" IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BE WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN"
George Eliot
George Eliot was actually a pen name for a woman named Mary Anne Evans......

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Monday, July 30, 2012

A PROJECT and A PUNCH!

Hello!

I hope everyone had a good week last week......

I would like to THANK Peggy over at PJH Designs for featuring my post about my
Sewing Machine Drawer transformations as the most viewed at last week's Blog party ,
Totally Transformed Tuesdays!

I am so very flattered and honored!

Please consider joining Peggy for her new party, every Tuesday!

Thanks again, Peggy!

We did have some rain in the form of a few downpours but for the most part, the garden is starting to show signs of wear.......

By that I mean that the heat of the summer with lack of rain is starting to take a toll and the plants are looking "tired"....

As I am too.....

We are almost into August ( can you believe it) and I am looking forward to Fall. I am no lover of heat and usually do not like the Summer because of it and this summer has been one of the hottest here and everywhere else in the Country so I am dreaming of Fall and cooler temps.....

Well, enough chit chat.......

Not long ago, I mentioned to Joe that I was going to do a fairy garden. I guess I should have explained myself a bit better......

Shortly afterward, Joe brought this home for me for my Fairy Garden........

She was on Clearance in Wegman's Grocery Store.....

She is a beauty and I do love her but I did have to explain to Joe that a Fairy Garden was in miniature.....

I did share my little attempt at a Fairy Garden with you in a previous post......

I am on the look out though for a larger container and some Fairy Houses to create another Fairy Garden..

I do Love the beautiful Fairy that Joe bought for me too!

Speaking of the garden....

Finally ,the impatiens that I had to replace twice are doing well.....

But now the petunias , which were loaded with blooms a week or so ago, are bare!

See the 3 pots in the stands....

You can also see that we added a higher piece of lattice to this side of the patio for more privacy.....

My Black Eyed Susans are doing well though.....

And now my latest project.....

You may remember this little piece that I picked up at Salvation Army for $12.99...

After being so inspired by all of your lovely Creative Spaces shared at the
Where Bloggers Create party, I thought this would be the perfect piece for my Craft Room....

But where would I put it....

Again, being inspired by all the glorious Craft/Sewing Rooms and Studios out there in Blog Land, I realized that my work desk was really a bit too small.....

It is just an old computer desk picked up at a Flea Market.....

I remembered that we had some extra pieces of wood stored down our storage shed so I measured the desk and sent Joe down to our shed to see if there was a piece larger than the desk......

There was......

So I gave Joe the dimensions of how I wanted it cut.....

You can see in our small little Cottage Garden that we do not have much room to work on things like this......

While Joe was working on cutting the board, I was working on my shelf....

I have saved lots of calendars that I have had over the years because I love the pictures.

I decided to pull out my stash and take a look at what I have....

And this is what I came up with. I wanted to do the least amount of work on this shelf so I decoupaged these pictures from a calendar from several years back that was $2.00 at Michaels!

It took me less than an hour.....

I adore these sweet little faces....

And where the finish was scraped off in the top , I decoupaged right over it...

No fuss, no muss...

I placed the board on top of the desk and centered it. I used the plastic piece that looks like lace that I had over the computer desk, on top of the board and added another piece to it to cover it completely.

Then I placed a piece of a clear plastic tablecloth over the top to protect everything from the glue that I use a lot of ....

Again, no fuss, no muss....

And then I placed my little shelf on top of my new , larger , workspace.....

Even with the shelf on it, I now have a much larger surface to work....

I put some things on to the shelf just to take some pictures but I do need to "Dabble" with it all a bit more...

I placed some pictures and other things underneath the plastic as I had done before.....

And I am quite happy with how this all turned out.....

By the way, those tea cups that are on top of the shelf are waiting to be made into pin cushions....

I need to start working on things for my Craft Fairs that I will be doing in November.....

And now ,something that I do NOT talk about too often......

My Job and the hazards of it......

Many of you know that I am an R.N. who works Night Shift in a Hospital based Rehab Unit.

The majority of our patients are elderly and along with their physical deficits, many have mental issues like Alzheimer's and what we call Sun Downer's Syndrome.

These patients may be perfectly alert and oriented during the day light hours but once it gets dark, they become confused and disoriented and can become violent and combative.

Usually, we do not accept patients like that in our unit because they must be able to do 3 hours of Physical Therapy a day for insurances to pay for their stay in our Unit.

However, in the hospital's haste to discharge patients from Acute Care, we may get a patient that requires sedation and One on One supervision.

Such was the case last Saturday night when I was trying to calm down an elderly gentleman of 92 y/o that had had Knee Replacement surgery who insisted upon going home at Midnight....

When he clocked me....

I didn't duck fast enough and he got me with an open handed fist in the right chin.....

I carry my second camera in my purse and took these in the employee bathroom after we subdued the patient and I cleaned up the blood from my face....

Sedation was ordered but to no avail and he punched the nurse's aide in the face who was doing one on one with him the following evening. He then grabbed our nurse's aide on Night shift by the shirt that next night and it took all 3 of us on staff that night and a security guard to calm him.

Needless to say, when I called the Dr. again for the second night in a row, much to his dismay, the patient was transferred back to the acute care hospital in the middle of the night.....

I am fine and I do know many people say that I am paid quite well and have excellent benefits , so it is part of my job. Yes, I am paid extremely well and do have excellent benefits.....

But it is things like this that are the reason why I sometimes say that my job is very stressful and I SO can not wait until I retire or have to leave because of my health issues.....

Several other reasons why I can not wait for Retirement are working every other holiday, working every other weekend, and having to drive through all kinds of snow , ice and sleet because you can not call off because of weather. when you work in a hospital.....

I only hope I live long enough to see the day that I can wake up one morning and

Not "have" to be anywhere.....

Not "have " to do anything.....

And can spend my time however I chose......

And be able to sleep at night each and every night like normal people do....

Please God, just let me live long enough to see that day when I no longer "HAVE" to go to work......

I am linking up to these parties......

Cowgirl Up! Creative Linky Party
Knick of Time Tuesday
Tabletop Tuesday

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Totally Transformed Tuesdays

All Star Blogger Block Party
Bunny Hop Party Every Wednesday
What's It Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Outdoor Wednesday
Home is Where the Heart Is Wednesdays
Sizzle into Summer Party

Treasure Hunt Thursdays
Show Off Your Stuff Party on Thursdays
Home and Garden Party Thursday
Share your Creations Thursday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Vintage Thingie Thursday
Cottage Flora Thursday
Open House Party Thursday
Transformation Thursday
Inspired Creations Linky Party
Time Travel Thursday

Fertilizer Friday
Home Sweet Home Friday
Show and Tell Friday
Potpourri Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Thrifty Things Friday
Simple and Sweet Fridays
Tickled Pink Party

Pink Saturday
Say G' Day Saturday Link party

Seasonal Sunday
Sunday's Best
Sunny Simple Sundays

Masterpiece Monday
Mod Vintage Mix Monday
Metamorphosis Monday
Make It Pretty Monday
Mop It Up Mondays

Tweak It Tuesdays

Please take some time to visit these terrific hosts and all those joining in on the fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and every day that you take the time to visit with me!

Hugs,
Debbie

43 comments:

Olive Cooper said...

Oh Debbie, I hope you get to retire and soon. Being an RN is risky. A man brought a gun to the clinic to kill me and a woman choked me because it was not time for her OxyContin to be refilled. When I worked for the state prisons however no one ever layed a hand on me. Back to plants, if you cut the petunias back they will bloom again. I cut mine back usually in mid July and they bloom really well for me until September. Olive

Charlotte said...

I guess the old guy thought you had 'dabbled' enough with him :-) Love your new work station.

Beth said...

Your work station is adorable, Debbie. I am sorry you are getting burned out on your job. It happens to the best of us after working for 25 or 30 years...nursing isn't easy. I hope and pray you can retire soon. You deserve it. Debbie, re the fairy garden, a friend told me she buys miniatures in the dollhouse section of Hobby Lobby. Have a good week and take care.
Hugs and blessings, Beth

Ruby and Arthur said...

Hi Debbie, I too love decoupage! It can cover a multitude of sins! Have a blessed evening, Jean

sandra said...

Oh, my goodness, Debbie! Thank God you were not more seriously injured. I don't blame you a bit for looking forward to retirement, after awhile, even a job you love becomes too much, and the stress of your job is extreme.
Love your new work area!

Lynn Crum said...

Debbie,
I am so sorry you got injured! Luckily he didnt break your jaw! That looks like he hit you really hard! I completely understand why you want to retire!!!!

Your desk looks great! The little shelf is adorable with all the pretty faces.

I am like Joe, I had no idea what a "Fairy" garden is either. so, I learned somethig new today!

Talk to you soon!
Lynn

Marilyn said...

That was one strong ol' fellow. Hazards at work are not something everyone can handle. Nurses do more work than the doctors!! And should be paid more.

I created my summer fairy garden in an old fountain that had broken. I know I'll have to replant it next spring, but I enjoy being outside and playing in the dirt.

I am planning on teaching only one more year and then retiring. I'll be very poor, but it will be less stress!! Cheers to our plans! With God's blessings for them, too.♥♫

GinaBVictorian said...

Hi Debbie, I have been looking at some of your older posts. They are all so wonderful! You are really a good decorator! I love your Halloween post and the mansion that you and your husband stayed in! How exciting that must have been! I read all 3 parts of it! It is so beautiful! I have those Victorian magazines that it is in also. Have a great week!
Gina

ornamentsbypink said...

Debbie, sorry to hear about your getting hurt at work.
What a beautiful Fairy your husband bought you! And that shelf is so sweet with the angels you decoupaged on it. Your workspace is so pretty with the angelic shelf!
Mary

sandra said...

In my earlier comment, I forgot to mention how very sweet it was of Joe to get the fairy for you! So what if it doesn't fit into a fairy garden, he was thinking of you, and that is so precious. I think he's a keeper!

Grammy Goodwill said...

Bless your heart for the work that you do. It can't be easy, but I hate that now it's also painful for you.
I love how your shelf turned out and your enlarged table.

Kim K. said...

Bless you for providing the best care you can possible offer to these patients. So much physical and mental stress. Hugs. I'm glad you have a beautiful home and a loving hubby to come back to each day.

marty (A Stroll Thru Life) said...

You always have the most beautiful pictures and eye candy. Love the new work station and so sorry about your face. Prayers that you can retire soon. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Debbie said...

Oh Debbie, I"m so sorry you were injured like that....BIG gulp here- I LOVE your shelf!! What a great idea, thanks so much for sharing..Your work desk is so inspiring. I noticed you even decoupaged on the chair, again, LOVE it!! I think I"ll be on a search for a shelf as well.. I see a project in my future..thanks for sharing! Debbie (Maine)

andrea@townandprairie said...

I pray that he was so medicated he didn't realize what he was doing and wouldn't havehurt you intentionally! What a horrible experience! As high school teachers, we face similar things each day... I'm only 15 years in, but pray for my own safe retirement. It's a scary world out there!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Debbie,
Oh my goodness I am so sorry to read and see that nasty injury. It looks very sore.

Love your desk redo and the shelf is adorable. Your talents are over the moon. I pray you can retire soon and enjoy not HAVING to do anything if you choose.
Sending big hugs, Celestina Marie

Full Circle Creations said...

Love your fairy garden. Sounds like you do some dangerous work..:) Glad you're okay.

Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party!

Holly

suzyq said...

Beautiful decoupaging Debbie - and wow if he could do that at 92 imagine the damage he was capable of when he was younger????????????

Stressful Job indeed!
XOXO

Betty Stapleton said...

Very cute the shelf on the desk and such a good idea.
As for being hit, it wouldn't matter how much you get paid it wouldn't be enough to allow that. Shame on people who say and think that. You do have a very stressful job.

Little Miss Maggie said...

Your shelf came out really cute. Sorry to hear about your mishap with the patient. That's just awful. Take care of yourself.

Penny said...

Your shelf is just beautiful love those prints grouped together!! Our daughter is a RN, 14 years. She has seen and done it all, as I am sure you have. She works at UMC in Lubbock TX in the PICU. Hugs, Pennu

Jody and Stan said...

Sorry to hear you got hurt.
I hope you are going to be alright .
Thanks for sharing your beautiful new shelf that you decoupaged on Simple & Sweet Fridays. It's gorgeous!

Jody

Athena at Minervas Garden said...

Hi Debbie: I love your shelf unit--the calendar pictures are just perfect in each cubby. I am sorry to hear that you got hurt at work--it sounds like the patient was maybe off his meds??? Sounds like he definitely needed to be on them!

Aledia said...

LOVE the shelf!! You gave her a fabulous little makeover.

So sorry about your work incident, I hope you are recovering and that it won't happen again.

(hugs)
Aledia @ Plum Perfect

Linda Bouf said...

Hi, Debbie, My daughter is a night nurse in a psychiatric unit of a hospital nearby. She has had some near misses herself. Fortunately there was another RN nearby...a male and he took the patient down. Take care, Linda Love your blog.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I have enjoyed browsing your lovely blog!

Our daughter is also an RN, but I don't think she has been socked before! I hope you get to retire soon!

Katherine

Cottage and Broome said...

We both did fairy gardens this week! Love the little house in yours. Glad you are ok. hard to believe at 92 he could pack that kind of punch. Thanks for stopping by, Laura

Diann said...

Oh Debbie! I am so sorry to see that you were hit! I hope you are feeling better! Your shelf redo is so sweet. And what a perfect thing for the desk. Thank you for sharing at TTf. I hope you have a terrific weekend!

Sharon said...

Wow love your decorated shelf - great images!! Happy Pink Saturday!!

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Wow Debbie, he clocked you good !
What a sweetie your Joe is to buy you that sweet fairy AND fix your desk. I love what you did to it and the shelf.
(())

Ann said...

Lovely, lovely, lovely job on the shelves. What a wonderful idea with the calendar pictures. Now you have a great new space to make some great items. Have a great weekend.
Ann

Susie Jefferson said...

I totally love what you've done with that shelving. In fact, I love your entire craft room and am trying very hard not to be eaten up with envy, lol (that desk...)

Happy Pink Saturday and a hug from the UK!

Jo said...

Debbie I love this,but not the boo-boo,looks scary...your not only very creative your a might tuff lady.

Judy Bigg said...

Love the fairy, great post.

bohemiannie! art said...

Think you should take early retirement and enjoy your beautiful home while you still have your health.

The Tablescaper said...

Glad that you are OK and hope that you can retire soon.

- The Tablescaper

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

Oh Debbie I love your new wider space, it seem like we never have a big enough work space. I love how you transformed the shelve so pretty now. So sorry to hear about your injury! I worked in Microbiology in a hospital for many year long ago. I hated the every other weekend and holidays. Being chastised if you called in sick, and over worked. I retired last year and love it. I pray you will be able to soon! So glad you shared your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – your creativity helped make the party a success!

Annesphamily said...

Your job is very hazardous! I a gad you are ok! It is tough going to work each day! I wish I had a way to retire!
But I do love your new cupboard! You are so talented! I think it adds such a happiness to your workspace!
Always a fun time with you Debbie! Take care and always remain happy! You are such a joy to know!

Hugs Anne

Cozy Little House said...

Oh, it turned out so pretty! I love your patio. Do you live in a condo? I would love it if I could find a place that had that much of a little garden spot, but not much yard. I love yours!
Brenda

craftyles said...

Your new desk turned out great.I sure hope the guy that clocked you is a little calmer now. You sure got a smack. Hope you next shift goes smoother for you!

Barbe @ Beez Rental Designs said...

Hi Debbie,
Great job on your work space makeover; really clever and so cute! I love the size of the little cubby cabinet!
As for your job, I want to apologize for anyone who's ever or will ever say it's part of your job. Being hit like that is NOT part of the job. Yes, it does happen, but it only makes it hard to endure when people make insensitive remarks like that. No I'm not an RN. But I have been a CNA straight out of high school for 3yrs, and also a MA/Phlebotomist. I've had my fair share of the confused injuring me. My worst was a new mom not being able to handle her newborn getting a shot. She slapped me with the needle still in the baby's arm. *_* Take care so you can enjoy your retirement. (((HUGS)))
Barbe

Kathy A Delightsome Life said...

Oh, bless your heart Debbie - My husband works in a nursing home specifically for combative and alzheimer's patients - the ones no one else will take because of the meds their on. I pray with you that you'll be able to see retirement asap and be able to call your time your own! You and your husband do fit in a lot in your spare time!!! You inspire me - love the desk redo and the new shelf - beautiful! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy

Sherry said...

Oh, Debbie,
I am so sorry. It is not an easy job you do. I pray for your safe retirement soon. Love your fairy garden! Thanks for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

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