I was honored to photograph this beautiful wedding. Many blessings and love for your happy marriage!
Monday, May 5, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Empathy
Wow, it's been ages since I've written on this blog..... I guess time truly does speed by as you grow older.
Today, in therapy I spoke to my counselor about communication, being mindful of my thoughts, and empathy. Oddly, I couldn't exactly tell him what "empathy" truly was compared to "sympathy". He explained that it was seeing the situation through another person's eyes. You know... walking a mile in another's shoes. I told him that that's exactly what I want! Misunderstanding me, he said, "Well, that's what all women/ all people want in life. People want to be understood from their viewpoint." I then explained that, of course, I wanted to be understood but I want to be better at empathizing. So much of my anger and irritation with people around me is not seeing their side of things. I hate my judgmental side but it's not focusing on that that will change me. It's letting those thoughts and feelings come in and then what I do with them that will help me grow.
I have to say that I'm lucky to have found a partner in life who is so patient, not quick to react, and understanding. I can't tell you out there how lucky I am.
Today, in therapy I spoke to my counselor about communication, being mindful of my thoughts, and empathy. Oddly, I couldn't exactly tell him what "empathy" truly was compared to "sympathy". He explained that it was seeing the situation through another person's eyes. You know... walking a mile in another's shoes. I told him that that's exactly what I want! Misunderstanding me, he said, "Well, that's what all women/ all people want in life. People want to be understood from their viewpoint." I then explained that, of course, I wanted to be understood but I want to be better at empathizing. So much of my anger and irritation with people around me is not seeing their side of things. I hate my judgmental side but it's not focusing on that that will change me. It's letting those thoughts and feelings come in and then what I do with them that will help me grow.
I have to say that I'm lucky to have found a partner in life who is so patient, not quick to react, and understanding. I can't tell you out there how lucky I am.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Technology
I am currently waiting to take my STATS test and realized that I have the Blogger app an can blog at any time, anywhere. Isn't technology amazing. Ironically, I'm going to be giving up my smart phone for a non smart phone so I don't have to use pay $30 a month!!! Paying that and my Internet at home seems exorbitant. I think most lives are lived that way now a days. People cried and complained about the recession but I don't think most truly knew the real effects. So they didn't buy a coffee every morning or they couldn't buy the newer version of their already current car. Sheesh people! Anyways, this is what happens when people have too much time waiting for their test to start. They end up ranting and raving about life ;)
The pic has nothin to do with this update, only to say that cats are like rich people and dogs are like the poor. Dogs are happy with whatever they can get.
The pic has nothin to do with this update, only to say that cats are like rich people and dogs are like the poor. Dogs are happy with whatever they can get.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
RIP Zach
Your time here on earth was too short.
One moment here and another gone.
You will forever be in our hearts.
Rest In Peace
Zach
Thursday, November 8, 2012
I think after this I again realize how much I want to be a positive person. A person who doesn't put her total faith in anyone person. I respect the freedom of speech and my friend's are allowed their own opinion. However, today again reminds me how horrible people can be and how easy families can pit one against the other. I will pray for my president because he has a hard job for the years ahead. Someone people will hate and openly slander. Our country is a country and he is our leader. America isn't the promised land and he's not our savior. And he's not who got us into this sticky mess, he's just the guy who got hired to get us out. To all of you out there who think he's doing a lousy job, then do your small part and get out into your community and change things. Get involved! Don't just pretend to wash clean dishes at a soup kitchen. Peace out!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Love
Love. . .
Love is hard, except when it's easy.
I was blessed today to be able to go on a walk with my dad. We talked about life and marriage which I feel lucky to be able to be close so close to my father.
My father and I are so much a like. We butt heads a lot but there are these moments where we speak each other's love language so perfectly that make me wonder why we don't spend more time together (we're to selfish in the same ways 90% of the time, it's the truth ;) ). Today was one of those days. I'd had a hard weekend and a hard Monday. Work is great but handling patients who are so helpless are hard, dealing with economical hardship (aka enormous school debt), and missing Dylan like crazy are just a few things on my head/ heart. Being able to talk to my dad about these things and knowing he can relate with all of them ( my mom's been gone for a week) and know's how I'm feeling/ thinking since he's very similar to me, was nice.
There are moment's in life where I'm amazed by my dad and that he truly speaks to my heart. Once was when he told me how God always amazingly surprised him with provisions our of nowhere. Today he amazed me again. He talked about how love is great because we are able to enjoy the good times and easy times but love is truly working when you are able to love through the hard and difficult times. How friendships and marriages are not just fair weathered but true love is being able to love through the shit times. He talked about how marriage isn't about being comfortable but about learning and growing from each other. That if we're not learning from each other we're missing a big part of marriage.
I love hearing great knowledge from a man who has made it 40 years in a loving marriage. As I grow older my respect for my father grows. He has taught me how to love and respect my future husband. I am so lucky to have such amazing parents who love so easily and freely. I pray that I am able to be like both of them when I am older.
Love is hard, except when it's easy.
I was blessed today to be able to go on a walk with my dad. We talked about life and marriage which I feel lucky to be able to be close so close to my father.
My father and I are so much a like. We butt heads a lot but there are these moments where we speak each other's love language so perfectly that make me wonder why we don't spend more time together (we're to selfish in the same ways 90% of the time, it's the truth ;) ). Today was one of those days. I'd had a hard weekend and a hard Monday. Work is great but handling patients who are so helpless are hard, dealing with economical hardship (aka enormous school debt), and missing Dylan like crazy are just a few things on my head/ heart. Being able to talk to my dad about these things and knowing he can relate with all of them ( my mom's been gone for a week) and know's how I'm feeling/ thinking since he's very similar to me, was nice.
There are moment's in life where I'm amazed by my dad and that he truly speaks to my heart. Once was when he told me how God always amazingly surprised him with provisions our of nowhere. Today he amazed me again. He talked about how love is great because we are able to enjoy the good times and easy times but love is truly working when you are able to love through the hard and difficult times. How friendships and marriages are not just fair weathered but true love is being able to love through the shit times. He talked about how marriage isn't about being comfortable but about learning and growing from each other. That if we're not learning from each other we're missing a big part of marriage.
I love hearing great knowledge from a man who has made it 40 years in a loving marriage. As I grow older my respect for my father grows. He has taught me how to love and respect my future husband. I am so lucky to have such amazing parents who love so easily and freely. I pray that I am able to be like both of them when I am older.
Monday, January 16, 2012
A CNA is more then just wiping butts
I know I haven't updated this in ages but I thought that I would surprise you all with a random post.
About a month ago I started training to be a CNA II at a hospital in Portland and I love it!! It's all the good things of being a caregiver and the nurses, for the most part, actually help/ understand if you're busy. Although, I have to say, my unit is WAY better then other ones I've heard of. I'm so thankful to God that I no longer have to worry SO much about money and that if I want to make more, I can. I am also sooooo thankful that I love my job. I don't think I've done something that I love more then being a CNA. . . I know that the end goal is to be a nurse and make more money but I REALLY like being a CNA.
Today, I worked OT (overtime) and "sat" with a patient on my unit that I'd actually sat with the day before. He isn't a very old man but for many reasons he had poor health issues and because his body was failing he was starting to lose his mind. And for his safety, he was unstable on his feet, the hospital had someone sit with him. He also, because of his health issues, had a temper and didn't understand things clearly. I was warned not to be a hero and that my safety was priority.
At first he was a little hesitant and unsure of me, a new comer to his circle, and put up a bit of a fight. By lunch he didn't want me to leave his side and was begging me to help him. He was so sad, because of his delusions, he thought that everyone was out to kill him. He truly believed this. I reassured him that no one was going to do that and that I wouldn't let anyone hurt him. He trusted me and I listened to him.
He had his ups and downs. Depending on what nurse came in or when he had his meds or if he'd take his meds, etc. But for the most part he was fine, just wanted to wander and talk to someone who'd listen. All was going well till 30 minutes after his evening meds. After that he was back to square one. The night nurse had to ask him to stay in bed because each time he got up was too unsteady on his feet. I sat next to him as he dozed off mumbling, "why Melody? Why? Why'd you do it? why?".
Well, in the morning my hospital called to see if I could sit with him again and I said I would. Today was much better and he didn't think anyone was going to kill him. he'd slept most of the night. Today, he was still confused but he wasn't angry and he slept most of the day away. Apparently, he hadn't slept for 3 days prior to the night before. I was so thankful he slept and that he was doing better. He didn't think I was going to kill him either!
I love my job but I've come to realize, I'm kind of glad most of my patients are in and out within the day. My guy from the past two days was physically easy to handle but emotionally hard. I pray he is doing well tonight. I can't help but feel like he's "mine" and that I want everything with his health care to go well. As the person who cares for him the most I hate how cold and distant some nurses and doctors can be. I understand that for doctors its 1 face in hundreds that they care for but I wonder what is missing if that is the case. A doctor, nurse, and cna are to be the most sympathetic, understanding, and loving of all people. At least that is what I think.
Part of me worries about getting jaded, like many do in any profession. I pray that God sends me some patients like my guy, now and then, to remind me that just listening, patting a back, giving a hug, looking a person in the eye, and just being another human who cares is more then enough. More so, I pray that I will never forget to love each patient who walks through my hospital's doors. That each patient is my guest and that I am to serve them graciously and to the best of my ability. Even if I got off at 1130pm and have to start the next day at 7am.
About a month ago I started training to be a CNA II at a hospital in Portland and I love it!! It's all the good things of being a caregiver and the nurses, for the most part, actually help/ understand if you're busy. Although, I have to say, my unit is WAY better then other ones I've heard of. I'm so thankful to God that I no longer have to worry SO much about money and that if I want to make more, I can. I am also sooooo thankful that I love my job. I don't think I've done something that I love more then being a CNA. . . I know that the end goal is to be a nurse and make more money but I REALLY like being a CNA.
Today, I worked OT (overtime) and "sat" with a patient on my unit that I'd actually sat with the day before. He isn't a very old man but for many reasons he had poor health issues and because his body was failing he was starting to lose his mind. And for his safety, he was unstable on his feet, the hospital had someone sit with him. He also, because of his health issues, had a temper and didn't understand things clearly. I was warned not to be a hero and that my safety was priority.
At first he was a little hesitant and unsure of me, a new comer to his circle, and put up a bit of a fight. By lunch he didn't want me to leave his side and was begging me to help him. He was so sad, because of his delusions, he thought that everyone was out to kill him. He truly believed this. I reassured him that no one was going to do that and that I wouldn't let anyone hurt him. He trusted me and I listened to him.
He had his ups and downs. Depending on what nurse came in or when he had his meds or if he'd take his meds, etc. But for the most part he was fine, just wanted to wander and talk to someone who'd listen. All was going well till 30 minutes after his evening meds. After that he was back to square one. The night nurse had to ask him to stay in bed because each time he got up was too unsteady on his feet. I sat next to him as he dozed off mumbling, "why Melody? Why? Why'd you do it? why?".
Well, in the morning my hospital called to see if I could sit with him again and I said I would. Today was much better and he didn't think anyone was going to kill him. he'd slept most of the night. Today, he was still confused but he wasn't angry and he slept most of the day away. Apparently, he hadn't slept for 3 days prior to the night before. I was so thankful he slept and that he was doing better. He didn't think I was going to kill him either!
I love my job but I've come to realize, I'm kind of glad most of my patients are in and out within the day. My guy from the past two days was physically easy to handle but emotionally hard. I pray he is doing well tonight. I can't help but feel like he's "mine" and that I want everything with his health care to go well. As the person who cares for him the most I hate how cold and distant some nurses and doctors can be. I understand that for doctors its 1 face in hundreds that they care for but I wonder what is missing if that is the case. A doctor, nurse, and cna are to be the most sympathetic, understanding, and loving of all people. At least that is what I think.
Part of me worries about getting jaded, like many do in any profession. I pray that God sends me some patients like my guy, now and then, to remind me that just listening, patting a back, giving a hug, looking a person in the eye, and just being another human who cares is more then enough. More so, I pray that I will never forget to love each patient who walks through my hospital's doors. That each patient is my guest and that I am to serve them graciously and to the best of my ability. Even if I got off at 1130pm and have to start the next day at 7am.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Unemployed
This entry has NOTHING to do with the picture above but I thought my mother, who is the most avid reader of my blog, would love it. It's the documentary of what Washingtonites do in the rain. Lovely.
Well, here I am unemployed again and by choice. I got my CNA2 certificate and want desperately to work in a hospital, preferably Silverton or Salem, where I can widen my work experience. I've already applied to 5 position in multiple locations. Found out I wasn't picked for 2 positions I'd applied for awhile back. I'd even gotten a call from one hospital for one of the positions. . . wondering if I answered on the questions wrong, to not get a personal interview. Booo! ;)
I hate the feeling of not generating an income. . . the employed have no idea what a luxury it is to have a job, insurance, and safety. I definitely don't take my last job for granted but I know this is a good step in the right direction, it's just scary and could be very hard. I will cast my pole many times into the lake of hospital positions out there. I will think positively and pray that the perfect position finds me and I find it.
Well, here I am unemployed again and by choice. I got my CNA2 certificate and want desperately to work in a hospital, preferably Silverton or Salem, where I can widen my work experience. I've already applied to 5 position in multiple locations. Found out I wasn't picked for 2 positions I'd applied for awhile back. I'd even gotten a call from one hospital for one of the positions. . . wondering if I answered on the questions wrong, to not get a personal interview. Booo! ;)
I hate the feeling of not generating an income. . . the employed have no idea what a luxury it is to have a job, insurance, and safety. I definitely don't take my last job for granted but I know this is a good step in the right direction, it's just scary and could be very hard. I will cast my pole many times into the lake of hospital positions out there. I will think positively and pray that the perfect position finds me and I find it.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tattoo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Beach day
Last weekend Dylan and I went to the coast because one of his guys was fighting at Chinook Winds. In the end the guy missed weigh ins so was ineligible to fight. But the next day we were able to go to the Oregon Coast Aquarium for the day which was great!!! Here are some pics from our weekend.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Katy Perry Concernt
Last night I got to go to the Katy Perry Concert and it was AMAZING! Bubbles, foam sprayed at us, glitter and glitz fell on us, and there were fireworks too!! My friend, Becky, knows Katy and is good friends with her sister. We got tickets in the pit (the area right around the stage) and tickets to the meet and greet afterwards! Katy said she loved how my nails matched my dress! Yes, a bit silly but in all honesty, she is the best concert I've EVER gone too. . . not because her lyrics rock or her music is life revealing but SHE'S a GREAT ENTERTAINER! She road in a cotton candy cloud that took her around the auditorium (Rosegarden) which was packed. She changed clothes a million times. She had great back up dancers. The show had a story/ movie that went a long with her songs. . . kinda. It was a fun bit. I totally would recommend going. It was worth paying nothing to go to it :)
At the meet a greet they had a little photo booth that you could take your pictures and send them to yourself. Here is one of them. I'll post more later.
At the meet a greet they had a little photo booth that you could take your pictures and send them to yourself. Here is one of them. I'll post more later.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Texas Folk Visit
So, last month my brother's family came and visited us all in Oregon. I thought I'd post some pics of our time at the Silver Falls Park.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Happy 40th Mom and Dad
I know it's a little late coming but I just wanted to say, "Happy Anniversary" to my mom and dad who celebrated their 40th June 19, 2011. I am soo thankful for them both and hope I can bless them as much as they have blessed me these past 28 years.
Blessings mom and dad!!
Blessings mom and dad!!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Becky
I have this wonderful friend, Becky, who just moved up here from California. She is probably one of the most interesting, nice, and beautiful friends I have. We were at the park the other day and I took some nice portraits of her. Here they are.
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