because I like to share them with the dementia residents at the home as conversation starters. They always get a kick out of it. 

Well, joining in to celebrate the piggies with Terri @ Your Friend From Florida.

1.  Typically served as an hors d'oeuvre, have you ever made or had a Pig-in-a-Blanket?  I used to make them fairly often when the kids were growing up. They loved hotdogs stuffed with cheese and wrapped in crescent rolls. Throw in some fries and it's a fun kids' meal. Do you like Pigs-in-a-Blanket?  I do, actually. I still make them once in a while for Tim and I when I need something quick.

2.  Pigs-in-a-blanket are also known as devils on horseback, kilted sausages, and wiener winks. (Seriously.)  Please make up another name for this fun little appetizer!  I'm not making it up, but "wiener wraps." I seem to remember that for a little while a long time ago Pillsbury marketed "Wiener Wraps" in a can. I think they even came in flavors.

3.  In the UK, pigs-in-blankets are small sausages, or chipolatas wrapped up in bacon.  Which country's version is most appealing to your taste buds?  Ours. I've had both and I like the ones wrapped in doughy goodness better. Bacon on a hotdog is just too fatty and greasy for me.

4.  The first written record of pigs-in-a-blanket occurs in Betty Crocker's Cooking for Kids in 1957.  In this digital world, do you still have a favorite cookbook you use most of the time?  I use cookbooks all the time. In fact, I collect them.  Is there a recipe you can share with us from that cookbook? I don't have one handy, but one recipe I always go back to is the recipe for basic meatloaf in the Betty Crocker cookbook. I have been using it for years and my family likes it, while hating all other meatloaf. That recipe has even made meatloaf lovers out of some who've professed to hate meatloaf.

5.  What is your favorite cooking show on TV?  I don't really like to watch cooking shows, but the exception (not that it's strictly a cooking show) is Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. I would love to plan a driving trip around stops at restaurants that have been featured on the show.

6.  Tell us something random about your week, please!  

Tim got his first pair of "real" glasses last night. I don't think he was thrilled, but the doctor told him and I kept reminding him that his eyes are going to have to get used to them and it may take a few days. 

The State was at work this week because a resident fell last week and her daughter called and told them we were negligent. We passed with flying colors. The resident that fell is very independent and if she really wants to do something you aren't going to stop her. In the old days they'd have used restraints, but you can't do that now...they have the "right" to risky behavior. Personally, I don't understand how that is right in a dementia unit since those residents aren't thinking in their right mind.

I'm looking forward to my day off on Friday. A friend and I are heading to Monroeville for lunch and to check out a shoe store I heard about on TV. They sell all kinds of really good (i.e., expensive and well made) shoes, including Vionics. My friend already wears Vionic shoes and I keep looking at them, but with my troublesome feet I hate to spend the money they cost without trying them on. I'm hoping I can wear them because they have an awesome pair of dressy sandals that would be perfect for our cruise this summer.

Now, on to the April Challenge!

Day 24

A Motto To Live By:  There are two that I try to live by.

April Challenge: Day 23

Something That Is Always Easy For You: Killing time. I am the queen of procrastination and using up time doing silly little stuff. It often catches me unaware how much time has passed.

Currently... An April Challenge

Currently...

Reading...The Atomic City Girls by Janet Beard

Listening to...some really awful horror movie Tim is watching about killer cats in the New Orleans zoo.

Loving...being able to open the windows when I get home from work and hearing all the warm weather sounds.

Thinking...about all the work I need to start doing in the yard.

Feeling...sort of achy, my back is bothering me today.

Celebrating...a great day with the family yesterday.

Hunting Easter eggs.

Hunting eggs is serious business!

Checking out what was in their baskets.

We got them real garden tools, watering cans, and seeds.

The Easter Bunny stopped by on his stroll through the neighborhood.

Trying to get these three to hold still for a picture is HARD!

This was as good a shot as I could get.

Grateful for...improvements in my relationship with our daughter-in-law.

Weather...it's still in the low 60s at 9:00, but it's supposed to cool off tonight and be in the 40s again tomorrow morning. The high is supposed to be 77 degrees, but it's coming with rain.

Enjoying...this quiet evening with Tim and my pup.

A quote I want to share...

And now...

Day 22

Your Last Important Decision:  The last really big decision I made was the one to leave driving a school bus behind after 16 years behind the wheel and take a chance on something completely new. There have been growing pains, for sure, and not everything is sunshine and roses with my new job but on the whole it is challenging and there is something so fulfilling about being able to make a difference in someone's life.

April Challenge: Days 20 and 21

Day 20

Would You Like To Know About The Future:  No, I'm curious, I suppose, but I feel like Garth Brooks in his song The Dance. He sings "I'm glad I didn't know the way it all would end, the way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance. I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance."


Day 21

How Do You Show People You Care:  I believe the old adage about actions speaking louder than words so I usually try to show I care by doing nice things for people and being kind, understanding, and available to them. I tell them, too.

April Challenge: Day 19

Your Favorite Song To Sing: I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, but I love music and often sing along in the car or when I'm the only one at home. My favorite song to sing along with is this....

Thankful Thursday and the April Challenge (Days 16-18)

Sorry I'm so late getting this posted today. I spent 45 minutes this morning writing one and then at the last minute my laptop did it again....*POOF*….no more post. I know they get "trained" somehow to respond to hand motions over the touch pad, but I have no idea what I do or how to make it un-learn. Sigh.

Well, enough whining. That's not what today's about and it won't change anything, anyway. 

Linking up with the sweet Rebecca Jo on this Maundy Thursday to give all thanks, praise and glory to the Lord for all the blessings in my life.

This week I am thankful...  

* for God's unconditional, never-ending love for each one of us personally. That it is so strong and so deep that he sent his own son to die in our place. And for Jesus who also loved us and took the punishment he didn't deserve, but we did. He bridged the gap between us and God that sin created. He defeated death and Satan and made it possible for us to live for eternity in heaven.

* for a great dinner Tuesday evening with my Bible study group and a fun day helping our teacher prepare the meal. 

* for a good week at work (and that I actually have this weekend off!).

* that a resident (one I knew personally in the past) passed away peacefully this morning with her husband and son at her bedside. She had truly been suffering for the last couple of months and she had been hanging on much longer than anyone thought she would. We are sad, but grateful that she is released from the prison of dementia.

* that Tim only has about 2 more months on his current project. It has been a bit of a nightmare from the very beginning and in recent weeks it has been bad. The subcontractors are giving him endless grief and his stress level is through the roof. I'm sure it isn't doing anything good for his blood pressure, either.

* to have been able to open the windows the last two days and get the house aired out. I love that I'm sitting here listening to the birds singing their last songs as it grows dark.

* that I got my shopping for Easter done tonight after work. Now all I have to do is fill eggs for the egg hunt, cook, and fill baskets.

* as always, for each one of you!

Day 16

The Word That You Overuse:  That would be "really." I tend to use it for emphasis way too much.

Day 17

A Pun: I accidentally swallowed some food coloring while coloring Easter eggs. The doctor says I'm okay, but I feel like I've dyed a little inside.

Day 18

How Would You Like To Be Described:  Kind, compassionate, humble, generous, giving, patient, loving, honest...I guess the bottom line would be as someone who lived what she believed. If I can do that, the rest will follow.

I hope to post again before Easter, but if it doesn't work out that way I wish each of you a happy, blessed and safe Easter! Enjoy your families, your meals, the candy, and the egg hunts but don't lose sight of what it is all about.

April Challenge: Day 15

10 Things You Should Always Have: It goes without saying that I'd make a relationship with the Lord first on the list, so I'm going to jump to the next 10 things.

1. At least one good friend that you can trust, who has your back, is willing to listen, be a shoulder to cry on, and is available and makes your friendship a priority.
2. A reason to get up in the morning...something that gives you purpose.
3. A ready smile and a kind word for everyone you meet.
4. A place that is a haven from the world.
5. Curiosity about the world and people around you.
6. Books to read.
7. Music that makes you want to dance.
8. A pet.
9. New experiences.
10. A heart that forgives.

April Challenge: Day 14

Describe Kindness:  Kindness is most likely a lot of things, but if I narrow it down to the core of what it means to me, it's this: Acting nicely toward someone or doing something nice for them that you weren't obligated or forced to do, that they did not expect, and that you don't expect to benefit from.

April Challenge: Day 13

How Do You Make Decisions:  Usually by praying about it, considering all the options, and if necessary seeking the advice of someone whose wisdom has been proven.

A Current April Challenge

It's my day off...and it's warm and sunny (at least until later on)! That never happens. I have tons to do....laundry, cleaning, shopping for Easter dinner, putting Easter baskets together, picking up a gift card for our son-in-law as we are taking him out to dinner tonight to celebrate his birthday yesterday, bathing the dog, and dropping some things off at Goodwill.

So, of course, I'm sitting here reading emails, blog posts, Facebook updates, and writing a blog post. Story of my life. Ha! I did do one productive thing while I've been messing around out here in cyber space. I paid the balance on our cruise. Only 104 days to go!

I'm also watching GMA, or rather listening to it. They have members from the casts of all the Disney musicals on and they are singing an incredible mash up of all the hit songs. It's really good!

Okay, time to blog and then get on with life.

What Is A "Perfect" Day:  It would begin with waking up after an uninterrupted night of sleep so that I'd actually feel rested and ready to go. Beyond that, I'm pretty open to options. It would involve sharing the day with my family, for sure, since nearly all of my "perfect" days up to this point have included them. 

It would also involve not being at home because if I'm at home I'll be answering the call of all the chores that need doing or doing all the cooking to feed whoever is here. Tim and I have had the best times just getting up and jumping in the car with no plan in mind...just going and seeing what catches our eye as we go.


Currently...

Reading... The Theft of America's Soul by Phil Robertson. I just finished Us Against You by Fredrik Backman. Both are excellent.

Listening to... not really listening but Kelly and Ryan's opening chat is on the TV.

Loving... the longer days and the way they energize me in the evenings.

Thinking... about what to have for Easter dinner.

Feeling... good, but tired due to not sleeping well lately.

Celebrating... our son-in-law's birthday later today.

Grateful for... a stack of good books waiting for me.

Weather... sunny and in the 70s, but a cold front and rain are coming later this afternoon. It will cool us off a bit for tomorrow, but then temps will rebound on Sunday.

Enjoying... the sound of the birds singing in the mornings.

A quote to share... "I don't want you to take me places, I want you to back me up so I can get there myself."  Ana, Us Against You

April Challenge: Day 11

How Important Is Fame:  To me? Not at all. I wouldn't like all the attention and the feeling of being under the microscope all the time. I probably wouldn't like people imposing on my time, either.

April Challenge: Days 9 & 10

Oops! I totally forgot to post for the April Challenge yesterday, so I'm playing catch-up again and posting two today.

Day 9

Your Life Story In Five Sentences:

• I was born.
• I grew up.
• I got married.
• I raised a family (and lived a lot of life).
• I was born again.

Day 10

A Place You Have Never Visited:  Ha! That would be the majority of the world, but I'm going to assume what's meant here is the place I've never visited, but most want to visit. That would be a tie between Australia and the Middle East (Israel, Egypt, Iraq, etc.). I suppose there's a chance Australia could happen, but probably not the others thanks to the danger factor.


* No Wednesday Medley for me this week. It's all about siblings and I was an only child.

April Challenge: Day 8

Three Things You And Your Best Friend Have In Common: 

• Faith in the Lord
• Sense of humor
• Similar life experiences

April Challenge: Day 7

How Are You Feeling Today: In the words of Bill & Ted, "Most excellent." It's been a good day. The weather was really nice so I was able to open the windows and air the house out a bit. Tim worked on the jungle gym and I got a lot done inside. Colton was here all afternoon and then his mommy and daddy came over and made us all burgers and hotdogs on the grill for supper. Now we're just chillin' and watching some TV. It was a very good day.

April Challenge: Day 6

One Thing You Need To Start Doing:  Exercising. I started taking Adipex-P (a prescription diet pill) again this week. I need to lose weight, but I also need to get in better shape. The sudden death of my friend's husband yesterday is a brutal reminder that life is a gift and that tomorrow is not guaranteed. I know where I am going when this life is over and I look forward to being in the presence of God, but I want to stay here for the full number of days he has allotted me.

April Challenge: Catching Up

Darn it. I found out last night that I missed the start of Kwizgiver's annual April Challenge. Lucky you, I'm playing catch up this morning.

My Biggest Dream: To see my husband's health restored so he can live an enjoyable life again. He finally heard back from the rheumatologist yesterday. He didn't understand a lot of what she was telling him, so had her send everything to our PCP. She saw several things of concern in the results of his blood work. His vitamin D level is virtually nonexistent (I figured that), there's an enzyme out of whack....after that is where he got fuzzy on it. What I know is that she wants him to keep his appointment to see her at the beginning of July and she told him to call the endocrinologist that he never heard from, because there is evidently something there that should concern him. I hoped this doctor would be the answer, but she is leaving the area sometime in July, I believe. Sigh.

What Place Do You Consider Your Home: Growing up it was my grandparents' home. All of my happiest childhood memories happened there and we moved around so much when I was a kid...Nana and Pappy's house was the one constant that didn't change. As an adult, the only place I consider home is the house we live in now. We've been here for nearly 25 years, the longest I've ever lived anywhere! We raised our family here and now it's where the grandkids come.

What Are You Most Grateful For: My salvation through Jesus Christ and there by my relationship with God. It's through him that all my blessings come. I really try to remember that all the time and give thanks daily for everything.

The Most Important Qualities In A Friend: Letting me know I am valuable to you by making time for me, giving and not just taking, being loyal and honest (stab me in the back or make a habit of lying...we're done), shared interests, and a sense of humor.

One Thing You Need To Stop Doing: That's easy....getting lost on the internet. Between Facebook, blogging, Pinterest, shopping, and games the time really flies by and it's often much more time than I'd like it to be.

Yay! I'm all caught up.