Someone sent me an email today and I swear it was like reading an email I wrote in the past. This girl and I are remarkably similar! All of her fears and concerns mirror mine 100%. She wants to go to nursing school and is just scared and intimidated. Yeah it is scary and intimidating, but at the same time empowering. So I thought, if she has the same emotions that I used to, how many others are holding out on applying for nursing school because they're scared? So I decided to put part of my response to her into a blog. I hope it helps at least one person some day!!!
Your heart is exactly where mine is! I've wanted to be a midwife since I was 12. I only started college when I was 26. So I really put it off for a million reasons in the past. It was just never a good time. And I know EXACTLY what you mean by not having the self-confidence. You know, after these years of college and doing good and people saying they're proud of me... I STILL doubt myself. But at the same time I've been able to show myself and others around me that I'm not the loser that I always saw myself as being. Yeah I spent years saying "One day I will be a nurse" and that's how people saw me. Someone who "wishes" they could be a nurse, but would never go for it. Or at least that's how I felt they saw me.
I don't know, I just got fed up one day. I decided to take the dive and apply for admission to a local college. Even after that it took me almost a year to actually carry through with it. College seemed so intimidating and I never seemed to have the answers I really needed. So girl I hope you found the person who will give you that little push to just do it. It's scary, but you can do it. Nursing is not something to take lightly, but remember that people with the drive and the true desire to make it do. And I believe you are EXACTLY like I was.
Like I said, it IS scary and intimidating and you will always doubt yourself along the way. You will think the end is SO far away and there's just too many opportunities to fall off track. Stay focused! You can email me ANY time and I will talk you through it.
One thing they will not do in nursing school is let you go into a clinical situation unprepared. There is alot of class and lab time that you master before you even go out into the hospitals. Even while you're in the hospitals you have classmates and instructors that will help you. Heck, I hung IV antibiotics and programmed the machines for the first time this week and my instructor was there every step of the way. You have to think, you're working under their license and they won't let you screw up THAT badly. You won't be perfect, that's to be expected. But they want to see that you catch your mistakes and explain what you will do different next time. And then you do it!
I also know just what you mean when you say that you have no desire to do things like bathe the elderly and things like that. Yeah that was me LOL And that's what I seemed to always get. Old people. But I was shocked that it was nothing like I thought it would be. It's not that bad. You just do it. It's like when you become a mother, you aren't perfect, but you're able to go by instinct and take care of them. And they actually respect you for trying your best with them.
As far as websites go, I really recommend allnurses. com. And me! I can try to fill you in the best I can with what to expect every step of the way.
So the first thing you need to do is make up a plan. Remember, you're in control and you can wait until you're comfortable before moving on to the next step.
Keep a notebook that you write everything college related in. Write down the local colleges that offer nursing and their website. If you talk to someone, write down their name and what they say. It'll help you, trust me.
Next, pick your college and apply. They will often times want your high school transcript and they will tell you how to get it (or how they will get it). You will also need your shot record. But if you're like me I had no access to it. You can get a blood test to see what you're immune to and just get shots for the things you're not immune to.
The next thing you need to do is take a placement test. This will just show if you need some "refresher courses" in math and English. I'm horrible in math and had to take a refresher course.
You will have to go to FAFSA. ed. gov and fill out the application for financial aid. Everyone does it whether they need financial aid or not. Schools use this as a way to determine what you qualify for to pay for college. Go to the FAFSA site I gave you. It is free, but there are tons of sites that try to be the real thing that charge you money. Don't fall for that. You will need last years tax return 1040 to fill it out.
You will get a letter from the financial aid department telling you what you qualify for. Hopefully you will qualify for the Pell Grant. School is paid for, books are paid for, and you generally get some good money back to pay for college expenses. Look online for scholarships as well. They have all kinds of scholarships. I'm sure they even have scholarships for people with your name LOL
If you're self disciplined, I recommend online classes. It's a great transition to the whole college thing and you work at your own pace. But take it seriously and keep up with your classes and assignments. I had like a 1.5 GPA in high school cause I didn't take it seriously and I went through online classes for a year with a 4.0. If you know you have to be in class hearing things in order to learn it, take classes on campus. Don't worry about not fitting in. There are people from 18-60+ in college from all backgrounds.
After that, just hang in there! Take it one step at a time. Colleges can be a pain in the butt to try working with because noone seems to know what they're talking about. That's where the notebook comes in handy. You know who helps you and who is dumb as heck. You will know who to ask for in the future LOL
Well, like I said, please feel free to write me any time. Keep me updated every step of the way. You CAN do this!!!!!!
Ok people. If you've been there and want to add something, please do! If you are thinking about applying, please take my advice and go for it. Good luck!!!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Peds Clinicals - Stopping in my Nursing Education to Look Around
Wow, I can't believe that my last semester in years is almost finally here. As many of you know, even after I delete blog postings here on myspace I save them in Yahoo. I still go back and read some of my first blogs sometimes. I don't want to speak too soon cause anything can still keep me from graduating in May. But standing at my front door, I see the welcome friend of graduation walking my way.
I never thought that I would get so attached to the friends I have made in school. I'm the type that will be friends with anyone. That's a far cry from high school where I hated so many of the immature brats I graduated with. It's better with college. There's more at stake than just mommy and daddys money. It's our personal investments and lives on the lines. And of course I'm scared to death what a new presidency will bring.
Like anything I've met good people and bad people, good instructors and bad instructors. When I graduate I plan to thank big time all of my instructors, but I want to do something for my two most favorite instructors. One I've known for several months and another I just met this semester. The one I just met this semester, I see so much of what I want to be in her. I feel she would make a great role model and someone I can look up to. She reassured me when I felt out of place in her own mellow and genteel ways. The other one brought lots of fun and entertainment along the way and would never let me feel out of place. She's only a Fundamentals and Med-Surg instructor, so I don't see her anymore, but she still made nursing school somewhat dealable LOL (No I don't think it's a word)
For all of you current nursing students and nursing students to be, please keep in touch with me. As many of you already know, I'm always here to help anyone who has nursing school questions, or anything else. And to all of you who have seen me through nursing school, thank you for your unique contributions, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Especially my family and closest friends (Esp McKenzie, Melody, and Shabrina). But there's so many. I'll be sure to give you a personal shout out at a later time in a more formal way.
I'm calling it a night now in preparation for another day at CHOA. Have a great week everyone!
I never thought that I would get so attached to the friends I have made in school. I'm the type that will be friends with anyone. That's a far cry from high school where I hated so many of the immature brats I graduated with. It's better with college. There's more at stake than just mommy and daddys money. It's our personal investments and lives on the lines. And of course I'm scared to death what a new presidency will bring.
Like anything I've met good people and bad people, good instructors and bad instructors. When I graduate I plan to thank big time all of my instructors, but I want to do something for my two most favorite instructors. One I've known for several months and another I just met this semester. The one I just met this semester, I see so much of what I want to be in her. I feel she would make a great role model and someone I can look up to. She reassured me when I felt out of place in her own mellow and genteel ways. The other one brought lots of fun and entertainment along the way and would never let me feel out of place. She's only a Fundamentals and Med-Surg instructor, so I don't see her anymore, but she still made nursing school somewhat dealable LOL (No I don't think it's a word)
For all of you current nursing students and nursing students to be, please keep in touch with me. As many of you already know, I'm always here to help anyone who has nursing school questions, or anything else. And to all of you who have seen me through nursing school, thank you for your unique contributions, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Especially my family and closest friends (Esp McKenzie, Melody, and Shabrina). But there's so many. I'll be sure to give you a personal shout out at a later time in a more formal way.
I'm calling it a night now in preparation for another day at CHOA. Have a great week everyone!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
L & D: So this is what I’ve wanted to do my whole life
Today was emotionally and physically exhausting. I kept plenty busy in L & D today. Before I knew it, it was time for post-conference. I didn't even catch lunch. In only 6 hours I got to be there (and help out in many ways!) on two deliveries.
One baby, I was just a foot away when she entered the world and I watched as she let out just the most adorable cry. It was very special. Way better than what you see on "A Baby Story" and all those other shows. When I looked up and the daddy and the grandmother their faces were priceless. Yes, I about lost a tear, but it was all good.
The other one I watched being delivered and I watched as she never opened her eyes and never took a breath. Her mother never heard her cry. This is something I'll get used to, I know, but it's just so sad. Fortunately, my clinical instructor said that it's great when people can feel for their patients so much. So my prayers are with them tonight. I've been where they are now and I feel their pain all too well.
One baby, I was just a foot away when she entered the world and I watched as she let out just the most adorable cry. It was very special. Way better than what you see on "A Baby Story" and all those other shows. When I looked up and the daddy and the grandmother their faces were priceless. Yes, I about lost a tear, but it was all good.
The other one I watched being delivered and I watched as she never opened her eyes and never took a breath. Her mother never heard her cry. This is something I'll get used to, I know, but it's just so sad. Fortunately, my clinical instructor said that it's great when people can feel for their patients so much. So my prayers are with them tonight. I've been where they are now and I feel their pain all too well.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Childbirth Workshop - Mother/Baby Assignment
Childbirth Workshop
September 24, 2008
The Childbirth Education Workshop definitely proved to be incredibly valuable to my education, and hopefully my lifelong career working as a nurse in labor and delivery. It will definitely prove invaluable when it comes time to assist a woman and support her during such a special time in her and her family’s life.
Although I have two children, I didn’t get any preparation through a childbirth class. Constant preterm labor with my first son kept me from attending every childbirth class I hoped to attend. When labor finally occurred at term, it was nothing but extreme pain and “counting the centimeters” until I qualified for an epidural. I was completely unprepared. After complications and reaching only 5 centimeters in two days an emergency cesarean section was performed. My second son was born at 35 weeks by cesarean section as well after a horrible experience with preeclampsia.
I described my personal experiences because although absolutely nothing went "according to plan" I still view the whole maternity experience in a very positive way. Why? Because there was always that one special nurse each time who had a real passion for her work and was full of wonderful information. Today in the workshop I also acquired some fantastic knowledge and hopefully someday I can make another woman’s experience positive no matter how non-traditional it becomes.
I was introduced to how the process of labor and delivery occur and how the nurse assists the mother, and entire family, to make it the best experience possible. I was especially interested in how the workshop focused on the mother's inner strength and how the nurse can educate and support her so that she can walk away with a positive experience. Pain can be managed and controlled, but the mother must first overcome fear of the unknown with knowledge. That's the first step.
Learning a history of the various childbirth practices was also fun to learn. It’s so interesting to see how far we have come, even in the last 10 years! Supplementing with the videos was also very informative. It showed the best methods of supporting the laboring mother, helping her not feel so alone in the experience, and showing ways to also teach the support person what they can do to help so they feel like they are a part of the process. Giving us the opportunity to experience a brief, yet effective demonstration of relaxation showed us how it felt for us. We, now, have more ideas of ways to assist the laboring mother.
Before today, I felt that I didn’t have great hands-on knowledge about helping a laboring woman. Now, because of the workshop, I feel like I have insight on what occurs during the “traditional” delivery of a baby. I’m ready, more than ever, to go out and help mothers and their families, in the same positive ways that nurses always helped me and it’s so exciting!
September 24, 2008
The Childbirth Education Workshop definitely proved to be incredibly valuable to my education, and hopefully my lifelong career working as a nurse in labor and delivery. It will definitely prove invaluable when it comes time to assist a woman and support her during such a special time in her and her family’s life.
Although I have two children, I didn’t get any preparation through a childbirth class. Constant preterm labor with my first son kept me from attending every childbirth class I hoped to attend. When labor finally occurred at term, it was nothing but extreme pain and “counting the centimeters” until I qualified for an epidural. I was completely unprepared. After complications and reaching only 5 centimeters in two days an emergency cesarean section was performed. My second son was born at 35 weeks by cesarean section as well after a horrible experience with preeclampsia.
I described my personal experiences because although absolutely nothing went "according to plan" I still view the whole maternity experience in a very positive way. Why? Because there was always that one special nurse each time who had a real passion for her work and was full of wonderful information. Today in the workshop I also acquired some fantastic knowledge and hopefully someday I can make another woman’s experience positive no matter how non-traditional it becomes.
I was introduced to how the process of labor and delivery occur and how the nurse assists the mother, and entire family, to make it the best experience possible. I was especially interested in how the workshop focused on the mother's inner strength and how the nurse can educate and support her so that she can walk away with a positive experience. Pain can be managed and controlled, but the mother must first overcome fear of the unknown with knowledge. That's the first step.
Learning a history of the various childbirth practices was also fun to learn. It’s so interesting to see how far we have come, even in the last 10 years! Supplementing with the videos was also very informative. It showed the best methods of supporting the laboring mother, helping her not feel so alone in the experience, and showing ways to also teach the support person what they can do to help so they feel like they are a part of the process. Giving us the opportunity to experience a brief, yet effective demonstration of relaxation showed us how it felt for us. We, now, have more ideas of ways to assist the laboring mother.
Before today, I felt that I didn’t have great hands-on knowledge about helping a laboring woman. Now, because of the workshop, I feel like I have insight on what occurs during the “traditional” delivery of a baby. I’m ready, more than ever, to go out and help mothers and their families, in the same positive ways that nurses always helped me and it’s so exciting!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Week 1: Psych Clinical
Ok well it goes like this. I have to be up at 4:00 am for clinical. I have a 3 year old who had a cold the other day so I gave him a pediatric dose of pediatric cold medicine. You know on the label where it says "May cause marked drowsiness" and then later on it says "May cause excitability"? Which one do you think Colin is the night before my first clinical? You guessed it. I got to sleep around 1 or 2 am. I woke up so tired every cell in my body was aching and screaming.
Well I made it to the hospital an hour away. Mind you I don't know what to expect. Still a little shaky from my brother's suicide.
During group therapy I find my patient. Fortunately the social worker has each of the patients introduce themselves and where they are from. She is very well-groomed. Her clothes are clean and she looks to be very "normal".
As soon as group therapy is over I go over to my patient and introduce myself. She was full of smiles and very friendly to me. Right away she told me stories of her childhood that were rather remarkable. I was instantly interested in this woman. I love the elderly anyways and feel they have so much to teach us if we just listen, but she was so knowledgeable about so much. Art therapy was about to begin and she didn't care to join in. I was unable to convince her to stay, but told her if she didn't mind I would like to talk to her some more later on.
I attended art therapy with the 5 other girls in my clinical group. The patients were coloring leaves for the approaching fall season. We were invited to join in but we just stood there and watched. Finally, being like I am, I jumped in front of my classmates and instructor and said "Come on! Let's go color!" LOL Wouldn't you know but my classmates jumped at the opportunity? HAHA... they just needed someone to take the lead. Yeah, leave it up to me.
So we all colored the blank leaves that was on the sheets of paper. Everyone was doing such a great job of making real colorful leaves. And then I got ahold of every hot pink, electric blue, shocking green, and vibrant yellow crayon I could find and colored the most manic leaf you could ever imagine LOL! Ho-ly heck. I think they considered hospitalizing ME instead! But it was so fun.
Later on I went in to visit my patient as promised. We share so many of the same interests and she is beyond intelligent! But then again, being smart doesn't make you immune to depression. My impression of her is that she has spent her lifetime experiencing so much and has this treasure chest of knowledge to share, but no one to share it with.
I really hope that she is able to find out what will help her feel better. But if she's there next week I will be on cloud nine. I feel I was "led" to her for a reason. Both for my benefit and hers. Just like my first patient ever my first semester of nursing in Cardiac Telemetry touched me spiritually, this psych patient left a lasting impression on me. There's something very special about certain patients. You care about all of them, but there's a few that just really get you.
Well I made it to the hospital an hour away. Mind you I don't know what to expect. Still a little shaky from my brother's suicide.
During group therapy I find my patient. Fortunately the social worker has each of the patients introduce themselves and where they are from. She is very well-groomed. Her clothes are clean and she looks to be very "normal".
As soon as group therapy is over I go over to my patient and introduce myself. She was full of smiles and very friendly to me. Right away she told me stories of her childhood that were rather remarkable. I was instantly interested in this woman. I love the elderly anyways and feel they have so much to teach us if we just listen, but she was so knowledgeable about so much. Art therapy was about to begin and she didn't care to join in. I was unable to convince her to stay, but told her if she didn't mind I would like to talk to her some more later on.
I attended art therapy with the 5 other girls in my clinical group. The patients were coloring leaves for the approaching fall season. We were invited to join in but we just stood there and watched. Finally, being like I am, I jumped in front of my classmates and instructor and said "Come on! Let's go color!" LOL Wouldn't you know but my classmates jumped at the opportunity? HAHA... they just needed someone to take the lead. Yeah, leave it up to me.
So we all colored the blank leaves that was on the sheets of paper. Everyone was doing such a great job of making real colorful leaves. And then I got ahold of every hot pink, electric blue, shocking green, and vibrant yellow crayon I could find and colored the most manic leaf you could ever imagine LOL! Ho-ly heck. I think they considered hospitalizing ME instead! But it was so fun.
Later on I went in to visit my patient as promised. We share so many of the same interests and she is beyond intelligent! But then again, being smart doesn't make you immune to depression. My impression of her is that she has spent her lifetime experiencing so much and has this treasure chest of knowledge to share, but no one to share it with.
I really hope that she is able to find out what will help her feel better. But if she's there next week I will be on cloud nine. I feel I was "led" to her for a reason. Both for my benefit and hers. Just like my first patient ever my first semester of nursing in Cardiac Telemetry touched me spiritually, this psych patient left a lasting impression on me. There's something very special about certain patients. You care about all of them, but there's a few that just really get you.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Ancient Egyptian Funeral Artifacts - Anthropology Assignment
Ancient Egyptian Funeral Artifacts
Michael C Carlos Museum Field Trip
Emory University
The Michael C Carlos Museum is located on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta. After a decent walk through construction zones in the hot and humid weather my husband and I located the museum. This was my first visit to the museum and the Emory Campus. I was rather impressed by the area. It was very clean and the buildings seemed to have a historic character. This was true of the museum as well. We entered the building and immediately were next to the book store. We passed up on this anxious to look at the artifacts and found ourselves at the information desk. I informed the attendant that I was there for an assignment and wanted to know what the rules were regarding photography. It was the typical “No Flash” policy. I made my donation, received a map of the museum, and thanked her for her friendliness.
Right away I took a look around and was rather impressed by the design of the interior of the museum. It was very clean, air conditioned, with non-distracting wall color and lighting. This was important so that attention was focused on the artifacts on display. The lighting on the individual artifacts was fantastic and allowed for complete observation of many different aspects of each item. Descriptive museum placards of each of the displays was posted next to them with a lot of information pertaining to that object, such as the legends surrounding the object, the location where the item was found, the material used, what time period it was from, and the person or organization that loaned or donated the item.
One of the first collections I observed was related to the ancient Greeks. This is one area that I have an intense interest. The epics of mythical characters and gods keep you wanting more. Their stories were of a different time and a different place but still had a special significance to today.
Besides the items from the Greeks, I was especially anxious to find the exhibits displaying ancient Egyptian artifacts. That has always been an interest of mine. I found them in the room just beyond the Greek artifacts, which were extraordinary in themselves. My deepest interest was to learn more about the ancient Egyptians and their practices of funeral and burials. Although there were many items that I found to be incredibly interesting, there were five that caught my interest the most.
The first item was labeled “Coffin and Mummy of a Priestly Official”. It was found in Egypt and was found to be from “Dynasty 21” circa 1075-945 BC. It was made of wood stained or painted with pigment. The human remains of this ancient “Priestly Official” were wrapped in a sort of ivory colored linen that was remarkably well preserved.
Near the “Priestly Official” coffin I found the fascinating and awe-inspiring ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead. My husband and I read next to the display of the colorful sheet that there were a total of 189 books of papyrus rolls. It contained very picturesque drawings of everything someone would need to know about the afterlife, or their belief in the myth of the afterlife. The Book of the Dead translates to “The Book of Coming Forth by Day”. It was placed in the coffin or burial chamber of the deceased. The reasoning was that the deceased would need to read it to journey into the underworld. It would teach them clues and directions to help them along. The gods would also be able to provide protection to this person.
In an adjacent room I came across the “Mummy Trappings”. The ancient Egyptians adorned their mummies with networks of beads, often called trappings. Images of gods and goddesses were many times sewn into the trappings and came in various sizes. Both males and females have been found with these decorated trappings. In as early as the Old Kingdom, beadwork garments have been used in burials. One in particular that I found particularly interesting was the “Wedjat Eye Amulet” that was found in Egypt and dates to the Late Period (664-323 BC) This particular item looks like a beaded mask of a face and was rather remarkable.
Further down in this room that resembled a hallway I came across more burial items. One that especially caught my eye was the “Funerary Figurines” (shabtis). These were items that were included with the deceased that were representative of laborers. In the afterlife the figures were supposed to “come to life” for the deceased, so to speak. Whenever the gods would command the deceased to do work, the laborers would do the work. These figures could be made from many different items such as faience, clay, metal, or wood. During the Third Intermediate Period, there were shabtis for each day of the year. In addition, there were a total of 36 others included to work as “overseers” to manage the workers.
The last item that I would like to mention that sparked a curiosity in me was the “Animal Mummies and Cults” display. Humans were not the only ones being preserved in ancient Egypt. It appears that they also preserved their household pets and other animals as well as offerings. Animal cults referred to a dedication of a particular animal being viewed as the “physical embodiment of a deity”. The best example is the Apis Bull. An entire lavish complex is dedicated to the Apis Bull.
What my observations of the displays showed was that death and the afterlife were very important to the ancient Egyptians. The rituals were specific and a lot of work went into preparing the deceased for the afterlife. In addition, their intense beliefs in various gods and goddesses played a huge part in these rituals. This is a huge contrast to the common modern Americans. Death is generally something that isn’t dealt with until it occurs, the planning is done relatively quickly, and then the loved ones are either buried or cremated. The ancient Egyptians placed a strong emphasis on preparing during life.
What is most interesting to me is the belief that items placed with the deceased would be accessible to them in the afterlife. Where did the ancient Egyptians obtain their knowledge of the afterlife? Were they subject to trance-like states where they were able to see into the afterlife, complete with its gods, goddesses, and iconic images? Is this why specific animals hold a sort of mystical importance with the ancients? How much of the folklore is still alive in Egypt today?
The individuals after death would interact with the various gods and goddesses and needed to be prepared. This would be the equivalent to the modern-day Christian belief that when someone dies they go on to meet “Jesus” or “God”. But it differs in that instruction needs to be given in physical form to prepare for the obstacles encountered in death.
I was incredibly satisfied with my visit to the Michael C Carlos Museum. I look forward to bringing my own children there on many more occasions and to teach them everything I have learned.
Michael C Carlos Museum Field Trip
Emory University
The Michael C Carlos Museum is located on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta. After a decent walk through construction zones in the hot and humid weather my husband and I located the museum. This was my first visit to the museum and the Emory Campus. I was rather impressed by the area. It was very clean and the buildings seemed to have a historic character. This was true of the museum as well. We entered the building and immediately were next to the book store. We passed up on this anxious to look at the artifacts and found ourselves at the information desk. I informed the attendant that I was there for an assignment and wanted to know what the rules were regarding photography. It was the typical “No Flash” policy. I made my donation, received a map of the museum, and thanked her for her friendliness.
Right away I took a look around and was rather impressed by the design of the interior of the museum. It was very clean, air conditioned, with non-distracting wall color and lighting. This was important so that attention was focused on the artifacts on display. The lighting on the individual artifacts was fantastic and allowed for complete observation of many different aspects of each item. Descriptive museum placards of each of the displays was posted next to them with a lot of information pertaining to that object, such as the legends surrounding the object, the location where the item was found, the material used, what time period it was from, and the person or organization that loaned or donated the item.
One of the first collections I observed was related to the ancient Greeks. This is one area that I have an intense interest. The epics of mythical characters and gods keep you wanting more. Their stories were of a different time and a different place but still had a special significance to today.
Besides the items from the Greeks, I was especially anxious to find the exhibits displaying ancient Egyptian artifacts. That has always been an interest of mine. I found them in the room just beyond the Greek artifacts, which were extraordinary in themselves. My deepest interest was to learn more about the ancient Egyptians and their practices of funeral and burials. Although there were many items that I found to be incredibly interesting, there were five that caught my interest the most.
The first item was labeled “Coffin and Mummy of a Priestly Official”. It was found in Egypt and was found to be from “Dynasty 21” circa 1075-945 BC. It was made of wood stained or painted with pigment. The human remains of this ancient “Priestly Official” were wrapped in a sort of ivory colored linen that was remarkably well preserved.
Near the “Priestly Official” coffin I found the fascinating and awe-inspiring ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead. My husband and I read next to the display of the colorful sheet that there were a total of 189 books of papyrus rolls. It contained very picturesque drawings of everything someone would need to know about the afterlife, or their belief in the myth of the afterlife. The Book of the Dead translates to “The Book of Coming Forth by Day”. It was placed in the coffin or burial chamber of the deceased. The reasoning was that the deceased would need to read it to journey into the underworld. It would teach them clues and directions to help them along. The gods would also be able to provide protection to this person.
In an adjacent room I came across the “Mummy Trappings”. The ancient Egyptians adorned their mummies with networks of beads, often called trappings. Images of gods and goddesses were many times sewn into the trappings and came in various sizes. Both males and females have been found with these decorated trappings. In as early as the Old Kingdom, beadwork garments have been used in burials. One in particular that I found particularly interesting was the “Wedjat Eye Amulet” that was found in Egypt and dates to the Late Period (664-323 BC) This particular item looks like a beaded mask of a face and was rather remarkable.
Further down in this room that resembled a hallway I came across more burial items. One that especially caught my eye was the “Funerary Figurines” (shabtis). These were items that were included with the deceased that were representative of laborers. In the afterlife the figures were supposed to “come to life” for the deceased, so to speak. Whenever the gods would command the deceased to do work, the laborers would do the work. These figures could be made from many different items such as faience, clay, metal, or wood. During the Third Intermediate Period, there were shabtis for each day of the year. In addition, there were a total of 36 others included to work as “overseers” to manage the workers.
The last item that I would like to mention that sparked a curiosity in me was the “Animal Mummies and Cults” display. Humans were not the only ones being preserved in ancient Egypt. It appears that they also preserved their household pets and other animals as well as offerings. Animal cults referred to a dedication of a particular animal being viewed as the “physical embodiment of a deity”. The best example is the Apis Bull. An entire lavish complex is dedicated to the Apis Bull.
What my observations of the displays showed was that death and the afterlife were very important to the ancient Egyptians. The rituals were specific and a lot of work went into preparing the deceased for the afterlife. In addition, their intense beliefs in various gods and goddesses played a huge part in these rituals. This is a huge contrast to the common modern Americans. Death is generally something that isn’t dealt with until it occurs, the planning is done relatively quickly, and then the loved ones are either buried or cremated. The ancient Egyptians placed a strong emphasis on preparing during life.
What is most interesting to me is the belief that items placed with the deceased would be accessible to them in the afterlife. Where did the ancient Egyptians obtain their knowledge of the afterlife? Were they subject to trance-like states where they were able to see into the afterlife, complete with its gods, goddesses, and iconic images? Is this why specific animals hold a sort of mystical importance with the ancients? How much of the folklore is still alive in Egypt today?
The individuals after death would interact with the various gods and goddesses and needed to be prepared. This would be the equivalent to the modern-day Christian belief that when someone dies they go on to meet “Jesus” or “God”. But it differs in that instruction needs to be given in physical form to prepare for the obstacles encountered in death.
I was incredibly satisfied with my visit to the Michael C Carlos Museum. I look forward to bringing my own children there on many more occasions and to teach them everything I have learned.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
New Mommy
No I'm not pregnant LOL But we told my mom she's going to be a grandmother again and I think she passed out for a minute!! HAHA...
My Firemouth laid eggs today when we were gone. I could tell something was up cause she has this little helmet decoration and she seemed to be cleaning it quite a bit and rubbing up against it. She was also real crazy and aggressive. I read to turn the heat up so I bumped it up to 84 from 80. I checked before I left today and no eggs but she was still cleaning. Before I came home tonight I bought a small flower pot to put in there. Cichlids like laying eggs in those. When I came home I checked on her and there's TONS of eggs in the helmet! Her and her mate were flaring their fighting fins at me. They didn't want me near the aquarium LOL And God forbid another fish came near. They attacked! I've never seen them like this. So I moved the filter over away from the helmet and tomorrow I'm going to Petsmart to get an aquarium divider so the other cichlids don't attack.
Has anyone else had a Firemouth lay eggs? This is my first time seeing it! I'm so excited. What do I need to know?
My Firemouth laid eggs today when we were gone. I could tell something was up cause she has this little helmet decoration and she seemed to be cleaning it quite a bit and rubbing up against it. She was also real crazy and aggressive. I read to turn the heat up so I bumped it up to 84 from 80. I checked before I left today and no eggs but she was still cleaning. Before I came home tonight I bought a small flower pot to put in there. Cichlids like laying eggs in those. When I came home I checked on her and there's TONS of eggs in the helmet! Her and her mate were flaring their fighting fins at me. They didn't want me near the aquarium LOL And God forbid another fish came near. They attacked! I've never seen them like this. So I moved the filter over away from the helmet and tomorrow I'm going to Petsmart to get an aquarium divider so the other cichlids don't attack.
Has anyone else had a Firemouth lay eggs? This is my first time seeing it! I'm so excited. What do I need to know?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Biggest Pet Peeves
1) Slow drivers in the left lane on the interstate with a long line of cars behind them and no one to their right. Get over and kindly let others through!
2) Aggressive drivers that rush to cut off the slow driver and almost cause an accident.
3) People that won't allow you to hold your own opinion. Especially politically. I won't always agree with you politically, but I respect your right to feel differently than me.
4) Pedophiles. Grown men that go after children & young teens.
5) Rapists.
6) Murderers. Ok, this is beyond pet peeve, it's borderline "If you ever hurt my kids I won't wait for your "right to a fair trial" and all that nonsense. I'll just kill ya. And it WILL be cruel and unusual.
7) Those mothers at the school that want to be in everyone's business and call up parents to spread rumors. All while driving their kids to 400 different things and not actually spending time with their kids. I'm not referring to mother's that have their kids involved in activities. I'm referring to the ones who can't stop talking about other people and their kids.
8) People who spend their life making babies and not working a job. Living off the government with no end in sight. Hey, they get raises for making more babies! Wish any job I get would do that.
9) Religious people who think they are far superior to everyone else. In that I mean the ones who say you're not a "REAL" Christian because you don't capitalize "God", don't go to their church, don't read the bible (sorry, Bible) enough, and don't give enough in church. They dismiss anything bad they do because they're Christians and therefore cannot be bad people. I'm a Christian and you DON'T have to be the same as me for me to treat you with respect.
10) Snobby people. Is there ANY reason why you can't say hi or even slightly smile when someone says "Hi" to you? I see that alot in the hospital.
11) People who don't pay you when they win your auction on ebay. If it's going to be several days before you pay me, at least let me know! Don't leave me guessing, especially when you have 5 negative feedbacks for non-payment! I want to be sure I'm judging you fairly.
12) Stomachaches and bladder infections. Hmmm maybe that's why I'm writing such a negative blog LOL
14) The number 13. Don't like it.
15) Bills.
16) Vonage.
17) Calling for tech support and getting someone in a foreign country. I love foreigners, but when I need someone to walk me step by step through something troubleshooting, I don't need someone I have to keep asking "Huh?" "Excuse me?"
18) Women who feel they have to act sleazy in order to get attention. Come on please! You're better than that! Use your brain to get attention.
19) Spoiled brats. It's one thing to have lots of money. But when you treat people like crap and don't appreciate people, you deserve to suffer. LOL
20) Being tired as heck. And not feeling good. I'm going to bed.
2) Aggressive drivers that rush to cut off the slow driver and almost cause an accident.
3) People that won't allow you to hold your own opinion. Especially politically. I won't always agree with you politically, but I respect your right to feel differently than me.
4) Pedophiles. Grown men that go after children & young teens.
5) Rapists.
6) Murderers. Ok, this is beyond pet peeve, it's borderline "If you ever hurt my kids I won't wait for your "right to a fair trial" and all that nonsense. I'll just kill ya. And it WILL be cruel and unusual.
7) Those mothers at the school that want to be in everyone's business and call up parents to spread rumors. All while driving their kids to 400 different things and not actually spending time with their kids. I'm not referring to mother's that have their kids involved in activities. I'm referring to the ones who can't stop talking about other people and their kids.
8) People who spend their life making babies and not working a job. Living off the government with no end in sight. Hey, they get raises for making more babies! Wish any job I get would do that.
9) Religious people who think they are far superior to everyone else. In that I mean the ones who say you're not a "REAL" Christian because you don't capitalize "God", don't go to their church, don't read the bible (sorry, Bible) enough, and don't give enough in church. They dismiss anything bad they do because they're Christians and therefore cannot be bad people. I'm a Christian and you DON'T have to be the same as me for me to treat you with respect.
10) Snobby people. Is there ANY reason why you can't say hi or even slightly smile when someone says "Hi" to you? I see that alot in the hospital.
11) People who don't pay you when they win your auction on ebay. If it's going to be several days before you pay me, at least let me know! Don't leave me guessing, especially when you have 5 negative feedbacks for non-payment! I want to be sure I'm judging you fairly.
12) Stomachaches and bladder infections. Hmmm maybe that's why I'm writing such a negative blog LOL
14) The number 13. Don't like it.
15) Bills.
16) Vonage.
17) Calling for tech support and getting someone in a foreign country. I love foreigners, but when I need someone to walk me step by step through something troubleshooting, I don't need someone I have to keep asking "Huh?" "Excuse me?"
18) Women who feel they have to act sleazy in order to get attention. Come on please! You're better than that! Use your brain to get attention.
19) Spoiled brats. It's one thing to have lots of money. But when you treat people like crap and don't appreciate people, you deserve to suffer. LOL
20) Being tired as heck. And not feeling good. I'm going to bed.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Fact Sheet - Pavel Sapik - Public Speaking Assignment
Fact Sheet
Facts About the International Figure:
- Pavel Sapik – Award winning chef
- Member of the Czech national team
- Gold winner of World Championship in Singapore
– Won silver and bronze in the Cullinary Olympics
Facts About the Speech Occasion
- Charity event
- Crowne Plaza Buckhead Atlanta
- Money raised supports the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta
Resources:
- Fine Dining at U Zlate Studne Restaurant
Retrieved 25 June 2007 from www.goldenwellhotel.com/restaurant.html
- Restaurant U Zlate Studne
Retrieved 25 June 2007 from www.terasauzlatestudne.cz/index_en.htm
Facts About the International Figure:
- Pavel Sapik – Award winning chef
- Member of the Czech national team
- Gold winner of World Championship in Singapore
– Won silver and bronze in the Cullinary Olympics
Facts About the Speech Occasion
- Charity event
- Crowne Plaza Buckhead Atlanta
- Money raised supports the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta
Resources:
- Fine Dining at U Zlate Studne Restaurant
Retrieved 25 June 2007 from www.goldenwellhotel.com/restaurant.html
- Restaurant U Zlate Studne
Retrieved 25 June 2007 from www.terasauzlatestudne.cz/index_en.htm
Friday, June 13, 2008
Anthropology Book Review
Anthropology Book Review
Mind Over Mind: The Anthropology and Psychology of Spirit Possession. Morton Klass. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2003. 138 pp.
Morton Klass was a noted Anthropologist who focused primarily on religion, race relations, and social structures. He taught at Barnard College and Columbia University and was very driven by various cultures throughout the world. He also received his master’s degree and Ph.D. from Columbia University as well.
This book was published after the author’s death in 2001. His wife, Sheila Soloman Klass, put his manuscripts together while preserving as much of his own words as possible. She noted that his book’s intentions were to reach readers beyond anthropology, including psychology, as well. Dr. Klass seemed unsettled from anthropologists who seemed quick to dismiss spirit possession as fraudulent and deceptive with, perhaps, a hint of psychosis. But not true “spirit” or “demon” possession.
I selected this book because it dealt with many subjects that I’m passionate about. Cultural anthropology being one. The topic of other cultures, religions, and ways of life experienced by people different from myself is like a surprise on Christmas day. There is always something new to learn and some things are quite surprising! I also have a personal interest in the paranormal and how different groups view it. I felt that this book would put everything together perfectly. I did not have a definitive personal opinion regarding spirit possession, and since I was practically unbiased, I felt it would be a great topic to read about.
I respect Klass and his work, however this particular book was rather hard to read at times. I’m not an expert on anthropology by no means, but I felt the information he provided in the first few chapters to “introduce” the reader to anthropology was rather grueling. Sometimes it’s hard to find who his target audience is intended to be. At one point it seems somewhat elementary, and other times more of an experienced audience. He seems to go piece by piece introducing anthropology, but at the same time speaks to a more advanced audience. At the end of chapter two, however, Klass does point out the following:
“I am aware that in this chapter I have dragged the reader down an intricate and possibly even wearying road. My defense, simply, is that it was absolutely necessary if the nonanthropologist reading this book is to understand the suggestions I propose to offer about the nature of spirit possession. I think that this chapter is even necessary for my anthropological readers.” (35)
He moves on in chapter three by introducing James G. Frazer and his research of the spirit possession phenomenon. According to Klass, Frazer’s work on spirit possessions observed in countries around the world were questionable considering his observations were never made in the field. Klass moved on to compare Frazer with other anthropologists whose work did include first-hand observations. These include Alfred Metraux and his observations from Haiti, and Melville J. Herskovits and his work in Africa, Haiti, and the Caribbean.
Klass compared the work of Metraux and Herskovits and the similarities between the two regarding the onset of possession. However, he noted that others, such as Lesley Sharp, noted a far different onset. One that was more calm than the epileptic sort that they described. But Klass did a fantastic job giving detailed descriptions of the possessions that he experienced. He turns his attention later in the chapter to what is going on during the spirit possessions and finds that it is a topic often ignored in anthropology. Frazer’s proposal was that it was not as genuine as people are made to believe and that anthropologists even play in to the deception. Klass concedes that it is possible that at some point in history even an educated anthropologist can be fooled into believing, but does not agree this is always the case.
Klass later introduces anthropologist Paul Rabin as having his own explanation of what is going on in spirit possession. He describes it more of a “mental abnormality” affecting the shamans and medicine men of magic-centered cultures. But brings up the interesting question of “What is considered abnormal?” What is normal to one culture may be extremely abnormal to another. He even went on to describe his interactions with a “healer” (olja) in India in the 1960’s. The olja explains that the illnesses are caused by “tejos” and affect some people but not others to varying degrees.
Klass offers in the end of the chapter that we often try to offer simple explanations for something that is anything but simple. We are often biased and try to find a simpler explanation that soothes our own minds and doesn’t leave us thinking twice. I have to agree with how he thinks on the topic overall.
That leads in to the matter at hand in the next few chapters, which is the anthropologists place in “deciding” what really takes place in something such as spirit possession. In other cultural observations the anthropologist is keen to stay unbiased in their observations and conclusions, looking at “just the facts”. He also touches upon the need to understand fields, such as psychology, so that they can be contributing factors to the anthropologist. Klass focuses more on the psychopathological aspect of people being studied. Most notably dissociation and things such as Multiple Personality Disorder (Dissociative Identity Disorder).
Klass ends the book with combining everything into one. The hopes of getting a more thorough explanation as to what is going on with regards to spirit possession. From an anthropologists point of view, he leans away from using “mental disorder” as the explanation for what goes on with alleged spirit possession. Instead he offers up new categories that are not indicative of any sort of mental illness. He even wanders into the question of the uniqueness of this by humans only. If animals have any hint of personality, could they too be affected by the same things we find in humans with regards to dissociative disorders? Klass also goes further by identifying it as a phenomena rather than a disorder. Personally, I tend to agree with this approach.
Klass did a fantastic job of breaking down his ideas into various phenomena. The ones mentioned are Dissociative Consciousness Phenomena, Dissociative Identity Phenomena, and Imposed Dissociative Phenomena. His intention of identifying the various phenomena is to make a contribution to other sciences and specialties to reach more of an understanding. He makes a point to explain that there are still a lot of unanswered questions that still need to be resolved, but hopes that this is a big stepping stone.
Like most of Klass’ work, there is a lot of genius (for lack of a better word) in his approach and research into this topic. He is able to separate myth and preconceived ideas from what he was truly able to observe. He took subject matter that has no clear cut answer and attempts to make a modest explanation “achievable”. Overall the book is interesting, though difficult to read at times. But once you are able to get on a roll and understand his goals you see the real genius in his thought processes.
Mind Over Mind: The Anthropology and Psychology of Spirit Possession. Morton Klass. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2003. 138 pp.
Morton Klass was a noted Anthropologist who focused primarily on religion, race relations, and social structures. He taught at Barnard College and Columbia University and was very driven by various cultures throughout the world. He also received his master’s degree and Ph.D. from Columbia University as well.
This book was published after the author’s death in 2001. His wife, Sheila Soloman Klass, put his manuscripts together while preserving as much of his own words as possible. She noted that his book’s intentions were to reach readers beyond anthropology, including psychology, as well. Dr. Klass seemed unsettled from anthropologists who seemed quick to dismiss spirit possession as fraudulent and deceptive with, perhaps, a hint of psychosis. But not true “spirit” or “demon” possession.
I selected this book because it dealt with many subjects that I’m passionate about. Cultural anthropology being one. The topic of other cultures, religions, and ways of life experienced by people different from myself is like a surprise on Christmas day. There is always something new to learn and some things are quite surprising! I also have a personal interest in the paranormal and how different groups view it. I felt that this book would put everything together perfectly. I did not have a definitive personal opinion regarding spirit possession, and since I was practically unbiased, I felt it would be a great topic to read about.
I respect Klass and his work, however this particular book was rather hard to read at times. I’m not an expert on anthropology by no means, but I felt the information he provided in the first few chapters to “introduce” the reader to anthropology was rather grueling. Sometimes it’s hard to find who his target audience is intended to be. At one point it seems somewhat elementary, and other times more of an experienced audience. He seems to go piece by piece introducing anthropology, but at the same time speaks to a more advanced audience. At the end of chapter two, however, Klass does point out the following:
“I am aware that in this chapter I have dragged the reader down an intricate and possibly even wearying road. My defense, simply, is that it was absolutely necessary if the nonanthropologist reading this book is to understand the suggestions I propose to offer about the nature of spirit possession. I think that this chapter is even necessary for my anthropological readers.” (35)
He moves on in chapter three by introducing James G. Frazer and his research of the spirit possession phenomenon. According to Klass, Frazer’s work on spirit possessions observed in countries around the world were questionable considering his observations were never made in the field. Klass moved on to compare Frazer with other anthropologists whose work did include first-hand observations. These include Alfred Metraux and his observations from Haiti, and Melville J. Herskovits and his work in Africa, Haiti, and the Caribbean.
Klass compared the work of Metraux and Herskovits and the similarities between the two regarding the onset of possession. However, he noted that others, such as Lesley Sharp, noted a far different onset. One that was more calm than the epileptic sort that they described. But Klass did a fantastic job giving detailed descriptions of the possessions that he experienced. He turns his attention later in the chapter to what is going on during the spirit possessions and finds that it is a topic often ignored in anthropology. Frazer’s proposal was that it was not as genuine as people are made to believe and that anthropologists even play in to the deception. Klass concedes that it is possible that at some point in history even an educated anthropologist can be fooled into believing, but does not agree this is always the case.
Klass later introduces anthropologist Paul Rabin as having his own explanation of what is going on in spirit possession. He describes it more of a “mental abnormality” affecting the shamans and medicine men of magic-centered cultures. But brings up the interesting question of “What is considered abnormal?” What is normal to one culture may be extremely abnormal to another. He even went on to describe his interactions with a “healer” (olja) in India in the 1960’s. The olja explains that the illnesses are caused by “tejos” and affect some people but not others to varying degrees.
Klass offers in the end of the chapter that we often try to offer simple explanations for something that is anything but simple. We are often biased and try to find a simpler explanation that soothes our own minds and doesn’t leave us thinking twice. I have to agree with how he thinks on the topic overall.
That leads in to the matter at hand in the next few chapters, which is the anthropologists place in “deciding” what really takes place in something such as spirit possession. In other cultural observations the anthropologist is keen to stay unbiased in their observations and conclusions, looking at “just the facts”. He also touches upon the need to understand fields, such as psychology, so that they can be contributing factors to the anthropologist. Klass focuses more on the psychopathological aspect of people being studied. Most notably dissociation and things such as Multiple Personality Disorder (Dissociative Identity Disorder).
Klass ends the book with combining everything into one. The hopes of getting a more thorough explanation as to what is going on with regards to spirit possession. From an anthropologists point of view, he leans away from using “mental disorder” as the explanation for what goes on with alleged spirit possession. Instead he offers up new categories that are not indicative of any sort of mental illness. He even wanders into the question of the uniqueness of this by humans only. If animals have any hint of personality, could they too be affected by the same things we find in humans with regards to dissociative disorders? Klass also goes further by identifying it as a phenomena rather than a disorder. Personally, I tend to agree with this approach.
Klass did a fantastic job of breaking down his ideas into various phenomena. The ones mentioned are Dissociative Consciousness Phenomena, Dissociative Identity Phenomena, and Imposed Dissociative Phenomena. His intention of identifying the various phenomena is to make a contribution to other sciences and specialties to reach more of an understanding. He makes a point to explain that there are still a lot of unanswered questions that still need to be resolved, but hopes that this is a big stepping stone.
Like most of Klass’ work, there is a lot of genius (for lack of a better word) in his approach and research into this topic. He is able to separate myth and preconceived ideas from what he was truly able to observe. He took subject matter that has no clear cut answer and attempts to make a modest explanation “achievable”. Overall the book is interesting, though difficult to read at times. But once you are able to get on a roll and understand his goals you see the real genius in his thought processes.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Anthropology Class Discussion - Race Relations
Well I have to say my Anthropology class in college is pretty interesting. For Chapter 4 we are discussing "Race". We are replying to the question "How is the concept of "race" a cultural construct and why do we still hear the term used?"
One student wrote this:
"This is a touchy subject to most people even though it should not be. yes i am white and i have been that way all of my life. the music out today that glorifies the fact that each race has to act a certain way does not help the smoothing out of the race line either. race is always going to be a factor because we as people make judgements on what we see, skin color, but the education of all people can make a better working society."
To which another student wrote this:
"Its not that its a touchy subject, but is an important issue to discuss. But on te other hand you may not see it as touchy subject or a big deal due to the fact that you are white and the chances of you getting racially profiled are slim to none. For instance when you hear rich people say money isnt important, well of course it isnt to them, they have it so it nothing to ever worry about. The same thing goes to racism, prejudice, and inequality, if it has never happened to you or its not something that is likely to happen to you, then of course you wouldnt see if as a problem. But unless you are living under a rock and dont watch your daily news, it is a very important topic and no matter what a lot of us may think, there are still people out there that believe and act as if they are superior to other people based on the color of his or her skin. And in the end that affects us ll especially if those are the same people that are making important decisions for the rest of the world. Im not mad, or getting on you or anything, I just wanted to inform you that thins may not seem as touchy or significant to you if it doesnt invlove you, but believe it or not peoples "race" affects them everyday, regarding getting a job, a home loan, a college loan. So it does mater."
Another student wrote:
"
I know what you're saying. That's a good point of comparing it to rich people. Take a millionaires money away and ask them how important it is LOL
I think everyone of every color and nationality has experienced some degree of racism. Just because someone is white doesn't mean they are immune to racism. There are situations in some parts of the country where whites are a minority, but they can't claim minority status. They are rejected by the majority as well. I've had it happen several times. It's not right to assume all whites are racist. I can't be held accountable for what someone did in the past who just happens to be the same color as me. I can only be accountable for my own actions and strive to do what's right. I just happen to be fascinated by people of all colors, nationalities, religions and it just amazes me how sometimes people might think just cause I'm white I'm racist. That's unfair. And please don't think I'm referring all this to you cause I'm not. I'm speaking in generality. Being bigoted is a problem with alot of people, not just one particular color. And take for example the fact that there's ALOT of scholarships I can't apply for because I'm not a particular color or nationality. Things like this are an issue to everyone to varying degrees.
It is a touchy subject in the sense that alot of people get really fired up over it. Sometimes you can't express your opinion without it becoming an all out fight. Which I'm hoping does not result from this."
And finally another student wrote:
"I think you make a very interesting point from the other side of a common racial issue in America. I am labeled "white" (although I have so many nationalities in my ancestry, I find it an arbitrary title!) and while there are many issues I don't have to deal with, I'm often surprised by how many I encounter because people assume I feel a certain way because I'm white. I grew up in an open-minded household, and have friends of many nationalities. I currently work as a secretary at a church in Decatur that has over 60 nationalities that attend the congregation. We will often have people come in seeking monetary assistance, and we have a fund for that. However, the fund always runs out before the end of the month and we end having to tell some people no. I have had several occassions where people end up screaming at me accusing me of not assisting them because they are of certain "race". They assume that because I'm not the same race, that's why they don't get any money, no matter how many times I explain it. It's very sad and difficult for me sometimes, because it hurts me that someone thinks I'm that shallow. I try to remember they've probably had numerous instances where that was the reason they were treated poorly and they may be more sensitive about it."
One student wrote this:
"This is a touchy subject to most people even though it should not be. yes i am white and i have been that way all of my life. the music out today that glorifies the fact that each race has to act a certain way does not help the smoothing out of the race line either. race is always going to be a factor because we as people make judgements on what we see, skin color, but the education of all people can make a better working society."
To which another student wrote this:
"Its not that its a touchy subject, but is an important issue to discuss. But on te other hand you may not see it as touchy subject or a big deal due to the fact that you are white and the chances of you getting racially profiled are slim to none. For instance when you hear rich people say money isnt important, well of course it isnt to them, they have it so it nothing to ever worry about. The same thing goes to racism, prejudice, and inequality, if it has never happened to you or its not something that is likely to happen to you, then of course you wouldnt see if as a problem. But unless you are living under a rock and dont watch your daily news, it is a very important topic and no matter what a lot of us may think, there are still people out there that believe and act as if they are superior to other people based on the color of his or her skin. And in the end that affects us ll especially if those are the same people that are making important decisions for the rest of the world. Im not mad, or getting on you or anything, I just wanted to inform you that thins may not seem as touchy or significant to you if it doesnt invlove you, but believe it or not peoples "race" affects them everyday, regarding getting a job, a home loan, a college loan. So it does mater."
Another student wrote:
"
I know what you're saying. That's a good point of comparing it to rich people. Take a millionaires money away and ask them how important it is LOL
I think everyone of every color and nationality has experienced some degree of racism. Just because someone is white doesn't mean they are immune to racism. There are situations in some parts of the country where whites are a minority, but they can't claim minority status. They are rejected by the majority as well. I've had it happen several times. It's not right to assume all whites are racist. I can't be held accountable for what someone did in the past who just happens to be the same color as me. I can only be accountable for my own actions and strive to do what's right. I just happen to be fascinated by people of all colors, nationalities, religions and it just amazes me how sometimes people might think just cause I'm white I'm racist. That's unfair. And please don't think I'm referring all this to you cause I'm not. I'm speaking in generality. Being bigoted is a problem with alot of people, not just one particular color. And take for example the fact that there's ALOT of scholarships I can't apply for because I'm not a particular color or nationality. Things like this are an issue to everyone to varying degrees.
It is a touchy subject in the sense that alot of people get really fired up over it. Sometimes you can't express your opinion without it becoming an all out fight. Which I'm hoping does not result from this."
And finally another student wrote:
"I think you make a very interesting point from the other side of a common racial issue in America. I am labeled "white" (although I have so many nationalities in my ancestry, I find it an arbitrary title!) and while there are many issues I don't have to deal with, I'm often surprised by how many I encounter because people assume I feel a certain way because I'm white. I grew up in an open-minded household, and have friends of many nationalities. I currently work as a secretary at a church in Decatur that has over 60 nationalities that attend the congregation. We will often have people come in seeking monetary assistance, and we have a fund for that. However, the fund always runs out before the end of the month and we end having to tell some people no. I have had several occassions where people end up screaming at me accusing me of not assisting them because they are of certain "race". They assume that because I'm not the same race, that's why they don't get any money, no matter how many times I explain it. It's very sad and difficult for me sometimes, because it hurts me that someone thinks I'm that shallow. I try to remember they've probably had numerous instances where that was the reason they were treated poorly and they may be more sensitive about it."
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Ethnocentric America?
In my summer Anthropology class (held online) we have to participate in discussions on subject matter from the book. For one particular chapter we had to discuss ethnocentrism. This is the belief that the ways of one's own culture are the only proper ones. Here is the question presented:
"Although all cultures across the world display some degree of ethnocentrism, some are more ethnocentric than others. In what ways is your own society ethnocentric? Considering the modern fact of globalization (as described in Chapter 1) do you think ethnocentrism poses more of a problem in today's world than in the past?"
What are your views on this? Personally I think that yes, the US does have this "we do it the best way" mentality sometimes, but compared to alot of countries we are sometimes more accepting of non-traditional ways. For instance, in some countries, not following the government mandated "norm" will get you killed. I would like to believe that the US is somewhat more forgiving in many ways. Of course, in some ways there's a long way to go. Take for instance north vs south. Growing up in the north I thought that the Civil War ended a long time ago. But when I moved to the south I found there are people who are still bitter about it and hate northerners. I don't see it too often here but I have encountered it.
For the second part of the question, I believe that given technology of today with telephone, television, internet, books, etc we are all more exposed to things across the world that 100 years ago we wouldn't have been. I mean, even when I was young I remember teen magazines with a classified section at the end that gave peoples names, interests, and addresses. You could have a penpal. It was the coolest thing when you got a letter back from someone in another state! Now look at us. Look at MySpace! Most likely you are from another state or even another country. As a "common" person would I have been able to reach you without the internet giving my thoughts on this subject? I think that ethnocentrism is less of a problem these days than it was 100 or even 500 years ago because we are exposed to so much more.
But I was really surprised to see just how many people felt differently than I did. I thought that there was more faith in us as Americans. Yes, sometimes we can be arrogant, but I would like to think we aren't that bad of a country. I think it's normal human nature to look at something that's different a little weird. But people have the freedom to keep alot of their own traditions in their own home. They don't have to turn 100% "American". They can remain individuals.
Take for example the Pastoralists in Africa. For years they were able to survive drought by moving to other parts of Africa. Now the governments won't allow them to move across borders and therefore they are forced to stay in the same drought stricken area. That results in starvation and death and other problems. All because their government wants control. You do things their way.
I guess I'm not 100% sure of how I feel about this. I see both sides, but I was really stricken by the bashing that went on in our class discussion boards. For once I kept my mouth shut. I'm just there to earn the grade that I work for and to get out of there, not to deal with drama.
"Although all cultures across the world display some degree of ethnocentrism, some are more ethnocentric than others. In what ways is your own society ethnocentric? Considering the modern fact of globalization (as described in Chapter 1) do you think ethnocentrism poses more of a problem in today's world than in the past?"
What are your views on this? Personally I think that yes, the US does have this "we do it the best way" mentality sometimes, but compared to alot of countries we are sometimes more accepting of non-traditional ways. For instance, in some countries, not following the government mandated "norm" will get you killed. I would like to believe that the US is somewhat more forgiving in many ways. Of course, in some ways there's a long way to go. Take for instance north vs south. Growing up in the north I thought that the Civil War ended a long time ago. But when I moved to the south I found there are people who are still bitter about it and hate northerners. I don't see it too often here but I have encountered it.
For the second part of the question, I believe that given technology of today with telephone, television, internet, books, etc we are all more exposed to things across the world that 100 years ago we wouldn't have been. I mean, even when I was young I remember teen magazines with a classified section at the end that gave peoples names, interests, and addresses. You could have a penpal. It was the coolest thing when you got a letter back from someone in another state! Now look at us. Look at MySpace! Most likely you are from another state or even another country. As a "common" person would I have been able to reach you without the internet giving my thoughts on this subject? I think that ethnocentrism is less of a problem these days than it was 100 or even 500 years ago because we are exposed to so much more.
But I was really surprised to see just how many people felt differently than I did. I thought that there was more faith in us as Americans. Yes, sometimes we can be arrogant, but I would like to think we aren't that bad of a country. I think it's normal human nature to look at something that's different a little weird. But people have the freedom to keep alot of their own traditions in their own home. They don't have to turn 100% "American". They can remain individuals.
Take for example the Pastoralists in Africa. For years they were able to survive drought by moving to other parts of Africa. Now the governments won't allow them to move across borders and therefore they are forced to stay in the same drought stricken area. That results in starvation and death and other problems. All because their government wants control. You do things their way.
I guess I'm not 100% sure of how I feel about this. I see both sides, but I was really stricken by the bashing that went on in our class discussion boards. For once I kept my mouth shut. I'm just there to earn the grade that I work for and to get out of there, not to deal with drama.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Myrtle Beach Day One!
Ok this is my first time in Myrtle Beach. Like I said before, this is the closest I was able to get to Virginia Beach. I used to live there and it killed me to leave. I've been dying to go back but was never able to. I literally feel like I left a part of me there. But as soon as we got to our oceanfront room I changed into my swimsuit and got everyone ready to go out.
Ahhhh it was so nice to hit the sand again! To feel it under my feet and wash from under my toes. It's just the little things! And the water was perfect. Colin wasn't even scared of the sand or the water! When Cody was little he was so scared of getting on the sand and wouldn't even go close to the ocean! But Colin had his buckets and shovels. We went right away looking for shells. That was the coolest thing to him. He had this starfish shaped thing (that ironically he's playing with it right now!) and was making little "Patricks" in the sand - like SpongeBob SquarePants. He get a kick out of it!
Marty had a blast in the water too. We took turns staying with Colin. The other person went out deeper in the water with Cody and we'd get swept off our feet by the waves! I got hit by one strong one in particular and I took a rough tumble but I'm cool. Cody took a couple real bad ones but all in all it was so much fun! We laughed so hard our stomachs hurt!
Later we went to the hotel pool and swam in the kiddie pool (Colin was in HEAVEN with it!) And Cody, Marty, and I (2 at a time) hung out in the hot tub. It's was HOT. But once I was used to it it was ok.
We went back to the room, I took a shower, and then we walked to a restaurant up the road. It was a pricey place and the service sucked! Marty and I had Crab Stuffed Flounder with Hollandaise sauce. The food definitely wasn't worth the money we paid. I'm pretty disappointed. But we paid and left. It was after 10:00 pm by this point. Afterwards we all walked the beach barefoot and did more shell hunting. The breeze was AWESOME and there was a thunderstorm off in the ocean. We turned around and went back when we found a Jellyfish washed up on the beach.
Well, now I think I'll call it a night. I'm never down this early. I got a beach to hit tomorrow!!!
Oh and I found out the other day my best friend is joining us on Tuesday!! Kenzie, her husband, her daughter (who I swear is getting married to Cody one day), and their 1 year old son. We all get along great and we'll have SOOOOO much fun!!!!
Ahhhh it was so nice to hit the sand again! To feel it under my feet and wash from under my toes. It's just the little things! And the water was perfect. Colin wasn't even scared of the sand or the water! When Cody was little he was so scared of getting on the sand and wouldn't even go close to the ocean! But Colin had his buckets and shovels. We went right away looking for shells. That was the coolest thing to him. He had this starfish shaped thing (that ironically he's playing with it right now!) and was making little "Patricks" in the sand - like SpongeBob SquarePants. He get a kick out of it!
Marty had a blast in the water too. We took turns staying with Colin. The other person went out deeper in the water with Cody and we'd get swept off our feet by the waves! I got hit by one strong one in particular and I took a rough tumble but I'm cool. Cody took a couple real bad ones but all in all it was so much fun! We laughed so hard our stomachs hurt!
Later we went to the hotel pool and swam in the kiddie pool (Colin was in HEAVEN with it!) And Cody, Marty, and I (2 at a time) hung out in the hot tub. It's was HOT. But once I was used to it it was ok.
We went back to the room, I took a shower, and then we walked to a restaurant up the road. It was a pricey place and the service sucked! Marty and I had Crab Stuffed Flounder with Hollandaise sauce. The food definitely wasn't worth the money we paid. I'm pretty disappointed. But we paid and left. It was after 10:00 pm by this point. Afterwards we all walked the beach barefoot and did more shell hunting. The breeze was AWESOME and there was a thunderstorm off in the ocean. We turned around and went back when we found a Jellyfish washed up on the beach.
Well, now I think I'll call it a night. I'm never down this early. I got a beach to hit tomorrow!!!
Oh and I found out the other day my best friend is joining us on Tuesday!! Kenzie, her husband, her daughter (who I swear is getting married to Cody one day), and their 1 year old son. We all get along great and we'll have SOOOOO much fun!!!!
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Paranormal
Ok, you may have read my blog the other day from the house we went to check out that had the double murder in it. Things like that gets me thinking about the bigger picture. Is there anything to be afraid of? Do ghosts exist? I, almost without a doubt, believe in the possibility. I'd love to hear from all of you. Have you ever experienced anything "paranormal"? Seen a ghost? Been to a place that just wasn't quite "right"?
Back in my home town there was a place called the Tuberculosis Hospital that is basically in ruins today. I even hear that it was torn down in the last few years. But I visited there back when I was in high school and that place scared the hell outta me!!! There's videos on youtube about it and everything (just search for Lima Ohio tuberculosis hospital or tb hospital). There's websites dedicated to it as well.
Back in my home town there was a place called the Tuberculosis Hospital that is basically in ruins today. I even hear that it was torn down in the last few years. But I visited there back when I was in high school and that place scared the hell outta me!!! There's videos on youtube about it and everything (just search for Lima Ohio tuberculosis hospital or tb hospital). There's websites dedicated to it as well.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
I can't sleep!
I've got so much on my mind. One thing is going to Myrtle Beach. We're all real excited and went shopping today for stuff for our trip.
My best friend told me a few weeks ago about a house in her neighborhood that's for sale. Today we went and walked through the house. Now I can't stop thinking about it. Here's the thing.
Back in January 2 people were killed in the house. When my friends husband went through the house a few weeks before us he said the carpet was tore up in the living room and the bedroom where the people were found. When we went there today they had the carpet replaced.
The lady (Rachel Buser) was my age. She was safe in her own home and someone came in and in the blink of an eye took her life! Her husband (Jay Nevels) was just younger than Marty. Do I think I could handle living in that house, especially since my husband doesn't get home until real late at night? No, most likely not. I'm not psychic and I've never "seen" a ghost, but I definitely believe the negative energy from something as tragic as this can affect a physical place. I don't think I could handle wondering "What's that noise?!" all the time. I have to admit I didn't feel incredibly spooked when I was in the house. However when going into the bathroom in the master bedroom I felt really sad. That's when I got to thinking about everything. It seems like these were some nice people from what I've read online. It's just so sad. I've got to clear it out of my mind.
My best friend told me a few weeks ago about a house in her neighborhood that's for sale. Today we went and walked through the house. Now I can't stop thinking about it. Here's the thing.
Back in January 2 people were killed in the house. When my friends husband went through the house a few weeks before us he said the carpet was tore up in the living room and the bedroom where the people were found. When we went there today they had the carpet replaced.
The lady (Rachel Buser) was my age. She was safe in her own home and someone came in and in the blink of an eye took her life! Her husband (Jay Nevels) was just younger than Marty. Do I think I could handle living in that house, especially since my husband doesn't get home until real late at night? No, most likely not. I'm not psychic and I've never "seen" a ghost, but I definitely believe the negative energy from something as tragic as this can affect a physical place. I don't think I could handle wondering "What's that noise?!" all the time. I have to admit I didn't feel incredibly spooked when I was in the house. However when going into the bathroom in the master bedroom I felt really sad. That's when I got to thinking about everything. It seems like these were some nice people from what I've read online. It's just so sad. I've got to clear it out of my mind.
Friday, May 9, 2008
A candid look at my emotions on this day
Ok, I'm determined NOT to get depressed today. It's my brothers birthday. I can't believe he'd be 27 this year. Damnit I should be calling him up today teasing him about being an old dude. I know I can never understand the pain he felt that led him to take such drastic measures to deal with things.
I'll admit, there were a few times YEARS ago when I wanted to take my own life. My life hit an absolute rock bottom. I felt the world would be better off without me. I was in such an abusive relationship and felt I had nowhere to go. Noone to run to. I couldn't see into the future. I wanted to go away, I thought I wanted to die, but I realize that I just wanted the situation to change.
Now I count my blessings literally every day. I thank God every single day for the husband I have, for the beautiful children I have, I could do without diabetes but for the most part I'm healthy. We're comfortable financially, we have a nice place to live, we have two vehicles that are paid off, clean clothes on our back, plenty of food... all that. I'm blessed. I'm happy.
But back then I didn't see all this in my future. I felt trapped. Was this how David felt the night he chose to take his own life? He had a beautiful little girl. Damnit how could he leave her?!?!?!?!!!! Or did he feel so worthless that he felt she'd grow up happier without him, like I once felt about my own child? What if someone saw him that night and diverted his attention away from his plans and he lived to see another day? Would he be looking back right this minute remembering the night he almost took his life? Would HE be the one counting his blessings and thanking God that he's alive?
When my brother looked at his life why couldn't he have thought that he at least had a sister that loved him so much? Why? Cause I screwed that up. I should have been closer to him. I should have talked to him more. All the love I express for him now doesn't really matter does it? Can he see the tears that are running down my face and the pain I feel inside of me? Can he know that I'm so damn sorry?
I can't even step foot in the state of Ohio. I don't want to see every place that I once saw my brother. If I'm here in Georgia, nothing is missing. Nothing is out of place. The last time I was in Ohio I said goodbye to my brother at his funeral. I don't want to go back.
I've got all this off my chest now. I've let it go. I hope for the rest of the day I can be more at ease. So many people tell me he's at rest. He's happy now. That's all I want. I want it to be true. I wish I knew for sure. I will never, ever forget the night when I was in Ohio for my brother's funeral. The night that I felt a gentle tug at my hair and an intense flood of emotions. Only three words "It's ok, Sis". I believe in the possibility of the "dead" contacting the living. I've just never experienced it before that night. I spent years second guessing myself. Did he make contact with me? It sounds crazy! But I don't care anymore! I KNOW without a doubt he did. He wanted me to know he was at rest. "It's ok, Sis"
I'll end this blog by reposting an older blog:
When David was in high school he started hanging with "the wrong crowd" and found himself in a gang and on drugs. He started dating this girl during this time. Him and her ended up having a very precious girl, Illana. That's what it took to turn his life around. He cleaned himself up and got his GED and went on to college to be a firefighter/paramedic just like our dad. For someone so young to go out and become a paramedic is quite a feat!
(From the webpage):
One thing I always remembered about him is that he was a "Little Mike" (Mike is our dad's name). My dad is a firefighter/paramedic and my brother just always seemed to want to follow in his footsteps. Literally. Even the way they walked was the same. His dream came true the day he got his paramedic's license.
I don't know why David is gone. I take comfort in believing his is with God. The stress of everyday life and the stress of his line of work, helping others, gone now being held in the comforting arms of God. I simply believe that he was sent here with a purpose. He was to help so many people. And he did. He touched many lives. But it doesn't answer all of my questions. There's still a huge "Why?"
The Most Touching Funeral
If my brother ever felt like noone cared about him, he had the truth slap him in the face at his funeral. There were two visitations the day before his funeral. The second one lasted longer than we expected. The line wrapped around the room and out the door and continued through the hallway. There must have been 200 people there that night alone. The day of his funeral the room was packed. People even stood in the hallways packed in. My brother touched so many people.
Leading the procession were firetrucks and ambulances from departments all over the county. There was a line of cars that continued for miles, I'm sure. The city was shut down for quite awhile. Natalie said that he always enjoyed making people mad. My dad said "This is for all of you people that wouldn't pull over for him when he came through with lights and sirens." That's the funniest statement I heard during such a difficult time. It still makes me laugh.
My brother had a beautiful spot, within sight of my grandmother and grandfathers site. He had a beautiful view from the top of a small hill.
Three doves were released that day as Life Flight, a medical helicopter that my brother always dreamed of flying with, flew over. Quite honestly, we were just worried that the doves and the helicopter wouldn't mix right without a mess. But even if they did run into each other, my brother would have wanted it that way. :-)
Life Flight stopped over where my brother was, bowed down to him, turned around and sped upwards to the sky. I heard it it symbolized carrying him off to heaven. Everyone there knows the story of the first dove. After it was released, it flew over to one of the ambulances like it was about to land on it. But instead, it flew to a tree overlooking everybody. It stayed there the entire time and watched, while the other doves flew away. Everyone said it must be David watching us. So we decided to put it to the test. Since I was his mean big sister, it was me who had to walk over to the tree, stand under the bird, and wait for it to poop on me. Then we'd know it was David. I actually hoped it would have. But he was constipated because he didn't poop on my head. Either that, or my brother wanted to be nice.
The Story of Life Flight
The way I understand it, while my brother was in paramedic class, he always made first in the class. Until the very end. There was a girl in the class who was struggling. David tutored her to help her pass. She ended up making first in the class in the very end by just a hair. My brother made second. Whoever was able to make first in class would have the opportunity to fly with Life Flight. My brother was so upset that he didn't make it. But in the end, it was Life Flight that bowed to him and carried him off to Heaven.
br
I'll admit, there were a few times YEARS ago when I wanted to take my own life. My life hit an absolute rock bottom. I felt the world would be better off without me. I was in such an abusive relationship and felt I had nowhere to go. Noone to run to. I couldn't see into the future. I wanted to go away, I thought I wanted to die, but I realize that I just wanted the situation to change.
Now I count my blessings literally every day. I thank God every single day for the husband I have, for the beautiful children I have, I could do without diabetes but for the most part I'm healthy. We're comfortable financially, we have a nice place to live, we have two vehicles that are paid off, clean clothes on our back, plenty of food... all that. I'm blessed. I'm happy.
But back then I didn't see all this in my future. I felt trapped. Was this how David felt the night he chose to take his own life? He had a beautiful little girl. Damnit how could he leave her?!?!?!?!!!! Or did he feel so worthless that he felt she'd grow up happier without him, like I once felt about my own child? What if someone saw him that night and diverted his attention away from his plans and he lived to see another day? Would he be looking back right this minute remembering the night he almost took his life? Would HE be the one counting his blessings and thanking God that he's alive?
When my brother looked at his life why couldn't he have thought that he at least had a sister that loved him so much? Why? Cause I screwed that up. I should have been closer to him. I should have talked to him more. All the love I express for him now doesn't really matter does it? Can he see the tears that are running down my face and the pain I feel inside of me? Can he know that I'm so damn sorry?
I can't even step foot in the state of Ohio. I don't want to see every place that I once saw my brother. If I'm here in Georgia, nothing is missing. Nothing is out of place. The last time I was in Ohio I said goodbye to my brother at his funeral. I don't want to go back.
I've got all this off my chest now. I've let it go. I hope for the rest of the day I can be more at ease. So many people tell me he's at rest. He's happy now. That's all I want. I want it to be true. I wish I knew for sure. I will never, ever forget the night when I was in Ohio for my brother's funeral. The night that I felt a gentle tug at my hair and an intense flood of emotions. Only three words "It's ok, Sis". I believe in the possibility of the "dead" contacting the living. I've just never experienced it before that night. I spent years second guessing myself. Did he make contact with me? It sounds crazy! But I don't care anymore! I KNOW without a doubt he did. He wanted me to know he was at rest. "It's ok, Sis"
I'll end this blog by reposting an older blog:
When David was in high school he started hanging with "the wrong crowd" and found himself in a gang and on drugs. He started dating this girl during this time. Him and her ended up having a very precious girl, Illana. That's what it took to turn his life around. He cleaned himself up and got his GED and went on to college to be a firefighter/paramedic just like our dad. For someone so young to go out and become a paramedic is quite a feat!
(From the webpage):
One thing I always remembered about him is that he was a "Little Mike" (Mike is our dad's name). My dad is a firefighter/paramedic and my brother just always seemed to want to follow in his footsteps. Literally. Even the way they walked was the same. His dream came true the day he got his paramedic's license.
I don't know why David is gone. I take comfort in believing his is with God. The stress of everyday life and the stress of his line of work, helping others, gone now being held in the comforting arms of God. I simply believe that he was sent here with a purpose. He was to help so many people. And he did. He touched many lives. But it doesn't answer all of my questions. There's still a huge "Why?"
The Most Touching Funeral
If my brother ever felt like noone cared about him, he had the truth slap him in the face at his funeral. There were two visitations the day before his funeral. The second one lasted longer than we expected. The line wrapped around the room and out the door and continued through the hallway. There must have been 200 people there that night alone. The day of his funeral the room was packed. People even stood in the hallways packed in. My brother touched so many people.
Leading the procession were firetrucks and ambulances from departments all over the county. There was a line of cars that continued for miles, I'm sure. The city was shut down for quite awhile. Natalie said that he always enjoyed making people mad. My dad said "This is for all of you people that wouldn't pull over for him when he came through with lights and sirens." That's the funniest statement I heard during such a difficult time. It still makes me laugh.
My brother had a beautiful spot, within sight of my grandmother and grandfathers site. He had a beautiful view from the top of a small hill.
Three doves were released that day as Life Flight, a medical helicopter that my brother always dreamed of flying with, flew over. Quite honestly, we were just worried that the doves and the helicopter wouldn't mix right without a mess. But even if they did run into each other, my brother would have wanted it that way. :-)
Life Flight stopped over where my brother was, bowed down to him, turned around and sped upwards to the sky. I heard it it symbolized carrying him off to heaven. Everyone there knows the story of the first dove. After it was released, it flew over to one of the ambulances like it was about to land on it. But instead, it flew to a tree overlooking everybody. It stayed there the entire time and watched, while the other doves flew away. Everyone said it must be David watching us. So we decided to put it to the test. Since I was his mean big sister, it was me who had to walk over to the tree, stand under the bird, and wait for it to poop on me. Then we'd know it was David. I actually hoped it would have. But he was constipated because he didn't poop on my head. Either that, or my brother wanted to be nice.
The Story of Life Flight
The way I understand it, while my brother was in paramedic class, he always made first in the class. Until the very end. There was a girl in the class who was struggling. David tutored her to help her pass. She ended up making first in the class in the very end by just a hair. My brother made second. Whoever was able to make first in class would have the opportunity to fly with Life Flight. My brother was so upset that he didn't make it. But in the end, it was Life Flight that bowed to him and carried him off to Heaven.
br
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Things a diabetic just doesn’t want to hear...
Ok I’m really not happy about having to go back on insulin. Probably for good now. So I’ll warn you, I’m a little touchy. I’m SO exhausted and just want to stay in bed for a few weeks.
From here on out I’m not telling ANYONE I’m diabetic (in person, at least). Everyone seems to think it’s ok to watch every bite I eat and then tell me how they think it’s not good for me. Diabetic or not, it’s SO rude to point out what someone is eating WHILE they are eating. Nothing aggravates me more than someone looking at my food in front of everyone saying "You can’t eat potatoes!" "You can’t eat rice!" "You can’t eat bourbon chicken!" It’s embarrassing and makes me feel like shit. Yeah people might think they’re "helping" me, but they’re hurting me so bad. A relative of mine used to be real bad at that. If she called and I was cooking something she’d find SOMETHING wrong with what I was eating. Even if it was corn it’s "bad".
Someone in "authority" at my school is real bad at that. She could be eating something way worse than me and if I call her on it she says "Well, I’m not the one who can’t metabolize sugar". I mean damn. That sounds like middle school "Well at least I have more money than you do". There’s nothing I hate more than diabetes. I don’t want ANYONE else the rest of my life know that I have it. I wish there was a cure for it because then I could tell people "Yeah I’m cured" even if I wasn’t. Everyone is quick to criticize but when I WANT to take care of myself it’s an inconvenience to everyone "You’re going to the dr when?!" And it’s almost like "that someone" teases me. She makes me go 7-8 hours between meals. If I snack it’s like everyone looks at me like "OMG!"
Diabetes is like a Scarlet Letter. I hate diabetes. I didn’t ask for it. I don’t want it. I HATE IT!!!!!!! Damn I want to cry so bad right now.
So to everyone who knows a diabetic, please don’t offer up unsolicited advice on what they’re eating. I mean, there’s tactful ways of bringing it up, but not while they’re eating. And don’t assume that a diabetic is doing something wrong and that’s why they have diabetes. Even with a type 2, you hear that obesity contributes to diabetes. Don’t assume that because someone is a type 2 they have it cause they’re fat. I "got" diabetes when I weighed less than 150 pounds. Alot of people gain weight with diabetes and it’s harder for them to take it off. Nothing like your body thinking you’re starving it (because your cells aren’t getting the sugar it needs) so many things go into effect like kicking up your appetite, when the last thing you need is food! Hell, I gained more weight with diabetes than I ever did in my two pregnancies combined. And alot of the meds pack on the pounds as well. I’m not trying to make excuses, just trying to explain a few things. It’s amazing how little people know and that’s ok. That’s where education comes in. I’m sure I don’t always say the right things to my patients because I’m learning something new or whatever. But I’m trying to learn so much about so many things so that I can be a good nurse.
Have you hugged a diabetic today? (God knows I need a big one)
Sorry... those are my two cents. Sometimes you just need to feel sorry for yourself for a few minutes LOL
From here on out I’m not telling ANYONE I’m diabetic (in person, at least). Everyone seems to think it’s ok to watch every bite I eat and then tell me how they think it’s not good for me. Diabetic or not, it’s SO rude to point out what someone is eating WHILE they are eating. Nothing aggravates me more than someone looking at my food in front of everyone saying "You can’t eat potatoes!" "You can’t eat rice!" "You can’t eat bourbon chicken!" It’s embarrassing and makes me feel like shit. Yeah people might think they’re "helping" me, but they’re hurting me so bad. A relative of mine used to be real bad at that. If she called and I was cooking something she’d find SOMETHING wrong with what I was eating. Even if it was corn it’s "bad".
Someone in "authority" at my school is real bad at that. She could be eating something way worse than me and if I call her on it she says "Well, I’m not the one who can’t metabolize sugar". I mean damn. That sounds like middle school "Well at least I have more money than you do". There’s nothing I hate more than diabetes. I don’t want ANYONE else the rest of my life know that I have it. I wish there was a cure for it because then I could tell people "Yeah I’m cured" even if I wasn’t. Everyone is quick to criticize but when I WANT to take care of myself it’s an inconvenience to everyone "You’re going to the dr when?!" And it’s almost like "that someone" teases me. She makes me go 7-8 hours between meals. If I snack it’s like everyone looks at me like "OMG!"
Diabetes is like a Scarlet Letter. I hate diabetes. I didn’t ask for it. I don’t want it. I HATE IT!!!!!!! Damn I want to cry so bad right now.
So to everyone who knows a diabetic, please don’t offer up unsolicited advice on what they’re eating. I mean, there’s tactful ways of bringing it up, but not while they’re eating. And don’t assume that a diabetic is doing something wrong and that’s why they have diabetes. Even with a type 2, you hear that obesity contributes to diabetes. Don’t assume that because someone is a type 2 they have it cause they’re fat. I "got" diabetes when I weighed less than 150 pounds. Alot of people gain weight with diabetes and it’s harder for them to take it off. Nothing like your body thinking you’re starving it (because your cells aren’t getting the sugar it needs) so many things go into effect like kicking up your appetite, when the last thing you need is food! Hell, I gained more weight with diabetes than I ever did in my two pregnancies combined. And alot of the meds pack on the pounds as well. I’m not trying to make excuses, just trying to explain a few things. It’s amazing how little people know and that’s ok. That’s where education comes in. I’m sure I don’t always say the right things to my patients because I’m learning something new or whatever. But I’m trying to learn so much about so many things so that I can be a good nurse.
Have you hugged a diabetic today? (God knows I need a big one)
Sorry... those are my two cents. Sometimes you just need to feel sorry for yourself for a few minutes LOL
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Why do I need ANOTHER class?!?!?!
I went to my endo today. I’ve been on insulin before but after my son was born my numbers were so good I quit taking it. So I’ve been maxed out on Glucophage for several years. My dr just tried me on Glipizide. I went for my follow up today. Apparently it didn’t work :-( I’m starting on insulin again. He said oral meds don’t work on me. I’m so mad. PLUS he’s making me take an insulin class although I’ve ALREADY been on insulin and I’m a freaking nursing student and I know insulin and injections inside and out. Heck I give insulin to my pts in the hospital! Just another way to get money I guess.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Updates
After clinical one day last semester I was deeply touched, rather scared out of my mind by a patient of mine. She had renal failure and was on dialysis. Also she is diabetic, like me. But she was only in her 40's. I talked to her about her diabetes leading up to the kidney failure. Her a1c's were pretty similar, if not lower than mine.
Quick lesson on a1c's for those who don't know. You have red blood cells and you have sugar in your blood. That sugar also sticks to your RBCs. A normal person has a low a1c, usually less than 6. This is because there isn't as much free floating sugar in the blood to stick to the cells because insulin is pushing the sugar into the body's cells to be used for energy (and lower blood sugar). In a diabetic there isn't enough insulin so the sugar floats in the blood and sticks to the RBC's and also shows up as high blood sugar. Diabetics have a1c's over 7, as much as 12 or 13! Diabetics have their a1c's checked every 3 months or so to see how much free sugar is floating around in their blood over the last 3 months. This tells how well the diabetes is controlled.
Ok with that being said I set myself up for an appointment with an endocrinologist. He's pretty well known and has been one of Atlanta's Top Doctors several years. I figured if anyone would crack down on my diabetes it would be him.
So I meet with him and he runs tons of tests. He doesn't see any signs of nerve or eye damage (that diabetics are notorious for). Thank God. Everything else looks pretty good. He has some blood drawn and wants to see me again in a few weeks.
The few weeks go by and I go back to my appointment. Last time he was talking about strict insulin therapy that would leave me feeling so much better, so I was excited. I can't tell you how many times my blood sugar is sky high and I feel like crap. Every once in awhile I barely have enough energy to get up and do things. I test my blood sugar 3 times a day and it's always in the 200-300's. Normal is less than 120. Around 140 or so your kidneys can't handle all the sugar and it spills over into the urine. Your body wants to flush out all the sugar so you start peeing alot and that makes you thirsty and dehydrated. So you drink and drink, you just pee more and more and your sugar just goes higher and higher. Just an ugly situation.
I give him my daily numbers and he's surprised. He reviews my blood test results and says "I'm not making any medication changes because your a1c is good. It's 6.3." WTF? No medication changes?! Dude! Do you see my 200-300's?!
So it didn't make sense. My daily numbers should have produced at least a 7-8 a1c which isn't good. Why do I barely have a 6? He gives me a replacement monitor to start testing with. Maybe my monitor was bad. I should start getting lower numbers with the new monitor.
Well I don't. Same 200-300's. I still feel sick as a dog.
Sometimes if someone is anemic their a1c can be falsely low because there isn't as many RBC's for the sugar to stick to. But I'm not anemic. Ugh. I can't explain it!
So I go in last week to have my blood drawn again. I went to my appointment on Monday. I was anxious to hear my blood test results. He tells me he's concerned because my a1c jumped AN ENTIRE POINT to 7.3. I've NEVER done a jump that dramatic.
Ok, a 1 point jump in 1 month is really bad. It means something happened and my diabetes is starting to get out of control. My BP has already been high and I'm double dosed on a beta blocker called Atenolol. But it's even higher now. So he prescribes another BP med. An ACE inhibitor called Lisinopril. The good thing about this drug is it will bring my BP down but it will also protect my kidneys against the diabetes. But for the diabetes he adds yet ANOTHER drug to my routine. This drug is a sulfonylurea. Try saying that 3 times fast LOL
I now have numerous medication bottles and I actually have to take a Sharpie and write on it which meds are taken in the AM and which are taken in the PM. I have to check my BP every day and my blood sugar at least 3 times a day. And I've got it good. Some people have it way worse.
From what was explained to me, being on the sulfonylurea will also tell us something else. How much is my pancreas working? This drug works before I eat by telling my pancreas I'm about to eat and to start pumping out insulin. If my pancreas isn't working much at all there isn't much this drug can do and I'll be back on the stupid insulin shots. I don't want to go there again.
Another thing that sucks is 4 of my meds cause drowsiness and I take 2 in the AM and 2 in the PM. So if the diabetes doesn't have me tired, the meds are.
So I just wanted to update those who care on the unwelcomed drama in my life LOL!
Take care everyone!!!!
Quick lesson on a1c's for those who don't know. You have red blood cells and you have sugar in your blood. That sugar also sticks to your RBCs. A normal person has a low a1c, usually less than 6. This is because there isn't as much free floating sugar in the blood to stick to the cells because insulin is pushing the sugar into the body's cells to be used for energy (and lower blood sugar). In a diabetic there isn't enough insulin so the sugar floats in the blood and sticks to the RBC's and also shows up as high blood sugar. Diabetics have a1c's over 7, as much as 12 or 13! Diabetics have their a1c's checked every 3 months or so to see how much free sugar is floating around in their blood over the last 3 months. This tells how well the diabetes is controlled.
Ok with that being said I set myself up for an appointment with an endocrinologist. He's pretty well known and has been one of Atlanta's Top Doctors several years. I figured if anyone would crack down on my diabetes it would be him.
So I meet with him and he runs tons of tests. He doesn't see any signs of nerve or eye damage (that diabetics are notorious for). Thank God. Everything else looks pretty good. He has some blood drawn and wants to see me again in a few weeks.
The few weeks go by and I go back to my appointment. Last time he was talking about strict insulin therapy that would leave me feeling so much better, so I was excited. I can't tell you how many times my blood sugar is sky high and I feel like crap. Every once in awhile I barely have enough energy to get up and do things. I test my blood sugar 3 times a day and it's always in the 200-300's. Normal is less than 120. Around 140 or so your kidneys can't handle all the sugar and it spills over into the urine. Your body wants to flush out all the sugar so you start peeing alot and that makes you thirsty and dehydrated. So you drink and drink, you just pee more and more and your sugar just goes higher and higher. Just an ugly situation.
I give him my daily numbers and he's surprised. He reviews my blood test results and says "I'm not making any medication changes because your a1c is good. It's 6.3." WTF? No medication changes?! Dude! Do you see my 200-300's?!
So it didn't make sense. My daily numbers should have produced at least a 7-8 a1c which isn't good. Why do I barely have a 6? He gives me a replacement monitor to start testing with. Maybe my monitor was bad. I should start getting lower numbers with the new monitor.
Well I don't. Same 200-300's. I still feel sick as a dog.
Sometimes if someone is anemic their a1c can be falsely low because there isn't as many RBC's for the sugar to stick to. But I'm not anemic. Ugh. I can't explain it!
So I go in last week to have my blood drawn again. I went to my appointment on Monday. I was anxious to hear my blood test results. He tells me he's concerned because my a1c jumped AN ENTIRE POINT to 7.3. I've NEVER done a jump that dramatic.
Ok, a 1 point jump in 1 month is really bad. It means something happened and my diabetes is starting to get out of control. My BP has already been high and I'm double dosed on a beta blocker called Atenolol. But it's even higher now. So he prescribes another BP med. An ACE inhibitor called Lisinopril. The good thing about this drug is it will bring my BP down but it will also protect my kidneys against the diabetes. But for the diabetes he adds yet ANOTHER drug to my routine. This drug is a sulfonylurea. Try saying that 3 times fast LOL
I now have numerous medication bottles and I actually have to take a Sharpie and write on it which meds are taken in the AM and which are taken in the PM. I have to check my BP every day and my blood sugar at least 3 times a day. And I've got it good. Some people have it way worse.
From what was explained to me, being on the sulfonylurea will also tell us something else. How much is my pancreas working? This drug works before I eat by telling my pancreas I'm about to eat and to start pumping out insulin. If my pancreas isn't working much at all there isn't much this drug can do and I'll be back on the stupid insulin shots. I don't want to go there again.
Another thing that sucks is 4 of my meds cause drowsiness and I take 2 in the AM and 2 in the PM. So if the diabetes doesn't have me tired, the meds are.
So I just wanted to update those who care on the unwelcomed drama in my life LOL!
Take care everyone!!!!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Semester 2 Clinical Day 1
Up before God at 5 in the AM, trying to clear my contact lenses of sleep gook while I apply black liquid eye liner, hair flying around every which way, my mind focusing on the traffic report on the early morning local news (11 Alive), one leg in my uniform pants, other hand buttoning up my uniform shirt, all while holding back a gallon of pee! Yep, that's how my clinical mornings start. I take my shower the night before, although I'm normally a "don't go anywhere until I have my shower" kind of person. Good thing I prepare my clinical bag the night before. I throw my hair back in a scrunchie and run out the door.
My eyes haven't even started working yet.
Ok, it's before 6 AM and I'm night blind. I hop in my car only to discover the power steering is acting up again. Damnit. I stop by McDonalds before I hit the interstate. I need a coke and a Southern Chicken biscuit. Just enough caffeine and saturated fat to give me a heart attack right as I arrive to the hospital. Ok, let's hope not at least.
I get on the interstate. There are two kinds of people on Atlanta's highways before 6 am. People who aren't awake yet and people who aren't awake yet and are still dreaming that they are racing in the Piston Cup with Lightening McQueen. I am wedged in with 3 sleepers in front of me and to either side. Lightening McQueen is driving behind me in his SUV with his brights directly in my rear view shifting to the left mirror... then to the right mirror... Maybe I'll install a disco ball so next time one of these idiots are behind me their brights create quite the display all over the interstate. I can't go anywhere dickhead. Pick another lane to bully.
Then I hit Panola Rd. That's where people start dozing off again and traffic grinds to a 10 mph halt. 80 to 10 in 1.4 seconds. Not bad. Now I have time to eat breakfast. I really should consider packing a Thermos full of black coffee and purchase a crotch rocket. ZOOOOM!
I 20 turns into 285 soon enough. I speed through the merging curve and SLAM ON MY BRAKES AGAIN. Traffic. Shit. Atlanta drivers are absolutely mesmorized by blue flashing lights. After pacing at 5 mph that my car barely measures for a mile I pass the pretty blue lights. Ahhhhhhhh. Traffic suddenly speeds up again. VRRRRRRRRRRROOOOM!
I'm going at a steady 70 until Church St. This is a bonehead exit. There's high concrete walls on both sides and no visibility until you are already in the middle of the road, which at this point you might as well just chance it.
My next 5 minutes are uneventful. I arrive at the hospital, park, run into a classmate and we run our way in to the hospital with our 90 pound clinical bags. Good thing I went to boot camp and did 10 years in the military. Oh wait. I didn't. Well, we survive the dash and arrive at the elevators. Ok. Let me tell you something. The elevators at Dekalb Medical have codes this early in the morning. You have to hit the "Up" button 49 times. Pause 1 minute. Then hit "Up" another 93 times. Keep count because if you lose track you have to start all over again. Then wait. 2 minutes later... PROMPTLY... the elevator doors open. I think the elevator was there the whole time laughing at us.
The elevator doors close and I completely forget to select the floor I'm going to. I'm surprised it didn't just take me to a random floor. I probably would have got off the elevator too. I'm so not awake. I hit "4" and up we go. The ride is so shaky I start thinking of survival techniques I can use once the elevator cord snaps and we go plunging.
We arrive at the Med Surg floor. We get off. We drag our way down to the conference room for pre-conference. Open the door. Damnit! It's 103 degrees in here! Paint it with Acetaminophen and break the fever holy crap it's hot in here! *sigh* Just cause it's 30 degrees outside doesn't mean you have to turn the ac off in the hospital.
I sit through our pre-conference in the hospital sauna. Every so often I have to add water to the steamer so our skin stays hydrated. I get my patient assignment, but our computer passwords aren't working, so I have to look at the PAPER chart. Yeah primitive. He's 83 with sepsis and colon cancer. Brought in with a BP of 93/42 P 104 RR 22 T 102.3 He's a sick man. I go in his room to introduce myself and the nurse is trying to get ABG's on him. It's painful for him and it doesn't help that she can't find his artery. There's a student nurse from Georgia Baptists Resp Therapy program in the room.
Ok, that brings me to something else. Nursing students from other schools. Do they feel that students from GPC are threats or what? They are SO hostile towards us. Shoot, the way I see it we all have the same interest and we are all coming out as RN's. Why the *(&$ can't we all just get along? I've never had to deal with a student from another school until today and I'm not happy. They have a serious chip on their shoulder! I stood back and watched. We are taught to never pass up on the opportunity to watch and learn. I've never seen a nurse going for ABG's so I watched and casually introduced myself to the patient to "distract" him. Got a smile out of him at least. That's when the other student stepped back. The patient asked if she was scared of blood and she said "No, blood doesn't bother me. I'm trying not to hover. I don't like it when people hover." I KNOW she wasn't talking about me.
After watching an unsuccessful attempt at an ABG collection I go back to the PAPER chart. I collect the data I need to make my diagnosis and care plan and I go back to the conference room we took residency in. I'm sitting at one of the computers looking up some lab values with an RN to my left doing her thing. Next to her are 2 student nurses from Georgia State's Resp School. The same school Miss Thang came from. One girl, probably 18 and fresh out of high school, is talking to the other student talking non stop about every pathetic detail of her pampered life. YAWWWWN! Then she started talking about alllllll the schools she looked into before attending Georgia State. Then she said "I looked into Georgia Perimeter but I just couldn't see getting my associate's degree." She was so ugly in her tone of voice. I know she saw my badge and I know she saw I was from GPC. I turned around to look at her and the nurse next to me did too. Then the nurse turned and looked at me and rolled her eyes. Yeah, this girl sounded pathetic. This is my 4th month at Dekalb and I have never once encountered anyone who had a problem with GPC. Guess this group just needs a mild slap in the face. Maybe tie them to a chair with IV tubing? Hang the chair from the ceiling with Foley catheter tubes?
Ok, outta sight outta mind eh?
Later on I go back to check on my patient again and he's resting comfortably. I'll let him rest. Poor man got tore up by those other students LOL I'll be extra nice to him later on. I know it's hard to find an artery and I know it's painful. But they were downright mean to him. You can be ugly to me all you want. All I care about is me. I just want to pass and get a good job to give my family a nice life and to live out my dream. But don't be ugly to my patient. They don't deserve it. And he was actually a real nice man.
After completing my paperwork I came back to see how he was doing. It was time for him to eat lunch. Because he had a spinal cord injury at home time he was weak on one side. He also has Parkinson's and shakes real bad. So he needs someone to help him eat. This morning he didn't keep his breakfast down. So I repositioned him and got him comfortable. I raised the head of his bed. He has to eat through a straw, except for his pudding. He had vanilla pudding and potato soup. The soup was still hot so I offered the pudding to him. Because he was so sick earlier I got him to take things slowly. We just got to talking and having a great time. He was so nice. We talked about everything from American Idol to World War 2 and which were the best jobs in the Navy. Older people have lived alot in their lives and have great stories to tell. Sometimes you just need to stop and listen.
Then his wife came to visit and boy did she look at me like I was "the other woman". LOL it was so funny. I introduced myself and allowed her to continue feeding him. Good thing too because once I left his room my instructor said we could leave for the day. YAY!!!!!!
I came home and took a 4 hour nap LOL Now it's after 10:00 pm and I can't sleep!!!! Well, I have lots of paperwork to do on my patient. I'll do that. It always makes me drowsy to do paperwork.
MWWWWWWWWWWWAH!
My eyes haven't even started working yet.
Ok, it's before 6 AM and I'm night blind. I hop in my car only to discover the power steering is acting up again. Damnit. I stop by McDonalds before I hit the interstate. I need a coke and a Southern Chicken biscuit. Just enough caffeine and saturated fat to give me a heart attack right as I arrive to the hospital. Ok, let's hope not at least.
I get on the interstate. There are two kinds of people on Atlanta's highways before 6 am. People who aren't awake yet and people who aren't awake yet and are still dreaming that they are racing in the Piston Cup with Lightening McQueen. I am wedged in with 3 sleepers in front of me and to either side. Lightening McQueen is driving behind me in his SUV with his brights directly in my rear view shifting to the left mirror... then to the right mirror... Maybe I'll install a disco ball so next time one of these idiots are behind me their brights create quite the display all over the interstate. I can't go anywhere dickhead. Pick another lane to bully.
Then I hit Panola Rd. That's where people start dozing off again and traffic grinds to a 10 mph halt. 80 to 10 in 1.4 seconds. Not bad. Now I have time to eat breakfast. I really should consider packing a Thermos full of black coffee and purchase a crotch rocket. ZOOOOM!
I 20 turns into 285 soon enough. I speed through the merging curve and SLAM ON MY BRAKES AGAIN. Traffic. Shit. Atlanta drivers are absolutely mesmorized by blue flashing lights. After pacing at 5 mph that my car barely measures for a mile I pass the pretty blue lights. Ahhhhhhhh. Traffic suddenly speeds up again. VRRRRRRRRRRROOOOM!
I'm going at a steady 70 until Church St. This is a bonehead exit. There's high concrete walls on both sides and no visibility until you are already in the middle of the road, which at this point you might as well just chance it.
My next 5 minutes are uneventful. I arrive at the hospital, park, run into a classmate and we run our way in to the hospital with our 90 pound clinical bags. Good thing I went to boot camp and did 10 years in the military. Oh wait. I didn't. Well, we survive the dash and arrive at the elevators. Ok. Let me tell you something. The elevators at Dekalb Medical have codes this early in the morning. You have to hit the "Up" button 49 times. Pause 1 minute. Then hit "Up" another 93 times. Keep count because if you lose track you have to start all over again. Then wait. 2 minutes later... PROMPTLY... the elevator doors open. I think the elevator was there the whole time laughing at us.
The elevator doors close and I completely forget to select the floor I'm going to. I'm surprised it didn't just take me to a random floor. I probably would have got off the elevator too. I'm so not awake. I hit "4" and up we go. The ride is so shaky I start thinking of survival techniques I can use once the elevator cord snaps and we go plunging.
We arrive at the Med Surg floor. We get off. We drag our way down to the conference room for pre-conference. Open the door. Damnit! It's 103 degrees in here! Paint it with Acetaminophen and break the fever holy crap it's hot in here! *sigh* Just cause it's 30 degrees outside doesn't mean you have to turn the ac off in the hospital.
I sit through our pre-conference in the hospital sauna. Every so often I have to add water to the steamer so our skin stays hydrated. I get my patient assignment, but our computer passwords aren't working, so I have to look at the PAPER chart. Yeah primitive. He's 83 with sepsis and colon cancer. Brought in with a BP of 93/42 P 104 RR 22 T 102.3 He's a sick man. I go in his room to introduce myself and the nurse is trying to get ABG's on him. It's painful for him and it doesn't help that she can't find his artery. There's a student nurse from Georgia Baptists Resp Therapy program in the room.
Ok, that brings me to something else. Nursing students from other schools. Do they feel that students from GPC are threats or what? They are SO hostile towards us. Shoot, the way I see it we all have the same interest and we are all coming out as RN's. Why the *(&$ can't we all just get along? I've never had to deal with a student from another school until today and I'm not happy. They have a serious chip on their shoulder! I stood back and watched. We are taught to never pass up on the opportunity to watch and learn. I've never seen a nurse going for ABG's so I watched and casually introduced myself to the patient to "distract" him. Got a smile out of him at least. That's when the other student stepped back. The patient asked if she was scared of blood and she said "No, blood doesn't bother me. I'm trying not to hover. I don't like it when people hover." I KNOW she wasn't talking about me.
After watching an unsuccessful attempt at an ABG collection I go back to the PAPER chart. I collect the data I need to make my diagnosis and care plan and I go back to the conference room we took residency in. I'm sitting at one of the computers looking up some lab values with an RN to my left doing her thing. Next to her are 2 student nurses from Georgia State's Resp School. The same school Miss Thang came from. One girl, probably 18 and fresh out of high school, is talking to the other student talking non stop about every pathetic detail of her pampered life. YAWWWWN! Then she started talking about alllllll the schools she looked into before attending Georgia State. Then she said "I looked into Georgia Perimeter but I just couldn't see getting my associate's degree." She was so ugly in her tone of voice. I know she saw my badge and I know she saw I was from GPC. I turned around to look at her and the nurse next to me did too. Then the nurse turned and looked at me and rolled her eyes. Yeah, this girl sounded pathetic. This is my 4th month at Dekalb and I have never once encountered anyone who had a problem with GPC. Guess this group just needs a mild slap in the face. Maybe tie them to a chair with IV tubing? Hang the chair from the ceiling with Foley catheter tubes?
Ok, outta sight outta mind eh?
Later on I go back to check on my patient again and he's resting comfortably. I'll let him rest. Poor man got tore up by those other students LOL I'll be extra nice to him later on. I know it's hard to find an artery and I know it's painful. But they were downright mean to him. You can be ugly to me all you want. All I care about is me. I just want to pass and get a good job to give my family a nice life and to live out my dream. But don't be ugly to my patient. They don't deserve it. And he was actually a real nice man.
After completing my paperwork I came back to see how he was doing. It was time for him to eat lunch. Because he had a spinal cord injury at home time he was weak on one side. He also has Parkinson's and shakes real bad. So he needs someone to help him eat. This morning he didn't keep his breakfast down. So I repositioned him and got him comfortable. I raised the head of his bed. He has to eat through a straw, except for his pudding. He had vanilla pudding and potato soup. The soup was still hot so I offered the pudding to him. Because he was so sick earlier I got him to take things slowly. We just got to talking and having a great time. He was so nice. We talked about everything from American Idol to World War 2 and which were the best jobs in the Navy. Older people have lived alot in their lives and have great stories to tell. Sometimes you just need to stop and listen.
Then his wife came to visit and boy did she look at me like I was "the other woman". LOL it was so funny. I introduced myself and allowed her to continue feeding him. Good thing too because once I left his room my instructor said we could leave for the day. YAY!!!!!!
I came home and took a 4 hour nap LOL Now it's after 10:00 pm and I can't sleep!!!! Well, I have lots of paperwork to do on my patient. I'll do that. It always makes me drowsy to do paperwork.
MWWWWWWWWWWWAH!
Friday, January 11, 2008
How to Deal with Hypos
If you are diabetic, or know someone who is, you will appreciate this I'm sure. Courtesy of a fellow dlifer.
We've all been there... hypo time, and a confuzzled brain... no idea what you are doing... so here is a guide to what NOT to do when you are trying to treat a hypo...
1... Don't stare at your meter for 5 minutes as though you can simply will your bg to come up with the power of your mind... chances are, it wont work, and you will look like a dummy... or pass out.
2...Don't wander into the kitchen, stand there scratching your head in wonder, then back into the lounge while you try to figure out what you are doing. The exercise while you wander back and forth will only succeed in lowering your bg further... and again, you will look like a dummy... or pass out.
3... Don't believe that water will bring your bg up. It doesn't work. Soda works. Or Juice. Or glucose, jelly beans, fruit... even straight sugar!! But water... no. Oh, and spilling it everywhere as you drop lower and lower will make you look like a dummy. And you may pass out.
4...Don't decide that it's a fun game to see how low you can go before you pass out... Chances are you will actually pass out. And if you do that, you wont be able to test to see how low you went... which defeats the purpose of your experiment.
5... Don't over do it. The candy is good, true. And yeah, you need some. SOME!!! I said SOME!!! Not all of it!! 100g of carbs from candy will send your bg high... Not that you care right now... coz you are low, and man, that candy is good... and... okay, at least wipe the chocolate off of your face.
6. Finally, don't strip. Yes, you are hot and sweaty. Yes, you are confuzzled and disorientated. But that does NOT make getting naked a good idea. Especially if you still haven’t treated... you might pass out... and only the paramedics will be happy when you awaken naked...
We've all been there... hypo time, and a confuzzled brain... no idea what you are doing... so here is a guide to what NOT to do when you are trying to treat a hypo...
1... Don't stare at your meter for 5 minutes as though you can simply will your bg to come up with the power of your mind... chances are, it wont work, and you will look like a dummy... or pass out.
2...Don't wander into the kitchen, stand there scratching your head in wonder, then back into the lounge while you try to figure out what you are doing. The exercise while you wander back and forth will only succeed in lowering your bg further... and again, you will look like a dummy... or pass out.
3... Don't believe that water will bring your bg up. It doesn't work. Soda works. Or Juice. Or glucose, jelly beans, fruit... even straight sugar!! But water... no. Oh, and spilling it everywhere as you drop lower and lower will make you look like a dummy. And you may pass out.
4...Don't decide that it's a fun game to see how low you can go before you pass out... Chances are you will actually pass out. And if you do that, you wont be able to test to see how low you went... which defeats the purpose of your experiment.
5... Don't over do it. The candy is good, true. And yeah, you need some. SOME!!! I said SOME!!! Not all of it!! 100g of carbs from candy will send your bg high... Not that you care right now... coz you are low, and man, that candy is good... and... okay, at least wipe the chocolate off of your face.
6. Finally, don't strip. Yes, you are hot and sweaty. Yes, you are confuzzled and disorientated. But that does NOT make getting naked a good idea. Especially if you still haven’t treated... you might pass out... and only the paramedics will be happy when you awaken naked...
How to deal with Hypos
If you're diabetic, or know someone who is, you can really appreciate this! I got this from someone on a diabetes discussion board.
How To Deal With Hypos
We've all been there... hypo time, and a confuzzled brain... no idea what you are doing... so here is a guide to what NOT to do when you are trying to treat a hypo...
1... Don't stare at your meter for 5 minutes as though you can simply will your bg to come up with the power of your mind... chances are, it wont work, and you will look like a dummy... or pass out.
2...Don't wander into the kitchen, stand there scratching your head in wonder, then back into the lounge while you try to figure out what you are doing. The exercise while you wander back and forth will only succeed in lowering your bg further... and again, you will look like a dummy... or pass out.
3... Don't believe that water will bring your bg up. It doesn't work. Soda works. Or Juice. Or glucose, jelly beans, fruit... even straight sugar!! But water... no. Oh, and spilling it everywhere as you drop lower and lower will make you look like a dummy. And you may pass out.
4...Don't decide that it's a fun game to see how low you can go before you pass out... Chances are you will actually pass out. And if you do that, you wont be able to test to see how low you went... which defeats the purpose of your experiment.
5... Don't over do it. The candy is good, true. And yeah, you need some. SOME!!! I said SOME!!! Not all of it!! 100g of carbs from candy will send your bg high... Not that you care right now... coz you are low, and man, that candy is good... and... okay, at least wipe the chocolate off of your face.
6. Finally, don't strip. Yes, you are hot and sweaty. Yes, you are confuzzled and disorientated. But that does NOT make getting naked a good idea. Especially if you still haven't treated... you might pass out... and only the paramedics will be happy when you awaken naked...
How To Deal With Hypos
We've all been there... hypo time, and a confuzzled brain... no idea what you are doing... so here is a guide to what NOT to do when you are trying to treat a hypo...
1... Don't stare at your meter for 5 minutes as though you can simply will your bg to come up with the power of your mind... chances are, it wont work, and you will look like a dummy... or pass out.
2...Don't wander into the kitchen, stand there scratching your head in wonder, then back into the lounge while you try to figure out what you are doing. The exercise while you wander back and forth will only succeed in lowering your bg further... and again, you will look like a dummy... or pass out.
3... Don't believe that water will bring your bg up. It doesn't work. Soda works. Or Juice. Or glucose, jelly beans, fruit... even straight sugar!! But water... no. Oh, and spilling it everywhere as you drop lower and lower will make you look like a dummy. And you may pass out.
4...Don't decide that it's a fun game to see how low you can go before you pass out... Chances are you will actually pass out. And if you do that, you wont be able to test to see how low you went... which defeats the purpose of your experiment.
5... Don't over do it. The candy is good, true. And yeah, you need some. SOME!!! I said SOME!!! Not all of it!! 100g of carbs from candy will send your bg high... Not that you care right now... coz you are low, and man, that candy is good... and... okay, at least wipe the chocolate off of your face.
6. Finally, don't strip. Yes, you are hot and sweaty. Yes, you are confuzzled and disorientated. But that does NOT make getting naked a good idea. Especially if you still haven't treated... you might pass out... and only the paramedics will be happy when you awaken naked...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
