Alamo

A sunset & a night shot of the Alamo. I guess I didn't remember that Davie Crockett was here. Of the two pictures above, I like the night shot the best.

Here's a shot of me, Theresa & Mary Ann. Theresa is from Kentucky & Mary Ann is from New York. We were on one of the boats on the River (in San Antonio) and afterwards we walked up and down River Walk (and I got a Hard Rock Cafe Tee shirt! *smiles). We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant that even had their own Mexican band that serenaded the diners.

Boating down the river...

This is a hospital.
Among the famous people born in this building are Carol Burnett, Oliver North, and San Antonio's most famous mayor, Henry Cisneros.
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At its completion this was the largest and tallest hospital in the United States. It was the only hospital in a skyscraper, and the only hospital with doctor's offices, hospital beds, and a parking garage all in one building (and a bar on the bottom floor!).
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Because of the building's sharp angles, the view from the Riverwalk presents an optical illusion that the facing wall is one-dimensional.
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The building's shape is in the form of an "L". The south side of the building is cut off diagonally by the riverwalk which runs through the building's block creating the illusion of a flat wall from the perspective of the river.

SO... a souvenir that I picked up downtown near the Alamo. I've always kind of wanted a silly hat. Now I have one. I look like a natural in it, huh! *smiles*

Okay... time to sign off. I need to pack up some stuff and get to bed so that I can get up and drive up to Dallas tomorrow. I'm going to be spending the night up there with my friend Sonya (Jevette). Should be interesting/fun.

Aloha!

- Kris

ahhhh....

So... after a LONG day of learning about & listening to discussion about Child Abuse, I went to the gym for almost an hour and then I treated myself to a half-hour massage. It felt SO relaxing! And now I'm waiting for room service (something I *very* seldom do). I had salad for lunch (I've had salad for a meal once a day since I've been here at the hotel).

Not much else to write about. I'm enjoying "American Idol" on TV and will eat and try to get to bed early. Tomorrow is another long day of Child Abuse training. Tomorrow evening I'm going with a couple women down to River Walk, a popular place here in San Antonio. Saturday I plan to drive up to the Dallas area. *smiles*

Aloha!
- Kris

Forensics...

That's what we learned about today, Forensic nursing. That's the study of wounds and causes and things like that! It was actually really interesting, the most interesting day so far in our training.

After training got over, I took a long walk with a couple other participants (Molly & Theresa), we went over to Barnes & Noble, a "World" store, then we walked over to the mall and took a walk around there before stopping at the "Cheesecake Factory" for dinner. I had some pizza and then got a piece of Tuxedo Cheesecake, to go. I had about a 3rd of it tonight & will probably eat the rest tomorrow.

Other than that, I called back to one of my co-workers & she checked my recent labs for me and it looks like my PTH is back down to under what it was in December (range 14-72, in Dec it was 92, about 2 weeks ago it was over 340, but the last results have it down to 87). I'll figure out with my doctor what that means when I return. I feel a lot more relieved and less worried about it today though.

Okay... I'm going to sign off, it's just after 9pm and I'm going to head to bed soon. I'm a little bummed because I wanted to watch LOST tonight, but for some reason a bunch of the channels were "frozen" tonight, including the one that LOST was on. Darn it. I got to see the last 10 minutes or so. I'm pretty sure I set my TV to record it while I am gone. So hopefully I'll get to watch it when I return. Otherwise, I'll hope that I can watch it at 7 next week (and then the regular show at 8).

Aloha!
- Kris
P.S. the temps here last night & this morning were in their low 30's. They said last night with the wind chill it felt like 24. That's COLD for someone from Hawaii! *smiles*

Tuesday?

I'm not going to post a pic today, I'm just going to write a short note. All is well here with the training, I've been learning a lot already. After our training we had a "socialization" hour where we could mingle with other participants. Afterwards I went over to the mall with about 6 other women. I walked around the mall for about an hour & a half, I figured that was enough for exercise today. I've had one of my tummy aches today, so at lunch time I skipped lunch (I had some pretzels) and came up to my room for a quick nap. I'm hoping to be in bed sleeping within an hour (it's 8:30 now).

So... that's about it for the day.

Aloha!
- Kris

1st Day of Training...

This is just another picture from Saturday. I didn't go anywhere today. I had training all day, then went and did about an hour of exercising in the exercise room here in the hotel. I went down and ordered a take-out Caesar Salad side dish (so... another $3.00 *smiles*) and came back up to my room. I've just been kicking back watching TV and being on the computer. The connection is really slow here at the hotel. I asked about the charge for the internet connection and they said we would be reimbursed (because we are here as part of the training).

The training has been good and it's been great to network with some of the other Social Workers (90% of the people in the training are Social Workers). There's also a nurse's training going on and at lunch I walked over with a mixed bunch (from our training and the nurse's group) and ended up sitting down next to someone else from Honolulu! Wow! She's a nurse, really nice. Who knows... she might be the one taking care of me when I have my surgery in a couple weeks).

Other than that... not much going on. I'm going to try and exercise every day. Tomorrow after our training we are having an ice breaker socialization hour. Then I'll probably come up and watch some TV. (beats spending money!).

Okay... time to sign off.

Aloha!
- Kris

Hola! Como Esta?

Hi! Well... wouldn't you know it... one of my first stops was at a Harley Store! LOL! This is Susanne & I in front of their store icon (or whatever you call it). A salesman offered to take the picture (obviously a salesman... not a photograher! *smiles*). That was nice of him to offer.

I'm now at the hotel where I will be doing my training. I had a good weekend with Susanne, she's got a beautiful (large) house. Today we ran errands and did some shopping. I spent more than I should have, but that's the story of my life... right? I did stock up on some snacks for the next couple weeks in hopes of saving some money. Tonight I had a Caesar side salad for dinner (it was a HUGE side salad and was only about $3.00!). Guess what I will be having for dinner when I'm here at the hotel! I ran into a guy in the lobby who was looking for the restaurant where I was to meet my co-worker Lesley... and come to find out, he's also from the same place I work (but in a different section), so that was kind of neat! We got to quiz him about his position. I also saw a woman who I've seen several times here at the hotel in my short time, she had come in to eat and was by herself, so I invited her to eat with us. She's from Lexington, KY and is a Medical Social Worker. Nice person!

Tonight will probably be the only time I sign onto the computer in my room. They charge $10.00 per 24 hours! YIKES! Someone said tonight that if I go down to the lobby, I can get free access, so I will try that.

I have something frustrating to report... I've lost my IPOD! WHAT??? I had it on the plane, I vaguely remember getting off the plane and was pretty sure I had it. I called the rental car agency to see if it had been found in the vehicle... it hadn't and the car has already gone back out. They put a note in to double-check again when it comes in. I'm upset about losing it. It's not so much the IPOD itself... but it's ALL the music I had on it (and that computer I had all my thousands of songs on, went belly-up... so! Keep your fingers crossed & say your prayers, that by some miracle it shows up.

Okay... I'm going to sign off. Sorry I didn't post yesterday, Susanne didn't have internet access at her home. I'll post when I can here, but I *will* be busy during the day and I will probably be out in the evening with other Social Workers.

Aloha!
- Kris

I'm leaving... on a jet plane...

So... first. If I'm not posting every day over the next couple weeks, it is because I'll be in San Antonio for some training. I fly out tomorrow night & won't be back until late on February 7th. I'm looking forward to the trip, to the training, to doing some sight-seeing and to seeing my friend Susanne, that used to live here.

2nd. Work went okay, I got almost everything done I wanted to do today. Tomorrow I have to write up one more report, hopefully meet with a new client, attend a meeting and do some filing. We got a new co-worker today, she seems like she'll be a neat person. I think I'll like her, and I really like the last one that was hired about 2 weeks ago.

3rd. I snuck a peek at the lab results that are coming in from the tests I did on Monday. Two results have come in so far. My Potassium is back in the normal range (thankfully). My PTH level, which was 92 before (with the normal range being 14-72), is for some reason, now over 300! Not sure what that means, or if my doc will ask me to repeat the test again. I don't know that she requested my Calcium levels or not, but the PTH and the Calcium levels are usually intertwined, I think.

4th. I met with the Urologist today. I am scheduled for surgery on February 23rd. I have my preop on the 18th, and my first Monday back from San Antonio, I get to "practice" the catheter. (YUK!). It sounds like I will be in the hospital for 1-2 days.

5th. I fly out tomorrow night and I haven't packed yet. I guess I had better sign off and think aout it at least.

Aloha!
- Kris

LOST...

I'm watching LOST tonight... many of you know, that it was filmed here on Oahu. I enjoy watching it to see places I recognize. Once in awhile you'll see one of the actors here on the island (or hear about something they have done, like drunk driving). I'm glad to see the show back on TV.

Work went okay today, I finally got a guy to come in that was involved in an incident over a month ago. I'm supposed to see people within a few days... NOT wait a month, but I hadn't been able to track this person down. I also had a supervision session with my supervisor, that went fine. I get to give a couple cases over to some new co-workers (yea!). I'm just passing on some cases that were passed to me. But, it will take some of the pressure off. It was a busy day at work otherwise.

I fly out in 2 nights. Have I started packing? Nope. I need to get busy, huh! Nothing like waiting for the last minute. I do have a list on my computer with things I want to pack... just need to get busy & do it.

Well... nothing else to really write about tonight. I'm going to sign off so I can concentrate on "Lost."

And since my oldest daughter won't read this until tomorrow "Happy Birthday Kati!" She turns 30 on the 22nd.

Aloha!
- Kris

President Obama

President Obama... it's hard to believe he grew up a few miles from where this picture was taken, in fact, when he was here last Summer, he took his kids down here to Magic Island, where this picture was taken from. I'd just like to say "Congratulations, President Obama!"

I left home really early so I could get into work and hopefully catch the inauguration at work. I need to take off early on Thursday (to see the doctor), so I went in early, but there had been an accident near where I get on the Freeway... which slowed me down. I ended up getting to work about 8 minutes before 7, but didn't want to go in & take the time to sign into the computer to watch the swearing in... I figured I'd miss it, if I did that... so I sat in my car and listened on the radio. I'm a little bummed that I missed it... but oh well. I'm sure it will be on the news tonight. I did get to see tiny bits of it on the computer today. I'm sure President Obama & his wife are tired tonight... it sounds like they have had a long day. Wow.

Work for me was busy today... prepping for group, doing group, then I had lunch with my co-workers, then did an intake on a new client, then started some paperwork, then met with a client that I took over from another provider, by then it was almost quitting time. I ran over real quick and got some labs drawn (4 more tubes). My doc wanted to double-check the labs that had come back high last time (Potassium, PTH, and D). I was able to check the results before I left, and saw that my Potassium is back to normal, I think that was one I was the most worried about. I was only out of the office about 10 minutes, because the lab is in the same complex and there wasn't anyone waiting when I got there, so I was able to go right in and get my labs drawn.

Then... I stayed at work until 6:30 or so (I didn't get home until almost 7). I typed up all my documentation today and got all my notes entered into the computer. It's important that I stay on top of everything this week, since I fly out Friday after work.

One piece of good news... one set of my Pro Bowl tickets are in... they are the ones that I actually plan to use, so that's good. I'm going to pick them up tomorrow. I still need to deal with the other ones at some point this week. I called today and they still hadn't come in.

Okay... I'm going to sign off... I am watching "The Biggest Loser."

Aloha!
- Kris

Another beautiful day in Hawaii Nei

Ala Moana... my favorite beach... it was a beautiful day to be at the beach, unfortunately, I didn't take my swimsuit when I did my errands today. But.. I enjoyed the walk around the park!

A beautiful shot of Diamond Head from Magic Island. It was a nice day for sailing and spending time at the beach and in the ocean.

,

My day was spent sleeping in, making some Split Pea Bean soup for dinner tonight. I picked up a new pair of shoes for free (I had a $40 off coupon for Nordstroms, so I went to the Rack & found a pair of Coach Tennis Shoes that I love), and I got a new DS game for my Nintendo for $5.00, because I had a $15.00 off coupon for Best Buy. I felt I had a great day with great buys. After shopping, I went by Ala Moana for a walk and to take some pictures. On the way home, I stopped & got my hair trimmed.

The only frustrating thing today, was that I called to see when my Pro Bowl tickets would be in, and they said they are supposed to be here by the end of the month. A lot of good that does me... I fly out this Friday night & won't be back until the night before the Pro Bowl. Ugh! And they have said that no one else can pick them up for me... they suggested I could pick them up the morning of the game (which defeats my purpurse of getting them... so I could sell them). Oh well... something will work out.

Okay... time to sign off & go eat my Split Pea soup.

Aloha!
- Kris

Sunday dinner

So... this is Bob, Barb, Guy & Nikki as we were walking back to the bus stop so they could catch the bus back into town. If you click on the picture to enlarge it, you can see Diamond Head above Barb's head.

We had a great day... I got the apartment cleaned up this morning and then walked down with Peanut to meet B, B, G & N as they walked up from the nearest bus stop (it's about 3 blocks away). We came back and watched some football (Go Arizona Cardinals & Pittsburg Steelers!) and we had a great dinner. I made a ham and some scalloped potatoes, they brought desert & some chips & Salsa to eat, and I also made some corn & raise & bake multi-grain rolls (they were delicious!). I can't believe how fast the afternoon went! Peanut started warming up to Barb... she wasn't too sure about Bob, and of course, she loved Guy & Nikki.

It'll be 3 weeks before I get to see them again. I'll be gone for the next couple weeks and when I do get back, it will be for the Pro Bowl. The weekend after that, the 15th, I have a pontoon boat reserved to take the "oldies" out to the Sand Bar at Kaneohe Bay. Should be fun. I figured the weekend after that, I'll have everyone back up here for another dinner here, then the next weekend, we'll do a potluck barbeque at Magic Island... by then Bob & Barb will be going back to the Minneapolis area, the week after that, Guy & Nikki leave, and then I'll have Walt & Bette here for a couple more weeks. Something tells me that the next few months will go by fast... at least it will help speed the time before I go on my cruise.

Okay... time to sign off.

Aloha!
- Kris

Mokapu'u hike...

Here's the Mokapu'u Lighthouse this morning. It was an absolutely beautiful day!

The hiking group (minus a couple photographers).

Peanut up at the Lookout. She was pretty tired! This was her first hike. She was good. At first she barked, but then realized that if she barked at every person, she would be barking non-stop. *smiles* This was a good socialization experience for her. She made a lot of new friends.

The lighthouse is right behind Peanut's ear. This was at one of our rest stops along the way.

So... Peanut & I had a good hike up to Mokapuu, didn't really see much in the way of Whales, other than WAYYYY in the distance. On the way back into town, I stopped & saw my friend Sarah (Janis' daughter) and introduced her to Peanut (who is currently chopping away on a piece of ice. She LOVES ice chips). After stopping to see Sarah, we then stopped by the Church thrift shop & surprised Guy & Nikki who volunteer there. When Peanut saw Nikki, her tail started wagging a mile a minute! She'll be seeing them again tomorrow when they & Barb & Bob come over for dinner.

When we got home we took a nice nap, we were both pretty worn out. Then I went and did a little grocery shopping. I'm back home, just getting ready to eat some dinner & watch a little TV before I clean up my apartment. I can't believe how fast my apartment gets messy!

So... I'll sign off.

Aloha!
- Kris

Friday the 16th...

I went and saw a chick flick with a friend, we saw "Last Chance Harvey" with Dustin Hoffman, it was good... a little slow in placs, but still good. She took this picture of me in front of a movie poster thing, it's from "Friday the 13th" (another re-make of a movie coming out.).

Work went okay today, I didn't see any clients today, but I did talk to a couple, including a tearful spouse. I spent some time this morning chasing down some questions/concerns she had.
This afternoon I went to a training and got to see some of my old co-workers. I also finished getting a chart ready for another review committee meeting. So far, someone will have to present 4 cases for me that I've completed.

Today's weather wasn't as bad as it was predicted (so yes, I *did* go to work today). All the state, city & county employees had the day off, and all public schools was closed. So... a bunch of people got a 4-day weekend. (must've been nice!).

I'm hoping the weather will be decent tomorrow morning, I'm hoping to get up and go join my "Meet In" friends for a hike up to Mokapu'u to watch for whales.

Sunday I'm having Guy & Nikki, and Barb & Bob over for some dinner (we're kind of doing a potluck... I'm providing Ham & scalloped potatoes, Guy & Nikki are bringing the appetizers & Barb & Bob are bringing the desert (an apple pie)... yum!). Barb & Bob got here from the Minneapolis area last week. When I talked to Guy & Nikki this afternoon, I found out that Carl & Mikki have arrived as well (they are the ones that I visited with Walt & Bette... they live up in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area & own an old flour mill that they have renovated, the flour mill was originally owned by Henry Ford). Now... we just have to wait for Walt & Bette to get here! They will get here while I'm gone to San Antonio.

Okay... time to sign off... I'm tired, ready for bed.

Aloha!
- Kris

Too much wind?

This was the sunrise from my apartment earlier this week.

So... tomorrow they are predicting 60 mile per hour winds here on Oahu. What does that mean? Well... first, let me say that apparently 60 mph winds are only 10 mph less than a Category I hurricane. THEN, I'll say that all public schools are already scheduled to be closed tomorrow, along with most of the private schools (my guess is that they will follow suit once they know the public schools are closed). State offices are scheduled to be closed, and the University has cancelled classes. Right now I'm scheduled to work. I talked to my supervisor before I left, asking him if someone will let us know tomorow morning (before we get on the road) whether the clinic will be open. I have to say, they have a very POOR phone tree to notify people of closures! I am personally hoping that the clinic IS open tomorrow, because there's plenty of work that I need to get done before I fly off to San Antonio next week. I say that, but I also know that the area I work in tends to get a lot of damage when the wind comes through (because it sits at the base of a mountain range). SO... time will tell. I *may* just end up with an unplanned 4-day weekend (Monday is the Martin Luther King Holiday... today is actually his birthday).

I took Peanut to the Vet after work, she's up to 6lbs 2oz, which is what my youngest daughter weighed when she was born! *smiles* They said that she only has a couple more baby teeth left to worry about and then she will be done with the teething (thankfully), and they said that she shouldn't get too much bigger. She got the last of her shots today and now I can take her out for works! Yea!

Okay... I'm going to sign off.

Aloha!
- Kris

Peanut & I...

So... here's a couple pictures of Peanut & I. I had a friend take a picture of us. She's really growing isn't she! Peanut does pretty good most days, but today she decided to use my basket in the bathroom, that I use for towels, as a chew toy. Oops. And tomorrow she has a vet appointment, they called today & want me to bring in a stool sample tomorrow...it may be a little "woody." *grin*. Oh well.

Today at work was busy, I had seven cases to present (6 new ones and one old one). We ran out of time, so I didn't get to print my last case (a new one), so someone else will have to present it next time (in two weeks). I will probably have 5 or 6 cases to present next time (well, someone will have to present them for me). Presenting cases took all morning and then I spent the afternoon doing all the documentation and chart work.

Okay... I'll sign off... I'm watching "American Idol."

Aloha!
- Kris

December...

This is probably one of my all-time favorite pictures that I have taken in the past couple years. So, I saved the best for last with my calendar.

Work went okay today. I got up early and made some Chocolate Chip cookies to take in, and ended up being a little late (no real problem), although in my rush to get out of the house, I forgot my cell phone and my ID. Ugh! We use our ID's to access the computer, so I couldn't log on. I had one of my co-workers log me on (but I can't get my own work email if I don't use my ID), but then the computer system went down for the better part of the day, so I suppose if there was any day to forget it, today was a good day to do it.

This morning I did group and our newest co-worker co-facilitated with me, it was nice having a 2nd person there. This afternoon I briefly met with two of my clients and then I did a bunch of chart work, so that was nice. I felt like I had a productive day.

Tonight I've just finished my dinner & now I'm watching "The Biggest Loser" so... time to sign off.

Aloha!
- Kris

Colorful sunsets...

One of the things I like about Hawaii, are it's colorful sunsets (although I haven't been taking half as many pictures as I used to!).

How was YOUR day? Mine was okay, busy, productive. I finally got a client in that I should have seen back in November, but he came in and then I talked with my supervisor & we are going to be able to go ahead & just close the case instead of having to present it next month to the overall committee that reviews our cases. One less to deal with. I also got another case dismissed, basically because I feel the allegations are unfounded. So... THAT was good. I still have a lot to get done, I have two more intakes that I have to do the charts & finish the paperwork on, and a couple more clients that I still need to get in to see me. It's a never-ending cycle. This afternoon we had a staff meeting that ran longer than it should have, so it was probably good that my last appointment of the day called to cancel for this afternoon. It gave me time to prep for my group tomorrow. Tuesdays are always busy for me.

Guess that's about it, I'm thinking about making some Chocolate Chip cookies to take into work tomorrow and I'm looking forward to watching "The Bachelor" and probably "True Beauty" tonight on TV.

So... I'll say "Aloha" for another day.

- Kris

October & Extremes...

This is the "October" calendar picture. It was taken over on the North Shore of Kauai, at the Kalalau Valley look-out. This is part of the "Napali Coast" over there. I love this place, it's beautiful and I have some memories there that I cherish. (i.e. hiking with Janis).

So... I think most people who know me, know that my oldest daughter & my oldest grand-daughter live up in the Fairbanks (North Pole) Alaska area. This is what it looked like yesterday. They are over 100 degrees colder than I am. Although I hear it is supposed to be warmer tomorrow. The last couple weeks have been 40 to 50 below up there, and here it has been up to the 80's... that's a 130 degree difference. Just amazing! (Glad YOU can tolerate it Kati...) I can't believe that I tolerated those kind of winters for 18 years.

Not much today, spent the morning relaxing & cleaning my apartment, doing laundry & playing with Peanut (and playing Soduko). Then I went and saw the "Clint Eastwood" movie- "Grand Torino" I thought it was good. Then I headed to "Sam's Club" and spent more money than I should have... but that's the story of my life.

Okay... now to finish watching "Extreme Home Make-over"...

Aloha!

- Kris

September's picture

So... this is another one of my favorite turtle pictures (it was taken this past year). Hawaii sure is a beautiful place. Although it was rainy this afternoon, even with the rain, one nice thing is that we often get a beautiful rainbow or two. There was a huge one as I was driving into town today.

I had another lazy morning... I watched a couple hours on the Travel channel about going on cruises. It was interesting.

This afternoon I went in & picked up Michelle, her husband & Kaleo and we went bowling. That was fun. Believe it or not, Kaleo won the first game! I don't think I broke 100 in the first game (ugh!). I won the 2nd game by 1 point. Afterward we went by the used car lot (on the Air Force base) and I saw a nice Audi TT, convertible. It was a 2001, and they wanted 15K for it. But... I'm going to have to hang onto my car for awhile longer.

I hope my oldest daughter doesn't kill me for this... but I got a chuckle today. My oldest grand-daughter has become a 'young lady' in that she recently started having her menstrual cycle. I guess she was too embarrassed to tell her parents though... and they found out today after checking her laundry! LOL. Poor kid. I think that's an embarrassing time for all young girls. She turned 11 this past Sept. She was adamant that she did NOT want anyone to know!
So... that was the news on my oldest granddaughter today. And then my youngest granddaughter had to go to the doctor today, she's got strep. Poor kid. As far as my youngest daughter, I guess she is enjoying her new job, she's only worked two days so far, but has already had a pay day yesterday.

Did you see the moon tonight (last night)? It's the largest & brightest of the year (if I recall correctly). It was nice. I'm glad I got to see it... I wasn't sure we would be able to see it here in Hawaii tonight. We are supposed to be having a BIG storm coming our way tonight that is supposed to drench the island and there may be lightening storms with it. The last major storm we had, was when the power went off on the island (for some people, it was off up to 24 hours!).

Okay... time to sign off.

Aloha!
- Kris

August?

Here's the August calendar picture... it's one of my favorite places on the north shore of Kauai, it's called "Queen's Bath." I've swam here a couple times... nice warm water, somewhat protected from the wild ocean.

So... how was YOUR Friday? Mine was busy. This morning we had to go over the cases we are presenting at a Committee meeting next week. I have a "record" high of 6 cases to present at one time. Most people apparently only present 3 cases. I also had a young man FINALLY come in this morning. He was involved in an incident in November, and I *finally* got him in today. He was a little gun shy about coming in (probably not a good pun), but before the end of the session he shed a bunch of tears, knew that I cared about him as a person and gave me a hug before he left. (I don't routinely hug clients, but this one needed one by the time we were done, he's a young kid that needs to learn some better coping skills). Then, I went to lunch with my co-workers, ran into one of my former co-workers, which was nice. On our way back, I took our newest co-worker around to introduce her to some of our other behavioral health clinics. In the process, I got to see some of my former co-workers that I've had at a couple of the clinics. They miss me. It was good to see them and get hugs from them. I miss them too. I stopped by the Substance Abuse clinic (where I had turned down a job almost 2 years ago) and met some of the providers there (along with my new co-worker) and discussed a current case with one of the providers there. It's a person that we are both seeing (for different reasons), but we are collaborating on the case.

After returning with the co-worker (we were gone about an hour & a half), then I had two new intakes come in (so three for today). This was a couple that I've been trying to get in for quite a long time too, but there had been a death in the family so they had to fly back to the mainland a couple times in the last month & a half. This couple had two young sons, ages 1 & 2, and man, that 2 year old looked at least 4. Cute, but rambunctious kids. The little one didn't want to leave & cried when I tried to give him back to back. Awwww.

So... it was a busy day. I stayed a little late, but spent most of that time talking with a couple co-workers as they were leaving. We were talking about cases, so it wasn't just shooting the breeze. One of them will be going with me to San Antonio in a couple weeks.

I stopped on the way home & bought a new pair of black jeans, grabbed a bite to eat at McDonald's (I ate about 3/4's of a cheeseburger & about 1/3rd of the fries and was full).

I've just been surfing the web tonight and watching some TV, but plan to go to bed soon. If I'm "up" to it in the morning, I may take my car in to get it serviced tomorrow. It's past due.

Okay... time to sign off.

Aloha!
- Kris

Almost the end of the week.

July's calendar page... the back side of the Arizona Memorial, taken from Ford Island.

Work went okay today, I got done what I needed to and made some connections that needed to be made, so that was good. Today primarily focused on paperwork and case management (phone calls).

I left at 2pm, and headed down for my Doctor's appt. The procedure was rather uncomfortable, but I survived. The end result is that I will probably be having surgery in the next two months.
I emailed my regular doc today to see if all the results from my bloodwork are back yet, I hadn't heard back from her before I left work. I know my Potassium was a little high, as was my "Parathyrin Intact" value which may be indicative of hyperthyroidism, and my Vitamin D is high (not sure if that is a bad thing or not).

After I finished up with the procedure this afternoon, I stopped near where I live & got my nails done, consequently I didn't get home until 7pm. I was bummed to find out that "Wheel of Fortune" wasn't on. I've been watching the History Channel on "Nostradamus." It's interesting.

Okay... time to sign off.
Aloha!
- Kris

P.S. Had good news today, my youngest daughter got a new job! Yea! And it sounds like one she will excel at!

Wednesday...

This picture from June probably looks familiar! *smiles* This photo has been enhanced. Looks good though, huh!

Work went okay today, I wasn't as productive as I would have liked. That seems to be the story of my life though. Today I did an intake on a woman with a pretty serious substance abuse history who is also dealing with domestic violence. This afternoon I met with a couple who seemed to have false accusations of child neglect filed against them.

One thing about this job, there's never a dull moment. (or at least very seldom).

I did make it to the gym after work, I worked out on the Elliptic machine.

Okay... guess that's about it for today.

Aloha!
- Kris

May?

Aloha!

This is the May picture from my calendar...

**********

So, how was YOUR day? Mine was busy. We got into work this morning and the computer systems were still down (grrrr!). I had group this morning, a manageable 7 participants, we talked about managing stress. Then, I had an appointment at 12:30 (for an hour) and again at 3:30 (for an hour). Since the computers came back up, I had to go in and do my notes from yesterday AND today. I entered something like 21 notes on the computer. I did the group notes between my two sessions, and then stayed late to get most of the other notes done.

Tonight I'm just surfing the web & watching "The Biggest Loser."

Okay... I'm going to sign off.

Aloha!
-Kris

April

Aloha...

So... as I continue with calendar pictures, here's the April picture (and as I've said before, these are all pictures taken by me).

Today was a busy day at work. We had a staff meeting first thing this morning in town, it took almost an hour to get there (to go less than 10 miles). Agh! But, I prepared for it and left early.

I had another tummy ache this morning, not sure what's up with that. They seem to come in spats... I didn't have one yesterday, and until about a week or so ago, I hadn't had one for a couple months. I'm going to start tracking them on a calendar. I'm still inclined to blame it on the medication changes, but time will tell.

I made it to work about mid-morning (to MY office), not feeling too well, but by lunchtime I was almost back to normal. I had one intake this morning and then this afternoon I did an intake with a husband & wife and their young son (meeting with each one individually) and then I met with another client for an individual session. Work was complicated today because they took our computer system down to do some work, they told us it would be back up this afternoon, but it wasn't, so I wasn't able to do any documentation. I got another new case today, they never stop... Tomorrow I have group in the morning, so I stayed a little later preparing for that and gathering some materials for it (fortunately, I had some that I didn't need to get from off the computer!). Oh yea and we got a new co-worker this morning. We met her at our staff meeting this morning, but she has a lot of in-processing to do.

Okay... I'm going to sign off. I'm watching "The Bachelor." It is just starting the new season. *smiles*

Aloha!
- Kris

March?

So...

This is my MARCH calendar picture.

How was your Sunday? Mine was okay, I cleaned up a bit this morning , colored my hair and then Guy & Nikki got here about noon. We barbequed some chicken, had some beans & salad, and then we had Carrot cake for desert. MMMMM... I took them down to the bus stop a little after 6 and they should have made it home okay.

I've just been playing Suduko & watching some TV tonight. I'm getting ready to head to bed, I've got to leave early tomorrow because I have to go into the main office in town tomorrow morning and they really frown if you are late... but the traffic is HORRIBLE (it tops the list in the US for the time it takes to commute into town during rush hour traffic).

So... Aloha for another day...

-Kris

P.S. please pray for a young woman who is a friend of my oldest daughter. She lives up in the Fairbanks, Alaska area and was pregnant & due in April. She apparently had her baby today and they had to fly the baby down to Anchorage. The baby must be about 4 months premature. So... prayers are needed & appreciated.

Stair stepping dog...

First, this is the February calendar picture of my calendar. It came out really nice.

How has your Saturday been? Mine's been okay. I've had one of my tummy aches today so I've been taking it easy. I watched a LOT of the History channel on TV today. Tonight I've been watching dog shows on the Animal Planet channel.

I did head into town for just a little bit today. I went in and dropped off cans for recycling (they charge us when we buy cans & bottles, and we get 5 cents for returning them). I got something like $8.30 today. Then I did some grocery shopping. I'm having Guy & Nikki over tomorrow for some bbq chicken and some Wii time. *smiles*

The header? I bought some doggy steps today so that Peanut can get on and off the bed by herself. There are four steps. She's learned it pretty well. She's a very smart puppy!

I found out today that some friends of mine up in Alaska had their new house (it was just finished in May) burn down (in -50 degree weather... brrr!) They are okay though. Johnny is a Pastor of a local church up there and a few years ago he survived a grizzly bear attack. He's had several challenges over his lifetime, I'm sure he will get through this one too, but I'm sure he would appreciate prayers for him & Patty. Thanks...

Okay, I'm going to sign off.

Love ya!

- Kris

Seven Pounds...

This is the January picture on the calendar that I made... beautiful, huh!

Work went okay today, I wasn't as productive as I would have liked, but oh well. Everyone in the office went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch today, my boss bought lunch.

Tonight I went and saw the movie "Seven Pounds" (main actor is Will Smith). It was interesting and thought provoking.

Okay... I'm going to keep this short & sign off.

Aloha!

- Kris

New Year's Day

Happy New Year!

It's been a relatively quiet day, unlike last night. I stayed home and saw a TON of fireworks, just sitting & watching out my bedroom window. At times it was like watching the "finale" of most firework shows. I watched off & on until about 11 and then I sat at the window and watched it for a little over an hour. The sky was so smokey, you couldn't see more than a mile or so. I think between 11 and 12, the longest I could count without seeing aerial fireworks was 3 seconds. It was pretty amazing. Especially since aerial fireworks are banned unless you have a "display" license. There were some "bombs" that went off, that were about 10 times louder than "duds." I think some people must have actually had dynamite! It was even louder than an M80 (I think that's what those are called).

This morning I slept in. Then did some chores. This afternoon I met Tom up near the base because he's got to go there tomorrow morning for some training and didn't know where the building was located. So, I went & met him off base & we found the building that he needs to go to tomorrow. Then we went up to Haleiwa, we were going to get some shave ice, but the places that sell them were closed, so we went to one of the restaurants up there. I had already eaten, so I had a fruit smoothy while Tom had lunch. Then he headed back into town & I went over to Ali'i beach to see if I could find any turtles. No luck toay. I wasn't too surprised, the water was so brown (because we had another HEAVY rain last night).

Tonight I have just been home watching "Dog Whisperer." It's a show about a guy (Cesar) that rehabilitates dogs. I'm learning stuff about training dogs. Peanut does pretty good, when I tell her to stay, most often she will (and she's still a puppy). Although today when I came home I found she had chewed on a cord to my computer, fortunately she didn't completely destroy it, I am able to still use it.

Okay... I'd better sign off, I need to take care of some laundry.

Aloha!

- Kris