Mindful March!

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Lav, interesting view of nursing. I agree. I first thought I wanted to be a nurse, then the reality of the hours and physical expectations made me change my mind, for me. Recently too, I 've know a few women who were fired or forced to retire as they were being paid more than the man thought they were worth. Really scary treatment. On the other hand, it would be interesting to be a nurse practitioner.

Dill, so sorry about your son being sick. Hope he is better and you are on the road to New Orleans.

Pap, hope you are back at work and thinking of you.

Cyn, fun date day!!! But I know what you mean, being gone all day can be exhausting. No plans for me this weekend, just staying around the house, reading, cooking, and walking outside, the weather is supposed to be in the high 50s ad low 60s. Yay!!!!!!

I am going to exercise in a bit, I am really achy and stiff today. Then off to work, for another interesting and busy day. Have a good one.

[Lavande]

Good morning Star & everyone!

I have been having some extra aches & pains myself Star. I really think all this extra moisture sitting around (snow) makes it worse. More melting on the way today so I am happy
I hope you have an interesting & busy day!!!

My day starts off with a dental appointment followed by a stop at Curves - lucky me, ha ha!

Hello to Cyn, Papmom & Dill. I hope you are all eggs-cellent today
Have a great day everyone!

Lav

[treegirl]

Hello all -

Lav - I think you're right about all the moisture in the air - I've been having more pains that usual - it makes sense. But as you say, melting is here! Thanks for the info about nursing - I actually never considered it as a career, but my SD, whose profession is clinic management, keeps telling me I should make the move into it. I would never subject myself to the treatment that hospital nurses go through! Having spent many many hours in hospital rooms, I marvel at the nurses, who make or break the quality of a hospital stay, and who actually know what's going on (better than the docs!). I have only just recently started thinking about hospice nursing, since palliative care and end of life care is of real interest to me. We'll see - first I've promised myself to work as hard as I can to see if I can get my self-employed business going here!

Nothing much new today - snow removal of one type or another, HB business taxes, joint taxes, my mom's estate taxes...the beat goes on!

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Weather update It is supposed to be sunny and in the 50s today. I am so excited, and with the time change, I will get home and there will be daylight. Yay!!

Wow, I slept really well last night, feel less achy today.

Cyn, there are lots of jobs you can do with nursing...I say look into it. I know someone who is a research nurse, and that sounds interesting too. I have an acquaintance who works at hospice as a social worker and she loves it. So, definitely look into it. I have read lots of books on death and dying, near death experiences, since I was young. I find the topic fascinating. Have you read much on this? It really helped me when my mother was dying, I wasn't afraid for her, just sad for all of us. She was in hospice and they were wonderful. We talked to a social worker there and she was so helpful and kind. The nurses there were A++++ too. I also think the pace of work there is different then in a hospital. I know our Lav was treated brutally, and have met other nurses who were and are treated the same. Very Poorly. But, other nursing jobs can be different. Just my take on things.

Pap, hope you are making it through this week OK. Let us know if you can. Hugs.

Dill, hope you are on your way to NO.

Hello to all. Have a great humpday.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends & happy hump day!

Cloudy here but heading up to 50 as well Star, yay!
I just love watching the snow melt, ha ha!!

I just found an article I read a while ago on the topic of burnout in hospice nursing. It may be interesting to take a look:

http://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/archive/spring08p38.shtml

I think the bottom line, at least for me is knowing that there is danger in giving away so much of yourself. Being the nurse, wife, mother, girl scout leader, friend, daughter, daughter-in-law, etc takes a lot out of you. It is difficult to juggle all that & keep yourself well especially when you get little cooperation from the players involved.
I am still alive, a bit damaged but I am here to tell the story

Enjoy your warmish day Star!
Dill, I hope everything is OK. Hoping this air dries out soon for some ache & pain relief Cyn!
Papmom, hope everything is OK with you too!

Have a wonderful AF Thursday one & all!
Lav

[dill]

Hello All, I'm coming up for air! I think things are maybe going to slow down soon but it has been one heck of a week. Instead of our excursion to New Orleans, we have been home doing 24/7 childcare and hospital visits. Fortunately, our son is improving and will be released likely today. I'm sorry I have been absent and I haven't even had time yet to read back. I think things will be returning to normal soon and hopefully I will be back to being a more regular presence.

I have been thinking of you all, as always. In keeping with our Mindful theme I kept myself going with mindfulness, breathing, awareness, etc. I realize this is probably obvious to most but I just realized over the last few days that living in the moment can have a different interpretation. I most often think of it as meaning in the now, this very minute or second in time. But when I realized last Friday that I was on the hook for God knows how long with child care and health worries for my son, that I had to expand my definition of moment. During a difficult time such as this, the "moment" may be more like several days. After all, compared to eternity, several days/weeks, are just a moment in time. That helped me get through this week (which actually I'm not through yet). This too shall pass. Adjustments will be made as needed.

I'll read back and post again later or tomorrow.

[Lavande]

Just checking in before going to bed - glad to see you posting Dill!
You have been on my mind yet somehow I just knew you were doing OK :hug:
It is such a blessing to be healthy & fit to be able to help out with the young ones when needed. I have a feeling they will always remember your presence. Wishing your son a speedy & complete recovery!

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Wow Dill,what a week for you! Being in the moment is all we ever have, it does make a difference to think that way. Sometimes when it is tough, it is good to think of now in comparison to all time. Your entire family has been through so much in the last two years, I agree with Lav that your loving presence will always be a part of your grandchildren. It is a blessing for them to have you. Sending you peace and strength. Thought you might be interested to know I was able to visit a new yoga studio last night after work and it was GREAT!!! I loved it and signed up for five classes, when it is convenient for me. I hope to go twice a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and get aerobic exercise from walking in my neighborhood and bike riding. It was sunny out and warm and Yay Spring!!

Lav, I thnk you are right about caretaking for women: at home and at work. It has got to be hard to find a balance. I get the feeling from you that in some ways you felt like a single mother. I knew my husband had to focus on work, so I always worked part-time when my kids were growing up. Plus, I did not yet have a degree and had low paying jobs, so was worth more at home! Haha. It is so nice for me right now to work 9-5. I love it. I get home between 5:30 and 6:00 and have time to have something to eat and read, watch TV, talk to my loved ones, soon will be able to take a walk, ride my bike. I am focusing on gratitude. I like seeing the snow melt too. Go away snow, come on green grass. I want green so badly.

Cyn,hope things are going well for you.

Pap, It is already Thursday. Let us know how you are doing.

Yay, Thursday.

[treegirl]

Morning all - Happy Thursday!

Dill - holy cow, what a time you've had! Sending you lots of energy to get through - you must be worn out by now. Ditto Lav and Star; you are a beacon in your gkids lives, and of course your son's. Sending him healing thoughts as well, I hope all works out OK.:hug:

Star - I'm so glad you had some better temps - we did too! The air was so soft that it really seemed like spring, despite everything here still being covered in snow. It was actually a great day - I loved hearing the water trickling through the gutters and downspouts of the roof. Weird, the things one can be grateful for!

Lav - thanks for all the info. I am sometimes swayed by wanting to have a 'regular' job, in a secure industry, in a helping profession. But you're right - I'm already in a helping profession! Between a lovely but high-maintenance HB and related family issues, there's always enough going on. Karmic issues for me: responsibility and care-taking. I'm hoping that my business will pick up, and that a special project I'm writing will take off. In the meantime, not knowing how much money is coming in when is a nail-biter, but still, there's the lure of having personal freedom. I know you made your choice for that!

Pap - hope you are doing OK.

I made the trek to see my naturopath yesterday, and then the rest of the day flew by. But it was worth it; I got some writing out the door, and now am almost done with HB's business tax prepping. Other returns await...

Wishing all a great AF Thursday - to the light!

[Lavande]

Good morning friends & happy Thursday!

I am taking the day to go meet my daughter & granddaughter for some girl time. The orchid exhibit is still going on at Longwood gardens & we haven't been there yet so that's where we will start

Star, great that you found your new yoga spot! I hope it's a good fit for you!
Finding that balanced sweet spot between work & home is so important for all of us. You are absolutely right - I did always feel like a single mother. YB lurked in the shadows way too much for my liking but he did step up called on, ha ha!!

Dill, I hope you find everything settling down today so you can relax a bit :hug:

Papmom & Cyn, are you guys seeing a good snow melt too? I love the end of winter but not the mud, Lol.
Cross-posted Cyn! I hear you about the steady income thing! I had to stay in my regular job until I got my kids thru college then I decided to make the break. I don't have the extra cash now to do some things I'd like to do but that's OK. I'm loving the mind peace
You are most definitely helping people in an important way!

Wishing everyone a wonderful AF Thursday!

Lav

[dill]

Lav, I hope you had a lovely time with your daughter and granddaughter at the orchid exhibit. I think after I post I'll google it to see if there are any pictures of the exhibit. I thank you for your service as a nurse. I have the utmost respect for nurses and kind of stand in awe of them really. It is such a stressful job and there is so much responsibility. Kudos to you.

Star, I am happy to hear you found a good place for yoga! I thought of you today when I passed a sign advertising "gentle yoga". I was in the more dense area on my way to visit my son and grandkids. I thought to myself that if I lived around there, I would definitely stop in and check it out. I love living in the country, but I must admit I am a bit envious of the folks who live in closer to town and have more access to different opportunities and activities. Thank you also for your kind words about my presence for the grandchildren. I'm grateful to be able to do it!

Cyn, thank you for the healing thoughts sent to my son. They hit their mark and he is definitely feeling better today. He was able to eat solid food and tolerated it just fine! It sounds like you have made good progress on your tax work. We have yet to begin ours!

Hi Papmom, Lizann too.

My goodness I am tired. I have walked 5 miles today! I walked 3 at the gym with Mr. D then went to meet a dear friend for lunch and a walk in the sunshine. I'm pretty sure we covered 2 or more miles. It was a beautiful, sunny, cool late winter day. Soon to be SPRING!!!

[papmom3]

Evening my abber friends!! Everything is fine here. I think I'm over the most painful part of losing LM. Still get sad and cry if I think too much about him. I'm focusing on trying to find the perfect memory box for all his things and his ashes. I'll find it eventually.
I've been very disciplined about exercise this week in order to offset all the grief eating I did this past weekend. Gained 2 lbs- yikes!! Walked to work and went to the gym on Monday; walked to work, home for lunch, back to work and home on Tuesday; a jog outside in the gorgeous weather yesterday with DD (the only "safe" place was the upper parking lot of the college where I work and even then I was playing dodge cars with the speed racers who were late for their 6:30 class!!). We tried the local rail trail but it is still covered in 3 feet of snow and kept sinking down (snowshoes would have been helpful!). Today I did a gentle yoga class at lunch-the college offers it for free-definitely found my yoga practice!-and H20 bootcamp after work.
Its been so nice the past 3 days but today was extremely windy and cold. Even so, at least 1 foot of snow has melted in my yard and my deck is 2/3 clear. We're expecting pretty bad weather this weekend unfortunately.
Saturday I may be working-hoping to see a few friends if I do (they live in the area of the demo). It will be nice to connect and commiserate as they all have lost precious butterflys.

Dill-what a relief to hear your son is feeling better! Echo everyone else that you are such a comfort to your family and can always be counted on. They are so lucky! great job on all the walking and exercise!

Star-Yay for finding your yoga practice!! We'll have to compare experiences!

Cyn-any news from the vet on girl dog? Definitely try accupuncture-it cannot hurt at all and you never know! I really hope your business takes off if thats what you want but if not, the local CCs have some very interesting certificate and associate degree programs now. did you know that there is such a thing as a Sleep Technician? Who knew?

Lav-how was Longwood? I swear I have to get there before I get too old to drive LOL!! did you all go out to lunch? Is most of your snow gone?

Bear-way to go! Keep up the great work!

Well, its time to feed the pups and maybe get to bed at a normal hour.

[SnoopyC]

Good morning all...

Pap, good to hear from you and that you are taking care of yourself with exercise. What a good idea. I need to get moving a bit more too. Our snow has melted mostly, except in parking lots where they piles it up. I know it will take lots of time up north for the snow to melt. I am grateful for every day of warmth at the end of winter.

Dill, wow, lots of exercise for you too!! Glad your son is doing better.

Lav, know you had fun with the girls. Sounds like financially you have everything you need, most of what you want. And time, precious time.

Cyn, I love the sound of melting snow. May it continue.

Have a good Friday, off to work for me.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends on this Friday the 13th

As long as it doesn't snow today everything will be just fine, ha ha!!!

Great to see you Papmom!
Exercise is a great tool especially when you can get outside & move around! We are expecting rain this weekend but it could be worse, right? I've started the yard cleanup & figure if I pick up a bag of dog poop everyday we'll be in good shape soon, ha ha!!

Dill, glad to hear your news that your son is doing well.
We did enjoy our trip to Longwood yesterday I have a few pictures on my phone but their website has better orchid pics - they were just beautiful! http://longwoodgardens.org/events-an...d-extravaganza
We stopped for a quick lunch right there in their café - good place to eat when you have a 4 year old with you

Star, I do have most of what I want & remind myself daily that life is not meant to be perfect. I won't ever fall into that feeling sorry for myself mode again - been there & done that. I have learned my lesson the hard way!

Cyn, hope you are OK & enjoying the snow melt!

Wishing everyone a great AF Friday! I have to run to the vet to pick up a Rx refill for my big dog then on to Curves. Good way to start the day

Lav

[treegirl]

Happy Friday the 13th! I think it will be a wonderful day today - it's 19 degrees here now, but going up to 40 - woo hoo!

Pap, we had that remarkable wind here too - sounded like a freight train all night and all day. But calmer today, hooray. I hope we don't have too much of a rain this weekend - crossing fingers for you. Great job on all the exercise, and so glad that you found a yoga class at school! Take care of yourself, and go ahead and grieve, you just have to -- have you seen sites where they can take some of the ashes and make a 'stone' for a piece of jewelry? I saw that long after I lost my last dog, and thought that I might have done it if I had known.

Star - meant to say congrats on finding a yoga practice close to you, that's terrific. Also glad to hear that most of your snow is gone! Things are still completely covered here, but it's no longer as deep, and that's a great feeling. Hope you have a restful weekend planned.

Lav - wow, the gardens sound great - just the shot in the arm that one needs before spring has sprung. So glad you had the time with family. We live not too far from the NY Botanical Gardens...I should see if they have something similar...

Dill - so glad to hear that your son is doing better. And great job on the walking! Nothing like that to relieve stress, right? I have been talking with HB about how I can do some stress relief, and I think that hiking is the best thing for me -- they say some of the trails around here are passable, so I'm hoping to get out there this weekend.

Hello Lizanne and Bear - hope all is well. My mindful practice today will be to BREATHE (consciously, that is). I find myself holding my breath as I sit and crunch numbers at the computer. Thank goodness there's still plenty of shoveling to do so that I get outside and get some oxygen.
To the light!