FREE Snuggie Blanket!!!

http://gizmodo.com/5390239/gadget-deals-of-the-day

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Oct. 27, 2009 - Another Laundry Soap Recipe

While searching the internet one day, I came across another laundry soap recipe.  (Please note:  I have not tried this one.)

Homemade Laundry Detergent

1 bar Ivory soap, grated (you can use Fels Naptha but it is more expensive)
1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax

Mix everything in a plastic container with a lid.  Use a heaping tablespoon for a normal load, and 2 heaping tablespoons for a heavily soiled load (like work clothes). 

She suggests doubling or tripling this recipe when you make it so you have a bunch on hand.  She uses an ice cream bucket with a handle to store the detergent in.  It is big enough to keep the tablespoon measuring spoon in the bucket, and it is easy to get down off the shelf in the laundry room using the handle! 

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/school4jesus

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Oct. 26, 2009 - Monday

 

With working f/t outside the home, we have had to be creative and flexible with how we manage to get hs'ing done.  On Thursday, dd asked dh if he would give her the weekly spelling words so she could practice before her test on Friday.  He couldn't at that moment but said he would do so later.

 

DD came up with an ingenious solution.  She got the digital camera and recorded herself reading the words.  Later, she played it back to herself and wrote down her spelling words.    You gotta love a mind that thinks like that!    

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Oct. 26, 2009 - Monday

Feeling much better this morning.  I will be heading out for work shortly.  If you read this, please pray that the Lord will strengthen me to get through this day, and that I can get through it with no asthma flair ups.  Thanks.

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Oct. 25, 2009 - Sunday

I was completely wiped out after working all week.  Lots of asthma flair ups.  I quit using the latex gloves in case that was causing the problem at work.  Yet, I wonder if it could be wearing the N95 masks so much.  (I just can't see it being a good thing for an asthmatic to wear such a tight-fitting mask and breathing in the same air over and over.) 

This morning, I finally got up at 9:35 but could easily have stayed in bed.  Dealing with stomach cramps early on.  Now just a sour feeling in my gut and sour taste in my mouth -- the kind you get just before , yet I haven't  as of yet.  

Heavy feeling in my chest/a bit of coughing/sneezing.  

After being exposed to so much H1N1 at work, I wonder if I'm coming down with it.    (I *did* read a report the hospital sent out, and nationwide, 99% of the positive tests ARE positive for H1N1, so it's pretty certain I've been around it a lot at work.) 

If I do end up sick, I will have dd post updates.  That is, unless we decide to send her to stay with my parents since I don't want her to get it.  I know I am overly-cautious about it due to seeing so many of the younger generation fighting it.  OTOH, if it's H1N1, she has already been exposed because I would likely have been contagious yesterday (even before feeling any symptoms). 

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Oct. 23, 2009 - Tea tree oil

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Oct. 23, 2009 - Weekly Wrap Up

 From the Heart and Refreshing my Spirit:

I keep having trouble getting the "refreshing my spirit" section to work when I post.  I have been enjoying having lunch in the ER breakroom.  It is much quieter in there and I can actually enjoy some time reading the Word.

I'm really looking forward to having a day off on Sunday.  I will be off on Wednesday of next week too.

I am rejoicing right now.  I just got online to check my emails and found out that a friend of mine had her baby.  Her first baby, Nicholas, died of a heart condition when he was two months old.  A few months later, the Lord gave me a dream where Janna had a perfectly healthy baby .  And guess what?  Janna delivered a perfectly healthy baby .      My heart is overflowing with joy for God's goodness to Janna and Mark.  The only bad thing is -- when Janna's dad emailed me, he failed to tell me the baby's name!  Now we women, we would never leave out a detail like that! 

On the Homefront:

I have done a lot of Christmas shopping on Ebay.  I am nearly done purchasing for this Christmas, and believe me, I didn't spend much.  Like so many other families, the economic crunch has made us be very frugal about Christmas, as well as many other things.  I am doing something quite different for our family this year, but my lips are  until AFTER Christmas is over.  Before you at me for not telling what it is, I must explain:  dd DOES read my blog sometimes.  

Ty Pennington and his crew are in our area to re-do a house for a family in our area.  I'm hoping that dh and dd might be able to take a field trip day when they "move that bus."  I think it would be a really neat experience for them to see all the action on the day the house is unveiled to the family.

 In the School Room:

Things are going quite well.  We were struggling to find a way to fit all of her science in this year, but I think we have found a plan that will work to get most, if not all, of it completed.

 On the work front:

Tuesday was just awful at work.  I went in at 7:00, and was by 8:30.  It would be too detailed to explain why, so I'll leave it at that.  Thankfully, Wednesday was nearly a PERFECT day for me at work! 

With so much H1N1 out there, I do not understand why the doctors keep sending patients to be tested for it.  If they have symptoms,  send them home for a week, or until their fever is gone for at least 24 hours, whichever is later.    DUH!  From what I've heard, the tests aren't all that accurate anyway!   Why continue to expose all of us who work at the hospital???    If their symptoms get worse (like respiratory distress or shortness of breath), THEN come see us! 

  To our health:

I'm still taking lots of D3, Vitamin C, and other herbs to try to keep myself healthy over the winter months.  Every day, I gargle twice with warm salt water, as well as use my netty pot twice a day.  It really does make me feel better to do that routine.  One day, I went to use the netty pot and noticed that what I was blowing was green.    if that is TMI.  However, using my netty pot enabled me to get rid of all the "gunk," and I didn't end up getting a nasty sinus infection or worse. 

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Oct. 20, 2009 - Homemade Lotion and Un-petroleum Jelly

While I have not tried these recipes as of yet, I do plan to do so in the near future.  I wanted to share these recipes with those of you who may be anxious to try them out. 

Homemade Lotion

• 2  15-oz. bottles baby lotion (can use shea & cocoa butter one or the regular pink one or the lavender one too)
• 2  8-oz. jars of Vitamin E Cream
• 1  7.5 oz. jar Vaseline (can use homemade un-petroleum jelly*)

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Oct. 20, 2009 - Cheap Ways to Protect Yourself from the Flu

I got this info in an email and asked a few people in the health care field if they thought it was good advice.  They did, and so, I pass it on to you! 

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Tata Memoria l etc.   Presently, he is heading the Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).    The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu): 1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications). 2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap). 3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method. 4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.* 5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption. 6.* Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

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Oct. 19, 2009 - Monday

It is simply beautiful outside!  The sun is shining for a change.  The leaves are turning gorgeous colors, and the temps are decent enough to enjoy being outside.

I am enjoying the day off.  I made pumpkin squares to take into work tomorrow.  When I told dd what I was doing, her response was, "Oh, so you're s*cking up to your new coworkers in ER?"  She's got such an ornery sense of humor, but I love it.  (Probably because I have the same warped sense of humor!) 

We got SO busy yesterday in ER.  Three ambulances came in at once,   and that didn't count the other 6 places I needed to be at that moment!    Thankfully, a coworker from admissions came down to help me get caught up.  Needless to say, I was very thankful that 3:00 was fast-approaching, and I could go home. 

OK, I'm off to enjoy watching a DVD.  I think I'll pull out our Highway to Heaven DVD and watch an episode or two of it and enjoy munching on some snacks  and enjoying a cup of  at the same time.  

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Oct. 17, 2009 - Soy Soup

Since I've figured out that milk is a huge allergy for me, I am learning to cook differently.  Last night, I really wanted potato soup for supper.  Yet, it calls for 2 c. of milk.  Instead, I split the recipe in 1/2, using two pans for it.  One batch got the milk.  The other batch was made using dry soy, mixed with water.  It was delicious!  And no asthma issues afterwards!  WOOHOO!   I was a bit concerned that it might upset my stomach since drinking soy milk does that to me, but I was fine after eating it.  That is a great feeling to know that I can just make some minor changes, yet still enjoy some of my favorite foods. 

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Oct. 16, 2009 - Weekly Wrap Up

 From the Heart:

Lots more leaves have fallen this week.  It has been very cold and wet.  Feels much more like November. 

 On the Homefront:

 In the School Room:

 On the work front:

I only have one day off this week (Friday), then it's back to work the weekend.  (Unfortunately, I woke up at 5:20 this morning.  So much for in on my day off.)  I cannot get over how fast things can pick up in the ER.  I was on my feet nearly the entire shift on Wednesday.  I was exhausted by the time I got home.  I'm still getting to know some of my coworkers, and the more I get to know them, the more I enjoy the job. 

Thursday, the ER was short-staffed.  We got an ambulance very early on my shift.  One of the nurses asked me if I could check the patient's vitals when she arrived.  LOL!  I am *NOT* a nurse.   I loved her sense of humor.  Nothing like a good laugh to start out your day.      Later she told me they are going to teach me to multi-task, then I can learn to intubate a patient. 

  To our health:

I will be posting some very easy remedies on Tuesday that can help you alleviate your chance of getting the flu.  The nice thing is they are also cheap, and can be done with items you already have in your home. 

I am still struggling with asthma issues.  Thursday morning, I wasn't even in the green zone AFTER using the inhaler.  Needless to say, I was praying for a slow day in ER because not getting enough oxygen to your lungs and needing to work at a fast pace don't mix too well.

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Oct. 13, 2009 - Homemade Spray 'n Wash/Carpet Cleaner

Homemade Spray 'n Wash

2 parts water
1 part ammonia
1 part Dawn dishwashing liquid

Mix together and shake well before using.

Several weeks ago, dd dropped a piece of pizza on the carpet.    When I saw the pizza sauce on the carpet, you can imagine the feeling in the pit of my stomach.    However, I cleaned what I could with a wet rag.  Next, I decided had a  moment and decided to spray it with my homemade Spray 'n Wash.  Imagine my  when I saw that it completely removed the stain! 

~~~  One thing I learned over the weekend is that it pays to clean out drawers.  I found a $50 Bath & Body Works gift card that is unused!    I know where I'll be going one day after work this week!  ~~~

*** H1N1 Self-Diagnosis Website ***

https://h1n1.cloudapp.net/fluquiz.aspx

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Oct. 11, 2009 - Canadian Thanksgiving

To my Canadian friends.  

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Oct. 9, 2009 - Weekly Wrap Up

 From the Heart:

It is really starting to get chilly here.  Very wet, which makes everything seem much colder too.  You can definitely tell  has arrived.

 On the Homefront:

I am off Friday and Saturday this week, which is a good thing since I woke up  this morning. 

We are trying to keep the new kitty in the back part of the house since he has had a couple of accidents in the house.  Yet, when we try to come to the living room or the bedrooms, the kitty is like and comes to find us. 

 In the School Room:

Dd's field trip for today was cancelled due to the heavy onslaught of rain we've had over the last few days.  It is scheduled again for the end of the month, but I wonder if it might be too cold to enjoy it by then.

 On the work front:

I finished my training in ER and will start being on my own down there on Sunday.  Now that I've had a chance to learn the job, as well as get to know some of the people there, I am enjoying working there.  It is constantly busy, and you rarely get a chance to sit down. 

By the time I got off at 7 last night, my back and feet were really hurting.  Yet, I still wanted to get my Walmart shopping out of the way.  (Good thing too, since I woke up sick.)  I was really limping by the time we made it back to the car.

  To our health:

I had a possible unprotected exposure to H1N1 this week.  I am praying that is not what I have.  I woke up with a sore throat around 3AM.  As I've been up today, I have dealt with other symptoms like body aches, chills, splitting headache, and a bit of congestion.  I really don't think it's H1N1, based on what I've read from someone who actually has that virus right now.  Her story left me  . 

DD is also not feeling well.  Body aches/fever/no energy.

After the nasty asthma attack I had last weekend, I was all prepared to go ahead and set up an appointment with a specialist until I discovered that it was going to be $1200 for what I needed to have done, and 1/2 of that needed to be paid up front. 

In the Kitchen:

I made an apple pie this week, as well as a snack mix.  Not trying to be too creative in the kitchen since I was working the 11-7 shift this week. 

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Oct. 6, 2009 - My day today

Posted in Our family

Now, if you wanna hear what happened today, keep reading.     I was to continue my training in ER today.  Got there and the gal who was supposed to train me is off sick.    My original trainer from when I first hired in was covering for M until I got there.    She informed me that the boss wanted me to cover ER on my own once I got there.  I was because I haven't been fully trained.

Very quickly, I told K what I *did* know how to do.  She quickly gave me notes on what I *didn't* know how to do.    And she headed back to the floor.

Things started picking up quite a bit, but I felt like I was getting a rhythm to what I was doing down there.  Suddenly, I got swamped with needing to do 4-5 things at once.     Another gal called me and said she would come down to catch up ER.  I was to go to admissions and do her job.  

At 3:00, I found out that the afternoon operator called in sick.  This meant the afternoon ER gal (who was supposed to train me from 3-7), had to cover the phones.    So I'm still stuck in admissions and not getting more practice in ER.  

My boss came to me and asked me why I was in admissions again instead of ER.    When I told her what transpired, she said, "Well, I guess I'm happy that your coworkers want to help you when you're swamped in ER, but that's not going to help get you fully trained now, is it?"  

Once the day shift people were gone, we started getting inpatient admissions.  I went to peds to do an admission, came back to the floor, got an admission to ECU, came back, got an admission to OB.    It was one right after another.  

This evening, I had a possible exposure to H1N1 (again) because the doctors are not following protocol.      I had to fill out an exposure report to send to employee health so they can follow up on this and let me know if I need to be tested for it.

It's been quite a day!  As I passed employees from other depts., I'd ask them if they were having a day, and one said, "Isn't that all we get anymore?"    Umm...yep.  I'm beginning to think so!  

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