Our first anniversary

Today is our first anniversary. One year ago right now, I. and I were married. Our ceremony began at 5pm. I. was waiting for me at the beginning of the aisle and I was waiting to enter from a side room in the church. Right before I stepped out of the side room, I. and I looked at each other and it all became real. We had a great time and have since then. I love you, Sweetie. Happy first anniversary.

And thank you to my sister for the lovely bouquet.

the right to vote

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

- 19th Amendment to the Constitution

While listening to NPR's discussion of the DNC's convention on my drive to work this morning, the commentator mentioned that Hillary Clinton would be addressing the delegates tonight. This is noteworthy not only because of who she is but also because today is the 88th anniversary of the certification of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the Constitution, which guaranteed women the right to vote.

There are, of course, varied opinions of Hillary Clinton. Regardless of what you think of her, the fact that a (relatively) short 88 years after women were given the right to vote a woman was a serious contender for the Presidency of the United States, is remarkable.

The world has certainly changed for women since 1920 in many ways. In some parts of the world (some very close to home) women are still treated sub-humanly (here, here and here) - there is much farther for us to go. Let us take a minute to celebrate tonight and remember those who got us here - thank you and you and all of you.

Slow progress on my clothespin dolls

Just a beautiful weekend, weather-wise. Perfect today, although they said there might be showers, there is not a cloud in the sky. I'm listening to the low hum of the bugs, a bird chipping and watching the slight breeze blow the browning grass. I can smell the sweet smell of the Japanese beetle trap. Such a lovely late summer day

I've been working on the clothes pin doll kit I ordered from Alicia in March and just today finished the painting work. Next up is the sewing which is not my strength. I originally intended to have them finished for the summer but now it looks like they'll be autumn country girls!

Itchy foot

Not mine (lucky for both me and you), but Jack's. What seems like forever ago now, he started to chew on his feet. Then it was just his left, front foot. I believe the original cause was allergies since foot chewing appears to be a common symptom of allergies (inhalant) in dogs. But it became an obsessive thing for him to do and he managed to get it very raw and painful. My mom took him to the vet and she concurred with the treatment we were using, Benadryl and hydrocortisone cream. This helped but he would still chew on it even right after we put cream on it. Then, a miracle happened.

My mom gave us a bottle of Dermacool HC spray that she had used on their dog, Rosie. As soon as we sprayed it on his foot, Jack stopped chewing on it. Like, immediately. Really, immediately. We're still giving him Benadryl twice a day and use the Dermacool as needed but he is much better now. I think that the Dermacool is so soothing that he forgets about his foot for a little while. And then, by not chewing on it, it doesn't hurt him so he doesn't chew on it. It's a circle.

Trying to stay up for the Olympics men's basketball final but I'm not sure I'm going to make it. I'm almost asleep now...

Acupuncture

It's been a week since my most recent acupuncture appointment and I'm feeling great. Since 2005 I have been having problems with my sinuses - infections and all that good stuff. After seeing two ENTs and my PCP several times and a couple of Urgent Care Clinic visits I decided to try acupuncture. The MDs didn't offer any treatment suggestions outside of allergy medication (which I already take), antibiotics, and surgery, none of which seems like viable options. A friend recommended an acupuncturist about an hour away and so I set up an appointment.

My first appointment was about a year and a half ago and I go every 2 months or so. I can't tell you how much better I feel. I've switched to an acupuncturist closer to home who I really like and whose treatments are more effective for me. Initially I was combining Traditional Chinese Medicine with acupuncture but now I'm managing my sinus issues with just acupuncture alone. I've really taken note of how much better I feel since my most recent treatment and I think it just makes good sense for me to have a treatment every 6 weeks or so. In addition, during my last appointment I mentioned to my acupuncturist that I was having a lot of pain in one of my leg muscles. She treated that area as well and the pain has decreased remarkably. It is not perfect but much, much better than before the treatment. I can't recommend acupuncture enough.

I'm suffering from an Olympic hang-over tonight, meaning I stayed up too late last night watching the Games. Not late enough to see the incredible win by the men's swimming relay team but too late nonetheless. Oooo, I think basketball might be on TV now - got to run!

Olympics

Wow, has it been great so far! The opening ceremonies were spectacular, both technically and aesthetically. Michael Phelps! The U.S. basketball team (go LeBron from Akron!)! Even the commercials are great. I. and I are watching the U.S. girls gymnastic team now. They're so young but so strong. Loving Natalie Coughlin, too. Best of luck to all!

Jack is having a sleep over at his Oona's tonight. He is a good boy and we miss him when he's at his Oona's but he has such a great time, it's well worth missing him for a couple of days. Here is a picture of our sweet Jack Boy. Sleep tight, Jack.

Hi again

Before I started in my current career track of HR, I was a speech-language pathologist working in long-term care centers. I enjoyed it but when insurance reimbursements changed, it became difficult to stay in the field. This, coupled with some frustration with the field itself, lead me to the change to HR. However, I still do speech therapy work on a per diem (as needed) basis for a national rehab company at some local long-term care facilities.

Today I was doing some work at a LTC center in a large-ish nearby city. It is frustrating to see the impersonal care that the staff sometimes give. This is not particular to this center as I am struck by this fact in many of the facilities I work in. I firmly believe that in order to improve the level of care, one of the first steps necessary is to increase the pay of the caregivers. It is hard, hard work especially when working with residents with dementia, and the low level of pay that the aides and the nurses receive does not begin to match the level of difficulty. Plus, if the pay was increased the required education and skills could also be increased.

I know that I am not the first person to suggest this and I also know that increasing pay would be just the tip of the iceberg. Something needs to be done though and maybe this would be a good first step.

If I'm not making much sense it's because I'm watching an Olympic beach volleyball tournament while blogging. Sorry.

Beautiful day today. The rain has stopped, briefly, and we were able to take everyone for a walk this morning. Happiness all around.