Neurosurgery O.R. Nurse!

I just got hired as an operating room nurse!

My mother is a retired OR nurse but while she was working, every time a new graduate walked through the operating room, she used to think to herself, "I wish it was my daughter who'd one day replace me here." Back then, it was a far-fetched dream of hers because I wasn't even thinking about nursing.

Well, just five years after she retired, not only did I graduate nursing but I proudly made her dream come true when I got hired in the OR!  I am going to miss my colleagues on the medical-surgical floor I worked on and I know I'm going to miss the patients'-bedside care but I'm up for another challenge.  First, I have to read up on all the guidelines for perioperative care, learn all the surgical instruments and equipment, be mindful and vigilant with the sterile field, and be attentive at all times.  I don't even know how I will react after a surgical incision, since I have never been exposed to a craniotomy or spinal surgery...therefore, I'm looking forward to that experience. The good thing is that I used to work as the administrative officer in the OR for many years so I already know many of the nurses, respiratory therapists, patient attendants and doctors. At least, I'm familiar with the territory and comfortable around the staff.   There's a certification exam to test my theoretical and practical knowledge in peri-operative nursing after 6 months.  More studying!

So here goes....I'll let you know how I'm progressing in the next few weeks...
MCB xo

Celebrating Life!

On Sunday, January 10, 2016.  We had the blessed opportunity to celebrate 10 years of a new life for our amazing friend, Jaymie M.  
It was a surprise party at Portovino Restaurant with her family and close friends.  

Jaymie was 23 years old when she was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.   She went through high doses of chemotherapy and three days straight of full body radiation but despite all the side effects she had encountered, the treatment wasn't enough and she needed a transplant.  Unfortunately, her only brother was not a match for bone-marrow. Her prognosis was only nine months to live...and she was so young with a fired-spirit.  

It wasn't fair. What did she do to deserve it? Why Jaymie? Why would God take her away from us? But Jaymie never questioned, "why me?" In fact, she told us that she was probably the strongest one among us girls who'd be able to handle it.  How amazing is it that she can make any unfortunate situation turn for the better all the time? That's when I began believing - "IF GOD BRINGS YOU TO IT, GOD WILL BRING YOU THROUGH IT."

Jaymie's oncologist suggested an experimental stem cell transplant from a baby’s umbilical cord and the procedure was done, under consent, on January 10 2006.  She received her transplant and has now been in remission for ten years!

"Jaymie, you didn't even know if you'd make it past those dark days....

But you became a bridesmaid at our weddings.

You got married, yourself, to such an amazing man, Chris....who has been by your side as a rocksteady partner.  

You became godmother to our children who love you so dearly.

You work at LeWindsor which totally suits your character.

You've gotten to travel the world when there was a time you couldn't leave your isolation room.

All our memories among the girls would not be complete without you,  (hundreds!!!). ..coffee and cake, dancing, bummin', shopping,  breakfasts....VEGAS!!!!"

Jaymie, your courage and hopeful spirit is immense - it was during your toughest times when I realized you are the strongest person I know. So I won't recount all the suffering you had gone through because today we are celebrating your victory! You've heard it numerous times how much you inspire us...but its incredible how your story has inspired hundreds of people you don't even know!

Thank you for bringing awareness about leukemia to thousands who didn't know about it before.   The fundraising for research for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada are so meaningful to all of us - because of you.  So many have donated blood or their baby's umbilical cord because you were on their minds. Continue on being "An Earth Angel"..."

See videos here:

Jaymie says Thank You

CTV Montreal

I heard this song on the morning of Jaymie's celebration and thought of her.  I sang it with all my heart and ended up crying... I had a speech prepared for her but was too emotional that evening to speak...so I gave it to her instead...(but I sang this to her at the corner of the dessert table) 

Keep smiling. Keep shining.  Knowing you cab always count on me...for sure.

That's what friends are for.

Through good times and bad times,

I'll be on your side forever more

That's what friends are for....

Happy 10th birthday. I love you hun, and Congrats!

MCB xo

Addendum: Just a month later, Jaymie introduced her company to the world: Impatient Design.  She designs gowns so that "patients could still keep their independence while in the hospital."  Jaymie believes "If these gowns can bring a smile to a child’s face or make an adult patient feel a little more like themselves, then we have done our job."
Bravo, hun!

Smooth Scheduling

Today, I am grateful for time.
I woke up at 6am, got kids ready for daycare before my 9am class...and it was finished in an hour. Now, I've got time to do homework, eat, housework and possibly squeeze in an afternoon nap. All by myself...
But now it's quiet and I miss the kids....

Do you ever feel like you need a few more hours in each day? It seems like there is always more I would love to accomplish, but the day just runs out before I get it done. However, I realized that having more great things I could do is actually a wonderful blessing. I’m blessed with a toddler, an infant coming soon, a growing business, and an wonderful opportunity to move to a new place. Your weekday morning may look a little something like this: You're in a rush dressing the kids up first, while you put whatever you see first on.  You head out the door, order a coffee and bagel at the drive-thru, and rush to your early meeting at work. At work, you're thinking did I fill out all our kids' forms? is it gym day at school? Did I put enough diapers in the bag for daycare? How did the morning fly by so fast? Maybe with experience, things will run smoother, but how long does it take?

If this is you, don’t worry. In the midst of the chaos, I've figured out some effective ways to make your family schedule run smoothly.

Motivate Yourself

Motivation. Bribes. Stickers. Offer an exciting end result to anyone in the family that needs to get something done. have your kids do a race on who can put their jackets and shoes on the fastest. Promise yourself a 20 minute nap later in the day each time you actually do it or "me time".

Use a Prioritization System

Your to-do list may never be completely crossed off. There's always something to be added as soon as you think you're done.  To make sure the important stuff doesn’t get lost in the shuffle, prioritize your list every morning. Colour-code your tasks by writing them in different pen colors or just placing a small dot next to each one. I’ll take my creativity as it comes productivity when it comes, and I won’t beat myself up when it doesn’t.Just make sure they're done!

Create a Command Center

This should be an area where everything you need to have when you leave the house is in one place...your wallet, your keys, your cellphone (charging.) etc.  This way when you're in the morning rush, these items won't be forgotten.  Keep your purse there, the baby bag, library books, kids school bag and a file holder for all those loose forms laying around.
I created a calmer atmosphere in my home and workspaces. This wasn’t completely intentional, but it’s been amazing.  I LOVED always walking into a completely tidy home. It automatically helped me feel more calm and productive, and even now that we’re not having showings, I’ve tried to keep up with it.

Be able to refuse some invitations.  

Oftentimes, the reason our schedule is bombarded with events is because we say yes to everything. But so many of us forget that we have the ability to make up our own schedule.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed, then it’s time to start refusing any new projects. Don’t ever feel guilty about putting your family first. Don't spread yourself too thin.  If you don't take care of yourself, how do you expect to take care of others?

Doing all of these things can help your stress levels go down and your schedule will move much smoother because of it.

How do you make your schedule run smoother?

MCB xo