Merry Christmas* Everyone!
Of course it is hard to believe that another year has passed. We all say that, and they do go by quickly. Faster as we age. We had an uneventful year and for that, we are very grateful! We spent our time in what has become our typical fashion...working very hard through the cold mont
hs so we can play during the warm ones! This spring we spent about a month working on our old boat. The bottom needed to be scrapped, sanded and painted. It doesn't sound like much but that old tub has a big bottom! It took lots of time and thankfully, we had some help from Pat and Mark. It is also a very messy job! The bottom needed some repair. We are so lucky that Mary can take care of so much of this. I
t is much more economical this way!
Once the spring work was done, it was time for fun. During the early part of the summer we painted the top of the boat with help (?) from Allyson and Tal Christian. I'm never sure how much help these two are...but nonetheless, the boat is now white with blue trim and it is much nicer. It was officially named "Proud Marys'"...and yes, that is plural-poss
esive. I checked with one of the English professors. The rest of the summer was spent enjoying our friends and family at our floating summer home. We were lucky to be visited by most every one we know, and even some we didn't. Our friend list expands a bit more every year. We particularly enjoyed our 4th of July party and heading our for 5th of July fireworks in Hudson.
But alas, summer ends and we have to cover our girl up. She's now sitting in some icy cold water covered by blue tarps. There is also no floor right now. Some "hey...let's get rid of that icky carpet in the kitchen" has turned into new sewage and water systems, floor and walls. Now I am feeling the need for new cabinets and why we're at it...how about a new sofa? Boat projects are much like house projects.
And now for the family update. George continues going strong at 87. He's living at Mount Olivet Careview in Mpls. on a memory-unit. He is doing very well and surprises us when he rallies back from various challenges. My mom and Bob Cook are happy and well in Golden Valley. They seem to have some new house project or vacation going on all the time. Alas...that is the reason for retirement. The Goldbergers are all fine. Sam just turned 17 and Halle will be 12 in January! I don't have anyone to go to animated movies with anymore. My sister Pat continues to see Mark. I have started referring to him as my brother-in-law. "My sister's boyfriend" sounds too cheesy when you're 50! Allyson (our little Alvin) will be 22 soon and is attending school. She says she is majoring in nursing but then tells me she doesn't really like people much so I am not sure how that is going to work out for her. Mark has 3 great kids: Erin, Matt and Ashley. Along with Erin's boyfriend Shane, we have expanded our circle of nieces and nephews again and we are so happy about that. Our Norway family is doing great as well. Geirid is fine, Silje is 28 already and Tal Christian turns 19 in March. He is finishing his last year of high school and we are thinking about having him live with us full time. He is hoping to enlist in the US Navy (like his dad) next summer so we'll see.
In other events...
I turned 50 this year, mostly quiely a
nd well-supported by alcohol.
Pat walked the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk-a 60 mile event that culminated with camping each night. For those of you who don't know Pat that alone is an accomplishment but the fact that she walked every single step of it is truly amazing. I worked on the medical crew so got to see her at various times. I can't describe how emotional it was to see her at the end of it. I am so proud of her!
We have both returned to hockey and are playing on a women's team called the Breakaways. We are the last place team in the lowest division of women's hockey in the state. I am the lowest ranked goalie and we are having a blast! We have met some wonderful new friends through this team and while we don't enjoy those games late on cold Sunday nights, it's all fun.
It's been a great year...cancer is in remission and I feel great. Mary is doing well and starting to ponder what she wants to do with retirement. She has some work to do on the boat before we can have you all down there this summer! We have been fortunate to travel some, catch up with friends and make new ones. Below is a slide show of our year.
What more could we hope for...just that all of you are healthy, happy and doing well. Merry Christmas (*yes, we say Merry Christmas) to all of you and yours. Much love and best wishes for the New Year,
M and Mary
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
We're published.
Yes. We're published-Mary and I. A chapter I worked on for this nursing textbook was published. To those not in nursing, it isn't particularly interesting reading but I am proud. And so is Mary. I couldn't have done it without her!
Chapter 24 , page 536-548; Using Nursing Research in Practice
Here's the official citation:
Mackenburg-Mohn, M. (2009). Using Nursing Research in Practice. In J. A. Zerwekh, and J. C. Claborn, Nursing Today: Trends and Transitions (pp. 536-548). St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Bad dog...
Friday, November 07, 2008
It's here...
It's here. It's snowing. I know that it won't stay around but it does remind me of what is to come. It was actually quite beautiful this morning. The trees were coated with white. Sure, there is more yardwork we could have gotten done (isn't there always?) but we didn't. The first snow of the year means that the fall chores end. We turn our attention to hockey and hanging in front of the fireplace. At least that is what the dogs think is true.
I also noticed a significant number of deer in the yard today. I suspect they have always been there but today with the snow, they became more evident. Of course that resulted in significant barking.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A Day in the Life of Piper
A while ago I received a lovely book entitled "A Day in the Life of America". For this book several photographers were asked to take pictures of their world on one particular date. The photos were compiled into the book. It is a wonderful snapshot of live on day in our country. There was a day last week that I was working at home, grading papers. I was planning to spend the entire day at my desk and decided to conduct my own "A Day in the Life of..." photo shoot. At 2 hour intervals I grabbed the camera and took Piper's picture...wherever she was and whatever she was doing. I chose 9 photographs to present. The first one was taken at 8 am and the last one was taken right about midnight. You will notice a significant lack of action. For some she didn't even pick her head up to see what I was doing.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Fall in Minnesota
Yesterday we were both off and decided to embark on an adventure. We put the dogs in the truck and headed to the north shore. We drove through Duluth and up to Silver Bay where we found our friend Marsha at the cabin. We paid her a visit, enjoying a stop at Split Rock Lighthouse on the way. We headed home after dinner at the Scenic Cafe (excellent!) with two very tired dogs! Enjoy the photos.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
It's always something...October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please~check yourself, schedule your mammogram, support a breast cancer group with a donation, buy Amy's Blend at Caribou or just hug a woman who has dealt with the disease.
Thank you for the support and compassion you all have shown me as I have learned to live with breast cancer.
Monday, September 29, 2008
I Knit...
In addition to my work in the Emergency Department, I teach nursing for a couple of differnt colleges. For one college, I teach in the graduate programs, working with master's and doctoral students in mostly an online format. For the other college, I teach exclusively online. Consequently, I spend literally hours in front of my computer. The majority of my work (curriculum, papers, etc.) is all done electronically and I don't have tangible things to show others.
One of the assignments my graduate students have is to create a personal blog. One of my students did her blog on her love of knitting. Knitting is something I have a passion for myself. Lately I find myself almost craving time to knit. I started thinking about this desire to knit. It was more than just a desire to sit and do something I find relaxing. I think it is related to the amount of time I spend online.
Interacting with a screen and a keyboard doesn't always feel good. Not in an emotional way, but in a physical way. I miss using my hands to interact with something besides a keyboard. I know...it sounds weird. I also miss creating something that is not a word document. I think that is why I knit.
I'm not crazy (or at least I don't think so...) It keeps me sane.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
She did it!
She did it...walked every single step of the 60 mile Breast Cancer 3-Day walk. I am so proud of her! I was there as a medical provider and got to see her periodicallly during the walk. She looked great every time I saw her. The event was so powerful with so many women involved, both with and without cancer. But all 3,000 walkers and 400 crew members had some connection to breast cancer. Since pictures speak louder than words, take a few minutes and watch the slide show of the event. (Hover your mouse over the picture to read the caption.)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Flat Mary
I went to Yosemite.
At least Flat Mary went...
For my birthday, my hockey friends created Flat Mary on a stick. One of our friends, Shelly took me (Flat Mary) to Yosemite on a hiking trip. Check out my adventures...
Monday, September 01, 2008
Back to School
Today is Labor Day and to me, a more significant day than the New Year's Holiday. Today is a change day, a turning point. While the calendar says we have another 3 weeks of summer, to many of us, summer ends today.
With the end of summer comes the beginning of school. For as long as I can remember, I have loved the first day of school. It is the first day of the next step, a new beginning, a new year. The possibilities lie before us. As a student, I was so excited to begin. I loved the new notebooks and pencils. I couldn't wait to see the syllabus and to meet those who I would spend the next several months with. As a teacher, I am equally excited but for different reasons. I enjoy the excitement the students bring with them. I look forward to the challenge of presenting the information in new and unique ways. I can't wait to witness the 'aha' moments that my students will hopefully have.
But it is the end of the summer. I left the marina today with a melancholy feeling. It was such a great summer. The weather was phenomenal (I know, we need rain) and none of our plans were washed out. We have great tans and I am truly relaxed. We spent time with family and friends alike and enjoyed every moment of the season. But somehow, I feel like the fun times are over and it is back to business only.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Dog Days of Summer
Ahh....the dog days of summer. When there is nothing to do but lounge in the water with your favorite people and canines. Yesterday was quite warm so we took to the beach for an afternoon of relaxation. Last summer Piper was terrified of the water. She would run from waves as they hit the beach. She never got her paws yet except for the one time in which she fell off the dock. Most of this summer it has been the same although she would walk in the water, getting just her paws yet. Yesterday we had a breakthrough. We weren't able to get the 'Mother Ship' all the way up the beach and the water was about 6 inches deep at the end of the ladder. When torn with the need to go through water to go potty or stay on the boat, she opted to get off. OK...she needed some encouragement. But then she discovered how much fun it was and spent the rest of the afternoon splashing through the water and playing with Kaja. I don't think she will ever be a recreational swimmer like our Kaja is but she did discover the water is an enjoyable place to be on a warm afternoon.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
50+
I am now closer to 100 than I am to the day I was born. That was pointed out to me by one of my ED co-workers...thanks.
I have receovered from my birthday angst and the melanoly feelings I had. It was a wonderfully quiet day...quite unlike what you would expect a Leo-woman would want. We spent the day on the boat, went up to Stillwater and had dinner at a great resturant~Nacho Mama's. I would have linked their webpage but I can't seem to find one for them. They have an interesting menu, good drinks and a pretty good beer list. Their patio is nice even though it is bordered by a street. It ws fun.
Since my birthday, well...actually all summer I have been thinking about the concept of normal. How many times I have said "when my life gets back to normal" I do whatever. So what is normal?
There are definately normals in healthcare: normal vital signs, normal x-rays, normal mammograms. While some of these things are absolutes (either positive or negative) most are still a range of what we consider usual or consistent for a given situation. When it comes to people and life situations, I am not sure there is a normal. Sure there are things that we do in the same way every single time we do them...I would suppose that is the closest thing we have to normal. When I look at my life, I am struck by how un-normal I am! I work unusual hours, live in Woodbury, have a giant dog. play hockey and don't generally, act like a 50-year-old.
So what is normal? Whatever we think it is on a given day. Ever changing and evolving...we redefine ourselves and our situations in light of what is going on in our world.
Normal. It is what I am...perhaps.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
50
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Breast Cancer 3-Day
The slogan for the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk is...everyone deserves a lifetime. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I began to reconsider how long a lifetime was. Was it only 48 years? Fortunately for me, I believe it will be much longer. But for many women diagnosed with breast cancer, a lifetime is not that long. The Breast Cancer 3-Day walk is a fundraiser. Thousands of people, across the country will be walking 60 miles over the course of 3 days to raise money for breast cancer research, treatment and awareness. My sister Pat is one of those walkers. She has surprised me. She is a quiet sole who keeps most things to herself. She has never really shared with me what it was like for her to have her sister diagnosed with cancer. I sometimes worry about her silence but she does seem to manage it all pretty well.
Anyway. Last year I worked on the medical crew for the Twin Cities 3-Day event. I was just past chemo and didn't have the energy so I worked instead. It was a powerful experience for me and I met some incredible women along the way. As I was sharing my experiences with Pat after the event, she told me she was going to walk this year. Okay. We'll see...she can be kind of procrastinator. I told her if she did the walk, I would be her fund raising manager (she has to raise $2200). Much to my surprise, she registered. She printed out the suggested training schedule and has been walking since early this year, training for the event. Even though we have had a rather cold, wet spring, she has been out there with her training walks. And now the pressure is on me...to help her to raise the funds.
And that's where you all come in. If you have ever been affected by breast cancer in any way, please consider a donation to my sister's walk. You can click on the link to the right and it will take you directly to a donation page. You can use plastic online to donate or print a donation form and send your donation in. We've also planned a couple of fun events for the summer which you might be interested in. Sunday, August 24 we are having a wine tasting cruise aboard our boat. Join us for an evening cruise (6-10 pm). Bring a bottle of wine to share and we'll do the rest. Hopefully you'll have such a great time, you will want to throw some cash at my sister too.
Here are some links to the Breast Cancer 3-Day Site and to my sister, Pat Eggert's 3-Day webpage. Check them out. It is a wonderful cause because we all deserve a lifetime.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Summer?
Sun, cool temperatures, tornadoes...quite a variety for the Memorial Day weekend. It is our official beginning of summer though and we did spend it on the water. Judy and Steph were our first guests and cruisers. Check out the photos. It was a fun weekend, despite the weather!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Difficult Decisions
When the social worker was finished she updated me. The happy, smiling boy and mother were heading home. The social worker thought things were fine so I called the Red Cross back and denied the request for emergency leave. About an hour later I got a phone call from a very angry, threatening mother who challenged my decision. Words like 'audacity', 'dying', and 'kill' were included. The phrase 'how dare you' was also mentioned. I got a bit uncomfortable with this and informed her I would call them back and change my decision. When the Red Cross worker asked me why I had changed my mind, I just said there was a change in the situation.
Did I do the right thing?
What would you have done in my situation?
I looked over my should as I walked out to my car after work...
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Ron...Ron Burgandy
For those of you who have seen the Will Ferrell movie, Anchor Man you will recognize the name Ron Burgundy. That was the name of Will Ferrell's character, a womanizing TV news anchor. Last year when we bought our old houseboat, our niece Alvin named it Ron...Ron Burgundy because of the color. The name has since been shortened to Ron. Are you going to Ron today? Are we staying on Ron this weekend? Is there beer in Ron's refrigerator. You get the idea.
While at work last Saturday, we were talking about our plans for Sunday. I said that I would be laying under Ron for a few hours. The people I work with knew we have been sanding and prepping to paint Ron so they all understood what I meant...except our pharmacist. She pulled me aside and suggested that I should watch what I say in a children's hospital! Made me giggle.
I did spend several hours under Ron and he's looking good. His bottom is now painted black and most of his hull dings are repaired. Mary has been working on Ron everyday, all day regardless of the weather. I guess those 4 days off every week are kind of handy. We are painting the rest of Ron blue. A lovely marine blue. I can't wait to see him done. But then he won't be Ron anymore.
Here's Ron, sanded and ready for some new paint! At least down below. We have to finish the hull work before he can go back into the water. That should be in the next few days! We will still have the sanding and painting above the waterline to finish but that we can take our time with. For some perspective on Ron's size, you can see our Lexus just behind Ron's bow. Sanding and painting Ron is no small task!
Ron...Ron Burgundy.
Stay Classy!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Do dogs get spring fever?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Stick It to Breast Cancer
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Race for the Cure~Sunday, May 11
Friday, April 11, 2008
Friday Photo Challenge: Heroes
For those of you who don't know her, this is my partner Mary Mohn. She is a Minneapolis Firefighter. She joined the department nearly 22 years ago, one of a few women on the job. This photo was taken last fall when she (and her firetruck) made a visit to one of my co-worker's neighborhoods. His little guys (That's Quinn and Will) who were dressing up as firefighters for Halloween, quickly put on their costumes and got to crawl all over the big truck. They were so excited.
She is my hero...
Sunday, April 06, 2008
The Sum of Her Parts
Karl Ludwig von Bertalanffy was an Austrian-born biologist (d. 1972) who is credited as one of the founders of general systems theory (GST). His work has undergone various applications and revisions over the years but essentially is known as being the first that suggested a system was greater than the sum of its parts. General systems theory has been used in health care to describe family dynamics and relationships. It is a very complex theory but can be picked apart rather easily and defines system as a set of interacting or interdependent entities which together, form an integrated whole.
I am not sure if systems theory has been considered in terms of the human body but I am guessing that someone has. If you think about it, a human body is a set of interacting entities which come together to form an integrated and functioning whole. Ok. So what happens if some of these entities are removed? Like various parts...tonsils, adenoids, appendix, gall bladder, breasts, ovaries and uterus? Is the system, the human, the same? Or is the system permanently altered to become some other system...
When we are born we have a pretty standard set of 'parts'. These parts form the human anatomy and provide the physiology that makes the 'system' work. Certain parts of the system, like the reproductive parts, create the distinction that occurs between men and women. Having my breasts removed caused me to do some thinking of what makes one female. I went through a process of thinking about that last year when I was post-op and going through chemo. I pretty much resolved that in my head and redefined myself as a woman missing the parts that society used to identify us as one gender. Done. Then came tamoxifen side effects and a hysterectomy. I know have all of the 'parts' that differentiate female. The process began again...redefining, reconsidering, rethinking what I have known to be true in my life.
But then came Thomas Beatie...the pregnant man. I watched his interview with Oprah this week. He is the transgendered man who is now pregnant. In the interview he revealed that he had an elective bilateral mastectomy, began hormonal therapy but decided to keep the uterus, ovaries, etc. One the outside, he looks like a man...facial hair, deeper voice, etc. but on the inside has female parts and is now 6 months pregnant. So is he a pregnant man or a pregnant woman with facial hair?
So how does this relate to me today? We have two selves~that which we present to the world and that which we know intimately. And in applying GST to this, certainly the human body requires certain 'parts' to make the system work. There are some anatomical essentials but reproductive parts are not essential. The body does not rely on the presence of reproductive organs for effective functioning. So despite the loss of many minor body parts in the course of my life, I still consider myself to be greater than the sum of my parts.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Mediocre Dane
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Creamy White Filling
I had my surgery yesterday and it went very well. The surgeon came to meet with the two of us in the preoperative area. He went through his talk, finishing with he would meet with Mary when I went to the recovery room. He summed it all up by asking if either of us had other questions. My partner asked him what he would be putting into my abdomen to fill in the space. He looked a bit confusing, like he didn't understand the question. She went on to make some suggestions...packing peanuts, blown-in insulation, and creamy white filling~the stuffing from stuffed toys. He caught on and started laughing, asking me what I would prefer. Mary suggested that packing peanuts would be too lumpy and Piper would want to get the creamy white filling out since that is one of her favorite treats. I think it is good to have your surgeon laughing before he starts cutting on you.
I went into surgery at 11:10 and was awake in the recovery room just after 2:00 pm. We were home just after 7:00 last night. Hysterectomies used to be done through a large open incision with a hospitalization that lasted up to 10 days. Things are different and it was great to sleep in my own bed last night. Of course, I have Mary dotting on me. "What's your pain level now?" "Can I get you anything?" She is also running interference with my large puppy who seems to think that if I am laying down it is to hold her. Right now, that would be a bit painful for me.
All things considered, I am doing great!
Friday, March 28, 2008
3658-182-15-3
We are home. We drove a total of 3658 miles, pumped 182 gallons of gas, slept in other beds 15 nights and listened to 3 complete audiobooks. I am happy to report that aside from some mustard on a hotdog at the Kennedy Space Center, there were no disagreements. At all. Amazing what vacation can do for you!
We are happy to be home. It is cooler here than Florida but there is little snow to be seen. Our girls were so happy to see us, they ran from one of us to the other for quite a while when they discovered we were home. They look terrific and have been very well fed and cared for. Thanks Alvin! And we're real sorry about your camera. (Apparently a digital camera was placed next to a dog toy which Piper decided she needed to have RIGHT NOW!)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
St. Augustine, Easter and Disney
We are winding down our time in Florida. In fact, today will be our last day without traveling. We are planning on heading home tomorrow. And I think we are both ready. Even vacationing can get old! Mostly, we miss our girls.
We spent the weekend playing tourist. We visited St. Augustine, Fl., the oldest city in the United States. Some of the buildings are original including Castillo de San Marco, a fort built by the Spanish to protect their territory. Remember? The Spanish originally settled in Florida, long before the Pilgrims arrived to the north. The fort was interesting and made me very happy to have been born in a time when everything about life was exponentially easier. The Fountain of Youth is also located in St. Augustine. We went there and yes, even drank from it. Mary suggested that it may have been too late for me. Nice.
We spent Easter Sunday engaged in worship at our favorite place...the Church of the Open Water (also known as the beach) and then enjoyed a lovely Easter dinner at McDonalds on our way to Orlando. We switched venues and are now staying in Orlando. We have had to spend our days poolside rather than at the beach.
Monday was cool and cloudy. Mary, my theme park lover, picked a park to visit. We initially went to the Magic Kingdom as we have not been there in many years; however, a view of the parking lot confirmed that we had made a bad choice on a holiday and headed for Epcot where we had a great day, complete with eating the ears off of Mickey Mouse.
Today, it's our final day at the pool. We are leaving at 0500 tomorrow to avoid hitting Atlanta during rush hour...a mistake we made just once. We will be home, back to normal life with work, our girls, snow and cold, on Friday.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Ahhh...relaxation!
We are settled into the routine of vacation...getting up when we want to, walks on the beach, and then some playtime. We've hit a couple of local sites when the weather has been less favorable for beachtime. Mary, Mark and Pat went to the Daytona Speedway on Tuesday while I graded papers. Yesterday we all went to Kennedy Space Center. Today the weather report is 78 and sunny! We'll be heading to the beach very soon. The photo at the top is the sunrise Mary and I watched from our balcony this morning. Enjoy the other shots.
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