Summer Gratitude 2019

Hello from the hot summer in Colorado. I just got back from a vacation with my family. I attached my recent pictures down to my graduation. I finally finished my bachelor's in nursing. I had an associate degree for many years but not I can officially say I am a bit smarter. :)

Look at me hanging out with the stars in Los Angeles, California, the wax museum, that is.

A visit to California is not complete without the scene of the Pacific Beach. Here we are in San Diego with the water warm enough, we could actually go wading comfortably.

Paul and I are back in Colorado shopping at the farmer's market. 

The other pictures are with my family in California for a mini-reunion. 

I can't help but notice that sign on the white truck in La Jolla, "People are important." Yes, indeed, no matter what race or color, I should add. 

 More beach pictures. Can you spot the seals and sea lions?

And look at how we positioned ourselves in the picture as a family? We did not plan that special line up.

And here are more family pictures. I have to post a picture of my grandson. He is now 4 months old. The last one is, of course, my graduation day before I headed to a much-needed vacation. 

Time with Family and Friends

Indoor fun times with son and grandson +

Hello. It is the month of July. I have not blogged for a while. I did have thought about writing many times. I did not get into sitting down and writing my thoughts and gratitude in this medium. I did have a few entries in my planner. I have many reasons to give thanks for especially to the friends and family around me.

We are social human beings. Most of my gratitude links to family and friends—the time I spend with them and the time they lent to me. They are precious and cannot be bought by money. This includes a hike with daughter and our dogs — no money spent on shopping. OK, we did stop by Starbucks on the way home to pick up cold caffeinated drinks and some Puppy-ccino for free. They are whipped cream for the doggies in a cup.

I have a new (and only) grandchild. He is three months old, so tiny, precious, and bubbly. He would give me his little smiles and make baby sounds that I think means, “hi grandma.” We with his parents went to the mall last week as the park was not an option. It was raining outside. We had a good time, just the same. We got in for free as my little grandchild was less than a year old. Parents and grandparents get in for free with a child! “We” got to play in an indoor playscape with inflatable slides and foam-floored crawling areas with large puzzles and colors everywhere.

My grandson was looking around. He seemed amazed by the beautiful colors. My son, the dad, commented, “this is so nice.” He was referring to the time in general in the mall on a slow day, pushing little Josiah around in a stroller while stopping at some interesting shops. The restrooms are just there close by ready for a quick diaper change. They played some games and earned little toys for Josiah. We ended the day with dinner in a Mexican restaurant right in the store.

Fun times outdoors with family

In the fourth of July, we get to see spectacular fireworks in the city. My kids have plans on their own, but Paul and I went and had a good time snacking and watching the show. We are glad the fare was controlled. Each entrance had a checkpoint checking bags. Alcohol was sold inside, but nobody could take them out. Police were around just in case. It was clean fun with no crazies getting drunk and causing trouble.

That night ended with heavy rain. I had a poncho and did not get very wet. Paul, who refused to bring one got soaked with cold rain. He did regret his stubbornness. LOL.

Speaking off us people wanting to spend time with others, I would like to mention about my nursing group. We are getting together this coming Saturday for wine tasting. Every month Philippine Nurses Association of Colorado get together for fundraising, social time, or meeting. I once heard from my college professor in dental assisting that whatever specialty you have or profession, look for an excellent group to belong to. And do not just sign up. Participate. Contribute. Make a difference. Being part of a functional group gives more meaning to your profession.

One of the groups I pick (in nursing) is the PNACO. We do more than volunteering our time; we spend fun times together. This group of educated people inspires me to continue serving as a nurse, paid, or unpaid. Nursing is hard, but each day I see reasons to continue doing what I do. It is not all about money but the happiness it gives me knowing I touch someone’s life every day.

If you can, and if you are a nurse or nursing student in Colorado, you can join us in Denver for wine tasting this coming Saturday. Just contact me if you are coming.