Ode to the Power of Cow Dung

I was reading Happy News this morning, and came across this article. Wow! Read the complete article, they even extract vanillan from this wondrous poo to add fragrance to our shampoo and such! I read snippets of the article to My Love Dave, and I was all like "eewwww! I don't know that I want to smear vanilla scented shampoo through my hair, knowing that it came from cow dung!". Dave pointed out that I probably already do.... Sad but true...... who knows where those pleasing aromatic scents that we love so much REALLY come from...... In any case, it's nice to know that there is yet another source for auto fuel.
I almost wish I lived in a more rural area, and could ride a horse! More fun, less maintenance. How much healthier we would all be with the increased exercise and fresh air! The pollution levels would plummet, asthmatic children could play outside without going into smog induced respiratory arrest! Think about the reprieve from noise pollution!
Sure we would have to get up earlier to get to work, but without that extra $20,000 expense every few years for a new automobile, plus the thousands of dollars for insurance and maintenance! Geez people could spend more quality time with their familes, they would need to make less money to keep up with the Jones's!
How exciting, I think I almost have myself convinced!
Oh well, what a nice dream. Have a beautiful weekend all!

My first day as a student at Carteret General Hospital

Yesterday was the first official day as a CNA 1 student at the hospital. Keiko and I were paired up to shadow the CNA on duty on the 2nd floor. Keiko and I were happy to get a little experience taking vital signs, making beds (changing linens, and interacting with the patients seemed to make them and us feel better. The pace was a little slower than I expected. The staff were friendly and helpful, but I still noticed a few things that weren't done according to procedure. I don't really want to go into it here, because I don't know who might read this post. I will say that the individuals in question have probably transported a few unfriendly germs home to their families by letting basic infection control fall by the wayside. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, and I think I will probably seek employment at this hospital once I am certified.
The only down side I see is the 12 hour shifts. They are great for the alternating long weekends, but are going to be very difficult when I start my CNA 2 class. The shifts run from 7 to 7 (am/pm) 2 days on, 3 off, 3 on, 2 off. When classes begin for CNA 2, they are 8 hour classes, one day a week for appx. 4 months. I just can't see how I'll manage to work a 12 hour shift, and then sit in a class for 8 hours, knowing that I have 4 hours to sleep before repeating my 12 hour shift the following day. Fortunately, The hospital is directly across the street from the college building that I will attend classes in. Who knows, I may be able to get PRN work for a few months, and work 8 hour shifts until I achieve my CNA 2. I'm just so anxious to get started! I can't even apply for the job until I take my final exam in April!

Still Enjoying CNA Class

Okay, so much has happened since January when my classes began. I've learned theory of being a Nurse Assistant, as well as the skills of the trade. Some skills are less pleasant than others, but all are necessary for patients to get well. Tomorrow I start my clinical aspect of the certification. Three weeks at Carteret General Hospital, then, three weeks at Britthaven Nursing Home in Newport, NC.

I took a few group pictures of my classmates, and one with me, and my friend Keiko. I will post them shortly!

Well, I'm going to try and blog every day for the next few weeks, to record what is happening throughout the clinical learning experience.

Where does the time go?

I can't believe how quickly time has sped by since Christmas. Seems like 2 weeks ago! I'm still enjoying going back to school, and I'm learning a lot. I'll be finished with the CNA 1 class April 12th, and will have a graduating ceremony on the 13th. I think it will be only a matter of one to two weeks between classes, and then I'll start working on the CNA 2 certification. I haven't had a class that I didn't learn something, and that really makes me happy. I have a wonderful instructor, and am fortunate to be in a class with women who are very outgoing/outspoken, and they ask some really great questions, so we get more info than just the textbook offers. Of course, my very favorite class mate sits directly to my left. She is Japanese and has been in the US for 10 years. She has had to learn to speak English as an adult. She studies very hard using an English to Japanese translator for a lot of words, but on tests and exams always scores at least 4 points higher than me on tests! I'm not complaining, my average test score is 95.5 so that's great, but I wish I had the drive to get stellar grades like my Asian friends.

My best friend since the fourth grade, Ly always got better grades too! She studied harder I guess, and she is super smart too! Ly is now a Nurse, and has been one of the driving forces for me to apply myself, and decide to It seems that I'm finally trying to get the very best grades possible. It finally matters to me that I need a great test scores, for a great recommendation to get into Nursing school.

Where does the time go... Time for sleep!

Smart Car from the UK on it's way on American roads!

Flashback...... September 2002

Dave and I went on vacation while working for Delta Airlines in September 2002. It was really great! We chose to travel around the anniversary of 9-11 because bookings were low, understandably, and we were pretty much garanteed a seat (as an airline employee, you fly for free, but on standby status!). We spent all of our time in London. It was my first trip to the UK, and I absolutely fell in love with the city.

For example...
People seemed to spend a lot more time outside.
Dave and I took a stroll through Hyde park, and you could rent lawn chairs by the hour! I also like the fact that for the most part, businesses seemed to follow a standard work day schedule so that the working class are able to spend the evenings with their families! I like the attitude that work is work, but family time is reality! That is what I strive for. To leave work behind at the end of the day, and enjoy living at home with my family!
There are a few more compact cars there too! considering the price of gasoline is even more outrageously priced than in the US!
Current National average for a gallon of gas in the US is : $2.32
In London, the average price for gas (petrol) is appx. 90 pence per litre(appx.$6.02 USD per gallon!)
The car that really left an impression on me, was the Smart Car. It's a compact 2 seater that is perfect in urban settings. I can't imagine how easy parallel parking is in this cute little car. As of now, there is only one US Distributer, Zap!. There's a great news article found here. I really can't wait to get my hands on one, I think I'll wait until the asking price comes down a little though...


Note: I started working on this post Jan. 2nd, but did not complete it until 2030 (8:30pm) Jan. 16. I'm trying to get back in the swing of things!

Holiday Review

Dave and I had a wonderful Christmas this year. We stayed in Chapel Hill, NC with Dave's mother, Elaine. It was a quick trip. We left the island Christmas Eve, and had to return December 26 to clean one of our vacation rental houses. We had a lovely time visiting with family and friends. Christmas Day was split up between Chapel Hill, with Elaine, and then Durham, NC at my brother Tim's with my siblings, mother, and all the rest of the family.

I can't believe how quickly the nieces (Ashley and Erica) and the nephews (Justin and Brandon) are growing up...
I remember holding the newborn Ashley (now 16) in my arms in what seems like 4 or 5 years ago. I love them all very much, but Ashley was the first niece I held. Sometimes it saddens me to realize that all the important things (i.e. after school sports, concerts and parties, etc.)in their lives are passing me by. I am so proud of each and every one of them for the wonderful and unique individuals that they have become. I would like to be there to share their achievements and memories with them. There aren't enough hours in the day, or days in the week to make that possible. I really enjoy spending time with all of our family on the holidays.

Well, it's past time for sleep....

Goodnight All...

Text Ad through BlogShares

While checking my account at blogshares, I ran across this blog ad. I really like the dove magnet and will probably order it. 100% of the proceeds goes to disabled veterans, and/or their loved ones.

Heading Home For Christmas

Dave and I will be traveling for the better part of the afternoon heading up to Chapel Hill, NC to spend Christmas with our family! Here's hoping that anyone reading this has a Merry Christmas, that is full of love and fellowship with family and/or good friends!

I hope to upload some pictures when we return probably on Monday....

I Have No Use For Internet Explorer...

I am in the process of setting up a new blog using wordpress. While setting up the new blog, I followed this link and realized it will be very useful to my friends and family. If you want to speed up your web surfing, browsing, and memory issues, make the switch to anything other than internet explorer. I know it's frustrating learning how to use more advanced software. In fact, when I started using Opera, I wanted to throw the darn computer out the window! (for about five minutes before Dave showed me how to set all the nifty little options!) 30 minutes later I was loving life. I could not believe how much faster my page loads were. Best of all, while dedicating about 3-4 tabbed windows to Blogshares, I too could snatch up those rare ideas! It was great for my self esteem, it wasn't that I was such a slow poke, it was that sluggish browser, IE! Another great feature to Opera is the mouse gestures. No more moving my cursor up to the tool bar clicking on icons, and waisting valuable time. it's as simple as . I really don't care which browser you choose, as long as it's not IE! Try them all, and choose the browser that is right for you and your lifestyle.

Clear Vision and Cold Nights

Well, my vision seems to have straightened itself out. It turned out to be inflamed sinus pressure, which apparently compressed or irritated an optical nerve. One lesson I did learn though; pay attention to the meds you purchase in the pharmacy. I go through a lot of deongestant. I tend to have alergies and sinus pressure several times a year. The think to watch out for is the new nasal decongestant- Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) which apparently does NOT work for me. The packaging, from color to style is almost identical to the old fashioned pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). In NC you have to look for the card hanging above the other meds to get the pseudoephedrine product from your pharmacist. Thats right, thanks to the meth manufactures, the state has put limits on how much Sudafed you can purchase at a time. Note: if you decide to try the new Sudafed PE type decongestant, please be advised that the dose is ONE little red pill, not two as with the original Sudafed.

In other news, I took another day off from work today. It is really cold tonight, with the low at 30 degrees. I can't wait for spring! I don't mind if the temperatures dip into the 50's overnight, but anything lower than that is just too low for me.....

Dave and I went to Morehead City today to do a little Christmas shopping, Dave also had to renew his Driver License today.

Note to all motor vehicle drivers: Please check the date on your drivers license for the renewal date!!!!
If you don't notice that your license expired on your last birthday, you may have to take the written and the driving test over completely! Enough said :)

Food for thought: Google is your friend! Before forwarding that email that has been forwarded eight times before reaching you, you know, the one that says, "boycott that department store, or gas station, because they are un American", please just use google as a source to prove/disprove the facts stated before you get all riled up start emailing the piece of propoganda to all of your family and friends. Not only will you exercise your brain with useful information, but you may break the chain of mis information and ignorance. Thats all I have to say about that :)
I may start posting these emails and straightening out the fact from fiction here. I'll have to think about it.

Strange Day and Blurred Vision

Today for some unknown reason, I woke up with blurred vision in my right eye. I feel absolutely fine other than the fact that my vision is still off. Imagine this: Leave your optometrist office after having your eyes dilated for the glaucoma test, then, head straight down to your local cinema showing a 3-D movie, but don't put on the dorky paper glasses.... That's about the closest I can come to explaining my current predicament. I did stop by my doctor's office, and the nurse was a puzzled as I was, and said to come back, or go to the hospital if I had any "other symptoms" (headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, etc...).
Needless to say, I wasn't able to work tonight. I couldn't read street signs, let alone addresses off of houses, and mailboxes!

So that I didn't sit around, I did a little research on vegetarian nutrition. Since I've chosen to give up meat, I might as well focus on staying healthy. I do kind of miss the convenience of the grocery store frozen section. I always liked the frozen chicken fingers. Well while I was perusing VegWeb and a few forums, I found a recipe for quick seitan. I have not completed my pantry to include all the meals and grains, I haven't even experimented with tofu, so I decided to use what I have on hand. Since I do own a bread machine, I have a few different varieties of flour, I didn't have the wheat gluten, but I decided to use my whole wheat flour, and it would at least give me an idea if I might like the seitan as a meat substitute. I used 1 cup of whole wheat flour, and 3/ cup of water, so I wouldn't have to worry about pressing and squeezing out excess water. After kneading it 10 times, I set the meatless loaf in the fridge for about 10 minutes, and then cut it into about 15 chicken nugget size pieces. I dipped some of them in catsup, and some in blue cheese dressing. Yum! They were delicious, and at a tiny fraction of the cost of the actual chicken nuggets. I think the whole meal cost around a dime, and that's due to the fact that I used a lot of catsup! Time for sleep, Dave and I have a busy day tomorrow.

Giving Up Meat

Well, I haven't given up meat completely, but I am finding it suprisingly easier than I would have imagined! Unless you have ever gone several days without meat, you probably won't understand this, but I feel lighter, more energized, and believe it or not happier! I'm not sure if it's because I'm paying more attention to protein, or perhaps because I'm eating more often. And as an added bonus, I'm lowering my caloric intake, getting more complex and less empty carbohydrates. I'm still eating fish, and eating/drinking dairy products, although in smaller amounts than before I decided to make the humane change, and cut out meat. One day I may go completely Vegan, but I'm so happy to feel and look more healthy.

Well, I must get ready to go to work, feel free to comment on your feelings pro/anti vegatarian. pro/anti anything else being discussed :)

Finally Put Up The Christmas Tree

It's been a really nice day. Dave and I slept in until around 11 a.m. We only had one house to clean, and the guests were very clean and considerate, so, the house that usually takes us 1.5 to 2 hours to clean, took only about 45 minutes. I even took a three hour nap!

I was so energized after a day or relaxing, I finally moved the Christmas boxes into the house, and put up the tree. It came out really nice. Since there aren't any little ones running around, Dave and I decided to put up a little three foot table top tree.
Nice tree top, don't you think!?! Santa rinding a white reindeer!

In other news TurkWatch is making progress, and adding information. Check out their About page here. Join TurkWatch on their IRC channel stop in and say hello, or ask a question if you like.

TurkWatch Is Up And Running

For those of you who are into Amazon's Mechanical Turking, be sure to bookmark TurkWatch. It will offer advice and suggestions complete with message boards. You'll be able to sort through fact and fiction, know what works and what doesn't. Increase your speed and productivity. Share MTurk knowledge, news, and experiences with experienced turkers. The site went on line in the wee hours of the morning (Dec. 16th, 2005), so check back often to see what's new and being discussed. Feel free to join, and share your own Turk experiences; communication, and participation are what it's all about!

Good luck, and Happy Turking to ya!

I'm back from work and troubled tonight

Yesterday as I was parusing BlogShares, I saw an interesting link under the BlogShares Sponsers intitled: Meet Your Meat Warning!!! This Link Is Graphic In Nature, and NOT recommended for the young, or faint hearted!!!...

I had nightmares last night after watching the video. I wish I didn't love eating meat so much. I'm going to try to cut it out of my diet. See.... It's not that I have a problem with eating meat, it's the way that the livestock are treated to reap the slab of meat on our dinner tables. I've heard about the videos that expose the dastardly treatment of the animals, but before yesterday, I've never actually seen one! I don't know about giving up dairy though. I can probably do without the meat, but the milk, eggs and cheese will be really tough to give up.I guess I could switch to the soy products. Until we stand up and thwart the demand, the abuse will continue.

I can already hear the abusers now "If we spend the extra money for anesthetics, the cost to the consumer will skyrocket"!
I'd be willing to pay the extra money for ethical and humane treatment, I'd just eat less meat. If you are prepared for a sad documentary, please click on the above link, if not, just know that it's not alright.

I'm going to attempt to get some Zzzzz's..........

Definitely feeling more fit

Today I went on anouther hour walk. I could do without all the airplane noise coming from Bogue Air Field. I respect the fact that there is a need to practice maneuvers, take offs, landings and touch and goes, but the noise from the Harriers can be a bit much. Here's a link to some historical facts on Bogue Airfield.

Well, time to go to work.

Great day to go for a walk

Today I went on a two and a half hour walk around my town scouting out things to blog about. Unfortunately, this being the "off season" in Emerald Isle, there's not much going on. Business owners tend to limit their hours of operation, to spend quality time with family, shop for the holiday, and to just recover from the caos of the spring to fall "high season". It was really nice viewing my beautiful town at a slower pace. I had the opportunity to actually have casual conversations with year round residents, watch the squirrels and other small animals scamper about, and forage for food, and just enjoy the peace and tranquility. I did manage to visit Cedar Street Park, one of the town parks that has sound access. Unfortunately, the town has not rebuilt the dock at this location, and you can no longer fish, or crab here. I also visited Island Harbor Marina located at the end of Old Ferry Rd. with direct access to Bogue Sound. Construction of this area is coming along nicely. I think they may have more boat slips available now, than they had pre Hurricane Ophelia mid September. I did take digital pictures, but I have not uploaded them as of yet.

After returning home from my walk, of coarse I had to to check email, and news off of my front page... There was a very interesting article about a news site:
Happy News I get a little disgusted with all the bad news, it was nice to find a news site with a more positive slant. while surfing the happy news site, I ran across this article. I really like the Alternative Gifts International idea. Please use this I Give link to shop. Up to 26% of your purchases are given to Alternative Gifts International.

Yay! Starting school January 9th

Well, I'm still busy tying up all the loose ends that I've put off for the last few months... I went up to Carteret Community college Tuesday Dec. 6th to officially enroll in the Certified Nurse Assistant course. I'll start class Jan. 9th. Okay, that was redundant, I already stated that in the title of this post. I don't think I will find it all that difficult, I was certified in the same field 15 years ago. I'm going to see how it goes, maybe in the future I'll go back to college full time in the RN associates degree program. I really do like people, and the nursing field is so diverse, that I could logically move from field to field, and continue learning.

I'm starting to feel too old, and unsafe driving to strangers houses to deliver pizza to supplement my income.
A few gripes that has been troubling me the last few weeks are....

1. After you place the order over the phone, and you know that the delivery driver is expected in roughly 15-45 minutes, please don't wait until the person gets to your door to make out your check.
-It's winter, 20 degrees (or colder), company policy does not permit us to come inside your house, so please be prepared and have the check ready.

2. Please leave your porch light on until the driver makes it back to their car. I hate it when I've taken 2 steps off the porch, and am suddenly left in the dark! It's inconsiderate.

3. With daylight savings time, it is now getting dark even earlier, so please make sure there is sufficient lighting to safely get to your door without tripping on that tree stump that we can't see in the dark, or stepping in the pile of doggie doo that no one has bothered to clean up.

Some people don't think about the above mentioned things, so if one delivery person is warmer, or has better light, it does make a difference, and I'm glad I said it.

You know, I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop... the economy is terrible, yet the average order that I deliver is $25. I don't understand how people struggle to pay their bills from month to month, and can still afford pizza night twice a week! That's the main reason I've decided to get back into the medical profession. Times may get to where people aren't able to afford pizza 1-2 times a week, but healthcare will always be needed. Especially in Emerald Isle, the town that Dave and I live in. A large number of our local population are 65+ (22.4% as of the 2000 census). And I'm sure that number is well below current average. Home health care companies are understaffed, and are hiring nurse assistants right out of school. In the past, you had to have a minimum of 1-2 years experience in a hospital or nursing home to get a position with them.

I'm also pleased with myself, I sold my first item on ebay Monday. I sold the printer that came with my new Dell. It wasn't much, but since the printer didn't cost me anything, It was all bonus.

Well, I must rest so I can get through the day tomorrow.


-Peace-

Happy Holidays!!!

Okay, so I'm lousy at keeping my blog current. For the last few months, my schedule has been hectic, with night and day (and week) all blending together. Let's see... Time change leaves me zapped for a while and then there are the three hour commutes to our parents homes for Thanksgiving...

We stayed at Dave's mothers' house for Thanksgiving, and I must say...
Wow!
That was a treat!...

My Mother-In-Law is having her whole house remodeled, and it is turning out lovely. The whole house now has a positive flow to it, from room to room. She's had new windows installed in just about every room, new doors, a new Florida Room added, and new flooring throughout. The floor covering is beautiful, and Eco friendly too! Mom chose to have cork floor tiles installed. Here' a link to cork floor facts . Doing research on earth friendy flooring I thought this link was helpful for bamboo flooring. Mom also had her yard landscaped, and added gardens and art. The house is "in the country" , surrounded by a beautiful Carolina wooded (loblolly pines, rhodondendrons, and lots of other shrubs and trees that would take hours to identify and describe!) community. I love the house Mom!!!....

Well, we had more food than any of us could hope to eat in a week!!! My dad drove down from Akron, Ohio, he does every year. Mom's neighbors, Mr. & Mrs. Lafferty and her co-worker Alison joined us for the celebration. So all in all, there were seven of us. Mom had ham, turkey and all the trimmings, and Alison brought two of the best cakes I have ever put into my mouth! She brought pineapple cake with pineapple frosting, and yellow cake with chocolate frosting. The baker uses only natural ingredients, such as butter, NOT margarine! Yum! Now my mouth is watering. Oh well, if that baker were any where in a reasonable driving distance to me, I would probably HAVE to join a health club to keep all the extra weight off.... ...

Well.. I must stop here, it's time for sleep.

Emerald Isle made it through Hurricane Ophelia!

Well, Dave and I didn't get much sleep last night due to the hurricane... it sounded like our roof was being ripped off, the power was out, it was black as pitch outside, and there was no end to the storm in sight, it was impossible to sleep, unless you were one of our spoiled cats!...

Dave snapped some pics, and video clips during and after Ophelia known...
You will find Dave's blog posts: here...

I'm not exactly looking forward to all the yard cleanup, but I'm grateful to still have a yard and a home left that requires the extra effort. Some folks weren't so fortunate....

I'll miss the marina docks in Harbor Marina a few blocks away, the piling are still there, but the docks themselves are completely gone. One of the news sourced that we read today quoted the owner of the marina saying he has a family member in the dock building business, and he plans on rebuilding.

I guess that there will always be trade offs for living in such a beautiful place: Emerald Isle, NC. The community may know the true meaning of the word neighbor. The air may be clean, and the coastal views, and wildlife may be breathtaking.
But sometimes nature must remind us that our lives can change drastically and literally overnight. We face the possibility of hurricanes several times a year, we can't imagine calling anywhere else home.
We feel like this is where we belong.....