Update

Hi everyone. Hope everyone is having a good week so far. It's the weekend, need I say more!!

Even though I have put some entries on the blog, I just thought I would update you on what's been going on here. I guess the big change so far this year, is that I am now working two jobs. I am still working at the Foothills during the day full time. I am enjoying the family like feeling of all the coders and this week I started a new position of Day Surgery trainer. This month will be busy as each training time is in 2-week blocks and I am training 3 coders plus have a student for 2 days so there will be some overlapping- the first week showing all the different clinics at FMC and the second week is to see how well I did the training and how much they understand (I check all their charts that week). Annie has been great - she is my genie pig - glad I only have the one coder for my first time out. I am looking forward to this time of sharing and learning - for me the training provides learning for myself too. Coding and abstracting charts - with new procedures especially, we are constantly learning. Thankfully I now work for a hospital that is proactive in providing opportunities to attend educational sessions.

My second job is in the evenings 2-3 weekday shifts for 4-5 hours. As we move forward in technology so does the move towards a paperless record. I am working at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre as a scanner. I am scanning records that are not already linked to their computer system, so doctors and nurses are able to access the patient's information without having to call our department for the chart. It is provide continuing care for the patient in a timely matter too. Some of the gals I am working with also work with me during the day so it is like "old home week" at times. I am enjoying the change and looking ahead, this is providing me "a foot in the door" if any opportunities come up.

By summer ends, I will probably be able to tell you the different routes I can take to Three Hills, Alberta. The reason I say this my friends Amanda, Amy and Sara and their families will have moved up there by then. I have been spoiled having them so close in Chestermere - selfishly I did not want to move, but I am happy for them though. And really - Three Hills is only a hour and change drive away - people in Southern Ontario do that daily to just get to work. On the topic of travels, I do have some mini travels planned - April at Easter weekend I am going to Montreal to see all the relatives (both sides of the family) and to see Il Divo (it was my Christmas gift for my mom, her brother and his wife and myself) which I can't wait to see and hear. They are also easy on the eyes too (HAHA)!! In May, my girlfriend from TB is coming for a week and we are driving from Calgary to Jasper and back. Looking forward to the time together and to see all the beauty of the Rockies (Columbia Icefield Glaciers too). In July I will be heading to TB for a week to celebrate my mom's 65th birthday. My brother Bruce will be flying up so we can celebrate as a family. Of course, I will be able to visit with some of my friends too.

This week, though I have received some sad news. On Tuesday, I found out that my friend's sister inlaw passed away suddenly. My friend, Annette lives in Germany so on Thursday I met her at the airport for coffee during her layover. A side note on this - Annette's husband, Al and I have known each other back in the day of my Dorion summers. This coffee meeting was the first time I have actually met Annette even though we have been writing/emailing each other for almost 15 years! When I got home that night, I received an email saying that a lady from my hometown church passed away. Joan has known me since I was a young teenager - their son Mark and I were not only classmates but we were swimming teammates from our Thunderbolts years. I also worked with her husband Murray as his financial assistance at First Presbyterian. So during those "quick meetings" before they left for holidays actually turned into a couple of hour visits over tea. She was a wonderful, giving lady and we will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Well, I have to close as I am meeting with the Youth pastor and his wife for breakfast to discuss Sunday school and all that goes with that. I was actually up until after 1am (early this morning) preparing things for the meeting - hoping to have a nap this afternoon as the ladies of my church are hosting a Chocolate, Karoke and PJ Night at the church. Sounds like a sugar rush of a night! Take care family and friends. Miss and love you all!