I didn't think I was at risk for glaucoma, until I ended up at the eye doctor, and he was looking at me funny. Needless to say, I'll never forget that Veterans' Day, when my doc gave me the news.
Why am I talking about this? Well, it's National Glaucoma Awareness month in January. Almost three million Americans have it, and many, like me, don't even know it. You are at higher risk if you are African-American, male, diabetic or have a family history (even if it's distant like mine).
Glaucoma is known for robbing people of their sight. I had LPI to allow my eyes to drain properly, which also helped the pressure. Some people may also need medication or other surgical procedures.
Some folks put off or delay eye exams because they fear they're too expensive. I have had vision insurance for years, and I did not know that it (along with your medical insurance) can make regular check-ups reasonable. If you don't have vision insurance, check with your PCP for more options in your area.
Your vision is priceless. I know I couldn't be a good parent, wife and nurse without it.
What are you waiting for? Go visit your favorite ophthalmologist today.
More to come...
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Thursday, December 29, 2016
It all boils down to this
Life is short. We are seeing that in the news today. A celebrity and her mother die within days of each other. Some people say you can't die of a broken heart, but yet, some people do.
This year has flown by quickly. I'm happy that in the grand scheme of things, I've had some time to reflect and relax. It's a privilege not granted to everyone and I know it and cherish it, especially this week. There just aren't enough nurses at the Hotel, or anywhere really. Bedside nurses are a rare enough commodity in these parts, they are paying five figure bonuses to get to work in various institutions.
The mood of this country has been tentative and taxing. The elections didn't really help anything. When I heard about history and Hoover and trying times of the Depression my relatives talked about when I was a kid, I now think, "Wow! Some of this stuff is really happening here to us now."
A lot of things will end this year. New ones will begin next year. I'll work on what I can and do my best. Hope you enjoy the rest of this week and this year. May we all be here to discuss it all again in 2017. There are no promises but we can hope for the best.
See you next year.
This year has flown by quickly. I'm happy that in the grand scheme of things, I've had some time to reflect and relax. It's a privilege not granted to everyone and I know it and cherish it, especially this week. There just aren't enough nurses at the Hotel, or anywhere really. Bedside nurses are a rare enough commodity in these parts, they are paying five figure bonuses to get to work in various institutions.
The mood of this country has been tentative and taxing. The elections didn't really help anything. When I heard about history and Hoover and trying times of the Depression my relatives talked about when I was a kid, I now think, "Wow! Some of this stuff is really happening here to us now."
A lot of things will end this year. New ones will begin next year. I'll work on what I can and do my best. Hope you enjoy the rest of this week and this year. May we all be here to discuss it all again in 2017. There are no promises but we can hope for the best.
See you next year.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Here I go again
***Happy National Rehabilitation Week! ***
Life is distracting. Especially when you have lots of things going on at once. Teenage kid getting hormonal. People at work being uncivil. Weather being unusually warm. Such is my life in RehabLand.
I've been finding and cataloging some great articles I've run into about these subjects, so here are a few of them. Hope you enjoy! I am, since it's helping me to stay sane as I get ready for the last week of travel for this year (I hope!) I'm looking forward to more learning, sightseeing and a Philly cheese steak while I'm hanging out with a whole bunch of other rehab nurses from around the country.
It may be from July, but KevinMD never fails to deliver some compelling content from nurses. I have to say if I were going to put something together, I'd be anonymous, too. The truth hurts, but hopefully, more folks will learn from the examples given in this article.
While it's not health related, if you are a foodie, and you love fried chicken, like Dahey (it's a genetic thing) you won't want to miss this article on the best fried chicken in the US. I swear he's still alive because of it. Dahey was a regular many moons ago when he lived down the road from Hattie's first storefront.
Finally, in light of national rehab week, take it from a former rehabber himself (who I just met, along with his parents, on one of my trips recently), ASK. People in wheelchairs, in many cases, can talk and advocate for themselves. Don't be afraid to ask, or you too, might miss a golden opportunity. Thanks Charlie for reminding us.
Hope you enjoy your weekend wherever you are!
Life is distracting. Especially when you have lots of things going on at once. Teenage kid getting hormonal. People at work being uncivil. Weather being unusually warm. Such is my life in RehabLand.
I've been finding and cataloging some great articles I've run into about these subjects, so here are a few of them. Hope you enjoy! I am, since it's helping me to stay sane as I get ready for the last week of travel for this year (I hope!) I'm looking forward to more learning, sightseeing and a Philly cheese steak while I'm hanging out with a whole bunch of other rehab nurses from around the country.
It may be from July, but KevinMD never fails to deliver some compelling content from nurses. I have to say if I were going to put something together, I'd be anonymous, too. The truth hurts, but hopefully, more folks will learn from the examples given in this article.
While it's not health related, if you are a foodie, and you love fried chicken, like Dahey (it's a genetic thing) you won't want to miss this article on the best fried chicken in the US. I swear he's still alive because of it. Dahey was a regular many moons ago when he lived down the road from Hattie's first storefront.
Finally, in light of national rehab week, take it from a former rehabber himself (who I just met, along with his parents, on one of my trips recently), ASK. People in wheelchairs, in many cases, can talk and advocate for themselves. Don't be afraid to ask, or you too, might miss a golden opportunity. Thanks Charlie for reminding us.
Hope you enjoy your weekend wherever you are!
Monday, September 12, 2016
Patriot day + 1 reflection
Yes, it's the 12th of September and I feel like 15 years ago and one day, were almost a blink of an eye, and a lifetime all at once.
I remember that day. Much is blurry, but the terror is real--the unknown, the ruthlessness, the destruction are unnerving. I still see that today.
I lived another life, and when I go near where I used to work on September 11, I even see people who used to work in my building. We're not friends, but I still recognize them. They still work at the same place. They've aged just like me.
But occasionally, I come in costume in my scrubs, when the local food trucks pull outside and I'm in the neighborhood. My job now warrants a weekly trip from one campus to another, so it's on the way back and I stop for lunch. The building have new names. The company I worked for has been bought out multiple times.
If I close my eyes, I still remember that life.
The world has changed, and so have I. I don't worry anymore about what could have been there. I realize that life is living and I'm doing it every day.
Fifteen years and a day, I pray still.
More later....
I remember that day. Much is blurry, but the terror is real--the unknown, the ruthlessness, the destruction are unnerving. I still see that today.
I lived another life, and when I go near where I used to work on September 11, I even see people who used to work in my building. We're not friends, but I still recognize them. They still work at the same place. They've aged just like me.
But occasionally, I come in costume in my scrubs, when the local food trucks pull outside and I'm in the neighborhood. My job now warrants a weekly trip from one campus to another, so it's on the way back and I stop for lunch. The building have new names. The company I worked for has been bought out multiple times.
If I close my eyes, I still remember that life.
The world has changed, and so have I. I don't worry anymore about what could have been there. I realize that life is living and I'm doing it every day.
Fifteen years and a day, I pray still.
More later....
Monday, July 4, 2016
RehabRN book club: Summer 16 part 3
I've been busy reading, since Bubba is in the home stretch of the local reading club. We take at least 1-2 trips to the library each week.
I'm still working on We have the technology, which has vignettes by sense, and I really enjoy it.
However, on our latest trip (since they are closed Monday for the holiday) I found a book I've been waiting to read, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. I saw his interviews and knew some of the story, but the little book (I actually read it all this afternoon) was so much more than the videos of his interviews.
You read about what it's like for a doctor to get cancer and be a patient. You read about happy things, but things are also very sad. Many reviewers, big name authors themselves, recommend this as one of the most important books you'll read. I have to agree. Life is short, and only some of us will have the courage to live it, in the face of some terrible things, on our own terms with dignity.
More later on what's new on the reading list...
I'm still working on We have the technology, which has vignettes by sense, and I really enjoy it.
However, on our latest trip (since they are closed Monday for the holiday) I found a book I've been waiting to read, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. I saw his interviews and knew some of the story, but the little book (I actually read it all this afternoon) was so much more than the videos of his interviews.
You read about what it's like for a doctor to get cancer and be a patient. You read about happy things, but things are also very sad. Many reviewers, big name authors themselves, recommend this as one of the most important books you'll read. I have to agree. Life is short, and only some of us will have the courage to live it, in the face of some terrible things, on our own terms with dignity.
More later on what's new on the reading list...
Sunday, June 26, 2016
RehabRN book club: Summer 16 part 2
Yes, I'm doing a better job reading my books this year; however, I'm still working on my Kara Platoni book.
I started it about the same time as The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. Once I started this one, it took over.
Personally, I like short books. While I can read quickly when I want to, I often read near the end of the day when I'm tired, so I read slowly. This book certainly fits the bill.
Some things of note:
About 85% of folks liked this book. There's always some complaints (hence the 15%) from folks, so don't be deterred. If you are looking for a comprehensive biography, this isn't it. As some folks mentioned, if you don't know the basic history of Anderson Cooper and his mother, you may need to do some research or you could get confused.
Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book. I always wonder about things, and while, I knew some of the story of Anderson Cooper and his mother, this book filled in the gaps. I liked the dialogue aspect of this book. Page 181 of this book talks about lessons in life that apply to nearly everyone:
"It is very easy to simply define yourself by your job, your title, your salary, but these things rarely give you long-term feelings of success and happiness."
Being present and listening are two themes that run through this book over and over. Not acting hastily is also important, too, because you'll see how it affects a lot of Gloria Vanderbilt's life. Impetuousness and lack of a solid, constant mentor, certainly defined many of her decisions.
Pros: It's short with a lot of life lessons.
Cons: It's lacking some detail. (easily found on a quick Google search)
Hope you enjoy your reading! Stay tuned for more reviews...
I started it about the same time as The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. Once I started this one, it took over.
Personally, I like short books. While I can read quickly when I want to, I often read near the end of the day when I'm tired, so I read slowly. This book certainly fits the bill.
Some things of note:
About 85% of folks liked this book. There's always some complaints (hence the 15%) from folks, so don't be deterred. If you are looking for a comprehensive biography, this isn't it. As some folks mentioned, if you don't know the basic history of Anderson Cooper and his mother, you may need to do some research or you could get confused.
Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book. I always wonder about things, and while, I knew some of the story of Anderson Cooper and his mother, this book filled in the gaps. I liked the dialogue aspect of this book. Page 181 of this book talks about lessons in life that apply to nearly everyone:
"It is very easy to simply define yourself by your job, your title, your salary, but these things rarely give you long-term feelings of success and happiness."
Being present and listening are two themes that run through this book over and over. Not acting hastily is also important, too, because you'll see how it affects a lot of Gloria Vanderbilt's life. Impetuousness and lack of a solid, constant mentor, certainly defined many of her decisions.
Pros: It's short with a lot of life lessons.
Cons: It's lacking some detail. (easily found on a quick Google search)
Hope you enjoy your reading! Stay tuned for more reviews...
Monday, June 6, 2016
The little people
We finally found out where the VIP entourage went while they were touring Washington recently, and we were patiently waiting on the floor for them to stop by on our unit. The VIPs stood us up.
Since everything our hospital system does is now posted on Facebook, the photos told us where they went.
I'm used to being "cut" from the A list in my area all the time. Nurses are used to it. My bosses, he and she, are not.
It's not fun finding out you are the "little people" after you come to work when you really could be doing something better.
Life is full of small victories. Enjoy every minute.
More to come.
Since everything our hospital system does is now posted on Facebook, the photos told us where they went.
I'm used to being "cut" from the A list in my area all the time. Nurses are used to it. My bosses, he and she, are not.
It's not fun finding out you are the "little people" after you come to work when you really could be doing something better.
Life is full of small victories. Enjoy every minute.
More to come.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
An obituary for Yogi
There is much sadness these days for all the baseball fans here in RehabLand. While we are far away from New York City, many mourn one the passing of the last great characters in baseball, Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra, the pride of the Yankees.
Here in the wilds of the middle of America, it ain't proper to like anything coastal. "Them people are strange" is a comment that is not uncommon. In the villages, towns and small cities, baseball is the life of summer. People come out, see neighbors, and have a good time.
Yogi, however, was someone people could identify with in RehabLand. He was a son of immigrants who grew up in St. Louis, MO and never forgot where he came from. He was tough and never let people's impression of him become his destiny. Beneath that smiling, crinkly face was a sharp guy with an eye for baseball, and how to navigate it successfully.
In later years, Ron Guidry wrote a book about going to spring training with him. I highly recommend it. It's a fun book to read.
It really wasn't over, 'til it was over, and what a life it was. Thank you Yogi for giving us a lot of smiles and excitement watching our national past time. You will be missed.
Here in the wilds of the middle of America, it ain't proper to like anything coastal. "Them people are strange" is a comment that is not uncommon. In the villages, towns and small cities, baseball is the life of summer. People come out, see neighbors, and have a good time.
Yogi, however, was someone people could identify with in RehabLand. He was a son of immigrants who grew up in St. Louis, MO and never forgot where he came from. He was tough and never let people's impression of him become his destiny. Beneath that smiling, crinkly face was a sharp guy with an eye for baseball, and how to navigate it successfully.
In later years, Ron Guidry wrote a book about going to spring training with him. I highly recommend it. It's a fun book to read.
It really wasn't over, 'til it was over, and what a life it was. Thank you Yogi for giving us a lot of smiles and excitement watching our national past time. You will be missed.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Off into indigo
RIP Oliver Sacks. You made us see the beauty in life, death, transition, and quirkiness.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Little things
Lately, little things mean a lot, or little things can get on my nerves. I'm working hard to let the latter ones go.
Bubba waits for making decisions and it drives me crazy. I almost had a heart attack over him changing his mind about a field trip. I forgot important stuff and had to come back home before I could go to work. A little stop and check would have solved everything.
Some people get on my nerves at work. It might be their attitudes or habits or anything. I just think sometimes, it gets magnified. I am singing that song "Let it go" in my head a lot lately. I can't fix them, so I have to let it go. I'll let them fall on their faces first, because no matter what, they are right. Once they get scraped up, they'll get it.
It's time to live for the good little things, not the bad. Savor the good and let the bad ones go.
Bubba waits for making decisions and it drives me crazy. I almost had a heart attack over him changing his mind about a field trip. I forgot important stuff and had to come back home before I could go to work. A little stop and check would have solved everything.
Some people get on my nerves at work. It might be their attitudes or habits or anything. I just think sometimes, it gets magnified. I am singing that song "Let it go" in my head a lot lately. I can't fix them, so I have to let it go. I'll let them fall on their faces first, because no matter what, they are right. Once they get scraped up, they'll get it.
It's time to live for the good little things, not the bad. Savor the good and let the bad ones go.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
On retirement of a dear friend
Dear Bette:
I'm so happy you're retiring. I know you are, too, even though you say it's bittersweet. Much of life often is, to remind us to be thankful. You've been through a lot the last few years, but you always smiled, even though, being sick often sucks. You were a trouper. It was my pleasure to work with you.
I'll miss you coming up to get coffee in the mornings and discussing all the interesting patients we'd see at the Hotel. You have the uncanny ability for people to trust you and tell you EVERYTHING, even things we didn't really want to know.
You made us realize that our folks are multidimensional people, and to only look at them from one side, was doing them a terrible disservice. Thank you. I know my practice changed from the time I spent working with you.
I will never forget your pioneering spirit, embracing new projects and treatment methods, and I'm sure the rest of the Hotel won't, either. (I promise I won't give your phone number out when some of those providers ask what you really think of those treatment methods, since you are an expert).
You hopefully, will be healthy and stress-free very soon, too, as you leave the hallowed Hotel halls soon for retirement.
I will miss you terribly, but I will never forget you. You are braver than any other person I know, and have given so much to me, our staff, and our patients with your presence.
Godspeed on the rest of your journey.
With warmest regards,
RehabRN
I'm so happy you're retiring. I know you are, too, even though you say it's bittersweet. Much of life often is, to remind us to be thankful. You've been through a lot the last few years, but you always smiled, even though, being sick often sucks. You were a trouper. It was my pleasure to work with you.
I'll miss you coming up to get coffee in the mornings and discussing all the interesting patients we'd see at the Hotel. You have the uncanny ability for people to trust you and tell you EVERYTHING, even things we didn't really want to know.
You made us realize that our folks are multidimensional people, and to only look at them from one side, was doing them a terrible disservice. Thank you. I know my practice changed from the time I spent working with you.
I will never forget your pioneering spirit, embracing new projects and treatment methods, and I'm sure the rest of the Hotel won't, either. (I promise I won't give your phone number out when some of those providers ask what you really think of those treatment methods, since you are an expert).
You hopefully, will be healthy and stress-free very soon, too, as you leave the hallowed Hotel halls soon for retirement.
I will miss you terribly, but I will never forget you. You are braver than any other person I know, and have given so much to me, our staff, and our patients with your presence.
Godspeed on the rest of your journey.
With warmest regards,
RehabRN
Monday, June 8, 2015
Why you need insurance
***SOAPBOX ALERT**** (aka something to consider)
There are lots of insurance products out there: life, homeowners, renters, automobile, motorcycle, health, disability insurance you name it. Some are required by law, like automobile insurance, or homeowners, because they protect a valuable asset (your home or your car). This is mostly required by creditors. Life insurance protects you and your family. We know that nursing is a hard, sometimes dangerous profession. Disability insurance is another thing to consider, since nurses are very likely to be injured on the job vs. to die at work.
However, many nurses practice without insuring something just as valuable. They practice without nursing malpractice insurance. In the few years I've practiced, I've heard a lot of stories about lawsuits and the judgments that often come with them.
Many people rationalize why they don't want insurance. They are not "those people". If they buy insurance, they'll be sued. The hospital will protect me, since I've been a good employee and never disciplined. My state board will protect me.
Unfortunately, those people or nurses who get sued are very nice people just doing their jobs like you are. If you are like me, you live in an "at will" state. You can be fired at any time (and you can leave at any time). This means even with your stellar record, your facility could let you go. Finally, most state boards may discipline you if you are found negligent. If you lose your license, you lose your livelihood.
If you love your job, your family, your house and your car, you need to consider carrying malpractice insurance, too. There are many good firms out there, some specifically for nurses. Seek them out.
Your career may depend on it.
More to come...
There are lots of insurance products out there: life, homeowners, renters, automobile, motorcycle, health, disability insurance you name it. Some are required by law, like automobile insurance, or homeowners, because they protect a valuable asset (your home or your car). This is mostly required by creditors. Life insurance protects you and your family. We know that nursing is a hard, sometimes dangerous profession. Disability insurance is another thing to consider, since nurses are very likely to be injured on the job vs. to die at work.
However, many nurses practice without insuring something just as valuable. They practice without nursing malpractice insurance. In the few years I've practiced, I've heard a lot of stories about lawsuits and the judgments that often come with them.
Many people rationalize why they don't want insurance. They are not "those people". If they buy insurance, they'll be sued. The hospital will protect me, since I've been a good employee and never disciplined. My state board will protect me.
Unfortunately, those people or nurses who get sued are very nice people just doing their jobs like you are. If you are like me, you live in an "at will" state. You can be fired at any time (and you can leave at any time). This means even with your stellar record, your facility could let you go. Finally, most state boards may discipline you if you are found negligent. If you lose your license, you lose your livelihood.
If you love your job, your family, your house and your car, you need to consider carrying malpractice insurance, too. There are many good firms out there, some specifically for nurses. Seek them out.
Your career may depend on it.
More to come...
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Hope turns to sadness
This patient's journey to us for rehab was long and arduous. One day you're minding your own business and start having these unusual pains. They find out you have this terrible condition.
The doctors save your life, but it was rough. You seem to be getting better when all Hades breaks loose. You go back to the OR, get almost triple digits of PRBCs, and abdominal washout and have all sorts of complications. You lose so many things. But you are here with us, so you are hopeful.
You come to us, are barely here a week, and we have to send you to World Renown, because we aren't staffed (in surgery or anywhere else) to resolve your latest issue. Unfortunately, we have seen this scenario before. You have a problem even World Renown can't fix. They send you back.
They leave us to tell you the bad news. You cry and yell. But to me and the other nurses, you are nice. You're not sure of what's going to happen, but I tell you, that no matter what I'm here with the staff for you to help give you some control in your room; to help you do what you need to do.
It is bittersweet. I have seen this before, and while the characters change, the stories all end the same. I just hope we can make some good memories before the clock runs out.
Stay tuned.
The doctors save your life, but it was rough. You seem to be getting better when all Hades breaks loose. You go back to the OR, get almost triple digits of PRBCs, and abdominal washout and have all sorts of complications. You lose so many things. But you are here with us, so you are hopeful.
You come to us, are barely here a week, and we have to send you to World Renown, because we aren't staffed (in surgery or anywhere else) to resolve your latest issue. Unfortunately, we have seen this scenario before. You have a problem even World Renown can't fix. They send you back.
They leave us to tell you the bad news. You cry and yell. But to me and the other nurses, you are nice. You're not sure of what's going to happen, but I tell you, that no matter what I'm here with the staff for you to help give you some control in your room; to help you do what you need to do.
It is bittersweet. I have seen this before, and while the characters change, the stories all end the same. I just hope we can make some good memories before the clock runs out.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
In an instant
A police officer puts a person resisting arrest in a choke hold. He ignores the pleas that the person can't breathe. The person dies.
A guy driving through a protest march hits a pedestrian. He's arrested for assault.
Another guy goes to work. Someone asks him to come out to the parking lot. It's his son. He proceeds to club his father to death with a baseball bat in the middle of the day in the parking lot.
It doesn't take long for a life to disappear. Robbing someone of one breath, one moment, one defensive move can have consequences that last forever.
Life happens in an instant. Be aware. Some things you can't get back after that instant is gone.
A guy driving through a protest march hits a pedestrian. He's arrested for assault.
Another guy goes to work. Someone asks him to come out to the parking lot. It's his son. He proceeds to club his father to death with a baseball bat in the middle of the day in the parking lot.
It doesn't take long for a life to disappear. Robbing someone of one breath, one moment, one defensive move can have consequences that last forever.
Life happens in an instant. Be aware. Some things you can't get back after that instant is gone.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
The story of my life
I shall not change my course because those who assume to be better than I desire it.~ Victoria Woodhull
I really wonder why some people just can't mind their own business.
That is all...more later.
I really wonder why some people just can't mind their own business.
That is all...more later.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
The greatest generation among us
Mr. N. was a character. From the moment the referral nurses talked about him, they weren't really sure if he'd even make it to the Hotel. He was old. He was sick. He was unconscious. He was deaf as a post without his hearing aids. He was as we say, "day to day."
He lived and for a while, Mr. N. inhabited a bright sunny room, where he had a good view of the construction going on nearby. Once he got his hearing aids, he talked. He was very opinionated, having worked for one utility, he had a pretty good idea what was going on outside his window.
In a way, Mr. N. reminded me of my father. He had the same ethnic look and the same blue eyes. He also had a gravelly voice of a man who smoked a few Chesterfields in his day. We talked about a number of things once we connected. I could always ask if it was really true what the guys said about his battle (the "no purple hearts" part).
Mr. N. even introduced me to his children. I got to meet all of them, including the bossy daughter ("she runs everything" he said). They were nice. They were amazed that their dad did as well as he did.
One day, Mr. N. came to see me, looking for change to get a soda. I didn't have any so I checked his chart.I realized he was not diabetic, so I offered him the soda Bubba made me take to work, in case I got snowed in.
His eyes brightened when he saw it. "Ooh!" he said. "The good stuff. Sierra Mist." He thanked me and rolled away down the hall for a cup of ice.
Mr. N. came by to see me when it was time to discharge. He said, "I hope to see you again. Thanks for everything." and winked. He left the next day to go to the nursing home.
We were told the other day that Mr. N's "bossy" daughter called. He had passed away in his sleep that day. His weak heart finally gave out. This week, with more than 500 others each day, he joined history.
And I am thankful I have one more story about World War II to cherish, told by a man who made history in the Battle of the Bulge.
He lived and for a while, Mr. N. inhabited a bright sunny room, where he had a good view of the construction going on nearby. Once he got his hearing aids, he talked. He was very opinionated, having worked for one utility, he had a pretty good idea what was going on outside his window.
In a way, Mr. N. reminded me of my father. He had the same ethnic look and the same blue eyes. He also had a gravelly voice of a man who smoked a few Chesterfields in his day. We talked about a number of things once we connected. I could always ask if it was really true what the guys said about his battle (the "no purple hearts" part).
Mr. N. even introduced me to his children. I got to meet all of them, including the bossy daughter ("she runs everything" he said). They were nice. They were amazed that their dad did as well as he did.
One day, Mr. N. came to see me, looking for change to get a soda. I didn't have any so I checked his chart.I realized he was not diabetic, so I offered him the soda Bubba made me take to work, in case I got snowed in.
His eyes brightened when he saw it. "Ooh!" he said. "The good stuff. Sierra Mist." He thanked me and rolled away down the hall for a cup of ice.
Mr. N. came by to see me when it was time to discharge. He said, "I hope to see you again. Thanks for everything." and winked. He left the next day to go to the nursing home.
We were told the other day that Mr. N's "bossy" daughter called. He had passed away in his sleep that day. His weak heart finally gave out. This week, with more than 500 others each day, he joined history.
And I am thankful I have one more story about World War II to cherish, told by a man who made history in the Battle of the Bulge.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Unearthing myself
Yes, I've been buried. Being an instructor at MegaCorp College really is a lot of work (even if it's only one class.)
Besides my seven login accounts, I got surprised with advising duties recently. Yes, I know, most smart schools only allow the crack, full-time professors to advise students, but since MCC is a check the box kind of school, I got tasked with "advising" students.
What, you ask, did I have to do?
1. I decided to read my e-mail before class and I found out I had to complete this task by the end of the week. Since that was the last day of my week, it became a priority.
2. When I discussed it with a student who came early, and showed her the form, she had never seen it.
3. I showed each student their grade to date in the learning management system. The midterm was ugly. Had I not used the analysis to throw out questions, I would have had even more Fs.
4. With the analysis, I just had more work (adding points back). Depending on the student, I had the potential to add back 36 points out of 200.
5. Thankfully, most of the students came back after the midterm. Still have a couple of stragglers. Will see how that goes.
Thanks for listening. I'll be escaping (literally and figuratively) to a remote town known only to famous authors. I'll be hiding out doing nothing, except enjoying some time with Dahey and Bubba. It should be fun.
Until next time...stay tuned for more educational adventures.
Besides my seven login accounts, I got surprised with advising duties recently. Yes, I know, most smart schools only allow the crack, full-time professors to advise students, but since MCC is a check the box kind of school, I got tasked with "advising" students.
What, you ask, did I have to do?
1. I decided to read my e-mail before class and I found out I had to complete this task by the end of the week. Since that was the last day of my week, it became a priority.
2. When I discussed it with a student who came early, and showed her the form, she had never seen it.
3. I showed each student their grade to date in the learning management system. The midterm was ugly. Had I not used the analysis to throw out questions, I would have had even more Fs.
4. With the analysis, I just had more work (adding points back). Depending on the student, I had the potential to add back 36 points out of 200.
5. Thankfully, most of the students came back after the midterm. Still have a couple of stragglers. Will see how that goes.
Thanks for listening. I'll be escaping (literally and figuratively) to a remote town known only to famous authors. I'll be hiding out doing nothing, except enjoying some time with Dahey and Bubba. It should be fun.
Until next time...stay tuned for more educational adventures.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
The randomness of life
I really enjoyed this story about a lady winning the lottery by playing her fortune cookie numbers. The odds may be slim, but at least, they were in her favor for one draw.
The randomness of life hit me when I watched the news today and saw a familiar face. My BLS instructor, a big burly fireman, who taught at the community college here in RehabLand, was killed in a drunk driving accident. A woman was charged today.
He wasn't wearing his seatbelt while off-duty. The same guy who stressed how "seconds count", was himself gone in an instant.
Just makes me want to live this randomness to the fullest.
Because you just never know when your lotto numbers will win, or when someone you love won't be around.
Stay tuned...
The randomness of life hit me when I watched the news today and saw a familiar face. My BLS instructor, a big burly fireman, who taught at the community college here in RehabLand, was killed in a drunk driving accident. A woman was charged today.
He wasn't wearing his seatbelt while off-duty. The same guy who stressed how "seconds count", was himself gone in an instant.
Just makes me want to live this randomness to the fullest.
Because you just never know when your lotto numbers will win, or when someone you love won't be around.
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
The joys of jury duty
Jury duty can be a blessing, or a curse.
Some of the perks/hazards/interesting things:
1. It gets you out of the office. Plenty of interesting folks hang around courthouses. And even more pay traffic (or parking) tickets.
2. You could get sequestered.
2. You know it will get interesting if the folks can't follow directions at the metal detectors.
3. It's also sad seeing the little old people there (many because they need a conservator.)
4. At lunch time, you can eat, shop and roam around. (Lunches for court staff under an hour are rare in our neck of the woods).
5. Finally, you realize that your job's not so bad after all, your family's not totally silly and the food at the Hotel cafeteria really is pretty good.
And soon enough, it will be time to go home again, back to reality.
That is all...stay tuned.
Some of the perks/hazards/interesting things:
1. It gets you out of the office. Plenty of interesting folks hang around courthouses. And even more pay traffic (or parking) tickets.
2. You could get sequestered.
2. You know it will get interesting if the folks can't follow directions at the metal detectors.
3. It's also sad seeing the little old people there (many because they need a conservator.)
4. At lunch time, you can eat, shop and roam around. (Lunches for court staff under an hour are rare in our neck of the woods).
5. Finally, you realize that your job's not so bad after all, your family's not totally silly and the food at the Hotel cafeteria really is pretty good.
And soon enough, it will be time to go home again, back to reality.
That is all...stay tuned.
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