Speaking of names - did/do you have pets? I was speaking with my friend, Robbin, today about her 2 cats that are named after Junie B. Jones characters. And it got me thinking about animals I know and love.
What about you? Pets? Their stories? I have a friend who recently lost her dog - a member of the family for years, and for her this was a cause to mourn the loss of a family member. Do you feel similarly?
I'm not a "pet friendly" person. Mostly it's because I have terrible animal allergies, anything with fur or feathers gives me terrible sneezes, rashes, and itchy eyes. And, well, I like to pick up and go, and the thought of having to find a home for a pet, doesn't suit me. But it's mostly the allergy part that separates me from most animals.
But, there are a few pets in my life - Casey was the name of the dog we had when I was growing up. I don't remember what breed she was, but I'm thinking Cocker Spaniel. She was a good dog, playful, but I didn't interact much with her. However, I do remember getting a call when I was in about 5th grade, that my mom was coming to get me from school. Casey was giving birth, and I was able to watch her give birth to several puppies. I don't remember much about her after that, except that she was hit by a car on our road and killed.
We also had a Siamese cat that we kept in our unfinished basement while we were away on vacation (my memory is sketchy here) and when we came home she was "gone."
And I can't forget Grandpa Jensen's horses - Boots, Charlie (Brown), and the Dinsdale's, Zangie.
As an adult the Knudsen family owned a beautiful black Lab we named "Paige." Our neighbors had a black lab named "Satchel," and this was our nod to their friendship. Paige was a great puppy - she was about 6 weeks when we got her. I remember taking her for a walk one summer evening and she left a trail of bloody footsteps. We thought she'd stepped in something, but upon picking her up the pads of her feet were bleeding - the path was so hot and her feet were so young and new. Another time there was a tornado in our town, Sheffield, Alabama. We had been keeping Paige, at nights, in the shed/garage. When we went to check on her she was gone. We were so worried she'd been lost in the storm. We searched and searched, finding her at our across-the-street neighbors, where they had found her and sheltered her. She loved playing in the pool with the kids - and the vet said that was just fine, a good way to keep the ticks off her (burning them off her skin was terrible). Tyler or Jenna would jump in the pool, and Paige would jump in right after her. We have family videos of this, they are a treasure.
When we moved from Alabama back to Utah, we had to leave her there rather than bring her here in the cold winter. We left her with friends, where she lived a happy and long life hunting snakes, playing in the pond, and being spoiled by her new family. We did visit once, and she remembered us, what a treat that was.
These days Scott and I are grandparents to Jax, a Golden Labradoodle, and Truth-dagger, a calico cat. Jax loves Scott, Truthie tolerates us!
Monday, March 30, 2020
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Writing Our Stories - Your Name Story -
Have you written or recorded your story?
Beginning today, I am going to post a daily "I remember" question. You can write about this, use it as a conversation piece, or even record it on your phone (voice to type or strictly voice) and download and save it.
After nearly 20 years of teaching at UVU and years of writing, one of the things I learned is if we have a specific assignment rather than a general topic, we're much better at coming up with thoughts. So, rather than "Tell me about growing up," a more specific question, "What was your first pet?" Is easier to talk about.
I hope you'll enjoy these prompts, even if all they do is cause you to remember.
Writing prompt #1:
What is the story of your name? Consider this - you may have to do some research to get the story - and if your name givers are no longer with us, what is your perceived story of your name? What does your name mean to you? And - if you have children, please record/write down the stories behind their names.
I'm Ronda Lyn Walker Weaver, and I don't know the story of my name. I do know that all 7 of us children have 5 letters in our name, we all have middle names, and the only times are middle names were ever used by our parents was when they were super proud of us or very upset with us! I carry the Walker name proudly, and I am grateful for the Idaho Mormon heritage that comes along with that name.
My "story" about my name is that I was named after my aunt, Vonda Lue, whom I loved dearly and who died about 22 years ago. She was my role-model, in good and bad, and I miss her like crazy.
My children, Tyler Knudsen and Jenna Knudsen Holm, have their name stories written down for them.
My "story" about my name is that I was named after my aunt, Vonda Lue, whom I loved dearly and who died about 22 years ago. She was my role-model, in good and bad, and I miss her like crazy.
My children, Tyler Knudsen and Jenna Knudsen Holm, have their name stories written down for them.
Have fun!
Monday, March 23, 2020
Social Distancing is for Introverts -
Yes, this time of distancing is not hurting me one bit. I LOVE being alone. I love having an excuse to not be social, to be in my head, to work on something all alone.
And yet, I have a husband who cannot even fathom how to social distance. He's such an extrovert, and I've had to have a couple of Come to Jesus talks with him - he cannot go on drives with buddies, go to AA meetings, go to the store, meet someone for coffee. A world without going is unknown and foreign to him. Not having other people in his life is taxing for him, and then - for me. There has been several times this weekend when I've wanted to suggest he go so . . .
To make matters worse, I'm stuck in the house with him :), and right now, I'm terribly dependent on him for shuttling me hither and yon. So I don't get all the distancing I need, and he gets extra time with me! (More on that and Hawaii later.)
This so important to me - not only for my introvert-selfishness, but as a chaplain and hospital employee, social distancing is imperative.
I will keep my 6-feet separation, to stay healthy and to keep those I love healthy. The time is coming, soon, when we will see a huge explosion in those diagnosed with CoVid19 (available testing is a huge reason), and I really want to see those I love make it through these next months unscathed, because this quiet one who has no need to be in a crowd, wants to throw a huge Mormon pot-luck, with ALL my loved ones. I want to be able to hug all my patients, sit with my grandchildren crawling all over me, and see Scott drive off in his car to meet some buddies at Joe's for coffee.
Here's to washing your hands, coughing in your elbow, and minding that 6-foot mandate.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Saturday, February 29, 2020
March 1, 2020 Medical Marijuana/Cannabis in Utah -
Cannabis Fact Sheet
As legal use of marijuana grows, it
is important to understand the medical benefits and medicinal qualities of
marijuana, particularly the difference between CBD (cannabidiol) and THC
(tetrahydrocannabinol). These are 2 compounds found in marijuana.
CBD comes from the cannabis plant as
well as the hemp plant. Typically, CBD that is ingestible comes from the hemp
plant. THC comes from marijuana (Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis). THC is the
psychoactive compound that provides the “high.” Both interact with the body’s
own endocannabinoid system, with different effects. However, CBD from hemp and
cannabis both have the exact same chemical structure. The molecular arrangement
means they each have a different impact on the body, particularly with the
neurotransmitters in the brain (responsible for transmitting messages between
brain and body cells). With that said, below is a simple graph explaining CBD
and THC.
CBD THC
Cannabidiol – Hemp or Marijuana (Can produce a minute amount of THC),
no more than 0.3% THC.
|
Marijuana (Average strain has 15% THC; although marijuana sold on the
street is typically 2-5%)
|
Non-psychoactive (No High)
|
Psychoactive (High)
|
Suppresses
|
Enhances
|
Legal in all states (although whether hemp or cannabis derived may
cloudy the picture).
|
Legal in 29 states + DC for medical, 9 + DC for personal use.
|
Legal in Utah (however, cultivating, processing, selling most be
licensed).
|
Legal to use medicinally in Utah, at a medicinal marijuana pharmacy,
with a cannabis letter.
|
Typical ratio is 10 parts CBD
|
To 1 part THC
|
Used for: seizures, inflammation, pain, nausea, migraines, depression,
anxiety (does not increase appetite).
|
Used for: pain, muscle spasms (not seizures), insomnia, appetite
enhancement, nausea, anxiety (to enhance the effects of CBD).
|
Available in: gels, gummies, oils, supplements, vape.
|
Available in: edibles, tinctures, capsules, oils, vape, “weed.”
|
Reactions: Zero to minimal drug-to-drug interactions with medications.
|
Reactions: Increased heart rate, coordination, dry mouth, red eyes,
slow motor abilities, memory loss. Also increases risk of psychiatric
disorders.
|
Stored in the body’s fat; can show on a drug test for several days or
weeks after use.
|
Stored in the body’s fat; can show on a drug test for several days or
weeks after use.
|
Considered safe when used properly.
|
Considered safe when used properly.
|
Buying CBD and THC:
In Utah, anyone can purchase
hemp-derived CBD products, yet marijuana-derived THC products can only be
purchased from a state-approved dispensary. Whether hemp or cannabis
(marijuana) based, CBD is CBD is CBD. A simple web-search for “CBD to purchase”
brings up more than 45 million results. So, be careful. The best way to find credible
sources is to glean information from friends and family, and of course, your
healthcare provider. Make sure your healthcare provider knows you are
using/interested in using CBD and/or THC. You may be able to receive a letter/cannabis
card from your physician. This letter suggests that you may receive benefits
from CBD/THC. This letter holds no legal value, yet may be a safety device for
you, as well, it gives you the opportunity to purchase from a medicinal
dispensary as opposed to a recreational dispensary. This letter will be valid
through 2020, with a card being the only form of “prescription” beginning in
2021.
In order to get the correct compound
for your needs, you will need to understand the strength and concentration of
the product as well as other additives (terpenes, essences, oils) to the
compound. Oils, edibles, topicals, and vaping are the most popular forms of CBD
compounds.
Some things to be aware of when
looking for a product are:
1.
Marketing
of Rick Simpson Oil (RSO). This oil cannot be purchased. It can be made at
home, growing a particular strain of cannabis and following a rigorous
step-by-step process (more about RSO can be found on Simpson’s YouTube
documentary, “Run From the Cure”). Rick Simpson does not sell his product, and
Simpson oil is not associated with any organization that sells “Rick Simpson
Oil.”
2.
Ratio
of CBD to THC, and CBD to a carrier/base product, whether oil or sugar or
ethanol, and if topical, is there an emulsifier/carrier added.
3.
There
are many folks getting on the band-wagon of marketing and selling CBD products.
Do your research. Pricing is not always an indication of quality.
Sources for Further Education:
Utah Laws and updates: https://medicalcannabis.utah.gov/, https://medicalcannabis.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Medical-Cannabis-Fact-Sheet.FinalOnlineVersion.pdf
Hemp growing: https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/10/28/utah-farmers-say-their/
Hemp growing: https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/10/28/utah-farmers-say-their/
Cannabinoid Clinical,
cannabinoidclinical.com
National Cancer Institute,
cancer.gov, “Cannabis and Cannabinoids”
Leafly.com
Differences between CBD and THC,
echoconnection.org
Primer on CBD: Projectcbd.org
Primer on CBD/Hemp: zatural.com
Primer on Marijuana:
honestmarijuana.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ygtX2nyexo – David Casarett TED Talk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bZb10ZxpBk The Inside Story of Cannabidiol – What are the Benefits of CBD?
Products and Resources:
Nuleafnaturals.com
Charlotte’s Web (oldest dispensary in
Colorado; expensive, potent, produced by the Stanley Brothers) cwhemp.com,
stanleybrothers.co
Gummies – 10mg CBD with .57 THC –
Pioneer Squares; Craft Elixirs; http://craftelixirs.com/products.html#edibles Purchase in person in WA
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Medical Cannabis 2/2020
Where can I go to learn about the State of Utah and Cannabis
policies and procedures?
What is the difference between Cannabis and Marijuana?
Marijuana is Cannabis; Cannabis is
Marijuana. There is no difference. Typically, for healthcare purposes the term
Cannabis is when talking about medical marijuana. Marijuana is recreational
marijuana.
What is the best way to consume medical cannabis?
Volcanic vaporizer
Edibles, or Gummies (not gummy
bears – cannot be shaped like a candy)
Sub-lingual Tinctures; typically
mixed with carrier such as coconut oil or alcohol; place under tongue for
absorption
Other methods include: transdermal
patches, suppositories, topical creams, fresh/bud cannabis, e-cigs/vaping.
How does cannabis taste?
Do not expect any cannabis to
taste good. Just like most medicines don’t taste great, cannabis carries a
strong flavor of its own and often an after-taste. Anything used to cover up
this taste and smell may affect the delivery and efficacy of cannabis. Even a
blueberry flavored gummy is going to still have a marijuana taste to it.
Is medical cannabis covered by my insurance?
No, and medical grade cannabis is
not inexpensive.
What are the side effects of using cannabis?
Often a relaxed feeling will come within
several minutes of taking the cannabis. You may have a bit of sleepiness or
drowsiness. You may have dry/cotton mouth, a slower reaction time, and some
difficulty with problem solving. There is a possibility that your heart rate
could increase. There have been very few reports of someone “taking a trip”
while using medical marijuana. Just as with other medications, be careful,
don’t drive, have someone with you the first time you use to monitor reactions.
The positive side effects include
decreased pain, nausea and vomiting relief, increased appetite, relaxation, and
reduced anxiety.
Can I overdose on medical marijuana?
Typically, there is no exact
dosage; there are so many variables when it comes to choosing and using
cannabis. Start low and go slow. Be mindful of your initial dose and how your
body reacts to it. It is best not to use this when you are also using a new
medication. There are several ways to detox if too much cannabis has been
consumed; these include: drink lots of water, take a shower, sleep to wear it
off, make sure there is someone with you, take a high-dosage of CBD. If you
find yourself having a full-blown panic attack, difficulty breathing, chest
pains, or psychiatric symptoms, get to the emergency room, and bring the
cannabis with you.
Is it safe to drive while using cannabis?
Probably not. Using CBD and
driving may be fine, but just like opiates, THC/cannabis can affect your
reaction time and impair your judgment skills and reflexes.
So marijuana is legal then? Can anyone buy it?
Medical Marijuana is legal in the
state of Utah, for use in the state. You must have a doctor’s letter and show
it at the pharmacy. You must buy your medical marijuana at a state-designated
pharmacy, not at the vitamin shop, herb shop, dispensary, from your friend’s
friend, or online. You must have proof of residency for Utah in order to
qualify for a card. Patients under 21 must be approved by the “Compassionate
Use Board,” and patients under 18 must have a parent or guardian apply for a
Guardian Card in addition to the Medical Marijuana Card for the patient. This
card must be renewed on a consistent basis.
If I have a card, can I take cannabis with me on my flight to
another state or out of the country?
No! It is acceptable to fly,
nationally, with CBD. It is legal to drive with CBD in your car from state to
state. It is legal to drive with THC in your car, in state, and between states
that also have legalized marijuana, if you have your letter or card. However,
you cannot fly nationally with THC (even with your letter), or internationally
with CBD and/or THC.
Is cannabis addictive?
While addiction does exist,
medical cannabis has shown to be safe for long-term use. Often there are fewer
side-effects and less risk of addiction than with some other prescription pain
medications, including opioids. It is nearly impossible to overdose on
cannabis. However, usage and safety become lessons in addiction versus
dependency. Ask your healthcare provider for differentiation.
Can I pass a drug test? If I have a card, will my employer be
legally held to employing me?
Most drug tests screen for
marijuana; you may test positive. It is best to let your employer know prior to
having a drug test that you are taking it for medicinal reasons and show your
medical cannabis card to your employer. However, this does not mean that just
because you have a card, and if your employment requires you have a clean drug
screen, there will not be repercussions.
Some people say marijuana is marijuana, legal or not, and that it is
a gateway drug to the use of illicit and illegal substances. Is it?
As stated above, learn the
difference between addiction and dependency. As well, marijuana is often not
the first drug of choice; alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs are more
favored than marijuana as gateway substances. A recent study showed that
medical marijuana use reduced the opiate overdose rate by nearly 25%. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4392651/)
Volcanic Vaporizer
There are may ways to vape, and
several products that are vapable. The cannabis flower and cannabis
concentrates can be vaped. You must have a specific vaporizer designed for the
product to be vaped.
·
Pros: Instant
relief, easier on the lungs than smoking, doesn’t smell
·
Cons: Price,
battery recharging, time to warm
o
Digital
vaporizer, using Keurig-like pods and phone app
Inhaler
·
Pros:
Discrete, self-contained, instant relief
·
Cons: Price
(for cartridges), temperature sensitive, initial use, potential respiratory
issues
o
Drug delivery
system using pre-measured doses or cartridges (similar to an asthma inhaler)
o
Plant-based
inhalation system using buds
E-pens
·
Pros: Small,
inexpensive, prefilled or refillable cartridges, light taste and reduced odor
·
Cons:
Typically use a high-heating system;
inexpensive models may have carcinogens that can irritate the lungs
o
Must have a
low-heat
o
Made
specifically for medical marijuana
 |
| My favorite CBD products and company. I've purchased from several; this company is the best. MySoulCBD.com. Here are a couple of products some friends recommend (need to be purchased out of state). |
Thursday, February 27, 2020
State of Mind - Psalms, Frankl, Brown, Sun, Guidance -
Practicing a little self-love this month. It's time for me to go deeper than I've been for awhile, which means cutting internal and external chatter. Lots of things brewing, so I really need to center myself. I am emotionally burnt-out and tired as I can be.
And with a little sun, sand, and culture, hopefully I can do so.
This is where I'm beginning:
Actually - I began this years ago with my fascination with the scripture in Psalms 46:10, Be Still and Know that I Am God. My intrigue came with the breaking down of this scripture, the phrases found in this scripture, and the power of the words - singularly and together.
And this:
Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. This book will be discussed at a conference I'm attending mid-April, and I'm really wanting to delve into his "meaning making" theory.
And this:
Brene Brown's, Braving the Wilderness is reminding me that I can be alone, be true, and be brave.
And this:
Samadhi refers to a state of mind rather than a physical position of the body. Which really brings me back full circle to the Knowing, the Being, the I accompanied with Am God.
"Don’t search for stillness, but stop reacting to the outer illusion unconsciously,
and gradually your mud will settle, as they say in Zen."
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Lent 2020 -
I have tried to give up something for Lent every year. This year is no different, except there will be some pretty big changes in my life and Scott's these next few weeks. So giving up complaining or swearing, or sugar, or Diet Pepsi, probably aren't going to bring positive results.
So this year I'm going to take on something for Lent, and that is being more gracious, more forgiving, more kind, more brave.
Started the day with flowers for my mom and a text to my love.
There. How about you?
So this year I'm going to take on something for Lent, and that is being more gracious, more forgiving, more kind, more brave.
Started the day with flowers for my mom and a text to my love.
There. How about you?
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