The Princess Diaries

2009-01-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I work in a nursing home. Right now I'm a housekeeper but, I'm working on my CNA license. A few months ago my boss [the head of housekeeping] gave me her Maltese/ Shihtzu mix dogs. I have Bunnie who just turned 8, and her son Taz who is 5. I love them both and couldn't be happier to have them.

Right after I got them, I started taking them up to the nursing home to visit on my days off. The residents love it. My dogs are small enough to be held in laps and on beds. They thrive on the attention. The residents start smiling as soon as they see us coming. When I'm at work they ask regularly when I'm bringing my "puppies" again. I tell them that as long as I'm not sick and the weather is nice, I'll bring them my next day off.

Since I don't drive, I knew I was going to have to come up with a way to get them there during the summer. Thanks to my friend Brandi and my wonderful boyfriend, Kevin, we found a solution ....

Brandi gave me an old beach cruiser, and Kevin rigged it with a basket for carrying the dogs on the back. They absolutely love to go places in it. They start bouncing as soon as they see the bike. I'm getting plenty of exercise and we can go more places. What could be better?

Now for the Public Service Announcement .....

I urge everyone of you to find a nursing home in your area and visit regularly. You don't have to bring a pet. Just bring yourself. Stop at the nurses desk and find out which residents rarely receive visitors. You don't need to stay all day, a half hour is plenty in most cases. Visit your local dollar store and make up a small gift basket once a month. If the person you normally visit is out or not available when you arrive, leave a note. You will be so glad you did. I promise.

Live Like You Were Dying

2008-07-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I am approaching a special anniversary for me. On the 18th of August, 11 years ago, I was involved in a horrible accident. It changed my entire life.

Some of these changes were apparent immediately, others showed up later. Some were temporary, while others were permanent. They've sent out ripples that have affected others. I had to adjust to the new me and my friends and family did, too. I learned a lot about myself, some of which I didn't like too much. Some of the things I learned, I've shared. But, I've kept a lot to myself simply because most people wouldn't understand.

Some of the things I've learned I'm going to share right here. The first thing I learned is that you can do anything you want if you truly believe that you can. My physical therapist was taking bets that I would never walk again. Not only do I walk but, I've been told that you can't even tell there was ever a problem when I do. I've learned that death is not a scary thing. I was dead for about two minutes, I don't remember what happened while I was gone, but I know that when it's time for me to leave this place I will be met with open arms. I've learned that our time here is a fleeting thing, it's best to make the most of it while your here. I believe that true beauty is not on the surface and can't be seen with your eyes. True beauty is within and can only be seen with your heart. My body has been torn and broken. There are days when getting out of bed takes a major effort and I ache so badly that it takes all my willpower to swing my leg forward to take another step. Still, my heart sings and I feel blessed to be given this time.

When I am asked how my day is going, my answer is always the same, "I am having an awesome day." I have learned that every day is precious and we have the power to decide what kind of day it's going to be.

Most of all I've learned about the power of a mothers love. My mother got one of the most terrifying calls a mother can get. I had been in this horrible accident and to make matters worse she couldn't leave immediately for the hospital, she had to wait for my sister to arrive to care for my younger brother and my invalid great-grandmother. When she finally arrived, she had to make all sorts of decisions about my care. She had to sign consent for them to give me the blood that saved my life. She spoke with the surgeon who later repaired my leg and inserted the titanium alloy rod that held it together while I healed. I know that she questions that decision. I also know that it was the best decision, without it, I would have spent the rest of my life in a wheelchair.

I spent three months in that wheelchair, It was the first time I had been sober in 5 years. I took a long, hard look at my life and didn't like what I saw. I haven't had a drink since. I am an alcoholic. I'm sober because I never for a single second forget what I am.

I live my life the way I do because I know how precious it is. I challenge everyone to take that look at their own life ... Change if you need to and get to living.

My Goals, Hopes, and Dreams

2008-07-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty realistic. Right now, my short term goals are simple.

Find a part-time job.
Ask one person to dance when I go out.
Read my scriptures regularly.
Exercise more.
Successfully challenge the CNA test.
Read more non-fiction.
Get a dog.

My long term goals aren't really all that complicated either.

Finish the LPN course.
Complete the RN training.
Specialize in geriatric care.
Buy a house.
I would love to train a search and rescue dog.
Get married within 3 years.

I hope to complete all my goals. I think being a contributing member of society is important. I'd love to meet a goal oriented person who would encourage me to attain them.

My dream is to live in the mid-west, training dogs and caring for the elderly. I can see myself on a small ranch with a few horses, cows, and assorted other critters. Finding someone to share my dream would be awesome, but, not absolutely necessary.

I'd love to write a book someday sharing my experiences. Even if no one reads it, it would be fun.

I want to learn ASL. I'm starting my harmonica lessons again. I'm working on my pilates, too.

I have a lot of ideas. I plan to share them here so, STAY TUNED!

A Princess By Any Other Name ...

2008-07-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

I've had several people ask me about my name recently. Since I think it's a funny story and because I love my name, I'm going to answer those questions.

My mama and daddy had 3 girls together, I'm the oldest. I was born in April of 1968. My daddy decided he wanted his children to have unusual names. So, he named me Sarita Lyn. My name, as I grew up, wasn't any fun. I hated it. All the other children picked on it and made up mean little rhymes, because chidren are mean little boogers. It was different and children are taught to not like different. When I got a little older I found out that my name is Spanish, so, I did a little research and found out that it translates to Sarah. Now those of you the read your bible know that Sarah is hebrew for princess.

Most daddies call their little girls princess, my Daddy named me Princess. When I discovered this my attitude towards my name changed. Now, I wouldn't change it for the world.

About 11 years ago I was engaged to a man who called me Princess all the time. He even had me a belt made that said Princess on the back. This caused other people to start calling me that, too. Pretty soon alot of people at the club I hang out in didn't know me by any other name. My favorite bartender even made up a drink for me and called it the Princess Special.

One night I'd gone up to the bar to get a refill, and some guy commented on the name. He said, "Well I ain't never heard of a redneck Princess before." And I said, "That's cause I'm the only one." Thats where I got the screen name I use in chat.

Now for the truly funny part of the story.

About 5 years ago, my family had gathered for a dinner and we were all talking about names. My sisters are bothed named for grandmothers. Well I was jokingly giving my mama a hard time because I'm the oldest and not named after anyone. My mama looked up and said, "But you are named after someone." Well I got really excited and started pestering her bout who it was ...

She told me I was named after a girl my daddy dated before he married her. She hadn't told me because she thought I'd be upset. I said, "Hell no, I'm not upset. That's just funny." And I proceeded to tell everyone I know the story.