When I came home from work last night, I measured and there was 30 cm of snow in my driveway. Snowfall has slowed down but the wind has really picked up, so it's cold, nasty with blowing snow. Thankful to come home to a warm cozy home that still has power. Going to have to brave the weather this morning and go out and do a little shoveling. It's dry stuff now so will take the dog for a walk (he loved his walk the other day in the snow. loves to catch snowballs - big goofball) and maybe take some pictures.

There is about five inches of snow in the backyard. Snowing on and off all day. There is something calm about the snow at night. Quiet. Peaceful. Too bad it's so wet, otherwise I'd go for a walk with the dog.

Have 34 Christmas cards made and another 12 on the go.

Throat still hurts.

"I don't want a lot for Christmas There's just one thing I need I don't care about presents Underneath the Christmas tree I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true... All I want for Christmas Is you... I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don't care about presents Underneath the Christmas tree I don't need to hang my stocking There upon the fireplace Santa Claus won't make me happy With a toy on Christmas day I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you... You baby I won't ask for much this Christmas I won't even wish for snow I'm just gonna keep on waiting Underneath the mistletoe I won't make a list and send it To the North Pole for Saint Nick I won't even stay awake to Hear those magic reindeer click 'Cause I just want you here tonight Holding on to me so tight What more can I do Baby all I want for Christmas is you You... All the lights are shining So brightly everywhere And the sound of children's Laughter fills the air And everyone is singing I hear those sleigh bells ringing Santa won't you bring me the one I really need Won't you please bring my baby to me Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas This is all I'm asking for I just want to see baby Standing right outside my door Oh I just want him for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true Baby all I want for Christmas is You All I want for Christmas is you baby"

First snowfall of the year. Pics taken from 8am to 11am. 3 inches in that time. Unfortunately it's really wet and slushy.

30 days until Christmas.

It's snowing outside like you would not believe. Will try to post pictures later.

Because of the bad weather, had to cancel all my plans for today. BIG drag.

Fighting a cold/flu. Knew it would catch up to me eventually. Have had so many people in the ER with vomiting and diarrhea. I feel like I have glass in my throat. DD came home sick yesterday from school. Nausea, fatigue, pale.

Worked on Christmas cards yesterday. I guess since I'm stuck in the house now I might as well try to finish them off today.

Did I mention how annoyed I am that the it decided to dump snow today? It couldn't have waited until tomorrow?

"The secret to happiness is not to get what you want, but to want what you already have. If you think about it, most discontent grows from want. We want more stuff, more excitement, more pleasure. When we don't get those things, we're resentful and unsatisfied. Take away the want, and you take away the unhappiness. When your quality of life is tied to your desires, fulfillment is a shadow that escapes your view. Like trying to imagine a new color, the harder you look, the harder it is to see. Does this mean you stop setting goals and striving for a healthy lifestyle and better life? No. It means you can appreciate life regardless of the outcome. It means you can relish the pursuit while accepting the possibility of failure. It means you can still enjoy the ride. Happiness is not a destination- it's a way of life. " Spark

Been searching for this bottle. Godiva dark chocolate liquer. Heaven. Craving chocolate in the worst way!

my FAVORITE chocolate!

Love this dog.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's" More "I'm sorry's." But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it ... live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with , and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you have a blessed day.

I am "shitkicked". Three long nights with little sleep. Tough. Slept on and off most of the day and am trying hard to stay awake to see my daughter when she gets home from work.

Hoping to get my Christmas cards done this set of days off. No letter this year. What can I say? "Dear friends, it's been the worst year of my life"?

Need to do a big Superstore shop and find a new Christmas tree. Whether I like it or not, Christmas IS coming. Might work over the holidays for a friend so she can spend holidays with her small children and family. Better than being alone. So alone.

Meeting up with some girlfriends on Friday for lunch and that will be nice. Long time since I've seen this group.

The rain persists. I need Croc boots.

I deserve a right hand ring.

"People usually talk of "spending" energy and time on others. As if once it's used, it's gone. But in reality, that effort is a powerful investment. It's an investment because you'll get more of both in return. When a match lights a candle, the match's flame doesn't shrink- if anything, it grows. In the same way, you'll be even more inspired and successful by building others up. The bonus is that they'll also be better equipped to return the favor. Take action today to make someone's life a little better. Come up with just one nice thing to do for each of the important people in your life, one little thing that can make all the difference. After all, what good does it do to improve your health or your life if you're not going to do anything with it? " Spark

This is the reason why I smell so good after a shower. Y U M M Y!

I no longer take baths. The enjoyment has been tarnished by the events of the past year. That new big bathroom is such a waste now.

But, I can still enjoy products like the one above to wash my hair in the shower.

I'll take one of everything please!

One night down, two to go. Floor is very heavy. 40% over the patient count. 4 patients in the ER waiting for beds. Shortstaffed.

Come home and am happily greeted by the dog and cat. The dog is so excited to see me; we go for a quick brisk walk and he's happy to run and have his mom home. Now we'll cuddle up on the bed. Good company.

"The mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground." Spark

36 more days until Christmas!

OMG! I had such a great time yesterday. So nice to spend time with my girlfriend, visiting and shopping. GOOD times.

We shopped at the mall, and actually didn't have much luck there. The stores just don't seem appealing. Most of them we have here in Canada. We spent some time in Target and I did pick up some of the "Choxie" for Christmas. I debated over some new holiday dinner wear but in the end, walked away.

Bath and Body works is so yummy. I got Hot Chocolate bubble bath/shampoo/body wash!!!! It smells soooo good!

Joanns. Had a 50% coupon for one regular priced item. They are smart. Everything is on sale. Well, I was excited to find that all their CK products were 40% off. Got a great Christmas album kit, some cardmaking kits, some really fun Heidi Swapp stuff that was so cheap and a box of DCWV Christmas card on for 50% off. Bought a large Gerbra daisy with my coupon. Like I need another floral stamp.

At Paper Zone I found BH's new Creative Companion. Can't wait to dive into that. And some Poinstettia flowers and matching jewel brads, by a new company Imaginesce??

Back to the mall to Kohls where they were having a huge sale. Tons of stuff on 50%. Did quite a bit of Christmas shopping there. Enough said.

Saved the best for last. TOM. TOM :-) That store is a delight. Found the Autumn Leaves acrylic stamps, by Rhonna Farrer. I got a doodle set. Some rollar stamps by 7 Gypsies and Heidi Swapp, Book of Me, BH's Family History book, and................. sparkly Razzle Dazzle Bazzill!!!

Had a nice lunch at Olive Garden. Love that restaurant.

It was a really great day!

I have such a FANTASTIC time with my dear girlfriend today. We chatted, we shopped, we had a nice lunch, we shopped some more. It was an awesome time; totally what I needed. Got LOTS of goodies, but you'll have to wait till tomorrow for the blow by blow as I'm too tired to write it all out now.

Going on a road trip. :)

I have not been able to turn myself around totally from nights; not one single night of solid sleep. Last night we had a horrible wind/rain storm and I was afraid and couldn't sleep. Today I'm going to go buy flashlights and supplies. I watched some of the news and saw huge trees falling onto homes. If that happened to me, what would I do? Who would I call? Who fixes stuff like that? Does insurance cover it? My mind was busy with all kinds of questions. And then, I had to comfort the poor dog who just doesn't like the wind. Terrifies him. He either hides downstairs, in my closet, or tries to get under the blankets with me, on my side of the bed. He's never allowed to lay on the sheets, so when this happens, I know he is SCARED. Got up early today for a lab appointment and was surprised to see no rain, no wind. Quiet.

Amazing how sleep can make or break a person. I crave restful quality uninterrupted sleep.

What could make Razzle Dazzle Bazzill cardstock even better? SPARKLES!

 

My beautiful daughter with her new funky glasses. She's a happy girl to have 20/30 vision again. 

 

Snowline yesterday afternoon. 

*click here*

was there ever any doubt?

 
  

Work is done for another few days. Nights weren't too bad, though I didn't get much sleep. My g/f came over yesterday for a visit and I always enjoy seeing her. We're getting together at the end of the week to do some Christmas shopping and I'm looking forward to that.

Today had an appt in the city and then went to visit my girlfriend who just bought her first home; a very nice townhouse. Has an awesome great room that is welcoming and cozy. She's having the staff Christmas party this year and I am looking forward to that. We had a nice visit and then I went shopping at Safeway. Love that I can have a Starbucks (inside the store) while I shop for groceries. Nice to go there for a change of pace. Home now to do chores. Changed the sheets. Love fresh sheets. So does the cat, will post a funny pic later on. DD has a friend over and we had Panago. Beautiful nice girl. Trying to talk them into a mini photo shoot so I can scrapbook her; she lives in another community so don't see her very often. Sadly her little brother passed away last week from cancer. Heartbreaking.

Tomorrow tomorrow. What to do. Thinking scrapbooking and chores. Wednesday I'm heading to the city to visit my g/f with the twin girls. Looking forward to that. Babies smell so good.

Weather is miserable. Rain isn't going away. Not fun to walk the dog. He's been acting strange the past week. Involuntary of stool. Like he can't hold it in. And acting more lethargic. Like when he would see DH and then go downhill after a visit. Have doubled up his medication to help keep the breakthrough seizures at bad. He's a highly stressed anxious boy. Past few months sure have aged him.

"Your goals may not come easy. There is no accomplishment without work, and no "win" without something to beat. It's easy to get discouraged when roadblocks appear- in fact, it's only natural. You've invested time and emotion into creating the perfect plan, and then something has to come along and muck it all up. Sometimes, though, all you have to do to beat that barrier is to get back up and move forward again. Obstacles are like the Wizard of Oz- they're a lot less intimidating once you see them up close. Next time you take a step back, don't let guilt pile it on top of your previous "stumbles". Just take two steps forward and you're still further along than you were before. It doesn't matter how many walls you face. You only have to get the better of that last one." Spark

Betrayal happens in a marriage when there is infidelity, abuse, lies, lack of support, broken promises, secrets told, snooping or stealing.

Once a betrayer, always a betrayer.

Broken hearts are never healed. They haunt us for a lifetime even if we find someone else. Our past teaches us lessons that make us more aware and more human. Why then do we feel so hurt knowing it can only get better?

"Is there anything that Ziggy doesn't know? In the cartooning universe, he's often placed in hopeless situations, pitted against a world that doesn't make sense. He's an agreeable punch line for the quirks of human nature. Yet he's able to brush off his mishaps and focus on the opportunities that today brings. He can also look to the future with hope, knowing full well that more struggles may lie ahead. Most of all, he can look at himself and have a good chuckle. Do you make yourself anxious about things that might happen or stew over mistakes you've made? Don't let a preoccupation with tomorrow or yesterday rob your ability to face that crazy world with a smile. For Ziggy, today is today. It's not a good day; it's not a bad day. It's a day. And he knows that it's important to give that day the value it deserves." Spark

I have had many favorite TV series over the years. Charlie's Angels. Knott's Landing. ER. NYPD Blues. Alias. And now, I'm watching CSI Las Vegas on DVD. Somehow started watching reruns on tv and got hooked; a girlfriend of mine just so happens to have all the seasons on DVD. It's been nice to have something to look forward to, especially on lonely nights.

I will NEVER trust another man as long as I live.

I should mention for interest's sake, that this is the bridge that John Rambo from "First Blood" crossed when he was leaving town, at the beginning of the movie. Can't remember if he was heading to Seattle or Portland, but we laughed as he was going the wrong way. That movie was filmed here in 1981.

Pics taken 2 days after the worst of it. I believe, the water was at the 4 foot marker that you can see in one of the pictures. When I was pregnant with DD in 1990, the river flooded then and lapped up on to the bridge. We thought it would go then. Most of the community hoped it would go, as it's a lousy bridge. One lane each way, though it's very tight. Apparently there still is a log jam further up the river and if that lets loose, they except lots of water and further damage.

 
 
 
  

 
 
 
  

The rain has stopped for now. The pictures from yesterday that my g/f took, did not show the river at it's highest. I think she said the water was down by a couple of feet. I might go out today and take pictures.

Slept better last night and that makes such a difference. Having a pedicure this morning which is much needed; heels are starting to bleed. And this afternoon, I plan on scrapbooking some more.

Here's a quote from the Photo Express blog:

"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I
can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do." Helen Keller

I may be down, but I am not out.

These pictures are from today, courtesy of my girlfriend "BD", who was brave to go out and take pictures.

It's raining. Hard. Several local small rivers, are flooding. Homes are being evacuated. Slides on the highways. It's quite something to see, and hear, the roar of the water and the logs barrelling down. I wish I had my camera with me yesterday when I saw it. So far, I've had no water problems in my basement, but I'm keeping a watch, as it has been a problem before.

Have had a busy few days. Worked two extra four shifts, one after my nightshift that ended on Friday and one yesterday. The ER is a gong show. Non stop. The floor right now, isn't bad. Amazing how one day we can be up to 16 patients, the next, six. Working the long week-end, not looking forward to that. People travelling with the weather like this, makes for a busy ER.

Went shopping on the week-end with my girlfriends. It was good. I didn't have a list or expect to get anything accomplished, except bonding with the girls. We had a nice time at lunch and good chats. All the stores have their Christmas decorations up. Crazy. My heart is just not into Christmas this year. Been looking out for a new tree and decorations. Out with the old, in with the new.

Not sleeping well again. Nightmares. Vivid ones. And then with the bad weather, a cruel prank played on me and the stupid immature hang up phonecalls, just makes it worse. I am staying in my pj's all day today. I refuse to get dressed and go out. Who wants to with this weather? And I'm just exhausted.

Spent the past few hours doing various types of paperwork. Now I'm going to make something to eat and then I'm going into my scrapbooking room to play. A long time coming.

 

It's been an emotional few days. 

 


Happiness is: new Ocean Blue Crocs! 

"Once film negatives are exposed to the light of day, they're ruined. In the same way, once you see your worries for what they are- self-inflicted doubts- their power disappears. If you give your doubts and fears too much development time, they'll take hold and start to color all of your thinking in a negative light. Pessimists have more health problems, are less productive, and are generally unhappier than optimists. People that don't worry as much spend more time coping with the realities of life and less time occupied with would-be problems. To get rid of worry, think more confidently. Know that you can handle anything that comes along. Know that with loss comes opportunity. Know that things generally have a way of working out. Stay out of that dark room and picture something better." Spark

I had a rewarding moment yesterday morning that reminded me why I became a nurse, let me be the kind of nurse I want and give the kind of patient care I want. A husband asked me with sit with him and his dying wife. And, I was able to do that. I sat on her bed and held her hand and talked to her, gave her medication to keep her comfortable. And I was there to support her husband who was losing his wife. Sad. Peaceful. Rewarding.

"We keep hearing about how persistence is often the key to success. But what do you do when you've been striving for so long that it seems like your goal is never going to see light? How do you deal with the fear that you're about to fail? Simple. Give it just one more shot. And then one more. Think about the sweat and time you've committed already. You've come this far, you'd be unfair to yourself if you quit without a fight. Even if the odds are way out of your favor and you can't see how it can possibly help, reach out and take one last swing. You never know what will happen. Big, meaningful achievements don't just happen when everything goes your way. How many times have you seen tennis players make miraculous winning shots while lunging for a ball that seemed impossible to reach? Sometimes, you can find victory in the effort." Spark

"It's easy to stay true to our values when life is sunny. But because sometimes hope disappears, options run out, and bright days can turn dark, all you can really count on to be there is your own inner strength. These low points are chances to learn what you're capable of when you refuse to be knocked down for good. You may not be able to choose your hardships or options. But you do have the power to face what you're given with high character. Trust yourself and your instincts, and your best will come forward. Think about the last time you had the choice to fold under pressure or to rise to the occasion. How might you have handled it a little differently? If there's room for improvement, what actions would have made you more proud of yourself?" Spark

 

Happiness is: Prima and Bazzill flowers! 

Got an email today from a friend, reminding me of the statistics of affairs. 90% of affairs end within six months of being "outed". Nicknames were given for my husband and the female he is having an affair with. LCSC and the HW. Somehow, it made me laugh. Timing was poetic as my husband was probably served today.

Work was busy yesterday and I just felt like I could never catch up and do all that I wanted to do for my patients. So many palliatives. They often require more care and time from me than my acute patients with MI's and such. Hope the nights are better.

Am very excited about this week-end. The chicks are going shopping. It will be such an adventure. Needing some chick bonding with lots of laughter and shopping mixed in.

My poor baby had another seizure the other night. So stressed with the firecrackers. Last night he hid in my closet for a good three hours and then finally came and slept on the bed with me all night. He's much calmer today. I think we've got a good routine going and that helps with his stress and anxiety.

Plan to do yardwork this week-end. Winterize. Talked to a few people about what should be done to the front and back yard to make the house more sell-able. Everything costs $$$.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face." Eleanor Roosevelt

Last week I added a program to the blog to track visits. Also shows who is looking at the site; VERY interesting to see who is looking.