I tried to do a complete blog of photos but I can only do 5 pictures at a time. Kind of weird... I'll have to figure it out but in the meantime, here's the link to my online album.
I got a new bike and a new camera so I was just fooling taking random pictures so there is a lot to look through. Some are boring and I took the same picture more than once. When the weather gets better I'll definitely have to take my bike and camera on the trail here and take some scenic pictures and hopefully of some wildlife... like a bear!
Hope you guys enjoy! Don't be a stranger and leave a comment.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
What A Way To Start A Week
Today started off pretty well. Went out for breakfast with some of the pt. to see how they do in the community and how they act around other people. Make sure they can handle different situations that they would encounter if they were by themselves. It was good to see everyone ordering their foods and the whole morning was pretty good.
But later I find out that one of my residents on my other unit passed away over the weekend. I swear I saw her last week with a smile and didn't look sick enough to go to ICU. I guess it hit me that some of the people that I interact with on a daily basis might not be there the next day and that I should give my 110%, even though my heart is in mental health. I think that news woke me up and it made me work a little bit harder today.
I was reading over her charts and bio before putting them through the shredder and just to read what kind of lives they lived amazes me and wish I could listen to all the different life stories of each resident on my unit. I was talking to one the wife of a resident and she loves to talk and talk about the past. How her and her husband used to work together on the farm, building and repairing their home and all the struggles and hard work they faced together. I told her she should write a book about her life (I would read it) and she said she thought about it but she isn't a good writer. It'd be nice if I could live a life half that interesting and wrote about it. It'd be pretty cool to leave something like that to my kids and grandkids.
That's it for today I guess. Don't be a stranger and leave a comment!
But later I find out that one of my residents on my other unit passed away over the weekend. I swear I saw her last week with a smile and didn't look sick enough to go to ICU. I guess it hit me that some of the people that I interact with on a daily basis might not be there the next day and that I should give my 110%, even though my heart is in mental health. I think that news woke me up and it made me work a little bit harder today.
I was reading over her charts and bio before putting them through the shredder and just to read what kind of lives they lived amazes me and wish I could listen to all the different life stories of each resident on my unit. I was talking to one the wife of a resident and she loves to talk and talk about the past. How her and her husband used to work together on the farm, building and repairing their home and all the struggles and hard work they faced together. I told her she should write a book about her life (I would read it) and she said she thought about it but she isn't a good writer. It'd be nice if I could live a life half that interesting and wrote about it. It'd be pretty cool to leave something like that to my kids and grandkids.
That's it for today I guess. Don't be a stranger and leave a comment!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Well Hello There Miss Weekend
I can't think of a better way to start the weekend by relaxing at home, enjoying a nice glass of rum and ginger and listening to good lounge music. Can't go wrong.
So I've been thinking about getting a DSLR instead of getting a PS3 and a LCD tv... I figured the huge mother of a tv I brought from home is doing it's job and I can't complain. I don't have a camera here to take pictures of Grande Prairie and I wanted to buy a simple point and shoot one but why not get a DSLR instead. So I've been looking at Canon... more specifically the Canon EOS Rebel SXi or the Canon EOS Rebel T1i. I'm just an amateur photographer so I don't know. I think the Rebel SXi will do but I am a tech/gadget junkie that want the best for the amount of money I want to spend. I'm leaning more towards the SXi but I want the T1i... but I know I should get the SXi. Oh man I'm in a pickle! Will my urge to get a better model win or will my reasonable side win and get the lesser model with more than enough options for my own good? I'm not sure who wins yet... it's a tough decision for sure!
Well I'm gonna enjoy my rum and ginger while getting myself lost in the music.
Hope everyone has an awesome weekend! I miss you all back home... it's just not the same without you guys.
Don't be a stranger and leave a comment.
So I've been thinking about getting a DSLR instead of getting a PS3 and a LCD tv... I figured the huge mother of a tv I brought from home is doing it's job and I can't complain. I don't have a camera here to take pictures of Grande Prairie and I wanted to buy a simple point and shoot one but why not get a DSLR instead. So I've been looking at Canon... more specifically the Canon EOS Rebel SXi or the Canon EOS Rebel T1i. I'm just an amateur photographer so I don't know. I think the Rebel SXi will do but I am a tech/gadget junkie that want the best for the amount of money I want to spend. I'm leaning more towards the SXi but I want the T1i... but I know I should get the SXi. Oh man I'm in a pickle! Will my urge to get a better model win or will my reasonable side win and get the lesser model with more than enough options for my own good? I'm not sure who wins yet... it's a tough decision for sure!
Well I'm gonna enjoy my rum and ginger while getting myself lost in the music.
Hope everyone has an awesome weekend! I miss you all back home... it's just not the same without you guys.
Don't be a stranger and leave a comment.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Long Time No Blog
It's been awhile since I've updated my blog. I've just been busy with work and trying to be the therapist that I know I can be. I know I have all the tools to be a good therapist but it is just so hard when deep inside you know you don't want to be at work cause you're not having fun. I know I tell everyone that my heart is in mental health and I think it's still true. I fell in love with mental health when I did my first placement at CAMH and it just opened my eyes. I never knew I could fall in love with mental health cause people associate mental health patients with crazy people who do crazy things (i.e. serial killers, psychopaths and just plain old nut cases). But after working with schizophrenic, all those stereotypes were broken and I got to really relate to them. Maybe it was because the patients I was working with were around my age but just to see them on a weekly basis and to know their history, their struggles and victories... blew my mind.
I know I should be grateful for having found a job soon after I graduated but geriatrics never sparked anything inside of me. Maybe it's because I don't and can't relate to them or maybe it's because the nursing staff that I've worked with and working with right now are just plain odd rude. It was never my first choice, in fact it is my last choice. At one hand I am having fun and proud of the work that I am doing because I know I'm playing a part in each resident's lives. And to see a smile or to hear that their day is a little bit better because of being part of a program makes me want to continue to give my all when I go to work. But it's when nurses who work and are suppose to prove them with care do minimal and sometimes seems like they are ignoring the residents because they have had enough without even talking to them to find out what the problem really is. I know being a nurse is a tough job and they go through a lot of crap during their shifts... but c'mon their pay checks reflect their hard work but their efforts sure don't reflect it.
I think that's the main reason why geriatrics is my last choice, not because of the seniors but because of the nurses and other managers and so on who seem like they are just there for the money and can care less about the quality of care they provide. It just frustrates me! Let's see how they feel when they get treated like crap and with minimal care when they end up in LTC facilities.
Well I guess today's update is a little vent from what I've had to deal with this week. And the bottom line is... I don't hate geriatrics, I just hate the nurses and other staff members who don't give 100%. ( I know there will be issues with nurses in mental health facilities but.... they aren't as bad from what I've seen and dealt with. Maybe it's because nurses who work with geriatrics think that seniors are seniors and they don't have a voice or don't have feelings.)
I know I should be grateful for having found a job soon after I graduated but geriatrics never sparked anything inside of me. Maybe it's because I don't and can't relate to them or maybe it's because the nursing staff that I've worked with and working with right now are just plain odd rude. It was never my first choice, in fact it is my last choice. At one hand I am having fun and proud of the work that I am doing because I know I'm playing a part in each resident's lives. And to see a smile or to hear that their day is a little bit better because of being part of a program makes me want to continue to give my all when I go to work. But it's when nurses who work and are suppose to prove them with care do minimal and sometimes seems like they are ignoring the residents because they have had enough without even talking to them to find out what the problem really is. I know being a nurse is a tough job and they go through a lot of crap during their shifts... but c'mon their pay checks reflect their hard work but their efforts sure don't reflect it.
I think that's the main reason why geriatrics is my last choice, not because of the seniors but because of the nurses and other managers and so on who seem like they are just there for the money and can care less about the quality of care they provide. It just frustrates me! Let's see how they feel when they get treated like crap and with minimal care when they end up in LTC facilities.
Well I guess today's update is a little vent from what I've had to deal with this week. And the bottom line is... I don't hate geriatrics, I just hate the nurses and other staff members who don't give 100%. ( I know there will be issues with nurses in mental health facilities but.... they aren't as bad from what I've seen and dealt with. Maybe it's because nurses who work with geriatrics think that seniors are seniors and they don't have a voice or don't have feelings.)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
One Word: WOW!
What in the world is going on?! First the Canadian Jr's lose to the Americans and now the Canadian Olympic team can't do any better? C'mon guys!! Marty.... what are you doing playing baseball in a hockey game?? Stay in your crease and play HOCKEY! Better be on your A game for the next game... but I think Luongo will get the next start.
I think Canadian athletes are under too much pressure. I know they want to make Canada proud cause the Olympics is in Canadian soil but how are they suppose to perform at their highest when all they can think about is not letting THE ENTIRE nation down? We only have a week left and our medal count is pretty low compared to other Winter Olympics. Let's pick it up and finish strong. I know we can get to more podiums... doesn't have to be Gold... I'll be happy with Silver or Bronze... just make the podiums, please!
Oh that note... I had an awesome dinner today! I know it's a totally different topic but I'm full and very satisfied. I had the same last night but I over cooked my steaks in the oven so it wasn't as awesome. I marinated my small steaks in my random concoction of extra virgin olive oil, mustard, onions, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and pepper. I know they sound pretty random but that's because they are random. That was my meat and for veggies I leftover roasted potatoes and carrots from last night. Mmm it was good. I just wish I had a piece of cake or something as dessert... that would have been super!
I need to find a gym that is close to my house... but I'm not having any luck. I feel like I'm gaining weight cause I don't do much when I come home from work cause I'm too tired to go back out... but I think once the snow and ice start melting and it's not slippery, I'll go jogging. At least that will keep me in some shape. But in the mean time... I walk a lot during the weekends and on my feet a lot at work but that's still not enough... need to get in shape for myself. I think I know what girls feel when they say they feel fat.... cause I feel fat. If I keep making meals like the one I had tonight... I'm in big trouble but a man's a gotta eat, right? Haha
I have one recipe that's been recommended and it sounds GOOD! I'll try that one soon. If anyone has anymore recipe ideas for me to try, leave me a comment. Don't be a stranger!
I think Canadian athletes are under too much pressure. I know they want to make Canada proud cause the Olympics is in Canadian soil but how are they suppose to perform at their highest when all they can think about is not letting THE ENTIRE nation down? We only have a week left and our medal count is pretty low compared to other Winter Olympics. Let's pick it up and finish strong. I know we can get to more podiums... doesn't have to be Gold... I'll be happy with Silver or Bronze... just make the podiums, please!
Oh that note... I had an awesome dinner today! I know it's a totally different topic but I'm full and very satisfied. I had the same last night but I over cooked my steaks in the oven so it wasn't as awesome. I marinated my small steaks in my random concoction of extra virgin olive oil, mustard, onions, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and pepper. I know they sound pretty random but that's because they are random. That was my meat and for veggies I leftover roasted potatoes and carrots from last night. Mmm it was good. I just wish I had a piece of cake or something as dessert... that would have been super!
I need to find a gym that is close to my house... but I'm not having any luck. I feel like I'm gaining weight cause I don't do much when I come home from work cause I'm too tired to go back out... but I think once the snow and ice start melting and it's not slippery, I'll go jogging. At least that will keep me in some shape. But in the mean time... I walk a lot during the weekends and on my feet a lot at work but that's still not enough... need to get in shape for myself. I think I know what girls feel when they say they feel fat.... cause I feel fat. If I keep making meals like the one I had tonight... I'm in big trouble but a man's a gotta eat, right? Haha
I have one recipe that's been recommended and it sounds GOOD! I'll try that one soon. If anyone has anymore recipe ideas for me to try, leave me a comment. Don't be a stranger!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Learning How To Two-Step
Work is getting better but at the same time it is picking up it's pace. My transition period is coming to end soon and I'm officially taking over two units beginning of March. So my workload is starting to get bigger and bigger. It's not a walk in the park as I thought it would be. Just wish I was working in mental health so I could have a little bit more passion, not saying I'm not giving it 110%, just would make my days more enjoyable cause I'd be doing something my mind and heart are into.
Saying that, I love my workplace. I love the people I work with, they are all helpful and easy to talk to, joke around just as much I do and they make the work atmosphere so relaxing. Although it is hard to keep up with them cause they have been working here for so long, it's a little intimidating, especially when I'm taking over two units that have been running so well with the two recreation therapists running the units. I have some big shoes to fill!
Cooking for myself is pretty fun. Wish I had more ingredients to cook a meal with though. Gotta hit the grocery store this weekend... in the mean time, I should pick of a menu and look up some recipes. What to make... any suggestions? I'll cook it and post pictures of it... so let me know some dishes I could cook. I look forward to hearing about them.
So don't be a stranger and leave a comment with your dish idea.
Saying that, I love my workplace. I love the people I work with, they are all helpful and easy to talk to, joke around just as much I do and they make the work atmosphere so relaxing. Although it is hard to keep up with them cause they have been working here for so long, it's a little intimidating, especially when I'm taking over two units that have been running so well with the two recreation therapists running the units. I have some big shoes to fill!
Cooking for myself is pretty fun. Wish I had more ingredients to cook a meal with though. Gotta hit the grocery store this weekend... in the mean time, I should pick of a menu and look up some recipes. What to make... any suggestions? I'll cook it and post pictures of it... so let me know some dishes I could cook. I look forward to hearing about them.
So don't be a stranger and leave a comment with your dish idea.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Happy Family Day
Today is Family Day and I didn't know Alberta had Family Day too. It's too bad I don't have any family here but it's ok cause I got to sleep in and just rest. I love long weekends!
I didn't do much today. Like I said I slept in, ate breakfast at 12 and just bummed around. Watched Murderball and now I'm making dinner. I had bought some jarred pasta sauce and thought I'd jazz it up with some fresh veggies that I had leftover from before. So if my new Santoku knife, I chopped carrots, broccoli, onions and garlic to my sauce. The sauce looked before but now it looks even better with chucks of fresh vegetables. Can't wait for dinner! Write about it making my mouth water but I had a turkey sandwich (turkey, cheese and mayo) an hour ago.
Gonna go watch some Olympics and stir my sauce. I'll catch ya'll later!
I didn't do much today. Like I said I slept in, ate breakfast at 12 and just bummed around. Watched Murderball and now I'm making dinner. I had bought some jarred pasta sauce and thought I'd jazz it up with some fresh veggies that I had leftover from before. So if my new Santoku knife, I chopped carrots, broccoli, onions and garlic to my sauce. The sauce looked before but now it looks even better with chucks of fresh vegetables. Can't wait for dinner! Write about it making my mouth water but I had a turkey sandwich (turkey, cheese and mayo) an hour ago.
Gonna go watch some Olympics and stir my sauce. I'll catch ya'll later!
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