30 Days of Thanks – Day 16

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I am blessed to have three amazing dogs as part of Hubby and my family.  Zeke, (aka. “Buddy,” or “Big Guy”) our oldest and only boy, is a black lab/greyhound mix and the mildest, sweetest alpha.  Hannah Bean, (aka. “Ms. Bean” or “Baby Girl”) our middle dog-daughter, is a black lab/pitbull mix and the dog I have bonded most closely with, in my entire life.  Charlotte, (aka. “Checkpoint Charlie”, or “Charlie Barley”) our youngest and most energetic, is the only Belgian Malinois descended from K9, Schutzhund and French Ring lines who thinks she’s a mutt like her older brother and sister.  They bring joy into our lives, keep us grounded and love us unconditionally.

30 Days of Thanks – Day 15

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love my online friends
I love my online friends.

I am thankful for the wonderful people I have met online, who have become dear, dear friends.  Technology shrank the miles between us and I am blessed to know each of them.  My goal is to meet each one face-to-face one day.

Fifty Shades Of Grey To Be Released V-Day 2015

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The train wreck that keeps on giving, and the behind-the-scenes drama and shenanigans will overshadow this “movie.” I’ve said it before, it will end up as a Hallmark Channel throw-away, or as the next episode of “American Horror Story: The Making of 50 Shades.” Pass. The. Popcorn.

30 Days of Thanks – Day 13

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Reading-Nook-With-Curtains
I would change the curtains and cushion fabric to something less masculine, but it’s what I envision when dreaming of the perfect reading location.

Books, books, and more books! I am thankful that my parents inspired a love of reading early in my childhood and made trips to the library wonderful adventures. Recently, I have had the privilege of befriending several authors – both indie and traditional – and my love of reading has grown. May they find continued success!

30 Days of Thanks – Day 12

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cutes2towlsEven though I am no longer a sorority adviser, I still receive requests for letters of reference from the women I advised over 12 years.  It makes me happy to be a small part of their future, having seen them start to grow into their adult selves in college.  I was blessed to know them as their adviser, and continue to be blessed by having them as alumnae friends.

Veterans’ Day 2013 – 30 Days of Thanks – Day 11

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As a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the poppy is near and dear to my heart. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, millions of red crepe paper poppies, handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation, are distributed across the country in exchange for donations that go directly to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans in our communities.

Thank you to our Veterans and those men and women who continue to serve in the Armed Forces.

I have written posts about my deep respect for men and women in uniform, as I did not serve.   From family members, including my beloved Hubby, to friends and coworkers, I have known Veterans from too many wars.  They are some of the most incredibly gifted, loyal people, with an enormous capacity for love.  My personal commitment to them, is to continue to shatter stigmas about PTSD and shine a light on the ongoing, immediate need for full medical and psychiatric benefits for all of them, for the rest of their lives.  It is the least our Country can do for the people who sacrifice themselves for us.

Sadly, I have received “private” notes from those who see my progressive views as “unpatriotic” and have questioned my feelings.  To those “people,” (who know NOTHING about me or my family), I simply say, “Karma, finds everyone” and delete their negative remarks. Then, I donate to VoteVets.org, to ensure that we elect progressive Veterans, who continue to be committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all Americans.  Patriotism is neither liberal, nor conservative, it knows no socioeconomic boundary, and is not ascribed to a specific sex, creed, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation or age.  To me it is a feeling of humbleness whenever I encounter someone who has given freely, and openly of himself or herself, in service of our Country.

30 Days of Thanks – Day 10

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I am blessed to have an amazing younger brother, E.  We lived together during college for a couple of years and were able to learn how to relate to each other as adults.  Even though we are both in our 40s, and have completely separate lives, I value his opinion and am thankful he is my brother.   

30 Days of Thanks – Day 7

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Founded in 1902, the Indianapolis-based National Panhellenic Conference Inc. is one of the oldest and largest membership organizations for women representing 26 member women’s fraternity and sorority groups.

Today I give thanks for the women I have met in my sorority, and other sororities.  We created a unique bond during our college years and it was the first group I truly belonged in without compromising any part of my personality.  Completely different from my high school experience, where I felt like I had to downplay one aspect of my personality, depending on the group I was around – the dancer side, the geek side, the heavy metal chick side, etc.  It was refreshing to fully integrate all the pieces into one.

This list will put a smile on all the Alumnae out there.  Some do not apply to those of us who are a little “older,” but I still buy jewelry with my sorority’s symbol on it and know these women will always have my back.  Enjoy 35 Signs You Miss Your Sorority, Snaps!

30 Days of Thanks – Day 6

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Time to pause and regroupI am blessed to have parents and in-laws who are supportive, loving and still “worry” about me, even though I’m middle-aged.   I shared the news of the temporary pause, yet again, of my nursing education journey with them.  While they were upset for me – probably more than I was – they immediately had words of comfort and support for me.

This marks a new chapter in my life, into uncharted waters.  Do I want to continue on the same course, or try something different?  Is this my passion or something that seemed like a good idea at the time?   Am I ready to make another leap?   These questions remain unanswered at the moment.

What I Know

1. I have a passion for reading and writing.  Until this Summer, when I was writing consistently, it was only a hobby.

2. I like to help others.  In the broad sense.   I am the person you turn to when you need tough love, or when tough choices need to be made.

3. I like to work for myself.

The key will be to combine 1, 2, and 3.   Stay tuned.

30 Days of Thanks – Day 4

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I am thankful for my Nursing school friends, who have become like family.  They are some of the most amazing, caring, patient-centered people, I have ever met and I am blessed to be among them.

Today, we took our last exam as Level IV student, and are waiting for the result.  For many of us, our final grade hangs in the balance of the outcome of this exam.   May we all pass the Level, our End of Program exam, Nursing Care Management and finally, the NCLEX.   Namaste.