PUSHING THROUGH THE NEGATIVE ENERGY

What of the most difficulties in life is trying to stay focused when those around you are full of negative energy and thoughts. Caring about a person or situation then confronted with the toxicity that can exist. Finding personal and professional space away from it takes skill and strategies. Unfortunately in many work situations there are joint decisions and joint work spaces that can make it tiring. Lunch breaks away from everyone gives some space. Another strategy is put the client as the focus. What does the client need, not your needs? Not judging or personalizing the problems can give the clinical perspective more depth. Listening to every one's perspective is okay but those whose scope of practise do not need to be in the mix then they should not. For example, at a program meeting when we are asked to vote on the post op orders, I sustain as it is medical for the nurse and doctor involved. If I found a typo, okay then say something. It is not my area of expertise so I leave it to those who have devised the information. What do I know about nursing procedures or what pain medication to use!  Do I expect the same courtesy in my work? Yes! Strong teams can have differing opinions but the various disciplines are stand alone and need to be respected.

NANA SAYS JUNE BRINGS END OF SCHOOL FRENZY

As school is winding down, parents are winding up. Gifts for teachers. End of school activities. Worried about those final marks and what class the child will go next year. Finishing elementary school and heading to High School in the Fall. So deciding which High School to attend if it had already been decided earlier in the year. Then the big wait for acceptance at colleges and universities for those Senior students. Waiting to see if scholarships or bursaries have been awarded to offset tuition and residence fees. Signing up the little ones too for Junior Kindergarten in the Fall. So June that summery month before the summer vacation can feel more like the frenzy of the Christmas season. Then throw in some birthdays, anniversaries and Father's day- a busy month for all parents. The dance recital or sports banquets that occur. Of course- swimming, soceer, basement lessons are happening too! So how to cope- one event at a time. Maybe even combine some if possible. If several children, then each parent takes a school event separately. Perhaps cut down on the number of lessons over the summer and do more outings with a learning component. I used to take my girls to a lake or pool to consolidate those swimming skills rather than lessons. A summer camp may include swimming lessons as part of their package if it is important. Get through the busy month with some planning for some summer fun! Of course there are always grandparents ready to assist!

32 YEARS OF GENEALOGY-TIME FOR NEW STRATEGIES

Having attended the OGS-Ontario Genealogical Society- 2016 Conference in Toronto Ontario June 3-June 5, I came away with some renewed energy. Having followed the rules of organization, numbering system of charts and of course citing my sources, my work is quasi organized for the next round. The digital work is waiting. A good scanner to take many notes and documents from paper to computer files is on the horizon. One workshop told how important it is to put the family tree lines online to connect with others and to have a real place to store the data. The 3 place rule and 15 km rule- a way to let others have one's data so in case of some disaster or theft- well the information is secure. So family out there be prepared in the next year to be receiving some data in one form or another!! Yes I know who would really want to steal 15+ binders of our family history? Going from binders to digital sounds good but like other aspects of my life I will find a way to combine both. There is something about reading everything online that bothers me. It is still easier to pick up a book or in the genealogy world a binder and flip through the pages for the information. So some digital but reducing the paper clutter and downsizing the binder information is coming for me as well. It became clear from other family historians that many members of their families are not interested in all the information and may burn it all after their deaths!! Not sure if my children do feel the same! The good thing is knowing I have a plan and lots of organized information already. My yellow pedigree binder was well organized 20 years ago! The new databases online and my membership in Find My Past-based in Britain will help me add new tidbits to family lines. From many presenters lots of information about databases for varieties of information.  A way to enrich the stories of my family's ancestors. My need to write will be there as writing up various stories can create an opportunity to submit to the various branches where I am a member and send the articles to relevant family members. Gives some needed information for the various newsletters as well as the continued goal to organize more, write, put the information out there and yes share. Respecting the rules and the ethical ones of genealogy- no distinct information of anyone born after 1916- the 100 year rule of respecting the privacy of the living! Some modern descendants may say where I am- I will give you paper version but not put you on the Internet family tree sites- understand! The copyright rule of others that have done the work. Not taking all of some one's work without credit and claiming as one's own!The years of research and organization must always be honoured by all. Back to cite your sources, give credit always to the researcher and we are told to ask permission to use their data the way it was organized.   Due to my early childhood difficulties, part of the reason to keep information off the Internet has been respecting my own Mom. So it is time to get into the 21st century. For the record, I had my DNA done as now there is DNA Genealogy! It has actually been around for about a decade or more but I had the opportunity at the conference to get tested. When I get my results, that information can be shared here on my blog. So how to help me write more about the family may lead to a regular post feature- monthly or bimonthly here on my very own blog. There are many genealogists who have family blogs or write their genealogy on a blog but for me my blog- Reflective Thoughts by Barbara is more varied! I want to keep it that way. I love genealogy but also gardening, photography, my clinical work, featuring my postcard collection etc. However, my blog does give that forum to put some family stories like I did and shared my cousin Roy's information on our grandfather Ernie Ellis that fought at Vimy Ridge! It was a good post combing family, a historical event and honouring our service men and women. So still feeling a little exhausted as returning to work after a whole weekend which started Friday night has left me pondering and thinking. I look at the task ahead but when I think of 32 years ago when I started the genealogy journey it is not so overwhelming. I just wish spell check would check the dates I will need to input. Typos are my greatest fear!!

D-DAY A DAY IN HISTORY

As we all go about our day, give some thought and appreciation to those who stormed the beaches of France in Normandy to begin the invasion of Europe. Canadians fighting on Juno Beach! As we fast forward to modern times, do we still hope that the current conflicts in the world would be the last! Here's to our military families everywhere and the sacrifices they make. Here's to our old veterans with a big hug, kiss and thank you!

A WEEKEND OF GENEALOGY-OGS CONFERENCE 2016

Finally I will be going to the Ontario Genealogical Conference. Being held this year in Toronto by the Pearson Airport which makes it handy by plane, car and bus apparently over 600 have signed up to come. Signed up in February and registered early last night so I can try to make some Friday sessions. But all day Saturday and Sunday is full so booked a room to stay overnight at the hotel to take in as many of the activities and sessions as possible. I made a one sheet fact sheet of all my maternal and paternal lines as well as my husband's names as I have done his genealogy as well to share with anyone who wants to share. Apparently there could be a wall of names for others to see so probably put it there.Don't know if I will know anyone. Perhaps meet some people from the many branches where I am a member! The theme is Genealogy on the Cutting Edge. So lots of information about the technology and the now must do- DNA testing. For me to find ways to organize my information from the binders- although I love my binders to more digital so it can be shared readily and cheaper to connect with those who are interested. Of course that will be another project for the future. So there could be some posts reflecting on this experience! Stay tuned!

ADULT LEARNING IS LIFELONG LEARNING

Professionals have expectations from their Colleges to continue learning in their discipline. The requirements can vary on what counts as the bottom line. Sometimes the number of hours or courses or articles read can all contribute to the annual review. Sporadic audits can occur so one must keep all documentation of learning for at least 7 years- like taxes! As a professional ages, there seems to be less new ideas to incorporate so often it is revisiting old themes and ideas. Nearer retirement it can be a challenge to make sure one's college is happy. Older workers often find younger colleagues wondering why they should bother. But if given an Education Day like I am given at my workplace, why not use it to help fulfill the professional designation. So today off to an all day workshop in one of my work areas. A day away from the regular work to meet others in my discipline of Social Work. What is refreshing is the fact that we all speak the same professional language. Health care is challenging enough but to face daily questioning on what is being done and why can be well- boring. Social Work is a profession with training. Many people often say I could be a Social Worker/therapist/counsellor! Why? "I can give advice and talk to people!" See what I mean- more clinical depth and knowledge and understanding than the superficial understanding of the work. So at a workshop where other professionals just get it! And maybe an idea or theme to incorporate in my decades of knowledge and experience!

NANA SAYS HOW TO BE A HANDS ON GRANDPARENT

Some grandparents brag about the number of grandchildren they have, give a kiss, take a photo then that's the end of it. Being hands on means being available and around to have a relationship. Having a relationship is tiring and sometimes work. Being close to grandchildren means there may not be much respect until it is earned. Otherwise, one gets treated like a parent. The child knows you will love them no matter what so do not have to listen or do what is asked! Coming to Nana's house means testing the rules. Establishing boundaries can be difficult. Each home has different expectations. Nana's house is laid out in a way that children can rule in a circle and so they do. Insisting to eat at the table and not taking food in other rooms is a constant discussion. Not allowed at home but somehow come to Nana's and let's try to see what can be done. Sitting and eating so no choking occurs is a constant safety discussion too. Granpa does the cooking so is always concerned about healthy eating. But there are lots of snacks healthy and otherwise. Cookies are okay. Relationships take all forms and actions. Beimg a good part of the grandchildren's lives is very rewarding too. Hugs and kisses. Excitement to be seen on an arrival. Wanting to come for sleepovers. Knowing one is loved brings incredible joy! Stopping and really listening to what is said. Being interested in all the activities. Trying to go to events. The best part is just having grandchildren in one's life. Hands on is exhausting so maybe it is time for a nap!