Father's Day

This past week, I finally got around to reading The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.  The small, hard cover edition was for sale at my library.  I paid a buck and brought it home.  It's one of those books that you can read in one sitting.  I'm sure you are all familiar with the Last Lecture even if you haven't seen the video or read the book.  It's about a guy with a terminal diagnosis reflecting on his life for the sake of his three young children.  It's beautiful.  This guy loves his kids and he wants them to know him as they grow up without any memories of him.  I want Randy Pausch as my dad.

Which brings me to Father's Day.

It is a holiday that I absolutely hate.  None of the Hallmark cards can express to my father what I want to say to him.  I wrote an essay about him and it's been rejected by quite a few places.  If you want to read it, I'll email it to you because I'm experiencing technical difficulties. It's called Poker Face.  Not to be confused with this Poker Face.

Now, for my husband, the day is a different story.  This year, I am inspired by the Last Lecture.  I want my kids to make cards for their dad and be very specific about what they appreciate about him.  We all want to know what we're doing right and the more specific we can be, the better. We will probably take him to the batting range since he's been talking about going there for months.  Then we'll probably go eat somewhere he likes.

What are you doing for Father's Day?

Versatile Blogger Award

My award, courtesy of Lily Tequila

Her blog is called "Wishbone Soup Cures Everything"

Gosh, I sincerely wish it did!

Well, I don't know how versatile this blog is.  I just talk about death and kind of stick to that, but hey, I'm a Leo and if someone wants to give me an award, I'll take it! But, I did start another blog today.  And it's on Word Press!  Oh, the horror!  I guess I am versatile.

If you've been following me, you know that my next quest is of a spiritual nature.  You can read my lame-o first post here. I think I need the self-deprecating blogger award.  Can someone get on that, please?

Here are the rules:
1.  Add the award to your blog.
2.  Thank the blogger that gave it to you.
3.  Mention 7 random things about you.
4.  List the rules.
5.  Award to 15 bloggers.
6.  Inform each of those 15 by leaving a comment on their blog.

Okay, so I did number one.  Thank you Lily for the award.  Everyone go check out her blog and show her some love!  Okay, here's my 7 random things.

1.  I wanted to be a professional roller skater when I grew up.  Not a derby girl, mind you, just a professional roller skater.  You know, someone who just skates all the time.  I love to roller skate.  I don't do it enough, but I probably should because it makes me happy.

2.  My father is a professional poker player.

And there he is.  And no, the cigar was not lit.  If I ever write a memoir about 

my wacky life, this will be the cover image.

3.  I don't watch TV.  I am very much out of the pop culture loop in that regard.  I don't think I'm missing much.

4.  I love astrology.  My favorite astrologer is a Canadian woman named Georgia Nicols.  I'm a Leo, Sag Rising with a Pisces Moon.  I also have some planetary aspects that point to an obsession with death.  Ha!  Ya think?

5.  I'm an INFP.  I've taken the Meyer's Briggs test two times.  Once at 18 and once at 35.  I always hoped that it would change, but it didn't.  It's a wonderful personality for writing, so there ya go.

6. Although I don't watch TV, I love going to the movies.  But, I have to be the first person in the theater so I can sit exactly where I want - first row with the rail in front of me.  I don't like strangers sitting next to me, but I like having the movie theater experience of laughing or crying with a bunch of people I don't know.  Yes, I'm odd.  I love popcorn, diet Pepsi and Hot Tamales for the show.  My favorite movie of all times is The Shawshank Redemption.

7.  I met my husband in a bar.  I was the bartender.  He ordered a Full Sail Ale and the rest is history.

Okay, here's my fifteen.  Dang, that's a lot! I'm changing the rules.  I'm gonna bestow this on Five lucky bloggers.
1.  Phoenix Once Again
2.  What Else is Possible?
3.  A Grave Interest
4.  Adam's Daily Apple
5.  Blue Skies Sunny Days

Alright, there ya go.  There's not even a mention of death.  I'm a well rounded individual who is, dare I say it, versatile.

Tell me one random fact about you.  And make it a good one!

An Interview with a Reiki Practitioner and CPR Instructor

Today I am talking with Betty Barnes, an 11-year breast cancer survivor, American Heart Association BLS CPR Instructor, Registered Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher and full-time RVer. She shares life on the road with her husband Dave and their dog Maggie. Betty is currently writing “her story,” which she describes as an inspirational memoir of her journey through darkness and into the light of Life.

DW: What made you want to teach CPR?
BB: Like Reiki, CPR is easy to learn and perform, and a skill I believe everyone should have. Combining this philosophy with my passion for teaching, pursuing certification as an instructor seemed a natural progression.

DW: Have you ever had to administer CPR in real life?
BB: No, but I came within seconds of having to do so shortly after my initial certification in the 1980s. When I arrived on the scene, paramedics were already in place.

DW: Did you have experience with death prior to making that decision?
BB: Death has visited family, friends and pets throughout my life. Death becomes a companion the moment you are told, “You have cancer.” Because of my personal experiences, hospice training and Reiki work, family and friends turn to me when presented with the passing of someone in their lives. If I can help, I am honored and humbled.

DW: You said that you went through hospice training. Can you tell me a little bit about your experience with that?
BB: I feel hospice training should be required for everyone. Some people cannot even say the word “death” or “dying.” Hospice training addressed ministering to the physical body of the dying as well as their spirit. Classes were interlaced with compassion, respect, love and laughter. I was allowed to give a presentation on Reiki as it relates in situations of death and dying.

DW: What is Reiki and how does it relate to hospice?
BB: Reiki (pronounced “ray-kee”) can be described as a method of stress reduction and relaxation which promotes overall well-being utilizing the universal energy which is in every living thing and surrounds us all. It is a noninvasive alternative therapy widely utilized in hospitals, pain clinics, cancer centers, hospices, etc. Reiki is performed hands-on or in the person's energy field. Clients lie on a massage/Reiki table, fully clothed, reporting sensations of warmth from the practitioner's hands, relaxation and peacefulness. Reiki on oneself is empowering for those with chronic illnesses and during cancer treatment.
Reiki it is not a religion.
Legitimate Reiki practitioners are professionals adhering to a strict code of ethics.
Reiki is not a substitute for conventional medical therapy.

When others may shy away from touching a dying person, the Reiki practitioner can minister to the dying with the simple act of holding their hand. One of Reiki's beauties is being independent of touch should the patient's condition preclude this due to pain or wounds. The intent is to help ease the suffering of the dying and all those involved. A Reiki person's presence lends an atmosphere of peace and calm. Reiki relaxes, and relaxation tends toopen heart, mind, soul . . . and mouth. Imminent death often prompts the need to unburden, perhaps sharing things not meant for the ears of loved ones; enter the Reiki practitioner as listener.

Thanks Betty for sharing what you do with my readers.  If you click on the links, folks, you can check out Betty's writing, reiki practice and her CPR classes!

Has anyone done hospice training?  I did it in Colorado and it was wonderful.  I'd like to get back into it here in TX.