I saw an advertisement on a public school bus today. It's not the first one I've seen since moving here, either. Is that why the school district is so good? They supplement tax payer dollars with advertising revenue?
I'm not sure what I think about that; actually I'm not sure what to think about that.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Walk Tall
There is a song titled Walk Tall by John Mellencamp. I can't get enough of it. I have searched the internets far and wide for months and have not been able to find it to add to my playlist. Boo. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find this song for me. If you find it, I'll be forever indebted to you. Really.
Here are the lyrics to get you started:
The simple minded
And the uninformed
Can be easily led astray
And those that cannot connect the dots
Hey, look the other way
People believe what they want to believe
When it makes no sense at all
So becareful of those who
Kill in Jesus' Name and don’t believe in
Killing at all.
Somewhere out in the distance
Is the death of you and me
Even though we don't think of it much
It's still out there for us to see
If you treat your life like a bar room fight
You'll die stinking of gin
No drunkards allowed in heaven
No sinners will get in.
So be careful in what you believe in
There's plenty to get you confused
And in this land called paradise
You must walk in many men's shoes
Bigotry and hatred are enemies to us all
Grace, mercy and forgiveness
Will help a man walk tall.
Those are just the verses. The chorus is a bunch of 'walk talls' that sort of run into each other and are kind of a pain to wade through in printed form. Anyway, if you find a link to the song, let me know. My undying gratitude will be your prize. And if you can't find it, well then, enjoy the lyrics.
Here are the lyrics to get you started:
The simple minded
And the uninformed
Can be easily led astray
And those that cannot connect the dots
Hey, look the other way
People believe what they want to believe
When it makes no sense at all
So becareful of those who
Kill in Jesus' Name and don’t believe in
Killing at all.
Somewhere out in the distance
Is the death of you and me
Even though we don't think of it much
It's still out there for us to see
If you treat your life like a bar room fight
You'll die stinking of gin
No drunkards allowed in heaven
No sinners will get in.
So be careful in what you believe in
There's plenty to get you confused
And in this land called paradise
You must walk in many men's shoes
Bigotry and hatred are enemies to us all
Grace, mercy and forgiveness
Will help a man walk tall.
Those are just the verses. The chorus is a bunch of 'walk talls' that sort of run into each other and are kind of a pain to wade through in printed form. Anyway, if you find a link to the song, let me know. My undying gratitude will be your prize. And if you can't find it, well then, enjoy the lyrics.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Grant Me Strength
Some days, I swear I won't make it to the end of this parenting gig with my sanity in tact. My daughter occasionally acts as if she has taken a leave of absence from her body and allowed 47 varieties of hysterical body snatchers to take up residence there. It's enough to reduce my usual calm self to the gnashing of teeth and the wearing of sackcloth and ashes.
:deep sigh:
Today, it began with the refusal to wear the outfit that was perfectly acceptable only 10 minutes earlier. Once the clothing issue was settled, she decided that when I trimmed her hair last night, I trimmed it too short. A continuous wail of "My-hair-is-too-short-I-want-my-hair-long" ensued on the walk out the door, down the stairs, to the car and half way to school.
When I picked her up this afternoon, she pouted when I asked about her spelling test, even though she did extremely well on it. At home, she wanted to paint but we are, sadly, out of both water colors and the not-so-washable washable paint. This was cause for more pouting and whining, "But I want to paaaaaaaaaaaaaaint." A brief time out fixed her attitude momentarily -- until she decided that she wanted to change into her pajamas for movie night.
Now, changing into her pajamas wasn't the problem. (I was just fine with this because pajamas mean sleepiness and sleepiness leads to actual sleep very quickly with this child.) No, the problem occurred when she shouted at her brother to leave the room so she could change. I prompted her to ask politely and she responded by shoving said brother. Another trip to time out, accompanied by more screeching and wailing -- this time, for Daaaaaaaaaaaad-dyyyyyyyyyyyyy. My response? Sweetheart, Daddy wouldn't be too happy about your behavior right now, either.
:deeper sigh:
The rum on top of the fridge is beginning to look very enticing.
:deep sigh:
Today, it began with the refusal to wear the outfit that was perfectly acceptable only 10 minutes earlier. Once the clothing issue was settled, she decided that when I trimmed her hair last night, I trimmed it too short. A continuous wail of "My-hair-is-too-short-I-want-my-hair-long" ensued on the walk out the door, down the stairs, to the car and half way to school.
When I picked her up this afternoon, she pouted when I asked about her spelling test, even though she did extremely well on it. At home, she wanted to paint but we are, sadly, out of both water colors and the not-so-washable washable paint. This was cause for more pouting and whining, "But I want to paaaaaaaaaaaaaaint." A brief time out fixed her attitude momentarily -- until she decided that she wanted to change into her pajamas for movie night.
Now, changing into her pajamas wasn't the problem. (I was just fine with this because pajamas mean sleepiness and sleepiness leads to actual sleep very quickly with this child.) No, the problem occurred when she shouted at her brother to leave the room so she could change. I prompted her to ask politely and she responded by shoving said brother. Another trip to time out, accompanied by more screeching and wailing -- this time, for Daaaaaaaaaaaad-dyyyyyyyyyyyyy. My response? Sweetheart, Daddy wouldn't be too happy about your behavior right now, either.
:deeper sigh:
The rum on top of the fridge is beginning to look very enticing.
My New Favorite Movie
I know I'm about 4 months behind the rest of the country, but I finally watched Juno. Best movie I have seen in a very long time. I enjoyed every minute of it. In fact, I watched it on Monday night and could have watched it again immediately if it hadn't been so late. I did watch it again on Wednesday night. In order to leave it unspoiled for those who haven't seen it, I'll avoid saying anything about specifics.
I will say though, that it is an excellent story, told by wonderful actors in an ordinary setting that makes it easy to relate to. It runs the emotional gamut with hilarious comedic moments, a few incredibly touching scenes and still others that are very uncomfortable. It's tied together perfectly, coming full circle in the end. It even makes you second guess the ending that you know just has to happen. It's a very smart movie, too. Even after seeing it twice, I'm left with a few questions about the back story; they're not important in the grand scheme of the movie, but it's enough of a mystery to be intriguing.
This is one for my meager DVD collection. And I hardly ever say that.
I will say though, that it is an excellent story, told by wonderful actors in an ordinary setting that makes it easy to relate to. It runs the emotional gamut with hilarious comedic moments, a few incredibly touching scenes and still others that are very uncomfortable. It's tied together perfectly, coming full circle in the end. It even makes you second guess the ending that you know just has to happen. It's a very smart movie, too. Even after seeing it twice, I'm left with a few questions about the back story; they're not important in the grand scheme of the movie, but it's enough of a mystery to be intriguing.
This is one for my meager DVD collection. And I hardly ever say that.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Creative Parenting
There are times during a parent's life when a white lie is easier than most any other route. I discovered this last summer when Solomon developed arachnophobia. It got so bad that he couldn't sleep at night for fear that a spider might crawl on him.
I tried reasoning with him. We had never seen a spider in the house. Spiders are here to help us by eating flies and mosquitoes. Spiders don't want to bite people. On and on my explanations went and still he refused to sleep.
After a week of this, I was at the end of my rope. I dug out a bottle of Bath & Body Works body spray and told my sweet, innocent child that it was No More Spider Spray. I spritzed him, his sheets, his pillow and his bed frame with No More Spider Spray.
It worked like a charm. He was asleep within 5 minutes. For the next few months, any time he sensed that it was spider dinner time, he asked for the spray and I complied. Crisis averted. I felt slightly guilty about lying to my child, but bed time was so much easier that I didn't let it bother me too much. It got us through a rough patch and everything is fine now.
I had to tell another white lie tonight, though. Samuel just knew there was a monster hiding behind the shower curtain. Did you know it's impossible to brush your teeth with a monster in the bathtub? Well, it is -- until Mommy saves you with her magic No More Monster Spray.
I tried reasoning with him. We had never seen a spider in the house. Spiders are here to help us by eating flies and mosquitoes. Spiders don't want to bite people. On and on my explanations went and still he refused to sleep.
After a week of this, I was at the end of my rope. I dug out a bottle of Bath & Body Works body spray and told my sweet, innocent child that it was No More Spider Spray. I spritzed him, his sheets, his pillow and his bed frame with No More Spider Spray.
It worked like a charm. He was asleep within 5 minutes. For the next few months, any time he sensed that it was spider dinner time, he asked for the spray and I complied. Crisis averted. I felt slightly guilty about lying to my child, but bed time was so much easier that I didn't let it bother me too much. It got us through a rough patch and everything is fine now.
I had to tell another white lie tonight, though. Samuel just knew there was a monster hiding behind the shower curtain. Did you know it's impossible to brush your teeth with a monster in the bathtub? Well, it is -- until Mommy saves you with her magic No More Monster Spray.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Making a Difference
I miss my old job. It was frustrating in a lot of respects. There was always something unfinished. I was usually behind on at least half a dozen things. Some of the parents were maddening in their capacity for complete ignorance, no matter how many conversations I had with them.
But I miss it because I really felt like I made a difference to some people. I knew it when a mother left my office, relieved that she had a dentist to take her child to. I knew it when a panicked child calmed down during his breathing treatment. I knew it when a Spanish-speaking-only parent realized that not only could I understand him, but I could also help him get a doctor's appointment for his child with a 104 degree fever.
I miss the people I worked with. They knew what I was going through because they were going through it, too. All my frustrations and victories were the same for them. We were a team and we worked together so well.
I miss the kids in the school. So many of them were in my office regularly. I got to know them and their conditions. I worked with their parents to coordinate things at school and at home. I wonder how a few of them are doing now and how much they've grown.
I really miss feeling like I am making a difference. Some people might think I have an over-blown sense of myself after reading that sentence. I don't know; maybe I do, maybe I don't. Whatever it is, I know I don't get the same feeling from my current job. I really hope to get back to the same environment some day.
But I miss it because I really felt like I made a difference to some people. I knew it when a mother left my office, relieved that she had a dentist to take her child to. I knew it when a panicked child calmed down during his breathing treatment. I knew it when a Spanish-speaking-only parent realized that not only could I understand him, but I could also help him get a doctor's appointment for his child with a 104 degree fever.
I miss the people I worked with. They knew what I was going through because they were going through it, too. All my frustrations and victories were the same for them. We were a team and we worked together so well.
I miss the kids in the school. So many of them were in my office regularly. I got to know them and their conditions. I worked with their parents to coordinate things at school and at home. I wonder how a few of them are doing now and how much they've grown.
I really miss feeling like I am making a difference. Some people might think I have an over-blown sense of myself after reading that sentence. I don't know; maybe I do, maybe I don't. Whatever it is, I know I don't get the same feeling from my current job. I really hope to get back to the same environment some day.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
PSA 2
To All Parents:
When you take your young child to the doctor's office, do not lie and say that the nurse is not going to give them a shot. Do not say to your child, "She's only checking your leg," as the nurse lays the child on the table, immoblizing arms and legs. Do not continue denying that they are getting a shot as their thigh is swabbed with alcohol and the nurse uncaps the needle. Just don't do it. They will grow up hating nurses, doctors and anyone else who wears scrubs or lab coats. And a tiny part of them will resent you forever.
Conversely, do not threaten your child with the punishment of getting shots for misbehaving in the waiting room. No one likes shots. Even nurses don't like giving them. But they serve a purpose and it's pretty useful. It isn't punishment, it's just a fact of life. Teach your child how to deal with this fact of life. Failing that, shut up and let the nurse deal with educating your child and holding them down.
When you take your young child to the doctor's office, do not lie and say that the nurse is not going to give them a shot. Do not say to your child, "She's only checking your leg," as the nurse lays the child on the table, immoblizing arms and legs. Do not continue denying that they are getting a shot as their thigh is swabbed with alcohol and the nurse uncaps the needle. Just don't do it. They will grow up hating nurses, doctors and anyone else who wears scrubs or lab coats. And a tiny part of them will resent you forever.
Conversely, do not threaten your child with the punishment of getting shots for misbehaving in the waiting room. No one likes shots. Even nurses don't like giving them. But they serve a purpose and it's pretty useful. It isn't punishment, it's just a fact of life. Teach your child how to deal with this fact of life. Failing that, shut up and let the nurse deal with educating your child and holding them down.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
My Favorite Things
Homemade popcorn, popped the old-fashioned way, with a little oil in a heavy pan. Real butter drizzled over it and a slight dusting of salt and pepper make it perfect.
The smell of my children's necks, not right after a bath when they are scent-heavy with fruity shampoo, but about 24 hours afterward. Just like when they were infants, their own scent is about the best in the universe.
An overcast sky with a hint of balminess in the air, rain coming in with the wind. I could sit outside for hours like that.
Driving to and from work while listening to audiobooks. It's the only way I have time for anything remotely resembling contact with literature while I'm in school and working.
Fresh, clean sheets on my bed. This is best after a long day of house cleaning and laundry. Going to bed after a day like that is heavenly.
Learning a new job and being good at it. This week, I've learned how to document immunizations on the state registry, mix and administer a variety of injections, run urinalysis, draw up urine cultures, run strep tests and read the results.
Running the car through a good wash, vacuuming the whole thing out, scrubbing melted candy off the seats, wiping smeared fingerprints off the windows and throwing out all the garbage that collects under the booster seats.
Discovering a new, awesome song. Today, it was "My Medicine" by Snoop Dogg. Seriously.
Hillary Clinton has admitted she won't gain enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination. She won't concede the race to Barack Obama (because she thinks a winner will be declared at the DNC), but she's admitted at least that much and it makes me giggle.
The smell of my children's necks, not right after a bath when they are scent-heavy with fruity shampoo, but about 24 hours afterward. Just like when they were infants, their own scent is about the best in the universe.
An overcast sky with a hint of balminess in the air, rain coming in with the wind. I could sit outside for hours like that.
Driving to and from work while listening to audiobooks. It's the only way I have time for anything remotely resembling contact with literature while I'm in school and working.
Fresh, clean sheets on my bed. This is best after a long day of house cleaning and laundry. Going to bed after a day like that is heavenly.
Learning a new job and being good at it. This week, I've learned how to document immunizations on the state registry, mix and administer a variety of injections, run urinalysis, draw up urine cultures, run strep tests and read the results.
Running the car through a good wash, vacuuming the whole thing out, scrubbing melted candy off the seats, wiping smeared fingerprints off the windows and throwing out all the garbage that collects under the booster seats.
Discovering a new, awesome song. Today, it was "My Medicine" by Snoop Dogg. Seriously.
Hillary Clinton has admitted she won't gain enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination. She won't concede the race to Barack Obama (because she thinks a winner will be declared at the DNC), but she's admitted at least that much and it makes me giggle.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Martin Luther King, Jr.
A thoughtful essay, well worth your time. The writer presents the reality of Martin Luther King, Jr. and what his death has meant for this nation.
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1726656_1727254_1726040,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1726656_1727254_1726040,00.html
Bigfoot Lives Upstairs
It has to. Seriously. That's the only explanation for the thumping, stomping, pacing footsteps to which I am subjected every evening.
It's worst on Friday afternoon and evening. I think it's because the beast must be attempting to clean its cave of an apartment after a long week of neglecting household chores. I picture the creature clomping about on hairy feet with crusted toenails, picking up clutter, putting laundry in to wash, loading the dishwasher.
It follows a similar pattern to my own housecleaning. Lots of moving about in the kitchen. Living room to bedrooms. Back and forth from laundry room to closets. I could feel something of a kinship to it, if the the rumblings weren't so mind-numbingly loud.
It's worst on Friday afternoon and evening. I think it's because the beast must be attempting to clean its cave of an apartment after a long week of neglecting household chores. I picture the creature clomping about on hairy feet with crusted toenails, picking up clutter, putting laundry in to wash, loading the dishwasher.
It follows a similar pattern to my own housecleaning. Lots of moving about in the kitchen. Living room to bedrooms. Back and forth from laundry room to closets. I could feel something of a kinship to it, if the the rumblings weren't so mind-numbingly loud.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Follow Up
So. I was right. Today was not fun, but not for the reasons I expected. The drive was fine -- at that hideous hour, even I-25 is practically empty. And the weather was fine. It took forever to defrost my windshield and scrape it but there was no ice on the streets.
No, today was completely unfun for a totally different reason. I was responsible for 18 patients in a geriatric facility. These 18 patients are all on at least a dozen medications, many of them are on more. Half of them required blood glucose monitoring and/or insulin injections, both at breakfast and at lunch. I dispensed and accounted for way too many narcotics.
I arrived at 6:15 and didn't leave until 3:45. I had no breaks, no lunch and went to the bathroom once. I stood, walked, climbed stairs, knelt and bent non-stop, for 9 1/2 hours.
I have homework to do tonight for my pharmacology class. I'm not doing it. I've counted mgs, meqs, gtts, units and mls for too long today already. I can't look at another drug or think about another drug until at least tomorrow.
No, today was completely unfun for a totally different reason. I was responsible for 18 patients in a geriatric facility. These 18 patients are all on at least a dozen medications, many of them are on more. Half of them required blood glucose monitoring and/or insulin injections, both at breakfast and at lunch. I dispensed and accounted for way too many narcotics.
I arrived at 6:15 and didn't leave until 3:45. I had no breaks, no lunch and went to the bathroom once. I stood, walked, climbed stairs, knelt and bent non-stop, for 9 1/2 hours.
I have homework to do tonight for my pharmacology class. I'm not doing it. I've counted mgs, meqs, gtts, units and mls for too long today already. I can't look at another drug or think about another drug until at least tomorrow.
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