Spread Love Not Hate

There is less of a chance that I'll be bullied, and there is less of a chance that I'll be shot by a crazy person at school.

Is this what our nation, the land of the free, has come to?

The other night I was caring for a pediatric patient in the emergency room. For confidential reasons we'll call him Todd. Todd was a larger child (slightly overweight), but he was a very nice child. He seem to be a smart guy and understood the plan of care as I explained it to him. However, Todd wasn't like most children; he was being home schooled. Most kids would enjoy staying home for school, but Todd didn't particular choose home education.

He feared being bullied, and he was afraid of being murdered at school.

When I heard the words fall from his mouth, chills ran down my spine. Close to tearing up, I was stunned and didn't know how to reply. I think the emotions took over because of the sad truth revealed from his words.

Is this what our nation, the home of the brave, fears?

What happened to the days when children worried about what's for lunch and how long until recess? The world has become so black, so cold that kids are growing up in fear--it's heart wrenching.

So much hate in the world... NO, there is so much hate just in our nation alone.

Family movie night being turned into family death beds. Marathoner's limbs being launched across finish lines. Policeman's brains smeared across pavements. Seven year old student's guts splattered on whiteboards. 

Too real?

Life... It's real, and that's what life has come to. Our children's lives do involve bullies and school shooting.

Somethings needs change in order to transform the future. I don't have the answers, but Todd is a good start. I wish I would have gathered my thoughts that day and replied with the following:

Those are very real occurrences in the world that we live in today. It's saddening, but all you can do is be nice to others. A bully is a Big Ugly Loner Loser only Yearning attention. No matter how mean someone is, your kindness will always trump and your smile will always be more beautiful. So, spread love and not hate.

The change begins with our children because they are the future of our nation, the land of the free and home of the brave.

Ebola: From Eyes of an Emergency Nurse

It's Tuesday night, my bladder is full, and the emergency department is poppin'. 11.5 hour into a 12 hour shift that consisted of multiple heart attacks, strokes, and a motor vehicle accident, just to name a few patients seen tonight... When a patient with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain is triaged into my care, the first question I immediately asked is, "Have you made any recent travels within the last 21 days?" Of course the patient rudely snaps, "I don't have Ebola; I just ate something bad."

As an emergency room nurse, my primary focus is on the immediate safety, whether that be for patients, the community, or on a good day, caring for myself. Nursing is a selfless job, and it is very bothersome when patients are rude to the person who is caring for them, essentially saving their life. But, that's human nature, I guess, and nurses have learned to deal with it.

I'm sure many of you have heard about the Ebola outbreak in Dallas, and if you haven't, you probably live under a rock. If that's the case, stay under the rock, it's most likely safer. With recent media coverage, the infected nurses from Dallas are receiving a lot of backlash for improper technique. However, the truth is that a majority of us are not equipped to care for Ebola. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), personal protective equipment (PPE) should suffice against the spread of the virus. However, Ebola is a creature in itself.

Lets put this into prospective. The CDC precautions for the Ebola virus are contact and droplet, which consist of the following PPE: gloves, a disposable gown, mask, and goggles. I agree with the CDC that this is the normal protection against contact and droplet illnesses, but my question is... 

Is the Ebola virus normal? 

I mean the virus ONLY kills 50% of it's victims compared to the 1-2% influenza (flu) does. Oh, and by the way, Ebola and the flu are spread the same way--surprise! However, non-like the flu, Ebola has no FDA-approved vaccination or medication; care is focused more on symptom management rather than treating the disease (e.g. intravenous fluid resuscitation, electrolyte balance, oxygen preservation, and hemodynamic stability). Recovery relies on supportive care and the patient's immune system. With a virus of this magnitude, so easily spread, and no cure, why are nurses risking their lives being equipped with only standard PPE. And, why does the CDC get to wear the full Hazmat suits? But, of course then when a nurse contracts Ebola, it's their fault--no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Hazmat

Healthcare professionals care for many patients each day, several with curable illnesses and some that are not treatable. Ebola is unpredictable, and many of us are ill-prepared and not equipped to care for the virus. Believe it or now, healthcare professionals are humans too; we are not perfect. I'll be the first to admit that I make mistakes. But, with that said, we are doing everything we can do to be near perfect, including staying up to date on our skills and on illnesses such as Ebola. As the Ebola virus continues to spread and affect more lives--and it will--it is going to be a challenge for nurses and patients. However, the care and treatment development will only continue to evolve. In the meantime, please have faith in us, nurses. We really do know more than you think we do. We are not as incompetent as the CDC or the news anchor--reading cue cards--would like you to think. 

____________________________________________________________________

Signs and Symptoms of Ebola:

• Fever (greater than 38.6 degrees C or 101.5 degrees F)
• Severe headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal (stomach) pain
• Unexplained hemorrhaging (bleeding or bruising)

For more information visit the CDC website.

Flashlight in the Dark

It stormed today, but the sun still peak through the clouds afterwards. I think that's the definition of trust.

The thunder roared and the lighting flashed, it was oddly comforting to me--dangerous; yet, it felt safe. The clouds where gray, and the sky was hazy; yet, it exuded homeyness. Once the rain cleared, the clouds opened up, and the sun's rays smiled down on the lake [picture on right]. The natural contrast created the feeling of hope. 

I've been at a crossroad in life; I'm not quite sure where it's heading or what I should do, and that's okay. I've spent sometime reflecting on the past year, and I can honestly say that I'm happy with the direction it has gone thus far. However, with every crossroad, there are choices. And, it's difficult to know which is the right road to choose. I've spent a lot of time talking with my friends and family, and the following Facebook status can sum it all up:

Life. Optimism. Faith. You don't have to see the outcome, but you have to choose a path. Choose it with no regrets. Follow your gut. Follow your heart. Follow your mind. Whatever you choose to follow, it will be in the right direction. Even though it stormed today, the sun continued to shine down on the lake. I don't know which direction my life is heading; I can't see the outcome, but I know there will eventually be sunshine. 

It's like having a flashlight in the dark. You can't see beyond the light, but you know with that flashlight you can see just enough to guide you safely to your destination.

It's time to be brave. It's time to be optimistic. It's time to find my flashlight.


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Update:
I traveled to Orlando, Florida for World Jump Rope 2013; it was a huge success for the whole team. Every single person on Hot Dog USA qualified for Grand World Championships. It was so great! I place first at Grand Worlds in Double Dutch Triad and second in Pairs Single Rope Freestyle [videos below]. I also have a new favorite song. I encourage everyone to listen to One Republic's Counting Stars: "Everything that kills me, makes me feel alive."

Until next time...
Rankin out!

Six Months

"You have six months to live..." The words linger in the doctor's month. 
"No, take that back; this has to be a dream." The patient pinched himself. Nothing. The words punch him in the chest, knocking him to the ground in tears as reality sinks in.

It's hard to do, but close your eyes and imagine yourself in that situation... Now open them, and continue reading--pretty please.

You can really learn a lot from someone who is very ill or dying. I'm starting to think that nursing is not about caring or healing the patient as much as it is about just being there for them... Learning about life... Changing the way we think. And, it's about teaching other who are still living the things we've learned from the dying. I feel rather selfish because I teach my patients so much everyday, but I think my job has taught me so much more about life and living. Don't get me wrong... I do heal my patients, making sure their care is the best enhancement for their quality of life. But, some patients are terminal--they cannot be healed [physically]. I find this is where my job takes a turn... I'm no longer the teacher. I'm no longer the caregiver. I'm not a nurse. But... I'm a friend. A listener. The learner.

Death:  it's a powerful teaching tool for life and living.

However, I don't know why it takes death and dying to show people things about life. Maybe it's because everything else become irrelevant--nothing matters anymore... But the time you have left with family and friends... But living... And love... It all boils down to love.

I can't even imagine how it must feel to know you are about to die--six months to live. Though, I imagine all other life's problems are much inferior. A lot of us, most of us, go about life all wrong... At least until it's too late.

Ryan Gosling

Who cares about the latest gossip column on Ryan Gosling? Who cares about the football game on Sunday? Who cares about the new Halo game... A shiny new car? The newest trends? The next iPhone [that is exactly the same as the previous model with the headphone jack on the opposite end].

We all do... But should we?

I can only express what I know and have learned. I know there is much more to life, but it is taken for granted. We tend to rob ourselves of happiness by not doing the things we love and care about the most. We put so much hard work towards the things that, in the end, don't matter at all. I think we can all agree that life is about living... Being with the people we care about... And loving. 

Why not do just that?

Today, I challenge you to sit down and to think about life. Write down what really matters to you--what you value and cannot live without. What keeps you living? What keeps you optimistic? Whatever that is... I challenge you to do everything you can today in order to do it. If it's your mom, call her; tell her you love her. If it's food, eat! Give up your diet for the day. Enjoy whatever it is while you still can. 

You just never know when you'll only have six months to live. Welp, that is unless you're a Mayan. According to them, we all have less than six months to live.

Might as well enjoy it!

Live. Love... While you still can.

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Update: 

Life is going really well in Washington. It rains more than every now and then, but I don't mind it one bit. The people here are really open-minded and receptive--like that a lot. I have met some new people, along with enjoying the time with my friends already here. The worst thing so far is having a full bladder and cold hands. Or, having a cold toilet seat and having to... Well, you know... Though, I have noticed an increase in suicidal and depression rates here. But, that is not me! I can't believe I have been in Washington for almost two months already. I miss my friends and family from back home a lot. I can't wait to visit home again. I was hoping to for the holidays, but I'm the lowest man on the totem pole at work again. Grrr... That's okay... Soon! My mom did come visit me, however. It was funny. I was joking with her on a Thursday to come visit for the weekend and before I knew it, I was buying her a plane ticket that flew to Seattle the following morning. Talk about spontaneous and living life. I love her very much. 

Welp, I think that's all for now. I truly am bless to have a great job and a lot of great people in my life.

Rankin Out.

Once Yellow, Now Blue...

As I sit here in a half-cleaned room, I stare at my unpacked, unfolded clothes in the baby crib. For the past year, this once yellow, now blue room has been my home. I sit here shirtless with a pink, breast cancer scarf wrapped around my neck. I don't know why I'm wearing this scarf, but it comforts me at this particular moment in time. Music is softly playing from my computer, and Zoey is looking at me with her big, puppy dog eyes. Maybe she is also wondering why I'm shirtless with a pink scarf wrapped around my neck. Though, I can't take her serious with the "cone of shame" wrapped around her's. If dogs could talk, I'm pretty sure she would be "french" right now. Not for spaying her, forcing her to wear the "cone of shame", not for turning her into a martini and posting her picture for all of Facebook to see, not keeping her up way passed her bedtime, and not even for hitting her with the scarf that I'm now waving through the air. But cursing me because she knows I'm leaving her here for a little while. It's officially Saturday, which means tomorrow, TOMORROW at 3:30 pm I'll be on a plane to Seattle... to a new room I'll eventually call my home.

As I sit here in this once yellow, now blue room, I think about who I am today and what I'm doing with my life. The trending question of the week was, "Why do you want to move all the way to Seattle, where it's cold and rainy?" The honest truth is, I don't know! I don't know why I want to move; I just do. I know I want to explore all aspects of life, and I'm thankful to have a job where I can do so. I know if I stay here in Louisiana, I'll eventually regret not going. At least if I go to Washington and fail miserably, I can say I failed trying instead of giving up on what all life has to offer.

Like the blue walls, I too have changed tremendously over the past year, maturing mentally and emotionally as a nurse and a person. As I sit here today, I don't know where I'll be in ten years... I do not know who I'll be in ten years; however, I know I will be happy I done what I adventured to do. 

Maybe where I'll end up doesn't even matter.

But that's just it, you don't always have to know what you want to do with your life or even where you'll end up as long as you're doing something you want. It's not always about the outcome, but what matters is the journey and memories you make along the way. The love and memories shared between these walls matter most to me. The colors are irrelevant.

Happy Birthday, Sissy! Thanks for letting me live in your once yellow, now blue room for past year. I love you so very much!

In the words of a great nursing professor, "go forth and conquer."

Rankin Out

The New Normal

You know, the problem with reality is there is no background music to set the tone. At this moment in time, It's Time by Imagine Dragons would be playing... 

There comes a time in everyone's life where you learn to dance to a new tune. You're forced to leave the nest to discover a life of endless possibilities. I imagine this tends to happen early in life, probably about the age of 18. However, at the age of 25 years young, I have finally decided to spread my wings and fly west.

That's right folks, I'm moving to the beautiful state of Washington near the Seattle area... I've decided to test the waters or should I say ice for a bit in a place that's almost the complete opposite of Louisiana--a new climate, a new political view, a whole new normal! I'll have to learn to adapt, and I'll have to learn very soon. Ready or not, it's happening and it's happening fast. Friday was my last day working on 3 West [Renal/Transplant] at Willis Knighton Medical. It was quite an emotional day for me. I have met some truly amazing people while working on 3 West, and I have learned so much about nursing as well as life. However, the most valuable lesson I have learned thus far was revealed to me on this very last day of work. Upon walking into my patient's room, an older, lovely couple was cuddle up in the hospital bed. Ignoring the fact that these are small, uncomfortable twin size beds, I continue doing my morning assessment. The tiny, fragile lady asked if she should get up while I did my job. Though, it would have made it much easier, I told her, "of course not!" She simply states, "Good. We have been married for a long 48 years, but I still love being next to him." 

The soft spoken words sent goosebumps across my entire body. I want that, I thought; I want someone to say this about me. "What is the secret?" I asked... "What is the secret to staying together for so long?" She answers with the following [in a nutshell]:

There is not a secret. You just have to understand that nothing is perfect; nothing in life is free. You always have to work for it. Relationships--they don't come easy; you must give a little and take a little. Have patience and don't give up at the first sign of failure or uncertainty. Love a lot, and love even more when you are angry. Talk. Talk about what's bothering you. Listen. Listen to what's bothering her or him [she really said her or him, which made me smile]. You see, there is no secret; you just have to remember what makes you happy, and work to make it last.

I'm not sure what this means to anyone, but I'm know what it means to me. And, that's all I have to go on. To me, it was a relief to hear that a couple so happy and so in love say that they had to work to keep their relationship going. 

Nothing is perfect!

I'm not perfect, but I'm me... And, I'm never changing who I am.

A valuable lesson was learn that day. I don't know why it happened on that particular last day of work, but it did... And, it really couldn't have come at a better time.

As this chapter comes to a close, I feel nervous and scared; yet, I'm excited to see what the future holds. I can't wait to implement what I've learned.

It's time to fly solo.

___________________________________________________________________________

Update:

I applied and was granted a nursing license to practice in the state of Washington. I sent my resume in for an Oncology job at Overlake hospital in Bellevue, Washington. I had a phone interview with a really nice supervisor, and was asked to join the 4 West team the following day. I brought a one-way ticket, and I'm in the process of packing my life and moving--I leave on October 28th. This update may seems short and fast, but that's exactly how all of this happen. Very rapidly. A wise person once told me, if something is meant to be, it happens very fast without you realizing it... I hope she is right.

Until next time...

Rankin out!

Dying Young

Life, whether you believe it or not, is precious. But... Life, regardless if you mean to or not, is taken for granted and mistreated everyday. And yes... I, too, am guilty of this heinous act. However... Today, here and now, is the time to change that!

Whole milk dairy products, ice cream, butter, eggs, shrimp, and liver are only a few food high in cholesterol.

Chad, why are you talking about high cholesterol? 

Well, my friends, 25% of Americans in the United States die of  heart disease each year; that's a 1 to 4 ratio.¹ BUT... The real reason is, I was recently diagnosed with high cholesterol, and it scares the poop out of me. 

Life is ironic.

A guy who has never touched a cigarette in his life. A skinny twig. An active jump roper. High cholesterol? Ironic.

The doctor determined it was hereditary, and I was started on medication--Simvastatin 40 mg PO hs. The funny thing is, I have given several of my 60+ year old patients lower doses of this same medication. Ironic!

With all ironic-ness set aside, I want to bring awareness of heart disease prevention. Everyone, young and old, should be proactive in their healthcare. I'd first like to start off by giving my definition of what cholesterol is. If you would like a more professional definition or more information, I would encourage looking at American Heart Association [AHA], Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], MayoClinic, or WebMD.

Cholesterol [a waxy, fat-like substance that the body needs] is similar to hair in a bathtub drain. Though, your body does need cholesterol, too much can be detrimental to your health. Like hair in a bathtub, if you have too much of it, it's harder for the water to drain. Too much wax build-up in the arteries can harden and form plaque, making it harder to perfuse vital organs, such as the heart and brain. This sometimes can lead to a complete blockage--myocardial infarction/stroke. 


Do you see why this issue is so important? 

Risk factors and prevention according to the CDC ¹:

• Hereditary: Inevitable
• Age: Inevitable [greater than 25 years]
• Diabetes: Maintaining blood sugars levels between 70-110 is optimal.
• Diet: Avoid saturated fats, trans fats, and triglycerides. Increase monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Weight: Lose weight and maintain a health body mass index [BMI].
• Physical Inactivity: Adhere to a moderate-intense exercise regimen for a least 30 mins [most days of the week]. 
• Smoking: This is a nasty habit and no one should do it. You're not only increasing your chances of heart disease, but you're also harming the innocent with second-hand smoke.

I never thought I would have health issues at such a young age with the level of activity in my life. But... I do. Life, so crazy and unpredictable, can be taken away at any moment. And... Life, not promised to anyone, will go on with or without us. So... Today is the day to make a healthier change. Because... There is no sense in dying young.

... Here's to a healthier, longer life!

¹ CDC. (2010). Cholesterol. Retrieved August 28, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol.

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Update:
Where do I start? You already know about the cholesterol, so yesterday's Facebook status can pretty much sums it all up in a nutshell.

Sh-long for now.

Rankin Out!

Undisclosed Desires

Of course I woke up today from a dream feeling less than optimal. It's weird how dreams can weigh so heavily on our emotions and affect the realms of reality. Some people believe dreams are a way to sort through the day's problems, while others [such as myself] think it's our unconscious thoughts, desire, and motivation. Sigmund Freud's theory suggest that "people are driven by aggressive and sexual instinct" which are often repressed from our conscious and revealed via our dreams.¹ 

WARNING: Deep thoughts ahead...

What if you die tomorrow, are you where you want to be?

If the answer is no, then my question is "why not?"

It's somewhat hypocritical for me to ask the simple question of "why not" when I'm not where I want to be. It's one of those "easier said than done" type of situations, I'm sure. Someone close to me once asked, "If you could say anything with no regrets or worries, what would it be?" It's always hard for me to express my emotion and thoughts when I'm put on the spot. I think I said something stupid like "I don't know" when I really wanted to say "I love you." Why is it always so hard for me to satisfy my undisclosed desires? Is it because I'd rather sacrifice my own wants to please others?

I don't dream about death or injury very often, but last night I did. I blame this dream on nursing and nursing school, however. They have embedded in my head to assume the worst until further assessments reveal otherwise. I wont go into details, but I know I'm not where I want to be at this particular moment in time for various reason. However, I'm slowly [but surely] starting to realize that no matter what the reasons are, the pursuit of happiness and the feeling of comfort/safety are more valuable to me, regardless of how it is achieved.

About a month ago, I received a fortune from a cookie that read, "Do what is right, not what you should." Of course these are worded in away that can apply to anyone in order for them to formulate their own meaning, but I honestly needed to read those words. It helped me put into perspective that what's "right" and what "should" be done is not always the same. I think it's easily misunderstood that if you should do something that it is automatically the right thing to do, which isn't the case at all. I know of things that I should do, but in order to me to gain the feeling of happiness/comfort/safety, it's not the right thing for me [this frustrates me to no end]. I think the frustration derive from me always trying to do what I should and also what is right, not separating the two. But, I think I'm at a place in life that it's time to make myself happy and do what I want [what is right for me] because I have everything that I need.

I challenge everyone to do the same.
                          Be you. No fear. Do what makes you happy...
                                                                       What makes you feel safe!                                                                  

References:

¹ Domhoff, G.W. (1996). The repetition of dreams and dream elements: A possible clue to a fnction of dreams. In Alan Moffitt, Milton Kramer & Robert Hoffmann (Eds.), The functions of dreaming. Albany: State University of New York Press

___________________________________________________________________________

Update:

I'd like to first start off by saying... I abso-freakin-lutely love jump rope and the people involved. I know I've said this many times before, but I truly mean it.

Caring. Loving. Close. Family.

These are only a few words I can use to describe the people of jump rope. Though, I live hundreds of miles away from many, I can honestly say these are my closet friends; they are my family. I love you guys!

Next I would like the mention that I am now a World Jump Rope champion! I still get goosebumps typing that. It's so great when hard work is rewarded and appreciated. 

This time two weeks ago [can't believe it's already been two weeks] I was sleep deprived, excited, and nervously waiting to see my friends and preparing for the World Jump Rope 2012 [WJR2012] Competition in Washington D.C. I can never really sleep before a competition. I swear I run through all of my routines a million times before finally passing out only to dream of these same routines. I never really get nervous during the competition except for my single rope freestyle routine. You would think after 15 years of jump rope, I would be able to control my nerves... But no, not when it comes to my single freestyle. I must warn you, however, I bombed my single at WJR2012, but that's the thing with jump rope. You only get that one shot to "wow" the judges, and if you miss, it's all over until next year. I had a lot of misses! On the flip side of things [literally], my Double Dutch Pairs Freestyle earned me a Grand World 1st place crystal globe. Ahhhhh! I remember sitting in front of this very same computer last year watching the live feed of the competition. I told myself I will own a crystal globe one day. I never thought it would be a first place crystal globe. I am very grateful for the opportunity to jump with such amazing jump ropers. I can't want until next year. It's going to be even better in Orlando, Florida baby! You gonna be there? I will be!

Thank you WJR committee for hosting and organizing such a wonderful competition. I can honestly say I had the best time unifying the world of jump rope.

Double Dutch Pairs Grand World Champions:

You think I can jump rope... Check out my mom's moves: 
:-)

Good life! Sh-long for now.
Rankin Out!

A Chosen Path

The crazy and unpredictable forces of the universe can somewhat be challenging to cope with at times but absolutely perfect other times. Everyone has a unique map with several roads leading to their treasure. This treasure is life. There are many different routes to life with many different obstacles and outcomes. The people in your life are there because you chose the road that intersects theirs--vice vera. You were born because of the paths your parents have chosen and grandparents have chosen and so on.

Let's rewind to the past...  ◄◄

And play... ► It was a cold and stormy night. A beautiful, young lady decided to go to the store for a cup of warm coco. On the way to the store she trips. A handsome, young man sees her fall and helps her up. They laugh and exchange numbers. They go on several dates, fall in love, marry, and lo and behold, you are born. Okay, maybe I left out a few details or added some, but the fact of the matter is... You were lucky enough to be born.

Pause for a second...  ▌▌ Think about it with a different scenario... 

Play... ► It was a cold and stormy night. A beautiful, young lady is craving warm coco, but decides to laid down instead. She fell asleep early to the relaxing sound of rain tapping on the rooftop. A handsome, young man is not delayed by a beautiful, young lady that tripped, so he continues to the nearby stop sign. However, he is hit by an out of control car. He is in the ICU for several days, but he dies from a serious brain bleed. Their DNA did not meet, and you were never born.

You are in the place you are because of the paths you have chosen, your friends have chosen, and your family have chosen. There are billions of roads and billions of outcomes that could have occurred, molding our lives different from what we know now. Everything is by chance. It's practically a miracle that we are all here today. Not even mentioning that one sperm out of a billion racing to fertilize that one perfect egg. We are all lucky. 

Pure chance. Pure luck. Pure miracle. 

How do you know you're in the right place? 

                                                       I don't think we'll ever know.

But, I've come to realize that it does not matter where you are in the world, if you are with people you love [near and far], you are exactly where you need to be. 

The universe, so mysterious, can change at any moment. Your world will change and be shaped by the paths you decide to take... 

But, this is the makings of your life. 

                                               This is you. 

                                                                        It's your destiny!

___________________________________________________________________________

Update:

I truly had the best 25th birthday ever! It was one of those "quality weekends." Friday, May 11th [my birthday] I flew to Washington. I hung out with friends; it was very low key, but I loved it. Saturday, on the other hand, was busy busy. I got a little color at Lake Washington with Beth, Brian, and Robbie [pictured above]. Then we had jump rope practice. I got to see some friends I haven't seen in awhile, which was nice. Afterwards we went to a Mexican restaurant called The Matador. It was delicious! They had these cheesy stuffed peppers wrapped in bacon--yummy! That night Nick joined Beth, Brian, Robbie, and I in downtown Seattle for a night on the town. I promise you it was the most fun I've had in a long time, and part of the reason is because of the people I was with. I can't wait to go back to Washington. I miss everyone already. 

I am exactly where I need to be. I cannot even start imagine life without the friends and family I have, at this particular moment in time. Life is honestly good, and I'm thankful!

Sh-long [shalom/so long] for now... 

Rankin out!

Live, Laugh, Love In Time

As I sit here, I stare not at the screen to my post, but at a video of a person sleeping. This person is dreaming [of something heroic I'm sure]. As I sit here, I envision the magical ability to freeze time... If I had superpowers, I would have the ability to:

         a.) fly

         b.) freeze time

Time
An unavoidable progression into the future, transitioning present into the past events.

Time

It's ticking away. 

The end is near [or far]. When will time seize to exist?

I don't think there is a true predictor to how the world will end or when this will occur. However, regardless of one's believe, it's true to say that we're on the path to the end of our time. Once we exit the birth canal [or surgically delivered], we take our first breath--we breathe. From our first breath to our second, it's inevitable that we are on the road to our last.

It's TIME...

It's time to Live!

Be you. Be unique. Do something extraordinary.

          Being a nurse, I've learned that life is precious and not promised to anyone. Be thankful when you wake up to the new day.

It's time to Laugh!

Smile everyday. Surround yourself with positive people. Laugh until you cry.

         In my opinion, this is good for your health. Mentally and physically, I believe laughter to be a natural cure to illnesses.

It's time to Love!

Be you. Always be honest. Talk. Don't be afraid to be scared.

         It shows that you actually care.

The following tweet is one of my favorites:

It's amazing to me how our feelings divert our brain to the specific person we care about most. Tell this person you care. They deserve to know. After all, time is running out!

The future is unavoidable and the present will soon be the past. It's time to use time--to live. It's time to enjoy time--to laugh. It's time to share time--to love. It's time to make time worth our time. This is the beginning to the rest of our lives.

Be The Change!

As The Beatles once sang, "All you need is love, love; love is all you need."

Can you imagine a world with no hate? Think of how much stronger the world would be if we could all come together as one. No war or discrimination... The funds for starvation? A cure for cancer? The ability to live on the next planet?

Love could change the world!

Today on Twitter the following two tweets stood out to me the most:

I agree 110% with both post. Love is love is love, and no one should ever be deny the right to love. However, that is not the case... How can we strive for world peace when we don't even have our own peace in America. I want to love my country, Obama... I want to be proud to be an American, but how can I when there is the fear of walking down the street holding hands. There is the fear to love. There is governmental discrimination amongst the citizens. There is hate in the world...

BUT, I still stand!

I am not a second-class citizen. You are not a second-class citizen. It is okay to be yourself!

If you haven't been on Facebook or you simply live under a rock, I wanted to remind you that today is Valentine's day. I would like to encourage everyone to spread some extra love. We can't change people; they can only change themselves. We can, however, lead by example, and it's time! It's time to show your support for someone who needs you. Tell someone you are there for them, but most importantly, don't hate or discriminate... Because, the world is changing... Slavery abolished, women's right to vote, the first black president... And now, marriage equality! It will happen, everywhere... It's just a matter of time.

"Be the change you want to see in the world!" - unknown

Happy Valentine's Day, and thank you so much to the following people who went out of their way to spread a little extra love for me; I am truly grateful: 

Lucas Martin, My Mother, My Sister, Rachel DiBenedtto, Samantha Fisher, Mary Potts, Briana Felix, Nicola Piazza, Ryan Mason, David Brasher, Tiffany Phillips, Brett Schuhler, Hunter Moffett, Ryan Boe, Aden Hollowell, Brian Gelp, Rhianna Clausen, Heidi Hagenlocher, and Marty Hawkins  

One last thing... Check out Google's doodle for Valentine's Day 2012 [video below]. It makes me smile really big, and totally reminds me of me--jump rope and all.   ♥

A Tadpole Who Could Not Swim

There once was a tadpole who could not swim.

His mother was quite disappointed with him.

But, no matter how hard the tadpole wiggled his tail, he would always sink back to the bottom.

All the fish would make fun of him. He was sad.

As time went on the tadpole grew legs. Frustrated with him, his mother explained, "you cannot live at the bottom of this pond forever. You must learn to swim, or you will not survive."

The tadpole was so embarrassed he started digging and digging and digging into the pond ground with his newly formed legs. He wanted to hide from the world, never having to show his face ever again. Though, as he was digging and digging and digging, he realized that the dirt was mounding up and up and up.

He used the dirt to jump up and up and up until he almost surfaced the top of the pond. Finally, he was able to take a giant leap onto the land leaving the pond behind him. He saw a new world, larger than he could ever imagine; it had no boundaries. The creature that once was a tadpole who could not swim was now a frog who was able to jump and explore the world in ways that mean fish would never be able to explore. He was happy!

Life can flood us with problems allowing us to sink to the bottom where we feel we may drowned. It is easy to give up. However, it is up to us to figure out what to do with the dirt at the bottom of the pond.

You can either dig and bury yourself alive or climb to the top to enjoy the view.

I choose to use the dirt to build character allowing me to climb back to the top. 

What do you choose?

A break up is like a broken mirror...

... It's better to leave it broken than to hurt yourself to fix it. 

Right now I’m sitting outside with shorts and a Washington Huskies t-shirt on watching the sunset. The lovely gradient of oranges fading into blues fills the sky. It’s so weird that this is what my January feels like—67 degrees. It feels nice! Wait! January! This is my first post of the new year... I better make it a good one. Speaking of:

HaPpY NeW YeAr!

Hmmm....

WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN!?

All the words I want to say are jumbled up in my head, and I don't know how to put them into text. When this happens, I usually just give up and say/type nothing... But, since its a new year, I'm going to try really hard to put my thoughts into words... 

To be continue!

***

So, I started this post yesterday because I thought I had something really good to say, but here I am a day later trying to finish the post. It actually feels like a January day today, however. Louisiana weather is so bipolar--it's ridiculous. Speaking of bipolar, my feelings have been running wild lately. I don't know how to control them. I feel okay one minute and then the next I just want to be close to someone special. Talking with several friends and people I know, they seem to relate to this feeling when it comes to relationships. So, I'm here to say to them and to remind myself... Relationships are like glass. Sometimes it's better to leave them broken than to try to hurt yourself putting them back together... The key word is SOMETIMES!

I have a secret that most of you might know. I am the most stubborn at times... AND, this is what I truly think:

Who am I to give relationship advise? Who am I to try to understand how you feel? No one but you knows what truly goes through your head and what makes your heart beat faster. Only you know!

Super Glue [some prefer duct tape] and band aids... It's all you need. Valuables. Priceless pieces. Irreplaceables [yes, this is a word in the Chadish language]. Somethings are worth gluing back together. Don't give up on the ones that make you feel. They are truly a rarity. So, chin up and in the words of DHT, "listen to your heart." 

This post goes out to all my single ladies; my single ladies [and whoever else can relate]... Hehe. But, you know who you are. 

When I see your smile and know it's not me, that's when I miss you.

Update:

I, @RhadCankin, have officially hit rock bottom... I have been #PeerPressured into creating a "Twatter." Follow me if you dare!

Follow @RhadCankin

P.S. I'm a fast learner... Look at that hashtag used properly! Hehe!