If you knew you were dying

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My specialty in nursing puts me face-to-face with death and dying every time I work.  I've watched many take their last breath and, while it is never easy to deal with, it has impacted me in positive ways.  Being young, the idea of dying seems a long way off.  We don't think about anything happening to shorten our life. For me, I've learned to appreciate the ones I love a lot more.  That's why I cherish the time I get to spend with my family and especially my children.

What if you found out you only had a few months to live or just hours? Would it have a profound impact on how you would spend your remaining time on earth? While some would possibly savor each second like a well-prepared entrée, others would quickly burn through the time trying to sample a little of everything. The hard truth is, none of us know which moment will be our last.

Five more traits that may be ruining your relationships

Perhaps you've read ten traits that may be sabotaging your friendships.  If so, you realize that you or others you know may be causing your relationships to self-destruct.  But, of course, there are more personality flaws that can drive friends away.  Find out if you recognize any of these characteristics in yourself or someone you know.

Curry chicken and potatoes

My mom's best friend is married to a native of Trinidad.  I remember as a kid, that he would bring these dee-licious burrito looking things to eat called roti.  It was filled with  curried chicken and potatoes and perfectly seasoned.  Since I can't find anyplace locally that has them, I've tried to come as close as I could.  There is no way I would even attempt to make the roti, or light bread that holds the goodies.  I just used pita bread.  This was so easy and very filling, not to mention that they taste amazing.  I didn't follow a recipe, I just kind of made my own. 

How to deal with problems with in-laws when your kids are involved

Nearly every family sitcom that involves married couples will at some point have a joke or even an entire episode targeting problematic in-laws. Unfortunately, a troubled relationship with your in-laws is no laughing matter, and at times can become even more poignant when children arrive. The list of issues between couples and their in-laws can be endless and can, at times, escalate to a level that is downright nasty. In most cases, problems existed long before the birth of any children. However, when kids are involved, the dynamics in the in-law relationship shifts.

Product review: Chicco Cortina Keyfit Travel System - Vega

We purchased the Chicco Cortina Keyfit Travel System in the Vega design from Target, in fact, the Vega pattern is sold exclusively at Target stores.  The base price is $299.99.  According to my research Chicco has performed well in safety tests.  The car seat minimum weight is 4 lbs, max. is 22 lbs. The minimum stroller weight is 5 lbs, max is 45 lbs. Here's my review of this travel system.

Why do we stay in bad situations?

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This question could, in many situations be summed up in three words: Because it's safe.  Most often, we train ourselves to believe that if nothing else, our situation is emotionally safe. It could be a relationship, our job, pretty much anything. We are being treated badly and we know we are being treated badly, yet we do nothing for a very long time to change our course.  The feeling of emotional safety comes because although we recognize that we are not in a good or healthy place in our lives, we are at least familiar with the bad it entails.  That makes us feel better because there is often a lot of fear of the unknown.  Even at times when physical well-being is involved, such as in the case of domestic violence, there is fear of change--perhaps financially, change of residence, etc.  So at times a person may decide that by staying in that toxic relationship--be it domestically, employment, or otherwise is more predictable and that changing it would be much more stressful.  To alter our lives, at times, takes real courage but our gains might be more than our losses. This quote by Henry Miller sums it up: "All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous, unpremeditated act without benefit of experience." 

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Product review: Eddie Bauer Nursing Privacy Cover

Shown in: Blue & Green

I bought the Eddie Bauer Nursing Privacy Cover for my second child after suffering through nursing my first using baby blankets to cover up when needed.  There is a huge variety of nursing covers out there to choose from.  I found this blue and green patterned cover at a Target store.  Here's my review.

Life is a learning curve

"The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them." --Maya Angelou

When I first heard the above quoted statement by Maya Angelou, I was taken with how simple, yet profound it was.  I work very hard to look for the good in others.  Yet, there may be times when we begin to catch a glimpse of a person's true character and it may not be a pretty picture.  The difficulty is rationalizing: "She (or he) is not really that bad," when in fact your relationship with this person is having a negative impact on your own well-being. 

I've started to go through a different process in my dealings with others:  When I see a trait or have a less than pleasant experience in some way with someone, I don't necessarily use that to put the person entirely in a bad light.  But I no longer ignore the red flag or alarm that may begin to go off in the back of my mind from the incident.  I can then determine how best to handle the relationship going forward. 

Perhaps I might need to adjust my interactions with this person or, depending on the severity, sever ties completely.  As I get older, I'm realizing that there is no point in doing things to "save face" or in allowing myself to be mistreated by another repeatedly while attempting to maintain a so-called friendship.  Once a person shows you who they really are--and given time they most assuredly will--believe it.