July 9, 2007
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Summertime
It's a hot one today! The old hound and I went for a hike along the "Cool Hollow Trail" in the McLaughlin Bay nature reserve. It is so peaceful there, it really helps me to recharge before work this afternoon. Lots of red currants, gooseberries and raspberries along the path. Birds were in full throated song. I recognized chickadees and red wing blackbirds, but heard many more.When we got to the lake the water was still just a little bit too cold to swim in. I think I would have braved it if the waves hadn't been so rough. Hopefully it will warm up in the next week or so. Still, it was nice to dabble my feet in the water. We're lucky to live so close to an unspoiled area, although more people do seem to be discovering "our place". Today though, we only had to share it with the Canadian Geese. (see video!)
In two weeks time I start my new job. I am leaving Sunnybrook and taking a nurse manager position in a nursing home. It was a tough decision to make as I have been at Sunnybrook for many years. Since moving to Oshawa I have been finding the commute every day to be getting harder and harder. I don't finish work until 1130 at night and it's a long drive when you are tired, especially in rough weather. The price of gas and wear and tear on my car is also a factor.
It is a non unionized position which is a risk - not as safe. I also have to lock in my pension as they do not have a pension plan. Benefits are also a challenge, I will be doing them privately. The nursing home does have a plan, but taking it would lower my wages and there would be a waiting period. I hate dealing with anything financial and have found all this very stressful.
Amazingly, this was the only job I applied for since Sunnybrook and I got it!
On the plus side, it is straight up the road from me, about five minutes drive. It is a managerial position so it is a step up considering I do not have a bachelor's degree. Much less physical, with less lifting and pulling which will be a relief to my aching joints! I will be working one less day a week which I consider a plus as I can use the extra time to devote to my other interests. I think the money will pretty well even out with savings on gas, union dues, parking payments, pension payments etc. More valuable to me is the time I will gain. I can come up with ways to economize if necessary.
I will miss all my friends and colleagues at Sunnybrook. The unit I work on is unique and innovative in many ways and I have had a lot of freedom. I am sure the atmosphere of a nursing home will be different but I am certainly going to give it my best effort and try to excel in this new position. This place does seem progressive and has a nice atmosphere. Of course they are in it for profit so I am sure the bottom line will be economy versus quality. Hopefully both can be achieved.
The old hound is always supportive and listens to me go over and over every detail. I always feel compelled to explore the minutae of a situation ad nauseum. I find the older I get the harder it is to adapt to change, especially major life changes. It takes me longer to bounce back and regain momentum. He helps me to stop panicking and focus on the positive points not the "what ifs".
My banjo picking is struggling as I have a bad case of tennis elbow. I've been going to physio twice a week for acupuncture and ultra sound but it seems every time it starts to feel better a patient will grab my arm and pull it and start the cycle all over again. I have stretches and exercises to strengthen my right hand grip but it is slow going and very painful. I am learning Cripple Creek, Bile Dem Cabbage Down and Wildwood Flower. My method is to have three songs on the go at all times. One song just beginning, one song moderately accomplished and one song I can play with confidence. Of course my playing is 100% better when wearing "the hat"!
