Intimate Family

Saying Goodbye

2011-03-02T09:02:00.004-05:00

Well, sort of.I've had a hard time bringing myself in creating this post. There are so many factors that come into play regarding this topic that funneling them was more challenging than I expected.I'll start with desperately wanting to see 2010 flee from my existence. Unlike most individuals that dread the seasonal changes from warm summer months to brutal cold winters, I actually embrace the

Time Out or Tough Love?

2010-11-01T08:30:00.005-04:00

I have spent most of my career as a Psychiatric nurse studying a menagerie of diagnoses, disorders and addictions. I used to believe in these labels hung on individuals for justifying their behavior or poor choices. Recently however, I’m being challenged in these labels. I believe our culture is witnessing a generation of children growing to believe that their behavior can always be justified in

Prevention

2010-10-29T09:12:00.007-04:00

I've been reading statements from a few of my friends on Facebook about a nasty flu-like virus flailing around the Western Pennsylvania area, desperately seeking relief from their symptoms. While I don't have advice for the current state there in, I do have a tip to ward off those pesky viruses floating around in the future.A few years ago a coworker told me about the benefit of apple cider

Karma

2010-10-19T08:51:00.002-04:00

I receive many emails like most of you do. Funny stories, pictures of babies with puppies, breast cancer awareness, political and personal accounts that somewhere along the line most of us can relate to. There is one email that has disturbed my foundation more than any sent to me. So much so, that it convicts me almost on a daily basis.A man sat quietly on the subway, emotionless and uninvolved

My Apologies

2010-06-17T09:11:00.003-04:00

Recently I've encountered some criticism related to a few of my posts. I'm sure that every new writer has some kind of internal conflict after receiving comments from critics, so I too am trying to filter my attitude regarding this subject. Hopefully some of my writing readers will have some good advice or insight in response. Until then, here are a few thoughts, take 'em or leave 'em......I

Acceptance = FREEDOM

2010-05-12T11:12:00.007-04:00

So I hope I had you all wondering about the follow up to the "Clarity" post I wrote recently. If you're just stopping by to this site, you might want to read Clarity, before going any further.Onto the story!A few nights after my trampoline escapade, my husband & I were sitting on the couch after a long day of yard work was put in. All the children were tucked nicely in their beds, sound asleep. I

Needful Things

2010-05-07T11:03:00.003-04:00

Last night was yet another difficult night for me because due to some unknown reason I've been having severe back pain while sleeping therefore, I get very little of it. So this morning getting up earlier than I usually do, I headed for the coffee pot that had just started brewing. My husband, always awake before me, lovingly makes the coffee so it's ready when I need it. This particular morning

An Ode to Mother's

2010-05-04T18:49:00.006-04:00

Sadly I almost forgot that this weekend is Mother's Day. So instead of writing about the follow up to finding "Clarity" on the trampoline (and believe me,....do I have a whopper of a story to that one), I knew I had to write about the most endearing creature to walk the earth. MOMS.Now before I pay such tribute to moms , please know that there are many fathers out there who have had to take a

Clarity

2010-04-26T14:13:00.004-04:00

It's been a long time since I've been at peace with my blog. I am taking the time now, as I have to force myself these days from my daily whirlwind.To update you, I've taken on a new job. Certainly different from the prison nursing venue, but a desire I have had for some time. I am finally able to to act as a nurse for which I intended. To care, empathize, and coach people with needs that go well

Valentine's Day Ideas

2010-02-02T10:16:00.006-05:00

Valentine's Day is FAST approaching & it's time to start thinking of ways to show your loved one's how much they mean to you! For some people this may be more of a hassle than a warm fuzzy event, but no fear,.... hopefully this weeks post will help generate the LOVE BUG inside of you!Let's address the love-challenged individuals first:Men OR women out there who have difficulty finding creative

Predators VS Children

2010-01-29T08:46:00.008-05:00

I've been sitting on this subject for a while now, but it's time to post it. I think because it's a difficult subject for any parent to deal with, and what parent wants to talk about predators to their children? Unfortunately it's a harsh reality how many predators share the same atmosphere with our kids. Although there is plenty of information for parents to educate themselves & their children,

Intimate Violence

2010-01-27T09:59:00.007-05:00

I remember watching a commercial a few years ago, where a couple in an apartment hears pounding, yelling & crying between another couple in the apartment above them. They glance at each other in regret. Sadness fills their eyes, yet they do nothing. Such a powerful message. Unfortunately, violence & abusive relationships are a reality, and I think that it is an issue that needs to be acknowledged

Resolutions

2010-01-05T09:45:00.005-05:00

Ok people, how many of you have made a New Year's resolution in your life? Now let me ask, how many of those resolutions have you kept? I understand all to well the answers come as no surprise that we rarely stick to resolutions. So let's try a different approach this year. Instead of resolutions, how about committing to a change in your lifestyle as you now know it? Although it may sound to

Chapters

2009-12-30T16:40:00.000-05:00

People have told me that I should write a book about my life. I have fancied the idea on one or more occasions, but can't muster the courage to make an attempt. I have found recently however, that my "life" truly parallels chapters of a brilliant novel. As I sit here in transition from Part I of my book to Part II, I reflect on the chapters of my recent past, caught up in the mystic yet

The Art of Caring

2009-12-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

Oh how I've missed my readers!!!!! For anyone who may not be aware, or questioned my blogging absence, my apologies. The past two months my family and I have made a significant move from New Mexico to Pennsylvania. As most of it ran smoothly, it has not been a less than hectic transition. I am forcing myself away from the unpacking & organizing to post what has been poking at my heart the past

Love Your Lymph's!

2009-10-15T12:54:00.000-04:00

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I thought I would let the nurse in me educate my readers about the importance of lymph nodes. If you're not certain about what they are, lymph nodes are tiny nodules found throughout the body and are an important part of your immune system. This is how cancer cells can quickly spread through the body once it enters the lymphatic system. So taking care of

Sex IS Important!

2009-10-06T00:04:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the absence everyone. There have been some significant life changes happening to me and my family lately that will prove to be quite the adventure in the next few weeks ahead. But I'm back with what I think is an extremely important topic: SEX! So without further ado, let's get down to business! Sex IS important! Let me repeat that. It is SO important, and before I go any further let

Your Kid Is Bent!

2009-09-15T18:00:00.000-04:00

A few days ago my husband and I were talking about our 3 youngest children and how all of their personalities differ. We were able to pick out specific traits and characteristic the we hope forecast what they may be like as they grow into adulthood. In our quiet time together, we discuss how we can help mold our children into what we as parents would like them to be. A common topic I suppose

Fun Family Traditions

2009-09-06T14:26:00.000-04:00

With the holiday seasons quickly approaching, most of us become so caught up in the hustle & bustle of events that before you know it, they're all over leaving us wondering, "what just happened & did I do anything memorable with my family"?For years, I myself have been pondering starting a family tradition with my own children and I've only come up with one. I decided that on Mother's Day, I

What's Your Love Language?

2009-08-30T15:23:00.000-04:00

When my husband and I were dating (and I say that loosely since we had a long distance relationship), our "dating" consisted of a ritual nightly telephone call, where we developed a beautiful non-physical intimate relationship.I had just bought the book "The Five Love Languages", by Gary Chapman suggesting to my new beau that he do the same. We decided to read a chapter daily, then discuss each

Treat The Cause!

2009-08-24T14:54:00.000-04:00

I recently left my job as a prison nurse, working with psychotic inmates. As interesting as my days were, I've been directed to seek other interests in my career. I do however, reflect on the experience I've gained working in a prison. Recently, I was thinking about a question I had asked the medical director on the psychiatric unit. "Are we just treating the symptoms of these people, or are we

Sing It With Me!....

2009-08-18T10:45:00.000-04:00

"It's the most wonderful time of the year"........I know, it's not Christmas time, but it IS, kids' going back to school time! Yes, I admit, I've been carrying that tune around for days. Yet as I sing it with joy, I feel a myriad of other emotions.Fear & excitement!"Fear & excitement", what a pair. Fear about the unknown, and excitement for what is to come.As adults, we have already experienced

The Importance Of "Me Time"

2009-08-10T12:19:00.000-04:00

Years ago, I had a good friend tell me that she and her husband gives each other "me time". I was curious about that concept and had her explain in detail. Basically, they gave each other one night a week that they could spend however they wanted. It was a few hours they could get away from the pressure and responsibilities of everyday life. My friend told me she would make herself leave the

Taming the Tongue

2009-08-02T18:54:00.000-04:00

Not too long ago while teaching a 1st grade Sunday school class, I had given each of these 6 & 7 year olds a travel sized tube of toothpaste. "Are we going to learn how to keep our teeth clean", one student asked. "Oh no, we are going to learn something much more important", I stated. The first thing I had the children do was squeeze all the toothpaste out of the tube onto a paper plate. Squeals

Is It Ever Ok To Fake An Orgasm?

2009-07-23T16:16:00.000-04:00

Unequivocally, the answer is NO!Now, let me first address that it is usually the women that fake their orgasms, for a multitude of reasons, but more and more men are doing it as well.Let me explain why this is such a problem. First of all, it's a lie. You are making your partner believe that they are pleasuring you in the most passionate, loving, intimate way. When faking a climax, your leading