Post 16. Blogging and Google Drive in the classroom

My English class is almost at an end. This class has utilized blogging and google drive as a tool to help us become better writers as well as better students. Google drive is a great tool to allow to do everything from power points to papers, share documents and even share movies. You can comment on each other's papers without jeopardizing the document. Aside from being able to upload, download and save as a word document you don't have to worry about saving your document because it automatically saves it as you're working on it. The other great plus? It is accessible anywhere you go because it is linked to your Gmail account. I think all teachers should use this, it is brilliant!

Now, blogging is whole other experience on its own. I tried to keep up with all the posts, but not having Internet at home and limited data on my phone I did fall behind a few times. My other classes also made it difficult to blog from the overload of those classes. All and all I still manage to put together some pretty good posts. I love the idea of blogging, I love the opinions we are able to formulate freely although I did feel some students were definitely afraid to voice their opinions probably due to the fact that they do not want to be critiqued about it. I do wish all classes used this system as it makes us learn the ins and outs of the Internet, the power of blogging and I feel writing always frees the soul because everyone has something they want to say, others just have the courage to say it. Overall, some people didn't take the assignment as serious as they should have nor did they care about spelling or grammar which is sad, however, I know it made me a better writer. As for me, I will continue blogging and enlightening at least one person along the way. May the force be with you my fellow readers and classmates!

Post 15. Protesting for a change

I rarely watch the news. It's too depressing and lacks the honesty, however, I did watch the news yesterday as the protesting started in New York in reference to the late Eric Garner. The scene was amazing. I was shocked at how many people came together in Manhattan, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington D.C. The union of all different races coming together to protest against police brutality. Everyone has a theory and excuses of why the police officer did what he did. I heard it all...Eric Garner was 6'4", 250 lbs., he's had other arrests...blah, blah, blah. I cannot fathom that a retired cop on CNN had the audacity to say that he deserved what he got for selling non taxed cigarettes to crackheads. Yes, this guy used the word crackhead on national television. I can only think of one thing. Where is the human emotion of treating a human like a human and not an animal?

This man did not commit a mortal sin. He did not rape anyone, molest any children, beat his wife, abuse his kids, commit murder, homicide or any other capital punishment crime. He was simply selling cigarettes to the drug addicts, he wasn't selling the drugs. Yet, his life was cut short over something so trivial. Officers have mace and stun guns, why not use one of those methods. Eric didn't even assault the officers. In the words of his daughter he died a horrible death because one officer decided to be the hero. I do not condone crime, I condone justice.

Children are taught from very little that when you do wrong there are consequences, even after you grow up, so why are cops exempt? If minors receive charges for their crimes and civilians receive charges for their crimes than I believe officers should be held more accountable, if not, made examples of because they are the law. The people are losing faith in this country, in it's leaders and it's law enforcement. I do believe Mr. Garners death will not be in vain, unfortunately this had to happen for there to be change.

I will keep it short tonight and ask that if you are on the side of justice and believe in humanitarianism, then peacefully protest. Demand a change. Write about it. Talk about it. If there are protests going on in the area I will go. We are all one, one nation under God. This isn't about black or white, as there is a case in Utah where a young white man was shot and killed by a cop. This is a power issue, this is a national crisis. We need stricter rules and better education. Cops are not given a license to kill, they are given a badge to protect and serve. Someone needs to remind them of this. May the force be with you my fellow readers.

Post 14. Welcome to the New Wild West....Lawless Police Officers.

As children I am sure we all grew up seeing police officers as honest people, people we could trust, people that would save us or be our hero in a moment of need. Little boys wanted to be one and little girls wanted to marry one. Police officers were seen as an image of good standing a beacon of hope in a bad situation. To be an officer is to uphold justice and truth. To protect and serve. How is that now all you can see is how an officer killed an unarmed civilian or beat someone to death or worse knock down a clearly pregnant woman? Where is "to protect and serve"? These cops now are serving no one, but themselves. I am not against police officers, what I am is against racism, brutality and downright lawless officers. The staggering amount of officers that use their force in excess is mounting day by day. Let me give you a few examples:

We have a case in Denver, Colorado where officers are seen in a video using excessive force on David Nelson Flores who was unarmed during a search for drugs. The suspect did stick a sock in his mouth full of suspected narcotics. The video shows the officers punching him in the face six times so hard that his head was bouncing off the pavement while he was being held down as well. His girlfriend who was seven and a half months pregnant was yelling to police officers to stop because they were hurting him, she grew closer to the officers screaming. You can see one officer bring out his arm and trip her. The woman falls to the ground hard onto her face and her stomach. A young child was in the back seat while all of this occurred. there is something wrong with this picture. Yes the suspect is a drug dealer and the mother was not of good standing for putting her kids and herself in danger, yet, because they are criminals officers get to abuse a man unarmed, a pregnant woman and an unborn child? Police officers have a too much power on what they are allowed to do. How are they upholding the law with the amount of abuse that is going on in this video? There are ways to handle situations that call for excessive force or extreme actions. I do not believe this was one of them. So, the suspect swallowed the sock, okay, no problem put him in handcuffs and take him to get an x-ray. Drugs found, no force needed. I am sure there are protocols on how to handle these situations and these cops are lawless. When asked why did they punch him 6 times? They gave two responses, we did it so he wouldn't choke on the drugs and fear that one of the officers arm was trapped under the suspects body, but how is that possible when they are ones holding him down?! Wouldn't it make sense to just lift him up? I mean the guy can't be no more than 5'8" and there is more than one officer. I can only describe this as Lawless.  Here is the link to read this story Denver police brutality

Next up we have the case of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. We ALL have heard about it and read about it. It is a shame. There are countless videos and tweets specifically from @Theepharoah that shows minute by minute account of what happened. From what is being formulated is that Michael Brown ran away from the officer, he did not hit him or harm and was not physically harming the officer in any way. The reports say he was shot 6 times with one bullet wound to the face. He was shot in the face!!! How is that not seen as criminal intent? How is shooting a person while running away from you seen as "I was in fear for my life". Micheal had no gun, he was unarmed. If you don't believe me go to ryot.com and click on Michael brown video and tweets to view the post about this new turn of events. As we now know the officer involved in this shooting was not indicted and the town of Ferguson went into a frenzy of peaceful protests that were not peaceful at all. They hurt local business owners. Instead of looking out for each other and coming together, they let their anger get the best of them. If you want something to be done protest with smarts not force for then we are continuing the circle of violence that police officers seem to have now. Violence begets Violence. I think we all know what is right from wrong and I will say it, this shooting was wrong. Of all the other ways to stop someone from running shooting someone in the face is not necessary. There are other ways of to stop a person. May Michael Brown's soul rest at ease and life payback to the man that made this happen.

The last case, but not least is that of Eric Garner. A man who was about to be arrested for selling illegal cigarettes. I didn't know that such a minor offense required you to be put into a choke hold, be thrown down into the ground, have your chest compressed and pushed upon so hard that the medical examiner states that this is what you died of. Whats worse? Mr. Garner lost his life over cigarettes. The officer who did this was also not indicted, yet he has two suits against him since 2013 of which one was dismissed and the other is still open. CNN has the full video clip for you to see how this event takes place. On CNN.com the report states the following: The New York Medical Examiner has ruled Garner's death a homicide. The cause of death was "compression of neck (chokehold), compression of chest and prone positioning during physical restraint by police." But the medical examiner also listed acute and chronic bronchial asthma, obesity and hypertensive cardiovascular disease as contributing factors in Garner's death. (click here to read full report). I am sure the defense attorney used this to his advantage when the focus should have been what this officer did. What I can't believe is this man lost his life to cigarettes...really?! I mean really????
As most people don't want to state the obvious I will, police officers should be evaluated further than just a few psychological interviews in the beginning when they are hired. They should be cross examined constantly like if they are going to work for the secret service. 

How the hell can I trust a police officer to use the law accordingly when lately the aggression seems to be against people who are not white? Am I saying that every officer is like this, NO, not by any means. I actually know of a few good officers that stick to the oaths they take at school. Clearly the power officers are being granted and the escape of repercussions for their actions is what needs to be looked at. Why are these men so apprehensive, counseling and therapy is available, at times required for these officers who have encountered really trying things, but why is no one bringing up the fact that some of these officers could be experiencing post traumatic stress syndrome. No one is exempt from this. It shows that we now live in the new wild west a lawless, were the law is no longer upholding the law, but being as criminal as criminals themselves. I still hope that the officers who are good and do goodwill continue on their quest as I know it is hard in today's society with so many people breaking the laws. I just ask help us believe in the law again because as of right now I think a lot of people have lost faith and wouldn't be surprised if a civil war broke out in the years to come from so much racism, violence, degradation, oppression and frustration.

I too have been subjected to the nasty ways of wild cops when the immigration issue first came out. I was stopped in Palm Springs, FL on a "routine" seat belt check. Funny this is I had my seat belt on, no brake lights out, it was 7:30 am, I didn't have tint on my car at the time, license clean, insurance active....why the hell was I pulled over is what I thought. It became clear when he gets to the window and says "This is a routine seat belt check." I replied "Oh I see, I have my seat belt on. Thank you." He then tells me to hand him my license and registration. I furrow my brows and hand it to him. He walks away, checks it and comes back with asking me if I had my passport. I was blown away. He asked me if Garcia was my real last name. I was appalled. I said "excuse me, I gave you my license and registration of which I know they are both clear and I do not carry my passport with me. Can you tell me what is my offense?" He asked me to get out of the vehicle and I told him I will not. That I have done nothing wrong and he has no reason other than to ask me for passport to check to see if I was an illegal immigrant. I looked at the name on his badge and told him that I cannot believe you pulled me over because of what I look like and my last name. I may have gone a bit far but I said "I was born in a military hospital on a military base. While you were still a child in 1991, my father was serving this country in the gulf war. And as soon as I get to work I am going to call the department to put in formal complaint because legally you have no reason to have pulled me over. I wasn't speeding, everything checks out and nothing on my car is broken. As you see I am in scrubs trying to go to work. One day I will become a nurse and I pray that you never find yourself in the need of my care." He looked at me shocked and told me that all of that was not necessary, apologized to me and said I could be on my way. the cherry topper in this situation...he was white. I am not saying his racist or prejudiced. Perhaps racially profiling, maybe. Poor choice of trying to find illegal immigrants, definitely.

I will never forget this experience. It showed me into what direction this society is heading. I am not racists or prejudiced. I believe we are all the same, it is our actions that define us not the color of skin or the way we look. Did I call his supervisor you may be thinking? I won't say. A true lady does not divulge such things, but what I will say is this. How many more people are going to have to die at the hands of the law or be mistreated before something is done? We need to elevate one another not degrade one another. May the force be with you my fellow readers. Remember we are all one...it starts with peace.

Post 13. Kairos

I started to write about why microbiology books should be electronic books and it was going well, but then I heard something on the radio that changed my mind. On NPR which is national public radio they were talking about how most of the states up north and in the mid-west have adapted virtual classrooms or virtual learning where students are required to log in via computers, IPad or tablets when they have snow days. I thought to myself wow! This is truly a sign of the times that we live in. I chose to switch to this topic because I feel it is most relevant and having been able to experience this myself at South U with my professor made me think I have to write about this!

We live in an era where technology rules practically everything from schools to doctors office to work. Why not use this technology for good use rather than Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc...integrate this into the schools. It was so convenient for me to be able to log in from home and still participate with my class when I was not able to make it on time due to work. This is the best idea anyone could enforce into the schools. I think I am definitely touching upon Kairos which is being able to write relevant to the times. As this is being implemented currently in New York, New Jersey, and Michigan. There are more states to come. I will put forth a very good argument why every classroom should have virtual education.

Post 11. Your feet and You

Today I am writing about our feet. For the most part everyone has a pair. The average person gives no importance to there feet. Sure we women paint our toenails and men cut their toenails, but does anyone stop to really give thought to there health? I have worked for many doctors in my career as a medical assistant and Podiatry-study of the feet has to be the most interesting, which is the field I currently work in. See, without our feet we'd be helpless. Our feet proper us forward, hold us up, allow us for motion. Our toes are even important. For example, if we didn't have a big toe we would have issues with balancing ourselves because the big toe is what provides us with stability. I know what you're thinking..euuwww gross smelly feet is what you look at all day?! Yes and not all feet are smelly. I see lots of people with toenail fungus, nail separation, painful heel, painful toes, numbness and tingling in the toes or the feet...bunions, pinched nerves, fractures, and total ankle replacements.

The truth is there are so many crazy things that could go on with your feet. Diabetics are prone to chronic ulcers because they have peripheral neuropathy-meaning they have lost sensation in the feet, so the pressure from their shoes or their own bones can produce ulcers that don't heal. I see amputations from people not taking care of little wounds that can turn to holes with the infection going down to the bone; at this point amputation is needed. The most common type of pain we see is heel pain, usually this starts early in the morning before you get out of bed and when you go to stand up, the pain gets worse. Until you start moving and gain momentum. About 80% of the time this is Plantar Fasciitis. There is ligament in your foot called the Plantar Fascia which is connected to your toes and your muscles in the calf. When the calf muscles get too tight it may pull on the plantar fascia and cause tightness with inflammation. Most of the times it is attributed to being on your feet for long periods of time. Runners also have issues with this as the impact of running can tear the plantar fascia thus creating plantar fasciitis. 

If you find yourself in this situation from long hours of being on our feet I am here to help. As I currently work for a podiatrist and am suffering from the same situation. As for my nurses this is something we cannot escape once we graduate, those long hours on our feet. This is a condition that can go away with cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and good foot support. Typically, you want to try conservative treatment before you resort to medication and injections. I am by no means telling you not to seek medical attention for any pain you are experiencing, I am simply offering a small beacon of relief until you see a Podiatrist. Stretching is the most important thing anyone and everyone should do first thing in the morning! Why would I want to stretch you say? I feel good...here is why. Your muscles are being used all day long and when you go to rest at night this is when the body regenerates itself from all that you did that day. If a muscle was used in a way that normally isn't used or overused than that muscle is fatigued, inflammed and will get tight. Stretching helps eliminate the soreness and the tightness you will fill. This is the same concept for your foot. Stretching is everything. 

I am currently doing this therapy and taking anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate whatever pain I am feeling, I do not want Cortisone injections...this scares me. Even if you are not feeling heel pain, use these stretching exercises to keep your feet healthy. Remember without those feet you'd be missing out on everything you do. And if yo do need to see a Podiatrist for any foot problems call the office I work for, my doctor is a very good doctor. I don't say this because I work for him I say this because he was the first doctor to have done a complete total ankle replacement on a patient and has patented his own devices to use for surgery. The man is good people. Below is the office name and information if you need us call us and...May the force be with you!
CERTIFIED FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALISTS
http://certifiedfoot.com/
Boca Raton: (561) 995-0229
Ft. Lauderdale: (954) 533-6396
Boynton Beach: (561) 369-2199
West Palm Beach: (561) 357-9330
Coral Springs: (954) 753-3030

Post 10. Black Friday the bargain apocalypse?

Tis the season to start preparing for that day that all Americans take more serious than their mothers birthday...that day is Black Friday. I am pretty sure that everyone including immigrants in this country (please excuse my reference I am not trying to offend anyone just want to make a point) know what Black Friday is. Or at least they think they know. It is known as the day after Thanksgiving, always a Friday that stores open at ungodly hours to start the sales. People expect the prices of most things within the store to be extremely low and believe they are getting an amazing bargain. Think about it how many people do you know if not yourself who waited in line for a coveted item to get it at a price next to nothing because you ordinarily thought it was expensive. We all have done it, waited in line, some camping out in front of the store and if you haven't done it like me, then I congratulate you. Black Friday is really a scar event to go to...let me give you a brief history where it came from, why it can be dangerous and is it really a bargain apocalypse?

The history of Black Friday according to the Huffing Post originates from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania circa 1966. The term was created by the Police Department of Philadelphia due to the traffic congestion, the amount of shoppers that swamped the stores and all around just behaving badly in order to get their deals. The police departments had to add extra cops on the scene which meant long hours for everyone. Not only was there the massive crowds for shopping but, the weekend after Thanksgiving in Philadelphia is where the Annual Army-Navy Football Game was held. With this two events going on you can imagine what this city was up against. The police officers thought they were being smart by naming it something scary like "Black Friday" in the hopes it would deter shoppers and it would offer some relief. This did not work, instead people took the name with honor and created something that would still be going strong almost 50 years later. What is ironic is that the name itself originated from the retailers from the amounts they made. See in the retail accounting industry in the 1950's-1960's using red ink meant loses while black ink meant profits. Retailers would move from the red into the black, meaning money was being made. This usually happened after Thanksgiving Day. The term was there for a few people who really knew what it meant but, it was the police officers who made it stick. The sad part is those officers never got any credit for the name as the retailers then turned the name into an iconic advertisement that starts the minute October ends.

 

Americans will say that Black Friday is not insane that this a tradition. That we should all be partaking of this amazing deal. Most people will take the day off to go shopping not realizing that the real deals do not happen on this day. It happens just before depending on what you are buying. An article written by the Wall Street Journal tracks the deals for a few major retailers for two years to see if consumers are truly getting a deal. What you will find may come to you as a surprise. Electronics, jewelry, toys and household items prices dropped, but not by much. The real deals that were up to 50% off occurred from September to October and even as early on in March. Jewelry actually increased as we got closer to Thanksgiving and much higher by Christmas. Most electronics had the same pattern including clothes that were on demand like the famous Uggs. There are a few real bargains for example the Xbox does lower there prices only on Black Friday as well as a few other game consoles. The sales to really look for actually come around spring time, summer time and just as fall hits. Another thing to be aware of is that as the most wanted items are bought and a fewer are left the prices will go up even on the day of Black Friday. If you don't believe me click on WJS to read the full article and get the numbers. I wasn't surprised to see this article as I pride myself in being a bargain queen, but what I did find surprising was how one year the Elmo doll price went up by 31% the closer we got to Black Friday because it was in high demand. I love a good bargain as much as anyone , but Black Friday is not the end all bargain day. I for one will not be camping out anywhere just to get a a few dollars off on what would've been cheaper a few months back. 

My fellow readers I do not want to deter you from this tradition if you are accustomed to going or want to try this. I haven't gone Black Friday shopping because I don't want to wake up early to fight with a bunch of people over items that aren't really on sale. I will probably still be overly stuffed and extremely grateful for all that I have. However, if you find yourself preparing with elbow pads and knee pads I have posted below some rules to follow to keep safe because although Black Friday is great there will be a lot of crooks out there looking to rob or steal. Courtesy of the National Crime Prevention Council they have compiled a safety list of the ten things to do this Black Friday shopping season. 

1.Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
2.Shop online with companies you know and trust. Check a company’s background if you are not familiar with it. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
3.Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases.   Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit  card or bank statements as they come in. 
4.Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.
5.Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
6.Deter pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
7.Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
8.Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.
9.Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit.
10.If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you get separated. Select a central meeting place and make sure they know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help. 

I hope that this blog is helpful for you this shopping season whether it's Black Friday or Christmas shopping. Be safe at all times, but most importantly have fun! And if you do not wish to venture out into the stores for Black Friday then just remember that now we have Cyber Monday where all the online stores have there shopping apocalypse. All you need is a catheter installed so you don't have to get up and go to the bathroom along with a coffee drip in case you get tired, it's funny come on admit! The holiday season is supposed to be of cheer and good times and just remember this....You will not be the only one shopping on Black Friday, be patient and be kind although that is almost like asking a bull in a china shop to not break anything...May the force be with you my fellow readers and your wallets this season!! 

Post 9. The impact of words

In the course of our lives we will have said countless words. As being the only species that uses language to communicate, humans have an extensive vocabulary. We say so many things and even as you are reading this you are saying words in your head that I have written to communicate with you. Words have an impact. Words have the power to build and to break. I am currently taking a class called Human Growth and Development. I am learning how people are changed and affected through out their life span. I'm learning how we develop from infancy to your elder years. I find it all interesting and its all important. Yet, one thing resonates over and over again....words do impact. 

In class we watched the move Precious and had to analyze the behaviours. For those who haven't seen the movie it is definitely about adversity and over coming traumas in your life. Precious was always told that she was dumb, ugly, fat, stupid. That no one wanted her. She was sexually abused by her father of whom she had two children with. Her mother constantly abused her physically, emotionally and mentally. The abuse of her mothers words led Precious to believe all the things her mother said about her were true. Precious didn't believe she smart, beautiful or even capable of elevating herself. In the end she overcomes it all with true resilience. And this got me thinking...how many of us who have kids have said something along the lines of "are you stupid? How many times do I have to tell you this? Or made comments about their weight, height, things they like, their friends. When most of us are just trying to be "there" for our children not realizing we're breaking them. This doesn't just apply to children; this is for adults too. Your partners, spouses, parents, siblings, etc. I use children because they are the most impressionable and vulnerable. I come from a home where words were used that shouldn't have been. I started to believe these words and associated myself as not amounting to anything as I was told. You hear it enough times and you will start to believe it.  

Later on in life did I realize that I was so much more than what I thought I was. Still because of schematic imprinting in my brain, I married someone who also abused me emotionally and verbally. I would justify his words or tried to ignore them and would disassociate myself with the situation to cope. Pushing all the pain back and locking it away until I imploded and all the resentment settled in. Needless to say I woke up one day and left. I never looked back. From that moment on I realized the power of words. They can be uplifting, sweet caring and kind, encouraging even. I look at my daughter and know that I want to be uplifting with my words. I want to heal her with my words not break her so that she doesn't make the mistake of accepting hurt for love. We need to think before we speak but only for the things we know might hurt. Tell your wife or husband how much you love them, your kids, family, friends. Ask how someone is doing genuinely and listen. Words can be healing we all just need to know how to use them. You can build or break the choice is all yours. 

Post 8. Blogging

This weekend was tough for me. I couldn't get my blogs in because I have no internet at home so I do everything from my handy dandy iPhone. This has been great so far until I ran out of data to use on my phone. All this blogging and working on documents from my phone has left me with no data to use until November 10th. It also doesn't help that I share this with my 12 year old daughter. With this being said I am behind on blogging and now will catch up. Today my blog will be about a concern I've heard my fellow classmates talk about and that is what do we blog about? How do we blog? Right now we are in the learning curves of blogging. I decided to write about what makes me blog about the things I do.

I have always been a very passionate writer. I have been writing since I was in elementary school where I wrote and put together a book about my little brother who was gravely sick for the first time in the hospital. The counselor thought this would be a good outlet for me to express my feeling about the situation. Writing is an outlet. Writing is where your passions and ideas come to life. Most people pick a subject to blog consistently about like fashion, mo ey, food, etc. currently I blog about the things that stand out to me the most at that current moment. Blogging is meant to be informative to your audience...I like to ask myself what would I want to know today? What would I find interesting? Then I go for it. I do get writers block from time to time and have to find inspiration, it happens to all of us. To me there is nothing better than being able to release my emotions or logic down on paper or in this case, a computer screen. Writing is liberating you just have to free your mind and let your fingers do the talking. May the force be with you my fellow readers. 

Post 7. Moonfest..Have you gone to it?

This Friday is October 31st, do you know what this means? Yup, it's Halloween. We all at some point have dressed up and if you haven't due to religous beliefs then you have seen the world participate in the one day where you can dress up in wacky, sexy, scary or silly costumes. Here in South Florida we hold a festival dedicated to this holiday the weekend before Halloween. That festival is called Moonfest. I come to bring you some information about this cultural phenemon that has become a staple for South Florida and is now known as one the biggest Halloween block parties in the U.S.

This year Moonfest was held on October 25th. This is the 22nd year of this celebration. Moonfest originated in 1993 created by Rodney Mayo and his partner Maurice Costigan. They wanted to create something for the people of South Florida to come to like Fantasy Fest in Key West. Fantasy Fest is another Halloween festival that people in Key West do every year. This festival gets pretty wild as they are know for their nude ladies wearing nothing but body paint. Men go nude too, although sometimes its not a pretty sight with just a tube sock on. We don't live in Key West, which isn't a bad place to live, however, this story isn't about Key West it's about us, West Palm Beach, Florida.

 

Initially moonfest started with only 5,000 people back in 1993 with the idea that the money paid would go to charities and in the next year it went up to 10,000. It doubled as word got around that all of downtown West Palm Beach was closed down for this event and it was free. Each year the people came in by the thousands. If you wore regular street clothes to this festival you would stick out like a sore thumb because everyone comes dressed up! You see silly, sexy, wacky, crazy, witty, scarry and very intricate well thought out costumes. All the restaruants and night clubs are open while live bands play on different stages set up in select locations. They also provide small bars every few feet as to keep the merriment going. Moonfest can get pretty crazy too. There are lots of costume contests that pay good prize money. Now, we have an influx of 70,000 people and the event that used to be free is now charging for entry. It is also now 21 and over. This came to pass two years ago when teens were caught illegaly drinking, there were a couple of stabbings and a few rapes, it wasn't safe. When things are free and thousands are gathered in a 3-4 block radius with the Florida heat things can get out of hand. I went to Moonfest once before it was 21 and over, when it was free. I was dressed as a sexy raccoon equipped with tail and all. I kept hitting people with my tail the whole night! People laughed at it and all was well until I'm standing with my boyfriend in line for a drink when this guy puts his hand up my dress and grabs my butt!! I immediately turned around and the guy took off running....I yelled and cursed at him. When my boyfriend figured out what happened he ran off after him too. Needless to say he didn't find him and I'm glad otherwise that guy would've had a rough morning the next day. We left immediately after that, the merriment was over and we were both upset. We have never been back since, we've been together for 5 years. We went in our first year. Yes...this was a long time ago, however, every year we read the papers about the stabbings, the fights and rape that happen which lets us know that we haven't been missing anything. 

I heard this year that it was better. Whoxh makes me happy because I don't think 18 yr olds should be allowed to enter. There has to be some regulations to it like all things because too much of a good thing could be too much. Moonfest still gives some of its money to charity which is initially why it started, that's a great thing. I say go to Moonfest next year and enjoy yourself as now it seems to be safer. Any true Floridian has to go at least once so that you can say that you were at the biggest block party in the U.S. I don't know about you but, I plan to go next year and give it another shot dressed in a costume ready to celebrate...why wouldn't you want to be part of a small piece of history? Happy Halloween my fellow readers! 

Post 6. Ebola Ground Zero

I have been listening to BBC radio quite a bit this weekend and one thing broadcasting constantly is Ebola. Every news channel all over the country has shown us what the virus looks like, what it does and how it is contracted. They speak of it with fear in true western fashion flashing it with bells and whistles to the point of exhaustion. This may be rightly so as this disease is of extreme concern, however, we should not live in fear of this disease. Be concerned absolutely, by all means please think of ways to become better educated with this epidemic other than listening to CNN or your local news. That is why tonight I am writing a blog solely on what I call "Ebola Ground Zero". Why Ground Zero? For those that don't know ground zero is known as the point of where a bomb was exploded. This is what we have going on right now, a bomb exploded and now thousand are being affected. I will be providing facts based on my research that I did for my own personal use as I recognize that I will graduate from Nursing in a world much different than when I started school. I truly am an advocate of an educated patient is a better patient. I hope no one that reads this blog or myself will have to come in contact with the virus, however, seeing as to how our medical systems are failing us, we must be realistic. I want to be better prepared as well as I'd like my loved ones, friends and my fellow readers to be better prepared also.

Let me start with explaining what Ebola really is in simple terms and why the virus is so deadly. Ebola is a virus, meaning unlike bacteria antibiotics can not cure the disease. It comes from the family of viruses called Filoviradae. But, what makes this virus deadly is what it does to the human body and how it can evade our immune system alarms up to 21 days. Here is how it works, the virus enters our bodies through any opening-i.e. our eyes, nose, mouth, genitalia, cuts, scrapes or any open skin. The virus is in the bodily FLUIDS of the infected person. Let me define bodily fluids, this means blood, vomit, diarrhea, saliva, semen and sweat, YES sweat! This means if the person is coughing or sneezing the droplets can get into your eyes or on you skin thus infecting you if you have any cuts on your skin. This means micro cuts or tears that cannot be seen by the naked eye. This is why we see people covered from head to toe when dealing with infected patients. Now that we have a better understanding of how it is transmitted let me take you to a deeper level. According to the research at the University of Berkeley, they have discovered how the virus goes undetected in our immune systems for so long before it is manifested. The virus itself is covered in glycoproteins (attachment proteins) and these glycoprotiens have little spikes attached to the outside, think of a cactus. It has the outer skin with spikes attached. The virus is just like that, now these spikes attach to our cells and bind with them going undetected by attacking our white blood cells, then it penetrates our cells, reproducing until they are ready and break off exposing the virus. This is when we start to feel the symptoms. The issue with this virus is that most viruses are shaped like spheres, Ebola is not, it is like a string wound up so it gets more cells in a shorter amount of time.

This is why we have seen this picture so much since the outbreak, now you understand the reason behind the images. Ebola causes what is called a hemorrhagic fever=bleeding fever. Initially you start off with the fever being 100.4, body aches, muscle aches, sore throat and headaches. The second stage brings on vomiting, diarrhea and internal bleeding leaking through your eyes, ears, nose, mouth and rectum. Not a pretty picture right? The virus causes your internal organ to dissolve if it should run its full course.

This virus replicates at an alarming rate due to its size which is why it is so important for people to seek immediate attention at the beginning of the symptoms. Below you will find what the virus looks like once it has infected a cell. The sooner the treatment the higher rate of survival you may have although much is not known right now as to why some people survive and some don't, much of it has to do with the individuals immune system. One thing is known for sure, quick hydration is essential and of extreme importance, which makes sense if you are beginning to bleed out or have diarrhea. Time is of the essence! 

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/know-enemy/

Ebola is said to be carried in fruit bats which are digested and consumed by other animals, including humans in Africa. Recently the CNN reported that the WHO (World Health Organization) believe they have found the first patient that started the outbreak which is an African child who was 2 years old. They do not know how she contracted the virus and they will probably never know as the family who lived with the child all died sadly within weeks of the child dying as well. You can read about it more by clicking on patient zero. The virus is deadly and it can be scary considering how it can spread, how it kills. Yet, we cannot give into panic or fear or psychosis because the media is bombarding us with bad news instead of educational news. Instead of focusing on all of the dangers, why not focus on preventative measures. How not to catch Ebola! Think of it like this, influenza=the flu is said to kill 30,000 people a year, 30,000 people! Ebola has killed roughly 4,000 to 5,000 of the infected 10,000 people since last December. Why isn't anyone on alert about the flu? Ebola is the newbie on the block and western culture always fears what we don't understand or can control.

Ebola Ground Zero could have been avoided, this isn't its first rodeo people. It had an outbreak back in 1976 when it was discovered by Dr. Peter Piot and other co-founders as well. The virus was named after the closest river of where the first infection happened, the Ebola river. Back then the United States was warned that if the funding for finding a vaccination for this virus wasn't continued that one day it would come back to haunt us. The funding stopped and indeed our day of karmic retribution has come. Now we all live in a world where the possibility of a Pandemic is possible. It is possible to survive the virus but, it all depends on the precautionary measures that we as caregivers take. Among all the tragic things I have read, there does come a beacon of hope by the name of Fatu Kekula. A 22 year old nursing student who is her in her final year of nursing school nursed her mother, father, sister and cousin who all contracted the virus after her father had fallen ill. She nursed her mother, father and sister back to health. Sadly her cousin did not make it. Why is her story a beacon of hope? She nursed 4 sick patients and did not contract the virus. She did this without protective gear, that's right people, no goggles or suits. She invented her own protective equipment that comprised of trash bags, a mask, rubber boots, a raincoat and 4 pairs of gloves on each hand. She started IV fluids immediately and gave them medication, all while taking instructions via telephone from a physician who refused to visit her home. Fatu hasn't graduated yet and she managed to do something that most nurses here don't know how to do and that is care for a patient with extreme care. She is a prime example that if you take your time for preparation and do not cut corners while using logic with common sense and critical thinking, you can survive even the deadliest of viruses. CNN has the whole story if you'd like to read the article just click on Fatu Kekula.

The world we live in is ever changing and evolving, how is a civilization able to thrive without proper knowledge or education on an epidemic? Instead of flashing the dangers, flash the how not to's. Give us also inspiring stories like Fatu. Here is what I think should be done with anyone traveling in from any country that has had outbreaks. They should be quarantined for 21 days. This ensures the safety of not only the person but, our population as well. Also, healthcare providers that have cared for a sick Ebola patient should not be allowed to travel! at all period!! Are we as a people that naive that we can't get sick or worse selfish enough to not think of other people?There is recently a nurse who traveled in from West Africa and is upset because New Jersey has quarantined her, GOOD!! Your a nurse, use your critical thinking skills at least your common sense. You carry the virus and it has roughly a 6-10 day window up to 21 days before you show any symptoms. You flew in from West Africa where the viruses is on a rampage and you don't think you should be quarantined? Maybe they didn't treat you like the four seasons but, lets face it we are not equipped to deal with this kind of a situation. We have never been exposed to something this alarming before which again goes back to people fear what they do not understand.

It has taken me two and a half hours to write this blog, as I accumulate my thoughts and try to give you accurate information. I hope that this information has been useful for you, I simply want to take away some of the fear and provide you with knowledge. A simple thought occurred to me after reading all these articles and watching these videos. If we the caregivers are wearing masks to protect our mouths, nose, and throat wouldn't it make even more sense to give the patient a mask as well? Such a simple answer for the possible spread of Ebola through saliva. Here is the truth, the undeniable ugly truth, this virus has made its way all the way to us. Now what are we going to do about it? Panic and fear cannot be an option, I believe the way we manage healthcare will now be impacted forever. To all my nurses out there, do you still want to do this? or has this made you question if it's even worth it? I leave you with a link to watch a video about the facts of the virus, just click Ebola. May the force be with us all as this world changes.

Post 5. Love and Marriage

Love is so often tossed around as something that falls off trees. Marriage is done without real commitment and fairytale aspirations. Think about it, how many times have you said you loved something without really giving it thought if you really do or how many people have said they loved someone, yet took that person for granted, cheated on them or abused them. At least one person that you know is guilty of this, although they may not admit it. See love is a lot like war, there always casualties and it holds no prisoners. There are only victims. Most of the time we are mended and repaired but, never the same. Still there are those of us who dare to love again, with hope and passion as if we have never been hurt before and then this love turns to marriage. 

The biggest misconception of marriage is that life is over, the old ball and chain. Most guys see it as a necessary evil and women see it as the fairytale ending. How much different could these views be? Funny isn't it!? The one thing I see more and more these days is the immediate divorce, the easy way out. Love is replaceable as is my spouse. This is sad. Marriage is not the end of a life but, a new life together. A better life, a true life, not a fairytale life. Both men and women too, see marriage as their freedom has been taken away. This is not true. If anything, you have more freedom! It's a freedom of not having to compete against another prospective mate, a freedom of knowing that you have someone to come home to, to make love with, take make memories with. It is surrendering to the risk of an unconditional love. A love without resentment, without judgement, without a wall or a back up plan of divorce. 

I have been married, I wanted it to be forever. Sadly, my ex fell into that category of I lost my freedom. So he reasserted himself in the worst way possible with extracurricular activities. But, that was ages ago, I forgave and let go. I moved on, as did he by remarrying. I am happy for him. I have not taken that step yet and although I know I'd like to again the thought scares me. Not because I won't put in the work to the union or that I won't love my future husband enough, it's being afraid that this man I choose to marry may not want to grow old with me years later when things hit the fan. That is what I want more than a fairytale ending or a fairytale wedding or a fairytale love....I want the honor and privilege of growing old with my future husband. In the words of Audrey Hepburn I have an insatiable need to feel loved but, an even bigger need to give love. I want the good, the bad and the ugly as long as it is with the man who wants the same. I really wish people would give more thought to love and marriage, knowing that it is not a battle....it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to really open up to the person you said you couldn't live without. I know that when I say yes to my future husband, he'll be the one I've waited for to walk the rest of this life together. I'll be sure in my heart that I would travel to hell to find him if I went to heaven and he didn't....this my friends is love and marriage. 

Post 4. Scariest thing in my life

I have an oral fetish...for gum. Aha!! Dirty thinkers out there...got you! Yes I have a thing for gum. I chew gum constantly but, this stems from my nervous energy. I've been through a lot my whole life and at age 4 began biting my nails. A very nasty habit, however, those that bite their nails know how hard it is to quit. It can be compared to quitting cigarettes..almost impossible. What made me stop biting my nails or more like who made me stop is my boyfriend. No he didn't force me, one night while at dinner in Fort Lauderdale at one of our favorite restaurants, he asked me to place my hand in his. I did as he asked, staring at my hand laying in his he said "I love the way that looks, your hand in mine. I love your hands and your nails are so beautiful". He looked up and smiled at me. Of course I melted because he has the most beautiful chocolate colored eyes that have ever gazed at me. From that moment on, his small compliment, his small act of admiration made me never want to bite my nails again. He calms the storm that is always raging within me. I call myself a tempest with passions and emotions swirling within yet calm before you approach. Paul quiets the storm, the nervousness I feel goes away when I am with him. It's the little things that people do that can change someones life. From that day forward I chewed gum.

I like 5 gum, you know that black packet of gum with the 5 on it with green, blue, red accenting. I like the winter mint flavor usually the color is icy blue. They recently started having truth or dare on their gum wrapping. You open the gum and read the truth or dares. You choose one to do or ask a person. The concept is cute, it gets you to open up. The one I picked today was truth. It was a question. It read Truth#5 What is the scariest moment in your life? I gave it some thought. That moment was a one year, two months and eight days ago.

The scariest moment of my life was when I went to see my brothers lifeless body in the funeral home where he was being prepared for service. Mind you I have fears like most people, spiders, heights, dark corners, the after life, etc...but this took over every fear I had and turned into child's play. No one is ever prepared to lose a loved one, especially the younger brother you swore to take care of as a child.
I was so afraid to see him lifeless, that I almost didn't fly out to even go to Virginia where he was living at the time. I have seen death before this is not the stem of my fear, it was seeing him in his sleep like state and want to touch him, hug him, hold him, and know that I can't. To tell him that I love him so much and him not be able to hear me or say it back. It was the fear of facing the reality of his non existence. When I was walking through the hallway and I got halfway there, my knees buckled when I saw him through the doorway laying on the embalming table, I screamed for what felt like an eternity. I couldn't walk. I couldn't breathe. I wanted to die with him. How could someone so precious at 22 be taken away so sudden? I regained my composure to walk up to him, I touched his face and he was cold. Wax like, no life left. My little brother suffered a lot while he was here on earth. He died alone in a place where he shouldn't have been. I buried him the weekend of August 15th, 2013. The scariest and hardest thing. This makes all of my other fears irrational, silly even. I was scared he wouldn't know how much I love him but, I believe we are all borrowing our bodies as vessels until our souls are ready to leave and move into another dimension. And he knows I love him. I truly believe in my heart that he left first because the only thing I feared was death itself, who better than to guide me through my departure when my time comes than my own brother? I didn't say good bye the last time I saw him...I whispered into his ear "see you soon" and closed the casket. Now, I live with the future in my mind but, I make sure I enjoy the moment right here in front of me because the things we didn't say become our fears and regrets and I don't want to have any fears anymore.

Education for Working Students

Today is a great day. As a matter of fact everyday is a great day, however, today is exceptional. Why? Do you ask, what makes this day exceptional? Well I am no longer working at the place I was, that's why. I am free of the high school gossip environment, the it's not my job environment and the lets make everything personal environment. Out of all the jobs I have had, this one was just that a job. Although some people were genuine and I will miss them needless to say there are others that I will never care to speak to again. The lack of customer service and professional ethics was just too much to even put up with. I had to dumb myself down to not stick out for going above and beyond. Every time I did go above and beyond they found things to pull me back down. All of that is neither here nor there...I am sure I was just one employee of the many that have rotated through my position because of certain individuals who work that front desk. They are not why I'm writing this blog as they do not occupy my thoughts, never have, never will. 

My reason for this blog is due to the circumstances of how I was terminated from my job. On Monday morning I went into work to discuss with my boss that I have a class that I will have to take on Fridays. I explained that I enrolled for the class weeks ago and had decided to drop once school started but, when I sat down with the registrar I was advised against doing so because it would be the only class I had left and I would have no financial aid. He asked me why didn't I say something sooner and I told him this was an unforeseen turn of events. He was a little upset yet he never said they couldn't work with it. He said "okay I wish you would've told me sooner as I could've worked on it then versus doing something all of a sudden but I think I can pull one of the other girls from one of the other offices to cover it". Mind you it's only on Fridays from 1-4p. I made it understood that I was not pulling out of the class and that I had class this coming Friday from 1-4p and had to leave at 12pm. He said ok and that he would work on it. He never said no you can't go or your fired. He never said no we can't do this. Nothing along those lines were said. I apologized thrice over for bringing such circumstances and left his office happy that I THOUGHT I was keeping my job. I said awesome, they're going to work with me. Friday comes I let the people I work with upfront that I have to leave at 12 for school as our boss is already aware. I clock out at 12p thinking all is great and head to school. Imagine my surprise when at about 2:30 I get a voicemail stating that I left without permission and need to call immediately. At this point I knew that the one of my fellow coworkers decided to text him to verify my leaving. I text him class ends at 4:30 and I'd call him after. I had to see financial aid after class and was going to call at about 5:40 when I see a long text message stating that I didn't call right at 4:30 so I must not want to talk and he is terminating me.

I responded with a few things reminding him how that is not what we discussed and if he hadn't understood what I said he could've asked me questions to get it clear. In any case I was willing to put in my two weeks notice because I was not going to stop going to school. If I endured school when my brother passed away and didn't stop coming, certainly this job was not going to stop me.

This brings me to my point, I think there should be some law or rule implemented for students who are going into fields that the governments needs and are in low supply like nurses. Why not allow a special schedule for nurses and provide a small incentive for those employers who chose to employ these students and work with their schedule? Most of us are single parents or adults who need to make a living while going to school. And these classes are hard! We're constantly stressed out and malnourished because we work and go to school at the same time. The government states how they need nurses. Well, help your future healthcare providers and allow us a break so we don't find ourselves like I find myself right now. At least I say I'm like a cat and I always land on my feet. I know in a short time I'll have something else, someone willing to help me out. Still, why is going to school so frowned upon in employers when this country stresses it so much? Without diplomas we can't get jobs. Without degrees we can't be nurses. Without nurses hospitals wouldn't function. I hope I have given you something to think about and if you own a business and have a nursing student on your hands, be nice to that nursing student because you never know you may end up in her hands one day.

Hospital Care...Not!

Where I am right now is not where I'd like to be and I would be sure to say neither would my mother. Right now, we don't have a choice. My mother awoke me this morning with right lower quadrant pain (for all you future nurses, you know what that means and for those who aren't it basically means right lower stomach pain) which can be typical for appendicitis. We arrived at say about 5:45am and as we arrive I was greeted by the security guard who went and got the nurse. After they assessed her quickly at the window they were taking her back into triage, I was going to follow until the security told me I couldn't go without a visitors pass. Are you kidding me?! My mother is in a wheelchair doubled over with pain, can barely speak, out of breath and about to throw up everywhere; and you want me to not accompany her into triage, so that I can stop give you my license and check in as a visitor? Hmm I guess this isn't an emergency and I must be a high risk to security in my sweats and pale sleepy face. I was appalled by this, had to comply because he kept arguing with me. After she was traiged we were put in a room in the ER where all the nurses came in quickly to asses her. Over all this process went smooth, until I noticed the time 6:30...that means closing time for the night nurses and opening for the next shift. With this being said I should've expected what came next. They never put her hospital band on and when her breathing became labored and her blood pressure was dropping with her heart rate, the machine kept beeping and no one came in until I said something. When I asked questions as to why this was happening no one answered, they simply dismissed it as it's the pulse oxygen meter. I checked it, it was fine.

This is when I put my medical experience to use and let them know that there non chalant attitude was not okay. The issue was rectified once I started speaking politely yet firmly with the nurses and the Nurse Practitioner. See with the whole schedule change we had to start over. Not a fun process.

Needless to say the staff we got now are caring and nice, but the one before wasn't. No wonder so many people complain about hospitals. So many nurses don't care and treat patients like they're ALL drug seekers or that their pain doesn't matter. After my mother being admitted for what turned out to be a massive kidney stone we were moved to a floor where the room is private, yet it's walls are dirty and the cabinet that's made of formica is falling apart. I don't care about the cabinet, I care about the wall. Cleanliness is important as is the staffs level of caring. I am going to school to be a nurse and I know I may be only one but, I do care, I've always cared being a medical assistant for 11 years in many fields, has not stopped me from delivering outstanding customer service and care! Where is the professional ethics? Where is the cleanliness? Where is the compassion? I've heard nurses say give it time you won't care either and I do not agree. You don't just get up and stop caring one day, you CHOOSE not to care. I'm seriously saddened and appalled. Where does the money go for the hospitals? And to boot, the children's playground is right next to a waste management dump, the only thing that separates it is a wooden gate....now I'm convinced that our healthcare system is going to hell in a hand basket. 

Here's a picture if you don't believe me..

Post 1. Better tutoring

As a sophmore student here in South University I find that the hours for tutoring are very restricting. For the amount of money that we are being charged and are paying for our classes I feel that there should be better flexible tutoring hours available. I often found myself this past year and a half unable to go to tutoring because I am a single mother working full time and going to school full time, so what does that mean? It means that like most of the students here I work during the day 8-5 and come to school at night full time, taking anywhere from 4-5 classes and have to provide time for my child as well. Finding childcare on the weekends and evenings is extremely hard, yet I am sure we all figure it out. With this busy schedule I found that the help I needed for all if not most classes were during working hours or class hours, there was no flexible tutoring, for example like on a Sunday even if it is just for two hours or so. Most of the tutoring is during the day or on Saturdays in the morning, I was taking classes on Saturdays as well. I understand that we are responsible for our own education and that we must put forth effort, however, with a school so expensive that I am sure that meets their quota of students to sign up each month, how can they not poll the students to see how we feel about the hours for tutoring? Our voices count, we are the reason the school is here, not the other way around, so what is my proposition?

I propose that we should all do something about it together, there are colleges that provide students with childcare by having a daycare on campus and they do not charge too much either for the childcare. They also have tutoring sessions on the weekends and later in the evenings to help those students who cannot make it due to working or being in class. And last but not least with this day in age in technology why not have webinar tutoring? Where we can log into a virtual video classroom for tutoring or even go on by our smart phones? Or even a listen and talk on speaker phone? I think this should be changed for all students going forward. I am sure if everyone voiced their opinions we could all make a difference.