One of the challenges of living in a new area is learning the network of roads and streets. Here, you can add the challenge of circular intersections, also called roundabouts. These do not typically exist in Texas and I have had very little experience with them. I find them confusing and intimidating. My usual reaction to them is to “freeze up” when I come to the intersection. I know there is a certain simplicity to them, but my brain seems to sabotage me. I am hoping to conquer these by the time I leave.
We went for a drive today to visit a lighthouse (I plan to visit as many as I can while we are here). It was a beautiful day with cool temperatures and a very bright sun, the perfect day to drive with the windows down and the top open. Even better, it was the perfect trip to do it. The speed limit was low and the road followed a river all the way to the coast. The views were beautiful and I was reminded once again why this traveling lifestyle just fits. I find so much joy in the ability to sight-see and explore at a leisurely pace instead of rushed within a week long vacation.
We are expecting a heat wave this week. The temperatures are expected to reach the high 90’s. I don’t have an air conditioner in my apartment so I am not sure what to expect. In Texas, this would be unbearable but when I was in the high desert, it wasn’t. It is to be determined what it will feel like here.
Everything is running smoothly at the facility, I am working with a terrific administrator and team. We are celebrating our CNA’s this week and I am so excited to be a part of a team that is willing to contribute their time to truly celebrate our CNA’s. Everyone is “pitching in” to make sure that they know how valuable they are and how much we appreciate them. To all CNA’s – It’s easy to feel invisible, unnoticed, and dismissed in a very crowded world, especially healthcare. I appreciate you and all of your contributions to patient care. You are worthy of more than just a one week celebration, but I hope your week is special!
Wookie had his first day at work on Friday! He was fabulous, of course. Everyone was amazed at his calmness and professionalism. He made a tour of the facility, meeting with each patient/resident, and performing all of his tricks (pat-a-cake, giving 5, giving 10, saying please, walking on his hind legs). But the best “trick” of all is his ability to provide meaningful interaction. Wookie has a special ability to make direct eye contact with everyone he meets. Most dogs do not do this with each other or strangers because to them, it can convey dominance or aggression. They will save this action for their own humans as a way to show trust and affection -an understated “I love you”. But Wookie shares his “I love you” with everyone he meets. A visible transformation occurs when he is with the patients/residents. I will never grow tired of watching him do his “magic”.
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