Good morning all you beautiful people! The sun is shining through my windows today, both literally and otherwise...It's good to be alive.

Last week I went to Vancouver Island and had a chance to meet two members of our forum, Max and Bonnie. I also have family over there so visited with them too. It was wonderful and my mind is still boggled (not sure if that's the right word) by all that transpired.

I've been watching CNN and the coverage of the upcoming election in the States (I'm in Canada, for those of you who don't know me). This is truly a defining moment in history, and all four characters at center stage are absolutely fascinating. I must admit, I also have a "thing" for Anderson Cooper I only caught part of the Joe Biden special last night. I hope they repeat it. I was impressed by what I saw. Does anyone know if I can get on the CNN website and bring it up and watch it?

The other exciting bit of news (in my life) is that my son who lives in the States and is a film maker down there is up for a major award for his most recent movie. It will be released September 26th. The title is "Forever Strong". It is an "Independent" film which means he does not have a marketing budget for it, but should you come across it go see it. It's a Rugby movie based on a true story.

Your turn: what's new, Who's who, and who's blue? or whatever....

Cheers: rosebud

I am very happy to say that I am also enjoying some beautiful weather here in Cheney, WA. I have only lived here for three years, but usually the weather is much cooler by this time. I think that we are going to have some temperatures in the upper eighties later in the week. That just thrills me!

I have had a lot going on this past week. I started the clinical portion of my CNA program last Monday. It was very emotional and by Wednesday I had a complete breakdown at the end of the day. I just cried and cried and I felt like I couldn't go back and finish the program. It is so hard to watch people decline in their ability to function and not be able to complete the basic tasks of daily living. As much as I try not to picture myself in their shoes someday...I have had a hard time avoiding such thoughts. I have also found the uncaring, lackadaisical attitudes of some of the other caregivers to be very upsetting. The majority of people just get in, get done with what they need to do and get out....along the way corners get cut. I don't like that. I am slower than others, but I do things the way that they are supposed to be done and I feel good about what I have done for the resident. I'm not sure how well that is going to fly as the number of residents that I care for increases, considering the limited amount of time available. Long story short, I have decided to continue on and finish the last week of my clinical experience. I have one week left and I can't quit now. I am trying to look at things differently. I am going to focus on providing the best quality care that I can provide to the residents that I take care of while I am there. I have done that to the best of my ability under the time constraints that I have. Every day when I walk into a residents room, I know that just by being there and meeting their needs, I brighten their day. By the time that I leave their rooms, they have laughed or chuckled at least once.

I am considering the possibility of becoming a home health CNA. I think it would allow me to develop a closer relationship with the people that I care for and provide a higher level of quality care. For those of you that pray, please keep me in your prayers this week. Pray that the Lord will keep me strong both physically and emotionally. This is both hard on my body and my mind. Pray that I will be a blessing to the people that I take care of. More than anything else, I want to send the message that I care about all of their needs, not just the physical ones. Pray that the Lord will open a door for employment for me. Our finances are tight right now, so it is important that I find a job as soon as possible. In my heart, I feel it is most important to wind up working in the right place and for the right person...even if it takes a little bit longer. I just want the Lord to lead me into the right situation...so pray that I am open to it and that I feel good about it when the situation arises.

Obviously, there has been a lot on my mind lately. I have had a hard time sleeping well and have generally felt sad a lot of the time. Even when I try to be happy...it's a real stretch. I hope that once things settle down a bit, things will get back to normal...whatever that is. A friend of mine jokes with me that NORMAL is just a setting on the washing machine. I think she just may be onto something!

I hope that you all have a great week ahead.

The weather has been GREAT here in the Puget Sound area for the last couple of weeks Won't be long though until the rain starts

Went to the state fair last Tuesday....did pretty good considering the amount of walking that was involved. Went to "The Casting Crowns" concert, a contemporary christian group from Georgia, they were very good.

Speaking of walking....I have been going to physical therapy for my gait I know they mean well but I usually leave irritated. I feel like all they do is nag....nag....nag

The Seahawks lost today to the SF 49rs 33 - 30 in overtime.

Have a good week!

Been in Seattle for the last 3 weeks....it's perfect up here. What a beautiful majestic part of the country!

paula

Hey, are we the only part of the universe left??? All the posters are from just south of me in Washington State. Even Paula is in Seattle.

evonne: I will put in a good word for you with the powers in the universe. When you no longer are working you will make one heck of an advocate having been in the system for many years.

When I first got my insurance license, I was a single mom just trying to get by and I needed a job fast. I got the highest mark in my class on the final exam and of course I had my pick of the jobs in agencies that contacted the college looking for new recruits. But coincidentally a small agency was contacted by the woman who ran the life skills course at the school looking for companies who would take on a practicum placement (that meant you needed extra help, learning to talk to people, dress for the business world, the importance of personal hygiene etc.) I was not needing any help in that area, so the college pushed me right out the door There was a misunderstanding between the rep from the college and the woman at the agency when the woman at the agency asked the rep if she had anyone who was sharp enough for a counter job and the rep thought
of me. I went to see the office manager and she really liked me and she said she'd hire me, but I had 3 more interviews lined up, so I told her I'd get back to her at the end of the week. I went to the other interviews,and was offered 2 of the 3 other jobs. At the end of the week, I knew the first interview was where I needed to be. Even tho the other jobs all paid more, and 1 of them came with full benefits. I phoned my first interview back and asked if the job was still available. Donna (the woman who interviewed me) was thrilled to have me. She told me some time later that when I had walked out the door the first day we met she was sure I was gone for good.
She nearly fell off her chair when I phoned her back and said I wanted to work there. She asked me why I came back. I told her that It just felt right, and knew the first day that was probably the job I would take, but I had to go do the other interviews to be sure. Then when I started she found out I hadn't been through a practicum and she nearly had a heart attack (practicums are usually 3 months and you learn the basics on the governments training program, which also pays your wage!) She got over it pretty quick when I learned quickly, and she realized I was worth having around.....I stayed there and loved it for nearly two years. Great people to work with, the pay was lousy, no benefits, minimum holidays. But I was happy and I could always afford peanut butter for sandwiches. Yes you will be fine Evonne. Because someone will know that your caring heart will make you superior to the faster, brighter, Highy efficient but less caring others. Doors will open for you. I know it. Never doubt and never fear.
Now Get Going!!!!