First, a thank you to all the soldiers who (and who have) put their lives on the line for our country and continue to do so regardless of the unsteady and volatile nature it is in. Happy Memorial Day!
Family is still here, but they are leaving tomorrow to go back home to Delaware. The visit went fast just like it does every time they come, but I think they are visiting again in July. Steve's Mom and I took a trip to Springhill nursery on Saturday, but didn't buy any flowers because we had all ready bought what we wanted at Walmart. :) They helped Steve paint the outside of the Florida room this weekend as well as helped hang my barn star on the front of the house by drilling a hole in the mortar. Thank you guys! :)
I lost sleep last night worrying about the skin graft on my cheek! It seems ripply and not smooth like skin should be. I am hoping its just healing and this is normal. I am going to do a google search on the care of skin grafts and what to expect afterwards when I get home tonight. :/
Well, I am going to get ready to go now! Have a great day!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Company
Steve's Mom and Dad arrived yesterday evening and will be here until after Memorial Day weekend. I'm not sure what all we will be doing while they are visiting, other than a cook out at our friend's house, but we will play it by ear each day like we normally do. :)
They both worked hard in the flower beds by pulling weeds, trimming back the bushes and lambs ear, planting grasses and laying mulch most of the day until the rain and hail forced them back inside. They like to keep busy, thats for sure and I'm definitely not complaining. :)
I learned today that HB 55 for animal cruelty passed in to legislation, which means cruelty to animals is no longer a misdemeanor in Ohio. I was glad to read this on facebook because cruelty to animals disgusts me to no end and I cannot fathom how or why anybody in their right mind could harm an animal. Most animals are innocent, love unconditional and have no voice. I do have my doubts that it will minimize the cruelty to animals in Ohio, though. I hope I'm wrong!
They both worked hard in the flower beds by pulling weeds, trimming back the bushes and lambs ear, planting grasses and laying mulch most of the day until the rain and hail forced them back inside. They like to keep busy, thats for sure and I'm definitely not complaining. :)
I learned today that HB 55 for animal cruelty passed in to legislation, which means cruelty to animals is no longer a misdemeanor in Ohio. I was glad to read this on facebook because cruelty to animals disgusts me to no end and I cannot fathom how or why anybody in their right mind could harm an animal. Most animals are innocent, love unconditional and have no voice. I do have my doubts that it will minimize the cruelty to animals in Ohio, though. I hope I'm wrong!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Weekend is about over
Last night we went to J-Alan's and listened to the band, which was an interesting evening. It was a good time for the most part, just interesting. There was one individual (very nice btw) who consumed a little too much alcohol and was really annoying the hell out of my friend and I. He probably didn't realize how annoying he was though, because he had consumed too much alcohol. Make sense? I guesss these things happen, but it certainly makes the night less enjoyable. We thought that avoiding eye contact with him would deter him from continuously coming over, but it didn't. He was like a turd that won't flush, kept coming back. Ugh! Anyway... :)
Today was such a perfect day weather wise. I took my babies outside for an hour and we just sat in the drive way absorbing the sun shine and feeling the breeze. Buddy and I were entertained for a while watching Lady play with a tree branch. She always grabs the sticks that are quadruple her size in length and then she gets angry and vicious sounding when she can't maneuver it or it drags on the ground. :(
I go for another follow up appointment with the surgeon tomorrow. I cancelled last Wednesday as I wasn't feeling the love of going in the nasty weather, cold and damp, sitting in the waiting room with all the other people who shared my same 1:45 appointment slot. Cancelling and staying home seemed like the right thing to do at the time. :)
Today was such a perfect day weather wise. I took my babies outside for an hour and we just sat in the drive way absorbing the sun shine and feeling the breeze. Buddy and I were entertained for a while watching Lady play with a tree branch. She always grabs the sticks that are quadruple her size in length and then she gets angry and vicious sounding when she can't maneuver it or it drags on the ground. :(
I go for another follow up appointment with the surgeon tomorrow. I cancelled last Wednesday as I wasn't feeling the love of going in the nasty weather, cold and damp, sitting in the waiting room with all the other people who shared my same 1:45 appointment slot. Cancelling and staying home seemed like the right thing to do at the time. :)
Friday, May 21, 2010
Weekend is here
This Saturday I'm going to J-Alans to listen to Steve play with the band Skeleton Crew. He has only been in this band a short time so I have only heard him perform with them once, but their music is similar to the other band he is in, Terrapin Moon. Terrapin Moon is a Grateful Dead Tribute Band so they rarely play something other than what the dead did, but Skeleton Crew does do other songs by other bands. (Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, etc.)
I'm getting eager for my trip to Chicago. My nurse and I are pretty sure we are taking the amtrak out of Cincinatti the night before we have to attend the abilities expo, but we just have to make sure that when we get to Chicago we understand how to take the bus and train to the hotel which is 26 miles away. We will have some "walking" to do in between bus routes and we also want to find out what kind of neighborhood we will be in. :)
Family is visiting this week. Steve's parents are coming out Wednesday and will be here through Tuesday. I'm not sure what is on the agenda, but one day we hope to make a trip to Springhill Nursery in Tipp City.
I guess that is all for now. Have a great weekend! Hopefully this weather gets nice soon. Yesterday was a beautiful day, but we need more days filled with sunshine and warmth!
I'm getting eager for my trip to Chicago. My nurse and I are pretty sure we are taking the amtrak out of Cincinatti the night before we have to attend the abilities expo, but we just have to make sure that when we get to Chicago we understand how to take the bus and train to the hotel which is 26 miles away. We will have some "walking" to do in between bus routes and we also want to find out what kind of neighborhood we will be in. :)
Family is visiting this week. Steve's parents are coming out Wednesday and will be here through Tuesday. I'm not sure what is on the agenda, but one day we hope to make a trip to Springhill Nursery in Tipp City.
I guess that is all for now. Have a great weekend! Hopefully this weather gets nice soon. Yesterday was a beautiful day, but we need more days filled with sunshine and warmth!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Chair IS fixed
I failed to mention in my last post that my wheelchair did get fixed Tuesday!!! It ended up being a wire problem and if it happens again, they will replace it with a new one. So, I'm happy to have my "get up and go" working again! :) Thank you to those who asked about it!
My friend Leslie called me today very upset. She made the heart wrenching decision to have her 16 year old doggy put to sleep. She is going to the vet this evening at 7:30 to have it done, but she is hoping that CiCi (doggy's name) will go on her own at home before then. I can't imagine my life without my babies because my god they bring me so much happiness and they always make me smile, but when I think about the time when I may have to make the same decision Leslie made, it makes me sad! I don't dwell on that day because that is a very long time down the road (at least I think it is) but its still sad to think about.
As I have mentioned I have a couple new nursing assistants and it seems to be working out well. I have been training a new girl this week and I have to admit, its exhausting!! Its hard to teach someone how to do my routine, show her where everything is, explain how to make coffee, explain the remote controls, explain the hoyer lift, explain which buttons to push on my wheelchair to operate this and that when I cannot freaking point!!! I have a feeling in my sleep I will be saying... up, up, up, okay, now left, not your left, my left, okay good, now my right, no not that right, my other right.....
My friend Leslie called me today very upset. She made the heart wrenching decision to have her 16 year old doggy put to sleep. She is going to the vet this evening at 7:30 to have it done, but she is hoping that CiCi (doggy's name) will go on her own at home before then. I can't imagine my life without my babies because my god they bring me so much happiness and they always make me smile, but when I think about the time when I may have to make the same decision Leslie made, it makes me sad! I don't dwell on that day because that is a very long time down the road (at least I think it is) but its still sad to think about.
As I have mentioned I have a couple new nursing assistants and it seems to be working out well. I have been training a new girl this week and I have to admit, its exhausting!! Its hard to teach someone how to do my routine, show her where everything is, explain how to make coffee, explain the remote controls, explain the hoyer lift, explain which buttons to push on my wheelchair to operate this and that when I cannot freaking point!!! I have a feeling in my sleep I will be saying... up, up, up, okay, now left, not your left, my left, okay good, now my right, no not that right, my other right.....
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Vets office
Today I had to take Lady to the vet because the poor baby is itching like crazy! I also took Buddy because I'm a sucker and didn't want to take Lady Bye Bye and not him!!! I know, I'm too soft. It did work out in my favor though!
Anyway, the doctor ended up prescribing benadryl to ease her scratching and while she was there, she caught Lady up on her distemper shot, took a blood test for heartworm and sold me a years worth of heartworm medication. That meant Lady was caught up for a year. I told the doctor I was going to take Buddy to their vaccination clinic (there is no charge for the visit, just the vaccine) tomorrow evening and asked if the receptionist would tell me what he needs and she said, "yes". She then told me if I was going to the clinic to save the money for the visit, that she would waive his fee and do his shots and blood test while we were there! I agreed, thanked her a dozen times and got Buddy caught up, too! I spent $253.00, but they are good to go for a year! Woohoo!
Anyway, the doctor ended up prescribing benadryl to ease her scratching and while she was there, she caught Lady up on her distemper shot, took a blood test for heartworm and sold me a years worth of heartworm medication. That meant Lady was caught up for a year. I told the doctor I was going to take Buddy to their vaccination clinic (there is no charge for the visit, just the vaccine) tomorrow evening and asked if the receptionist would tell me what he needs and she said, "yes". She then told me if I was going to the clinic to save the money for the visit, that she would waive his fee and do his shots and blood test while we were there! I agreed, thanked her a dozen times and got Buddy caught up, too! I spent $253.00, but they are good to go for a year! Woohoo!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Productive day
As I said in my last post my chair is on the fritz and not driveable. As much as it frustrates me being stuck in one place and not able to move around independently, it has sort of played in my favor today. I have gotten so much done today, it excites me! I have figured out the quarterly taxes, gotten paper work finished, completed tasks on my "to do" list, cleaned around my desk and made phone calls I needed to make. Yay! :)
Wheelchair guy is coming tomorrow to hopefully fix my chair. I hope he is able to fix it tomorrow, but he may need to order a part. We will see... :) I have had this chair for a year... isn't it too soon for malfunctions? Geez!
I booked our room for Chicago and am getting excited about going. Its still 2 months away, but something to look forward to. My nurse and I were thinking about taking the amtrak train from Cincinatti and meeting Steve there, but we have to see what they do about people in wheelchairs. Would I have to transfer to a regular seat? If so, where does my wheelchair go? etc...
Wheelchair guy is coming tomorrow to hopefully fix my chair. I hope he is able to fix it tomorrow, but he may need to order a part. We will see... :) I have had this chair for a year... isn't it too soon for malfunctions? Geez!
I booked our room for Chicago and am getting excited about going. Its still 2 months away, but something to look forward to. My nurse and I were thinking about taking the amtrak train from Cincinatti and meeting Steve there, but we have to see what they do about people in wheelchairs. Would I have to transfer to a regular seat? If so, where does my wheelchair go? etc...
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to all the ladies in my life who are Mommies!!! I hope you all have a beautiful day! My mom isn't with me anymore, but I'd like to think that some how some way she knows I'm thinking of her and she is heavy on my heart today! :)
Its been somewhat of a frustrating weekend as my wheelchair is on the fritz. I keep getting an error message on the control box each time I try to use the chin control! So everytime I want to move from one room to another, I am at the mercy of someone else!! Grrr! This chair is heavy enough by itself let alone having to push it WITH me in it! I am calling ATG rehab tomorrow to see if somebody can come fix it. Wish me luck! :)
I got some stitches out and two bandages off Friday. These were from the two areas he put the grafted skin. I wished I could say I'm happy with it, but its too early for that. Right now both areas look like road rash, that is the only way to describe them. I still have stitches around both ears, my jaw and chest, which will all hopefully come out Wednesday.
I went to my nephews tee ball and j ball games Thursday and had so much fun! I wore a perpetual smile watching them and all the other little dumplings play. The little ones on my younger nephew's team weren't quite as "coordinated" and not as "in to" the sport as my older nephew's team. They were climbing the fence, not listening to the coach, looking up at the sky, swinging there arms, worried about snacks... it was comical! :) Stephanie, my brother's wife e-mailed me the schedule for their games, so I will be attending more!!
Its been somewhat of a frustrating weekend as my wheelchair is on the fritz. I keep getting an error message on the control box each time I try to use the chin control! So everytime I want to move from one room to another, I am at the mercy of someone else!! Grrr! This chair is heavy enough by itself let alone having to push it WITH me in it! I am calling ATG rehab tomorrow to see if somebody can come fix it. Wish me luck! :)
I got some stitches out and two bandages off Friday. These were from the two areas he put the grafted skin. I wished I could say I'm happy with it, but its too early for that. Right now both areas look like road rash, that is the only way to describe them. I still have stitches around both ears, my jaw and chest, which will all hopefully come out Wednesday.
I went to my nephews tee ball and j ball games Thursday and had so much fun! I wore a perpetual smile watching them and all the other little dumplings play. The little ones on my younger nephew's team weren't quite as "coordinated" and not as "in to" the sport as my older nephew's team. They were climbing the fence, not listening to the coach, looking up at the sky, swinging there arms, worried about snacks... it was comical! :) Stephanie, my brother's wife e-mailed me the schedule for their games, so I will be attending more!!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Cinco De Mayo
Hi, Happy Hump Day and Happy Cinco De Mayo ! :)
My girly friend called me yesterday with an awesome request! She asked if Steve and I could drive to Chicago in July and spend a couple days at the abilities expo for her and her boyfriend. Her and her boyfriend run the Dayton chapter of the Independent Living Centers in Ohio and don't have the time to travel because of their busy work schedules.
She said she wants us to gather information, get ideas, talk to the vendors and meet people she has contacts with regarding how she can make the Dayton abilities expo more successful than it has been in the past.
I have never been to Chicago and it is on my "bucket list"....of course I said, "yes" :)
My girly friend called me yesterday with an awesome request! She asked if Steve and I could drive to Chicago in July and spend a couple days at the abilities expo for her and her boyfriend. Her and her boyfriend run the Dayton chapter of the Independent Living Centers in Ohio and don't have the time to travel because of their busy work schedules.
She said she wants us to gather information, get ideas, talk to the vendors and meet people she has contacts with regarding how she can make the Dayton abilities expo more successful than it has been in the past.
I have never been to Chicago and it is on my "bucket list"....of course I said, "yes" :)
Monday, May 3, 2010
I feel MUCH better!
Today I got the huge bulky "helmet like" bandage off from around my head, so was able to get a hair wash and I feel like a new person! The doctor said not to wash my hair, but that wasn't going to happen. I have oily hair and need a good shampoo every day, so after 5 days, it was DEFINITELY time!! :) I go back Friday to get more bandages removed and I guess the stitches will come out next week. Yay!
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
I feel a wine coming on!
The liquid/blended diet is getting old! I'm hungry and want real food! V8 juice, mashed potatoes, pudding and jello can only suppress my appetite for so long! My head still hasn't been scrubbed because I haven't been able to convince anybody that taking the guaze off around my head and shampooing my filthy hair and scalp is the right thing to do.
I did watch a great movie last night. I recommend "The blind side" to anybody who wants to watch a good movie. Not many movies capture my attention through the entire movie, but this one did! Sandra Bullock was funny and so was the little boy who played S.J...he was adorable!
I wanted to go to the benefit for Masterpiece last night at the Middletown Sportsman Club, but opted not to for reasons mentioned above. It was a quarter auction and the proceeds went to the Ohio SPCA. I hope there was a good turn out for the event!!
Okay, I'm going to go puree something and take another nap!
I did watch a great movie last night. I recommend "The blind side" to anybody who wants to watch a good movie. Not many movies capture my attention through the entire movie, but this one did! Sandra Bullock was funny and so was the little boy who played S.J...he was adorable!
I wanted to go to the benefit for Masterpiece last night at the Middletown Sportsman Club, but opted not to for reasons mentioned above. It was a quarter auction and the proceeds went to the Ohio SPCA. I hope there was a good turn out for the event!!
Okay, I'm going to go puree something and take another nap!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
I'm home
Surgery was Thursday and I'm glad its over. :) Dr. Percy wouldn't let me go home afterwards because I was running a fever, so I stayed over one night. That definitely wasn't my preference, but it wasn't too dreadful, as the nurses and aides were very nice and accomodating.
Before surgery the anesthesiologist had a terrible time starting an I.V because my veins are so hard to find. I have never been an easy stick for blood draws and IVs, so it wasn't a huge surprise. He stuck me in both my arms, hands, ankles, my jugular and finally struck gold in my groin. (I know that didn't sound right, but I'm too lazy to change it). Maybe next time I should suggest starting in the groin? I take that back.. there won't be a next time!!
Dr. Percy removed skin and tissue from the two areas that had melanoma (my temple region and right cheek) and then took skin from behind both my ears and grafted that skin where he removed the melanoma. Hopefully when the bandages are off and the stitches are out I will be happy with the results despite the scarring it will leave on my face and neck. I'm not one to have liquid foundation put on me, but that could possibly change very soon!!
I think the worst thing right now is the copious amount of guaze around my head! It looks like I'm wearing a football helmet. The guaze got caught on my chin control yesterday, which sent me flying in to my desk, knocking over speakers, upsetting Nugget's tank, and knocking the desk in to the wall. Nugget wasn't none to happy....his fins were flared as he was flipping around the tank through all the bubbles, gravel and debris that was shuffled caused by the excessive and unnecessary amount of guaze I'm lugging around on my head. I have not gotten my hair shampooed since early Thursday morning and I'm going bonkers! I'm sure the oil from my hair will be seeping through the guaze soon if it hasn't all ready! My head feels disgusting!
Anyway...I'm going to take a nap!
Before surgery the anesthesiologist had a terrible time starting an I.V because my veins are so hard to find. I have never been an easy stick for blood draws and IVs, so it wasn't a huge surprise. He stuck me in both my arms, hands, ankles, my jugular and finally struck gold in my groin. (I know that didn't sound right, but I'm too lazy to change it). Maybe next time I should suggest starting in the groin? I take that back.. there won't be a next time!!
Dr. Percy removed skin and tissue from the two areas that had melanoma (my temple region and right cheek) and then took skin from behind both my ears and grafted that skin where he removed the melanoma. Hopefully when the bandages are off and the stitches are out I will be happy with the results despite the scarring it will leave on my face and neck. I'm not one to have liquid foundation put on me, but that could possibly change very soon!!
I think the worst thing right now is the copious amount of guaze around my head! It looks like I'm wearing a football helmet. The guaze got caught on my chin control yesterday, which sent me flying in to my desk, knocking over speakers, upsetting Nugget's tank, and knocking the desk in to the wall. Nugget wasn't none to happy....his fins were flared as he was flipping around the tank through all the bubbles, gravel and debris that was shuffled caused by the excessive and unnecessary amount of guaze I'm lugging around on my head. I have not gotten my hair shampooed since early Thursday morning and I'm going bonkers! I'm sure the oil from my hair will be seeping through the guaze soon if it hasn't all ready! My head feels disgusting!
Anyway...I'm going to take a nap!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Shallow
I know the ending of my vanity post was shallow and I need to elaborate. The tanning bed and the sun worshipping that I should not continue to do is not the reason I wished I didn't get the areas removed and biopsied...sometimes it just seems like the less we know the better. Many people, my father for one, do not see doctors because they don't want to know if something is wrong or are afraid of finding out something is wrong. I see that as being somewhat rational and I completely share that mind set. Maybe that is why I think its rational? :) When my dad did finally start to see a physician regularly and did his yearly exams, there was always something found that caused concern, looked abnormal, needed more testing, needed biopsied and whatever else. The scare that is instilled in a person every time they see a doctor is enough to say "I'm finished with doctors"
Luckily I haven't reached that point. Now that a couple days have passed I am ready to take the bull by the horns and get this shit over with. This week I will have the surgery and be optimistic everything will be fine. I'm dreading it, but doesn't everybody? :)
I will post after I'm home. Thank you for reading!
Luckily I haven't reached that point. Now that a couple days have passed I am ready to take the bull by the horns and get this shit over with. This week I will have the surgery and be optimistic everything will be fine. I'm dreading it, but doesn't everybody? :)
I will post after I'm home. Thank you for reading!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Vanity
I have always been a vane (sp?) person. When I was younger I wouldn't leave the house without makeup, my hair would always have to be curled in case I ran in to somebody I knew, my clothes couldn't be left over from the night before, bla bla bla. You get the picture, right? :) Well, 18 years later I'm as vane now as I was then. Having a big electric wheelchair attached to me hasn't changed the way I want to look and want others to see on the outside.
I decided about a month ago I wanted to get two lesions removed from my face because I didn't like the way they made me look. I wasn't concerned really, just wanted them gone. I went to my doctor, she referred me to a surgeon, and two weeks after that I was having out patient surgery to have 3 areas removed. The surgeon found another tiny one tucked up under my bangs in my temporal region.
What I thought would be a simple procedure and quick recovery, was quite the contrary. I was on a liquid diet for 5 days, half my face was bandaged up like I had been cut from my head to my neck, I now have a 2" scar on the side of my face, and another 1" scar on my temple. All of that because I wanted 2 eraser sized lesions removed because I'm vane!! After the fact I said, "I will never electively put myself through that mess again"
So, after a week of going to the office for follow up appointments, this past Friday I went to have the last bandage removed, get the last of my stitches removed and be done with the doctor visits and the trips to Kettering.
Well, unfortunately that didn't happen. When I got in his office, he took the bandage off and sat down. He opened his chart and said two of those lesions were melanoma and I have to have another surgery to remove surrounding tissue and get a skin graft. I was stunned. It's like I heard him talking, but I didn't hear a word he said because my thoughts were going rampid to say the least.
Am I fortunate I went to have the areas removed? Or am I unfortunate I went to have the areas removed? If I would have left it alone and not had them looked at, I would never know and I could go on with life and continue my life style of laying in the tanning bed and enjoying the sun. Now, that I do know, I would be an idiot to continue to enjoy those things and not deal with the here and now!
I'm hating life right now!
I decided about a month ago I wanted to get two lesions removed from my face because I didn't like the way they made me look. I wasn't concerned really, just wanted them gone. I went to my doctor, she referred me to a surgeon, and two weeks after that I was having out patient surgery to have 3 areas removed. The surgeon found another tiny one tucked up under my bangs in my temporal region.
What I thought would be a simple procedure and quick recovery, was quite the contrary. I was on a liquid diet for 5 days, half my face was bandaged up like I had been cut from my head to my neck, I now have a 2" scar on the side of my face, and another 1" scar on my temple. All of that because I wanted 2 eraser sized lesions removed because I'm vane!! After the fact I said, "I will never electively put myself through that mess again"
So, after a week of going to the office for follow up appointments, this past Friday I went to have the last bandage removed, get the last of my stitches removed and be done with the doctor visits and the trips to Kettering.
Well, unfortunately that didn't happen. When I got in his office, he took the bandage off and sat down. He opened his chart and said two of those lesions were melanoma and I have to have another surgery to remove surrounding tissue and get a skin graft. I was stunned. It's like I heard him talking, but I didn't hear a word he said because my thoughts were going rampid to say the least.
Am I fortunate I went to have the areas removed? Or am I unfortunate I went to have the areas removed? If I would have left it alone and not had them looked at, I would never know and I could go on with life and continue my life style of laying in the tanning bed and enjoying the sun. Now, that I do know, I would be an idiot to continue to enjoy those things and not deal with the here and now!
I'm hating life right now!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
So much for being rational
If you read my previous post you know I was having caregiving woes last week and wasn't sure how I was going to proceed. Well, I am not exactly proud of how I handled it, but its done with and hopefully the new nursing assistants I hired will work out wonderfully! :)
I hadn't had intentions on firing this person, but after she reacted so terribly when I told her we could not have a repeat of her actions the prior week and she went coo coo on me, I realized I wasn't dealing with a "full deck" if ya know what I'm saying! Soooo, good luck to her and hopefully she gets the help she needs! Buh-bye!
Have a great night!
I hadn't had intentions on firing this person, but after she reacted so terribly when I told her we could not have a repeat of her actions the prior week and she went coo coo on me, I realized I wasn't dealing with a "full deck" if ya know what I'm saying! Soooo, good luck to her and hopefully she gets the help she needs! Buh-bye!
Have a great night!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Dependency sucks at times!
I am not one to dwell on the fact I'm a quadriplegic and need to depend on others, but at times the dependency takes its toll. First off, I have a handful of paid nurses and nursing assistants who come in everyday and help me with the things I need. These people are like my family. They have been with me for a long time and for the most part we get along great and things couldn't be better!
This week has been a different story, though! I've had a person call off their shift twice this week, which were all day shifts and could not be fully covered by somebody else because of the manner it happened. I know things happen, people get sick, kids get sick, people over sleep, cars break down, etc, but on the other hand, there are things that aren't okay and I'm not sure how to proceed on these scenarios. I've been going back and forth in my head what I need and want to do, but at times my frustration at situations like this can cause me to be irrational and in turn clouds my judgment.
I will say that I am fortunate to have a great group of peeps working for me and the incidents this week are few and far between, thank goodness! :)
This week has been a different story, though! I've had a person call off their shift twice this week, which were all day shifts and could not be fully covered by somebody else because of the manner it happened. I know things happen, people get sick, kids get sick, people over sleep, cars break down, etc, but on the other hand, there are things that aren't okay and I'm not sure how to proceed on these scenarios. I've been going back and forth in my head what I need and want to do, but at times my frustration at situations like this can cause me to be irrational and in turn clouds my judgment.
I will say that I am fortunate to have a great group of peeps working for me and the incidents this week are few and far between, thank goodness! :)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Easter Egg Hunt 2
Yesterday was the easter egg hunt with the kiddies and it was so much fun! We started the evening off by having the kids find the easter eggs we had hidden earlier that day. We hid 66 plastic eggs around the yard, which they found mostly on their own, minus the couple times we dropped subtle hints and played the hot/cold game, which wasn't exactly helpful to 5 year olds who didn't understand "you're really warm" or "oh wow, you are freezing cold now" :)
After that we went inside and the kids opened their eggs to see what was inside. They found stickers, tattoos, money, candy and some eggs had a couple dog treats tucked inside so Buddy and Lady could reap the benefits, too. :) I think they preferred seeing stickers over the dog treats, but they handled it well. :)
We then went back outside to fly finger kites before it got dark. It was windy, so a perfect evening to fly them. It was comical watching them run around the yard dodging each other and dodging Lady because she was chasing them and their kites. :) She got her exercise that night!
After kite flying we went inside and ate cup cake ice cream cones and dyed easter eggs before our night ended.
After that we went inside and the kids opened their eggs to see what was inside. They found stickers, tattoos, money, candy and some eggs had a couple dog treats tucked inside so Buddy and Lady could reap the benefits, too. :) I think they preferred seeing stickers over the dog treats, but they handled it well. :)
We then went back outside to fly finger kites before it got dark. It was windy, so a perfect evening to fly them. It was comical watching them run around the yard dodging each other and dodging Lady because she was chasing them and their kites. :) She got her exercise that night!
After kite flying we went inside and ate cup cake ice cream cones and dyed easter eggs before our night ended.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Easter Egg Hunt
Tomorrow I'm having family and friends over to color easter eggs and have an easter egg hunt outside....it will be my brother, his wife, my nephews, my brother's twins nieces on his wife's side, my nursing assistant and her son. I'm hoping my older niece and nephew will come for awhile, too. Hopefully the kids will have fun!
Today my nursing assistant and I took the dogs to the park and it was like nailing jello to the wall. They were not behaving! Buddy ran out of the van before we could get his leash on, Lady followed suit, dumped in the grass and we didn't have paper towels or a bag, they were both pulling hard on their leashes to get to another dog, my N.A and I had a small misunderstanding and on the way out the other dog came up to the door as we were loading up and Buddy jumped out and they got in to it. NOT a good day at the park, unfortunately.
Have a great evening!
Today my nursing assistant and I took the dogs to the park and it was like nailing jello to the wall. They were not behaving! Buddy ran out of the van before we could get his leash on, Lady followed suit, dumped in the grass and we didn't have paper towels or a bag, they were both pulling hard on their leashes to get to another dog, my N.A and I had a small misunderstanding and on the way out the other dog came up to the door as we were loading up and Buddy jumped out and they got in to it. NOT a good day at the park, unfortunately.
Have a great evening!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
More about myself
Those who know me know what a huge animal lover I am. As I have already mentioned I have two dogs, but if I had the room, the money and the means I would have many more! Its not just dogs I go ga ga over, its any animal. That is one of the many things I miss now that I'm a quadriplegic. I miss holding and petting the wonderful furry friends in my life!
Because of my passion for animals, when I hear stories of animal abuse, I really take it to heart. I cannot understand why or how any human being in there right mind would intentionally hurt an animal. Animals are so innocent.
The latest story of animal abuse that has me consumed and obsessing over is the brutal beating and killing of the 3 month old baby alpaca here in Ohio, named Masterpiece. Three people (I'm sorry, I mean sick monsters) are being charged. Two teen boys who are 17 and a 22 year old who is mother of a 2 yr old and a wife who's husband is in the military and deployed. (Newspaper stated) Hmmmmm....her husband is serving our country while she is taking part in killing an innocent baby alpaca with two 17 yr olds boys and god only knows where her child was while she was doing this!!
I heard the boys are being kept locked up behind bars because of death threats. I have no sympathy. They also could be charged as adults, which is what I hope happens. Today they went to court and were ordered to get psych evaluations and will go back to court again May 7. I'm so not happy about that!
My bf and I really don't see eye to eye on this at all. He thinks I'm too involved (ok, obsessed) emotionally and need to let it go. He says the legal system will deal with it in a just way and the media should step aside. I feel the opposite. I think the more people who express there anger and anguish over these assholes disgusting actions, the better!
Okay, on that note please go to the website link on my blog and vote for house bill 55. HB55 is to stiffen up animal cruelty laws in Ohio. Right now animal cruelty in Ohio (for house pets) is a misdemeanor. If you go to the link called Masterpiece, the baby alpaca, you can vote for house bill 55 there and read the devastating story about Masterpiece.
Because of my passion for animals, when I hear stories of animal abuse, I really take it to heart. I cannot understand why or how any human being in there right mind would intentionally hurt an animal. Animals are so innocent.
The latest story of animal abuse that has me consumed and obsessing over is the brutal beating and killing of the 3 month old baby alpaca here in Ohio, named Masterpiece. Three people (I'm sorry, I mean sick monsters) are being charged. Two teen boys who are 17 and a 22 year old who is mother of a 2 yr old and a wife who's husband is in the military and deployed. (Newspaper stated) Hmmmmm....her husband is serving our country while she is taking part in killing an innocent baby alpaca with two 17 yr olds boys and god only knows where her child was while she was doing this!!
I heard the boys are being kept locked up behind bars because of death threats. I have no sympathy. They also could be charged as adults, which is what I hope happens. Today they went to court and were ordered to get psych evaluations and will go back to court again May 7. I'm so not happy about that!
My bf and I really don't see eye to eye on this at all. He thinks I'm too involved (ok, obsessed) emotionally and need to let it go. He says the legal system will deal with it in a just way and the media should step aside. I feel the opposite. I think the more people who express there anger and anguish over these assholes disgusting actions, the better!
Okay, on that note please go to the website link on my blog and vote for house bill 55. HB55 is to stiffen up animal cruelty laws in Ohio. Right now animal cruelty in Ohio (for house pets) is a misdemeanor. If you go to the link called Masterpiece, the baby alpaca, you can vote for house bill 55 there and read the devastating story about Masterpiece.
Monday, March 29, 2010
A little about myself
In 1992 (on June 21) I was in a car wreck that left me a quadriplegic from the neck down. I was 22 years old.
After the wreck I spent 3 months at a hospital in Dayton. Six weeks of that time was in the rehab unit where I received vigorous physical therapy and occupational therapy to help me work with the parts of my body I didn't lose function of. For me it was operating a computer with shoulder shrugs and turning pages of a book with a stick in my mouth, etc.
After the hospital stay I went to live in a nursing home in Springfield. That was the closest nursing home that accepted patients on ventilaters. I was there from 1992-2002, just under 10 years. I don't recommend anybody go live in a nursing home unless they have exhausted all other options, but it wasn't all bad. I met some wonderful people there, some whom I have remained very close to!!! :)
Since then I have had surgery to have a diaphragmatic pacer implanted so I can breathe with that instead of a ventilater and have had my trache removed. :)
I get up in my wheelchair everyday and get range of motion to my arms, hands and fingers as well. Every evening I get transferred to a standing frame which allows me to stand in an upright position while stretching my ankles, back and legs which is beneficial for oodles of reasons. I try to stand for two hours while I watch tv or a movie.
Well, that is all for now. Have a great night!
After the wreck I spent 3 months at a hospital in Dayton. Six weeks of that time was in the rehab unit where I received vigorous physical therapy and occupational therapy to help me work with the parts of my body I didn't lose function of. For me it was operating a computer with shoulder shrugs and turning pages of a book with a stick in my mouth, etc.
After the hospital stay I went to live in a nursing home in Springfield. That was the closest nursing home that accepted patients on ventilaters. I was there from 1992-2002, just under 10 years. I don't recommend anybody go live in a nursing home unless they have exhausted all other options, but it wasn't all bad. I met some wonderful people there, some whom I have remained very close to!!! :)
Since then I have had surgery to have a diaphragmatic pacer implanted so I can breathe with that instead of a ventilater and have had my trache removed. :)
I get up in my wheelchair everyday and get range of motion to my arms, hands and fingers as well. Every evening I get transferred to a standing frame which allows me to stand in an upright position while stretching my ankles, back and legs which is beneficial for oodles of reasons. I try to stand for two hours while I watch tv or a movie.
Well, that is all for now. Have a great night!
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