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.

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.)

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...

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.