Kourt's N Session

3 kidney stones passed and finally feeling normal... thanks St. Patty.

Wednesday brought a HELLACIOUS day. With patience stretched thin, blood boiling, my teeth clenched tightly as I could hear the song "I'm a Little Tea Pot" singing in my head. When all I wanted to do was tip over and SHOUT, I fought the urge to "get all steamed up." The day started with a wake up call from one of my more difficult residents. It has become a pattern for her to wreak havoc every transportation day. This time she changed her appointment without notifying our nurse. For a month her doctor's appointment was for 11 AM. And the morning of, she calls me at 950 AM saying the appointment is at 10 AM. My response, "you're already late..." After round 3 of her reiterating the same nonsense, I remembered that our driver was not going to be there until later that day. I looked up at the exit and immediately began to cross over all lanes of 285 in order to get to our other property and get the bus. Within enough time, I got the bus and headed back to our property. Luckily, they are only 5 minutes from each other. I knew that this particular resident was going to give me hell for a problem that she created. I put on my shield, grabbed my amour, and got out of the van. The 10:30 AM lady was ready to go, the troublemaker.. no where in sight. I began to take my battle gear off and a smile lightened my face. As I started to sigh with relief, the unavoidable grumpy woman creeped up behind me with a different agenda than mine. She demanded that I take her immediately. The other woman was kind and nonchalant about the issue. But, it was not fair for this resident to take advantage of our staff. Someone had to put their foot down. So, my 6 1/2 stomped loudly as I said, "you'll have to wait because I cannot accommodate an appointment the day of as it is stated in our book." Her reaction was as if you had told a stubborn child they could not get the toy they wanted at the store; when in all fairness their behavior was not one to be rewarded.

It took us 15 minutes to get her into the bus. We arrived at the doctor's office to let the patient woman out. With a smile full of love, she thanked me for my kind heart. I felt my shield come off again. She was late to her appointment because of the irrational lady. The whole way to our destination I listened as the inconsiderate woman bounced of one rude comment after another. She was making comments towards myself and the other resident. I grew irate. But, in the rear view I noticed my other resident sitting contently. This little bubbly lady, weightless with worry, seemed pleased just to be going somewhere. She knew what the other woman was saying and instead of being upset with me or her, she focused on the positive. I felt my amour drop now. I started laughing at little miss sunshine who sat in happiness. She then joined in with me in a harmonizing cackle. The curmudgeon woman sat in the way back with her arms crossed asking us to "quiet down." Our laughter grew. Not out of spite but, simply because we were both laughing at nothing. Coincidentally, both appointments were at the same doctor's building. THANK GOD!

I returned to the property feeling lighter and refreshed. It was destiny that "little miss sunshine" went with me that day. She showed me that laughter is the best medicine in times of stress. Back at the facility our Director was out at a conference. I was now the receptionist, activities director, marketing director, director, and driver. I could not find the humor in this. Stress to the max, I tried to pump my breaks. I just could not win. My arts and crafts program fell through, we couldn't get things decorated, and I had an entertainer coming at 2 pm along with picking up or residents while answering the phones. I needed a stiff drink... ASAP. I got the content lady from the doctor and got back in time to meet with our performer. The residents really enjoyed him. Seeing them smile was calming for me.

I got done with my day in time to meet up with Caro and head out to Chili's to see Danielle and Amanda. Poor Katie called with a flat tire and I felt terrible I could not help her. Thankful for Caroline, we started our St. Patty's day celebration/ stress detox. Katie came later with Jenna to meet us. I had a blast. I begin to recognize that my little lady was right..."laughter is the best medicine." Not long after, I was doubled over in pain due to a kidney stone. HA HA, the day of luck... not so lucky. The irony of Katie McGregor's flat tire, my mother being red headed, and our crazy day on the day that the Irish should experience good fortune - McGregor and I seemed to be up a creek without a paddle. Maybe we aren't desendents of the Irish after all...or maybe you have to be a full blooded Irish person to pertain to the saying?? Lol. Whatever the case, in times of hardships if we can find laughter, laugh loud, laugh long, and clear.

For you McGregs ;)

"We Love to Laugh
Loud and Long and Clear
We love to laugh
So ev'rybody can hear
The more you laugh
The more you fill with glee
The more we're a glee
The more we're a merrier we!!"
-Uncle Albert, Bert, and Mary Poppins from Mary Poppins

Sweet Dreams <3

Last week flew bye faster than I expected. Wednesday night I went to Tin Lizzy's with my friend Liz. We played the drinking game Ass Hole which, I haven't played since my freshman year of college. I have always been terrible at this game but, somehow I found myself as President more than enough. And of course, its inevitable that I would be the ass hole in the Thor hat too haha.

Thursday was routine. I took Pat to the hair dresser and as usual she told me how she hated the south and how she needed to go north where all the "smart" people are. I have taught myself to listen and drive...its exhausting. Me, McGregs, and tequila waved goodbye to our work week at 5P on Friday night. As we went to leave, certain things of my character were put into perspective. I realized that when you confide in me, I am a friend for life. Arguments aside, I will always go out of my way for my friends. They helped mold me into the person I am today and help me see the person I strive to be. Through good times and bad, they mean the world to me. I had the epiphany that our friends reflect and refract fragments of our personalities. Each friend holds a different piece to our puzzle. Through similarities they enhance of our being and, with their differences they create a perfect puzzle piece that help define our existence.

I've had a lot of my mind lately. I'm ready for a change. But, things will fall into place as intended. Today I walked outside and felt the rush of spring in the air. It was as if spring had opened my car door, asked me for a ride, and I responded with; "it's about time..." I let spring take the wheel and shift the gear to drive. As it excelled the gas petal, I took a deep breath in, held on tightly, and thought "bring on one hell of a ride."

Sweet Dreams <3

As I wave my white flag and admit defeat, my eyes grow weary and my heart becomes heavy. Today was a difficult day for me in my ongoing struggle to find happiness within Alzheimer's patients. Every day proves to be a trial and error at my new home. The residents are very agitated and at times I become discouraged. I decided to visit the old property in hopes of finding solitude and encouragement. I needed affirmation that my heart still shines through in all I do to create a happy home for those unable to care for themselves. I entered in the old property and found my residents. Some elated with my visit greeted me with hugs. Others smiled and nodded as I was only a mere recognition.

I walked into the living room I saw my resident nicknamed "Hollywood" sitting with a blank stare and a lifeless look on her face. It broke my heart. I remained intact as I walked towards her. Swallowing my emotions and fighting back tears, I called out to her... no response. She mumbled words to herself but I could not understand. It was in that moment that I felt what these families go through every time they walk in the door to visit their loved ones. I kept strong and tried to get her attention again. Nothing. It made me sick to my stomach that this successful person who had been the first woman stock broker in NYC sat with a listless face staring at the carpet. Hollywood was a woman of determination and dignity. Of high taste and fashion. Her love for life appeared every time she would smile. I knew before I left that this woman needed me. In some way I felt a connection to her the instance I picked her up from the hospital. She needed to be reminded of her importance in this world, of love, and of laughter. I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt engulf me. I saw my other residents. Lou especially because he would always brighten my days. But, it was evident that the weight of Hollywood was too much to bare. I had to walk away.

In my search for encouragement, I found pain. I was reminded today of the fact that Alzheimer's cannot be stopped by a simple entertaining activity. It is only merely postponed.

Though today I will surrender to the exhaustion, I am not going to give up. While those with Alzheimer's will face life's course; it is in the time spent stalling the inevitable I find appreciation for the past, love for the present, and hope for the future. As Lou said, "chin up kid, laughter is always the best medicine. And you gotta good laugh!" ;)

Good night and thank you to my friends <3

A white blanket covered my back yard as I woke up to realize; it snowed. Joy to the kids that got to miss school, goodbye freedom, hello grown up world of responsibility, and a 45 minute ride to work. The start to my day was nothing short of loony. It didn't stop with the traffic on P.I.B. As a result of the sky opening up a free snow cone stand; I was late to work and unable to attend the rehearsal of Charlotte's Web. I felt so bad for letting those kids down but I am glad I went ahead and cancelled because these old folks were not budging today. I walked in the door at 10:10 AM, started my daily routine, and as I get to the second floor a loud "THUD" comes from the third floor. The elevator stops, the lights start flickering, and a high pitched pulsating sound of the fire alarm resounded through my ears like nails to a chalkboard. I was alert. I started going room to room getting our residents out to a central location. One lady's wheelchair was not charged so I began to panic momentarily. I remembered the guy cleaning our fish tank outside her door and out of my mouth came; "HEY AQUA MAN, can I get some help?" Ha ha. At that moment the annoying siren died down and I quickly sounded like the last person who yelled "WHAT?" over the stereo right before someone turned down the music. Except for my "WHAT?" was directed at someone and I called him "AQUA MAN?!" My eyes popped out of my head. I stepped into reality and noticed him laughing. The laughter was refreshingly contagious. I went from auto-pilot to total control; good morning tuesday!

And so... Liz and Kate have inspired me to "blog." I know what you're thinking; one more thing to get addicted to, right? Yeah, you thought correct haha. In lieu of the highly anticipated spring knocking on our door, I am very irritated to hear about snow tomorrow. Right now I am crossing my fingers hoping that Mother Nature will send Jack Frost into hibernation... TOMORROW! Ahh.. well after another love/hate battle with my computer, I shall retire with thoughts of taking the residents to a sneak peak of the Elementary School's "Charlotte's Web" tomorrow. You know what that means? A ride on the short bus. It so fun to open the doors haha... pray it's not in the snow ;)

sweet dreams and god bless <3