The Life of Keeg

My updated adventures..

2009-06-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

so I've not updated this thing in a long time, mostly due to facebook taking over. I realize that my life has become a lot more adventurous lately so I figured it would be time to update those memories on here! I've been keeping a written journal but I want to put some of it on here, maybe add some pictures or two, a video here or there, you get the picture.

Here's what I've done since my Colorado trip:

1. I started a staff newsletter at my work.

2. Went snow shoeing at manning and cypress (saw the sunset over vancouver and look down on the moonlit ocean from up on the mountain.

3. Decided to quit my job and move to vancouver to work at VGH (I start Aug.10th). i get to live with my best friend and 4 other young women!

4. Went to LOts of concerts in Vancouver and did SO much driving back and forth from Chilliwack and Van (I was seeing a guy there plus i've been reconnecting with my twin sister and her husband and visiting my best friend.

5. I just celebrated my 30th birthday and went VEGAS this past weekend with my family and Melissa (my best friend).

Camping at Deer lake with friends

On one of my walks near my house, watching the ducks.

Boulder, Co day 2

2008-10-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Well i was pretty tired out while in Boulder as it took me 1 1/2 hrs of cycling to get into town- I took an old country road and then followed the Boulder river trail which led me to the University of Colorado campus. I then bike further into town to get some lunch at "the Laughing Goat"- as I walked in there were at least 5 ppl on their mac laptops on the left side of the cafe, with another 5 ppl on the right on their pc laptops. I took a lame pic of the mac side and sat in the middle. I saw so many university-type ppl with their books and computers and dressed in their eco-friendly emo-like decor. I felt like I wasn't the weird one anymore- maybe i fit in a little bit...(maybe it was like a transplant of ethical addictions abbotsford brought to colorado).
Next stop was Pearl st open air mall where you can walk down several blocks and there are no cars or buses allowed, just pedestrians. I walked and shopped a bit, picking up a few souvenirs. I got a short video clip of a guy playing on the piano in the center of it all with all the leaves falling around with the colors of autumn immersed everywhere. It was stunning. I met a guy named Jacob, a photographer and got him to take a pic of me with my camera in the square. We started chatting and walking and before I knew it he was snapping photos of me with his camera. I felt like a beautiful model/muse in the midst of a stunning atmosphere.

Next stop was the Dushanbee tea house- it was a sit down restaurant with good tea- I had the mint tea which I wish I had tried something different and new but hey I can't always be so adventurous I needed to taste something familiar.

Oh I forgot to mention the university student I met named Mike- when I told him I was from BC he promptly asked me if I wanted to "smoke up" with him and his roomate. I told him I didn't know what that meant, then when he told me I said I don't smoke marijuana- i don't need it I'm chill enough already- he seemed surprised. He thought everyone in BC smoked weed. I'm pretty sure our weed is better than his anyways....

I then got info and had a "self-guided" tour of Boulder Community hospital, a gorgeous facility I'd love to work in- it's independently-run- maybe the kind of hospital i hope to work at in the future after I moved to Colorado which I totally want to now!!

I took the bus back to Layfayette after I had a nap under a tree at Chautauqua- and area with hiking and grassy hills, lot of trees and some historic buildings. I'd spent most of the day on ingrid's bike so I was pretty tired, i went straight to meet her at the bank where she works and we went out for dinner with her co-workers. Another late night....

Colorado Springs- day 3

2008-10-20T10:35:00.002-07:00

I was up at 530 am for this trek. Today I drove Joel's car so I was a little nervous but at the same time feeling free to go to some places I planned to see. After dropping Joel at work i headed south I-25 down to Colorado Springs - took me 1 hr and 45 mins to get to Garden of the gods.

GOTG- beautiful- tons of acres filled with the red-colored rock in huge mountains and small works of natural art- and it's not even man-made! There was lots of birds out, the parking lot had only 2 vehicles parked as it was 845 am when I arrived.

There were lots of pigeons that lives in these rock crevasses, they're the only bird of the recognized species that sticks around for the winter. Most ppl consider this a very common, nothing special kind of bird, however, it makes the most curious sounds that draws you to it. Ppl would stop in their tracks to find out where this sound was coming from, and when they discovered it was "just a pigeon" they were disappointed. One woman said "oh, that's too bad" on finding out it was a pigeon, not some exotic colorado bird....I am thinking this can apply to us as people how feel in God's presence, in His great expanse that we are simply a little pigeon that doesn't belong here (in God's presence), and we live like this rather than as sons and daughters of the Most High. Romans 8:14-17

Next stop was Mannitou springs, the visitor info guy loaded me up with pamphets and he wanted me to stay for a week- I told him I only had one day....Well I went to most of the springs and tasted the mountain mineral waters- they called "healing water" it's full of calcium, magnesium, lithium, ect and many other useful minerals. And drinking the water was free! I'd like to see a study of the people of Mannitou springs that daily consume this water to see if their healthier than most of us. I'd be curious to see if there was a difference. The water tasted like perrier water. I had some locally-made ice cream and then headed back to drive through old Colorado City.

From there I went to Cave of the winds, paid 19 dollars to have a tour of the underground caves, it was 45 mins, very entertaining and interested on the part of our tour guide. There was a couple of screaming toddlers (really who brings their little kids to caves- I'd have night mares for life!) I got my pic taken down there it's really cool.

Last stop was Focus on the Family headquarters- within 5 minutes I'd met Jim Daley, president of FOTF- and I had no clue who he was I was chatting with him cause he was doing a book signing and I had a lengthly conversation with him about chocolate and how I really feel about it...ahhhh I'm glad I had no idea who he was, it was better than way:) I had a tour of the facility and I was the only one on the tour but some ppl joined us later as Dr.James Dobson was in his studio broadcasting live- I took a pic and waved at him- just for you Mom and Dad...oh and the best part was seeing "Whit's end" full of these imagination rooms, one them was the lion, the witch and the wardrobe room complete with the wardrobe with a fur coat, leading into a little room representing Narnia- so magical as I sat and listened to the radio broadcast of the story by CS Lewis. Oh and I stopped by the soda shop too-
When I have kids I am bringing them here we could spend hours of fun here!

Denver- day 1

2008-10-20T10:35:00.001-07:00

Parts of of it reminded me of Europe, like cherry creek that leads into the Plett river on my way to REI. I thought it was a fake creek though it was beautiful I could've sworn I smelt a hint of chlorine. My tour of the US mint was mostly lame/non-interesting other than the beautiful architecture and meeting a cool couple from Alberta while I was in line. I don't really care how pennies are made and I'm not a mad coin collector.

I met lots of wonderful, friendly people. Including the owner of "Triage" not a medical supply store as i thought- it sold high end men's suits and ties, ect. The owner, David was really nice and helpful. I bought a copy of the Denver Voice- a newspaper helping the homeless get off the stress by contributing stories and selling the paper themselves. I contributed $5 I had found earlier on the back of a toilet I used at the bus station. I called it my "toilet money" I didn't realize/know if that was the actual bill I gave the guy but it went to a good cause.

I loved the Denver Art Museum from the architecture to the modern sculpures and artwork, the paintings of Colorado were beautiful. Of course there was some shocking pieces, but isn't there always something shockworthy in art museums? sometimes I feel I am too numbed to the the truth of art.

i had a "cob" salad, really just a chef salad at quizno's - yum.

So many bicycles, runners and people who love nature- especially at REI as I sit writing this. i hear Colorado has 300 days of sunshine in a year- what am I doing in the west coast- I need to move here the weather is AMAZING! Maybe, I'll see what's in the future for me.

one more random story is the security guy at the us mint who told me I couldn't bring in my bag with me for the tour but that they couldn't store it for me and I had no options as I had no where to put it- then he winks as me and tells me "you know there are some REALLY good books on the 5th floor or the library, you should check it out......and I'm thinking why is this guy winking at me and talking about books when that doesn't solve my problem here!? Then after he repeated this over and over- I finally got it -- I went there to solve this "mystery" and found free lockers right there by the study carolls! he couldn't say anything b/c he was on camera and apparently not supposed to tell ppl about this "secret spot"... well I should be detective now- I picked up on his code.....

nect entry to comoe: Boulder (where I sit in a coffee shop here writing this...

My Latest adventures

2008-08-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

it's been some time since I've posted on here. Here's what's new: I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing- yeah! I have been working full-time in palliative and acute medicine. That basically means I take care of people who are dying, along with people who are acutely ill, most of whom get better, some get worse. I love it, but it gets political sometimes and the work is physically and emotionally draining but it's rewarding because I didn't work my butt off in nursing school to do something I never liked anyways. I am learning to love and appreciate it with every set I work. I admire the folks I work with they do an amazing job and put up with a lot of crap and still show up.

I also have been enjoying seeing my bible study group grow every week- we have up to 7 of us right now. We are young women in our 20's who lead busy lives and we make an effort to get together once a week to study God's word, to encourage each other and lift each other up. We are getting to know each other so well we can challenge each other. I look forward to it- love you ladies! at my birthday party at the Vaut

celebrating our birthday together- jennica and I

My little sister is getting married sept 20th- so I get to be a bridesmaid along with Jennica:) My mom is making these fabulous chocolate brown satin dresses and we'll be outdoors in the Okanagan for it!

I moved into my own apartment and it's been fun- i do lots of cooking and entertaining. I am learning lots and I hope to get to know my neighbors soon as it's a brand new building and lots of young people moving in. I am thinking about hosting a little party. Here's some pics:

at my housewarming party
doing winery tours part of my 10 yr high school reunion

I have been getting more energy lately so I am wanting to do rock climbing again, and want to join a drop-in sport group like volleyball. I would like to try to start a women's drop-in floor hockey night at my church.
in victoria this summer

well that's all I have for now, hope everyone's having a great summer!

almost there....

2008-03-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

at the top of windy joe

so my final day for nursing school is may 2nd 2008- that's soon! All I have to do is finish my last paper and continue to work 12 hour shifts full time for free (plus paying to work there- cause, hey, it's school). I got hired at the hospital I'm preceptoring at- so excited! Sounds like I will be working full-time (hopefully into a perm.. position right away). I will be looking to rent a place of my own- I've been living with friends of mine and their 2 little boys in a house with a nice yard and garden, the thought of moving to an apartment makes me a little sad cause I love living in a house, doing yard work, ect. Well, I will be helping out in the backyard at the house even after i move out cause i love it so much.

I have been trying to have somewhat of a life in between working full-time and writing papers and assignments. In the last 3 months I have been sick 3 times! I am currently getting over the flu (influenza- a bad combo for an asthmatic like me) despite having the flu shot :( Last month I had the stomach flu and then a cold.....and in jan I had a cold. I bought some vitamins to take but I hate taking pills- I really feel for patients a the hospital who have a hard time choking down those pills- especially those horse pill sized antibioitics and multvitamins- seriously can they BE any bigger.

I also joined the chilliwack hiking club and did a 5 1/2 hr snow shoe trek up windy joe in manning park. It was a beautiful day- sun shining, then showing, then sun, at the top it was foggy and snowing so not much of a view but an awesome accomplishment to have made it to the top- it was my first "hike" of the season. I'd like to do more tennis this spring and summer- last summer I couldn't do much with my foot surgery.

So- anyone have any ideas about how I celebrate finishing 4 yrs of nursing school?? My class is going out for dinner and dancing on may 2nd should be fun- I hope to bring my twin sis- Jennica, it's fun to play tricks on my class mates and have her pretend to be me- it gets most of them everytime!

I write my RN exam on june 4th in surrey, so do pray for me on that day- I will be prepared and do lots of studying but I don't feel too anxious at this point besides the fact it's an 8 hr exam (lunch break after 4 hrs) and it's all multiple choice.....good and bad but hey I'll take it. It the last hoop I'll have to jump through for now.

it's been awhile, I don't know if anyone even notice though...

2007-12-11T13:23:00.000-08:00

I just wrote my last final for nursing this morning! who hooo! That's the last one I will write for the nursing program (except for the 8 hour RN exam in June that's province-wide). So, I am one exam away from being done this semester (I have a philosophy final tomorrow). I will be heading off on Friday to Regina to meet my family (by plane) where my younger sister will be graduating from RCMP Depot training. For some reason I am really excited to be in Regina, last I heard it was -11 Celcuis, no doubt they have snow~ I am also planning to donate blood my first morning there- it's blocks away from my hotel! I can't convince my twin sister to donate, apparently she gets queasy (sounds like some of my other friends....). There are in desperate need for blood donations especially during the christmas season. www.bloodservices.ca

oh and i will be preceptoring in palliative care (taking care of the dying) it's my final practicum where I have a preceptor/mento nurse I work with full time- 12 hour shifts for 16 weeks. All for free - as in I'm not getting paid.... I work my last few undergrad (paid) shifts this christmas break.

A funny note about this semester- so I taught about 70 grade 10 students (35 at a time) about sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDs and how to protect themselves, mostly scared them with my graphic pictures and shocking statistics and facts. I was teaching in a small auditorium! So- picture me teaching with these giant disgusting pictures on the projection screen! I had a box of 144 condoms and I handed out at least half of the box, now i had been storing them in my room, and put a bunch in these cute paper things that folded with the condom inside- it included some facts and pics of how to put on a condom. Well, over the last couple of weeks I keep finding condoms in weird places in my room! Under my bed, behind my dressser. I had my guy friend over and I think seeing all these condoms make him a little uncomfortable! So many condoms for someone who is definately NOT having sex ( I choose to be a virgin for now, I am waiting for the right one to marry...)

Other than that I plan to go snow shoeing at Manning park after christmas (before I start my preceptorship), and I hope to do something fun for New Years, so if anyone has a fabulous party to invite me to call me! or better yet- blog me!

I hope everyone has a wonderful christmas season spent with people you love. Be safe, be merry, and blessed!

Keegan

check this out!!

2007-09-22T11:40:00.001-07:00

chillin after a day at school on the mountaintop

2007-09-17T20:16:00.001-07:00

chillin after a day at school on the mountaintop, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

exciting things happening...

2007-09-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

So my friend Melissa and her former roomate (Jesca) had a fundraiser dinner and dance on saturday night. It was so amazing to see people come together to raise money and support for 12 orphans in Uganda, Africa to feed and cloth them and send them to school. Melissa's roomate (Jesca) is from an area in Uganda called "Mukono" and her sister lives there- and her sister is a nurse who has taken these kids and fed and clothed them herself with the little that she has. Jesca went to visit her and saw this and told Melissa about it: in response to this Melissa said "how can we not do anything about this?" and from there the idea came alivefor the people of Chilliwack, Abbotsford----basically the Fraser Valley and the West coast (and even beyond) to respond by sharing our money and resources to see these kids, and future kids taken care of. The idea is to get the people in the village to be the ones to help build the orphanage (once we get 10,000 dollars- over 10 % of that was raised on saturday night alone!!). The plan is to set the local people up with a garden so they can grown their own food, and have chickens (and a chicken coop) so they can sell eggs to support themselves. The plan is to ensure these orphans, many of whose parents have died of AIDS ( a huge epidemic in Africa right now), the material things they need and a roof over their head, and education so they can be raised up to be successful and make their own impact in their community!

The neat thing about the dinnner and dance was how everyone rallied to support this cause; Melissa's dad's band played (they were awesome!), Jesca's family provided food for everyone (Ugandian food- yummy..) and both of their friends donated their services for the silent auction. Photographers taking pictures and offering portraits, drum lessons donated, handmade jewellry from Uganda, ect.

Another neat thing was when I left I ran into a couple of girls in the parking lot asking about what band was playing and what venue it was. I explained it to them and they got so excited because their church is doing something similar for an orphanage in Africa! So I invited them in and introduced them to Jesca and they got business cards. There is a website but I don't know what it's called yet. So for now there is an e-mail: mukonohome@hotmail.com and look on facebook for future events. If we had 9 more events like that we could have enough for the people of the village to build the orphanage!!!!

After the dinner- I had this sense that somehow I was making a difference in someone else's life, and I truly believe that we as people put in the work and effort and God will mutiply it and bless it! God loves children!

my summer....

2007-08-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

Randy and I went for lunch at a winery in Naramata

so this summer has been a real change for me. I worked full time at the hospital for a couple of months, then had surgery on my foot, spending most of july recovering, then late july and early august I went to Creation fest (!!) and was a camp counsellor for a week on thetis island. I also caught up with some old friends, boyfriends, ect on the island and in the okanagan (where I grew up). I have spend most of august gardening and landscaping, which is hard work, but it keeps me active as I am not working till sept (can't work till 9 weeks post-op) so basically I've make no money for the last 2 months which is why I have all this free time and and I am not taking any extra trips :( too bad it's either time of money that seems to get in the way. So now I am going to catch up on some summer reading seeing as it's raining now, and do some pre-reading before school starts (if I can get my butt over to the school bookstore)...so the pace and flow has been nice, I've been able to help people out with babysitting and odd jobs, ect. I would like to go camping before school starts but I want to go with friends and they all seem too busy these days (unlike me) but starting sept that will change! yeah I am so excited to be graduated in june '08!
visiting Aaron on the island

so it's my birthday

2007-06-18T00:51:00.000-07:00

sorry I haven't written on here for ages....blame it on facebook....

so I have been busy working ad an undergrad nurse- working 12 hour shifts (2 days, 2 nights, then 4 days off) since the beginning of May. I finish next week as I will be having foot surgery and off for 9 weeks:( so money making will be put off (maybe a little respite care to tide me over) and then it's time for Creation Fest at the end of July and before that visiting with my parents in Penticton. I hope to do a trip to victoria in august and even visit Thetis island again (maybe even volunteer at Pioneer pacific camp for a week if I can do office work).

So as the headline suggests I just turned 28 on June the 17th!! I don't celebrate until tonight though (monday ) I am going kayaking at Harrison lake with friends then coming back to the house for a desert party- I'm expecting around 16 people over. So I will be baking this morning (after I get my butt into bed it's 1 am...) and I am sooooo excited. I got off work at midnight (special request I made to my boss) and I went down to Emergency to see my friend Devin and her and some staff sang the birthday song to me!! I actually blushed (even though I pretty much asked them to sing it for me).

well I better hit the hay, but hey everyone hope all is well!

Goosespit Bay- Courntey, BC

2007-05-17T22:07:00.001-07:00

Goosespit Bay, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

So I went to Courtney and Comox last weekend and i have the pictures to prove it! I was visiting my friend Pamela who has been working as an occupational therapist in town. It was a fun trip- perfect weather and company! Click here for more photos:

2007-05-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

So I took a 6 day course called the Canadian Health Care system- it was dry, dull material but the instructor really tried to make it fun. Here are some pics of a skit some of us did- each of us represents different aspects of the health care system....

This was suzi- playing the part of "Needa system change". Can you tell she's quite the actress??!

This is Cindey (in the black hat), playing the part of Mrs HC (health care) she makes a great old lady!

I was Herb-E- Remedy (basically a pot-smoking hippy- I even rolled my own fake doobie out of a tea bag!)

Rosie in the lab coat waas "Coroner Millstone...

fun at the park

2007-05-02T13:39:00.001-07:00

z and I at the park yesterday

yeah- school is over!!!...for the summer.

2007-05-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

To celebrate I invited some friends over for some mexican lassagne! I decided to make it meatless (ground soy) instead of ground beef. We had some good food, wine, dancing and good entertainment by damien who did some magic tricks. Jacob was quite impressed with the magic. Living with a magician has it's benefits. Michele (damien's wife) is now officially on maternity leave so we celebrated this new transiton of getting ready for baby #2 in the next couple weeks. So- I toasted to that as well. Drew and Lisa came and did some swing dancing for us in the living room, and Devon did some "interpretive" dancing for us and brought some sweet tunes with him, and he helped me set up my speakers and subwoofer upstairs. Charlene spend the whole day with kids at the preschool, then came over before dinner and played with Zave and we picked tulips to decorate. Zave had the BEST time dancing with everyone, doing soumersaults and entertaining us all- I think he most enjoyed the desert! This house hasn't seen such action in a loooong time! It was a great end to a stressful semester and school, and the night ended with me feeling quite blessed to live with day and michele and zave, and I feel grateful for the amazing friends I've made in chilliwack.

on the couch l to ro: Devon, Damien and Michele. Sitting l to r: Jacob, me and Charlene.

horray! school is done!

2007-04-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

I just wrote my last final this morning. I pretty much tried to study for it all day sunday- but really didn't accomplish much because I didn't feel I knew the material that well. So, I find out in the next day whether I passed...

so what is the first thing i did when I got home? I cleaned my bathroom and bedroom (hasn't been done in soooo long) and now I'm off to run some errands, hoping this dinner party I planned happens tonight cause my prego roomates is kinda sick....

ps facebook is like crack it's so addicting (not that I've tried crack before)....Bye!

2007-04-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

So, life had been busy lately. I am just finishing up school with a 6 day course on the Cnd Health Care system. Dry, boring stuff but the instructor is interesting. Funny how the 2 male instructors I've had in the nursing program have been homosexual...not that I stereotype male RN's to have that sexual orientation, it's just a coincidence. I have met many male RN's that defy the typical stereotype of what a male nurse is like. Okay enough on that topic.

I have been pondering about life lately since my friend Kim passed away suddenly on April 2nd in an avalanche. When I found out I thought I was going to be sick. Now that I've had time to process it I have been thinking about what a wonderful, full live she lived, even though it was cut short. I have never lost someone close to me- though I didn't see Kim that often I thought of her many times when she was alive and even more since she's been gone. What I've taken away from the situation was that you have to pursue your dreams and not waste any time. Tell your family and friends you love them and show them love. Live life knowing what legacy you want to leave behind. Know that relationships are so important, especially one with God. There is more to it than this but I can't seem to even find the words......

I am going to be working as an undergrad nurse in palliative care (end of life care) and acute care. I am excited to be able to work on the skills I've learned so far in the program. I will be working full time- 12 hour shifts- 4 on 4 off....just like a real nurse!! whoo hooo- and getting paid!

so I will leave you with some pics taken from my Easter weekend with my family- in Milton, Wa and some were taken in Gig Harbour, Wa.

I love you all!

Riding the coin operated horse!!
In Gig Harbour wiht Jennica. Yup- it was slighly raining that day and i was wearing a sarong....

My cousin Callie on the left (short hair) and cousin Jake sitting next to me..along with my sisters and brother-in-law.

Sampling some beer from a microbrewery in Tacoma, Wa. Yup- I still don't like beer...

girls weekend away

2007-03-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

So I did what any other rational student would do this weekend- took off for a nice retreat with my girlfriends for a relaxing massage, soak in the hotsprings, dinner at the Copper Room, and walk on the beach.....Here are the pics to prove it. 2 of the girls are pregnant in their second trimester- way to keep up on the dance floor Michele!

the precious gift

2007-03-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

so yesterday I was watching the show "six feet under" on dvd. What struck a chord in me was the character who meets this guy who's in a band and is kind of a free spirit like her. Well, as the episode goes on they start spending everyday together, and are becoming super intimate (in a very short amount of time!). So, fast forward to the scene where the guy says to the girl "So, we should do something on saturday..." to the girl replies "what, do you have a busy week?!" come on- they've been spending everyday together!! to which he replies "ummm, you don't think we're exclusive do you??" paraphrase what he says: Cause I totally sleep with other women, and you can sleep with other guys, I don't care... What the?! So, she is a little shocked, but tries to play it like she knew all along and that she's cool with it- and proceeds to respond to him once again and fall right into his trap!

Okay, this makes me so sad because I see this in the world today, as women we stand there and take second best, rather than only accept only the best. Why do we put up with this crap? We deserve much much better, and being suckered into the trap of second best sets us up for low self-esteem, low self-worth, and so many more problems. Some guy hurts us, so the next one we meet we try so hard to please him, to make no waves cause we want him to like us and don't want to be rejected like the last time...Also, thinking about virginity, and how easily people give it up, not treating it as something precious that we have to hold onto tightly until we find the one we will spend the rest of our lives with. You may not all have this view, but it's something I hold onto, and even more tightly so when I see shows like the one mentioned above...I have been thinking that whoever I end up with, I should hope that he treats me like a princess (respect, honor, cherishing, ect), because if he doesn't think the world of me I don't think I can take it (not that it's all about me, because I think it should be reciprical). I also believe that no guy could ever complete me, and if I think that I would be sadly mistaken. The only one who completes me and fills my heart- because He knew me before I was even in my mother's womb, it God! Ok, that's all for my ramblings today- I had some time to do this as my clinical was cancelled today.

dying plant, a good book and puffy eyes

2007-03-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

So, the plant I have been feeding and water regularly since sept. I have been slowly killing. Why? Because I didn't look at the directions for the liquid fertilizer that say to add 7 drops to 1 liter of water- well I have been watering and then adding 10 drops to the soil.Ahhhh! Always read the directions carefully. The leaves are slowly dying and the ones not drooping are turning from green to a lighter color- I don't know what the name of the plant it but I will take the poor thing's picture.

On another note I bought this new vit. E cream for reducing wrinkles, lines and puffiness under the eyes. I think I had an allergic reaction because under my eyes this am they are really puffy. Oh well, the battles that come with fighting aging...

I am reading a book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance" I like it because I can read it and it explains the way I think- classic vs romantic- I am the ladder. And for classic thinkers I am now able to understand why they possibly think like they do. I have come to the conclusion that I am logical when I need to be- for example I would hope I am logical if I am in a life-death situation where quick thinking ahead beyond the surface of the situation is required. There is so much more to this book but for now I am going to enjoy it and will probably talk about it more. I also feel the need to ride a motorcycle since reading this book.

the puffy eyes- could be I need to dust though....

2007-03-02T21:43:00.001-08:00

phewww! okay midterms over- just gotta finish that paper...

2007-03-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

can you tell it's midterms week for me???

2007-02-28T21:50:00.001-08:00

this is the new location for my paris picture...

2007-02-28T21:48:00.000-08:00

I think the white lites make it look classy;)

Z posing on my bed (he's not really sleeping....

2007-02-28T21:47:00.000-08:00

Z and I hanging out in my room..

2007-02-28T21:44:00.000-08:00

my prego roomate!

2007-02-28T21:42:00.000-08:00

Z (M andD' s 2 year old son) actually took this pic!

Some snap shots of my life these past couple of days..

2007-02-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

This is some pics that I took (the bottom 2) and one I printed off from the internet and framed it in a double paned glass frame- like it?

On being a twin...

2007-02-19T22:09:00.001-08:00

I was thinking about what to write about this week when the thought occurred to me "Keegan- you need to write about what it's like being an identical twin". So here are my thoughts:

So- I walk onto the Trinity Western Campus (this was a few years ago when I'd first moved to the Fraser Valley, I was on crutches as I'd just had surgery). I don't attend Trinity but my twin sister, Jennica, does (she grads in May/June!). I look around, not expecting anyone to approach me. Then I see this handsome young man smiling at me LIKE HE KNOWS ME! Then the thought occurs to me: He thinks I am Jennica- to which I say "Um, you probably think I'm Jennica....." to which he awkwardly apologizes and walks away. As I pass by other people, I sense some dirty looks, some puzzled expressions and i am thinking "they think I am her and I am ignoring them- so now I am giving her a bad reputation! Oh and they think that Jennica has somehow injured herself. Rats. Okay- so another young man approaches- right away I explain that I in fact am not who he thinks- to which he replies "ACTUALLY I KNOW YOU- YOU'RE KEEGAN, AND I MET YOU AT A PARTY LAST WEEK." Okay, woops;) Somehow this twin thing is NOT helping me in the guy department- go figure...

My whole life thus far- as long as in the same proximity as Jenn is explaining that -no I am not her. And yes we are different people..It has worked out as a way to meet new people if I just don't say anything right away and have a nice conversation with the person without explaining who I am (don't you just wish that anytime you meet someone you could just skip the formalities and just really talk about life). Everyone asks the same questions: have you girls ever tricked anyone? Do you dress the same? Ever get in trouble as her? Have any weird twin moments? I entertain the questions but I think Jenn gets more of a kick out of it.

I find as I meet new people and share who I am- the fact that I am a twin does not come up- it used to be the first thing- but now if Jennica were to come to my church or school people who freak out and start thinking she was me.

I find that now the older the get the more unique and different I am from her- but at the same time we have our connection where we finish each other's sentences and don't talk because there is no need for words. I love that deep, best friend connection I have with her, there's nothing else like it.

My dear friend Amy

2007-02-14T16:46:00.000-08:00

I just received an e-mail from my friend Amy who is living and teaching in Prince George, BC- or "Up North" as she calls it- her friend Jeff
www.jeffpaetkau.ca
took these pics. She is so beautiful and I miss you very much- I think this calls for a phone call from my house to yours Amy!

my new care group

2007-02-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

You know that verse in the Psalms that says "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" Well one of my biggest desires has been to lead a young ladies bible study- partly because I really want to be a part of one, and part of me wants to take on a leadership role. So, I've been going to this new church for a few months now and the young adults pastor asked me to lead this group! I am so stoked- we've met twice, we are currently doing a series on Nooma- which is thought provoking, gets us thinking and talking as us girls get to know each other better. I am so blessed to have these young ladies- and it's something that we have all desired is to be in a safe group where we can talk about our faiths,struggles, life issues, and just pray and seek God together. Best of all- we are all in our mid-twenties, and going though a lot of the same stuff. Also, because I am the only student in the group, and we are doing a dvd series, I might miss our next meeting because of mid-terms, but it's totally okay cause the Nooma dvd's come with a study guide that is simple and easy too use (so I am basically replaceable- sorta:)

some more ramblings

2007-02-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

Sunday Feb.11: I had a powerful dream last night. I was at a church conference/service in an unknown location. The speaker was Scottish- and as he was talking, I got the sense that the people didn't want to hear what he was saying and I was was even more interested to know exactly what he was saying. In my heart/spirit I could sense he was going to be saying something that God really wanted us to know- but as people got more uncomfortable, two guys came on stage and escorted him off. I was furious! I started to boo- and yell "that's not right- let him speak! We need to hear it!" I felt that they (and the majority of the people there) were not open to hearing what this man had to say- one particular thing I remember about this man was he was Scottish. so- fast forward to church this morning (in real life-not dream life)- Alan Simpson (a guest speaker who has been doing this conflict resolution thing with my church along with a team of people) was speaking about how we often take sides with things (especially with church)- it's either my way, or your way.....but so often we forget "what is God's way in this?". I have learned a few things about myself both through a conflict resolution class at school- and that same night at my church (from a biblical perspective but same principles). I know that i am the kind of person who doesn't like conflict, but one thing I've learned is that conflict happens no matter what and how I deal with it matters. So, in my dream, speaking up like that was out of character for me- but I feel like my heart was bursting and couldn't take it any longer- and the words and sounds that came out of my mouth were an outpouring of what i was feeling at that moment. I also got the sense that we as a nation, a church, a people, ect are shutting God out of so many things instead of letting His voice be heard. And just what is God saying now? to you to me to everyone?

So what does this mean for me now? Should I take a stand on more things (even though it makes me feel uncomfortable and I don't always feel confident enough to say something)?

Here's what I learned about being a highly sensitive person- based on a book by Elaine Aron called "the highly sensitive person" (a test I took from the lady from the Justice Institute doing my conflict class:

it is an inherited trait (that shows up physically and emotionally).Only about 15-20% of the population has it and people who don't have it may not understand people who have it (hence, one of the reasons I feel like no one really gets me!). I got 20/22 on this test btw....

so the negatives of having this trait:

difficulties with highly stimulating environment, highly stimulated by anger earlier on, don't have good boundaries, a people-pleaser..

the positives:
Often responds to false alarms (this can be a positive in situations where we HSP use our intuition too pick up on stimuli around us, take it and mull over facts and analyze them- MAYBE EVEN SAVE A LIFE BECAUSE OF IT, and my favorite: tend to put ourselves into CHALLENGING SITUATIONS:), and we are more affected by outside stimulation.

God- thank-you for making me me- and that You can use me (even though you don't really need me anyways, but you desire to include me in your plans and purposes)

For those of you interested Elaine Aron has also written a book entitled "the highly sensitive person in love"

If anyone wants to take this test let me know and I will post the questions, scoring, ect on the blog.

the life of this student nurse

2007-02-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

I really have been seeing bit and pieces of who Jesus is lately in people around me. First and foremost- I see Him in my patients at the hospital. Talk about peace that surpasses all understanding, these people are going through so much physical and emotional crap- all of them in their 80's, and they praise God through it all. That blesses my socks off and makes my day. Patient after patient I had was exuding this peace to me, so I had to say something- so to my last patient on Friday before I went home- I told him how I could see Jesus in him, and that all the patients I've had have been christians I think, based on their bibles faithfully read at their bedsids, their pastors praying over them, and their constant sense of peace that affected me profoundly. He responding with a verse from his electronic bible: can't remember the verse but something about knowing who the christians are by the fruit/gifts in their life. I could have cried- and I should have hugged the man! I am so amazingly blessed.

2007-02-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

bugs, morgues and music...

2007-02-04T22:52:00.000-08:00

So this week I was going to go get my lunch from the locker room at the hospital, which happens to be right next to the morgue. No biggy- I've been passing the morgue for almost 3 years now so it doesn't really bother me. Except one of my classmates pointed out a big spider coming out from under the door, which apparently had been there since the morning! So, it kinda made me a little freaked out, thinking about all the creepy things lying beyond the door, dead bodies and whatnot. Ok- so doom forward to Saturday night: I am enjoying some live classical music at an old church in Chilliwack. I am relaxed, loving the tunes, the atmosphere, everything - I am drinking it all in....then I notice it. A ladybug which, by count of the dots is an elderly specimen. I am a little freaked out cause it appeared on the back of this older guy's coat. I was no longer even hearing the music- but am watching this little bug crawl over this man's jacket! I am thinking "a ladybug in February! I never knew they exist!" and then as it flew away and landed on his wife's back, I was creepily reminded of the big morgue spider.....then it starts making it's way to her hair....no- not the hair! I planned my move- I would flick it off to the ground. I ended up sending it to the floor with not even a flinch from the woman- she had no idea...so then I had to see where the little bug landed- and couldn't find him, and felt I could not rest in peace and enjoy the rest of the show until I found it on the floor. So, the kid at the end of the row had been watching my antics and the bug- and he pointed out the ladybug shortly after- whereupon I was able to relax and enjoy the show. My old guitar teacher was on the classical guitar (and in a tux), a Russian man was on the oboe, and this young woman was on the piano- they played some 17th century Mozart, and other artist I can't remember or spell. Best of all I got in for free! UCFV students get in for free to the Chilliwack Academy of Music concerts- so student out there keep your ears and eyes open for the next concert.

my view from the mountaintop experience

2007-01-30T19:12:00.001-08:00

my view from the mountaintop experience, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

I had to take advantage of the sun today so I hit the hills, and hiked up to a water tower overlooking my neighborhood. Click on pic to see the rest

pic of me learning to be a nurse!

2007-01-24T20:45:00.000-08:00

Today we had a lab on central venous catheters. We learned how to access ports, flush lines/maintain lines. Very exciting stuff. Apparently we learn how to do the really exciting stuff in preceptorship:)

at school today

2007-01-24T17:25:00.001-08:00

at school today, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

so today was the day for taking pictures and being outside! Me- I had about 15 minutes to enjoy it in between classes and meetings. Here are some of the shots I took....click on pic for more

Oh and I made a video when I took a little walk after school in my neighborhood. Check it out on my other blog: http://www.xanga.com/nurseprodigy

first stop: starbucks run- mmm chai latte

2007-01-20T16:34:00.001-08:00

first stop: starbucks run- mmm chai latte, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

RC night stand for "relaxation center night" where us girls get together to do manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, ect. Last night we got starbucks and watched "Material Girls" :) Meanwhile - Jennica and Michele's husbands have their own version of RC night - for them it's "Remote control cars and trucks- where they tinker with parts, take the RC's out, race them, ect. We aim to do this once a month.

okay this is sooo funny check it out:

2007-01-18T20:50:00.001-08:00

http://www.johnchow.com/effects-of-drugs-and-alcohol-on-spider-webs

Vanessa

2007-01-18T20:38:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot about my cousin Vanessa. She is amazing- when she knows what she wants to do- she sets out and does it (what I try to do most of the time). When she was younger (around 12), she was a president of this environmentalist club with David Suzuki's daughter (crazy I know...). She went to a conference in Brazil I think for it (I'll have to ask her about it). When she was in her early 20's she went off to Thailand, Malasia and southeast asian countries for a year and travelled, saw the world, tried to discover who she was, ect. Then she came home and found out her parents (my aunt and uncle) had separated and were getting a divorce (tough blow, she seemed to have handled it well, but my other cousin (her brother) I think never got over it (it's been a few years now). Next, she set off to Quebec to brush up on her french so she could work for a big Canadian airline as a flight attendant. She seemed to flourish there, got better at her french, and made friends along the way (like she always does- It's a Suttie thing:) She ended up not getting the flight attendent job she wanted- but continued to work at a the hotel restaurant she'd worked at since she was a teenager and lived at home.
Next, she found an opportunity with Jazz airlines, but had to relocate to Toronto to do it. She trained, worked hard and has now been working as a flight attendent for 14 months! Good job girl! This job is not so famous and fabulous as she hoped- but it has it's perks: flying for super cheap to any country she wants on stand-by, and seeing more of the world (which is something she has done and continues to do). Too bad she ended up spending christmas in Detroit and some hotel with the flight crew- searching for an open restaurant on christmas day to eat at (I think they found a dive of a place open), so we didn't get to see her for christmas. But she did call in between flights. I always think of that Gwenith Paltrow flick about being a flight attendent - the comedy one- what it called...? can't remember. Anyways she will get threre- working on international flights. And to top it off she met an amazing guy who is a sportcaster for CNN on location (he's been covering the canadian junior hockey stuff) his name I do not recall but at chrismas- we all turned on CNN and there he was reporting- so we all watch him do his interviewing stuff (only showed his face for 1 second though..). They both live in Toronto (and both travel quite a bit). Oh another interesting fact about her: she dated Joshua Jackson (pre-Dawson's Creek era) when she was a teenager- I have seen the pictures it's true:)

Photo left to right: Rachel, Vanessa, Jennica and I

delurking

2007-01-16T22:47:00.000-08:00

okay- so for all you out there- you know who you are- the ones that read my blog but don't leave comments- please leave a comment and let me know who you are (I am a delurker myself of many other's blogs in cyperspace...

my sisters

2007-01-14T23:10:00.000-08:00

Enyoying some EA tonight:)

pics of my new diamond ring

2007-01-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

So here's the story: One of the reasons I bought myself a diamond ring was to represent as a symbol that I am God's daughter, and that He loves me, and desires me and that I am precious to Him. So, I hope everytime I look at it I will remember that. And I think I love diamonds now!

my first painting- hopefully more to come!

2007-01-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

so I am delving into my artistic side- I started with the christmas cards- and now I am wanting to do painting. I have a lot of ideas and I want to start to put them to good use. Here is the first of many...

mike from cali...(and moi)

2007-01-06T21:08:00.000-08:00

This was taken 2 summers ago- I just thought I'd post it cause I think I look hot (and so does Mike)!

song by the be Good Tanyas

2007-01-06T12:29:00.001-08:00

Run away to the seashore it doesn't matter
anymore
Doesn't matter anymore
Words dry up and fly away with the passing of
the days
Eventually you just let the stone fall

Chorus:
I dreamed that I saw you you were down at the corner store
You were looking through magazines and you
flew out the door
I was trying to wave to you but you wouldn't
wave back
Now you know I understand you're with me only
in the past
Only in the past

My palms are not open they're closed they're
closed
My palms are not open they're closed they're
closed

(Chorus)

Colours streak the sky we laugh and we cry
And we dance in the cool grass with the
fireflies
And we dance in the cool grass sunset birds
Sweet sweet music swallow our words
You set sail and you left this town
Run away, run away, you're so far from me now
So far from me now

first time donor!

2007-01-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Melissa for being the photographer- and for all your moral support! It only felt like a bee sting- and I can handle that kind of pain. Approx. 500 cc/mL of my blood was pumped out. Yeah! I like the sweet pin they gave me (and the sticker that says '1st time donor' on it).

my new hair cut...

2006-12-29T16:46:00.000-08:00

self-portrait...

2006-12-29T16:44:00.001-08:00

self-portrait, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

my parents and I went cross country skiing today up to Nickel Plate Nordic center. It was clear, blue skies, a little wind, fresh snow, and freshly groomed trails - the best! so enjoy this batch of photos....

rach and cha cha

2006-12-28T12:18:00.001-08:00

rach and cha cha, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

christmas eve pics- click on this one for more!

perfect shot.....

2006-12-27T19:14:00.001-08:00

perfect shot....., originally uploaded by KeeganS.

This is my dad and uncle Bruce on christmas day- we had dinner with the fam in Twsassin (can't spell that). Cick on pic for more on my flickr account.

the list

2006-12-24T14:54:00.001-08:00

Okay so I had to get this out on paper (then onto xanga) it was driving me nuts (if anyone thinks of anymore let me know!)

Snow: 1. Very quiet- almost makes no sound at all. When it snows it's like it's the quietest it's ever been.
Rain: 1.. Loud- I can hear it from inside my house. The sound makes one pull the covers over one's head, go back to bed and do nothing all day.
Snow: 2. Makes pretty white fluffy stuff that kids makes snowballs out of and make snow angels.
Rain: 2. Makes big puddles that kids and kids alike can jump in. Sometimes cars make puddles splash nto pedestrians. Makes the grass green and plants lush.
Snow: 3. Always takes us by surprise every year- only comes in winter months sometimes sooner than expected but always unexpected.
Rain. 3. We expect it every year throughout the year.
Snow 4. Requires trucks to drop sand and plow snow to clear the roads. Causes lots of accidents- ppl here don't know how to drive in this stuff.
Rain: 4. Sometimes people hydroplane - visibility is limited when it's raining and dark.
Snow; 5. ppl get excited/scared/happy when it snows!
Rain: 5. Ppl sigh, feel depressed or nothing at all when it rains (again)
SNow: 6. Can stop a game of soccer/football.
Rain: 6. "Rain or shine" doesn't stop most sports- the muddier the better:)
Snow: 7. PPl talk about it more
Rain: 7. Pple grow tired and weary of talking about it- b/c it always rains anyways- nothing new...
Snow: 8. harder to ride a bicycle in
Rain 8. Unpleasant but possible to cycle in the rain (I did it for 3 years living in Victoria)
Snow 9. We always remember the day/week it first snowed that year.
Rain 9. Where does it start or end?
Snow 10. need good snow tired for it
Rain 10. All-seasons will do
Snow 11. usually doesn't affect your house
Rain 11. Can flood your basement.
Snow 12. Causes many heart attacks of older people (and those out of shape) shovelling snow.
Rain 11. Helps alleve many allergy symptoms and better for asthma sufferers.

Similarities:

1. Both need "slippery when wet" signs in stores
2. require waterproof jackets and umbrellas
3. makes us run- fast!
4. Requires the top up on the convertable
5. end up as a puddle
6. get your car wet
7. affect flying and driving coditions
8. affect radio reception
9. require windshield wipers and defrost in your car
10. Can evoke more poetry and/or lyrics (case in point: the wheels in my head are turning right now and it's been snowing...)

going back in time...

2006-12-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here at my parents house and I found some older (few months) pictures from thanksgiving this year, and from my grandma's birthday this summer.In a couple of the pics I have a walking stick (not a cane) due to an injury I had from all the hiking I did this summer (putting too much weight on my left leg). Who knows what kind of shape I will be in for hiking next season- for now I will be cross country sking:)

Me, my cousin Vanessa and my sister Rachel

The Suttie girls

my sister rachel

2006-12-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

jennica likes the high scores...

2006-12-20T10:36:00.001-08:00

jennica likes the high scores..., originally uploaded by KeeganS.

Jennica and I spent monday afternoon in vancouver- we shopped, went to Granville island, had dinnner on commercial drive, and went to a poetry slam where we were randomly selected to be one of the five judges (we were asked to judged poetry!? It was a fun day for sure...

partying with the stars

2006-12-16T21:52:00.001-08:00

000_0600, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

I went to our young adults christmas dinner. It was fun- I sat with a table full of guys - and our table won this dvd game called "scene it" it was awesome I think I made a name for myself with my performance (being able to name that actor, or crazy movie facts...)

hmmm what didn't I do today?

2006-12-13T21:55:00.000-08:00

wrote my last final, registered online for next semester, made christmas cards from starbucks cups and sleeves, painted an Anne gettes painting black (been meaning to do that for a while), made a birthday card for Donie my sponsored child from India, did the dishes- twice, watched season 2 disk 3 for Lost on dvd, made chocolate chip cookies, watched dora the explorer with zave......oh and just finished watching pirates of the carribean 2:) Oh and I did some e-mailing too. ok time for bed now...

the trees with lights!

2006-12-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

the tree (minus the lights)

2006-12-07T23:07:00.001-08:00

the tree (minus the lights), originally uploaded by KeeganS.

I decided to decorate my room with christmas cheer (seeing as I will be spending most of my time here studying for finals!)

Click on the pic to see a few more...

my study time

2006-12-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

okay so I decided to take pictures of myself studying, therefor I must be procrastinating even more! But, alas by wed the 13th I will be done. IN the meantime I am getting through the psych content, immigrant issues, homelessness, ect the list goes on and on. On a positive note: I got a really good mark on my debate in my ethics class, and my situational transitions paper on homelessness and the elderly I got a pretty decent mark. So I am encouraged to do well on my finals! BTW I don't normally study on my bed- it's just for the self timer on my camera- I prefer the desk!

christmas staff party at the Copper Room

2006-12-01T23:08:00.001-08:00

000_0563, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

Click on this photo for more....I had so much fun- I got Michele to come with me (so Damien stayed home to put Z to bed). I think that all moms deserve a night out with one of their good friends and sometimes I forget that Michele doesn't have many chances to hang out people outside of the house (I live with her and Damien but I am thinking that maybe I need to take Michele out more often). At the Harrison Hotsprings Hotel at the Copper Room we have a nice buffet- I had lobster for the first time, ate amazing food (lots of seafood, mini potatoes, salads, chicken, and yummy lemon deserts!). I got home at a decent hour as I have to be up at 5 am for work tomorrow am. I am glad I got Michele to come with me tonight. Oh- and I work at a nursing home for those of you who didn't know- I work on the weekends and I love it!

my muffins

2006-11-28T12:38:00.000-08:00

Zave
One of my orange cranberry muffins- I am a kitchen diva now!

My snow day

2006-11-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

Today I got all ready for school- and checked my e-mail- and realized school is cancelled today:( So- I was all ready to go so I decided to have some breakfast and go for a nice walk in the snow and pick up some ingredients for my 2nd batch of cranberry orange muffins. So I did. And here are the pictures to prove it. I will add of pic of the beautiful muffins later (they are my latest masterpiece).

My house (isn't it pretty?"
(the slough by my house)

My personality: the test

2006-11-26T20:00:00.001-08:00

You Are An ENFP

The Inspirer

You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.
You are also unconventional, irreverant, and unimpressed by authority and rules.
Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.
You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're qutie the storyteller!

You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.

What's Your Personality Type?

care group girls night(click on pic for more flickr pics)

2006-11-19T21:44:00.001-08:00

perfect:), originally uploaded by KeeganS.

we decided to take a break from our study on purity to watch sleeping beauty. We all brought our fav snacks, this girl Amanada french braided my hair (I haven't had one done since I was 13- a looonnng time ago as I am 27 now....)

girls night out at the Olive Garden

2006-11-11T14:11:00.001-08:00

jaime, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

our second annual trek to this restaurant- driving as far as Hope and Chillwack to Langley to get there- waiting for a table at least 45 minutes- this year was amazing like last year (minus the waiter was not very good but we had lots of fun anyways). It's good to take a break with the girls I study with everyday (and have been with them for over 2 years in nursing school now). So- can't wait for next year:) Click on this pic to see the rest of the photos on my flickr account!

This is the boy I love!

2006-11-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

He is nearly two- and he makes a great roomie!! I love you Z you make me smile, dance, and do crazy things. I can't wait for your birthday coming up soon!! So I live with two of my best friends (married) and their 23 month old son- Z. Here are some of the amazing things I love about living here: After studying in my room I hear the doorknob jiggling- it's Z and once again he's managed to open the child safety thing on my door knob....so in he comes saying "De-Dee" which is my name (Keegi to his parents). He climbs onto my bed and jumps for a bit- sometimes I give him airplane rides (remember getting those when we were kids?). The I put on Feist's song "Mushaboom" and we dance and laugh at ourselves in the mirror. Sometimes he comes and sits on my lab while I am working on the computer (but he really just wants to push the buttons). Living with my friends and their son is one of the greatest things I could have done- where else can I be a kid again- playing with play dough, dancing to silly songs, and going to the park to actually play! These are just some of the things I love about living here. Below are some pics I took of Z in my room. I like to try my hats on him- he is very photogenic:) Don't you just love the elmo slippers??!

2006-10-28T12:32:00.001-07:00

homelessness

2006-10-25T16:19:00.001-07:00

today we spent an entire day tackling the issues of homelessness in my class(from a health care perpective) we saw a dvd premier about street nursing in downtown east side van. It was an amazing presentation- anyways after my first class today I jsut had to write this poem- basically my thoughts, responses to and a bit of looking back on what most caught my attention in looking at the life of a homeless person now- keep in mind I am not an english major or anything- just a nursing student that feels that I can make a difference in this world somehow- so here it is:

Today I learned more about you,
how much that sandwich I gave you really meant.
You walked miles all day long
just to get some morsels of food.
From the sisters at the church
you waited in line for 2 hours to get some soup.
The coffee and the dougnut were another few miles away.
You take so many footsteps
Time is spent on fulfilling your physical needs
to survive.
There's no time to think about other things.
what's important is your next meal,
where you'll lay your head tonight.
But really, is good going to fix this?
A job?
I don't have the ability to break
the cycle of poverty for you.
You've seen and experienced things
I've never been exposed to,
prostituting yourself and the jerk refuses to pay,
trading sex for a place to sleep.
Now, circumstance after circumstance in your life
here you are.
Who can help you- is it the government?
Do they really understand though?
You say you don't have a job because you don't have the education,
that you don't have the education because you don't have the money
and don't have the money because you don't have the job.
What can I do?

Letters to God

2006-10-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

enjoying the sights of vancouver

2006-10-16T16:55:00.001-07:00

enjoying the sights of vancouver, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

thanksgiving in the cabin (minus me the photographer

2006-10-14T09:50:00.001-07:00

thanksgiving in the cabin (minus me the photographer, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

click on this one to see more!

pictures from manning park

2006-10-09T20:42:00.001-07:00

000_0497, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

taken thanksgiving weekend. I love my family:)

click on it to see more picture from my flickr account

My thanksgiving weekend...

2006-10-09T14:40:00.001-07:00

The lastest adventures in nursing

2006-10-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

I have been studying about drug and alcohol addictions for my latest class. One interesing tidbit of info I found was that caffeine (a stimulant) is metabolized by the liver and metabolism is increased in those who smoke tobacco- but get this: dependence and tolerance sometimes develop with it and when you ingest large doses of caffeine you can develop delirium, and rare cases of suicide have been noted with high caffeine consumption... (from my Fortinash Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing text).!! So, all you caffeine consumers out there (coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas, ect) beware.

I am currently working on a paper on homelessness in the elderly population- I am learning about the cycle of poverty- maybe I am being led into a whole different area of nursing than in the hospital..... but I am really enjoying my home care nursing practicum right now- the nurses are great, good atmosphere, and so far all the clients have been wonderful:)

Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall season. Hope to hear from you all soon! Comments please people:)

Callie's wedding: the video

2006-09-21T08:54:00.001-07:00

some family pics from the wedding

2006-09-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

me and dad chillaxin

2006-09-17T23:54:00.001-07:00

This is me on the beach in Anacortes today:) My new profile pic

Callie's wedding

2006-09-17T23:14:00.000-07:00

So I am using flickr to post my photos now- I can't make it work with my blog setting though so hope to figure it out soon. Here are some pictures taken from my cousin Callie's wedding this weekend in Puyallup, Wa. Her and Brandon have been on again off again for years now- and basically are best friends who found each other. They have been through the ups and downs of life and I am so happy I got to celebrate with them this weekend. It was a beautiful fall wedding- and everyone was asked to wear "fall palate colors" browns, reds, oranges, ect. Enjoy the photos:) So just click on the pictures for more photos straight from my flickr page- my flickr name is KeeganS

Enjoy:)

IMG_3969

2006-09-17T23:13:00.003-07:00

IMG_3969, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

Brandon's backyard

Just click on photo to view more on my flickr site!

seaside, Or pics

2006-09-17T22:14:00.005-07:00

IMG_3772, originally uploaded by KeeganS.

Click on this pic to view more seaside photos

My favorite twin!

2006-09-13T16:58:00.002-07:00

Jennica and Keegan pondering the wonders of the ocean and the sunset we nearly missed:)

so many songs to sing here....

2006-09-13T16:58:00.001-07:00

Some pics from Seaside,Or trip

2006-09-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

My new home

2006-09-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

So, I am currently living with some good friends of mine: Damien and Michele and their 22 month old son, Z. Living with an Rn is great for sharing nursing stories (and sharing everything- since I've known Michele since grade 8". She has been a great support for me, especially since I've been living here. We like to sit and eat chocolate, drink tea and talk- which is nice since I live with her we can decide to have a "girls night pj party" whenever we want. Damien is a magician: check out his site: www.damiencarriere.com It's called Mobile Magic entertainment. He is getting a good start in Chilliwack, even teaching a magic course this fall at the local rec center! He is Mr- you name it I fix it guy, plus pretty much a stay at home dad with Z. Some of the things I love about being here: I can ride my bike more than Abbotsford, they have a Huge backyard full of fruit trees and a bountiful garden. I like sitting on the back porch- doing homework, reading the bible, sipping tea and visiting with friends. It's the best- and I love that if I ever need a break from school- I can have time with Z- we go to the park, go for a walk or just hang out in my room. I can't wait for his 2nd birthday it is going to be a "Bob the builder" theme- for anyone that knows me you know I talk about Z way too much but he is quite the little man:)

Melly Max

2006-09-11T22:44:00.000-07:00

I like to take pictures of myself while I drive...

2006-09-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

my new blog

2006-09-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am in beta form. I don't know how to get my old stuff from my blogger account: www.keegstar.blogspot.com I will be deleting that blog probably within a week. So this is my new one: www.studentnurserantings.blogspot.com Hope to keep in touch everyone!