My insomnia has been really bad lately. ~Not that it bothers me too terrible bad. It's not like I'm a walking zombie throughout the day. Yeah, I haven't quite figured out *WHY* I'm not a walking zombie throughout the day.......
When Jeff works the night shift (6pm -7 am), I fully expect to be awake until the wee hours of the morning. For whatever reason, I'm up. He worked a night shift last night .... he works one again tonight.... and then again tomorrow night ~yay for me!
I blame it on my 40th birthday.
Five years ago my sleep patterns changed. Although describing them as having "changed" may be putting it too mildly. It was more like they dried up completely.
So yeah, I go to bed between 3:00 am and 5:30 am; Jeff walks into the bedroom between 8:00 & 8:30; I get out of bed shortly after that; go down to the kitchen and happily pour myself a cup of coffee. :) ( In spite of everything, I'm still a morning person.)
And the day marches on into evening and I repeat the cycle all over again. I don't nap during the day because I'm not tired.
But I am often goofy..... Occasionally distracted..... At times grumpy..... But for the most part, pretty happy.....
In any case, this isn't normal. But there it is ~ And here I am (12:57 am)
During Last night's sleeplessness, I watched videos and read segments of the debate between Christopher Hitchens and Doug Wilson. I also ordered their recently released DVD, "COLLISION". :) (Ha! ~sounds like a plug)
Apologetics have always fascinated me. And especially Theological debates. But "COLLISION" is more of a philosophical debate. Mr. Hitchens is an Atheist. (A brilliant and committed one, for sure) In one of the DVD clips, Doug Wilson tries to coax Mr. Hitchens into admitting that his atheistic and evolutionary worldview provides no basis for his moral outrage towards Christians (He thinks religion, and especially Christianity, is poisonous and therefore dangerous)
Mr. Wilson made the case that if we are, as Darwinists say we are, just animals in the process of adapting to our environment; Hunks of protoplasm at varying stages of development; then we have no complaint against injustices. We are nothing more than animals thrown together in this struggle to survive..... In the Evolutionary Model, there is no universal code of conduct; no moral directive and ultimately no Supreme Authority to judge those who would break such codes if there were any to break. Atheists must borrow their moral presuppositions from the Judeo-Christian faith.
And borrow it, they do. In their quest to prove they can live a moral life apart from God and God's word ~They. must. ~ borrow it.
Anyway, Christopher Hitchen's reluctant reply is that "we" simply do. Somehow humans have a collective understanding of what is right and what is wrong.
-End of story-
Except that we aren't in agreement about morals ~specifically~ .... which is why we have laws; and why there are political disagreements on the nature of what is right and wrong. And whether certain behaviors are natural, and moral and should therefore be made legal.
He never adequately answers the question, which is surprising. I've heard Mr. Hitchens comment in interviews that the Christian tenet of redemption is particularly offensive to him. How arrogant of those who call themselves "believers" to assert that God came down from heaven and sacrificed himself in the bloodiest way to save us from our (perceived) sins!!!!
BTW, It IS interesting that even in his unbelieving state he is astounded by the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice and His overwhelming Grace. Still from his unredeemed perspective it's the heighth of conceit.
And I would completely agree with him....... if it WERE a story that Christians contrived. ~But it isn't.
I asked Jeff if I could start a political blog. He looked a little confused and said, "Isn't that what you do already?" ;) I don't know if it would appeal to anyone but it would sure occupy my insomnolent hours. Does anybody Have any suggestions for names?
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Some pictures from the weekend:
Ben and Ian started "football" this past weekend. Their first practice was Sunday. Jeff was working but 3 of their brothers, a friend and little sister Shiv came with ~
Mom took pictures :)
Ben melted my heart when he blew me several kisses from the field. Not sure how long those PDAs will last. He may need to preserve that tough guy image of his (?)
The name of their team is "The Bone Crushers". ~I know. A bit theatrical..... especially for flag football. ;)
During the practice, Siobhan asked me if she could play with some of the kids that were there. I said, yes of course. I really love and appreciate my son Jay and his first born; protective; cautious and caring heart. He watched her very closely the whole time she played with them.....
I was just 15 feet away, but he has always been very protective of his Mom and sisters.
What the boys lack in skill they make up for in enthusiasm. So we started practice after school today. We worked on drills for about 45 minutes. They were already showing some improvement by the end of our practice session. Jeff was resting from his shift the night before, but came out towards the end and started his own practice session. They loved it!
I asked Ben if he meant to stick out his tongue in this pic. It's not like him to goof around. ~ He said, "No. Hey! I was sticking my tongue out?" Our family does funky things when we have a camera stuck in our faces. So Yeah, I'm rethinking the whole "Group" Christmas photo shoot, for sure.
Plus, it's difficult to get them to stand still for very long.
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Romans 13:7
Tomorrow is a special day for many Americans. Americans serving in the Armed Forces who have chosen to serve this nation and have dedicated their lives to serving their country and it's people..... for the ultimate cause of freedom.
My husband and I try to do something at this time every year to remind our children of the selflessness of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. ~I find that I need reminding myself every year :)
Many of our friends and family members have served their country. I know from being with these people that simple recognition and gratitude for what they've done means a lot to them. And most Americans are happy to give their thanks for what they recognize is not an easy task. Many who are active duty even now continue to perform their duties day in and day out in hostile regions while we here in the U.S. enjoy the luxury of debating the moral relevance of the wars they're fighting in.
I think of my uncles who served as young men in different theatres of operation during WWII. They immigrated to this country as young boys ,and as young men felt compelled to serve the country that welcomed them years earlier. Their attitude was mirrored by most young men of their day. Their generation was truly the greatest generation. These WWII veterans are dying at a rate of more than 1000 per day. They are a National Treasure.
To those who have served during the Korean, Vietnam, Afghanistan and both Iraq wars ..... and all those who served in time of peace, Thank-you!
If you're an American and you happen to see a veteran tomorrow, remember to thank them for their service! :)
I'm finally posting a link to the video we made of Muv and Boots (Jeff's parents) 50th Wedding Anniversary this past August. The video combines the pictures that Deb and I took while visiting Jeff's parent's house in the Blue Ridge mountains. A fun weekend together with all the family..... Grandparents, sisters and cousins
** And on another Grandparent note**
My Mom is being released from the Physical Rehab facility on the 18th of this month. She went into the hospital unable to communicate or walk and requiring oxygen 24/7. She now walks without assistance and is completely off O2. The Doctors & therapists are amazed at her recovery and the gains that she's made since her stroke no less than 2 months ago.
In spite of those gains, she's not able to live on her own just yet. She's accepted our offer to come live with us. :) Everyone is looking forward to having her here!
Thank-you again, everyone, for the prayers you offered on my Mom's behalf.
Love you ~ALL~ Dear Brothers and Sisters-in-Christ!!
I get this way when drug addicts with PCP in their systems come into the ER threatening to KILL my husband because he refused to give them drugs the night before.
....... and I get slightly more upset when the drug addict is discharged!!!!!!!!
........ without calling the police; mental health services; OR my husband who happens to be arriving in less than one hour for his shift...... IN. THE. DARK!
......... All I have to say is God bless our nurses! ~They had enough sense to WARN him before coming to work.
Having drug addicts threaten to kill Jeff or our family isn't too unusual. Most of the time we shrug it off. More often than not they are addicted to narcotics (downers) and haven't held a job in forever. I've dismissed them as too lazy to work up enough energy to pull off anything as ambitious as revenge. Most of the time they're just trying to manipulate the doctor into capitulating. It could be a Dumb assumption, but so far so good.
but in this case: THE GUY WAS ON PCP for crrrrrrrrrying out LOUD!!!!
WARNING: Medical Staff who think that aggressive drug seeking patients just need a big dose of "liberal" compassion and a prescription for narcotics should be considered VERY DANGEROUS!
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What is happening to this country????
Are Liberal politicians presenting the American people with facts or are they hoping to create division ?
~Creating discontent for the purpose of acquiring more political power?
Honestly, I wish I could challenge anyone who supports the proposed healthcare legislation to spend ONE WEEK in the ER with my husband. My guess is that they'd be pullin' their hair out before the week was over. Here's something to consider: Think of the most demanding person in your life. Now multiply their irritation level by 10......
~ emmmmmm, maybe more like 20.
Now imagine seeing 5 or 6 of these people each & every time you go to work. Here's the thing. If you don't give them what they ask for (in this case drugs), you'll likely be called every obscene name possible.
You may ask, why not give them some Dilaudid and send them on their way? ..... a few doctors do just that. But Drug addicts tend to see multiple doctors and have multiple scripts filled throughout the month. In the case of tonight's crazy man, he had had a script for 30 Vicodin filled the day before he saw my husband. Since he was alive and able to make it into the ER today, he's likely using the drugs as well as selling them.
Hopefully not to kids.
But let me dispel some myths propagated by individuals (in positions of power) who ought to know better...... and trust me, these politicians DO know better.
MYTH #1. Individuals not insured don't have access to healthcare.
WRONG: I'm not talking about Free Healthcare Clinics either. Free clinics provide vaccines and routine/ non emergent care. I'm talking about every patient that presents to the Emergency Room for ANY reason at all, WILL be treated regardless of their ability to pay. Period!!
EMTALA law requires that the ER physician treat everyone. ALL DOCTORS "on call" must treat presenting patients. That includes Physicians of every specialty: Surgeons (even plastic surgeons); Internists; Cardiologists..... etc.
If you're having a stroke or heart attack ~ you are treated
If you've been in an accident and need surgery ~you are treated
If you've mangled your hand and a plastic surgeon is on call ~you are treated.
MYTH #2. Minorities and the poorest of the poor are the least likely to receive services.
WRONG: Large trauma hospitals are located in the inner cities. More people= larger; better equipped hospitals.
Minorities live mostly in large cities. The hospitals available to them have a wider range of Specialists and services. If you get shot, you're chances of survival are greater if you're in a city like Chicago. If you're in a smaller town with a smaller hospital, you run into more difficulty.
For instance, If you're shot (or experience any trauma) in a rural setting, the transport time is greater. Once you make it to the smaller (rural) Emer. Dept. they're going to transfer you to the facility best capable of handling your injuries. Those hospitals are in and around big cities........ Meanwhile time is ticking. In trauma and cardiac emergencies, Time = Life
MYTH #3. Doctors do unnecessary tests & procedures to make extra cash.
WRONG: Doctors "over-test" their patients because of liability. If you come into the ER and complain of a raging head ache, you may find yourself being threaded through the CAT scan machine within the hour. My husband tests THE TAR out of patients who present with pain of "undetermined origin". The reason? If you're a doctor and you don't test adequately (read: A TON),
YOU. WILL. BE. SUED., eventually.
Overly litigious people and unscrupulous lawyers are responsible for higher mal-practice premiums. This is another reason the cost of healthcare continues to rise for those who pay (important point)
You are also paying more because anywhere from 20% to 50% of patients don't pay their bills at all. Bill collection varies based on the area the hospitals are located. Typically the bigger the city; the lower the collection rate. The last 10 years has seen E.D. s in Florida and in some areas of California with a high illegal immigrant population shut down due to lack of payment.
One hundred years ago Americans would never have considered not paying their personal debt. The past 60 years has seen the growth of government along with the growth of entitlement programs. And gradually some Americans began to feel...... Entitled. ~Can't pay it? Not a problem. I won't!
Medical costs get passed on to those who will pay and hospitals/doctors that "eat" the cost.
Most recently our President suggested that some doctors perform procedures that aren't really necessary. That's just bologna! He's suggesting nothing short of malpractice ~ Performing unnecessary surgery is a law suit waiting to happen. Most doctors do whatever they can to avoid going to court.
Also, Have you ever tried to get a regular doctor for you or your family? Did you need a referral from another doctor? Did you have to wait a few weeks before you could get a routine appointment? It's because their practices are busy. In other words, they don't need to create work. It's already there.
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perspective it's the heighth of conceit.
I asked Ben if he meant to stick out his tongue in this pic. It's not like him to goof around.
~ My favorite veteran ♥
