First Day of First Grade

Iowa State Fair

to start again

I had made a plan to get in shape this year. I did well for a while, losing about 6-7 pounds. Then it rained for like 2 weeks straight, making it near impossible to go out to walk.

Today, despite the heat, I decided it was time to start again! I walked .97 miles this AM and came home dripping sweat.

I have not caved in to the occasional craving for a Mountain Dew! That's over 7 months now! I do drink the Pepsi that uses less sugar. And not often either. I need to get into the water habit!!

Lofty goal: 35 pounds. No time frame, but a good jump start before vacation I hope.

Better late than never.

Well, it's July.
More than half-way through 2013.

*I have been at the hospital over 4 months now. I really enjoy it and am learning a lot! It's been somewhat slow, patient wise but it gives me time to dig around and learn more!

*We celebrated a very special 7th birthday this past Friday, the 5th. Can't believe Isaac is already that old!

*Isaac did 1/2 week of overnight camp last month. He is going for another 1/2 week in 10 days. He says he is not ready for a full week, but is willing to do the 1/2 weeks.

*It is pretty hot-the hot where the grass dies no matter what.

*We've been in our house almost a year!

*Vacation is coming up soon and we can't wait to get away for a little while!

*September is coming up and I can't wait to get away with my sister to Las Vegas for a weekend!

*The dogs are fine, we are fine. Just trying to stay cool!

Happy 7th Birthday, Isaac!

Blank Park Zoo

Farewell, Senior Care

Tomorrow marks my last day at Senior Care in Nevada.

13 months. It seems as if I just started and now it's ending.

I'm glad to have gotten my nursing start there. I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about the elderly/geriatric population.

I truly will miss it. I will miss some really GREAT co-workers. CNA's work HARD and are so under-appreciated.  Never having worked as a CNA, it truly opened my eyes. Thanks to all the great ladies (and the few brave guys) that work so hard to take care of the residents. Thank you for helping me along my way.

We lost residents along the way. Some were there just a day or two, others for years. You get to know them, care about them, want them to do well. You know the family and grieve with them when their loved one passes away. You remember them fondly when flowers come from the funeral and the family drops off the funeral program.

I will miss the residents. Some have taught me more than I thought I could learn from a resident in a nursing home. I would like to say I have more patience with the general population based on my experience. Some residents absolutely drove me bonkers. But they worm themselves into your heart and makes you sad when they take a turn for the worse or pass away.

Relationships between married people is a different dynamic when one or both is placed in a nursing home. They drive each other crazy being confined to such a small space together, but it absolutely tears you apart to watch them grieve for a spouse of over 60 years. The smiles, the friendly name-calling, the ones that grab your hand just for a little more reassurance......

If I ever end up in a nursing home, I hope it's similar to Story County Senior Care. The CNA's and nurses truly care about each and every single resident.

Thank you, Story County Senior Care.
I'm glad to have known you.