A Nurse's Journey

A City steeped in mourning

Lillie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:09:46 +0000

It has happen again. In less than a week a young life has been cut short. Amber Dubois’s body has been found a year after she went missing. Amber’s family tried to do all the right things to bring her home. They had hired rescue dogs to track her. The dogs had tracked her to the place near where she had been found. Her grandmother had also hired a private detective. She had turned over all the information to the police but they had never followed up on it.

Amber’s body was found on the Pala Indian reservation. Law enforcement is saying they do not think Gardner, the man who killed Chelsea King, had anything to do with her death. The whole city is in mourning for these young woman, Chelsea and Amber. How much more must we have to go through?

My heart goes out to their families May the good Lord keep them strong. May their death rally the citizens to change the laws and keep monsters off the street so they can never hurt another child..

Time to pay the piper

Lillie — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:12:42 +0000

Regrettably Chelsea King’s body was found Tuesday afternoon in Lake Hodges. My heartfelt wishes go out to the family. The community which had searched in hopes of bring her home to the family that loved her were heartbroken at finding this amazing young woman thrown away in a muddy grave LIKE TRASH. Today they had the arraignment hearing for her alleged murderer and feelings were running high in front of the court house.

There were demands for stronger sentences for sex offenders and no parole. Some were even asking for a one strike law for people who harm children. Yesterday I stated that we have the voice and the vote to change the laws to keep our children safe. Maybe this will be the catalyst to get things going.

I hope Chelsea did not die in vain and that something can be done to keep these monsters off the streets. To bad we don’t have the same laws as the Middle East where the offending body part would be cut off!

Sex offenders we are putting you on notice. NO LONGER WILL YOU BE ALLOWED TO HURT OUR CHILDREN!

This must be stopped!

Lillie — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:36:38 +0000

Living in San Diego California is wonderful. The weather is to be envied by most of the country. It is a big city with a closeness that reminds you of a small town. But that same feeling can lead to a false sense of security and being safe. We are again watching the family of a child being searched for. Chelsea King’s family is going through what no parents would want to have to endure. That is waiting for the return of their child’s body.

Chelsea, a well liked young woman with her own bright future ahead of her, did not return from her run. An alleged repeat sex offender is now being charged with her death. Her body has not been found. Last year we had another young lady go missing. She was in the same age group. Amber Dubois is still out there and that family has no closure.

The person charged with Chelsea’s murder has offended before. Plea bargaining and time off for good behavior let these people out early and the heavy case load of the parole officers make it impossible to keep a watch on them. Anyone remember Jaycee Dugard?

Sex offenders have the highest rate of return. Some can’t fight the urge to stop while others feel that they really do no harm. Many kill their victims so they will not have to go back to jail.

The laws are on the books to allow them back on the streets. We the people have the right and power to change them. Why don’t we use our votes to get people in office that will keep these creeps locked up so our streets will be safe?

To Chelsea’s family I offer my sympathy and to Amber’s family I hope you have a positive out come to your search for your daughter.

Go on. Kick a man when he is down

Lillie — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:03:31 +0000

To all my friends who are White, I hope your skins are tough enough to take this but I have to say what I think. You know the relationship we have and you have been there when I needed you. So here goes.

Tiger Woods has lost another big time endorsement contract because of his fooling around. I don’t condone what he did at all. But folks it was not a new thing. Men in high places have been and will be doing this till the end of time. Do I feel sorry for his wife? Yes because it hurts to be made a fool of.

But all these self righteous folks who are taking money out of Tiger’s pockets. You are kicking a Black man who dared to be the best in his field and had the nerve to marry a white woman. Then to cheat on her with even more white women. This is pay back. When you are Black and you rise above your perceived station and make mistakes, you will be kicked and kicked hard!

So my Black brothers and sisters check yourself if you want to keep what you earn. Don’t get caught with your pants down because you won’t keep what you have. The man will cut you down and take it away. As for Gatorade and Pepsi, I don’t like your products anyways!

OMG shes back and she a flaming flake

Lillie — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:19:02 +0000

Last year I stood on my soap box and proclaimed Nadya Suleman, better known as Octo-mom, a flake and a psychotic fool. Well folks she is back on television and my first impression has not changed!

If you saw her interview on The View, you have got to admit she remains much the same. First she will not and does not answer a question straight on. Second she has a laugh that scrapes the paint off walls and if there is any movie director who needs to portray a crazy person she is the ideal model. Dear Whoopie Goldberg asked straight out if she was a “few French fries short of a Happy Meal” (my words not Whoopies), she let out this ungodly screech and wondered around the question. She also tap danced around the question “was she finished having kids.” She should thank God it’s not a crime to be crazy. For if it was, she would be a first class felon.

I am sure this is not the last time we will see Octo-mom. But I hope she will retire her uterus. And if I ever hear that unholy voice again, it will be to soon.

Killer whale the name says it all

Lillie — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:18:31 +0000

I love animals and animal shows. And since I live in San Diego I have been to Sea World and watched the Shamu shows many times. I have had mixed feelings when the experts oppose having these lovely mammals performing. While watching the entertainment the whales seem so gentle. But we forget they are large, wild animals with the ability to kill. And kill one did recently.

A 40 year old female trainer was killed by a infamous whale that has three slaying under his flippers. Tilikum ( which means friend) has killed before. I have a real problem with this. Yes I know that Sea World has invested thousands of dollars in this animal but what is a human life worth?

It is now time for Sea World to cut their loses on this one animal if not its whole killer whale program. Not one more trainer should be in harms way for entertainment.

Social networking brings me an unexpected gift

Lillie — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:44:38 +0000

Retirement and a chronic illness has left me searching for an alternative method for renewing friendships or forming new ones. This last month I have renewed a friendship with a young woman who was an integral part of my youth. I became a member of Classmate.com on a whim. I got a shock as I glazed at a picture of a face from my past.

In the south friends often became like family members. So here was this young lady that sat around my family’s table, eating, talking, and just being part of the Bishop family. We have been visiting by phone, talking about old times and catching up on each others past and present lives.

It was a surprise for me to learn that she had become a nurse which she said happened due to the influence of my mother and I being nurses. She has also offered some unanswered questions from my dysfunctional family past. But the most important thing has been finding that this pretty young girl has turned into a polished, grounded, pleasant woman.

Reconnecting with her has given me not just a friend but now I have the younger sister I never had. Frances we are now family again. Social networking has truly given me a gift that has enriched my life beyond measure.

I hate Dean Spano #$%^%$%^

Lillie — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:55:46 +0000

Well its official that LaDanian Tomlinson is no longer a San Diego Charger. WOW even knowing this was in the works I feel like I have been kicked in the stomach. As a die hard Charger fan, watching 21 carry the ball across the goal line was always a thrill. His style and love for the game came through.

Football is more a business than it ever was so keeping players for the his or her lifetime is almost unheard of. But I had hoped that LT would be the Chargers answer to Tony Gwynn. Both of the men are great sportsmen, but better still, they are good people. In every interview that I have ever heard both players are mentioned in anything but the most positive way.

LT did not put up the number that he has put up in years gone bye, but that had a lot to do with the change of plays by ole Norv Turner. He still managed to continue to break records. LT, I hope your new team goes on to be in to the Super Bowl and you get the ring you deserve!

Dean Spanos I feel sorry that you do not respect the fans. We loved LT and he will be missed.

How many player do we have to lose that will go on to win with other teams? Also, what are you going to do about the kicker who has cost us not one but two playoff games that has derailed us from the super bowl?

Old age or stupidity

Lillie — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:43:37 +0000

A well renowned chef in Italy thought it was OK to share with his watchers that cat stew was a delicious dish. He went on to impart that during the war poor people ate this wonderful dish. I am not a cat lover but I would not eat one. If meat became scarce I would eat veggies before the furry friends would pass my lips.

It seems that this 77 year old chef refused to listen to his cohort or his producers and stop telling his tale about how good this dish is. Needless to say the phone rang off the hook with complaints. Is there any surprise that his show was pulled from the airways?

I want to know was this a case of a stubborn old man wanting to get his thought across or is this another case of a famous person who thought he could say what he wanted without repercussions? Either way chef Giuseppe Buyazzi now has time to enjoy the sites of the Italian country side.

Famous people you are only where you are because of the love of your fans. So get with the program. If you insult our senses you can fall like a stone. Enjoy your leave of absence! We pet lovers won’t miss you!

Darn it was just sex

Lillie — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:51:35 +0000

I am so sick of the Tiger Woods debacle I could spit. This angelic face golfer has done nothing more than most men some to a lesser and maybe some to a greater level. With all the media coverage you would think he had invented a way to cure all the major ills in the world. Or how to cure California’s budget deficit!

Wow and guess what folks. The Golf Association writer’s refused to come hear Tigers little speech this morning because in their words “he had to many restriction on who could attend and that he would not answer any question.” They also stated that this was a national and international incident. Get a gripe! This was another man who couldn’t keep his zipper closed. I think all writers should have stayed home and reported on what we could still do for Haiti or something more important.

A word from a woman who has seen men cheat on all socioeconomic levels. This is no big thing. Let it die and get on to something news worthy!

I’ve got mine you get your own!

Lillie — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:23:06 +0000

Magic Johnson , Russell Simmons, and Montel Williams are very rich African Americans who are now promoting companies that take advantage of the people who can least afford it.

With the economy in the toilet many people can’t afford the price of that new refrigerator or couch when yours is falling apart. Magic tells you to “boogie down to the nearest Rent-a-Center and get what you need.” Magic you forgot to tell the people that they will be paying a lot more than whatever they rent is worth! Mr. Johnson you did not come from a rich family. Your family was hard working and made every penny count. Have you forgotten where you came from and the plights of the poor families? Then there is Russell Simmons encouraging poor people to get high rate credit cards. Shame, shame on you Russell. I thought better of you.

An now to Montel Williams. I have watched some of your talk shows. Some were a little far out but that got you the audience. You seem to care for people and that would have gotten you a white hat in my book. But now you have gone over to the dark side with encouraging people to take out these high interest loans that don’t require a credit check. When I saw that they loaned money to people who makes as little as $800.00 a month, I was floored. That is not enough for regular living expenses. So how in the #$%^%$# are they going to pay the money back?

I really think that maybe I expect too much out of people and take their good guy act to heart. I really doubt that either of the a fore named people needed the money that much. But they promote these blood sucking companies that will only cause grief to families already in peril.

Stop lining your pockets and filling your coffers at the expense of people who can ill afford these services. Be responsible to your fellow man!

Laissez le bon temps rouler New Orleans Saints

Lillie — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:20:40 +0000

The Super Bowl proved to be the exciting game promised by those in the sports knows how. Manning came out doing what he does best, getting the ball down the field for points. A field goal and then a touch down left me with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Oh no! First the Chargers and now the Saints were going to let me down. Oh ye of little faith. The Saints in the third quarter came out with the old off side kick and folks it was on from there!

Drew Brees and company brought the trophy home to a well deserving city. Congratulation Saints! Let the good times roll! Enjoy the spoils of your victory.

And oh by the way San Diego Chargers. Here is another player that left your team to get his just reward. I guess LaDanian Tomlinson will be next. As you are preparing to let him go and he will no longer be a Charger. He will have to help some other team get a championship ring like so many former Chargers before him!

I understand but do not approve

Lillie — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:49:49 +0000

I am a big dog lover and believe they should be treated as one of the family. This includes their health care. A recent article stated that pet owners were having their dog’s vocal cords clipped so that they could not bark. I think this negates the reason for having a dog. They are alarms for intruders. And a fireman told me they let you know if there is a fire before a smoke alarm does.

On the others side of the coin, yes I can understand why it is done. If you live in a building where neighbors would complain about your dog and could cause you to be evicted I might think about the procedure. But I would have thought twice about getting a dog.

Then there are those with big aggressive dogs that drug dealers have that want their dogs quiet so if an intruder does come in, the dog will attack them without the warning of a bark. But that’s a whole other story.

So where do I stand. NO surgery on any dogs of mine to silence them. Owners need to give them the love and attention to teach them to live without being a nuisance to others.

Oh no she didn’t say that!

Lillie — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:42:46 +0000

Oprah Winfrey is one of the richest and most influential women in America and maybe the world. But on the 29th of January 2010, she made the statement that her live in boy friend didn’t want her to have new dogs. He relented and said she could have two but not the third she wanted.

Now folks I don’t have her wealth and I don’t get in front of people every day and pass out advice. So who am I to say that she is a big joke. But I will say this. If it was my house and I brought in the kind of money she does, the dogs would come in and he would go!

I know this to be true of myself because when my ex left and a male wanted to come into my house, he thought I should put my little poodle outside to live. I told him I was not the girl for him. The dogs were staying and I sent him packing back to Atlanta!

Oprah do you need that man so badly that he calls the shots? You can afford to hire people to take care of your pets so they wouldn’t be a problem. Steadman is pushing you around and you let him.

Get a gripe girl! At fifty you should be strong enough to stand on your own two feet.

Choked! Choked! Aaaah!

Lillie — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:37:26 +0000

Living in San Diego is enviable by most of the country. We have the best weather. The city is large but sports a small town atmosphere. Then there is the pride most citizens feel because we are a military town. But there is one thing that we have that leaves bitter taste in our mouths. We have some of the nicest sport figures that can be had but when it comes to bringing home the bacon, none of the teams can produce!

This year we had a team, the Chargers, that came back and won the last ten games in regular season. They looked like winners who could be contenders. But on Sunday, January 17, 2010, they played like scrubs. Rivers made so many mistakes it was unbelievable. Then there were silly penalties and missed field goals.

I have told you before that my father was a coach so I know from where I speak. Talent is not enough. You have to be cool under fire. You can’t let your emotions beat you. Nate Kaeding is a sure footed kicker. But today he missed three field goals.

What can I say? The Chargers suck! They choked and lost the #$%#% game! I want to turn in my jersey. But fool that I am, I will be sitting in front of the television next year hoping for the best!

Political correctness a step to far

Lillie — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:43:51 +0000

I am in my sixth decade of life so I have been Black for a very long time. I remember sitting in the back of the bus. I have seen and experienced a lot of things where it comes to race. But I think sometimes political correctness can go a little crazy with a lack of common sense. The MLK celebration in Denver Colorado is just one example.

The school menu in Denver was to serve a southern lunch in honor of MLK. There was to be fried chicken, collard greens, sweet potatoes, and peach crisps for dessert. Now I must admit that this could be found on many a Black table. But as someone who has friends, mostly White, I can tell you I would not be the only one enjoying such a meal.

I know there is a stereotype that all Black people eat fried chicken. But this is not true of my family for health reason. And for my daughter because she just doesn’t like fried chicken. Never really has either. Do we/Black people like fried chicken? We do but so does most of my White friends many of whom are southerners. And I have found we grew up on most of the same foods.

So folks stop being so sensitive about such small things and work for equality where it really matters. MLK would be the first to say that this is not what he fought for or what really is to be considered important.

Continuing through my travels of the medical profession

Lillie — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:56:09 +0000

I have to say this again. I have been a RN since 1963. I worked full time plus part time jobs and well as as much overtime as I could get. Why am I saying this? Because I have had time to observe doctors and can make a judgment on which doctors are good, poor, mediocre, or excellent.

Recently I had to go into see my new primary doctor since I had never seen him before. I was met by a pleasant Asian man who pondered my chart and talked about my laundry list of complaints giving his opinion on how I was doing and what my lab reports showed. He then tried to address my chronic pain. I am very opposed to taking medications like Percodan, Oxycontain, or the like. I wanted a small dose of a anti depressant that some doctors are using to raise the pain threshold. He did not want to give me this medication. He suggested another drug, Neurontain, used for seizures but can help pain.

Now I have given these drugs over the years and have seen the side effects. I opted not to take this powerful medication. He lost interest and sent me away without relief for my pain which on some days is very debilitating.

I was now at my wits end but pulled one more rabbit out of my hat and went to see my orthopedic doctor. First he asked me what my problems were. He then told me we would work on one problem at a time to get back some of the quality of life I deserved.

He injected my shoulder, the one with the torn rotator cuff. I was told to come back in a week.It was a little painful but by the next day I felt better than I had felt in twenty years. I could move and I could lie down in bed and sleep. What a wonderful feeling.

When I returned to have the next problem looked, my right knee that hurts all the time and is swollen. The first doctor just looked at it and said “it’s arthritis.” Well my orthopedic doctor ordered X-rays and when they came back he showed me the bony tumors that are causing me problems and pain. I have had bone cancer before so this put me mind in a panic mode. My doctor stated that they look benign but has ordered an MRI. This is the difference between an excellent doctor and a mediocre doctor.

He listened to my complaints and went the extra step to really find out what the problem was.
Can you believe that Kaiser is making this wonderful man retire in two years because he will be sixty-five years old? What a waste. He could teach younger doctors how to treat patients and get to the bottom of their complaints with the least invasive treatment.

The world of medicine has changed since I came into it. But I feel its not all for the good of the patient. If you have a good doctor treasure him. But if you have a bad one, run don’t walk away. Your health and quality of life is at risk!

H&M and Wal-Mart: Present day Simon Legrees

Lillie — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 10:43:21 +0000

In today’s economic era, where people are having trouble feeding and clothing their families, two companies are destroying unsold items before throwing them in the trash. Unsold items, like warm jackets, are having their arms cut off and tee shirts are being mutilated so that they are unwearable.

How in God’s name can they justify this behavior? Wal-Mart likes to put on a big front that they give back to the community. Well isn’t giving clothes to charities so that people can be warm and safe giving back? Just think about all the people in the last week, in places that usually don’t need coats, that now need them but have no money. What a blessing those clothing you destroyed would have been!

Cynthia Magus, a graduate student, blew the whistle on these companies. But now I wonder how many more companies follow the same practices? Why would they do this when there are so many good, honest charities that will make sure that these clothes get into the right hands?

H&M now says it will be donating their unsold articles. But Wal-Mart still has to answer this allegation.

Wake up big business! We are all in this financial mess together. Anyway you could help will come back to you threefold! So says the greatest book ever written, the Bible.

UPDATE for NBA training camp for dumb jocks

Lillie — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:58:46 +0000

Well I am not the only one to think its time to take these spoil brat sports players to task. Stern put his foot down and Gilbert Arenas is now a fan. No longer will he be running up and down the hardwood floors. He is suspended indefinitely from playing basketball.

The NBA play ground for dumb jocks

Lillie — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:45:01 +0000

The NBA is notable the training camp for dumb jocks and I am not talking academically. These superb athletes with such fine bodies leave much to be desired when it come to common sense. The latest debacle is Gilbert Arenas pulling a gun in the team’s locker room prompting his teammate Jarvis Crittenton pull his!

These men are now trying to downplay the seriousness of their actions. But it not funny when guns come out for any reason unless you are a police and are there to protect and serve.

The NBA alone has some strict rules about players and guns. So both can and will feel the foot of David Stern on their necks. Some writers are throwing around that he should be fined to the tune of 10 million dollars. But when you look at a 100 million purse, that won’t be much of a punishment. Maybe a year suspension without pay would be just the thing to get his attention and realize what not to do in the locker room!

I, for one, would like to see these young men put on notice that they need to grow up. Just because you can play ball doesn’t mean you don’t have to live by the same rules the rest of us abide by.