Nurse's Notes

Collective thoughts from Kayla

2008-01-17T14:33:00.001-06:00

Poor Grammy! Funny how the older a person gets the more they seem to slow down. Don't tell Grammy, but I have noticed that in her the last couple of days. She has lots of energy in the morning but by supper time, her batteries seem to be running low. Since I am two and have lots of energy, I thought it would be a good idea to help her out around the house today. I thought I was being helpful and unloaded the dishes from the dishwasher for her. Now, how was I supposed to know that they were still dirty? I also have watched her vacuum the crumbs from off the floor almost every day. That seems senseless to me. If she didn't make me pick up my toys, then she wouldn't even notice the crumbs. Personally, I think she generates more work for herself than necessary.

Today Grammy thought it would be fun to make cookies. Right, I've heard that one before! "Let's make cookies" really means "watch me make cookies and you can help a little." I decided to humor her so I watched her for awhile and then when she turned her back to get the cookie sheets, I made my move. Before she even had a chance to turn around, I grabbed the rolling pin and proceeded to show her that I am two and am able to handle cookie baking myself! It took a bit of persuading, but she finally gave in. Of course, she couldn't believe that I was able to do the whole process myself. She even grabbed the video camera for proof. I did get some flour on the floor but I knew that Grammy would haul out that vacuum again, so what did it matter?

Well, Grammy says it's time for my nap. Whatever--I bet Grammy is the one who really wants the rest. Hmm, personally, I think every Grammy needs to have a two year old around more often. If nothing else, I know she certainly is getting lots of exercise and that should definitely help her to stay young and fit!

Bye for now,
Kayla

A Gift for God?

2007-12-31T23:34:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2007--a time when my calendar filled up fast as I crammed school, church, and social activities into an already crowded schedule; a time when I stood in lines at the department stores excited about the great savings I obtained on my Christmas purchases; a time when I baked favorite holiday treats to share with friends and family; and of course I can't forget the most common phrase that probably rang throughout every household during the holiday season, "What do you want for Christmas?"

Why was it so important to ask that question? Obviously the answer is simple; I wanted to be able to give that special gift to those I love. Did you ever stop and ponder what God might want for Christmas?

God desires something from all of us. He desires first of all for us to know Him personally as our Lord and Savior. But He also desires for us to know Him intimately as we spend time with Him in His Word and in prayer. The greatest gift that we could have given to God this Christmas was ourselves . . . being willing to surrender our lives totally to Him. This also includes being willing to surrender our choices and decisions that we will make in the upcoming new year.

As I pondered this concept myself over Christmas, I began to realize that much of what transpired in 2007 was centered on opportunities I had to submit my desires to Him and to trust Him with all my cares and concerns. At times this was extremely difficult and even resulted in tears as I wrestled with God about various matters. However, ultimately I knew that God loved me deeply and allowed me to experience difficult times in order that my faith and trust in Him would deepen thereby making me more like Christ. I can honestly say that the Lord has become very precious to me this year as I have learned to replace Him with what I have valued so dearly in my life -- my family.

I have learned to rejoice in God's goodness and to be thankful for the many blessings that He has given to me this year. Some of these blessings include great friendships that have developed with new friends as well as enjoying the "old" ones. Other blessings of this year included the salvation of our granddaughter, Ashlyn; our two oldest granddaughters being baptized this summer; and two new grandbabies that were added to our family: Benjamin Chase and Krista Joy. I also enjoyed the extra opportunities that I had to be with Dan, Karis, Kayla, & Krista since they will be leaving for Africa in 6 months. 2007 allowed Don & me to have them for the whole month of January, to enjoy a family vacation together with them in Canada for my mother-in-law's 75th birthday this summer, to fly out to Virginia when Krista was 2 weeks old, to enjoy a week of hunting with Dan and my nephew Brad, and to spend an amazing Christmas together. Even Lauren and her family were able to join all of us for a family photo shoot. Our house was full of life with the squeals of 6 grandchildren. We made lasting memories this year and I am looking forward to being able share a few more special events together before Dan & Karis leave to serve the Lord in Cameroon, Africa in June.

As you enter 2008, can I challenge you to ponder what special gift you can give God this year? We do not know what lies ahead for us this coming year, but we do know Who is in control. As we yield our plans, our ambitions, our decisions, etc to Him, He will give us the grace and the power to carry out what He desires for us to accomplish. I can honestly say that I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for our family this coming year. My prayer is that my walk with Him will be deeper and that my love for Him would be greater as I continue submitting myself totally to God.

Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?

2007-08-01T15:59:00.000-05:00

"Right and wrong - Joy and despair - Good and evil. These are the themes Robert Louis Stevenson addresses in his work, 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.' " I guess the point that I am trying to make is that there is a stark contrast to the side of me that most of you are familiar with. For those of you who think you know me, you may be mistaken!

Over the past three years a daring and unforeseen side of Sandy Seely has emerged. It all began a few years after becoming an “empty nester.” I had a significant void in my life that I just could not fill. After contemplating my dilemma, I discovered that in order to alleviate this problem I basically had three options to consider: become miserable in spirit, have more children and re-fill the nest, or branch out into the unknown world of "my man." I decided that it might be wisest to choose the last option and attempt to become involved in the things that interest my husband. Being “such a girl” was going to make this feat quite a challenge!

My first attempt at entering the male world was when I put my hate for cold weather aside and joined the "Northland Snowmobilers’ Club" (my name for the men who consistently rode through the trails of WI -- Dr. Patz, Dr. Fox, Kelly Curell, Chuck Richards, and my husband). I felt a bit odd at first when I was the only woman rider. However, once I put my fluorescent green and black jacket along with that over-sized helmet on, then all my inhibitions suddenly disappeared. My confidence in mastering this “machine” grew to the point that I felt like I could conquer the world . . . or at least the trails leading from my house to Richard’s Super Club in Dunbar. I must admit that I found it hard replacing the fragrance of Jovan musk perfume with the smell of engine fumes.

The game of football became my next interest. Dan developed his own version of “football picks” which became very addicting to me and actually grew over the past two years to include not only Don, Dan, and Karis, but also my mom, Tim, Kristen and James. In order to keep up with the guys, I had to do lots of homework which included me developing and studying my own charts. It was a huge challenge for me to learn so much about so many players when I wasn’t even sure how to even play the game. I learned quickly and soon found myself listening in on the sports conversations that the men discussed at the lunch table; periodically I would even join in by contributing a stat or two.

However, none of these conquests top the rush one feels when they are decked out in blaze orange! Yes, you read correctly, I took up the sport of hunting this past November! Many thanks go to my husband & Dan who patiently worked with me at the shooting range and who encouraged me in this endeavor. Once I knew that I could at least hit "the kill zone" (sorry, ladies!), then I became more excited and waited with building anticipation for "opening day." Thanksgiving morning, just 4 hours before company arrived, my opportunity came. I will spare the details; but guys, it was a blast (no pun intended)! For you ladies, I can assure you that Bambi’s mother did not suffer! At first, I must admit that I did feel bad (that was the female side of me); however, the "conquering" feeling soon dominated and I must confess that I became pretty pumped. I am now anxiously waiting for hunting season this November to roll around as I will once again hunt with my husband and this time our son, Dan, will join us!

In closing I must add that unlike Stevenson’s novel, Mr. Hyde has not completely taken over the Dr. Jekyll side of me. I allow that mysterious side to surface only when my husband is looking for "male bonding" times.

Maybe you should do some exploring in areas that are totally foreign to you. Who knows, you might find that there is a "Mr. Hyde” hidden inside you?

"Charting" for the First Time

2007-07-28T17:01:00.000-05:00

Whenever a nurse writes in a patient's medical record or file, that nurse will refer to this action as "charting." Charting is actually documenting a chronological written account of a patient's examination and treatment plan that includes the patient's medical history and complaints, the physician's and nurse's physical findings, the results of diagnostic tests and procedures, and medications and therapeutic procedures that have been given or done to this patient.

Being a nurse and thinking along these lines, I decided to do my best to "chart" my personal medical record for you. Every medical file begins with what we call a "history"--what prompted the person to seek medical attention. Therefore I must begin my first blog with a "history" of what prompted me to get involved in blogging.

Approximately two months ago, I entered the scary world of Face book! Whoa, now that was a huge step for me to undertake! After repeatedly mocking it and those who participated in it, I had to swallow my pride and admit to the benefits of entering into this "new world" of technology. Little did I know that this was the first step on my way to learning new and modern ways of enjoying communication.

My next venture in this “modern world” took place yesterday when I received an iPod for my birthday. I must admit that I was overwhelmed with excitement even though I do not know one thing about it or how to use it. (Help!) Thanks, Don, for being the springboard that is launching me into another realm of the "unknown."

One of the highlights of my birthday came when I received phone calls and homemade cards from my grandchildren in Sturgeon Bay as well as an e-mail video clip from my granddaughter, Kayla, who sang "Happy Birthday" to me. Between my laughing and my tears (after watching the video), I came to the conclusion that I needed to take the plunge into the world of blogging so that I can "chart" and share with others what is so important to me--my family. So here I go— venturing into this new encounter at the age of 51. (Some my age may refer to this as a “mid-life crisis”, but I would like to think that I am technologically “hip”) I hope you enjoy this clip as much as I do.

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