Sunday, May 24, 2009

The Big Sink Cleaning

I cleaned the kitchen sink today. Not just the quick wipe around the edges, but the disposer, every little part of the faucet, scrubbing the stainless with a real stainless steel cleaner.

I was inspired by the healthy housekeeper. Laura Dellutri has a Website at www.healthyhousekeeper.com with lots of organizing and cleaning tips. She suggests rinsing your sink with bleach and water after you've cooked with raw food. Did you notice recently that they never found the cuprits in several food poisoning cases? Instead food manufacturers recommend cooking food at higher temperatures.

Well, I'm thinking I should be more careful with food preparation. I've also discovered that Victoria has developed some bad habits while I've been in Houston. She feels free to get on the kitchen counters!

Laura also suggests you use paper towels when handling raw meat. If you wipe your hands on a cloth towel you may be spreading germs. Clean counters with a disinfecting wipe that says it kills 99.9 percent of germs & bacteria. Clean sponges by soaking them in a bowl of water with one teaspoon of bleach. Or microwave 2-3 minutes in bowl covered with water (Make sure the sponge doesn't have a metal scrubber side.)

And, of course, wash your hands! A lot.

Monday, May 18, 2009

What you need to know when caring for the elderly

If you care for an elderly family member, do you know what documents you would need in an emergency? I had never really thought about things like this until my cancer treatment. Better to think about it ahead time than to wait until you really need it.

Imagine that your loved one living with dementia has unexpectedly fallen and is in need of medical attention. Imagine your loved one has wandered and
you need to contact the authorities. Will you have your medical information
about your loved one readily available to share with the professional who could
save their life? Will you have their legal documents readily accessible should
you need them in an emergency?

Amy Praskac is the founder of On the Record which helps families compile
critical information notebooks to help when an emergency strikes. Come and
learn what information you need to gather to be prepared when a personal
emergency strikes.

When a Personal Emergency Strikes–Will You Be Prepared?
Free & open to the public
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Call 512-918-2800 or email austin@arden-courts.com for reservations.

Seating is limited, so make your reservation early. Adult day care will
be provided by qualified staff. Please ask for this service when making your
reservation. Light refreshments will be served.

Event to be held at:
Arden Courts
Alzheimer’s Assisted Living
11630 Four Iron Drive
Austin, TX 78750

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Looking for a Job?

Several years ago when I was laid off from my job as an Air Force contractor, I needed help getting back in the job search mode. My resume needed to be updated. I felt I needed interview tips. I got lots of tips from the classes at the Texas Workforce Commission on Airport Blvd. Kathy L taught the classes and told me about the Launch Pad Job Club.

I am hearing about lots of young adults getting laid off now and they might benefit from this. You only have to attend one meeting to have access to their (and here is the important part) job listings. As people, especially Kathy, hear about openings they are posted on this Yahoo! based club. Quite a few of the listings are tech-related but some are government (what I was looking for) and other areas.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

So glad to be back

I am so glad to have finished my cancer treatment(9 months!)and I am so glad to be back writing. Many thanks for all of the prayers. I have spent a lot of time at M.D. Anderson undergoing chemo, radiation, and surgery. I met some wonderful caregivers and patients there. The staff at M.D. Anderson are incredible! We are so lucky to have this facility in Texas. And cancer patients are some of the bravest (& most determined) people in the world.

My doctors are very pleased but I understand that there are no promises in life. I so very grateful to God and my family and friends who kept me moving forward when I was just plain tired of being sick. It was a rare and aggressive tumor in my back next to my spine.

I had always been in perfect health so this was a real shock. I will never take health for granted again. In fact, there are many things that I will not take for granted.