Thoughts From a Frazzled Mind

Olsen Family Party Kim and I were in charge of the annual Olsen Christmas Party this year.  I was knee-deep in finishing up my homework for the semester, so I let Shandra take my place in the planning phase of the party.  It was decided to keep things simple for everyone involved, but it still turned out great!  They asked everyone to come wearing their favorite headgear, and pretty much everyone complied.  Barb definitely was the winner with her huge curls made from pool noodles.  Even Grandma joined in the fun with a huge ribbon that had lights that blinked. We ordered a bunch of simple craft products from Oriental Trading for the kids to do - however, I believe there were more adults than kids at the crafting table!  We had a soup and salad bar with lots of yummy soups and chilis.  Strangely enough, my corn chowder disappeared first.  The dessert table was covered in some of my very favorite treats, Dennileigh made Carmel Rice Krispie trea...

This has been a crazy month!  It started while I was at work with a phone call from the aide at Gables who said that Dad had a fever and had fallen, she then casually mentioned that his O2 stats were in the low 80's.  She also mentioned that they had called the nurse to come in and check on him.  I wasn't too worried until she mentioned his low oxygen, but was anxious to hear from the nurse.  A few minutes later the nurse called and said that his O2 sats were at 78 and she couldn't get them higher.  He was also acting very tired.  She recommended that we take him to the hospital.  I jumped in my car and called Robin to tell her that I would meet her at Gables.  When I got there 40 minutes later I found Dad laying on the sofa, he was acting totally lethargic and his O2 was at 68.  We maneuvered him into a wheelchair with the help of the aide and got him into the car.  He could not help at all.  He was extremely confuse...

I started the week off by working at the Murray campus planning labs for the upcoming semester.  Not only I am going to be teaching a new class (Maternal/Newborn/Pediatrics), I will be teaching the accompanying lab as well as the fundamental labs.  Teaching labs is more difficult for me than classroom lectures so I spent the morning getting help and advice from Carrie and Tanjia who have taught the labs in the past.  Tanjia was kind enough to build awesome posters for the Maternal/Newborn lab that will be really helpful. That afternoon the faculty met at Mimi's Cafe for our Christmas lunch and gift exchange.  Sally joined us.  The food was fantastic and the company was wonderful.  The gifts were simple but heartfelt and personal.  I'm so fortunate to work with this great group! Audrey, Sally, Sue, Carrie, Dennis, Lisa, Tanjia, Dustin While I was at lunch Tasha called and asked if I could stop by Hunzeker's house and pick her and Zane up to stay...