Well, I didn't make it to work today, due to injuring my back yesterday when I slipped on the ice on the sidewalk at the hospital. I hated it that I couldn't go in this evening. I was really looking forward to it. Not only that, but now a coworker had to interrupt her Christmas plans to cover my shift.
After taking a long 
, due to the side-effects from the muscle relaxer, I pinched the nerve again when I tried to get up from the couch. For a while, I couldn't move without screaming in pain. 
It was awful.
Now I'm on vacation for three days, and will likely spend most of it flat on my back. 
A side note -- I did manage to go to my parents' house for a short while last night. About the time my back started hurting badly, we headed out to come home so I could the ice on it again.
Side note: I missed out on Thanksgiving with my side of the family, and now it looks like I will miss out on Christmas with my side of the family.
I am thankful that I have a job, and that it's a job I enjoy, but it still makes it very to know that I am missing out on being with my family on the two biggest holidays of the year. With my dad's health issues, I wonder if he will even be here next year. - There were the times I just "happened" to get a deaf patient, and was able to "speak" to her in her own language.
- Another time I "happened" to get a rather grouchy patient, but discovered that she was extremely scared about the procedure being done on her. I was able to show her kindness and love in spite of her rudeness to me.
- There have been numerous occasions when I've had a patient who was likely in the middle of a miscarriage. Since I've had a miscarriage, I was able to give them words of hope, even if they did end up having a miscarriage.
I have figured out another food to which I am allergic. It is wheat -- though it is probably more the gluten that is causing issues. Since I had the weekend off, I decided to "test" my suspicions, and I ate the same cereal two days in a row (generic grape nuts). Yep -- there is definitely something in it that causes problems for me. I really feel bad today. I've had a hard time breathing the entire day, w/my chest hurting most of the day.
I have done some research online this afternoon, trying to find some cookbooks that might come in handy. Before I purchase any, I will borrow some from the library to see if they will be worth the $ to buy them.
Dry Onion Soup Mix
- 1 c minced onion
- 2 t. onion powder
- 1 t garlic powder
- 1/4 c instant beef bouillon granules
- 1/4 c parmesan cheese
- 1 t celery salt
- 1/2 t white pepper
- 1 t sugar
(Makes 10 batches)
- Combine all ing. and mix well. Store in airtight container. (Can be stored in freezer for up to six months.)
- To use as an appetizer: Combine 1/4 c mix w/2 c sour cream. Cover and let it stand in the fridge for 2 hours.
- To use as soup: Combine 2 T mix in 1-1/2 c boiling water per serving. Substitute for purchase onion soup mix in dips and recipes.
Cincinnati Chili (serves 6)
- 1-/2 # ground beef
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 T minced garlic
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 10 oz beef broth
- 3 c water
- 1 T apple cider vinegar
- 2 (16 oz) cans kidney beans, drained
- 2 T chili powder
- 1/2 t cumin
- 1/2 t allspice
- 6 oz pkg spaghetti
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain.
- Add remaining ingredients except for spaghetti.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
- Cool in fridge.
- Separate into freezer-safe, meal-sized portions.
- When ready to use: Thaw package of chili sauce overnight. Heat in pan to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
Taco Seasoning Mix
- 1/3 c minced onion
- 2 T minced garlic
- 1/4 c chili powder
- 1 T cumin
- 1 T paprika
- 4 t sugar
- 1 T salt
- 1/4 t black pepper
- 1/2 t red pepper
- 1/4 t white pepper
- 2 T cornstarch
Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Makes 6 batches.
To use: Use 2 T to substitute for a 1.25 ounce pkg. of taco seasoning. To make sauce from this mix, combine 2 T mix and an 8 oz can tomato sauce in a pan. Simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes.
We taught dd from the start that Santa wasn't real. We still let her go sit on his lap at the mall, and we still had Santa decorations around the house, but she always knew that he wasn't real.
One time, when she was only 2 or 3 years old, a store clerk asked her what Santa was bringing her for Christmas. DD gave her a look like she was an idiot and said, "He's not real!" 
(Since kids can be bluntly honest, you can probably "hear" what kind of tone she used with the woman.) 
The clerk gave me a rather dirty look. 
To which, I simply replied, "We don't do Santa because we have taught her that Jesus is the real reason for Christmas." 
If you have funny Christmas stories of your own, please post them! I would love to read them! 
I saw this poem and thought it was very touching. I thought I would share it here in case it ministers to those of you who may be missing a loved this time of year.
My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars
Reflecting in the snow.
The sight is so spectacular
Please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring
For it is beyond description
To hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me
I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away
We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones
You know I hold you dear
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift
From my heavenly home above
I sent you each a memory
Of my undying love.
After all love is a gift
More precious than pure gold
It was always most important
In the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other
As my Father said to do
For I can't count the blessing or love
He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and
Wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.