Panic at work is subsiding... so stressful since November 2008. Praying that things will stay a little even keel for a little while. I need to constantly say to myself that God is in control not me, though I think that I can try to control what people say, how they act just with a counseling, rewarding better behavior, educational classes and just down right getting in their face and telling them they better change or else. Not so as I have found out, and always the hard way.  When administration gets complaints this takes it out of my hands. And lately I have had so many people call or email me and drop by at work looking for jobs. At the present we will only hire the people with the best attitudes even if others have more experience. We can train the inexperienced factor but through the past 3 years in management I have come to realize that by the time high school is over with, the attitude has been ingrained, and most of the time, to the point of no return. I had this "Pollyanna" concept thinking that with a little love, understanding and guidance, any attitude could be changed for the good. I would still like to think this but alas only one person in the past three years has made a tremendous change for the better. Note to self "stop watching so many Disney movies"!!!

This next subject I would like to broach is the subject of the title... I am trying to find ways, as I am sure that there are many, to work amongst strong personalities; not offending them and keeping staff from being "stomped on", while not losing my integrity through all of this. If anyone of you have any good suggestions please share. I realize our world is full of conflict and some thrive on conflict but this "Gore" (what my granddaughter used to call a girl) does not. In fact, I used to run like a jack rabbit from any conflict. Then I started to try to be the peacemaker, you know the middle child syndrome or MCS. Well, in my mid-thirties while raising a husband and 4 children, working night shift and going to college I had to get rid of the "syndrome" in order to survive. For the most part I have maintained my distance from this MCS but it is extremely easy for this to invade my world if I don't watch it.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day as eldest son and daughter-in-love invited me over for a cookout. My hubby was in FL visiting his folks and assessing the severity of his father's quick decline in the world of Dementia. The weather was sunny, warm with chilly breezes; I was presented a beautiful arrangement that my DIL made with some florist flowers and beautiful roses from her yard also. Company and food were excellent. All in all one of those "thanking God to be on this earth today" days.

I thoroughly enjoyed having the house to myself. Well no human life just animal life. When I mentioned this, and quiet a few times, a few were appalled that I could say that. I really loved not having to accommodate anyones schedule or eating preferences, sleep times, etc. I woke up one night and was not able to go back to sleep so I vacuumed until I became tired again. Sounds simple or silly but it was a new thing for me and I REALLY liked it!!!

Trying to stay away from the consignment shop (see pic below of new to me, furnature but mine is red) and TJMax lately. I sometimes wish that I had disposable cash so I could buy gifts for my staff at work and family at least monthly. I just love to reward them just for being who they are.  Plus it is so fun to see the expressions of surprise and pleasure.

Taking off Monday and 3 out of 4 children and their families will be coming for my hubby's smoked babyback ribs. I will figure out what else will be served soon and go to the grocery store to purchase the bounty. I can't wait to have them here but will miss not having our middle son and my DIL who ironically met while serving our country in Iraq. DIL was Army and son was (or should I say is and always will be) a Marine. They live in south FL and have very demanding job schedules and it is quite a drive up here to NE TN. Hopefully we will all be together for Thanksgiving which is my most favorite holiday. I love giving thanks and having all the kids here. We are all about our family and the joy they bring to our lives and vice versa (I hope) .

Must close for now. God bless you and yours, our military and true allies.  Most of all God Bless America!!!

Much Love,
Laurel            

There have been many changes and new beginnings that have occurred since my last blogging...1. New president- 2. Many blog friends losing their jobs- 3. The attempts to eliminate Christianity from our universe- 4. Numerous weather fronts with snow, ice, and tornados not only here in the U.S. but London, England received 4 inches of snow, which is a rarity- 5. Many changes at work with "position eliminations" numbering close to 90- 6. Our daughter (only daughter) and last of 4 children, has moved to her own apartment, so this is the first time in 31 years that hubby and I have had the house to ourselves ( not including 9 kitties)- 7. Celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary yesterday- 8. Looking for a new church family- 9. Our youngest 2 ( girl and boy twins) received their diplomas in the mail from ETSU so it is official they both earned BSN degrees (following in mom's footsteps)- 10. Son and daughter-in-love are moving to the same apt. complex as our daughter; they are very impressed with the cost, environment and perks.

Changes do tend to make one a little apprehensive but most of the time they turn out to be wonderful.  Some fight change kicking and screaming and others get bored with life if it does not change.  The one thing I know for sure that will never change is the fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross for ours sins, He is the Son of God and through this sacrifice, everyone who believes, will have eternal life. 

Will try very, very, very hard to blog sooner next time.

Love and prayers to all,

Laurel

Thank you all for the prayers and thoughts this week as we went through CMS's fine-tooth comb...we were victorious...and to this I say "Praise God". 

Second praise for the week - my twins graduated with their BSN this week...girl twin is 2 mins. older than boy twin, she never lets him forget this fact; that's my girl!!!!  She is the only girl- out numbered by 3 brothers. 

Thrusday had Christmas parties one for dayshift and one for nightshift- the MDs paid for the catering- we clinical leaders decorated and provided door prizes...very nice decor and prizes I might add.  We all had a great time doing this for our staff as they definately deserve this and much more.  I dearly love our staff, their team work and excellent work ethic. 

Going to JC today then back home to dig out from 2 weeks of laundry... might even try to enjoy some traditional holiday activities... what a thought!

Love to you and yours-  prayers for our military near and far