Life and Times of an L&D Nurse

Slow Season

2012-02-17T13:53:00.000-08:00

February tends to be a slow month for our unit. It is the perfect time to throw in our yearly skills day and to catch up on things. Traditionally there seem to be fewer babies made in May ~ hence fewer deliveries in February (other slower months for labor and delivery are late October and November).

Yet, this year that trend is not holding true for us. We seem to be busier than ever! I haven't decided if it is because we are truly doing more deliveries or that we have less staff. Some area hospitals have closed their L&D departments and that may be impacting us too. We are one of the few units in the hospital that is still hiring. We just added 3 new 'experienced' nurses who just need to be trained to the L&D piece and we are looking at adding 4 or 5 new grads for an upcoming internship. (Any one want a job???) Hopefully this will help!

I do know is that we are running 12-15 patients at any given time right now. (not counting our longer term antepartum patients). Yesterday was the first time in a long time that I saw a measly 7 patients on the board at a given time. We still did 11 deliveries though on my shift alone. It is hard to get up and go to work when you know that you are going to be running around and never getting a moment to just socialize with your patients. Ok - maybe work isn't about socializing, but I like sitting with my patients, just chatting with my them :) I like learning about my patients. Things like ~ one of my patients is a lawyer that works with underprivileged women and does international work fighting women trafficking. If I didn't have time to just "be" with her I'd never have found that out. And who knows when I may need to refer someone to her services??

To add to the over all busyness of the unit....we added on a new computer charting system this week. We already use one for our laboring mom's and now we are adding a hospital wide charting system for the baby and the mom post delivery. What a learning curve!! The system is not very user friendly. I Say that as someone who is actually some what computer savvy....the system is just cumbersome...takes about 10 clicks just to get in to it to chart. UGH!! It is easy once you are in but getting there is a bit overwhelming. I know that we will adjust and we need to tweak some of it but it really came at a bad time. Add in the ongoing construction on the unit and we are about to throw in the towel....I've even had recent conversation with my husband about trying to cut back to part time. But for now I don't think that is happening. Management would never approve that at the moment :(

Yet, I do love my job. As much as we complain, the majority of us wouldn't do anything else. It is sort of an addiction. I love being there when a new little one arrives. I love meeting up with former patients and snuggling with their babies. It just feels good to help someone have the delivery that they want. It may be a challenge at times to get that 'perfect' delivery but every one is special. The labor is worth the effort. How many people can say they work all day and have results like this?? A baby that comes out with a lusty cry and a smile on his face...ever see a newborn smile?

That is why I keep going back. So that I can be one of the first to meet a precious new baby. Like Sweet little Austin. He arrived earlier this week. His mother asked me to take care of her. She lived by me a few years back and we have stayed friends. I've been able to play a part in all four of her deliveries. It is a special time when you can be there for someone that you know and I think it helps to put everyone at ease. We had a good time catching up and it reconfirmed for me that even in these crazy busy days I want to stay working as a labor and delivery nurse.
Debbie

Oh My

2012-02-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

I've a big school project to work on. I need to sit down and just get it done! It is a teaching tool on Potter's Syndrome (a condition where the baby lacks kidney function or has no kidney's). I really need to focus and just conquer it. But I am having a hard time getting it going. I'm having a hard time focusing. I can't sit still for long for I threw my back out at work this week. I think it is just muscular strain and I am trying to take it easy. It hurst every time I move. It is hard sitting in a chair for long yet I really need to get this project done.
Oh My...

Valentines

2012-02-14T22:27:00.000-08:00

Today is Valentines day....

I've never been one to celebrate too much on Valentines day. I'm sensitive to all of my single friends ~ having walked that path for so long myself. It just seems like a day that hurts those that don't have a "valentine". I used to choose to work so that those who wanted off could be home with their loved ones. I had no one special, so work was just easier.

I did enjoy the day as a child. It was fun doing all of those cheap little cards with a candy attached to it for all of the other boys and girls in my class. And I loved coming home and opening all of mine. I just loved the cards, loved the paper and seeing the types of cards others chose to send. I'd open them and reopen for days on end. In fact, I still love the old fashioned paper card over an email any day...

As my children were growing I tried to make the day fun for them (even if I didn't feel like celebrating). I'd help them make their cards. I'd wear red, have them wear red and we'd talk about love and family. I'd plan an all red dinner - spaghetti, red jello, cranberry juice, whatever...as long as it was red. It helped to have them to fuss over. Our family might have been broken by some people's definition, but we had each other and that is all that matters. I was devoted to my children. I was devoted to raising them by myself and tried to give them traditions and memories. It wasn't always easy, but I tried none the less. The children became my valentines and that is OK. My heart might have been a little bruised and broken, but I had my children, we had each other, we had a home, and friends and extended family. So there was still love to be found ~

I faced today with mixed emotions. I am remarried now. You'd think I'd want to make a fuss over Valentine's day. Sort of make up for all of the years when there was no one to celebrate with. But, I just don't like the idea of trying to go to dinner in the crowds. I don't like the fact that many restaurants have "special valentines meals" instead of a regular full service menu. I hate the fact that flowers are 3x more expensive then on any other day. My poor husband knows not to send me flowers on February 14th...any other day is ok...just not today because they cost too much!! I'd rather be spoiled 'just because' then caving to marketing pressures.

I was having a hard time getting in to the spirit of the day. Everyone kept asking, "what are you doing for Valentine's Day?" I struggled to answer. Then finally just decided that it was ok not to go all out.

It is ok to celebrate on the weekend when we can order what we want and the flowers cost less. HA!

I was talking with my husband about it the other night. Trying to explain how we don't need to celebrate. Then it dawned on me that he likes to spoil me. He likes to buy a mushy card and wants to be able to tell his friends what we did. He wants to be able to make the day fun. He also went many years without a 'special' someone so to him it is a day to show his love. Not that we don't try to show it every day. But to him it is a fun excuse to celebrate each other. So...I went out and bought him a new Apple nano touch...

I think he was surprised for he wasn't expecting anything. And I will admit that it was kinda fun being able to surprise him.

I got to sleep in this morning which is what I wanted more than anything in the world right now. Buzz got up and moved the cars for street sweeping day and then left the house so it would be quiet. Now to me that was a great gift in and of itself! I got up to find baby pink roses and almond roca (one of my favorite candies) waiting on the table for me. Buzz had also given me a heart shaped box of chocolates from See's candy last week...but we ate that pretty quick. He couldn't save it for today and I wanted to eat it while it was fresh. HA! So, I refilled the box for Michelle since she said that she has never received a heart shaped box of candy. And I bought Erika a pair of pants (I know, random Valentines gift!)

We did not go out to dinner. I did not get an expensive vase of roses. We did not spend the day together. In fact I didn't do much of anything today. And I am perfectly content with that. Buzz worked and I had school. I did enjoy the day though and will say that I am not quite as anti-Valentines day as I once was. I even made little cards with a chocolate heart on it for all my classmates tonight. And, we got out of class early!!!

Debbie

Happy Anniversary

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary to my parents!

This year they have been married for 52 years.

They have seen good times and bad times and have stuck it out.

They are a shining example of how Christ intended marriage to be.

They put each other first (well, most of the time)

And they actually still like each other.

They met many years ago on a country road when my dad stopped to help my mom with a flat tire.

Then he married her and whisked her out of Ohio - clear across the country to California.

My Grandma cried and my mom's friend said she still hasn't forgiven my dad. (though we have done many a trip back to Ohio)

They raised four children and now have 8 living grandchildren.

They have always placed family first.

And have always been there for each one of us.

They still enjoy doing things together and allow for each other to do their own things too.

They have traveled (a perk of working for the airlines).

And now that they are retired they have more time for doing fun things like going to the casino :)

Most of all, they have displayed love.

See, doesn't my mom still look giddy about my dad???

Happy Anniversary to the both of you!!

Have a fun day, whatever you decide to do.

And thanks for showing me what love is all about.

Love you bunches,

Debbie

Heart Month

2012-02-01T23:11:00.000-08:00

February is National Heart Month. Since Women and Babies are my passion this post will be directed towards them....

Did you know that:

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women
More than 42 million women live with some form of heart disease
More than 200,000 women die each year from heart attacks - five times as many women as breast cancer
More women than men die of heart disease each year
Women are less likely than men to receive appropriate treatment after a heart attack
Women comprise only 27% of participants in all heart-related research studies
Heart disease is preventable.

To find out more about women and heart disease go to this women's heart site.

Or to this site to find out the "heart truth".

Another good site is the National Institute of Health.

Learn all you can to live a heart healthy life style.

Now on to those babies...

Since I work in a high risk labor and delivery unit, I see my share of babies born with heart defects. What a stressful way to start parenthood...with a baby that is sick from the get go. These parents need a ton of support and their babies need specialized care.

Did you know that:

Congenital heart defects affect about 35,000 (1 out of every 125) babies each year in the United States.
Heart defects are the most common birth defects
Congenital heart defects originated in early pregnancy
Heart defects are the leading cause of birth defect related deaths.
Advances in technology and surgical treatment have led to dramatic increases in survival

Two good sites to learn more about congenital heart disease are

the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association.

Little Jakob has a heart condition.
He sure is one sweet little boy

You can follow his story on his website.

In honor of heart month I even updated my blog with a little heart banner :)

And, speaking of hearts...I really need to go study my EKG strips since I have an exam first thing in the morning at work.

Happy Heart Month to you!

Debbie

Turning 4

2012-01-29T15:58:00.000-08:00

Four years ago today you graced us with your presence ~
I wasn't quite ready to be a grandma. I wasn't quite ready to think that I might be getting older. I wasn't quite ready to see our lives change so much. I wasn't quite ready to know that the next generation was coming.
Then I heard that you were growing. I got excited to meet you. I got ready to find out who you were.
Your mom and dad decided not to find out if you were a boy or a girl. I didn't really care...all I really wanted was for you to be healthy and whole.

After a long night and day of labor your daddy finally brought you out to us...and with tears in his eyes and love in his voice, he said, "It's a girl!" And they named you Lillean Victoria (we call you Lily now, though I love your long, regal name)

Boy, did I fall for you in a heartbeat. You were finally here. You were healthy. You had ten fingers and ten toes. I had adjusted to the idea of having a grand-baby, yet still couldn't adjust to being called "grandma", so in honor of your Hispanic heritage we decided that you would call me, "Lita". That I could handle. That didn't sound so old. But, no matter what you call me, you were and are beautiful and oh so adored.

Today you had a party to celebrate your fourth birthday. The past four years have flown by. You have grown from a beautiful baby in to a beautiful little girl. You are funny and spontaneous. You are obedient. You are curious. You are athletic. You love dolls and barbies and princesses and animals of all kinds. I often try to remember a time when you weren't here and wonder where we'd be if there were no Lily. And I keep falling in love with you.

Happy 4th Birthday Lily!!

The day was sunny and warm - perfect for an outdoor party!

Daddy and Nessa cooked us a good meal and many of your family members were able to come celebrate with you.

Daddy and his little girl

Daddy, Vanessa and Lily

Great grandma and grandpa

Daddy, Nessa, Papa Buzz and Uncle Rudy

Auntie E and Tim came.

Nana and Auntie Abby.

Of course your G-Diddy (grandpa) was there as well as your Auntie Shel.

Auntie Abby, Auntie Annette, Louisa and Papa were there too.

Mitch and Auntie Shel

And they all brought you presents:

And of course a puppy for you to enjoy.

You had a princess cake

I loved how you would open a gift an exclaim, "Oh, I really wanted this!", or "Oh, I love these!" You are such a good gift opener...and you made everyone laugh as you would look at each card, act as if you were reading it and say, "Happy Birthday Lily"

The traditional money roll...you pull on the brown paper end...and out rolls cash!

I love the joy you expressed - wonderfully captured in this photo:

The Hello Kitty scooter was one of your favorite presents.

Then it was on to the pinata. You tried so hard to hit it. You really wanted to break it open and you didn't like that Daddy put a blindfold on you. You were a good sport about it though.

Auntie E giving it a try

Then you attacked the thing and broke it open.

Papa Buzz and Auntie E dumping out all of the candy.

I love you so much little girl. It was such a fun day having a party to celebrate you! May you continue to explore your world with the wonderful curiosity that you posses.

You are our precious child ~

You and your favorite gift - Thanks Daddy!

"Dad, Watch how fast I am!"

Happy 4th Birthday!!

Love you bunches,

Lita

I Heart Penny

2012-01-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

I know that she is fat and lazy

But I love this dog none the less.

She is sweet, snuggable and protective.

My pup Penny.

Debbie

Killing Me

2012-01-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

This book:

And the class that it is used for is killing me.

Maybe taking pathophysiology in 8 weeks is a bit much.

The lectures are long.

The weekly reading content is overwhelming (five chapters a week of things that can go wrong with the body...)

The tests take forever.

Sure they are take home exams.

Yet, I work on them 4-5 hours.

Thank God we do not have to take the exams in class....I'd surely fail.

I have one small project done.

And I have a huge final project yet to do.

I plan to conquer this class.

It is killing me in the process...but I will finish.

Patho - you will not win!

Debbie

Million Mom's Challenge

2012-01-25T13:35:00.000-08:00

I agree that this should never happen.
Childbirth should be safe and families should be valued.
A recent cause that I believe in is the Million Mom's Challenge
The following is taken from their website:

"It should be the happiest moment in a mother's life: the moment when she holds her new baby in her arms for the first time. A new life -- full of hope, of love and wonder.

But in some parts of the world, pregnancy and childbirth is a time fraught with worry, and with good reason. The statistics are stunning:

Every 90 seconds, a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth. Most of those deaths are in the developing world.

1 in 5 women in Africa loses a baby in her lifetime. In richer countries, that number is around 1 in 125.

Almost 8 million children die each year before their 5th birthdays—that's almost 21,000 children each day—from largely preventable causes.

But there is good news: there are easy solutions, and they're not far from reach.

It costs just pennies a day to provide moms and babies with proper nutrition, to train midwives to help during childbirth, to vaccinate children against life-threatening diseases and to use simple, innovative technology to deliver crucial health information to women and health workers in remote areas.

By engaging a million Americans with millions of mothers in the developing world around issues that directly impact pregnancy, childbirth and children's health, the Million Moms Challenge will raise awareness and funds to help women and children everywhere survive and thrive.

The Million Moms Challenge brings together a coalition of more than a dozen world-class partners working around the globe to improve the lives of women and children. The Million Moms Challenge will focus on crucial issues that are a priority for all mothers, including access to proper nutrition to support healthy pregnancies, trained midwives to assist in safe deliveries, and vaccines that enable children to survive to their first birthdays and beyond. The Million Moms Challenge is sponsored in part by ABC News, the UN Foundation, BabyCenter and Johnson & Johnson, as well as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation."

Check out the million mom's challenge website
and watch this 20/20 video to see what it is all about ~
http://abc.go.com/watch/2020/SH559026/VD55158749/2020-1216-giving-life-a-risky-proposition

Debbie

Neonatal Resuscitation

2012-01-23T12:59:00.000-08:00

Every two years we need to renew our neonatal resuscitation certification.

This year we are using the 6th edition book and there are a few changes...such as using an oxygen saturation monitor and adjusting the oxygen use according to that.

Oxygen has been found to be harmful at some levels so the medical community is starting to use less in an effort to prevent harm.

This is all explained in the new book:

Some babies need a little help at delivery.

Some don't breath spontaneously for whatever reason.

Some are born premature.

Some have a traumatic birth due to labor complications.

This is why the labor and delivery staff is trained to handle these babies.

Yes, most deliveries happen without a hitch - but in the event something does happen, you'd want your caregivers to be up to date on all of the recent changes.

Right? Hence, the need to train and update.

So, every couple of years - you buy the new NRP book

You read the book, study it as much as you can, then you are expected to take an online exam.

You have to pass the exam, print your certificate, the do a mega code, or simulation with an instructor to show that you are capable of resuscitation a newborn.

Doesn't sound too hard - right? Especially since I've been attending births for 20 years. You'd think I'd have this resuscitation thing down.

Well, I have to say that this 6th edition has been the hardest exam that I can remember.

It is broken up in to 9 exams. You have to pass each exam. If you fail one section twice then you have to pay to start over. The only good thing is that the tests are no longer timed so that takes a little of the pressure off.

Well, I failed chapter 4 - the chapter on compressions (just once though - passed it on the second go round)....

Since my experience I have had other nurses call me or text me in a panic because they too have failed certain parts. I think the exam questions are just harder. I really don't think that we all fail at helping babies at deliveries.

The algorithm is slightly different - but not too much.

So why all of the panic?
One, we all want to keep our jobs. And, most nurses are perfectionists, so to "fail" doesn't sit right with us. Oh, and none of us wants to pay to retake the exam!
I have become the "go to person" to help those that fail the exam...I've had people text me whole exams and we work through the questions. I've gone to friend's homes and sat with them as they worked through the exam. Even my friend in Oregon used my experience to help her.
Today, another friend called and we talked it through. We are all passing!!
I think I could probably teach the class at this point since I have reviewed it with so many friends. I just wish it wasn't so stressful for everyone getting to this point. Yes, it is good to review and update. Even if we do struggle to get through the exam. I can only hope that the mega code later this week is survivable ~

For this is what we all want in the end:

A healthy, pink, screaming baby!

Debbie

P.S. ~ Don't forget to thank your health care provider for doing all they need to do to stay up to date!

Wrapped in Sterile Surgical Towel

2012-01-21T11:41:00.000-08:00

How many of you can say that you receive gifts that are wrapped in blue, sterile, surgical towels??
Well, I can!
I went to work and found this lovingly wrapped gift in my shoe cubby.
No card, no explanation, just a name on the label ~

I'm sure the wrapping was part of hiding contraband in the hospital...
But I'm not sure why my friend gave it to me.
I don't remember doing anything for her that she wanted to say thanks for.
It wasn't my birthday.
It wasn't Christmas.
It wasn't my anniversary.
She left me a gift none the less.
That is the type of person that I work with. We support each, we care about each other and sometimes we do random acts of kindness just for the heck of it.
A gift with a different wrapping, and probably only something a nurse would do for another nurse ~

Thanks Marsha!!
Your gift will be used wisely - like when I need some creative spark for homework or need to unwind from the place that gives us a paycheck.
Love you bunches, love your wrap job...though I still don't know why you gave me a gift :)
Debbie

Sepsis

2012-01-17T14:54:00.000-08:00

Mandatory sepsis class today.

Sepsis is a big buzz word in the medical community right now for it kills.

215,000 Americans die each year from sepsis.

Basically it is an overwhelming infection where your immune system goes haywire. It is a toxic response to any infection.

The hospital where I work has developed a new order set and new algorithm to help us identify patients that may be at risk for this deadly disease process.

Hence the class today.

I feel better able to identify these patients....and just a little scared at how serious a disease process it is. I think we sometimes get a little complacent in our care and don't realize that something is wrong until it is too late. This class was a good wake up call / or reminder if you will.

The following video is from the sepsis alliance web site.

Speaks to the problem in a concise manner. Be sure to mute my music button below.

For more information you can go to the sepsis alliance web site.

As much as I hate going in to work on my day off for a mandatory class, I am glad to be more educated on the subject.

And it fits right in with my pathophysiology class that I am currently taking.

Debbie

Life

2012-01-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life gets in the way of the things that I like to do...
like blog
like read (not textbooks)
like play with Lily
like go to lunch with friends
like sit and do nothing - HA!

Life just is busy....
I finished statistics and a research class - passed both thank goodness.
The holidays came and went...AND I was able to get out cards with a short letter.
We demolished the kitchen and we are now waiting on cupboards....it's an empty, gutted, cold room right now.
We have the kitchen 'prepped' for those new cupboards.
Took one dog to the vet and get her caught up on her vaccines.
Started pathophysiology...talk about boring reading.
Have added more patients to our comfort care program - so in addition to working full time in labor and delivery I am busy seeing patients on the outside at home or their doctor's office.

But somehow I still find time to see my parents, go out with my hubby and take Lily to places like the Discovery Center. (we are wanting to add horse back riding lessons to our time together too)

It is a full life
It is a busy life
Definitely not a boring life
A life that I wouldn't trade.....except I wish I could blog, relax, pleasure read and sleep more often...HA!
Debbie

Bucket List

2012-01-14T18:22:00.000-08:00

Some of you already know this....but I have one crazy bucket list item...
That is to:
Deliver a baby somewhere a little non-conventional....like at Disneyland, or Hume Lake Christian Camp, or the mall, or along the side of the freeway.
I think it would be fun, scary and just a bit challenging. But I'd love to have that opportunity. Weird I know.

Well, the other day it almost happened....almost but not quite.
I took a patient to a room, she went to change in the bathroom.
She looked like she was hurting but not ready to push and never complained about the need to push.
Well, as you can probably guess I hear. "I think the baby is coming!"
I'm alone in the room with her.
Nothing is set up for the patient just got there.
Luckily I had gloves on as I was cleaning the wheelchair.
I checked and sure enough....the head is half out.
I pull the emergency cord.
I think to myself (in a matter of seconds)....do I lay her on the floor, sit her on the toilet, or help her to the bed?

Long story short - she agrees to walk back to the bed....we must have looked pretty funny - me holding the head and she wobbling back to bed.
No sooner did she lie down that her healthy little girl was born - and by then I had help in the room as well as blankets and even a doctor.

(a different baby....I didn't actually have a camera handy for this quick delivery - HA!)

I was so close to my bucket list event ~ just need it to be in the bathroom at Target. Ha!

Debbie

How Can That Be?

2011-09-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

Some little girl started preschool today.

How can that be?

Wasn't she just born yesterday?

My granddaughter Lily is growing up way to fast!!

She was so excited.

She kept telling me this day was coming.

And I can't wait to hear her stories about her first day.

I know you had a fun day my sweet little girl.

I can't wait to hear all about it when you come over tomorrow.

I love you,

"Lita"

Randomness

2011-09-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

I was blog surfing late last night...needed a breather after working on Statistics homework all day.

And I mean all day.

I didn't leave the house.

I started at 9 am.

I did a few chores around the house for an occasional break and fixed dinner so we wouldn't starve over here.

I put the books away at 10pm.

Can you believe that one class would take that much work to get through it?!?! Well it does. And some of my friends that are in my group struggled with it so much that they never finished the work. At least I was able to finish mine. I'm not sure it is correct - but it is done!

I was finally relaxing...

I saw a post on a blogger - friends site ~ so I copied and pasted it.

Just for some randomness~

{a} age :: closer to the BIG 5-0 then I am to 40 any more...

{b} bed size :: Queen. Not quite big enough for the two of us but a King won't fit in our room!

{c} chore you hate :: sweeping all of the dog hair - needs to be more than once a day!!!!

{d} dogs :: My love - Penny, a 90 pound yellow lab and the crazy Sydney-a mixed up sheperd / husky,wild thing

{e} essential start to your day :: Coffee

{f} favorite color :: purple (funny that was Grandma Ruth's favorite color too)

{g} gold or silver :: Silver

{h} height :: 5'7"

{i} instruments you play :: None - though I did take piano lessons for many years ~I just never "got it".

{j} job title :: Clinical nurse II in Labor and Delivery, Perinatal Hospice Nurse, Mom, Housekeeper, Cook

{k} kids :: Jon (28), Erika (22), Michelle (21)

{l} live :: California

{m} maiden name :: McCarty

{n} nicknames :: Debbie, Deb

{o} overnight hospital stays :: only a couple.

{p} pet peeve :: messy people. writing of others on my perfect paperwork at work...

{q} quote :: "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God" - Corrie TenBoom

{r} righty or lefty :: Righty

{s} siblings :: One older brother, 2 younger sisters

{t} time you wake up :: work days - 0530. non work days 8-9.

{u} university attended :: Biola Univ., Santa Ana College, Vanguard University

{v} vegetables you dislike :: I like most vegetables.

{w} what makes you run late :: Not much - I tend to be pretty prompt.

{x} x-rays you’ve had :: only a few - never had a broken bone

{y} yummy food :: Mexican food

{z} zoo animal favorite :: Giraffes

Now it's your turn~ post some randomness :)

Debbie

Sawyer Is Home

2011-09-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

My cousin's little girl, Sawyer, took a little longer to get home than some.
She had some issues with jaundice.

I'm not sure how high her bilirubin levels got...I just know that it was a stressful time for her parents.

She is better and on her way home!!

Isn't she a cute little baby??

Debbie

A New Cousin

2011-09-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

My cousin Andrea had her second baby today!!
We haven't seen each other in awhile. She grew up in Ohio where my family is from and now she lives in Texas. Thank goodness for social media tools like facebook - we can actually keep in touch and I feel like I am more in tune with her now then when we just wrote the occasional letter to each other. I would love to see her in person though...

Her husband is in the Marines - and just returned from active duty this week. Just a couple of days ago. Just in time to see his new little girl being born. I am so happy that he was able to get back in time and I know that it meant alot to Andrea.
I haven't heard how her labor was - and the LandD nurse in me wants all of the details, but I do know that they are both fine and that her labor went pretty fast.

So without further ado - let me introduce you to Sawyer Paige.

She weighed in at 8 lbs, 15 oz and has cute chubby cheeks!

Congratulations Jeff, Andrea and big sister Austyn! I know that you are going to love this new little girl~

Love you guys,

Debbie

Rutabegorz

2011-08-31T14:50:00.001-07:00

Yum ~ is all I really have to say!

My friend Heather and I went to lunch today at Rutabegorz.

We went to the one in Old Towne Orange - it is in a old converted house. We ate outside though since the weather was just perfect today!

I so needed the break. I had been working on statistics homework all morning and needed to take a mind cleanse! So when Heather asked, I gladly said yes.

Rutabegorz is a semi-vegetarian restaurant. They have so many salads and lots of healthy food choices that you can not find at other restaurants. They do have some meat dishes too~

I like to be adventurous when we go here - and one of my favorite items is their fondue. But it is served at night, and needs to be shared since the portion servings are so big. The menu reads like a newspaper - it has like 10 pages...almost too many choices for me! A page for drinks, two for salads, two for sandwiches and wraps, pasta meals, smoothies - you get th

e idea. It just goes on and on! I always have a hard time deciding what I want!!The salads are huge! This picture doesn't even do it justice. They are served in big plastic bowls and could easily be shared! Heather ordered a salad - it looked so yummy ~And I ordered off of the seasonal summer menu. I had roasted vegetable tacos (or twocos as they are called here - you get two - get it?!?) It had roasted zucchini, roasted bell peppers and onions, lettuce, cheese and a special sauce. It was messy but sure filled me up! The best part about going to lunch was catching up with my girlfriend, Heather. We can go weeks and months without seeing each other, then just start back off where we last talked :)

I met Heather years ago when I delivered her niece. She was not yet married back then. After she got married and starting having children she searched me out. I was lucky enough to care for her when she gave birth to all 3 of her boys.

I remember being taught in nursing school that you were not supposed to make friends with your patients. Patients are to be patients and your personal life is to be your personal life. Work and personal life should not mix. I am forever thankful that I did not listen to that advice! I would have missed out on so much if I had. We have a special relationship. Our friendship was forever sealed! My daughter, Michelle then went on to be a steady baby-sitter for her. Heather's boys are old enough now that they don't need Michelle to watch them anymore, but Heather and I will continue our friendship over the years...

Thanks for inviting me out today Heather - you knew that I needed the break and I am glad that you are my friend!!

Debbie

Hume Lake

2011-08-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

I have been on the 'per-diem' staff at Hume Lake Christian Camps for a few years now. Originally I started working up there so that I could go with my daughters to camp. I could be where they were but not working directly in their cabin. I could still be involved in their lives without actually being so much in their face...I could meet their friends. I could get to know other young people from church. I didn't have to be in a cabin 24/7 with a bunch of teenagers. And my daughters got to go to camp for half price (which really helped in my single mom days).

But then I fell in love with Hume Lake Christian camp. Fell in love with the beauty of the place. It is up in the Sequoia's. Fell in love with the view, the trees, the clean air. Fell in love with the mission of the camp and the difference they make in people's lives. Fell in love with the people who run the place. Fell in love with the food. Just plain ole' got Hume Lake in my system.

I have worked summer camps, singles camp, New Year's family camp, Thanksgiving family camp, winter camp. I have taken my niece and other friends so that they can get to know Hume Lake. The work is challenging for it is different than what I do everyday. I have to think and react in ways that I don't when I am in a hospital. It keeps me on my toes. It challenges my first aid skills and advanced cardiac skills. You just see so many different types of injuries and illnesses up there. And one day - I think it would be fun to actually deliver a baby while I am there. Now wouldn't that be exciting??

I haven't been able to go up much in the past year or two. It is a 6 hour drive for me and with working and going to school there just hasn't been the opportunity to go. But that is changing :) Buzz and I are going up September 16-18th for the next couples conference. We are excited for a bit of a break. Excited to see old friends. Maybe even learn a thing or two. If you are free you should join us. We stay in the infirmary but they have lovely rooms in the lodge and great food. You definitely don't walk away hungry! Take a sneak peak below and don't forget to turn down the volume on my play list so that the two don't compete for your listening attention!

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;font face="&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Calibri&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;a &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;="http://vimeo.com/15292953"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;2011 Fall Couples Promo from &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;a &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;="http://not-a-real-namespace/http://vimeo.com/humelake"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Hume Lake&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; on&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;a &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;="http://not-a-real-namespace/http://vimeo.com"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Vimeo&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/a &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/font&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;MsoNormal&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;font face="&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Calibri&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Debbie&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;?&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" 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id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;schemas&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;-&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;microsoft&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;-com:office:office" /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;o:p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/o:p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/font&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;font face="Times New Roman"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/font&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/body&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Seeing it in Print

2011-08-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

I was on the Biola web site tonight. Just looking around to see what was new there. My daughter Erika graduated this past spring from Biola and is now joining the adult working force. She is out on her own, living with friends. I am proud of her for starting the next stage of her life.

I clicked around the site a bit. Looked to see if they were starting a master's in nursing program yet (nope - not yet).

Decided to check out the athletic tab ~ an low and behold, look whose name I got to see in print.....

Coaching Staff

NAME	TITLE
Jonathan Zimmerman	Head Cross Country Coach
Erika Perez	Assistant Cross Country Coach
Kris Ross	Volunteer Cross Country Coach
Sharon Zimmerman	Volunteer Cross Country Coach

Have fun working oh daughter of mine! You are going to be an awesome coach!

Debbie

Statistics Class

2011-08-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh...I am starting a new class - STATISTICS...and I do not, I repeat ~do not like math. But I will survive.

So - we have an assignment already which I need help with.

If you can answer the following questions for me I would greatly appreciate it. You can email me or answer in the comments.

Thanks in advance for any help.

The questions:

A) How old are you? 1) 21-35 2) 26-50 3) greater than 50

B) How often do you drink alcohol? 1) never 2) 1-6 times/month 3) greater than 6 times a month.

Debbie

Perinatal Loss Support Group

2011-08-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

The hospital where I work has an excellent support group for people who have experienced the death of an infant. You do not have to deliver where I work to be able to join the group. The group alternates in English and Spanish. The English group starts in September. If you live in the area and are in need of support this may be the place for you. See below for more information or feel free to email me or leave a comment. I am supportive of this program for I know that it helps those who do attend...

Always Together

Perinatal Bereavement Support Group

The goal of this group is to provide support to parents facing infant loss and help them strengthen their spirit in a safe and compassionate environment.

The support group is FREE of charge to the community and will meet once a week for 8 consecutive weeks during the following dates of 2011:

Thursday, September 01st

Thursday, September 08th

Thursday, September 15th

Thursday, September 22nd

Thursday, September 29th

Thursday, October 06th

Thursday, October 13th

Thursday, October 20th

Sessions will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 PM

Place: Sister Francis Dunn Building, Room # 3

1100 W. Stewart Drive, Orange, California 92868

For additional information or to register, please call Marjorie Mac Donald, MSW

(714) 771-8000 Ext. 13295

New Hope Grief Support Community 3443 San Anseline Ave., Long Beach, CA 90808

(562) 429-0075 www.newhopegrief.org info@newhopegrief.org

~Debbie~

The Help

2011-08-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

I read the book when it came out and this weekend Erika and I had a mother - daughter date and went to see the movie.

It was very good.

Well, not quite as good as the book but I will probably buy the DVD version when it is released. It is so hard to imagine that people actually lived like these black housekeepers did. In our country. And not so long ago.

I grew up with, and still have, many black friends. When I was in high school, I played on a field hockey team that only had two white girls on the team. So to see a film where the was such division is a little foreign to me. I know that it was and probably still is like this in many areas of our country. But, to me, they were all my friends. There were no differences based on skin color. I am glad that I was able to grow up in an area that is so diverse. It has helped me be a nurse that can give care ~ regardless of race or status.

Being a bit of a rebel that I am, I think I would have been like Skeeter. I would have been looking for the truth and trying to make a difference. I could never see myself as one of the bridge club players or having a maid to raise my children. I'd be the one trying to expose the lies of that time...

If you want to see a good chick flick - The Help is one to see.

~Debbie~

Just a Dream

2011-08-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those dreams that seems so real that when you wake up you can't shake it??

Well, I had one of those.

I haven't been sleeping well lately (yes, I'm in that age where hormones start to go wacky again). I seem to be able to fall asleep but wake up and spend most of the night watching the clock. So, I have been using a little unasom or Tylenol pm to help me get some decent rest.

And I know that I have been a little stressed with Dad having surgery, Mom having some weird kidney problem, and other family things. I am the one in the family who tends to worry about all of the family members. I know it is the nurse in me. The one who wants to fix everything and make it all better.

So, I had this dream last night....odd thing was that in my dream my parents still lived on the old street that we grew up on (they haven't lived there for 20 years!!).

In my dream, my younger sister had a suspicious growth on an ultrasound or something. She is taken to surgery where they find cancer every where and just close her back up. They tell me there is nothing they can do and I feel that I have to find a way to get her home. There is no way I'm going to let her stay in the hospital so I start formulating a plan as to how to get her home where I can care for her as she is dying. My mom and I consult with a neighbor who have their dying daughter at home.

I fight to wake up...

I think, "wow, where did that dream come from?"

I have been "off" all day...disturbed and worried.

I finally texted my sister while she was at work - asking if she was ok. "You are not sick or anything are you?" I tell her I had such a strange dream about her. "like a cold or what?" she asks. "Naw, I say - no worries...just wanted to be sure you were ok and encourage you to get any unusual symptoms checked out."

She responds back ~ "Yes, dear"

I know that it was just a dream, but is sure seemed real!

Maybe I need a vacation!

~ Debbie ~

Final Surgery

2011-08-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Dad has had his final surgery (we hope) for his cancer on his nose.

I am so comforted knowing that my friends are giving him the best care that he can receive. It makes it easier for me to watch him be wheeled off to surgery knowing that his doctors and nurses are people who I care about and care about me and my family. I know that they will treat him as one of their own.

He normally has the same anesthesiologist (whom we all love!)

His plastic surgeon is the sweet, tiny, unassuming young lady. She wouldn't let us take photos of her...even when we promised we wouldn't post any on the internet. She is one of the best plastic surgeons around but is not pompous or arrogant. She is like family now to us and they all love my dad. They say he is "so calm and easy going". The anesthesiologist said we could "probably just give him a stick to bite on." I just tell them that Dad has always been like this. But as someone who works in the patient care industry it is nice to have easy going patients on occasion.

Dad is going to heal up just fine. He already looks so much better without the nose flap and you you can hardly see the scar that crosses his entire forehead. The plastic surgeon will probably still thin out the nostril area where the graft was done. First he has to undergo some radiation treatments. Once we see how that affects things then his plastic surgeon will clean it up just a bit. She said that could be done in the office though, using local anesthetic.

Here's a picture of my Dad in the recovery room...smiling just an hour post-op!

I am glad this part of his treatment is behind us. I love you dad and am glad you are healing up well! Can't wait to see what it all looks like 6 months from now.

Dad - you are a rock star and a hero in my book!

Love you bunches, Debbie

Perinatal Hospice

2011-08-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

I ran across this video tonight while I was doing some research. It explains a bit about the type of work that I do and rationale for this work. Yes, it is sometimes emotionally draining ~ but it is oh so important.

Be sure to silence my playlist down below so the two sounds don't compete with each other.

A Compliment

2011-08-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight in class we were handed back two of our papers.

The instructor says to me, "You need to be in grad school."

I asked her what made her say that and she said that my papers were so well written, so well thought out and were of "grad school quality." She said I had an excellent writing talent.

She also said that those that God gives a talent to should not waste that talent...

I will take that as a compliment and will think about going to grad school - have to finish my BSN first!

~ Debbie ~

She's a Grandma

2011-08-06T22:54:00.000-07:00

My good friend Lori has joined the ranks of grandma-hood!!

Her daughter, Brittany, gave birth to a little baby boy and he is just absolutely precious.

We went over to visit and snuggle ~ I love, love, love newborns. It just never gets old for me.

But we didn't get to hold him long. Like many newborns he wanted to eat and be with his mommy.

Welcome to the world baby Kaden! Your grandma and I are going to have so much fun playing with you. Thanks for making her a grandma. She is so loving and kind and will spoil you rotten. You are lucky to have her as your grandma and I am lucky to have her as my friend!

~ Debbie ~

Hats for Hannah

2011-08-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

Do you know any one who is having a baby?

These little hats sure make cute gifts.

They are made by a mother who was expecting a little girl, to be named Hannah. In honor of that little girl she makes these very sweet hats.

Check out her website - hats for hannah.com

Debbie ~

Dad's Surgeries

2011-08-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

My father has been dealing with some skin cancers recently.

Even with all of the doctor's visits, pokes and biopsies, surgeries, and dressing changes he has remained in good spirits.

A year ago he had a cancer on his cheek - this was taken care of and a graft of skin was taken from his thigh. He healed well and went on with life.

Then they found more.

One on his neck, one on the chest and one on the side of his nose.

Now Dad was never a sun worshipper. He did not hang out at the beach or go to tanning salons. He only had normal sun exposure. He did grow up on a farm where he spent time out in the sun while he did the farming. He also did not wear sunscreen. Would this have made a difference? Who knows, but it does make me think twice before I head out the door. I don't typically use sunscreen either unless I plan to be out in the sun for long periods of time. Yet, watching my dad struggle through all of this has given me pause.

His most recent cancer was found on the right side of his nose. They were able to remove most of the bad cells, then did a forehead flap nasal reconstruction. So far he has had two surgeries, with one more scheduled to remove the flap. It has been an interesting procedure to see. They take a flap of skin off of the forehead ~ flip it around (leaving it attached right by the eyebrow) and attach the other end to the nostril area of the nose. If you are really interested in the procedure you can read about it by clicking here.

The first surgery so far was the longest and hardest.

And it does look pretty weird.

But we still love him.

I promised I wouldn't post actual pictures of him. I found some pretty good examples on line though (they are a bit graphic so beware if you are sensitive to medical photos)

We will all be glad when this fight is over.

And we are ever so thankful for the wonderful doctors and nurses who have cared for him. He gets to request the same anesthesiologist each time and the same staff care for him when he comes in...they have all become like family.

One more surgery to go and the flap will be gone! Whoo Hoo!

OC Fair

2011-07-28T23:25:00.000-07:00

My daughter Michelle takes some of the cutest pictures and makes such fun videos. I love to take her places for she is so good at documenting what we are doing.
Things like going to the fair!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!

I hope that you have had a wonderful day ~ hopefully off of work ~ celebrating our great country where we have so many freedoms.

I didn't do very much, but it was great sleeping in and hanging at home for the first part of the day.

Then I made my world famous flag cake. Ok maybe it isn't world famous but it is easy and yummy.

Buzz and I went to my parents for a bar-b-q. It was just my parents, my brother in law and the two of us. It is so weird to have the family shrinking. All of the kids had other places to be. So we ate and socialized and enjoyed our adult time together.

We can still do fireworks at my parents house. They live on a street where everyone sits out on the curb and shoots off their fireworks. It is a very festive time, and it is sort of our tradition to spend the 4th at mom and dad's. But this year we didn't even stay for the fun. Dad has recently had surgery and we didn't feel it would be good for him to be exposed to all of the smoke.

And our dog ~ the poor 90 pounds of love ~ is so scared of all of the noise. Her tail has been between her legs for two days. We got home and she ran right up to my room and has been hanging out here with me since then. I actually came upstairs to watch T.V. just so I could comfort her. We can hear all of the fireworks, can see the ones from Angels stadium, but are choosing to be quiet in our own little world tonight. I know - boring right?! But, I sort of like it.

Hope you have had exactly the type of day that makes you happy!

Debbie

Now I'm Sure

2011-07-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

I finished! I finished! Can't believe I acutally finished this class!!

And I am ever so happy.

I wasn't sure I'd live to see the end of the class.

My final paper, which was to be at least 10 pages in length - ended up being 17...(over achiever wouldn't you say?)

I still don't know my grade. I know I passed and that is all that really matters.

Thank goodness that class is over~

Debbie

Not so Sure

2011-06-07T22:50:00.001-07:00

UGH - I just got home from school - it is 11 p.m. and I am having a glass of wine to de-stress...

I am just not so sure I am going to survive this current class.
It is a writing and research class. The amount of homework is sooooo overwhelming! I have two papers to write before next Tuesday and I only have one day off that I can even attempt homework.
What was I thinking attempting to go back to school??
I keep hearing, "C's get degrees" and I wish I could rest in that ~ but I am an A type / anal / student. Not just a student - it is how I approach most of life. If I am going to do something, I want to do it well. Life patient care ~ I want to give my patients the best delivery that I can.
And I stress when it is too busy for me to give "foo-foo" care...Basic care can always be done...but I want to go above and beyond.
Who ever said I could do this school thing and work full time??????
How have my friends done it????
I think I need to just go to bed and forget about it! Especially since I work in the morning.
Thank God I didn't try to do this when my children were younger!
I am only venting frustrating here - I'm not quitting - at least yet any ways.
I'm not so sure at this moment that I am going to make it. (though I did get an A on the last paper........)
Debbie

Back to the Grind

2011-06-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

It didn't take me long to fall right back in to the daily grind that I call life... I do wish at times that things were a little slower for me. Yet, I don't want to give up school and I have to work full time ~ so I just need to plan a little down time once in awhile.

This week I went to church on Sunday, then attempted to write a paper in the afternoon. I must have writer's block or something for it just hasn't fallen together (thankfully our instructor decided we didn't have to turn it in this week since so many people are struggling with the assignment).
I worked a full 12 hour shift yesterday.
I was at the hospital today for about 2 1/2 hours working with a comfort care patient and planning their birth. These meetings always wear me out just a bit for we are talking about tough things.
I came home, finished up some little school assignments, did the dishes, swept and am now just about ready to head to school for 4 hours.
Tomorrow and Thursday I work 12 hour shifts.
Friday, I have Lily all day :)
Saturday I work another full 12 our shift.
And Sunday will be my day to write the next paper.

I do find time to spend time with the kids though and even read a good book in the evening once in awhile. Sometimes I just sit out in the sun in my little backyard and watch the hummingbirds.
I would love to have more free time if I could.
Sometimes this daily grind really gets to me~
Debbie

OHIO

2011-06-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I went to Ohio for a couple of daysI've always loved this house ~ it has a huge round window on the side of it. Would love to go in it one day....It always feels like 'coming home' to me. I used to spend my summers there growing up. I spent time on the farm and made good friends. We still have relatives in Ohio and sometimes I dream of moving there (just not sure I could stand the winters...). I love the smell of the earth, and the green landscaping. I don't like all of the bugs! One can not go home without going to the local Dairy Freeze - YUM!Michelle would love to live here too ~ mostly because she could have all of the animals that she wanted. You can tell that she was quite happy wandering around taking pictures of my cousins pets :)The goat who acts like a dog. She follows you where ever you go and always wants to be petted.We didn't have time to ride, we only got to play with the horse for a bit.My Uncle's house is in the woods. He took us on an informative walking tour around his property. I have so many fond memories here. I spent many a summer day swimming in the pond, exploring and playing in the cool treehouse that he built for us.You can't see it real well but there was a momma raccoon and her baby hiding in the tree. Such cute little noises they made.A view of the pond.And the pet raccoon.Some crazy prehistoric looking, snapping turtle that was wandering through the grass. We think it was trying to get to the pond. And there were tame cats to play with too. Doesn't Michelle look like she is having a good time.On Memorial Day we went by the cemetery where my grandfather is buried. All of the veterans had flags by their headstones. It was pretty awe inspiringWe ended our trip with an afternoon visiting our long time friends - the Sullivans. They all just make me laugh and I know we would hang out if I did live back there. We didn't get any pictures of them - but the are featured in Michelle's video below. Hated coming back to busy California!

Debbie

Kelsey and Natasha

2011-06-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

One last track post - for our last day at nationals.

Two of the Biola's girls ran in the final events.
Kelsey ran the steeple chase...

She came in 6th - qualifying for an 'All American Award'-Way to end your college running career Kelsey!!

Natasha is a multi-event competitor. She runs the 800, some hurdles, competes in the pentathlon, long jumps and high jumps. She sort of does what coach has her do...but she shines in the jumps and the pentathlon.Natasha and Erika have been room-mates since their freshman year of college. They have spent lots of time together and have gotten to know each other well. Natasha is an incredible athlete ~ yet what I like about her is that she is so humble. She never brags about her success nor talks highly of herself. She cares about others and wants to see others succeed also.I love watching her do the high jump - I think she can jump over me...!Coach and Natasha. He told me once that an athlete like this only comes along once in a blue moon. She won the high jump and the pentathlon (3rd time in a row). I told you she was awesome! You go girl!

Keep an eye out for her - she has been picked up by the Canadian Olympic coach. She is from Canada and we will be watching for her in London 2012!

It's been so much fun to see all of these athletes compete. Sure gonna miss this

Debbie

Marathon

2011-05-31T21:56:00.000-07:00

We got up bright and early to watch the marathon - start time was 0600. Now, I have never watched a marathon so I wasn't sure what to expect. Erika reassured me that it was really fun. You drive around from point to point - attempting to stay in front of your runners so you can cheer for them. Then you hope in the car and drive a few more miles, run down an embankment, cheer some more then climb up the hill, hop in the car and go somewhere else.

It really was alot of fun ~ an excitement in the air as you watched these guys push the limit. We saw them quite a few times along their route.

Ryan at the first cheer stop

Bryan and Spencer refueling on "goo" (not the best tasting gel mix of sugar and electrolytes - yes, I tried some).

Evan - now who smiles when they are running almost 30 miles ???

Goo Girls - Erika and Nychelle

Carter trying to catch his runner to give him some much needed water

Another spot to refuel on the move

We waited for a little bit at the finish line for we really wanted to be sure we were there as the athletes started coming through

After about 2 1/2 hours the runners started finishing...it was so cool. Amazing how they can run for 2-3 hours and still move~

Ryan was our first runner in

Brian

Evan

Spencer

Great job guys! That was a blast~

Debbie

Erika's Graduation

2011-05-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

Mom - this post is for you since you were not able to stay in Indiana with us.

Biola's graduation ceremonies took place on Saturday while we were in Indiana for nationals.

So - Coach decided to put on a surprise graduation for the seniors on the team since they would not be participating in the festivities back at school.

Us parents were in on the secret - but the athletes were not...

We all showed up early and waited for the seniors to arrive

They came in the room to a downloaded version of pomp and circumstance. They were pretty surprised to see all of us waiting in the room for them.

Indiana Wesleyan University treated us so well - they even had a big Biola screen shot for the ceremony.Coach Zimmerman giving the commencement address.

The seniors did not wear a cap and gown...they were all in team sweats. So as they went on stage their hair was flipped to the other side just like a tassel is flipped. They received their alumni license plate holder and a new graduate t-shirt.

Erika - the graduate - she actual got a tassel as a gift.

Sisters - Erika and Michelle.

My friend Kathy Brooks and I

More parents

Michelle, Erika and I

Erika and her roommate Natasha. They have been roommates since their freshman year.

Another sister shot

Coach Zimmerman and Erika

The graduates

Graduates and family members

And a little video that Michelle made for Erika:

Congratulations Erika! Can't believe you are a college graduate!

She's had a Great Run

2011-05-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

Erika has run her last collegiate race. She has performed well.

She has trained hard in between going to classes and trying to have a social life.

Erika has always been athletic. Even when I was pregnant with her she was a mover. I first felt her kicking around 14 weeks gestation (which is a little early). And she never has stopped. She climbed on top of the house when she was two years old, she joined a softball team at 5 years of age and eventually went on to play soccer. She then joined a club level / travel soccer team. As she was preparing to enter high school, she decided to join the cross country team. She felt it would help her to be in better shape for when she made the high school soccer team. But her life took a different turn when she made the varsity cross country team as a freshman. The team ran in San Francisco and even once traveled to New York for a large invitational there (of which her team won). She went on to be a four year letter-man in cross country and track. She was the league champion in the 800m a couple of years in a row. And she was on a 4x400m relay team that took the league title twice. Once she started running, she kept going. I recently found this picture from her freshman year of high school. It is hard to believe how much she has changed and grown since then.

Biola University was a good college choice for Erika. She was able to help establish the team at the national level and she has learned so much from the coach. I will have to say though that I am a little sad that her college running days are over. We have been able to travel with her over the last 8 years and have had a blast seeing her compete. It is sort of bittersweet for me. I am proud to see her grow up, yet I understand that a chapter in her life is now over. It just makes me sort of depressed. Just knowing that I won't be able to see her race again.

Not only did Erika get to study and earn a degree. Not only did she get to compete and be part of a close knit team...but she made wonderful friends along the way. Friends that she will have for many more years to come. Friends that will be there in the good times and the bad.

Her roommates this past year. Some of which she will still be living with next year.

Erika hopes to start coaching soon. She does not plan to move back home at this time. She wants to work and then possibly go to grad school in the spring of next year. What ever she does - I know she will be successful.

My little girl who is now grown up...I love you and wish the best for your future. You have been a joy to raise and to watch grow. Maybe one day I will get to see you run a marathon or triathlon. You are such a beautiful young woman and I am so proud of you!

Love - Your Mom

NAIA Outdoor Track Nationals

2011-05-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

Warning ~ Long picture post ~ I want to remember every little detail....

We are in Indiana for the NAIA outdoor track nationals. It is cold and wet and occasionally rains a little bit. But the excitement in the air is keeping us warm!The host school - Indiana Wesleyan, is a beautiful campus and all of the buildings are beautiful brick ones. The athletic fields are amazing and everything is very well organized.The school even has little shuttles to cart us around from the parking lots, to the fields and back to the cafeteria. The woman in green is my new friend, Betsie. I met her at our hotel. She needed a ride to the event so she came with us and now we call each other "a new friend". If I ever get to Colorado, she has even offered to show us around :)It feels as if we are here for a really big event. Actually, we are here for a really big event - it takes alot for an athlete to make it to the final national event!This is a view in the student center. It is like a mini mall in here. Guess when you go to school where it snows you need somewhere warm to hang out.It remained cold and wet throughout the events today. But we cheered and had fun even if our bums were freezing on the metal bleachers.

Biola's first runners were in the steeplechase. This is Nychelle:

This is Kelsey - she qualified to go on to the finals in 2 days

Mom and Dad even came to watch the races :)

My mom and I

Carter running the steeplchase.

Coach Zimmerman and our friends the Gasner's with their daughter Kelsey. We are sort of the crazy parents that follow the team around.

Erika and her 4X800 team getting ready to run.

The lead runner Brooke

Brooke hands the baton off to Jane

Jane hands off to Carissa

And Carissa hands off to Erika.

She ran a good anchor leg of the race. She posted a really good time.

But sadly, the team's time wasn't enough to get them in to the finals :(

The last race of the night was sweet Sarah's 10K run. This race is brutal - something like 24-25 times around the track. It was late. Well after 9pm and very cold by now. Yet, Sarah somehow ran the fastest time she has ever run. She came in 8th place which she was very happy with.

We didn't stick around to watch the men's 10K ~ it was just to cold and they were running it in 2 heats so we watched it via a 'live stream' back at the hotel. That was fun and we were much warmer :)

I'm leaving you with a picture of my other daughter, Michelle. The unofficial 'official' photographer for the team. She and her dad even had press passes so they could get down on the field. Lucky people!

Back tomorrow for more track fun.

Debbie

Marion, Indiana

2011-05-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

I am behind on my blogging, this much I know.
I have been busy living life and just haven't had time to sit and blog. Not that I don't like blogging ~ I do...and I love reading other blogs...I just decided to take a moments break and be with family.

But I will try and catch up over the next couple of days.

Last week we went to Marion, Indiana for the NAIA outdoor track nationals.
We arrived on Wednesday ~ It was nice when we landed, but as we drove it got more ominous looking....
We arrived in Gas City, Indiana, checked in to our hotel then went to look around town. The pictures are a little dark due to the weather.

Gas City is a quiet little town. Very, mid America, country living. It is quaint and the people were very friendly.

Michelle really wanted to buy a bike that was for sale at a flea market....but it would have cost us more to ship it home then it would have been worth!

Loved the patriotic feel to the town. Our little home for the next few days.The lobby is so comfortable. We keep running in to other parents of athletes here and it is fun just to talk and relax. They always have yummy, crisp apples on the coffee table.

As for the weather ~ it is wild here. Crazy mid-west thunder storms and tornado warnings. The staff are wonderful in dealing with all of us out of towners. We were told to come downstairs if they alerted us...Michelle wouldn't even sleep in her clothes or unpack...she wanted to be ready to run if she needed to. She also made a little video documenting our adventure (in between the electricity going on and off - HA!).

Yes, I was hungry (we hadn't eaten all day)- but I was more nervous that we wouldn't make it back to the hotel. We actually did stop at at KFC to hunker down and eat. I figured we were safe with other people and could go in the freezer if we needed to.

Be sure to watch all the way to the end to see the awesome lightening strike!

Things finally calmed down and we were able to get to sleep. Interesting start to our vacation - thats for sure :)

Debbie

One Year

2011-05-21T22:07:00.001-07:00

One year ago, I met a family who had been told that their little girl would most likely not survive her birth. They prepared a birth plan and I encouraged them to bond as much as they could.

They had not wanted professional photography so I took pictures for them with my own camera. I wanted to be sure they had some memories even though they felt they didn't want any at the time.

The day of the baby's birth came.

She did not die that day.

She did not die the next day.

In fact, she went home on hospice care.

This was a total surprise to the family. They had not prepared to bring a baby home. They had a really awesome church family that helped them get set up.

Their baby did well. Hospice care was eventually cancelled.

Today, I went to a birthday party to celebrate the one year birthday of a special baby girl. Not only has she lived, but she has thrived and grown.

Yes, she does have some medical challenges but she is happy and active.

Her grandma tells me she, "has a mind of her own"....she needs a little direction for her strong personality :)

And I can't believe how happy the mother is.

She is a total different person than the one I met last year. She is vibrant and enjoying her little girl for all that her little girl is. She and her husband are awesome parents - the perfect ones for this little girl.

How exciting it has been to see a different ending. What a great reminder that we don't know the ultimate outcome...only God does. And He has a great plan for this little girl. I'm looking forward to watching her grow.

Happy One Year Birthday sweet girl!!

Debbie

Senior Dinner

2011-05-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Erika had her senior dinner tonight.

How can it be possible that she is graduating from college already? It seems like yesterday that we were preparing for high school graduation and she was trying to figure out where she was going to go to college. She eventually chose Biola University and that has been one of the best decisions that she has ever made.

She has made awesome friends.

She has grown as a person.

She has had a great running career ... and the team went from a team that had no name to a nationally ranked team under the direction of Coach Zimmerman.

She has received a solid education.

She has earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Bible (all students at Biola get a Bible minor for they need to take extra Bible classses)

She already has a job offer coaching.

The dinner was one of the few senior events that she is attending. It was so fun to see all of her senior friends...even though it is a bit sad / bittersweet to think that this stage is over. I know those friendships will last for her ~ it is just going to be in a different format.

We were able to socialize and spend time with some great young adults.

Erika will be missing graduation though - as she is headed to her final national competition. She will be running the 4x800 at the NAIA competition in Marion, Indiana. She is actually more excited for nationals and doesn't seem to be bothered that she won't be 'walking' nor wearing that hat and gown. She gets the degree. And she gets to run.

After graduation, she plans to travel a bit this summer, move in to a different house with more of her friends, then start working. I think she is still planning to go to grad school in the spring also. What ever she does, I know she will do it well.

My, sweet, little Erika ~ I am so proud of you! Graduating as a 'scholar athlete' and pursing all of your dreams. You have worked hard and deserve every bit of happiness that comes your way. I am so happy God gave you to me to be my little girl and that I have been able to watch you grow in to a woman with a purpose. You are awesome and I love you a ton!

See you in Indiana next week at nationals!!

Love, Mom

Teen Mom Blogs

2011-05-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Melinda Moore recently featured my blog on her new web site.

She did a good post of the top 50 Teen Mom Blogs.

I don't often post about teen moms - though I do attend their deliveries!

Check out her site by clicking above for lots of other blogs that do deal with teen mothers.

And thanks, Melinda for featuring / linking my blog in your post.

Debbie

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

Nurses Day

2011-05-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

Today is Nurse's Day.
I have been a nurse for 25 years. My graduation photo from nursing school...notice the 80's hair.

Yes, I was young, yes, I was skinny and yes, I was scared to death that I was going to harm someone.....
25 years - that's a long time, a quarter of a century, a life time for some. In fact some of the new grads that are starting to work with us could be my children. There have even been a couple that have mentioned that I started working the year they were born. Sure makes me feel old!
But, I would do it again in a heart beat. Being a nurse is just part of who I am.

I didn't go in to nursing for the fame. I didn't go in to nursing for the money. I didn't go in to nursing just for something to do. I became a nurse because I had hoped to make a difference. I wanted to be able to use the 'caring' gifts that God gave me. I wanted to do something that was exciting and that I didn't dread getting up every day for. I think on the most part that I have done that and more. I have the best co-workers that are more like family than just friends. I have made wonderful friends that have originally been my patients. I have touched lives and I actually still like my job. Hopefully I will be able to continue this for the next 25 years. Ok ~ maybe not for that long...but for awhile still any ways.

My hospital celebrates nurses week. One of the ceremonies that I like the best is the "Blessing of the Hands". It is a special ceremony where the nurses get their hands blessed by one of our chaplains - a little prayer is said and our hands are anointed with a special oil. It is a great reminder of how our work is special - even sacred.

We also have an awards dinner. Awards are handed out for nursing excellence, one for a tech / secretary, a new nurse, and a friend of nursing. Our hospital also has four values that are written in to the mission statement. The values are excellence, dignity, service and justice. Each year, they also give out an award for these (not necessarily a nurse, but for anyone in the hospital who exemplifies one of these values). A year ago - I one won a Values in Action Award for Dignity. I thought I would share the video that was made back then...it sure was a good feeling to win that award. And the front row parking that came with it was pretty nice too :)

To all of my nurse friends - Happy nurses Day! I know how hard you work and what a difference you make!

When I think about all the patients and their loved ones that I have worked with over the years, I know most of them don't remember me nor I them. But I do know that I gave a little piece of myself to each of them and they to me and those threads make up the beautiful tapestry in my mind that is my career in nursing. ~Donna Wilk Cardillo, A Daybook for Beginning Nurses.

Debbie

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T21:22:00.001-07:00

I am one of the lucky ones...I have a wonderful mother! I know that others are not so lucky and I thank God for the mother that He gave to me.

She is:

pretty,

energetic (always on the go),

friendly (and has many friends),

frugal (in a good way - taught me to coupon shop),

loving,

kind,

a good cook,

giving (of her time and talents),

taught us children right from wrong,

forgiving (when we messed up),

a wife of 50+ years,

a Christian,

a mom,

a grandma,

and a great- grandma.

Who can find a virtuous woman? She is far more precious than jewels...

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.

Her sons rise up and call her blessed.

He husband also praises her:

Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

~Proverbs 31:10, 25-30

My brother was the first to make her a mother:

Then there were two of us children.

I love my mother and want to thank her for all that she has done for us. For her sacrifice and willingness to always find a way. She is a great mother and she is mine. Only 3 other people in this world can lay claim to that - and we are all so fortunate!

There are times when only a Mother's love
Can understand our tears,
And soothe our disappointments
And calm away our fears.

There are times when only a Mother's love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we have dreamed about
Suddenly is real.

There are times when only a Mother's love
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us, the confidence
We need from day to day.

Mother, thank you for your heart, faith and hope
And all your steadfast love
You were fashioned by the Angels
And sent from God above...

Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you. Exodus 20:12

Mom - I didn't actually get to spend mother's day with you today since you are in Ohio, but I know you are having a wonderful time and we will see you when you get home. Thanks for teaching me how to be a good mother. How to raise my children with firmness and love. How to be a friend and mentor. How to love and forgive. And how to keep going even when I may feel like giving up. You are a wonderful example of what a mom should be like. I only hope I have done as good of a job that you have...

I love you Mom!!

Debbie

For some it isn't so Happy

2011-05-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Mother's Day.

A day set apart to honor our mother's and to celebrate our own motherhood.

It is intended to be a special day.

But for some it is not so special or happy.

There are those who have not had a good mother image. A mom that was abusive or neglectful. How do you honor a mother that was not there for you? How do you forgive and become a better mother your self?

There are those who have recently lost their mother's and this is can be a sad day of loss and a wish for what once was.

Women who want to be mother's and can't conceive.

Mom's who have lost babies or young children....it is hard to celebrate when your heart is breaking. I try to send cards to my patients who have lost babies throughout the year. A card to say I remember their special child. A card to say you are a mom, even if your little one is no longer here...but I know it is difficult for them to celebrate. This is one of those holidays that sort of smacks you in the face. It is tough to stand up let alone see and hear everyone else having a "happy mother's day".

If you know someone who has recently had a loss be sure to call them, send them a card, recognize that they are hurting. You may think that you will cause them pain by bringing up their lost loved one~ but trust me, they are already thinking of them and sometimes it just helps to know that some one else remembers too.

Debbie

Miss Lou

2011-05-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

I had the day off of work today and my mom had asked me to help take a friend of hers to the doctor.
Miss Lou is like a second mother to me ~ so of course I said yes.

I went to high school with her daughter but did not really know Lou at that time. Her daughter and I were friends but didn't really hang out in the same circle.
Later in life, Lou started working with my mom and the two became good friends. It was then that I got to know her better (as well as her daughter).

Over the years, she has been there for me in marriage, the birth of my 3 children, a divorce, another marriage and the birth of my first grandchild. She treats me as one of her own.
Miss Lou is getting older and recently took a fall. She was hospitalized and is now in a rehab / nursing home for a bit.
So today - Mom and I went to pick her up, loaded up the wheelchair and took her to her appointment. I wanted to be there. I wanted to help take care of the woman who has loved me like one of her own. I wanted to do what little I could to make her day a little better. We talked about going out to her favorite Chinese food restaurant, but the doctor visit plum wore her out.

She is a special friend to me - just like another mother.

With mother's day coming, I also did my annual hunt for mother's day cards today. I admit - I'm a bit behind on that because I thought mother's day was the following weekend not this coming weekend. I hunted and hunted for just the right cards. I send quite a few of them. I've 10 ready to mail in the am to my out of state friends and family and will finish the rest tomorrow. I send them to family, friends, people I know who are celebrating their first mother's day, and patients that I have taken care of over the year that have lost a baby. I know it is a hard day for many of them...but those cards sure are hard to find. I have one saleslady at the Hallmark by me who looks for them and saves a stack if she finds any. She calls me to tell me they are there...now that is service! But, often, I end up settling for a 'caring' card versus a mother's day card.

Michelle and I then met for dinner for I was too tired after running around to even think of going to the grocery store and cooking dinner. Guess that will have to wait until tomorrow. I may not be as old as Miss Lou is but I sure can't seem to accomplish what I used to in a day - HA! and on that note - I'm off to bed!

Debbie

An A & ACLS

2011-05-02T21:43:00.001-07:00

whoot, whoo - I received an A on my prematurity website creation ---- big sigh.

Now I can breathe for a few more days.

Speaking of breathing;

I also did my ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) re-certification today.

Now, you have to keep in mind that I work in a labor and delivery unit.

I deliver babies and I think I do that farely well.

We do take care of emergencies also - things like a baby's heart rate falling, a baby

being born when no doctor is around, placenta abruptions, seizures, a ruptured uterus, and bleeding moms to name a few........but I hate it when we are dealing with a dying mom!

Or it could be grandpa that goes down while he is visiting, or a friend that has a heart condition.

So we prepare.

We practice.

We keep up our skills and learn how to read EKG Strips like these:

This is a nice, happy, normal sinus rhythm.

Regular and blood is perfusing.

but you don't want to see a strip like this.

Ventricular tachycardia

When this happens you call for help right away and are already treating the patient.

Before it turns in to this:

Ventricular Fibrillation

At this point we will need to use the defibrillator.

The heart is like a bowl of jello and no blood is perfusing.

V-Fib = D-Fib

God forbid you ever see one of these!!!!

It was a long day of class. I passed the mega code and the paper test - so I am good to go. I just

hope I don't have to use these skills very often.

Here's a short review of EKG Strips for you

And if you really want to see an example of what I did all day today - then watch this mega code video

I prefer delivering babies! :)

Debbie

Another One Done

2011-04-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Aww - relaxation.
I finished another class last night. It feels so good to be done!

This class was a nursing informatics class - or nursing and technology.
We had to learn word, powerpoint and excel. I've taken classes at work so not all of the information was new to me but I did learn a thing or two.
We had to make a brochure - for never having made one I thought mine turned out pretty good...
Then we had to create a website.
It took me a little bit but I got it done.
It is about prematurity.
I have things that I want to change on it - but for this week I am taking a break from school work!
Here's the link if you want to go check out my work...
It is alright..but not quite perfected yet.
I just hope I get a good grade on it. You know me and my anal desire to get in an A in every class I take. I really do need to learn not to be quite such a perfectionist!

Oh another note~

this cute little video was posted by one of our patients at work.
They gave the hospital permission to use it and share on the hospital website.
It reminds me of why I love my job and why I keep going back. That new life is amazing everytime!
Be sure to pause my music so you don't get overwhelmed with two songs going on at the same time.

a little slice of heaven - part 2 - the birth from ElmanAdam on Vimeo.

Hope you enjoyed that proud St Joseph moment :)

Debbie

Welcome Baby Natalie

2011-04-26T22:52:00.000-07:00

One of the girls that I work with announced a few months back that she was pregnant...

"Right..." we all said.
"No really - I am" was her response. She even made the doctor repeat the test because she said it must have been someone else's test. So the test was repeated..sure enough - positive

You see - she had been told that she wasn't able to have a baby. She went about her life enjoying the boy that she did deliver years ago and the little boy she adopted two years ago. Never thinking she'd ever have another. Life was full. Life was busy. And she was happy.

Of course, we, her friends at work were super excited for her. Even more so, when we found out that she was going to have a little girl. A little girl to disrupt the family balance. Lots of pink and purple and dolls and girlie stuff. We watched her tummy grow - often commenting how amazing it was that she was actually having another baby - and a girl at that!!

She asked if I'd take care of her when she went in to labor. It is always so humbling to me when another labor and delivery nurse asks me to care for them. We have so many excellent nurses on our unit and I often wonder why someone would specifically ask for me. I feel somewhat inadequate. It is a little nerve racking too....what if something goes wrong? What if I can't get her IV in? What if I'm in a bad mood that day? What if, what if, what if?... but in reality it is an honor and of course I said yes. We talked, we planned, we hoped it would all work out so that I could be there for her and her husband.

She decided to get induced this coming Friday. And of course that was one day out of the month that I was not going to be available to do the delivery. I was feeling so guilty. Torn between a mother's duty to her own daughter and my nurses duty to my friend. I started praying she'd go in to labor on her own.

Yesterday, while I was working, I got a text from her. "We are coming in"
Yeah - "I'm here" I thought.
Boo - I am in charge and the placed was slammed.
I got another nurse to take over the charge duties for me (thanks Caroline!)
And I quickly got a room cleaned for my friend.

Sparing all of the details - she arrived...but did not deliver before the end of my shift. I was so bummed. I still am a bit sad that I wasn't able to actually be there for the delivery. But, I knew I could trust her to the next nurse. We texted back and forth after I finally went home. I couldn't sleep well...I kept wondering how things were going and wondering if she'd hold out for me to go back in the am. I texted her a bit before 2 in the morning since I was awake and thinking about her.

Funny - she was just delivering!!

Little baby Natalie was born at 1:35 this am. She weighs 7 pounds 9 oz and is 20 inches long. I got to hold her for a while today. She is soooo sweet and her parents are ever so happy and thankful for a healthy little girl.
Welcome to our world little Natalie!
May you grow in to the beautiful girl that God has made you to be. I can't wait to watch you grow up. I love you bunches(and your mommy too)!
Debbie

Seconds

2011-04-18T21:13:00.000-07:00

Erika ran the 800 this weekend at the Long Beach State University meet. She ran strong and came in second in her heat of runners. She even passed up many runners on the last 300m of the race.It was a warm 90' out. She said she loves running in that heat. I, on the other hand like it a bit cooler. Though I did sit in the shade and watch the pole vaulters for a long time. I don't know why ~ but I love watching them.
She looked strong and ran well. I am proud of her!But, alas, she missed qualifying for nationals by about 4 or 5 long seconds....She runs again in Fresno at the GSAC meet - the equivalent of the state meet for her particular league. She said she wants to qualify in the 800 instead of trying to qualify in the steeplechase.
I know that she can do it!!

Debbie

Back at It and Having Fun

2011-04-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

Erika has been competing again and having fun while running!!I finally got to watch her run a race last weekend and plan on going again tomorrow. Last week she ran the steeple chase. She says it feels good to be back out there. Her times aren't what they used to be, (she hasn't quite been the same since her illness last summer),but she doesn't seem to care. She says it is just fun to be back out there. And like every good college student ~ she studies in between races :) Can't wait to see her again tomorrow. I think she is running the 800. She would so love to qualify for nationals. I would like that for her too. It would be a great way to end an awesome college running career. Whatever happens ~ I am just glad that she is having fun!

Debbie

Homework, homework, homework

2011-04-05T12:21:00.001-07:00

Working on another major project for school - so I have little time to post. Homework is taking over my life. I often wonder what the heck I am doing!! Yet, I know I am learing new things. And bettering my future. So for now I will do homework, homework and more homework. But I will be back to blog soon! Debbie

What I Needed

2011-04-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

I was able to do two lovely deliveries today ~

Often I get the 'high risk' patient, or I am on the desk, or I am taking care of one of my comfort care patients.

So, today when I was assigned two patients that were in regular ole labor I was pretty darn excited. Both already had children so I knew they would probably labor well and deliver on my shift.

The first baby was born around noon. I finished up her recovery and got her transferred by 2:30. Sweet new baby boy.

Had a late lunch.

Then got to go right back and do my other patients delivery. Great family and the older two boys got to see their new baby sister come in to the world. That is going to be one spoiled little girl. I know those boys will take good care of her!

It was exhilarating.

It was fun.

It was refreshing.

It renewed my hope in labor and delivery.

It was meaningful.

It was exhausting.

It was the best day I've had all week.

It was exactly what I needed.

Debbie

Nurses Grieve Too

2011-03-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

This video - "Nurses Grieve Too: Insights Into Experiences with Perinatal Loss", was sent to me today. (Click on video to watch - it is about 20 mins long)

It could not have been more perfectly timed after the delivery that we did the other day.

The nurses in the video could be me.

It speaks to what many of us are going through in that nurses do feel a sense of loss and do connect with their patients.

York Universities has also put out this video: "Why did Baby Die?: Mothering children living with the Loss , Love and Continuing Presence of a baby Sibling".

A video on how loss affects the other children in a family.

They have done some great research in the arena of perinatal loss.

Check the videos out - but be sure to have some tissue handy because you may shed a tear or two.

Nurses Grieve Too: Insights into Experiences with Perinatal Loss from York University Libraries on Vimeo.

Blog Tweak

2011-03-29T23:23:00.000-07:00

In class tonight we had to set up a new blog. Not something I'm gonna share right now...it is mostly for my study group.

But it did get me thinking about my own blog. And I thought I'd tweak mine just a bit. So ~ I applied a new template, made some other minor changes, then decided I didn't like it. When I went to change it back to my old design I couldn't find it. HA! Then I found it, reapplied it - but lost some other things in the process.

I'm too tired to worry about it tonight...so bear with me as I play around with my blog. Hope the changes don't bother you like they did me!!

Debbie

CPR

2011-03-24T21:06:00.001-07:00

I needed to do my bi-annual re-newing in BLS (basic life support)this week.

Another experienced nurse and myself tried to figure out how many times we have attended these classes on CPR. We used to have to go yearly ~ now we go every other year. Plus in my department we are required to be ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) certified. We figured we have probably attended more than 18 classes on how to perform the first steps of saving a person's life. That is alot of re-newing. I'm not complaining. I think it is important that we, as professionals keep up our skills. Luckily, I don't have to perform CPR very often...but I could if I needed to! And they keep changing things as evidence shows things need to be change.

For years and years, we have practiced the ABC's of life support:
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
and the ratios of breaths to compressions for adults and children were different as well as one and two man CPR ratios.

Now the American Heart Association has come out with a new acronym...

CAB:
Circulation
Airway
Breathing

Basically - you asses the patient, call for help and go straight in to giving heart compressions.
Once you have given 30 compressions - then you give 2 breaths.
The ratio remains 30 to 2 even if there are two people performing the CPR. That is so much easier to remember.
Studies have shown that we were wasting time in giving breaths in the beginning, for the patient probably still has oxygen in their system - so the premise is that you need to get that oxygen circulating - hence - straight in to the compressions. My brain can remember the 30:2 ratio so much better also. I don't have to thing about how old the person is, one man or two man...I just have to do the same ratio~

These little gadgets also need to be readily available:
Using an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) has shown to increase the chances of a person's survival. It is easy to use. You place the pads on the patient, the machine analyzes for the heart rhythm, tells you if a 'shock is advised' and walks you through how to give that shock. Often times this can put the heart back in to somewhat of a workable rhythm, buys some time until the paramedics can get there and hopefully shocks that person back to life. Any place where people gather really should have one. Gyms, schools, theaters, etc. I wonder if there is one at my church? Though I am hoping that I never have to use one while I am church!!

After I attending my class, I admitted a new patient in to our perinatal hospice program. Sometimes we go months without a referral, but lately we have always had a patient or two on service. We really need to hire a Spanish speaking nurse though. It is so hard to admit a mom using an interpreter, and the subject can be quite sensitive since you are talking about their baby's little life.
This particular patient has known loss before, and I am sure that she will be able to teach us a thing or two about how to love and care for a baby that is only expected to live for a short while. We gave her lots of information and set up our next appointment where we will work on her birth plan. We will offer as much support as we can. Hopefully she will find the program helpful and will have a better experience this time than she has had in the past.
My goal ~ to help her celebrate this little life....

Debbie

Difference A Day Makes

2011-03-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

One day is crazy ~ the next is much more manageable...

Today we did 8 deliveries.

Somehow the 10 we did the other day seemed so much worse...

And we did more c/sections today, (4 c/sections and 4 vaginal deliveries). which takes more man power to get done...so why is it that the days were so different? We were talking about it at work today...I think it has to do with outpatient visits and just the sheer number of patients that are on the unit. We always say that there should be a way to even things out so that things were always nice and smooth instead of crazy one day and manageable the next. Any ideas on how to do that??

What a difference a day makes!!

On a different note...I saw this posted on another nurse blog that I read

and I thought...'that looks barbaric"...but in the spirit of being open minded I thought I'd check it out. You know do a little research on the product...see if it is legit.

It is called a "CervoCheck" and it's purpose is to monitor for preterm labor.

It has been developed by some students at John Hopkins University.

BabyMed.com had this to say about the product:

"Johns Hopkins Students Design Cervical Monitor for Premature Labor Detection

Preterm labor detection commonly relies on an exterior device that picks up contractions when attached to the abdomen. With more than 500,000 premature births being recorded each year, obstetricians are constantly on the lookout for improved means of detecting preterm labor earlier in hopes of stopping labor before baby is born. A group of Master’s degree students from Johns Hopkins University set out to change how contractions were recorded and in the process created a viable solution that could change how babies are born.

CervoCheck is the device created by the student team. The device is implanted in the vagina with three probes contacting the cervix and vaginal walls where contractions are strongest. The device has been tested in animals and successfully recorded preterm contractions. The idea behind the device came when students were doing rounds in an obstetrical unit in search of ways to better the patient care experience.

Since the development of CervoCheck, the students have won numerous awards. All have since graduated with their Master’s degrees. Two of the students are currently working to promote CervoCheck, one is going to medical school and the final student took a job in the health technology field.

CervoCheck has yet to start human trials, but the team is working with doctor’s at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. With additional funding, the team hopes to soon offer CervoCheck for use in a clinical setting across the United States and abroad."

Source: Phil Sneiderman - John’s Hopkins University - 21 July 2010

Now, keep in mind, that I do agree that pre-term births are on the rise and that we do need to do something to help mommies stay pregnant. (more on my thoughts on deliveries before 39 weeks will be coming in another post). The March of Dimes is doing great work on helping to prevent pre-term births and all of the sequel surrounding that.

But I am not so sure that this little gadget is the answer...

Just thinking of walking around, or even being on bedrest with that gadget stuck up in me is not something that sounds so appealing.

Will it stimulate contractions by being so close to the cervix??

Should we always count on 'technology' to detect things? - I know that technology often fails us in labor...good ole hands and eyes assessments are so much better.

It is an interesting idea though~

Debbie

Baby Factory

2011-03-16T20:06:00.001-07:00

The baby factory was pumping em out faster than we could blink an eye!

Remember that 'I Love Lucy" episode where she works in the candy factory and the candy keeps coming faster and faster? She can't put it away fast enough and she gets overwhelmed with candy - that was us with patients and babies.

Ok - that may be an exaggeration, but is was pretty busy.

I went back to work after having almost 3 weeks off. I was ready to be back with my friends.
I was even ready to be working with the patients.

My first two days back ~ I was 'in charge". The first day wasn't bad. A couple of nurses were home, 'on call', and we had a few patients.
My nurse friend, Kim said, "we have been pretty slow for awhile. It scares me for it is going to bust".

Thanks Kim!

The second day...I could barely get every one a break, every nurse was maxed out. Doctors would call and tell me they were sending in another patient...my response, "you have got to be kidding me!" to which I heard.."nope, they are really 6-7 centimeters so they are coming." Now where am I suppossed to find another bed?? One doctor said, "oh it doesn't look bad here"~ I almost strangled him...come on it is 3pm and people still have not had lunch! Another one, I had to ban from going in to the patients room...he had sent a mommy in who was having her second baby and she was pretty far dilated. We had not even put the patient on the monitor and he wanted to go in and break her bag of water...Hello...can we get her admitted and be sure all is ok first?!?!?

UGH!!

I think we had 10 babies and I left the night shift with 14 patients still on the board.
I made calls - people came in to help us.
Had one patient in the operating room, one ready to move to the next room, when of course we had to 'crash' another (emergency c/section).
Nurses would call for delivery and I had to search for the helper nurse to take care of the baby.
Nurses would ask me to do an ultrasound to check the babies position....and it took me an hour to get in there.
I tried to get the nurses on break - I'd watch their patient while they went, even though it meant I left the desk at one point and my manager couldn't find me (guess my little pocket phone had turned itself off....ooops!!)
One nurse called to tell me the computer wasn't working - I fixed it...a plug in to the electrical outlet does wonders!!
But the computer in the recovery room, I never did get around to fixing.
Luckily though - I did meet some really neat patients and we had nice deliveries

I'm still recovering today.

I think I want to be on vacation again!!!
Debbie

Nursing Informatics

2011-03-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

The next class that I am taking is a Nursing Informatics class. It is all about technology and how to use that for research plus how to make professional looking presentations and flyers, etc.

They only bummer part of the class is that our instructor wanted us to have a PC running laptop plus Office 2007.
I have been using a MAC laptop for awhile now - still have a PC desktop with Office 2010 so I debated on what I should do...should I muddle through the class with my MAC? Should I run a PC program on my MAC (cost about $200 for that program), or should I just buy a new lap top for all of my school work and keep the MAC for my personal use?
I finally decided to just buy a small laptop. I felt I could do all of my homework for the class on this then give it to my son when I am done with it. Off to Best Buy we went. We shopped around, found a mid priced laptop and purchased this new baby.
I loaded Office 2007 on to it (I had a disk from the IT department) and now I'm ready to tackle this class.
If you know any thing about me...I LOVE to get A's in my classes so I'm willing to spend whatever it takes to help me get there.

So.....I go to our first night of class.
I open the computer.
I push the power button.
The computer starts to load up.
When ~

Oops! Someone knocks over a coffee cup....right on to the new keyboard...

I so wanted to say bad words, but since I am attending school at a Christian university I decided to keep those feelings to myself.
The person who spilt the coffee felt horrible.
I felt horrible.
I don't have the kind of money to rebuy a new laptop - nor do I ever buy those extended warranties that businesses sell.
Now how am I going to pass this class with an A??
I stressed about it all week while we were gone.

I went back to Best Buy after we got home...
They took it back, no questions asked and let me get another one to replace it. I was shocked!

Now I can do well in the class. I didn't have to spend extra money....and I won't let anyone set any liquids close to me for the rest of my school life!

Thank you Best Buy for being so customer friendly. I realize that all you do is send the other back and it gets refurbished...but for a starving college student, you saved the day!!

I HEART Best Buy!

Debbie

Bluffton, Ohio

2011-03-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

The view as we woke up in the morning.

It had snowed lightly late in to the night and it looks like a winter wonderland here. It is so pretty (well at least from in side our warm house). I truly have a sense of being "home" here. Probably because I have so many memories of fun times spent here. Growing up in this quiet place was sort of magical. We were carefree and played the day away. I can remember spending many a nights in that tree house and swimming in the pond. One year - my brother even fell through the ice on the pond. We had all been ice-skating on it but we must have weakened it for the next thing you know - he was suspended there.

We plan to drive around town, drive by the old family farms, visit with friends and family. Though to be honest - I didn't take pictures with everyone that we visited. I'm not sure why - guess I just got so involved in our visits that I forgot. First ~ I need to warm up the car and get the ice off of the windows!

This post is mostly for you mom - you said take lots of pictures....so here is your picture rundown of our time in Bluffton.

Look, I actually was out in the snow! I'm glad we took pictures in the morning, for so much of it melted away during the day...it sure wasn't as pretty when it was just a muddy, sloshy mess.

Awww - the countryside

Our first visit was with all of my cousins on my dad's side. We met for lunch and I got to meet all of their 'significant others' too. The only one missing was Andrea - she is in Texas. Maybe I'll have to travel there to see her ;)

Holly with her sweet little girl, Ayva, Me, Ashley and Elisabeth.

We went by both cemeteries where my grandparents are buried. There is such legacy here as I tried to tell Buzz about my family history. He says he wishes that he had been able to meet my grandparents.

Grandma's house - it pretty much looks the same, except for that front entry porch. And the old apple orchard is gone. I think there were two trees left back there.

The barn that my dad help build

Look - there are even horses there now...just like when Uncle Denny lived there. See - we could go back and make it ours again. Wouldn't that be fun?!?!I didn't take any pictures of Grandma Augsburger's home...the person who lives there now had so much junk on the porch that it just didn't feel 'right' any more. It really looks different there.

The little town of Bluffton looks the same though. We were there later in the day - notice lots of the snow is gone. But it was still nippy out! We walked through and did a bit of shopping then got a nice warm cup of coffee .

Off we went to see cousin Tam. We had a great visit. Played with her dogs and her goat that freely roams around outside. She sure lives a different life than we do and is a huge Ohio state fan! Fun times ~

After our time with Tam we ran by the hospital in Findlay to see my Aunt Carol. She had been admitted the day before. She looked good to me and we had a lovely visit. The only bummer was that Uncle Donny had just left before we got there so we did not get to see him. I wish we had a few more days to spend here...I'd love to visit more and stick around a bit!

Of course I had to get one treat in before we were done with our visit. Num Num...sugar cream pie. Love it!

Bye, Bye Ohio - we will miss you!

Debbie

4th Place Finish

2011-03-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

Wow - the Biola girls claimed a fourth place victory spot in the NAIA indoor nationals!! That is quite a feat considering all of the teams that were competing.

Coach sure has done a good job transforming the team from one that no one had ever heard of...into a nationally ranked one. But, even more so than being a nationally ranked team ~ I am consistently awed at the integrity of the women on the team. They are the kindest, most compassionate, nicest people you could ever meet. The team works well together and you rarely hear of any squabbles. They support each other and are friends off the track as well as when competing. Many of them even live in the same house together. I am so glad that Erika has been able to say that she is a part of this awesome group of women!

Natasha - awarded the meets "most outstanding performer" award. Rumor has it that she has a couple of these old shoe trophies.

The senior girls ~ Sarah, Katie, Kelsey, Erika and Natasha.

After the awards ceremony, Buzz and I headed down to Bluffton, Ohio to visit with family and friends.

We even drove through this old covered bridge. I think it used to be the longest one in Ohio - but it looked like some of it might have washed away at some point for there was a metal green bridge attachment on the one end. There have been many rain storms in Ohio recently and the river sure was full. They are calling for some flooding tonight in some areas.

Still...it was pretty amazing...I can only imagine riding through on my horse drawn carriage.

The snow covered banks are so pretty to me. Maybe because I don't have to actually live here but am just vacationing...

Actually, I got a good taste of living in the snow tonight as it started to snow before we actually reached Bluffton. Now you have to keep in mind that I live in southern California ~ so my driving skills in snow are probably not the greatest. Yet, we did arrive safely at our destination. I just drove slower than normal and stayed in the tracks of the person in front of me. We will see how it is in the morning. There are people I want to visit, so I don't want to be snowed in :) Then again, it is pretty cozy in my uncles house, there could be worse places to be stuck. We will just make the best of whatever is to be.

Debbie

NAIA Indoor Track

2011-03-08T16:50:00.000-08:00

We started the day off with crazy cold, along with a bit of rain.

Our first event for the day was meeting a friend for breakfast.

Ann Marie and I have known each other for about 35 years...we initially were matched as 'pen pals' in junior high school.

I had asked for one international pen pal and one stateside...Ann Marie was that person. We started writing to each other and have stayed in contact over the years. We became good friends and have met each other in person before.

Ann Marie lives outside of Cleveland, I had told her we were coming and we made plans to get together. It was so fun to see her.

We went to eat at Bob Evans. I knew I wanted to go here for we do not have this restaurant in southern California. It is good, midwest, comfort type food.

I, of course had to order the fried mush...yummm! Buzz even liked it. I think I am going to have to make some at home.

Then it was off to the track meet.

It is being held at the GaREAT sports complex in Geneva, Ohio. Basically it is a huge building, housing a track, soccer field, and dining facilities. It is sort of in the middle of no-where. Not much else to see there but a small town.

The girls have ran well - everyone so far has qualified for finals in their events. Exciting!!

'Coach' Erika taking a little break.

Me, with the some of the Biola athletes. Aren't they cute?!? They actually do have a reputation in the league of being the 'hot' team...and not necessarily all for their running abilities.

Erika's room-mate Natasha.

Erika and Natasha have lived together the last four years. She is from Canada ~ but has been awarded 'All American' titles every year. It is fun to watch her compete for she is so good in her events. And she is quite humble about it all. She never brags or talks about herself. She is just such a sweet, young lady. I know that she will remain friends with Erika for the rest of their lives.

Today, she broke the meet record and won her third pentathlon title. It was her own record from last year that she broke. You can read about it all here.

Natasha has also been picked up by the Canadian Olympic coach to continue training for the 2012 games! Maybe we need to plan our next trip for London!!

Debbie

O-H-I-O

2011-03-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Not only did we take time last week to travel along the California coast...we hopped on a plane and headed to OHIO.

I spent many summers in Ohio. My parents are both from Ohio. As kids, my brother and I, were sent there to experience life on the farm. I still have relatives in Ohio and have maintained friendships with many people. I have fond memories of the time I spent on the farm and of small town life.

When we found out that indoor track nationals were going to be held in Geneva, Ohio this year, we made plans to go.

Erika did not qualify to compete. She has never quite gotten back to her old running self since her health issues last summer. Coach took her as an 'assistant coach' though. We have also developed relationships with other runners on the Biola team...so it was an easy decision to attend the meet, and to add in visits with family and friends.

When I go to Ohio, I always have this sense of, "coming home". It just feels right and comfortable. I often wonder if I could still move there, live on some land, have a horse and plant a garden. I'm just not sure that I could handle the winters!

We chose to stay at the Quail Hollow Resort. It is nice and rustic and they always have a nice fire going in the lobby. It is a great place to just hang out.

The room was spacious enough. Though we really weren't in the room that much since most of our time was spent at the meet and out exploring the area surrounding Cleveland.

This is our view from the first morning...quite different from our beach sunset a day or two ago! Yes, that is snow on the ground. It is bright and sunny - but that is deceiving! We went to go out and it is only 25' ~ one definitely needs a coat and mittens - HA!
The current view of Lake Erie...BRRR..Off to the track meet we go. I love these national meets. There are so exciting and only the best in the league get to attend. There are some great athletes here...but of course we have our favorites.

Go Biola!!

Debbie

Baby Doug

2011-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have posted previously about one special baby -Douglas.

He was born with a congenital diaphramatic hernia which was repaired shortly after he was born.

This week - Douglas went to live with Jesus. He lived here on this earth for 6 short weeks - 6 weeks where is parents got to love on him and get to know him. He fought hard, he grew, he made an impact on people.

You can read about him by going to his blog here.

Please remember his parents and the rest of of the family in your prayers.

Debbie

Hearst Castle & Cambria

2011-03-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

We decided to take a tour of Hearst Castle on our trip. We both have been here before and decided to take a different tour than we have taken on previous trips. W.R. Hearst was a wealthy newspaper owner and had dreams of building a lavish home up in the hills of San Simeon. He inherited the land from his parents and started building his dream home. Now it is an historic landmark...

See it way up there on top of that hill?

The home is lavish, almost too much I would say... and Hearst never finished parts of it.

The famous pool. The staff and their families actually still get to swim here. I think that would be fun!

A typical guest room. Fancy - don't you think?!?!

Hearst's bedroom

The indoor pool

Our touristy picture. I never buy these types of things but we thought it was kinda cute

After spending time at the castle, we checked in at our hotel in Cambria. It was right by the beach and we listened to the ocean waves all night long.

Our room

The view from our room

A perfect sunset to end our time away

We drove home for I had to attend school then we got ready to head to Ohio the following morning...more to come on that. I sure am enjoying being on vacation

.Debbie

Coast Drive

2011-03-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

Upon leaving Monterey, we drove the '17 mile drive' by Pepple beach. The northern California coastline is quite different than the southern California coastline. It has a rugged beauty all of its own. It isn't really a place where you go lay out and get a suntan, rather it is a place that you sit and take in God's creation. Enjoy a few shots from along the drive.

The Moro Beach rock

We headed towards San Simeon. There is a beach along the way where the elephant seals hang out. Don't ask me why they choose this particular spot - they just do. Years ago, the kids and I went here and in those days you could actually go down on the beach and walk amongst them ~ now, though they have a 'viewing' area. It is amazing to see these huge creatures lying in the sun, throwing sand on themselves, 'talking' to each other and mating. I have a couple of videos of them interacting with each other - IF I can get those to post then you can hear them. There were hundreds of them on the beach.
One final look at the coastline.
Feeling relaxed now :)

Debbie

Old Fisherman's Wharf

2011-03-03T21:59:00.000-08:00

While in Monterey, we also visited the Old Fisherman's Wharf. It is a touristy place, with shops and restaurants and other interesting things to see. We walked around, didn't buy anything, tasted all of the free samples of clam chowder and marveled at the sites. Ok - not really marveled, but we did enjoy our time on the wharf.

Brilliant blue sky again.

The breeze on the walkway was pretty cold....

Buzz making friends with the talking birds.

After tasting all of those samples of clam chowder we ended up here:

Where Buzz fixed his craving for shrimp cocktail

And I had, hands down, the best clam chowder I have ever had. It was warm, creamy, and had just the right amount of potatoes and clam pieces. YUM! I would have bought cans of this if they sold it!

If you ever are in the Monterey Bay area, you need to stop here for a visit...if only for that chowder!

Debbie

Monterey Bay

2011-03-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit behind in blogging...I've been busy living life and enjoying vacation.

I have discovered that I have a hard time shutting down and just relaxing. I keep wanting to check my work email and call patients. I keep pulling out the school work and looking up professional web sites for information.

But I am trying.

Trying to decompress.

Trying to refresh and renew.

Trying to spend down time with my husband.

After the conference in Berkeley, we took a couple of days and headed slowly down the coast on our way home. I'm going to break the posts up (because my pictures are loading really slow on hotel internet!!) Our first stop was Monterey Bay. It was a beautiful sunny day with brilliant blue skies - not a rain cloud in sight. It was colder than I expected but that didn't stop us from getting out and enjoying the view.

We went to Cannery Row. We shopped, bought a couple of gifts and people watched.

The we decided to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We both love the displays and we wish that we had been able to stay longer. Their big aquarium was closed for refurbishing for the floor tiling was pulling off and the sea turtles were starting to eat the tile. We were bummed it was closed.

I love the multiple colors of fish. Don't you think God had so much fun creating all of these?

Did you know that male seahorses carry the babies and give birth??

This is actually a type of seahorse - not a plant. Weird looking.

Beautiful jellyfish.

We continued our walk. This is 'lover's point'.

If you look close you can see seals on the rocks. We also saw a school of dolphins in the bay .

Here is where we stayed. A historic bed and breakfast. Actually it is made up of a couple of different homes that were bought on the same block, then refurbished.

If you ever want a nice, romantic place to stay - this is the place to go. They have many room selections and a yummy breakfast in the morning. Some people don't like bed and breakfast places for you share a breakfast table with strangers ~ but I happen to enjoy meeting new people, so to me this is a fun thing to do. Check out the Seven Gables Inn here.

We met the sweetest, older couple from Tulare. They were taking what may be one last trip for them, since the husband has some health issues. The wife is a nurse, she even worked in labor and delivery, she shared some old stories with me.

This was what our room looked like.

The view from our window.

The garden view from our room.

Awww - I think I found my new 'get away spot'. We woke up to this and certainly did not want to leave!

Monterey Bay - we will be back soon!

Debbie