Celebrating

For a few years now, I've worked on the 4th of July. It's been amazing. I know. It doesn't sound like a good time. But it really is.

First of all, the community is amazing. Always trying to give back. They acknowledge the kids. And their health problems. And their needs. So many businesses offer to help. In any way they can. As in, donating items, giving money, or giving time. Especially for the holidays. This year was no different.

The kiddos enjoyed berry pancakes. Everything had to be red, white, and blue. The kitchen also set up a cookie decorating station. We had crafts. And at noon, DJ J came to broadcast live. Let's just say, he brought the party! Kids were dancing all around. And we had a BBQ.

We convinced the kiddos to chill in the afternoon. Naps, movies, and overall down time. But by the evening, we were back to BBQ-ing. DJ J was still there. He was supposed to go DJ at a club. Instead, he hung out with all of us. Oh, and Ol' Blue Eyes was doing a MAW at our hospital. The kiddos were so excited!

But the best, was after dark. We figured out what kids would stay on the "Play Deck," which would stay inside, and who would get to go on the roof. People were moving around. Getting kids were they needed to be.

Everyone was over the moon! Berry sundaes were delivered. And we waiting on the fireworks. The city really delivered. 5 separate fireworks displays! The kiddos "ooood ad ahhed" until almost midnight! The fireworks were amazing!

And as we wheeled kids back to their rooms, all they could talk about was the day. BBQs, flags, and fireworks. It's nice to give them, a bit of the "normal" life, that they usually miss out on.

Seeing all of this, it makes me grateful. Grateful that I am doing a job, that really makes a difference. God has guided me here. To do good. To make these kids feel better. To make the world a better place.

Some days, I wonder why I'm in this field. It can be so hard. And heartbreaking. Literally, heartbreaking. When we lose a patient, it's like losing a family member. It's tough to see all the suffering. But days like this, make it all worth while. If only, we could give the kiddos, more of their childhood back. ♫

Yes We Can!!!

If you are frustrated with government and all that jazz, get up and vote. Yes, go vote! I don't belong to a party. I made that decision almost 9 years ago. I grew up in a "Democratic" state. And in a "Republican" home. Politics were always around me. Always! My parents liked to do things with their party. Like going door to door spreading the word about their politicians. Yes, I spent many, many days in political rallies and such.

But today, today is about voting. About getting out and making a change. Take a few minutes out and go vote. Yes, go vote! I did. And if I was able to vote, everyone should be able. Honestly, I sat in the corner and coughed the entire time I voted. Was so unattractive. But I HAD to vote!

I voted for people that I believe in. Some that I actually know personally. But people that have the same beliefs, morals, and values as me. I'm ready. Ready for change in my state and country. We'll find out tonight what's going to happen. But I'm hopeful. ♫

I Heart Boobies

It's October 1st. And a Friday at that. Which means, pink shirts and jeans. Yes, here at the hospital, we are big supporters of October. And all that it stands for in the medical community. Because we HEART women, and boobies. :)



Cases and cases of these amazing bracelets were delivered. And lots of events have been planned. We're ready. Everyday we see and meet women battling Breast Cancer. But this month, we get to celebrate them. And help the fight. We're spreading the word. And I hope that you join us in wearing pink every Friday this month! ♫

Judging

Today is another long day of judging. The 2nd day for us. I'm a judge at our local State Fair. For school, we are assigned judging responsibilities. And yesterday, I spent my day tasting cookies, pie, honey, jams, and tons of baked goods.

It's always fun. But by the end of the day, you don't want to look at food. But you're usually hungry. Because you haven't really had a meal. Or any kind of "real food." But like I said, we always have a good time. I've been doing this for a few years. So I'm one of the "Finalist Judges." Which is a lot easier than working through all the entries. You only taste the top entries from each category.

And to be honest, our local State Fair is a lot more fun than the large one in my hometown. It's a lot smaller, and only 5 days long. But there is something about a small town fair. It makes you feel like you're back in the 1950s. And in my opinion, it makes my toes curl with happiness and excitement! ♫

Newspapers

I'm pretty sure I got my LOVE of reading newspapers from my Tatie. I spent so much time with my grandparents growing up. And folks, they read the newspaper every single day.

But it was my Tatie, that really got me interested in the newspaper. We'd sit at the kitchen table reading. Every afternoon, we'd read the newspaper. I was little. Maybe 5 years old. And I can still remember it so clearly.

These days, I read at least 5 newspapers a day! I know. It's a bit crazy. But I read the New York Times, the USA Today, and at least 3 local newspapers. Sometimes I read the Mexican paper and my school newspaper. Yes, I'm a bit obsessed. But they're free at school. And I'm learning so much. Besides, I really do enjoy reading the paper. ♫