Bringing you up to speed!

This is the first time I have had my computer on in a few days. I have alot of catching up to do. So after this post, I will scoot around the blog to read some of the recent posts.
What have I been doing to cause this little absence, you ask?

First of all, I have been trying to recover from two weeks of training at the jail. The hours there are exausting, I dont think I am made for being at work at 430 am. Although I was getting off at 1.30 in the afternoon, I was so bagged that i would nap till dinner time. On top of that I was not feeling up to the task of doing the meds for 100 guys. It was a wonderful opportunity and I am glad I had the chance to experience that role. But I found I just didnt feel the environment allowed me to work to my standards of practice. So I resigned. Part of me feels like a failure for not being up to the task. But the bigger part of me feels it was the responsible thing to do. There is no way I can give meds out safely to that many people. Maybe if I had more experience, but I am a new grad and I now realize that I need to start in a less intense environment. Knowing that I have another job at the Hospital already lined up to start on May first, made my decision to leave the jail a little easier. This has been a humbling event for me, as I am used to being good at my job, but this position just didnt allow for that. So, feet on ground, heart in hand, facing forward, Ill be myself!
I have had a few days off and have gotten alot accomplished around here. I have almost finished painting the shed. Just one wall left to finish the final coat of paint. Its looking so nice with its Chinchilla (gray) paint and bright white trim. It is a little version of the house. I should get it finished tommorrow if the rain holds up. Then it will be all ready for Keith to move into! hehe. I also got the lawn cut for the first time. Not much to cut as it is in really bad shape. I put moss killer on and now have a yard full of blackness. Out I go with the rake as soon as it gets nice again. Then its airator(sp?) time. The ground is so packed down from the winter rain and the dog running all over it that i doubt I will see nice healthy green out there again if we dont airate.
But at least its tidy . All the winter derbris is gone. The weeds have been uprooted from their beds, can you say five bagsfull! If it were wool I would be calling Baa Baa Blacksheep.

Monday was a gorgeous day and we got in a nice walk on the dyke. We saw a ton of birds. At least eight blue herons, two eagles a loon and even a sandpiper. I took some photos. They arent the greatest but gives you an idea of where we were. Of course the dog always enjoys getting out!

Yesterday, my sister went in for surgery. She had the nuts and bolts removed from the wrist which was shattered last summer. This should hopefully, give her more movement and strength. I was her ride and designated waiting room body. She came home the same day and was feeling fine. But today she woke up with quite a bit of swelling and discomfort. She is under orders to keep it elevated , on ice, and to keep sucking back the Ibuprophen.
It is dreaded report-card week. I already have had a message from Heidi's teacher that she would like me to come in to discuss Heidi's goals and learning outcomes. GROAN. That doesnt sound promising! The oldest son always has a glowing report these days. Now I am just being patient and waiting for the other two kids to reach that point. I am sure it will happen eventually. Its all a mater of motivation and encouragement. But damn, its hard to stay positive when you know thay are capable of doing so much better.
I am feeling a little stuck in the middle at the moment. Two people who I like very much, have been caught up in a 'dispute' to put it nicely and I hate the fact that it has gotten nasty. It puts a lot of strain on me and Keith. I am trying not to take sides, and mind my own business. Hopefully this will blow over and not get to the point where I have to knock their heads together!
Tommorrow I pick up my Dad from the airport. He is returning from his five week european vacation. Lucky man. Back home to the welcoming arms of his family and a waiting length of pipe and a welding torch ! He will be staying with us for a few days to help Keith with our bathroom renovation. Our basement bathroom is a throwback from the 70's. I must remember to get a 'before' shot before they get started. Currently this tiny bathroom gives real meaning to the phrase 'water closet'.
So thats what Ive been up to. Hows your week going? Ill be around to visit soon.