Uno and Alzheimers

Ever since I was little Uno has been one of the favorite games in my family. Probably because the concept is so simple. Match the color or the number. Well at my job as a CNA we are encouraged to keep the residents busy so that they are able to live a full life. So on a particularly slow afternoon one of the other CNA's suggested I play Uno with some of the residents. No problem right? Well here is a snap shot of how it went.
Me: Ok to play the game you match the cards in your hand to the color or number of the card on the table. Try to get rid of all your cards. Ok?
Mandy: Ok I think I get it.
Jane: Ok
So we go around the table and it is Jane's turn.
Jane: Now what am I supposed to do?
Mandy: Match the card or the number.
Jane: Which is better
Mandy we aren't keeping score so neither.
Jane: Is a High or lower number better?
Mandy: It doesn't matter because we aren't keeping score.
Jane: Ok I think I get it now.
Then we would go around the table again and the scene would repeat, almost word for word. Until finally Jane laid down the last card.
Jane: what do I do now?
Me: You won :)
Jane: oh really?
Then they both laughed at how many cards I had accumulated trying to extend the game. I love these old people so much they make me laugh. Not only have I have learned some pretty fantastic words and phrases like Jeepers, bonkers, and criminey, but I think or at least I hope I'm learning to be more patient.

What's a Birthday without decorations?

Wow, I think this must be a record, two posts in two days! I just thought I'd show you some of the cool pictures from decorating for Saydie's birthday.

In order to make Saydie's 17th birthday extra special two amazing decorators known for their creativity and perseverance in decorating were called in. Namely me and Cody. We began with the traditional birthday banner and then attempted some balloons, and finally moved to the cake. Cody and I learned quite a few things from this amazing decorating experiment.

1) We stink at being amazing decorators (took us five freakin times to get the happy birthday sign up)

2) Cheap balloons are extremely hard to blow up. I'm pretty sure one of my lungs almost collapsed. (All for love I guess)

3) Decorating is kinda boring...so tape balloons to the ceiling (much more interesting)

4) Cakes fall apart when you take them out of the pan. (Thank goodness for frosting....lots and lots of frosting)

5) If you persevere success may be just around the corner...maybe, if there is love and acceptance involved.

In the end Cody and I have decided that we may not have been meant to be amazing birthday decorators, cake decorators on the other hand....that opens up a whole new door.

The balloon wouldn't stick to the wall so cody

taped all around it. It finally stayed.

Balloon excercise for your lungs.

Ceiling art....we call it 'Three circle balloons

and two long balloons'

Not my best work. I ran out of frosting. Too much

surgery need to be done on the cake.

Success!!

One Good thing from College

I can't believe it has been over a year since I graduated. I remember looking at the kids who were seniors or who were going to college and thought, 'man, they are way old'. Now I'm the one that is way old, or so it seems. The time goes by so fast. I remember playing tag on the playground at my elementary school and now I have to figure out how to pay rent and who I want to be. Not to mention I have to find someone that I can stand to be around for eternity.
With the world going by so fast and everyone growing up I am so thankful for summer which makes it seem as if the world is stopping for a little bit so that I can enjoy the warm summer rains and ice cream in the shade. One thing that I especially enjoy is having all this time to spend with my wonderful family, especially my little sister Saydie. It's funny cause all through high school and junior high we really didn't talk much mainly, I think, because we were on different wavelengths so we thought we were too different. Now that I've been away at college she has realized that she actually missed me and I am more patient then I used to be. So we get to go running together and actually talk! I am so thankful she is my sister and for how many times she makes me laugh. She is amazing and if there is one good thing that came from college it is that I now have a better relationship with my sweet little sister. Happy Birthday tomorrow Saydie! I love you!