Fictional Findings Discussed

I am a book fanatic. When I am in my “reading zone” I shant be disturbed or interrupted for any reason . . . it takes away from the impact of the words I have just processed. My family can attest to my reaction should one try to interrupt my rumination.
The written word is a powerful thing. . . It can transport one from the “real world” into a world of excitement, fantasy, dread and anticipation . . . that is also why one must be extremely careful in what they read. It is a dangerous thing to get caught up living through and in the fictional findings of literature and forget to live your own life which can be just as exciting and fulfilling (if not more so). With that being said, there are only a handful of things that I find more enjoyable than curling up on the sofa, in front of a fireplace, with a fuzzy throw blanket and a cup of hot coco reading a wonderful novel. Whether it is mystery, murder and intrigue (I would recommend Mary Higgins Clark), love, life and trust (Nicholas Sparks), thrilling with a medical perspective (Robin Cook), or one of the good ol’time classics (Lord of the Rings, Gone with the Wind, Jane Austen, Little Women, etc), I find pleasure and enjoyment in most everything I read. . . . . .which leads me to the purpose of this post. I have just finished reading the third book in a wonderful series, in my opinion, written by Christopher Paolini. The fourth book in the Inheritance Cycle will not be released for some time and I am currently looking for more literature with which to satiate my cravings. The readings must be worthwhile with wholesome content and highly recommended. Has there ever been a book or series that you have read that has changed the way you view something or has had some sort of impact on your life??? or maybe it was just a great read and you would recommend it to others? If so, please let me know :-) Feel free to comment and post on your favorite pieces of literature and why you would recommend them. . . . it will not only help me immensely, but also others who might be in the same quandary as I.

As for myself, I would recommend all of the above books and series as well books written by Francine Rivers (Mark of the Lion series is incredible!), The Count of Monte Cristo (written by Alexander Dumas), and some of Frank Peretti’s creations. I know there are many more that I have read and would recommend but at the present have slipped my mind.

Nurses, Think Twice. . .

Crabby Old Man

What do you see nurses? . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, . . . not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . . . with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . . . . . . and makes no reply
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not . . . . . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . . . . . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . . you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am, . . . . . . . . as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . . as I eat at your will
I'm a small child of Ten . . . . . . . with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . . . . who love one another

A young boy of Sixteen . . with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty. . . . . .My heart gives a leap.
Remembering the vows . . . . . . that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . . . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . And a secure happy home.

A man of Thirty . . . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . . . . . With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . . . . . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, . Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . . My loved one and me .

Dark days are upon me . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . . . . .. . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . And the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . . . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age. . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . . . . . . grace and vigor, depart.

There is now a stone . . . . . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . . A young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . . . . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years . all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . . . . . that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, people . . . . . . open and see.. Not a crabby old man . Look closer . . . see . . . . . . . ME!!

~author unknown

The Annual Shot! Do you have it??

The Flu season is here!! Have you received your flu shot yet?? I got mine today while at work. . . I have to admit it was slightly painful and left my arm a little sore, but I figure it will be well worth the inconvenience and pain if it will perhaps protect me from illness and several days of missed work. I, along with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommend that everyone receive a yearly flu vaccination. Here are some interesting facts I compiled from the CDC website:

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

Every year in the United States, on average:
• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
• more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications
• about 36,000 people die from flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Symptoms of flu include:
• fever (usually high)
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• dry cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

It is recommended that everyone recieve the vaccine, but especially high risk populations such as people over 50 years old, pregnant women, and health care workers.

Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. They include:
• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
• People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously.
• Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group).
• People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.

CDC Flu Website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/