Shandy12

I stayed home with the boys, cause DH was a dairy farmer on the family farm, and I didn't want to milk cows. I've always said that nursing has been the most wonderful thing for me. I stayed home when I wanted to, and found work when I wanted to. I've always been able to come back to nursing in one form or another, and now that our sons are grown, I am going full tilt again, doing things I want to in my career. Dh was a great dad, and good provider and we've had a good life up until now. I think you have to take the path that life hands you. If Dad can stay home and Mom work, why not? It doesn't matter as long as the kidlets are loved and made to feel secure, and not a nuisance or hindrance. Shandy

Pockets, I use all my pockets.......I need a change purse though. Canadian loonies and toonies are heavy and awkward..... Lynda

Great advice on this thread. I listen to music......a lot.....and I knit. Making something with my hands, and the repetitive motion of knitting is soothing. I have good friends and a sympathetic, patient spouse. Also, I will admit to coming home and having a stiff drink once in a blue moon when something very traumatic has happened. Hot baths work well too. And Mario is right. Good diet, adequate hydration and sleep are essential to balancing the body and the psyche! Micro, thanks for the URL. It's a lovely site, and I've bookmarked it. Remember the "gratitude journals" of a few years ago? Listing things you're thankful for sometimes does help when things seem negative. Lynda

Here in Ontario, Canada, we have Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses. Both designations have "nurse" in their titles. The general public take "nurse" as a generic term equivalent with caregiver, especially in hospital and long-term care settings. It does really bother me, however, to hear RPN's referred to as "just" RPN's. I don't think as an R.N. I'd be happy to be "just" an R.N. when compared to another professional. Lynda