The title says it all. Welcome to AMHD.

There are a lot of long term members on this site, and we've all gotten to know each other very well. We were all newbies at one time, and throughout the years others have joined and we've gotten to know them as well.

When I joined this was a huge site, so many members, a lot of long term members. I joined to ask a question, and then answered questions, and then started chatting with other members of this site. I was hooked, and it's now been 8 years.

We love having new people join. We love getting to know people. Let us get to know you.

So if this is your first post, your 100th post, your 1000th post, or your 20,000th post or more, come on in and chat, get to know the people on this site.

Let's start with a game.

I'll pick the letter B. I'll answer the following questions, and all the answers have to start with the letter B. If you post I'll give you a letter and you answer the same questions. Here it goes.

Favorite move: Burlesque
Favorite food: Burgers
A person you know: Brent
A place you'd like to visit: Bahamas
How you describe yourself: Busty
Favorite animal: Bunny
Favorite drink: Beer

And the game begins. :)

Waves Hi Alty

My first victim, muwahahahahahahahahaha!

Mogrann, your letter is M, because your name starts with M, and that's how creative I am right now. :)

Just to refresh, you must now answer these question and all the answers must start with the letter M. Sounds easy, but it's really not:

Favorite move:
Favorite food:
A person you know:
A place you'd like to visit:
How you describe yourself:
Favorite animal:
Favorite drink:

Good luck sweetie.

Okay, I'll step into your parlor. :)

Favorite move: MASH
Favorite food: Mashed potatoes
A person you know: Mitchell
A place you'd like to visit: Montreal
How you describe yourself: moody
Favorite animal: Monkey
Favorite drink: Mocha

Okay, I'll step into your parlor. :)

Step into my parlor little fly, said the spider. :)

Your letter is C, because I'm that not original.


Favorite move: MASH
Favorite food: Mashed potatoes
A person you know: Mitchell
A place you'd like to visit: Montreal
How you describe yourself: moody
Favorite animal: Monkey
Favorite drink: Mocha

I love Mash! Sadly they overdid it for so many years that I know every episode by heart, but it's been years now since I've seen an episode, so I miss it. I'm waiting for Netflix to get with the program and add Mash. :)

Also love mashed potatoes.

The rest... I can live without. No offense to Mitchell. ;)

Like I didn't see that coming. :)

Favorite move: Clue
Favorite food: Cheese
A person you know: Cats
A place you'd like to visit: Canada
How you describe yourself: Content
Favorite animal: Clydesdale
Favorite drink: Coco

Netflix, US added the first five seasons of MASH this month. I don't know if the Canada version has it yet. :)

Ok, let me guess... O, because you're not that original? :p

I have all of the MASH dvds including the movie. I can lend it to you Alty

Ok, let me guess... O, because you're not that original? :p

Oh, game on!

You get Q, because you egged me on! :)

What if I don't want to play now?

Like I didn't see that coming. :)

Favorite move: Clue
Favorite food: Cheese
A person you know: Cats
A place you'd like to visit: Canada
How you describe yourself: Content
Favorite animal: Clydesdale
Favorite drink: Coco

Netflix, US added the first five seasons of MASH this month. I don't know if the Canada version has it yet. :)

Netflix Canada sucks. A friend figured out how to get the US version, but it seems shady to me so I haven't done it. Guess I just have to wait.

Now, if you're serious about visiting Canada, I know a few people (ME ME ME) that would love to have you and Cats visit. Come on down, or is it up? Geography has never been my strong point. Just don't come during winter. You''ll both die, and I love you both too much to see that happen. Summer is good. Summer is safe. You'll live!


What if I don't want to play now?

Then you're a party pooper, and I'll tell everyone that you're a party pooper, and everyone will know that you're a party pooper. If that doesn't work, I'll go to work discrediting your manhood.

Much easier to play. :)


I have all of the MASH dvds including the movie. I can lend it to you Alty

I'd love that!

Mash is more than just a show to me, it's a memory. My dad and I watched Mash together every week (back then it was weekly because it was new, and that's how old I am!). It reminds me of fun times with my dad.

We also always watched the Muppet Show, Dad, mom and me, every Sunday. Rod and I have started buying the Muppet Show collection, and the kids love it. Mash, not yet. They don't get it. Doubt they ever will. Different era. :(

Easier to play? With Q? Really? Ok...

Favorite move: none with Q
Favorite food: None with Q
A person you know: Nobody with Q
A place you'd like to visit: No place with Q
How you describe yourself: Q isn't in any word that would describe me.
Favorite animal: No animal with Q
Favorite drink: Quik

There...yay.

I'm in!

Easier to play? With Q? Really? Ok...

Favorite move: none with Q
Favorite food: None with Q
A person you know: Nobody with Q
A place you'd like to visit: No place with Q
How you describe yourself: Q isn't in any word that would describe me.
Favorite animal: No animal with Q
Favorite drink: Quik

There...yay.

Quebec! It's a place! It's in Canada! You could visit Quebec!

The rest... yes, I made it tough, but you asked for it!


I'm in!

I can't give you S, because of Odinn, so blame Odinn for this one.

I won't be mean like I was with him, but I do have to be a bit creative.

Your letter is V, and I know you can at least come up with a movie and a food that will go with that letter. :)

Oh, and an animal. Vole! It's cute, trust me. Pick vole for your animal!

Another add. Victoria, or Vancouver! Places. Both in Canada! One is where I need to go to get my stupid passport because I'm not Canadian. I could meet you there!

No...no....the question wasn't "name a place with Q"....it was "a place you'd like to visit" that starts with Q...I have no interest in Quebec really so it would have been unfair to answer that. Just like, yes, I can name movies and foods that start with Q but based on the actual questions, no, they couldn't be answered as I have no favorites that start with such a letter. So there.

No...no....the question wasn't "name a place with Q"....it was "a place you'd like to visit" that starts with Q...I have no interest in Quebec really so it would have been unfair to answer that. Just like, yes, I can name movies and foods that start with Q but based on the actual questions, no, they couldn't be answered as I have no favorites that start with such a letter. So there.

Picky boy!

Okay, not favorites. Obviously Burlesque isn't my favorite movie, not even close.

For those OCD people that can only name actual favorites for the letters I give you, no need to do so. Don't stress yourselves out. Just an answer for that question with the letter I give you, will suffice. Don't make your brain explode because it's not actually your favorite.

Relax. It's supposed to be fun, not stressful. :)

Ok, I'm in. Take it easy on me... just spent a day with Kinders and they were pretty awful :(.

Ok, I'm in. Take it easy on me... just spent a day with Kinders and they were pretty awful :(.

They always are, they're kids.

On that note, I'm giving you the letter K for Kinders and kids. :)

Just remember that no letter is actually easy. K is better than Q or V. :)

Me please!

Me please!

This is a tough one. The easy answer is D or C, but my brain is wanting to be original.

I'm going to pick R. Why? I don't know! It just popped into my head! R it is. Still better than Q or V. :)

Shazzy, still waiting on you! You got V. Not so easy is it?

Vancouver for a place (ya it's in Canada). Vegemite (sp?) for food, Vole for pet. Seriously, I'm pretty much doing this for you! :)

Want to add. I'm not combining all these posts into one post. I want to answer all of you with a post that's just about what you posted, but if I post after I posted and hit post, my next post is added to the previous one. Does that make sense?

In other words, I'll post this, which is meant to be a new post, not combined with any other posts, but it will likely combine it to my last post unless someone else posts between my last post and this one. Or you have to wait a certain amount of time (no idea how long) before you can post again after a post you posted, without the site combining those post, even if you reply to someone that posted, which should make it a separate post!

I'm giving you a hard time...imagine what it must be like to work with me. I think you can understand why my "superiors" simply put up with me and kind of let me do what I want rather than question me.

Favorite move: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Favorite food: Ravioli
A person you know: Randi
A place you'd like to visit: Rockies
How you describe yourself: Reliable
Favorite animal: Ragdoll
Favorite drink: Root Beer

I'm giving you a hard time...imagine what it must be like to work with me. I think you can understand why my "superiors" simply put up with me and kind of let me do what I want rather than question me.

LOL! Ditto kiddo!

You give me a hard time for the same reason I give you a hard time. But to be fair, on this thread you totally deserved it. :)


Favorite move: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Favorite food: Ravioli
A person you know: Randi
A place you'd like to visit: Rockies
How you describe yourself: Reliable
Favorite animal: Ragdoll
Favorite drink: Root Beer

Love Raiders of the lost Ark. Love the first three movies in that series. The fourth was okay. Better than the Mummy series. Loved all the movies but the last one in that series.

Five hours drive and I'm in the Rockies. Amazing! I miss them all the time. Five hours drive isn't that much, but it's a long way when you don't have the money to travel and gas is uber expensive.

Ragdoll cat?

Like Root beer, love it even more without the root. :)

Ok, here:

movie: Q-The Winged Serpent
food:Quesadilla
A person you know: Quinn, he's mighty.
A place you'd like to visit: Quicksand, KY
How you describe yourself: Quality product
animal: Quail
drink: Quik

Better?

Ok, here:

movie: Q-The Winged Serpent
food:Quesadilla
A person you know: Quinn, he's mighty.
A place you'd like to visit: Quicksand, KY
How you describe yourself: Quality product
animal: Quail
drink: Quik

Better?

You may now pass through the gates young one. You did well. :)

So we got the long term members. Where are the new members? Jump in, we don't bite. Nibble maybe, but no biting.

Don't be shy, post away. I see 121 views of this thread, but only 26 posts. Post, it doesn't hurt, it's free, and it's fun. It's the best of all worlds.

I double dog dare you to post! :)

Movie: Kindergarten Cop
Food: kumquat
Person I know: Kristin
Place to visit: Kensington Palace
Describe myself: kind-hearted
Favorite animal: kittens
Favorite drink: (k)offee (I hate Kool-aid, but I could have put that).

I'll bite, I want to play!

Hello!!

Me too, me too!

Boo!

(What? I can't have a 3 letter post? Craziness!)

Ha .

Looks like Alty is busy so players, grab a letter and get busy-

Movie: The Last Samurai
Food: Teriyaki Chicken
A person you know: Tom (Speedball)
A place you'd like to visit: Tallahassee
How you describe yourself: Teddy bear
Animal: Tiger
Drink: Texas Sun Tea

Looks like Alty is busy so players, grab a letter and get busy-

Movie: The Last Samurai
Food: Teriyaki Chicken
A person you know: Tom (Speedball)
A place you'd like to visit: Tallahassee
How you describe yourself: Teddy bear
Animal: Tiger
Drink: Texas Sun Tea
"The" in your movie title doesn't count!!!!!

I pick W.

Favorite movie: Wizard of Oz
Favorite food: Watermelon
A person I know: Walter
A place I'd like to visit: Washington State
How I describe myself: Well-read
Favorite animal: Wolf
Favorite drink: Water

Ha .

Bah .

I'm taking 'A'! I'm doing it!

Movie: Abyss
Food: Adobo Chicken
A person I know: Adam
A place you'd like to visit: Aruba
How you describe yourself: Awesome ;)
Animal: Aye Aye
Drink: Apple Martini

I'll bite, I want to play!

I'll give you the letter W. Why? I don't know. Just go with it. ;)


Hello!!

Is the letter J too expected? So what! Wait... that's too easy. Okay, you get the letter M.


Me too, me too!

Hmmmm... thinking. I'll give you the letter W. Shouldn't be too hard. :)

Me me me!

Boo!

(What? I can't have a 3 letter post? Craziness!)

Since you said Boo, you get the letter B. :)


Ha .

H for you mister! :)


Me me me!

P. Ya, I'm going back to easy. I think I'm running out of letters!

I totally saw that coming! :D

Favorite move: The Passion of Christ (if 'the' doesn't count)
Favorite food: Prawns (I love spicy one)
A person you know: Patricia
A place you'd like to visit: Paris
How you describe yourself: People person
Favorite animal: Peacock
Favorite drink: Pina Colada

I totally saw that coming! :D

Favorite move: The Passion of Christ (if 'the' doesn't count)
Favorite food: Prawns (I love spicy one)
A person you know: Patricia
A place you'd like to visit: Paris
How you describe yourself: People person
Favorite animal: Peacock
Favorite drink: Pina Colada

I was really hoping you and I could bond over the movie "Pretty Woman". Sigh. :)

Love Prawns, Paris sucks (been there, done that, never again, you're not missing anything, just my opinion). Peacocks are so cool, and I love Pina Colada's and taking walks in the rain. :)

M
Favorite movie: Madagascar
Favorite food: Muenster Cheese
A person I know: Michael
A place I'd like to visit: Madagascar
How I describe myself: Multi-tasker
Favorite animal: Mick (my dog)
Favorite drink: Mbeer

@Alty I love talking walk in the rain too. :)
Same pinch!

Ok, Alty picked W for me:

Favorite movie: Waterworld... what a teriffic movie to ignore and go to sleep on.
Favorite food: Wings... as in the chicken variety
A person I know: I also know a Walter, he is my BIL
A place I'd like to visit: Warsaw... I"m a history nerd
How I describe myself: Waiting... Mr. KC and I found out that we are expecting last week. Excited!
Favorite animal: Warthog-its a pumbaa!
Favorite drink: Whiskey, which is sadly off limits right now

Congrats KC! Is this your first?

Third... but mini Mr. will be seven before this one comes along, so its been awhile.

Well congrats are still in order!!

V???? Really? Haha

Favorite move: Volcano
Favorite food: Vegetables
A person you know: Vivienne
A place you'd like to visit: Venice
How you describe yourself: Vicious
Favorite animal: Vixen
Favorite drink: Vodka

Hey Shazz! What's up? Welcome back!

Ok, Alty picked W for me:

Favorite movie: Waterworld... what a teriffic movie to ignore and go to sleep on.
Favorite food: Wings... as in the chicken variety
A person I know: I also know a Walter, he is my BIL
A place I'd like to visit: Warsaw... I"m a history nerd
How I describe myself: Waiting... Mr. KC and I found out that we are expecting last week. Excited!
Favorite animal: Warthog-its a pumbaa!
Favorite drink: Whiskey, which is sadly off limits right now

Congrats KC. That's terrific news.

I'll have a drink for you, but not Whiskey. Not a Whiskey fan. Beer okay?


V???? Really? Haha

Favorite move: Volcano
Favorite food: Vegetables
A person you know: Vivienne
A place you'd like to visit: Venice
How you describe yourself: Vicious
Favorite animal: Vixen
Favorite drink: Vodka

I can't believe I chose V. Didn't even think of that Shazzy.

You did well though. :)


Favorite food: Muenster Cheese

J, what the heck is Muenster cheese? Is it real, or is it like your Mbeer? ;)

OMG, you don't know what muenster cheese is? Mmmm, its so good on a hot ham and cheese sandwich!

Oh lord. Another winter storm warning!

Oh lord. Another winter storm warning!

Stay warm and safe J... and everyone else who has been experiencing the Arctic Blasts! One of my sons just moved to Virginia a few weeks ago; getting his first taste of snow. I'm heading to upstate New York tomorrow for several days and packing my long johns!

It would be better if I didn't have to drive in it, but hospitals don't close. Guess I'll pack a bag and grab a room at the Hospital Hilton. School has been out all week.

Our weather is mild right now, above freezing temps, but we had freezing rain last night and a skating rink to drive on this morning. Tons of fun with bald summer tires.

I actually saw two kids playing hockey on their driveway when I drove the kids to school this morning. I'm talking actual hockey, skates and all!

That's about what it is like here. Ice! Tons of it. We aren't used to that here. Heck, our county doesn't even have a snow plow!

That's about what it is like here. Ice! Tons of it. We aren't used to that here. Heck, our county doesn't even have a snow plow!

We have ice at least a few times during the winter, but we're definitely more used to snow. Our snow plows make millions during the winter season. They were just out a few days ago.

I have to say that the ice this morning was a bit surprising. It was above freezing yesterday, and all last night. How the heck did we get ice? It should have been rain, not freezing rain. It's now 6C, that's 43F. It should be melting, not freezing!

Hit me, Alty.

Don't you know alty it's global warming the hotter it gets the colder it gets, it's all settled science, I think that's what you call it

Hit me, Alty.

I think I'm going to have to go with Z. Yes, it's a tough one, but you can do it! :)

Great choice:


Favorite move: Zumba
Favorite food: zucchini
A person you know: Miss Zylstra (my sister :) )
A place you'd like to visit: Zagreb (can I have already visited this place?)
How you describe yourself: zesty
Favorite animal: a three-way tie between the Zanzibar day gecko, the Zalmoxes, and the Zorilla.
Favorite drink: the Zombie

Great choice:


Favorite move: Zumba
Favorite food: zucchini
A person you know: Miss Zylstra (my sister :) )
A place you'd like to visit: Zagreb (can I have already visited this place?)
How you describe yourself: zesty
Favorite animal: a three-way tie between the Zanzibar day gecko, the Zalmoxes, and the Zorilla.
Favorite drink: the Zombie

You did great! I never would have been able to do "Z", unless Zaboomafoo is an actual animal and not just a kids TV show.

Okay, new challenge since this thread seems to have stalled.

Alphabet game! We start with the letter A, and go all the way, in order, to the letter Z. I'll pick the first topic, and you have to come up with something that matches that topic, based on the next letter. It will get confusing because multiple people will post for the same letter, if people actually post. But try to stay on track. :)

So, the topic is places. PLACES! As in countries, cities, towns, provinces, states, etc.

I'll start with A.

Alberta! The province I live in. :)

Next poster gets B.

B-Bahamas

C - Cancun

D - Denver

E-Europe

F - Fargo

G-Germany

H - Hawaii

I-Indiana

J - Jerusalem

K- Kuala lumpur

L - London

M-Mars

Memphis, if planets aren't covered under "etc." :)

Favorite movie: Bladerunner
Favorite food: Bread (not that I can have it :()
A person I know: Bonnie (my aunt)
A place I'd like to visit: the Bahamas
How I describe myself: Brainy
Favorite animal: Bengal Tiger
Favorite drink: Beer

Hello "Brainy" we are on ANOTHER game,

N- Neptune

Or New York if you want to quibble about the rules

Yeah, I saw that, but I had to get my answers in first :P

O - Oahu

P Petawawa

Q - Quito

R - Rothenburg ob der Tauber (my place of birth)

S-Sydney

T - Transylvania!

u-USA

V-Vanceboro, NC

It's a town. Sort of.

W- Washington DC

X - Xi'an (China)

Y - Y did I get Y?

Um... Yemen?

Z - Zambia!

So, what's next, Alty?

Hmmmm... Ummmm...

Dogs. Breeds of dogs.

I'll start.

A - Afghan hound.

B- Bassett Hound

C - Coon hound

D-Dalmation, but I wanted B for Beagle.

Sorry Jenn, didn't know you were online.

E - Elkhound

F - Wow, that's a hard one. Umm... F, F, F,

French Bulldog. HA!

G - Greyhound.

H-Havanese

H-Husky. That's OK J-9, I'm trying to relax a bit--home with a sinus infection.

That sucks! That made it's rounds through our house. I had it last weekend and actually called in sick to work. I haven't called in sick in 5 years.

I had 5 my first year of kinder, 3 last year, and now this one, my first in 15 months! Allergy shots are helping, plus getting used to the germs. They are awful! Sorry you had one...

Sorry you are going through this. Schools and hospitals are the worst places to work if you don't want to get sick.

My allergist said Kinder teachers are seen more often than any other patients. We should get hazard pay working in schools and hospitals.

The sinus infection (and upper respiratory infection) is making its rounds at my house too. I'm finally feeling more human with antibiotics (xrays showed cysts), and now Lan has started coughing and sneezing.

I can't wait for this winter to be over with already.

I'm sort of in the same boat over here. I coughed so much that I broke a rib, doctor confirmed it. The sinus part no, but the cough is killing me. My entire right side feels like I hit a brick wall and didn't give up until it lost. Sadly it didn't lose. :(

Okay, this rib thing is driving me nuts. It felt better yesterday, but today I can barely move. Driving the kids to school was a nightmare, they had to help me put my seatbelt on, and Jared had to steer for part of the time. It's that bad!

I can't take this anymore! Pain meds don't work, hot compress doesn't work, cold compress doesn't work, wrapping it works but I was told not to do that. I'm in so much pain and I really just want to cry, but I know that will make it worse. :(

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I wish I could help.

Any advice would be appreciated J. I'm okay typing because I only move my hands. Anything that requires me moving my right side, putting on a shirt, putting on underarm deodorant, washing my hair, driving, you name it, is excruciating.

It's pain from the back to the front, starting at my right breast, just under it, all the way to my back and everything between.

I've tried everything, pain meds, muscle relaxants, hot compress, cold compress, and nothing is helping. I can't sleep, I can't function, and it's pissing me off!

Unfortunately you have used every intervention. There is nothing different I would recommend. But you know I'm only a nurse not a doctor. Lol, just had to rub it in.

Didn't this happen to you last year?

Unfortunately you have used every intervention. There is nothing different I would recommend. But you know I'm only a nurse not a doctor. Lol, just had to rub it in.

Didn't this happen to you last year?

It happens to me and Rod too often. We get sick, cough and cold, and we eventually bruise or break a rib.

Fact is, I'm stuffy, sneezy, coughing, but not enough to have caused this. I'm not that sick! Not nearly enough to break a rib! I don't even consider myself ill, but still I have broken ribs! What?

I don't get this. I only know it hurts, I can't sleep, I can barely function, and it's ticking me off! It's been a week now and it's getting worse, not better. I can't sleep, it hurts to lay down. Yesterday I felt better, than today it was worse than the first day. At this point it hurts to take a deep breath. I want to cry. I can't take this anymore!

Oh, and LOL! Ya, you had to rub it in. I would have rubbed it in as well. :)

Back to the doctor you go. It's not common to break ribs that easily, or that often.

Back to the doctor you go. It's not common to break ribs that easily, or that often.

It happens to us all the time. Rod has had it happen twice in the last 12 months. For me it's the first break in the last 12 months, but I've had multiple bruised ribs, which are almost worse.

Is there a supplement we're not taking? Are we not getting enough of something?

Alty... have you ever had a bone density test done?

Alty... have you ever had a bone density test done?

I haven't. I should. I know my mom had issues with that, as did my Oma, and my Grandma.

Great, more tests. Just love tests! NOT! ;)

At least you're in Canada, where health care is free!

At least you're in Canada, where health care is free!

True. Very true. That's the only blessing because Rod and I would have no home if we had to pay for health care. Just my parents alone would have cost us everything and then some if we lived in the US.

Alty, how old were your parents when they passed?

Alty, how old were your parents when they passed?

My dad was 60, my mom was 63.

Yes, she married a younger man. :)

Go mom! :)

They possibly been covered by Medicare. That would have taken care of their expenses.

Ugh, gh, I really don't want to get into Canada/US medicine. There are benefits and detriments to both sides. Personally, I'm glad I don't live in Canada with that health system.

Medicare only covers 80% of costs, and most seniors have supplemental insurance.

Okay, no debate about healthcare peeps! I've never lived in the US so I can't say anything about your healthcare, because I've never had to deal with it. Same goes for Canada. Unless you've lived here, you have no opinion. This sort of back and forth never ends well, and really, who am I to say anything about your healthcare system, and who are you to say anything about mine? Walk a mile in the shoes... :)

So I'm changing the subject.

Spring is trying to spring here. The snow is melting, I can see my brown lawn, and the snow mold on the leaves we didn't have a chance to rake up before the snow hit. Ew!

But spring is springing! I wore my flip flops today, and no jacket, it was 4C (39.2F) here today. By Friday it's supposed to be 11C (51.8F).

Do you know what that means? Camping season is right around the corner!

Boo ya! :)

True Tal. I'm just not a fan of waiting 6 months for a necessary test.

When I was going through cancer I had a friend that moved to the US from Canada. She was a RN. She told me I was lucky to be in the US as I was diagnosed one day and had my surgery two weeks later. She told me I would probably have died in Canada because I would have had to wait for treatment.

I've never waited more than a week for a necessary test.

Canada has a two tier system. In the US you pay or you don't get, in Canada you have the option to use your free healthcare, or pay. Paying means you don't wait for the tests.

I've always waited, because I can't afford to pay. I've never waited more than a week for a necessary test. Ever!

Now back to Spring.

I have mosquito bite!

We got 13 inches of snow here on Thursday. It was gone by Sunday.

I'm so tired. Been up since 3am, had to drive an hour and a half to work, had to work 12 hours, and now I'm cozy in a hotel room.

OH! I might be getting a new job!


In the US you pay or you don't get,

Not true at all!

Hotel room? Where are you?

New job?

Girl, you've been holding out! Talk!

I'm up north a bit, 90 miles or so from where I live. I'm here for this hospital's Go Live. Meaning they are switching from paper charting to electronic charting and I am one of the trainers. Hard to believe you all knew me when I was just a nursing student!

I'm here to make sure the doctors and nurses know how to chart properly. One of the other trainers here is a nurse manager at our biggest facility and she was one of my original trainers a year ago. Our hospital is falling apart, patient safety is not a priority. According to our Director of Nursing... "You all took the same nursing boards, you should be able to work anywhere." Our argument is... "the doctors took the same boards, but you wouldn't want a dermatologist to do a heart bypass on your grandmother?"

So... The nurse manager at our large facility offered me a job doing ONLY labor and delivery!

I'm up north a bit, 90 miles or so from where I live. I'm here for this hospital's Go Live. Meaning they are switching from paper charting to electronic charting and I am one of the trainers. Hard to believe you all knew me when I was just a nursing student!

I'm here to make sure the doctors and nurses know how to chart properly. One of the other trainers here is a nurse manager at our biggest facility and she was one of my original trainers a year ago. Our hospital is falling apart, patient safety is not a priority. According to our Director of Nursing... "You all took the same nursing boards, you should be able to work anywhere." Our argument is... "the doctors took the same boards, but you wouldn't want a dermatologist to do a heart bypass on your grandmother?"

So... The nurse manager at our large facility offered me a job doing ONLY labor and delivery!

That sounds like an amazing opportunity!

Go for it!

Whatever you decide, behind you all the way. :)

It will mean a pay raise, but a long drive. Where I am now we have about 500 births a year with 2 doctors. Where I plan on going does about 1,500 births a year with 54 doctors. Kind of scary, but I will be oriented by a friend who has worked there for 15 years and the nurse manager is a friend. I will be job shadowing next Tuesday with he L&D friend to see if it's a good fit for me. I have the job, I just have to decide if I want it. Right now my drive takes 10 minutes, if I go to the new job, the drive will be 45 minutes on a slow traffic day.

That is a lot of driving, but it sounds like an amazing opportunity, and more money to boot.

Keep us posted on how it goes. :)

I'm excited for the job shadowing next week.

Now, time for bed. I have to be up at 4 am. I knew there was a reason I chose to work night shift!

J, that sounds great. I hope the job shadowing goes well. :)

Nini J. Happy shadowing. :)

J - that sounds great!

I didn't mean to start a debate on health care. I really did mean that you were lucky enough to be able to just go in for help.

I was sick the whole month of February. The hubby has had one thing after another since the start of the year. And now poor Lan has the icky coughing. None of us are getting enough sleep.

And while I love most aspects of my job, I'm really frustrated right now with one of the people I manage--we're behind schedule on a project, and she's been telling me she doesn't have access to stuff all over the place, and now I find out she hasn't followed directions to GET the access---and meanwhile, we're over a week behind on a project that didn't have a lot of wiggle time to begin with. Gah.

Yikes Synn. Doesn't sound like you're having it easy lately. Wish I could help. It sucks when you're sick. Sucks even more when every family member takes their turn but not all at once. All at once is hard, but at least then you can get it out of your systems all at once and hopefully move on to health.

(((hugs)))

J_9, I think you'll enjoy the opportunity. You'll experience a greater breadth of protocols... likely to be both exciting and frustrating at times! It's very interesting how things can vary from one hospital to another, even within the same system.

Synn, I hope everyone starts getting better soon... and stays that way!

Synn, I hope every one starts feeling better. I can't stand procrastinators.

So. On the way home tonight, remember I've been working 5:30am to 5:30pm, (a two hour drive), I get a text saying they need me to work 7pm to 7am in the ER. Really? REALLY?

And yes, they knew my schedule before they texted me.

Thanks Doula, you are right. I would gain more experience. I will be dealing with high risk, we don't do that where I am. I will also have resources available to me that I don't have right now. Heck! I could call the NICU when we have a bad baby. Right now I AM the NICU.

TGIF! According to the weather channel, this weekend is supposed to be gorgeous. I'm going to force the family to help start with spring cleaning. Is it a bit sad that I'm excited about it?

Not at all Alty! "Strike when the mood hits" is my moto... :-)

Not at all Alty! "Strike when the mood hits" is my moto... :-)

LOL! I can say that the mood to clean, doesn't strike very often. I love a clean house, don't get me wrong, but actually cleaning it, not something I love.

I wish I were rich, then I'd have a maid. In fact, that's the first person I'd hire, a maid, then a full time cook. Then I could concentrate on my kids, the animals, and my woodworking. :)

If you plan on hiring a cook it better be me :) Syd and I can work together

If you plan on hiring a cook it better be me :) Syd and I can work together

I figure I should just train Syd. She works for food. :)

Okay, new game people.

Name a movie title with a color in it. I'll start.

The Color Purple
The Blue Lagoon

Of course I can think of tons more, but I don't want to take all the good ones.

Red Dawn

The Green Mile

Soylent Green

Purple Rain

White Nights (1985)

Blue Velvet (1986) - IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090756/)

New game. This one was started by a Brit, so dive for your favorite mental gutter.

Replace one word in a movie title with the word "Fanny."

I'll start with The Princess Fanny

Does 'fanny' count with Leslie Carson and Maurice chevalier ? Best I could do, but love old Brit movies !

Does 'fanny' count with Leslie Carson and Maurice chevalier ? Best I could do, but love old Brit movies !

Was it the title? Example: The King's Speech could become either The King's Fanny or The Fanny's Speech

I do hope everyone knows what "fanny" means in brit speak! My Brit husband always snickered when someone wore a "fanny pack".

I do hope everyone knows what "fanny" means in brit speak! My Brit husband always snickered when someone wore a "fanny pack".

TOLD you to dive into your gutter.

First game:

Soylent Green
Rose Madder
Blue Valentine
Golden Years

Second Game:

The Hunger Fanny
Fanny Fiction
Finding Fanny (from Finding Nemo, but could also be Finding Private Fanny, which I find quite funny :) )
The Life of Fanny

Purple Fanny. 😨

Purple Fanny. ��


50 shades of Fanny !

50 shades of Fanny !

Wasn't that the original working title?

Dirty Fanny

The Big Fanny. The Big Valley

The High Fanny. The High Chaparral

Bonanzafanny. Bonanza

Love the Fifty Shades of Fanny. Laughing so hard at that one. My sides ache!

The Wizard of Fanny
Peter Fanny
The Little Fanny Maid

Okay. I've decided not to take the job in the bigger hospital. Sure, it's more pay, but 14 hours a day away from home versus 12 hours and 10 minutes. They have about 1,000 deliveries a month versus our 600 deliveries a year. At 50 years old I cherish some down time. I'm too old to have to work that hard when this is all I've known.

Also, I'm loyal to a fault. The position I have now was created for me on the recommendation of one of the OBs (he delivered Little J and has been my gyne for 15 years), so I feel guilty leaving.

With all that said, we are now down to 10 nurses to cover L&D, nursery, and postpartum. These 10 nurses will have to cover all 3 areas, day shift and night (we work 12 hour shifts), 7 days a week. I feel exhaustion setting in already. Hopefully we will get crisis pay soon (double time and a half).

Oh, another movie...

Magic Fanny a/k/a Magic Mike!

J, you have to do what's best for you and your family. I hope it all works out. :)

The big fanny aka The big easy

J, I think it is good that you looked into a new opportunity, but it does sound like you will be happier staying where you are.

Fanny on a Hot Tin Roof

The long commutes can be dangerous. I gave up a Regional Manager position to lose the 14 hour days. Talk to your current admin about some help, though.

Brandon Frasier in The Fanny Returns.

Current admin?! That's a joke! They are the reason we are down to 10 nurses!

We've complained to corporate but it falls on deaf ears. It's going to get even worse before it gets better.

The Green Fanny (The Green Mile).

Hopefully they smarten up and things will get easier, since you've decided to stick it out.

The Fanny (the Titanic)
Cloudy with the chance of fanny

Hopefully they will get fired! 70% of our entire nursing staff has left because of them. Very long story.

Cats, you wanna make another phone call? I could give you all the ammunition in the world.

The Princess Fanny (The Princess Diaries).

Okay, new game.

Actually more like a questionnaire.

What do you sleep in. Boxers, PJ's, you get the idea.

I sleep in my underwear.

Whatever I was wearing when I fell asleep, be that shorts, sweats, loungepants, etc.

General question for all the ladies: Does "underwear" include a bra?

Whatever I was wearing when I fell asleep, be that shorts, sweats, loungepants, etc.

General question for all the ladies: Does "underwear" include a bra?

No, underwear does not include the bra. Who would wear a bra to bed?

Bra? Bras are evil!

Just askin'

My wife made me do it! She had the DEATH GRIP!! What was I supposed to do?! :(

I didn't even want to go to bed!

What I sleep in depends on what season it is :P Right now, it's flannel or fleece pants and a long sleeved tee shirt.

I'd die in fleece. Even during the coldest part of winter I'm in my undies and I have the fan on. The joys of being 44 year old. :(

I have 2 box fans and a ceiling fan on every time I sleep. No matter the season.

Switch up. New game. Name that tune.

Masochist to to which I cater.

One, two, three go!

Ummmm... J, you know I suck at this game! Remember the tunes game thingy on fb? You kicked my butt every time!

I'm not playing.

:: pout ::

I don't want to lose again.

:: pout ::

Is my pouting working on anyone?

:: pout ::

New game.

Who can pout the best!

I WIN! :)

Google is your friend.

We had some good things and we had some broken things I know.

Bother Stone Sour
Sister Hazel not sure but think songs called The Saddest Song
My guess anyway :)

Here's one
"Spider woman in the front seat, screamin' 'Go, Go, Go,'"

Dune Buggy - Presidents of the United States.

Into the distance let me fade
I'm OK, just go away

Invisible Kid - Metllica.

With his hairstyle and drumming sticks
Leather jacket, Chucks and ripped jeans

I Wanna Cut My Hair Like Marky Ramone - The Spazzys.

Compulsive habits that never seem to die
Your breath has taken up all the air

Green Day - You Lied


Finds a convenient streetlight, steps out of the shade
He says something like, You and me, babe, how about it?

Romeo and Juliet - The Killers.

Something's getting in my way...

Something's just about to break.

LOL---I was thinking of the Dire Straits version, but either would work :P

Dire Straits! I forgot all about them!

How abot this one Synn

He though he passed his own shadow by the backstage door.

<3 You are MY Jukebox Hero, J :)

<3 and you are mine Synn!

Going nuts.

Sunday night Syd's friends mom called to ask if we could look after their dog for 4 days. Their dog sitter had to cancel.

Well these people take Syd to their cabin a few times a year, invite her to sleepovers, etc. so I figured this is the least I can do.

Well I'm going nuts. Not with Rocky, he's great. But Rascal and Chewy won't leave him alone. They won't stop sniffing him, licking him, and generally just annoying the crap out of him. It's been almost 2 hours since he came to our house, and they still haven't calmed down with the relentless sniffing.

Don't know what to do. I tried separating them for a while, but that just made them all the more eager to sniff him once they saw him again.

Part of me says to just let them sniff, get it out of their system and then it will be fine. But poor Rocky is stressed, he's had enough. Thank Dog he's such a laid back dog, but even though he's laid back, he growled a few times. Don't blame him, I'd growl too if two dogs, both bigger than me, wouldn't leave me alone for even a second.

Sigh. It's going to be a long 4 days. So much for Spring break. :(

Just leave it. They have to get to know him. Don't sweat the small stuff, it won't last the entire 4 days.

AMHD is boring! Check in once a day, lucky to have one notification on a post I've responded to, and even luckier if I find one new question I can answer.

Used to spend hours on this site, now it's less than a minute, and that includes the time it took to post this.

This site is so dead. :(

Don't even have to check every day now. Check once a week, maybe have two (if I'm lucky) notifications, or questions I can answer, and then leave for another week.

Used to be that when I went away for a few days, I'd tell the experts so they could keep an eye on the pet forum. Now I could leave for months and no one would even notice.

RIP AMHD.

No idea what would make for a change. You can see many users online at any given time; just browsing/reading.

I agree, Alty. Doesn't anyone have a problem with a teacher, a child failing school??

I almost answered a dog question, that how boring it has gotten.

I agree, Alty. Doesn't anyone have a problem with a teacher, a child failing school??

Me! Me! Ooooh me!

Jared is doing great with the whole going to school every day thing. He's missed around 5 days total this year, with a bit over a month left to go. But he's failing all his main classes, even math, which he's always excelled at in the past.

He's in 10th grade, going on to 11th next year. Don't know how it works in the US, here we have Math 10, then Math 20, then the top is Math 30. Same with English, then there's science, Biology, Chemistry, Social studies. These are the core classes, the ones you have to excel at if you want to go to college. The rest are options you can take, like art, drama, woodworking, etc.

Jared is failing all his core classes. He's just not getting it. He's trying, he's working at home, but he's just not understanding it. As it is he'll have to take all the 10's again next semester (Grade 11). Now he can take them the first semester, and if he passes he can take the 20's the following semester and be right back on track. But I'm worried, and so is he. He's just not getting it. He's trying so hard, and he's a smart kid, he just has a different way of learning. In the past he was lucky, he had teachers that understood that not all kids learn the same way, and they worked with him and it clicked. Now that he's in high school they teach it one way, one way only, and it's not in a way that he can grasp.

At a loss here. Don't know what to do to help him. He's so frustrated, and ashamed, and he's giving up. He feels like a failure, keeps saying that obviously he's just stupid. He's not! He really isn't. I know I'm his mom so I would say that no matter what, but he really isn't a dumb kid. He's like me, he's a visual person, can't learn if it's just theory, just writing things down on the board and expecting you to get it. He needs to see the process, the reasoning. He needs to see the steps, not just the problem and then the answer, but all the steps in between.

Rod and I talked about getting a tutor, but unless we get one that can work with Jared on his learning level, we're just throwing our money away.

He has final exams starting the middle of June. It's too late to do anything this year. I want to find a solution and start preparing him for next year, during the summer.

Any advice would be majorly welcome.

There you go TJ. I just gave you a doozy of a question. :)

As far as the U.S. system goes if it is the same as when I was in school and the kids too. They call math what it is by the format they are teaching. Example. Algebra or triginomitry etc. It isnt done by 10 or 20.

What kind of math is he attempting to do? If we know that then we can lay out suggestions because it really is not too late if he can have an epiphinay.

Alty, can you give us an example of one of his homework math problems.

I don't know what Math 10 or 20 is, but I might be able to help if I see one of the problems.

I'll have to ask him. His math book is at school today, I'll ask him to bring it home tomorrow and post a few of the problems he's dealing with.

Frankly math is the least of his worries though. English is the class he's failing the most. Big time. Don't even want to say his grade, it's that bad. :(

What other core classes does he have this year? Has the way standards are taught changed this year? When math is taught from just one way to the answer, it can become especially challenging for those students who learn better with a different approach. Since he is struggling with his other core classes as well, something more could be going on.

Does his school offer study groups? Does he have any friends who do well and who could help him? Has he spoken to his teacher (s) for additional support? Do you know if any of the teachers at his school offer tutoring?

Alty, here is my point of view. A good teacher should teach to all students. Some can hear the explanation and understand, while others need to see it. The last group is kinesthetic, they need to move----use manipulatives, etc. Some kiddos need all three. A good tutor will take the time to figure out the best way to help your child. Have you ever tried the website called Khan Academy? It's free and has great videos of Math lessons. Another piece of advice: Don't wait. See the teacher right away if your child isn't doing well. They can recommend ways to help, including the times they are available to help your child. They also may know an upper grade child who can tutor and help your son for a great price. Good luck and don't give up!

Thanks all for your advice.

TJ, I have talked to the teachers. The main issue with math this year is that Jared has had a student teacher for the entire semester. The student teacher is obviously very good at math, but not very good at teaching it. He writes the question on the board, then the answer, says "there you go, that's it" and that's literally it.

Only a few kids in that class are actually passing math. I brought that up when I went to parent teacher interviews, and was told that Jared should simply take Math 10 again next year. I guess I have to hope that he won't have a student teacher again next year, or at least hope that if he does, this person will actually learn how to teach before experimenting on my kid? Don't know.

We've decided to look into tutoring over the summer, just so that he has a leg up next year, and has a firmer grasp on what he needs to know. He's a lot like me. I'm visual, I need to see the question, understand what's being asked, and then see how to solve it. You can't just tell me the rules, I have to know what's being asked and why, and I need to see the steps to solve it. Sadly there are many ways of teaching, and not all kids do well with only one method. They need to be taught the way they learn, and not all teachers can do that, especially in High school.

I'll definitely look into Khan Academy. Videos would most likely work for Jared. :)

On a side note, Sydney is excelling in her classes. She wasn't doing so well, then in the middle of the school year we had a meeting with the principal and put a plan in place. She's now all caught up, getting help every day after school, and she's doing great.

Big difference between Junior high and High school.

It's hard being a mom! :(

Khan Academy may help him. It is really good. Have him look it up online. We have student teachers here, but they work under their Master teacher. They are never alone until they are in their last semester of schooling. I've had lots of them over the years. I am sure the school won't hire this guy for a permanent position. I'm glad to hear one of your kiddos is doing well.:)
Being a parent is tough! Son #1 is getting married in 4 months.:) Son#2 is in year 2 out of 3 of his program to become a Dr. Yay!
I'm not sure how I got through it all, but we survived! It'll get easier, Alty.

On June 8 I will be starting a new chapter in my life. Tonight I will be turning in my notice at the hospital to move on to a better facility. I've spent my entire nursing career where I am, but that hospital is getting so dangerous that I find it is time to move on.

In the last year we have lost 65 employees. Labor and delivery is down to 8 nurses who work labor, nursery and postpartum. These 8 nurses are split between two 12 hour shifts 7 days a week. While I am loyal, I can't do it anymore.

I will get a major salary increase and only work 3 nights a week. No weekends. Did I say NO WEEKENDS?! Oh, and the sign on bonus is oer $4,000!

On June 8 I will be starting a new chapter in my life. Tonight I will be turning in my notice at the hospital to move on to a better facility. I've spent my entire nursing career where I am, but that hospital is getting so dangerous that I find it is time to move on.

In the last year we have lost 65 employees. Labor and delivery is down to 8 nurses who work labor, nursery and postpartum. These 8 nurses are split between two 12 hour shifts 7 days a week. While I am loyal, I can't do it anymore.

I will get a major salary increase and only work 3 nights a week. No weekends. Did I say NO WEEKENDS?! Oh, and the sin on bonus is oer $4,0x00!

Congratulations on the super career move J ! I will always have to work the mandatory every second weekend !

Congratulations, J. Sounds like it will be a good change for you. :)

Thank you both!

Tickle, this facility has a "weekender" program. Nurses work only weekends, they get paid the big bucks though, so that this of us who want full time get weekends off.

I'm tired of being taken advantage of where I am right now. Tired of being called at 1900 and told "you know you are on the schedule tonight?" Only to find out that they changed my schedule that morning so I can cover a different department that is short. Tired of having to work 4 or 5 shifts a week when my contract states I only work 3 nights a week.

Our Director of Nurses recently said, and I quote... " I'm tired of all you nurses complaining about being pulled to other departments. You all took the same nursing boards didn't you?" Well, yes we did, but nurses specialize just like doctors do. You wouldn't want a dermatologist doing open heart surgery on your loved one, would you? So you can't ask an ER nurse to labor and deliver a baby.

I'm really wondering if corporate is trying to close our facility.

Congratulations J_9. You have to be willing and ready to leave a job... to get ahead because they WILL take advantage of someone they know won't leave on their own. Hopefully this is the beginning of more good events in your life. I managed to double my pay over a couple job moves within just 3 years back in the 80's by finally getting the nerve to do just that.

Thank you Smoothy! The family is excited because I will be able to be part of the family again and spend time with them rather than just sleep.

Speaking of sleep, I better get to bed. I gave to work tonight, but I have to get up early because HR is going to call at 1600 to finalize the offer. I have one negotiation I forgot today, so hopefully that won't take the deal off the table. My sister is in country once a year, this year it will be the first week of July. All travel plans have been made and everything paid for, so I have to figure out how to negotiate that. I'll still be in orientation so it shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully.

Congratulations! Change can be a good thing!!

Congrats J.

I officially turned in my resignation yesterday morning.

Do you feel a sense of relief? Congrats on the new job! Sounds like a good deal all around.

Do I feel a sense out relief? If having my headphones in and dancing around the house while cleaning at 3:30 am is relief, then yes, I feel a HUGE sense of relief.

Really happy for you J.

Not to change the subject, but as most of you on my fb friend list probably know, our bunny Kilala passed away last Thursday (well, technically it was Friday since it was after midnight). I was in the bunny/bird/computer room, posting something on fb to a friend, and Kilala suddenly started screaming, literally screaming. I've heard rabbits scream before, in fear, but never mine. I rushed to her cage, grabbed her. She was gasping for breath (rabbits don't breath out of their mouths, only their noses, so if they're gasping, that's a really bad sign). I did CPR as best as I could, but she died in my arms minutes after the scream.

Now we're okay. I'm not posting this for condolences, she was 9 years old, she had a good life, and from the research I've done it sounds like she had a heart attack.

Here's the thing. Sydney is not doing well with this. She wants another bunny. We do not. We still have two, an almost 13 year old, and an almost 10 year old. Adding a younger bunny won't work, adding an older rescue won't work either. It's not fair to any of them.

I've tried telling her this over and over and all she does is cry and say "But I miss Kilala". I know she does. We all do, but having animals means losing them. Unless you get a parrot you'll likely outlive any pet you get.

Part of me wants to go out and get another bunny, a rescue from the shelter, just to make her feel better. But truth told, even though I love bunnies, I know it's not the right thing to do right now.

I'm having a "what do I do" mommy moment. Any advice?

Congratulations J on your move to a better future.

Alty stick to your guns. Explain to her that it is a dishonor to just get another pet so quickly because she isnt done mourning the last one. That way when she does get to make a choice she can do so with a clear head. Children see the world through a different set of eyes and it is up to us to explain to them the benefits of being patient and showing respect even if it means self sacrifice. It is very hard to say NO when your child is aching but in cases like this there seems to be no reason to rush it. It is part of lifes lessons and growing up.

Thing is Cdad, I'm just like her. My way of dealing with losing a pet, is to get another. Not to replace the pet we lost, but to fill the void. We always end up loving the new pet just as much as the old one. It helps deal with the loss.

If I could have brought my parents back after they passed, I would have done anything. I would have sold my soul to get them back. But that wasn't an option. With pets it's easier. You know going in that the animals you bring home, it won't outlive you. You know that you'll have to deal with its loss eventually. You do have to mourn, but you can also shorten that mourning by bringing in a new animal.

There are so many shelter animals needing a home. It's hard not to go rescue on of them when I have the room now.

Hope this doesn't sound cold. Not my intention. Just saying that there's an open space, and I can fill it. Not in my heart, but in my home. Hope that makes sense in writing, and doesn't sound cold. It isn't. I love all my animals so much.

It doesnt sound cold. Everyone is entitled to their own routine when it comes to mourning and loss. It is not for anyone else to decide.

You asked for opinions and I gave mine is all. What you decide has to be what works for you.

I see it differently. We have pets. Pets are part of our family. Two-legged or four-legged, canine, human, or lagomorphs, they are family.

One thing in having pets is that they are going to die during our lifetime. We have to accept that. We have to teach our children that. Syd has to learn the grieving process. It is a natural process that everyone goes through at one time or another, but to replace this bunny too soon is doing a disservice to Syd. It is teaching her that everything is replaceable, and that's farthest from the truth.

If she wants a new bunny that's fine, but in time. Give it 6 months to a year and revisit the idea. You said so yourself that you don't want another just now. This is a teachable moment. Use it wisely.


Thing is Cdad, I'm just like her. My way of dealing with losing a pet, is to get another. Not to replace the pet we lost, but to fill the void. We always end up loving the new pet just as much as the old one. It helps deal with the loss.

Filling the void, in my opinion, is not dealing with the loss in a healthy manner.

I mean no disrespect Alty, but I wonder if your parents replaced pets that have passed to "fill the void." If so, then that may be why you are still having such a hard time with their deaths. You were never taught how to grieve properly. If not, then I am totally off base and I apologize in advance.

Congrats, J. SOOOOOOO happy for you!

Alty--Can you find her a stuffed rabbit that LOOKS like Kilala?

J, you hit the nail on the head. In a lot of ways. Too many to explain.

For now we're not replacing anything. Syd is dealing with it, and she's fine now. Still misses Kilala, but she isn't crying about it anymore, just reminiscing.

On a side note, today is Rod's and my 20th anniversary. Wedding anniversary! It's a big deal. We plan to do something special this weekend, just the two of us. Love him more and more each day, when I don't want to smack him silly that is. Such is marriage. :)

Happy anniversary!

Congratulations Alty !

Thanks all. 20 years and still going strong. Planning a major blowout party for our 25th anniversary. Five years to save up for it. You guys save up too, maybe we can arrange an Alty anniversary and AMHD reunion all in one. Five years peeps, lots of time to save up. :)

Well, orientation week is over. I have decided to work mostly weekends after all. The weekend shift differential for nights is about $10 more an hour than my base pay. Then they pay an extra $1 an hour on top of that JUST to take care of patients! 😎😵

Working weekend nights only will increase my pay exponentially, AND I will be home during the week for Little J when he is back in school.

Oh! And 7 weeks paid vacation a YEAR!

I start next Thursday! A whole week off! I don't know what I'm going to do with myself!

Wow! That's great J! I think you made the right decision. Sounds like you'll get more time with your family, more time to just hang out, relax! That's great! Congrats again!

Wow! That's great J! I think you made the right decision. Sounds like you'll get more time with your family, more time to just hang out, relax! That's great! Congrats again!

Yes! And about $12,00 more a year! Give or take.

That's a definite improvement. So happy for you! :)

Wow, that post took a lot of effort to post. Stupid AMHD. This is the reason I'm not here that often. This site has gone to shyt! :(

Amazing plusses of the new job, J! Enjoy the week off... have some fun and relaxation!

Very happy for you, J. I hope there won't be any need to report drunks there.

I think this new facility is more professional and won't tolerate drunk nurses Cats.

Sounds wonderful! Change can be good!!

I think this new facility is more professional and won't tolerate drunk nurses Cats.

Hooray! I was about out of Memphis aliases

Hooray! I was about out of Memphis aliases

Ha! Too funny!

Thinking about electrifying my doorbell. I have signs people, No Solicitors, and a lengthy homemade sign literally telling any peddlers that I'm not interested, so don't ring my bell. Yet I still have these idiots ringing my bell daily! Go away! Unless you're selling Girl Guide cookies (and that's on one of my signs), don't bother me!

How can I make it clearer than that!

Ring my doorbell and get greeted by my gun sign?

Ring my doorbell and get greeted by my gun sign?

I wish TJ. I'm in Canada, no gun here.

But I have dogs, and next time I'm letting them loose. If you can't read the sign, and I'm going to include a "beware of dogs that hate solicitors" sign, then you get what you get. Beware, I'm not playing anymore, and my border collie hates anyone he doesn't know, so expect to be chased, and bitten, because you can't read, or choose to ignore my signs.

Forget about my gripe. Just reconnected with a cousin I lost touch with years ago. We're going to talk on the phone tomorrow. She lives in Canada, only around a 20 minute drive from me. She got divorced, had tough times, health issues. I lost 2 parents, miscarried, health issues, and we just lost contact. Used to talk a few times a week. Then we stopped, and suddenly it's been years, and calling seemed awkward.

Found her on Facebook, sent a friend request, she accepted, we're fb chatting and she's calling me tomorrow!

So life is good! Very good! :)

That's exciting news Alty!

Yay! Enjoy your cousin! Another idea: you could carve a nice wooden sign that says solicitors will be fed to the dogs! You could put a knife on it!

Great news for both J and Alty.

Alty just make one sign. No Solicitors and No Tresspassing. Everytime you make an O make it into a bullseye. They will get the hint.

LOL! Love that idea Cdad. Just answered the door to yet another solicitor, asked him why he even bothered ringing my bell (he came back twice). His reply "I don't understand the question. The first time I came you didn't answer the door, so I came back". I said "I know. I answered it the second time so you wouldn't come back a third time. My question is why you even bothered. Did you not read my signs?"

His reply: "I read them, but I'm not a prostitute, so I'm not soliciting, and I'm selling a power wash of your driveway, and that wasn't on your list of things you didn't want sold to you, so I figured I'd give it a try".

I simply looked at him (he was in his early 20's) and said "I hope your parents didn't pay a lot for college, they may has well have set the money on fire. Have a good day".

Smack me now! :(

Really cheap perfume in an atomizer. Douse the shirt, not the face.

Have to share some great news. I shared this on fb, but in case you're not on my friend list, I'm sharing it here too. So proud, and in tears. Happy tears.

Just got a call from Jared's foods teacher. She wanted to let me know what a pleasure it was teaching Jared this year, that he was a joy to have in her class, that she will miss him next year (he's taking foods but unlikely to get her as a teacher), and that he made her entire year. She just wanted me to know what a wonderful young man Rod and I are raising, and that I should be very proud of him.

I'm still in tears over this call. She made my day, heck, she made my year, just like Jared did for her.


So proud of him. Of course I told him, and he was almost in tears too. He was shocked that she called, and very pleased that she likes him as much as she does.

More teachers should do this. Not only for the parents, but mainly for the kids. The smile on his face, and the pride, no good grade can accomplish that.

Because I drive the kids to school and Syd's classes start earlier than Jared's, Jared is always at school very early. Foods is his first class every day, so he goes in, helps her set up, takes the chairs off the tables, helps her prep the food, etc. She's never asked him to do that, he just does it.

So proud of my son!

Well done Jared!. and Alty and Rod too!

Did he take his last exams yet? The praise from this teacher will surely give him a boost in confidence and sometimes that helps turn things around.

Thank you so much Doula. I'm so very proud of him. He's finished 2 of his final exams, one more to go next Wednesday, the hardest one, at least in my view. Math! Hate math! He used to be very good at math but is struggling this year, so he's stressed about it.

Sydney (who's in junior high) still has 2 days of classes left. Her last day is Monday, then she has final exams for the next 4 days, her last one on Friday.

We go camping Friday evening, as soon as Rod gets back from work, for 4 days, as a reward for all their hard work this year, and a reward for us too.

Can't wait for summer vacation! :)