I wonder if anyone even looks at these posts anymore, considering I haven't written in a really long while, but I will write down a few of my thoughts tonight.
I have worked pretty hard today and this evening trying to rearrange my house tonight for the new arrivals that are going to get here really soon.
My two grandbabies, Skyler and Seth, are quickly approaching. My daughter in law Lisa has been working right along side of me all day and she is still going. I on the other hand am worn out.
Joe and his girlfriend Mandy moved in last week, so we now have 7 people living in our home. When the babies get here, it will boost the total to 9. Talk about little bitty living space, we are going to see how it really feels.
I have often wondered how people in other countries have multiple generations living under one roof. How the get along with each other, where they all sleep, etc. and now I guess I will be living it myself. So I guess I will let you know some of the answers to my previous questions soon.
I would not change it for the world, though. I will be able to play a larger part in my grandchildrens lives if they are living with me. Well I guess I have written as much as my mind can think of right now. I will write again, just don't know when that will be. TTFN
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Monday, January 19, 2009
Been a While
It's been a while since I wrote anything here or anywhere for that matter. I have been swamped with the day to day grind of living. All of this will change in the next couple of days though.
I will be heading to the local hospital on Wednesday for the dreaded hysterectomy. No! not because I am having problems, but as a safety precaution.
It all started about 17 years ago when one of my yearly exams produced an abnormal pap. I just ignored it and about 5 years ago or so I got pregnant again. My new doctor did the pap and again it came back abnormal. I waited until after my daughter was born to have any further tests. I had a small biopsy taken and the doctor stated that for the following 3 years he wanted me in the office every 3 months for another pap.
Well during this time I finished school and began my career. I did not return for any of my follow up appointments. Finally 4 years later, I decided that I might need to return for a year exam. I was hoping for a normal pap this time, HA! Same as before abnormal. I returned a month later to have a small biopsy, which turned out to be inconclusive.
About 2 months later I underwent a leep procedure (cone biopsy) under general anesthesia in the hospital and the week before Christmas I was told the results. Its not really bad, I quess. I have severe displasia (or pre-cancer cells on my cervix). I doctor states that where it is and how much of the cervix is affected will be hard to track changes, so he recommended a total hysterectomy.
I told him that I would think about it and let him know soon. I worried over Christmas break and I am still worrying, but I made a decision. With my family's and co-worker's support I have decided to dive in to the world of getting older and have my first major surgery. I returned to the doctor's office last week and told him to set it up and do it quick before I change my mind. He did not hesitate, so I go in Wednesday.
I am still terrified, but at least I know that it will soon be over. I have my pre-op appointment at the hospital today. You know, sign the papers, talk to the anesthesiologist(not sure about the spelling), and do the lab work. It has been snowing for the past couple of days and we are expecting more. I hope that I will be able to get there.
Anyways my life for the next 4-6 weeks will be moving at a snails pace, so I might actually get time to write on here. It will probably be a welcome release and a boredom quieter.
I will be heading to the local hospital on Wednesday for the dreaded hysterectomy. No! not because I am having problems, but as a safety precaution.
It all started about 17 years ago when one of my yearly exams produced an abnormal pap. I just ignored it and about 5 years ago or so I got pregnant again. My new doctor did the pap and again it came back abnormal. I waited until after my daughter was born to have any further tests. I had a small biopsy taken and the doctor stated that for the following 3 years he wanted me in the office every 3 months for another pap.
Well during this time I finished school and began my career. I did not return for any of my follow up appointments. Finally 4 years later, I decided that I might need to return for a year exam. I was hoping for a normal pap this time, HA! Same as before abnormal. I returned a month later to have a small biopsy, which turned out to be inconclusive.
About 2 months later I underwent a leep procedure (cone biopsy) under general anesthesia in the hospital and the week before Christmas I was told the results. Its not really bad, I quess. I have severe displasia (or pre-cancer cells on my cervix). I doctor states that where it is and how much of the cervix is affected will be hard to track changes, so he recommended a total hysterectomy.
I told him that I would think about it and let him know soon. I worried over Christmas break and I am still worrying, but I made a decision. With my family's and co-worker's support I have decided to dive in to the world of getting older and have my first major surgery. I returned to the doctor's office last week and told him to set it up and do it quick before I change my mind. He did not hesitate, so I go in Wednesday.
I am still terrified, but at least I know that it will soon be over. I have my pre-op appointment at the hospital today. You know, sign the papers, talk to the anesthesiologist(not sure about the spelling), and do the lab work. It has been snowing for the past couple of days and we are expecting more. I hope that I will be able to get there.
Anyways my life for the next 4-6 weeks will be moving at a snails pace, so I might actually get time to write on here. It will probably be a welcome release and a boredom quieter.
Friday, June 20, 2008
What a "Great Start" to Summer Vacation
My last day of work at school was June 10th and I was looking forward to having time off. "Yeah, Right" I've had one relaxing, do nothing day so far and that was June 11th.
On June 11th, my sons received their final report cards for the year. I reluctantly opened them, knowing that I was not going to like what I would find. Shane, my oldest son, did decent (not great, but passing). His report card stated that he would need to take English 10 during summer school, before he could advance to a senior next year. Yes I said English 10. He was a junior last year taking his 3rd year of English 9 and 2nd year of English 10. He finally passed English 9 with flying colors this year. He even received an award for being top of his class. He should after 3 years of the same material.
My youngest son, Joey did very poorly on his report. He took 7 classes during his freshman year of high school. He passed (with a D) in only one of those classes. Want to guess which class it was? GYM! He is going to be retained in 9th grade next year, but I am still making him take World Geography and Algebra 1 part 1 during summer school.
Two days after my last day of work, I begin my second job. Taxi Driver! I roll out of bed at 7:00 each morning Monday - Friday and force the boys out of bed. I make the 20 minute drive to the high school to drop them off and return home. Then at 2:00 I make the trip again to pick them up and transport them to work unless I get lucky and they both have the day off. Most days I am not.
Depending on the day, I will make at least one more trip to town to retrieve them from work. More often than not I will have to make two more trips, when one gets off work at 9 and the other gets off at 11 or 12. I have spent more time driving and waiting than I would have in a regular full time job.
Shane will end his summer school term 1 next Friday, but Joey will be in for term 1 and 2. His last day will be July 16th, so it looks like my summer vacation will be quite a bit shorter than first anticipated.
On June 11th, my sons received their final report cards for the year. I reluctantly opened them, knowing that I was not going to like what I would find. Shane, my oldest son, did decent (not great, but passing). His report card stated that he would need to take English 10 during summer school, before he could advance to a senior next year. Yes I said English 10. He was a junior last year taking his 3rd year of English 9 and 2nd year of English 10. He finally passed English 9 with flying colors this year. He even received an award for being top of his class. He should after 3 years of the same material.
My youngest son, Joey did very poorly on his report. He took 7 classes during his freshman year of high school. He passed (with a D) in only one of those classes. Want to guess which class it was? GYM! He is going to be retained in 9th grade next year, but I am still making him take World Geography and Algebra 1 part 1 during summer school.
Two days after my last day of work, I begin my second job. Taxi Driver! I roll out of bed at 7:00 each morning Monday - Friday and force the boys out of bed. I make the 20 minute drive to the high school to drop them off and return home. Then at 2:00 I make the trip again to pick them up and transport them to work unless I get lucky and they both have the day off. Most days I am not.
Depending on the day, I will make at least one more trip to town to retrieve them from work. More often than not I will have to make two more trips, when one gets off work at 9 and the other gets off at 11 or 12. I have spent more time driving and waiting than I would have in a regular full time job.
Shane will end his summer school term 1 next Friday, but Joey will be in for term 1 and 2. His last day will be July 16th, so it looks like my summer vacation will be quite a bit shorter than first anticipated.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Home Stretch
I am in my final week of classes through Marshall University and WV learns. I have learned many new and interesting ideas through these classes.
One class that I am taking is called Special Students in the Regular Classroom. It is a course specifically in helping to implement UDL - Universal Design for Learning. If you would like to read about UDL here is the website: http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter4.cfm
In the course of the class we have had the opportunity to try many new software products that could help us in implementing UDL. Here are three that I especially enjoyed and feel would be a wonderful tools in my classroom.
One class that I am taking is called Special Students in the Regular Classroom. It is a course specifically in helping to implement UDL - Universal Design for Learning. If you would like to read about UDL here is the website: http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter4.cfm
In the course of the class we have had the opportunity to try many new software products that could help us in implementing UDL. Here are three that I especially enjoyed and feel would be a wonderful tools in my classroom.
- CleverKeys: a software programs that allows individuals to have instant access to definitions, synonyms and facts. This can be used with teacher and student created work as well as web pages and email. This will help to boost comprehension for all students. http://www.cleverkeys.com/
- Textaloud: Uses voice software to convert text into spoken language. I can also be used with teacher and student created work as well as web pages and email. This is a great program to help students who have a difficult time reading and it is also a great proofreading tool. http://www.nextup.com/
- Intellitools Classroom Suite 4 features: Reading instruction aligned with national standards, Math instruction targeting number sense and automaticity, Writing templates across many genres, Creativity tools for whole class instruction and student presentations, Early Learning activities for emergent learners. Students have access to many graphic organizers and learning activities to help increase learning. http://www.intellitools.com/
The other class that I am taking is 21st Century Teaching and Learning in Science. Since I was a science major in college I felt that I would have some background knowledge in this area. I found that many technologies exist that I never realized were available, but 21st Century learning is not just about technology.
It includes collaboration and communication (teach students to do both of these), Thinking skills and assessments (used to see if learning is occurring),Evaluating and applying instructional models (research based teaching) and teacher roles (changing what a teacher is in the classroom). All schools are working toward 21st century learning and I think that with the completion of this class I have a better understanding of what this includes.
Although these classes have taken a great deal of time to complete (about 4-6 hours a week for the past 6 weeks) I feel that I have learned material that will help me in the future.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Computer literacy training
At the ripe old age of 3, Sabrina has begun her computer training. I introduced her to my laptop this week and she loves it. She likes to play playstation and her v-tech game, so she took to the computer like a fish to water. She fusses now to get on the computer on a regular basis. I purchased Thursday preschool software for her to play on the computer.
The software includes skills that deal with color and shape recognition, letter and number recognition, and following directions. The componet I like the best in this software is that it introduces basic computer skills. She amazes me. She can manipulate the mouse and left click and drag items that she wants. She knows how to start, end and change activities. In just 2 days she can do more than I could when I first purchased my computer.She has more advantages than I ever had and most children her age have.
As schools integrate technology into the classroom, and the workforce demands technological skills in jobs, children who are not computer literate and technology integrated will have a disadvantage in life. I am only 37 but in that span of time, our society has traveled light years in technology. Knowing what I have seen, WHAT WILL SHE SEE AND DO! It is up to me to start her off right and give her what she needs to excel in the world of tomorrow.
The software includes skills that deal with color and shape recognition, letter and number recognition, and following directions. The componet I like the best in this software is that it introduces basic computer skills. She amazes me. She can manipulate the mouse and left click and drag items that she wants. She knows how to start, end and change activities. In just 2 days she can do more than I could when I first purchased my computer.She has more advantages than I ever had and most children her age have.
As schools integrate technology into the classroom, and the workforce demands technological skills in jobs, children who are not computer literate and technology integrated will have a disadvantage in life. I am only 37 but in that span of time, our society has traveled light years in technology. Knowing what I have seen, WHAT WILL SHE SEE AND DO! It is up to me to start her off right and give her what she needs to excel in the world of tomorrow.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Doctor Professionalism
On Friday, I awoke at the same time to prepare for a long day at the hospital. I got my things and Sabrina ready for the days activities. I drove the 20 minutes to my mother-in-laws and placed the still sleeping child in bed, before heading to Bluefield Regional Hospital in Bluefield, WV.
I arrived at 8:30 to find that my grandmother had already been taken down for her procedure. I sat quietly in the surgical waiting room, listening to another family discussing their relatives problems and current surgery. A short time later my father, grandfather, and uncle appeared around the corner. We finally found my other uncle a few minutes later in another part of the hospital, in another waiting room. My grandmother's procedure was finished by 9:30.
We returned with her to her room on the third floor of the hospital. She was doing great. She had to lay flat for a couple of hours and if everything went well she was told she could go home in 6 hours. She was happy, she doesn't like hospitals much. Little did we know what was to come later.
Here recently Bluefield Regional Medical Center has been getting a lot of print time in the local newspaper. These articles claim that the service provided here have been below standard. I have to give them praise this time. I was concerned that we would be waiting all day just for the staff to take her down for her procedure. I was happily surprised when I arrived at 8:30 to find she was already having the procedure. The nursing staff was prompt and helpful. The nurse who took care of my grandmother was very nice and professional. She should be recognized by the hospital as an outstanding employee. I had no complaints about the nursing staff or hospital in general, and if you know me and hospitals that's saying a lot. I did have another problem, one in which I have never encountered before.
At around 11:30 or so, we were visited by a doctor. He was not the doctor that had performed the procedure, but seemed to know about it. He came in to ask some questions. He seemed quite intelligent, but there was something about him, I could not put my finger on it, that I just did not like. He continued to talk on and on and on until finally he said it. "I think we should keep you here tonight and run some more tests to find out what is going on." Now my grandmother is visibly upset. The reason for her being so upset is because about 3 weeks ago she spent 4-5 days in this same hospital undergoing a battery of tests only to find out very little. She speaks up and tells him this. He states he will need time to look at her testing records to find what he can do for her.
I finally speak up and ask him how long he would need to look at those records and when could we expect him back to talk to us. I do not feel that what I said or asked is out of the ordinary. I mean it seems to me that he should expect this type of question and reaction from patients and patient family. He glared at me and stated around 3 o'clock. I said OK and turned to my grandmother and told her not to get upset, we will just wait and see what he has planned and decide later whether she should stay or not. By the look on his face, I don't think he liked this.
We all had lunch and began the long wait. At around 2:45, I left to meet my mother-in-law to pick up Sabrina. I brought her back to the hospital. I knew that having Sabrina there would give us all something to do and brighten every ones outlook. She has that effect in this family. Time keeps marching on - 3, 4, 5 o'clock. No doctor. I finally ask the nurse. She informs me that she will do her best to find him, but he is the doctor on call. About 30 minutes later she returns to tell me she can't find him. I politely state that he was supposed to look at her records and discuss what he plans to do or ,if there are no other tests, release her. She states she will beep him.
About 30 minutes later she calls the room to tell us that the doctor will be in shortly. Now here comes the moment of truth for my reason for titling this post Doctor Professionalism. This doctor walks into the room, my grandmother says quietly and kindly "I want to go home." and the @#@& hits the fan. He has the gall to throw his hand up, in the way you would if you were a teenager stating talk to the hand, in the direction of my grandmother and states "I can't deal with someone like this". Holy Crap!!!!! OH NO, YOU DIDN"T!!!!!!
I let it go, I did not fly off the handle, although I should have. He informs us that if we want to know what's going on (referring to my father, grandfather and myself) then we needed to walk outside into the hallway. I stand up and walk out with them, Sabrina in tow. Within 3 minutes, I would be mad enough to kill this man in the hospital hallway. Sabrina is 3 years old and active and at this time she chooses to scamper over the man's feet, while he is talking.
He has another unnecessary outburst. I reach for Sabrina as he informs me that "This is a hospital for adults, that's why he never brought his children and I should control my child! This he states is not the pediatric ward!" I felt fire emit from both of my eye balls, I say not a word, but I have had it with this Man! I continue to listen to his explanation of my grandmothers condition. All the while watching that Sabrina is CONTROLLED!
He speaks to my father and grandfather, but never again makes eye contact with me, until..... After listening to his drawn out explanations and examples (treating us like we have no clue about simple human body functions) and still not hearing anything about what new tests he would like to have done, I speak up again. "So, what you are saying is that there is no other tests you can perform, and you can give her the medicine that she needs and send her home!" If looks could kill I would be dead. This "professional" reiterates "Well if I was not so rudely interrupted I could explain what I think should be done." "That's all I need to Know! I'll get granny ready to go home!" I state and return to her room to help her dress. We sign her discharge papers and leave a short time later.
Here is my problem. I do not feel that this doctor ever planned on returning to discuss results that afternoon. When I pressed the nurse to his where abouts and she beeped him, this ticked him off. When he entered the room, he was already pissed off at me at calling his bluff. He has no private practice that I can find on record in Bluefield WV or VA. He is new to BRMC, because it still states on the VA state Board of Medicine website that he works in Roanoke. He has only had a license to practice in WV for 6 months according to WV Board of Medicine website. His specialty is Internal Medicine at both websites and that he has been a board approved medical professional for 25 years.
You would think after all of those years of education and experience he would know that pissing off people will only hurt yourself. As a consumer, we have the right to ask questions and expect answers in a prompt and respectful manner. This man did neither. As a consumer I would think that BRMC as a business would want to hire and keep only those that will increase business not deter it. I will never again see this doctor, as a patient of his, or allow him access to any other member of my family. If this is a problem, then I will not use BRMC every again and neither will any of my family members,
I arrived at 8:30 to find that my grandmother had already been taken down for her procedure. I sat quietly in the surgical waiting room, listening to another family discussing their relatives problems and current surgery. A short time later my father, grandfather, and uncle appeared around the corner. We finally found my other uncle a few minutes later in another part of the hospital, in another waiting room. My grandmother's procedure was finished by 9:30.
We returned with her to her room on the third floor of the hospital. She was doing great. She had to lay flat for a couple of hours and if everything went well she was told she could go home in 6 hours. She was happy, she doesn't like hospitals much. Little did we know what was to come later.
Here recently Bluefield Regional Medical Center has been getting a lot of print time in the local newspaper. These articles claim that the service provided here have been below standard. I have to give them praise this time. I was concerned that we would be waiting all day just for the staff to take her down for her procedure. I was happily surprised when I arrived at 8:30 to find she was already having the procedure. The nursing staff was prompt and helpful. The nurse who took care of my grandmother was very nice and professional. She should be recognized by the hospital as an outstanding employee. I had no complaints about the nursing staff or hospital in general, and if you know me and hospitals that's saying a lot. I did have another problem, one in which I have never encountered before.
At around 11:30 or so, we were visited by a doctor. He was not the doctor that had performed the procedure, but seemed to know about it. He came in to ask some questions. He seemed quite intelligent, but there was something about him, I could not put my finger on it, that I just did not like. He continued to talk on and on and on until finally he said it. "I think we should keep you here tonight and run some more tests to find out what is going on." Now my grandmother is visibly upset. The reason for her being so upset is because about 3 weeks ago she spent 4-5 days in this same hospital undergoing a battery of tests only to find out very little. She speaks up and tells him this. He states he will need time to look at her testing records to find what he can do for her.
I finally speak up and ask him how long he would need to look at those records and when could we expect him back to talk to us. I do not feel that what I said or asked is out of the ordinary. I mean it seems to me that he should expect this type of question and reaction from patients and patient family. He glared at me and stated around 3 o'clock. I said OK and turned to my grandmother and told her not to get upset, we will just wait and see what he has planned and decide later whether she should stay or not. By the look on his face, I don't think he liked this.
We all had lunch and began the long wait. At around 2:45, I left to meet my mother-in-law to pick up Sabrina. I brought her back to the hospital. I knew that having Sabrina there would give us all something to do and brighten every ones outlook. She has that effect in this family. Time keeps marching on - 3, 4, 5 o'clock. No doctor. I finally ask the nurse. She informs me that she will do her best to find him, but he is the doctor on call. About 30 minutes later she returns to tell me she can't find him. I politely state that he was supposed to look at her records and discuss what he plans to do or ,if there are no other tests, release her. She states she will beep him.
About 30 minutes later she calls the room to tell us that the doctor will be in shortly. Now here comes the moment of truth for my reason for titling this post Doctor Professionalism. This doctor walks into the room, my grandmother says quietly and kindly "I want to go home." and the @#@& hits the fan. He has the gall to throw his hand up, in the way you would if you were a teenager stating talk to the hand, in the direction of my grandmother and states "I can't deal with someone like this". Holy Crap!!!!! OH NO, YOU DIDN"T!!!!!!
I let it go, I did not fly off the handle, although I should have. He informs us that if we want to know what's going on (referring to my father, grandfather and myself) then we needed to walk outside into the hallway. I stand up and walk out with them, Sabrina in tow. Within 3 minutes, I would be mad enough to kill this man in the hospital hallway. Sabrina is 3 years old and active and at this time she chooses to scamper over the man's feet, while he is talking.
He has another unnecessary outburst. I reach for Sabrina as he informs me that "This is a hospital for adults, that's why he never brought his children and I should control my child! This he states is not the pediatric ward!" I felt fire emit from both of my eye balls, I say not a word, but I have had it with this Man! I continue to listen to his explanation of my grandmothers condition. All the while watching that Sabrina is CONTROLLED!
He speaks to my father and grandfather, but never again makes eye contact with me, until..... After listening to his drawn out explanations and examples (treating us like we have no clue about simple human body functions) and still not hearing anything about what new tests he would like to have done, I speak up again. "So, what you are saying is that there is no other tests you can perform, and you can give her the medicine that she needs and send her home!" If looks could kill I would be dead. This "professional" reiterates "Well if I was not so rudely interrupted I could explain what I think should be done." "That's all I need to Know! I'll get granny ready to go home!" I state and return to her room to help her dress. We sign her discharge papers and leave a short time later.
Here is my problem. I do not feel that this doctor ever planned on returning to discuss results that afternoon. When I pressed the nurse to his where abouts and she beeped him, this ticked him off. When he entered the room, he was already pissed off at me at calling his bluff. He has no private practice that I can find on record in Bluefield WV or VA. He is new to BRMC, because it still states on the VA state Board of Medicine website that he works in Roanoke. He has only had a license to practice in WV for 6 months according to WV Board of Medicine website. His specialty is Internal Medicine at both websites and that he has been a board approved medical professional for 25 years.
You would think after all of those years of education and experience he would know that pissing off people will only hurt yourself. As a consumer, we have the right to ask questions and expect answers in a prompt and respectful manner. This man did neither. As a consumer I would think that BRMC as a business would want to hire and keep only those that will increase business not deter it. I will never again see this doctor, as a patient of his, or allow him access to any other member of my family. If this is a problem, then I will not use BRMC every again and neither will any of my family members,
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
WHAT A DAY!
Returning to school today was hard on me and the baby. She did not want me to leave her with mama and I really did not want to either. I quess it won't be much longer till I can stay home with her on a daily basis.
We had an IS day today at school. No students showed up, but we spent all morning on benchmark analysis for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. After lunch, we returned to a faculty senate meeting which lasted only 1 1/2 hours today. I guess I get to go home at 3:30 today instead of the usual 4 o'clock.
I have no major plans for tonight other than grading a few papers that I did not get to this weekend. I have only 2 more workdays before spring break. Well, really 3 but I am taking Friday to spend the day at the hospital with my grandmother. We get a whole week off for spring break and I fiqure I am going to need it.
I have to spring clean my house. I have been putting this off for a while. I have had a good excuse, I HAVE TO WORK! Next week that excuse will not work. I will have to take a trip to Wally World and purchase cleaning supplies this weekend.
We had an IS day today at school. No students showed up, but we spent all morning on benchmark analysis for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. After lunch, we returned to a faculty senate meeting which lasted only 1 1/2 hours today. I guess I get to go home at 3:30 today instead of the usual 4 o'clock.
I have no major plans for tonight other than grading a few papers that I did not get to this weekend. I have only 2 more workdays before spring break. Well, really 3 but I am taking Friday to spend the day at the hospital with my grandmother. We get a whole week off for spring break and I fiqure I am going to need it.
I have to spring clean my house. I have been putting this off for a while. I have had a good excuse, I HAVE TO WORK! Next week that excuse will not work. I will have to take a trip to Wally World and purchase cleaning supplies this weekend.
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