Tuesday, April 7, 2009, Nashville, TN., 5:25 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Sorry if I haven't written in here in a few days, but I have been incredibly busy.  With the family I have, it's somehow not surprising.

Add work to the mix, and you can pretty well guess how hectic my life is on a regular basis.  Seems the only relief I get is when I get up early in the morning (rise before four most mornings and don't get to bed until ten or 11 at night), or when my kids are away for whatever reason it may be.

I'm not complaining, mind you, but I would love to have a break from parenthood one of these days!  LOL

Now we have the Cantata staring at us in the face:  our first "performance" is on Friday, in only three more days.  We have been practicing hard; I think we have it just about nailed down now.  (I hope!  LOL)

The kids are off school this week; it's Easter break.  They won't rise from their beds until 11 or noon (or later).  More time to get things done around here on the days where I'm home; if not, Bill and my folks take charge of the troops. 

Speaking of kids, my daughter, Ronee', injured her eye yesterday afternoon:  one of the twins (Ian) accidentally poked her in the eye with his finger, scratching her cornea.  Her eye is all swollen, and you can see a little mark right by her pupil; it's her left eye. 

Bill took her to the emergency room; the doctor gave her some pain-numbing eye drops, examined her eye, and gave her some special eye drops (plus antibiotic drops), which she has to use three times a day.  He also gave her some pain medication if her eye really bothers her. 

She is going to be okay in a few days, but until then, she is to rest her eyes (no television, no writing in her journal [or doing her assignments from school], and definitely no computer time).  She will probably stay in her room or in her bed for the next several days, which means she won't be able to go to the Cantata rehearsals today, tomorrow, or Thursday.

(For the next few days, Ronee' has to wear a patch over her injured eye.  She looks like a pirate.  Argggh!!)

Poor Johnny was upset when his sister got injured:  he's afraid she's going to go blind.  We told him, "Not if we can help it; Dr. Emmons says she is going to be fine, although she has to take it easy for the next few days".

Johnny has been doing okay since his hospital stay; however, the possibility of his having a tube implanted (or a PICC line) seems more like an option.  He's just not gaining the needed weight:  he looks like a skeleton; his clothes literally hang on him.  He's bothered by it; he wishes he could gain weight, especially since he eats like a pig!  LOL

For example, Johnny can eat four pizzas or drink one 2 liter bottle of soda pop easily.  And that's after munching on chips, pretzels, or Cheetos!  LOL  I swear that boy is nothing but a bottomless pit!!  LOL

I am happy to say that Lightning and Darnell (her husband) have been working hard at getting along; since seeing their counselor, they've been striving to improve their marriage, which is easier on the two of them as well as their brood.

I pray it continues!

Steffi, Barbara, Richard, and my other college-aged kids got their mid-term grades:  all have been keeping their grades up; I am very proud of them!  I know college isn't easy (I know from experience!), but they are trying their best to study and get their assignments completed on time, even if it means forgoing their social life or doing the things they enjoy most.

I have been busy working; I will be looking forward to the time off later this week (I will be off on Friday through Monday, then return to work on Tuesday and work through Sunday). 

Most days are pretty good, but some have been hairy, especially when a patient unexpectedly crumps and then crashes and burns.  Then we have to work like he** to save them; most often we're successful, but we've lost a few, which puts a damper on our moods.

I've been working in the Med-ICU, which has been my "home" as of late.  Hopefully today I'll get assigned to go somewhere else, like, perhaps the ER; I love working the ER!  I also love working on the orthopedics floor or with the children/teens in pediatrics.

The weather here has been sunny alternating with stormy skies.  A few days ago we had some bad storms roll through here, including the threat of tornadoes; yet we got through it unscathed, thank goodness!  I hope we have an easier spring; it's been wild and wooly here; I pray this isn't a harbinger of things to come!

I am getting more and more discouraged with Obama, our president.  He doesn't seem to be delivering on his promises, and he's saying things that are angering the American people.  I am not crazy about him, and I think more and more people are feeling the same way.  I fear for our nation; times are getting worse and worse!

This is when I can say:   "Come, Lord Jesus!"  He can't come soon enough, in my opinion!!

And speaking of bad times, Italy experienced a powerful earthquake:  at last count, over 90 people perished, and thousands are reported as missing or injured.  I will have to pray for those dear people during this time of tragedy; they are going to need all the prayers (assistance) they can possibly get!!

Well, I am going to run along; have to be at work in an hour.  I will write in here again, probably on Easter Sunday or afterwards, when all of the Cantata excitement is overwith.  Until then, this is Louisiana saying God bless, and may you have a most joyous Resurrection Sunday!  Remember the cross; that's the REAL reason why we celebrate a holiday like Easter!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May.  :)