For some reason, I'm pondering mortality today. (Well, I know why, but I can't divulge.) Anyhoo, I've been thinking about modern medicine and how many times I would have died by now if I'd been born in any other century.
The broken arm at 4? Could've done it. The multiple cases of strep throat? Yep, each time I could've died. Don't even get me started on my pregnancies and how sick I was. If I'd been able to carry the pregnancies, I probably wouldn't have survived.
Then I have to factor in vaccinations. Small pox was eradicated by the time I was old enough to be immunized. Measles? Mumps? Rubella? Tetanus? Diptheria? Pertussis? All preventable with vaccinations.
But no matter how far we come medically, we seem to be dead set on killing ourselves. Build a car to keep you safe, we'll make it go faster. Develop a seat belt? Let's cut the top off. How about roll bars and air bags? Raise the speed limit, why don't cha? We've distilled alcohol, purified opium, and rolled cigarettes. But the human race keeps on reproducing. When will we destroy ourselves in the process?
Sorry to be so maudlin today. Guess I'll just have to be glad to be here and take it one day at a time.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Emergency Bowl
I knew before I went into work today that it would be slow this evening. No, I'm not psychic. I just knew that the Super Bowl was going to be on, and during big games the emergency department becomes slow.
While it's nice to get a couple of hours of decreased business sometimes, it really bothers me that I can predict the volume of the emergency department based on sporting events. Is it only an emergency when there aren't any big games on? Or is it that no one will take a loved one to the hospital when a favorite player is throwing a ball? I know the commercials are good. Well, usually, anyway. And the half-time show is awesome. When the singers are on-key. But what does it say about our society that the ebb and flow of the emergency department can be predicted by what is on TV on any given night?
It says that our emergency rooms are not really for emergencies. They are for convenience care. They are for medication refills. They are for obtaining recreational drugs. We did have some true emergencies tonight. We cared for those patients while trying to wade through all of the other junk that came through the front doors.
Until 6:30. Then we were home free. Until 10:00, anyway.
While it's nice to get a couple of hours of decreased business sometimes, it really bothers me that I can predict the volume of the emergency department based on sporting events. Is it only an emergency when there aren't any big games on? Or is it that no one will take a loved one to the hospital when a favorite player is throwing a ball? I know the commercials are good. Well, usually, anyway. And the half-time show is awesome. When the singers are on-key. But what does it say about our society that the ebb and flow of the emergency department can be predicted by what is on TV on any given night?
It says that our emergency rooms are not really for emergencies. They are for convenience care. They are for medication refills. They are for obtaining recreational drugs. We did have some true emergencies tonight. We cared for those patients while trying to wade through all of the other junk that came through the front doors.
Until 6:30. Then we were home free. Until 10:00, anyway.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Cabin Fever
Cabin Fever has set in here, and set in hard. We've been through most of the movies in our arsenal, sang every princess song known to man, and we're now relegated to dressing up in church clothes and putting on makeup. It's only 9 am. We could be in big trouble here.
I really shouldn't complain. We're warm, we've got lights, and we can nuke up some chicken nuggets when lunchtime rolls around. We also have access to the all-important chocolate milk. No rationing has been instituted. Showers this morning were warm. I don't even have on socks right now. Life is good.
Most important, I'm having a second day in a row with my children. For a woman who's most recent complaint is feeling like she's missing the childhoods of her offspring, this ice is a gift from heaven. Guess I'd better get off of the computer and open up the wrapping paper. Time to enjoy some cabin fever.
I really shouldn't complain. We're warm, we've got lights, and we can nuke up some chicken nuggets when lunchtime rolls around. We also have access to the all-important chocolate milk. No rationing has been instituted. Showers this morning were warm. I don't even have on socks right now. Life is good.
Most important, I'm having a second day in a row with my children. For a woman who's most recent complaint is feeling like she's missing the childhoods of her offspring, this ice is a gift from heaven. Guess I'd better get off of the computer and open up the wrapping paper. Time to enjoy some cabin fever.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sentimental on the slopes
I just got back from a weekend in Cincinnati, and we spent a couple of hours today at Perfect North. I must be getting old, because such a simple activity has made me all sentimental inside.
First, I am amazed at how my oldest daughter did. This was her second time on skis, and she only fell down twice while she was skiing with us. I'm not sure how she did during her lesson, since I was shushing it up on a blue, but the teacher said they were able to work on stopping. I assume that means she was able to go. While riding the ski lift, my brother and I saw a father with his daughter in the moguls, and the little girl was putting her father to shame. I had visions of our daughters doing jumps and snowboarding. I'm not ready for them to grow up.
Second, I am amazed at all of the aches and pains I have developed. My knees hurt while I was simply riding the ski lift. Now, my neck and back are aching, and my IT bands are tight as a drum. While skiing, I couldn't help but look at all of the different types of helmets, and was often thinking of Sonny Bono and Natasha Richardson.
All in all, I guess I just got a huge dose of my own mortality today. Time to live life to the fullest. And I am more than happy that my daughter just said, "Mom, I had a great time this weekend, but it sure is nice to be home." I couldn't agree more.
First, I am amazed at how my oldest daughter did. This was her second time on skis, and she only fell down twice while she was skiing with us. I'm not sure how she did during her lesson, since I was shushing it up on a blue, but the teacher said they were able to work on stopping. I assume that means she was able to go. While riding the ski lift, my brother and I saw a father with his daughter in the moguls, and the little girl was putting her father to shame. I had visions of our daughters doing jumps and snowboarding. I'm not ready for them to grow up.
Second, I am amazed at all of the aches and pains I have developed. My knees hurt while I was simply riding the ski lift. Now, my neck and back are aching, and my IT bands are tight as a drum. While skiing, I couldn't help but look at all of the different types of helmets, and was often thinking of Sonny Bono and Natasha Richardson.
All in all, I guess I just got a huge dose of my own mortality today. Time to live life to the fullest. And I am more than happy that my daughter just said, "Mom, I had a great time this weekend, but it sure is nice to be home." I couldn't agree more.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Sick children
It's so hard to have a sick child, especially one who's miserable but not sick enough to go to the doctor. Monica has been ill since last Saturday and I just can't get her healthy. We talked abut taking her to the doc today, but of course she feels fine this morning. Then this afternoon, it'll start up again. Poor thing.
There are so many things that I didn't realize when I started trying to become a parent. There's the lack of sleep, of course, but I knew that was coming. I just didn't realize how long it would last. And there's the expense, too. I knew it was going to be expensive. I want to give them the best of everything, without spoiling them. Difficult at best.
But no one told me how much I would love my children, and how much that would hurt sometimes. I'd rather be sick myself than watch my child suffer. I'd vomit a thousand times over if it meant that my child could sleep through the night without cramping and pain. And a fever? Forget about it. Burn me up, baby.
I could definitely do without the Barbie movies, though. Think they'd notice if they all mysteriously "broke?"
There are so many things that I didn't realize when I started trying to become a parent. There's the lack of sleep, of course, but I knew that was coming. I just didn't realize how long it would last. And there's the expense, too. I knew it was going to be expensive. I want to give them the best of everything, without spoiling them. Difficult at best.
But no one told me how much I would love my children, and how much that would hurt sometimes. I'd rather be sick myself than watch my child suffer. I'd vomit a thousand times over if it meant that my child could sleep through the night without cramping and pain. And a fever? Forget about it. Burn me up, baby.
I could definitely do without the Barbie movies, though. Think they'd notice if they all mysteriously "broke?"
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Taking the plunge
Howdy, folks. I'm finally doing it. I'm blogging! Who knew I had all of this in me?
I worked really hard at revising yesterday. My novel, CODE, is getting closer and closer to being as good as I can get it. I'm waiting on some feedback on my synopsis and query letter, and then I'll be ready to go. Here's hoping that someone else out there likes my work as much as I do!
As I sit here and watch my children watching Enchanted, several thoughts are swirling. First, what am I doing allowing my children to watch Enchanted at 7:16 am? What kind of mother am I? Second, I love the movie Enchanted. Maybe that's why I'm allowing the viewing-- I want to watch it as much as they do! Talk about inspired casting. Amy Adams is fabulous, Susan Sarandon is wicked, and I even like the bit players like Grumpy and the Not Very Nice Man. Third, how in the world did they keep her dress so white? I've been to New York City. There's no way the hem of that gown would be still pristine after any time in the subway.
Crisis of conscience averted-- they want to go downstairs to play in the playroom. Time to get some coffee and get off of the computer. We've got a two-hour delay before school starts, so it's time for some quality princess pretending. I'll talk to you all tomorrow!
Cheers,
Nikki
I worked really hard at revising yesterday. My novel, CODE, is getting closer and closer to being as good as I can get it. I'm waiting on some feedback on my synopsis and query letter, and then I'll be ready to go. Here's hoping that someone else out there likes my work as much as I do!
As I sit here and watch my children watching Enchanted, several thoughts are swirling. First, what am I doing allowing my children to watch Enchanted at 7:16 am? What kind of mother am I? Second, I love the movie Enchanted. Maybe that's why I'm allowing the viewing-- I want to watch it as much as they do! Talk about inspired casting. Amy Adams is fabulous, Susan Sarandon is wicked, and I even like the bit players like Grumpy and the Not Very Nice Man. Third, how in the world did they keep her dress so white? I've been to New York City. There's no way the hem of that gown would be still pristine after any time in the subway.
Crisis of conscience averted-- they want to go downstairs to play in the playroom. Time to get some coffee and get off of the computer. We've got a two-hour delay before school starts, so it's time for some quality princess pretending. I'll talk to you all tomorrow!
Cheers,
Nikki
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