t minus 6 hours

In six hours I'll be boarding a plane and leaving for Ghana!! I can't believe it. Kelsey and I updated our blog so go ahead and check it out.

http://www.ouradventuresinghana.blogspot.com/

Q+A with the Olsons

Someone asked me what Erik and I do for fun together and how much time we get to spend together so I thought I would answer that here.

Since Erik got his new job as a case worker we've been able to spend much more time together. When he was an evening coordinator we would see each other in the evenings that he didn't work and the mornings that I didn't have class and that was all -- probably only a couple days a week. We now have the opportunity to spend every evening together and weekends. When I come back from Africa I will have my final practicum (shift work) and then I will hopefully land a job so I can't say what our time together will look like in the near future, but for now we probably spend five nights a week together and many of those nights are spent with friends.

My favorite times are snuggled in bed together in the mornings or the evenings talking about whatever is on our minds. On Sunday mornings we stay in bed extra long (Church isn't until 10) and Erik asks me questions about myself... just for fun.

I feel like I have more of a desire to be with him; I would put him in my pocket and carry him around with me if I could. I don't mean that he doesn't like me, but he likes time alone and I like taking my alone time when he is still around. I'm needy like that. I also think that it is easy to spend a lot of time with friends rather than alone because we don't have kids yet so our time together can be devoted entirely to each other.

What do we do when we are together?? Well, our funds are tied up with practical things like school and bills, so we don't "go on dates". We both prefer the summer because we get to do all our favorite hobbies -- hiking, walking, swimming, playing frisbee, reading by the lake, camping, taking long drives, going on road trips, bocce, biking, and pretty much anything we can do outdoors.

When the weather isn't so nice we still go on walks, but we also enjoy playing cribbage, doing sudoku's together, doing crosswords, playing boggle, snuggling up with a good book (Erik sometimes reads to me), and watching a couple TV shows (our favorite is Bones).

At any time of year we enjoy loose-leaf tea, shopping in little boutiques, perusing antique stores and used book stores, visiting 'Mom and Pop Shops", checking out pottery, and looking at neat little shops in general. We always enjoy visiting with family and friends, playing games with them,chatting, and just hanging out. And, when the opportunity presents itself, we love boating, 4x4ing, quadding, and sledding.

I'm sure there are plenty of other things we enjoy together, but that is what we have quickly come up with for you. It was nice to go over this together just before leaving for Africa -- it makes me excited to come home! I'm going to miss him.

My Lovely Morning

I picked up Sawybean bright and early this morning because both her parents had to go to work. After our morning nap we decided to go for a walk while Erik went skating by the lake. Look at this little skating rink. Isn't it adorable?? It's free too, which is the best part.

I don't have skates so Sawyer and I went for a walk instead. Also, I am not stable enough on skates to carry a baby around with me. I tucked little bean into the sling and off we went!

It was so nice to be outside, snuggled up with a precious babe, while it snowed. Sawyer was so content to just look around and I enjoyed the cold as I will be begging for it in a couple days when I am sweating my buns off in Africa.

We were the only ones out walking and it was so quiet. I'm sure I won't have that opportunity for a long time. I am traveling with 16 other ladies so moments of serenity will be fleeting. All I could think was "I'm going to miss this". I don't know how many times I have said or thought that in the past couple weeks -- far too many to count. I am so excited for everything I will experience in Africa, but I also love my life here.

Sawyer went "skating" on the rink too. She was pretty proud of herself afterward. I'm surprised she could even move in that suit she was wearing. I love the little ears on the hood!

When Erik was done skating we went for a walk. I was so proud of my baby-wearing husband. He asked if I wanted him to take Sawyer in the sling and it warmed my little heart. She seriously adores him! She loves me for snuggles, but Erik gets the best smiles out of her.

And now (once the bean wakes up) we are going for lunch with my sis and her hubby. And then dinner at Sawyer's parent's house. What could be better?

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

*** *** ***

 

 

coming soon to a hospital near you

This, my friends, is what four years of nursing school does to you.

Our grad class is making a video for our pre-hooding and these were our outfits for our 8 seconds of fame. These are some of my closest nursing friends... as you can tell, we have a lot of fun together.

We are the nurses of the future -- how does that make you feel? Hopefully safe, because we are going to be wonderful nurses... just give us a little time to adjust.

For the video we had to dance. Yes, we put in so much effort that i did, in fact, fog up my goggles.   We laughed for an hour straight and it was so wonderful!

We did this little diddy right after our last class which was a nice way to finish off our academic career... or at least our classes. I still have exams and papers due in the next couple months, but not more classes!

balance

I feel as though I have really learned how to balance my life over the past couple years. I am now able to balance my school life and my home life.

I used to be just a student.  I say "just" because that role consumed me -- I was solely a student and all other roles suffered. I used to do homework almost every waking moment... it was awful! Lauren and I were roommates so she can attest to the fact that I was a bit crazy. I would wake up at 7am to do homework even though classes didn't start until at least 9am. I would do readings during lunch breaks and start my homework immediately after classes were finished. It was insane. I did that for a couple years too... not just my first year in nursing. My grades were incredible, but I don't know if it was really worth it.

I feel as though I am no able to be a wife, a friend, an auntie, a daughter, a sister, an employee, and a student. Being a student has become part of my identity rather than my entire identity. This is something I have had to learn and I have my dear husband to thank for a lot of it. He has taught me to live my life and to have school be an aspect of life -- an important aspect, but not the most important one. Don't get me wrong, I still work hard and get good grades, but academics no longer consume me and I am now available for others and able to build relationships. I do sometimes swing far the other way and leave school at the wayside, but I have a good handle on things in general.

And, of course, things are changing now that I know how to incorporate student-hood into my life. Learning to balance a job (especially a casual one cause that is probably all I will get) and all my relationships will be a new challenge. A challenge that makes me mostly nervous. But it's just a challenge. I'll get through that too... and then things will change again. They always do.

Updated List

In one week I will be on a plane flying to Ghana. It was strange to turn the page of my planner to see the words "Fly to Africa" staring back at me on the page. This is my updated list. The only things I have left to purchase are:

1. sports bra
2. dutch blitz
3. eye shield (aka goggles)

Everything else that is in red just needs to be packed into my bag - or worn. They're all the "last minute" things. Tomorrow we have to take out empty suitcases to the school to pack them full of medical supplies. Everything listed fits into my pack, but I'll need to borrow my sisters scale to make sure the pack doesn't weigh over 50 lb. My carry-on is a smaller backpack that zips onto my larger pack. That will be so handy when we get to Accra because I won't need to carry a backpack, my larger pack, my purse-y thing, and my suitcase... It'll just be my pack, purse-y thing, and suitcase. Oh, the only other thing I might be keeping an eye out for/ trying to borrow is a smaller wallet. I really don't need to take every card I own!

• Bug Spray (K and I are sharing one and then we will buy more there)
• Bug Repellant Lotion
• Sunscreen 40 spf
• Sunscreen 50 spf (sharing this one too - we'll use it for our face)
• Sunglasses
• Ciprofloxacin
• Anti-fungal Cream
• Multivitamins
• Electrolyte Powder
• Towel (borrowing my sister's travel towel. it packs so tiny!)
• Bed Sheet
• Travel Pillow
• Hand Sanitizer (hope I have enough!)
• Antiseptic Wipes
• Mosquito Net (I had to order one in because they were out)
• Plastic Bowl and Spoon
• Travel Journal
• Pen Knife
• Ziploc Bags
• Travel Kleenex
• Wet Wipes
• Camera
• Camera Charger
• Extra Memory Card
• Extra Camera Battery
• Pictures of family, friends, home, scenery
• Tank Tops (4)
• Money belt
• T-shirts (2)
• Sarong
• Swimming Suit
• Long Pants (for the animal reserve)
• Comfortable Sandals
• Runners
• Eye Shield 
• Sports Bra (3)
• Shorts (2)
• Underwear (5)
• Tank top to sleep in 
• Scrubs (2)
• Name Tag
• Plastic Gloves
• Head bands and handkerchief
• Hat
• Shampoo
• Hair Elastics
• Tampons
• Playtex Wipes
• Granola Bars
• Oatmeal
• Head Lamp
• Rope
• Nailclippers
• Batteries 
• Tide to go Pen
• Pen/pencil, paper
• Hobbies (knitting)
• Card games
• Dutch Blitz
• Pepto
• Afterbite
• Immodium
• Benadryl
• Ibuprofen
• Tylonel
• Sennokot
• Polysporin
• Bandaids
• Gravol
• Visine Eye drops
• Q-tips
• Moisturizer Cream
• IV Set
• First Aid Kit
• Needle Stick Kit
• Sewing Kit
• Safety Pins
• String
• Removable hooks to put up mosquito net
• Comfy clothes for the plane
• Rolling suitcase
• Pack
• Skirts (3)
• Socks (6)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Photocopies of passport, visa, insurance, and ticket (5)
• Laundry detergent
• Metamucil
• Aloe Vera
• Sweat Cloths

Scavenger Hunt, Africa, Christmas

My friend, Mandi, hosted a going away gathering for me yesterday. The lovely lady planned a scavenger hunt for us to do. We separated the teams into boys against girls and did a scavenger hunt around town using only buses for transportation. We lost on bonus points because the guys had twice as many people on their team... but we still had fun. Here are a couple photos from the night... the rest are on Mandi's camera and I will get my hands on them eventually, but for now this will suffice.

Making a pyramid.

I leave in 8 days -- in case you were wondering. This is my last Sunday night at home. It seems unreal to me still. I don't think it will really sink in until I am in Africa... and even then it may be surreal for a while. I am so excited!! I'm not even nervous about anything. It will be incredible!

Being pushed in a shopping cart.

In other news, I undecorated the Christmas tree today. Mock me if you want, but I love Christmas and the tree just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I love when I get out of bed on the mornings I get to sleep a half hour longer than Erik and he has turned the tree on for me. It makes me smile. He is letting me keep the tree up and the lights on until I am gone -- those he can pack away on his own. I am particular about the decorations though so I took those down today. I don't see myself having much time this week.

Stacking store merchandise taller than the tallest person... Security was called on us for this one. Woops.

Other than that not much is going on. I still have a practice exam to make up and a couple practice sheets to write and I am a little nervous about finishing those up. I still have to re-learn the material. It comes back pretty easily, but not easily enough to make up statistic questions on the spot.

I'm off to bed though. I have an emergency birthing class at 0800 and I need my beauty rest! Have a good night.

Global News

My niece, Hailey Jade, was born on June 18, 2010. When my brother called me to inform me of her birth, he couldn't help but blurt out his excitement about a family friend who just heard the news that he was going to receive a long-awaited double lung transplant before telling me about Hailey. I don't know George very well, but his wife, Kim, is a close family friend. They were on Global yesterday and this (if it works) is the clip!

Adventures in Ghana

Kelsey and I set up our Ghana blog today! I think I will write the same thing on both blogs, but Kelsey will be sharing her thoughts and experiences there and if we are writing a post together I may not always have time to post it on both. And I hear the power goes out quite frequently so I may only have a chance to post things once.

This is the website in case you are interested.

http://ouradventuresinghana.blogspot.com/

And please, leave comments here while I'm gone -- I know I will need all of your love and encouragement.

10 days.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a snuggly weekend!

*** *** ***

Itinerary of Sorts...

I definitely stole this straight from a group members website. In case you are interested in some of the specifics, this is what we know.

And so, goes my final itinerary for the trip:

1. Vancouver, BC: I will be catching a ride to Abbotsford with Kelsey and her mom or brother. My sister-in-law, mother, or father will pick us up and bring us to the airport. 

2. Accra, Ghana: After a quick stop in London (1-hour connection time in between flights!) we will be arriving in Accra, the capital city of Ghana.

3. Cape Coast, Ghana: Our first week in the country will be spent touring the coast and getting acquainted with the people, culture, food and weather. We will be visiting the Cape Coast to see the  Elmina Slave Castle and to experience Kakum Nation Park.

4. Kumasi, Ghana: On our way to the hospital we will be working with, we will be stopping in Kumasi.  Personally, I am quite thrilled that we are stopping here because it breaks down the 10-hour bus ride from Accra to Tamale. I am also looking forward to staying in a Botel (Boat Hotel) surrounded by crocodiles. Just saying…

5. Tamale, Ghana: The  group will finally arrive in Tamale where our hospital is located.  While in Tamale, the group will be visiting Mole National Park for a Safari. (Note: Tamale is pronounced TA-MA-lee NOT like the mexican pepper TAH-mah-ley)

6. Enchi, Ghana: After 2 weeks in Tamale, myself and 3 others will be going on an outreach to Enchi, 13-hours away from Tamale. According to my research, Enchi is a tropical rainforest. I am unsure as to what the ramifications of that is (extreme humidity, insane amounts of mosquitos) but I look forward to finding out.

7. Bolga, Ghana: After another 2 weeks in Enchi, my small group will be making its way to Bolga.  This village is the site of the University’s community development project, Project Grow.  

8. Tamale, Ghana: Then we go back to Tamale for two days of seminar and a goodbye party with the locals. 

9. Green Turtle Lodge, Takoradi, Ghana: We end with a couple days at along the ocean to unwind, debrief, and spend time relaxing together. 

And that is, briefly, what we will be doing while in Africa. I really don't know what we will be doing, but I'm not worried about that at all. I am excited to take things as they come. 

Oral Vaccines

This

Stuff

Is

Disgusting.

But I sure hope it helps. 

L.A.W. - formerly G.

My dear friend, Lynn, got married on a beach in Australia last month.  I have a bit of a confession to make... I am only 90% excited for her. This 90% of me is elated! But there is the 10% that is sad. The selfish 10%. The only reason I am sad is because it's now "official", she has moved halfway across the world to Australia. And let's be honest, if you could have the man of your dreams and live by a gorgeous Australian beach wouldn't you??? Lynn just put up pictures from her wedding and I cried as I looked at them -- She looked exquisite. And so content. And so in love. And just stunning.

Last day of grade 12

Lynn is having a larger wedding in Australia in March - when I am in Africa. For a little while I had been humming and hawing about the idea of going to that instead of Africa, but I decided that it was more important that I be there to support Lynn in her marriage than it was for me to be there for her wedding day. Africa is a once in a lifetime opportunity (though I really hope it isn't) so I chose to go to Africa now and Australia later. I don't know when later will be, but I hope it's not too far off.

This is what we are like.

How can I describe Lynn to you? She's the kind of girl that you can be apart from for an entire year, but when you see her again, it is like you never left. She is caring and gentle, but also fiercely protective of her family and friends. She is one of the most thoughtful individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I feel like she always knows exactly what I need and she manages to provide it for me. She is always willing to lend a hand, but even more than that, Lynn is willing to do anything she can to help others.

at Ali's wedding

Lynn is a woman of action. If she sees something that needs to be done she goes after it and completes the task above and beyond anyone's expectations. Lynn jumps in with both feet and approaches things head on and wholeheartedly. She is a woman of her word and she follows through with her promises. She has never questioned me when I have needed her, but has quietly and lovingly supported me every time I have needed her.

Road Trip to Kelowna '06

There isn't a single bad thing I could say about Lynn. She is absolutely lovely! Lynn is brave, adventurous and willing to take risks. She follows her heart -- even when it takes her halfway across the world. She is sensitive, loyal, and she would do anything for the ones she loves.

Words can't even describe how much Lynn means to me. She has always been there for me. She knows me so well that she anticipates what I need long before I realize it myself. I can't even count the number of times she has sent me a message that has said exactly what I needed to hear. She has always been a comfort for me. She has listened to me without judging and has loved me unconditionally. She has forgiven me when I have been ungracious and insensitive. I am a better person because of Lynn (cliche I know!) because she stands up to me and challenges me. She doesn't shy away from confrontation and has a lovely way of making difficult situations more about encouragement and growth than pointing fingers and blaming.

Lynn and I butt heads regularly as we are both rather opinionated women, but she (unlike me) manages to compassionately hear my point-of-view at the same time. I know that there is absolutely nothing I could do that would make Lynn love me less.

Lynn's always up for things too. Whether it was a spontaneous road trip to Kelowna or just a much needed chat, Lynn's always game. We used to have sleepovers all the time and we would sing along with Celine Dion and eat. Oh, and Lynn makes me laugh -- always. It doesn't matter where we are or what we are doing, she always makes me laugh.

Grad Rehearsal

Lynn, I love you and I am so happy for you and Barney. You are a beautiful and loving woman and I know you will be an absolutely wonderful wife. My prayer for you is that you love Barney wholeheartedly and that you protect your marriage as fiercely as you have protected our friendship. I know that you don't like to be served, but I pray that you allow your dear husband to serve you as I know you will serve him. It is my prayer that you and Barney delight in each other and fall more in love every day as you discover what it means to be married and as you learn more about each other. I hope you choose to show your love in every interaction you have with each other.  I am so proud of you, Lynn. Thank you for always being there for me even though we are usually many miles apart. When I grow up I want to be just like you.

Summer 2010 

This one's is for you Lynn...

grad photos

We had grad photos today. I felt like it was a bit early for grad photos, but I'm glad it's another thing out of the way. Another thing off my long list of things to do. Then my girlfriends and I went for coffee. It was so nice to hang out with them off-campus. Our lives have been consumed with school and all of the time we've spent together has been school-related. Today we were just friends. I liked that.

We've been friends since the first day of classes -- it was love at first sight. As we were chatting we realized how well we have gotten to know each other. I love these girls and they know me so well. I'm looking forward to them being supports for me throughout my nursing career. You can always use a friend who understands exactly what you're going through.

The picture above is of Kelsey. She's going to Ghana with me in 2 weeks. She didn't consider coming until earlier this year and I am so glad she did!! It will be wonderful to have a close friend's support throughout the experience. I can't believe we are leaving in just two weeks. We are considering starting a blog together specifically for Africa. I think I will post the same thing on both if we get one, but the other one will include her opinions too which I think will be interesting. It will be nice to have another perspective on things. I'll let you know if that actually happens, but I will hopefully be posting every few days either way. We'll just have to wait and see.

girl cheese sandwiches

My mom sometimes made us grilled cheese sandwiches when we were young. She always used those processed cheese squares instead of real cheddar. There's just something about the way that stuff melts. It is simply delicious.
My older brother Jonathan was not so keen on the idea of "girl" cheese sandwiches. He would beg my mom to make him "boy" cheese sandwiches instead.

"Boy" cheese = real cheddar
"Girl" cheese = processed cheese slices

Apparently he misunderstood my mother (and everyone else) when there was talk of grilled cheese sandwiches. And what boy would even consider consuming "girl" cheese sandwiches? Not that little guy.

Poor kid.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

I know I wasn't there for this particular moment, but I couldn't resist because it warms this auntie's heart. I just love them!

*** *** ***

Listen and Repeat

I have been listening to this song on repeat. I especially love when you can hear both voices -- the melodic feminine and the raspy masculine creating a complementary contrast.

I like the original just as much. I couldn't pick a favorite if I had to. This is what one of the commenters said about Tom Waits and this song:

"There is no other music that makes me think and feel more deeply than Tom Waits. I know of no other artist who has so captured such a wide range of human emotions and experiences and presented them in raw, unpolished and mesmerizingly beautiful forms."

11:11

My SIL is obsessed with or probably more delighted by the time 11:11. It doesn't matter if it is AM or PM. She regularly happens to glance at the clock when those four little ones are staring back at her. Regularly. It's bizarre!

I happened to look at the clock at 11:11 last night. On January 11, 2011.  That would be 11:11 PM on 1.11.11. And I was looking at the telephone so I got to see all those lovely ones staring back at me.

It made me think of my SIL. And I love thinking about her... and her new baby. I love thinking about him too.

How fun would it be to see 11:11 in November??  11:11 on 11.11.11. I might have to set an alarm for that one!

2.5 weeks.

I feel like I don't have much time to focus on Ghana! I am a TA this semester and it is more work than I expected... and not as easy as I had hoped it would be. I feel as though I still have so much to do for Africa, but I think there are a lot of things that I have to do last minute. The bank is at the top of my list right now - I need to open a new account because TD doesn't work in Africa. Good thing my dad will be here to open one with me... that way he can put extra money in if there is an emergency. I am not counting on an emergency, but things happen. 

Oh, the other thing that is kind of stressful is that the travel agent didn't get my bank draft yet. She has all the others, but not mine... I sent it the same day as everyone and that was 2 weeks ago now! Makes me a bit nervous. She said to not worry about it until later next week, but I'm worried now!! Worst case scenario is that I need to issue another one. I don't know how bank draft's work, but if the first one shows up then I can cancel it or something. This is another thing I will be figuring out tomorrow. 

Not much has been crossed off my packing list, but that is partially due to items still being in use. I am surprised by how many things I need to pack. There is no way it will weigh the allotted 50lb!!!  My second bag needs to be free for medical supplies though! We'll see how this goes.

• Bug Spray (K and I are sharing one and then we will buy more there)
• Bug Repellant Lotion
• Sunscreen 40 spf
• Sunscreen 50 spf (sharing this one too - we'll use it for our face)
• Sunglasses
• Ciprofloxacin
• Anti-fungal Cream
• Multivitamins
• Fish Oil 
• Electrolyte Powder
• Towel
• Bed Sheet
• Travel Pillow
• Hand Sanitizer (hope I have enough!)
• Antiseptic Wipes
• Mosquito Net (I had to order one in because they were out)
• Plastic Bowl and Spoon
• Travel Journal
• Pen Knife
• Ziploc Bags
• Travel Kleenex
• Wet Wipes
• Camera
• Camera Charger
• Extra Memory Card
• Small Mirror
• Pictures of family, friends, home, scenery
• Money belt
• Tank Tops (5)
• T-shirts (2)
• Sarong
• Swimming Suit
• Long Pants (for the animal reserve)
• Comfortable Sandals
• Runners
• Sports Bra (3)
• Shorts (2)
• Underwear (haven't decided how many)
• Light sleep wear
• Tank top with built-in bra to sleep in 
• Scrubs (2)
• Name Tag
• Plastic Gloves
• Head bands and handkerchief
• Hat
• Shampoo
• Hair Elastics
• Tampons
• Playtex Wipes
• Granola Bars
• Oatmeal
• Head Lamp
• Rope
• Nailclippers
• Batteries 
• Tide to go Pen
• Pen/pencil, paper
• Hobbies (knitting maybe?? so hot!)
• Card games and books
• Dutch Blitz
• Pepto
• Afterbite
• Immodium
• Benadryl
• Ibuprofen
• Tylonel
• Sennokot
• Polysporin
• Bandaids
• Gravol
• Visine Eye drops
• Q-tips
• Moisturizer Cream
• IV Set
• First Aid Kit
• Needle Stick Kit
• Sewing Kit
• Safety Pins
• Universal sink plug
• String
• Removable hooks to put up mosquito net
• Comfy clothes for the plane
• Rolling suitcase
• Pack
• Skirts (3)
• Socks (6)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Photocopies of passport, visa, and ticket (5)
• Laundry detergent
• Metamucil
• Aloe Vera
• Sweat Cloths (aka bandannas)