Book just Finished - "blink"

Book just finished

I have just finished reading "blink" by Malcolm Gladwell. It was an itriguing read and especially so considering its subject. The subtitle is "the power of thinking without thinking". It works on the question of where intuition originates and how to operate on split-second decisions. The take-home for the nurses is the concept that the subconscious works in a realm quite different than the conscious and solves its own problems which are then transmitted to the conscious with the usage of a feeling. The conscious mind then has the choice to utilize the impression or ignore it. The next related item is that in a crisis, it is only the subconscious mind that is controlling and for high-stress moments, the minimal extraneous processes are considered. Thus, in a high stress moment, the individual can remember very clearly certain specific details of the incident and be totally oblivious to anything else. The argument is made for training the subconscious mind to "handle" situations in a more predictable fashion and thus increase the likelihood of a more successful outcome. In nursing, this could be applied to the repeated practice of CPR whether the skill is utilized or not, because once the moment comes, one cannot spend time calculating the rate and number of compressions. They will be done according to the previous training, allowing the nurse to consider the other factors of the case while performing the lifesaving activity. The subconscious controls the repeated activity, while the conscious considers the relevant factors that need attention, like if the help is arriving, who is around to help, etc.
I would recommend this book as well worth the time investment.

Reasons conversation is better than blogging

1. Seeing the facial expressions during a description of ....
2. Much quicker replies. Some even before the sentence is finished. Depending upon the circumstance, this could either be helpful or aggrivating.
3. Nothing like a conversation out in nature where no utilities go.
4. Being able to note the tone of voice and body language.
5. Being successful with the joke, and hearing the laugh.

Reasons blogging is better than conversation

1. Dress code is unnecessary. Look any way you like.
2. Related to #1. The hair can be out of place as well.
3. In the middle of a thought and need a break? Not a problem.
4. Eating a sandwich while blogging is fine.
5. Blogging with the mouth full is A - O - K
6. No fear of interrupting someone's meal time or shower.
7. Editing ability. Start working on a thought that takes a bad left turn? Not a problem. Erase and start over. Try that one with a conversation.
8. Forget the thought that started the train moving? Glance up for the answer.

encouraging population

There is a road near here that curves around small hills and connects the West portion of the city to the Northern highway exiting the area. This snake-like portion of blacktop is a pleasant trip at just below highway speed, with very little possibility for passing.
I was on my way home about part way into the stretch when I noted a bit of smoke ahead. This isn't unusual, as in the county there are burn barrels, pits, and other means to rid the property of trash without resorting to the big hydrolic truck. Over the next hill I spotted several cars pulled off on the shoulder and about 5 people stamping the ground. There were 4 grass fires going. The 6 of us stomped, ground, and I used the last water I had in the car to extinguish the fires. All accomplished without resorting to the governmental sector, concerned citizens doing their part for the common good. It's great to be in America.

boy scouts

This is the first morning after the first night that my son has camped away from me with the boyscouts. The anticipation was quite incredible as he fought the feelings of having to sleep alone in a tent, but once the group was assembled in the dark last evening, he hopped right in to the work, carrying supplies, assisting the fire building, and learning how to set up a tent.
I left my numbers at work and home, but they will probably go unused as the experience is gained that he can do well with the group his own age.

God

I was carrying a cup towards the microwave the other day when a thought came about Revelation 3:15,16. "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
On consideration, maybe God is a coffee drinker.

voting

I went to the early voting and as thus had dismissed all the hipe about today. It occurred to me again yesterday when the talk radio mentioned the voting and I realized the joy of having already accomplished the task. No lines. No polsters. Yea.
My outlook for the election is not a happy one though. I'll admit the afternoon talk guy got it right when he stated the Republicans got their base angry with high spending and no border security. I'll give that sentiment a roudy 'yea' and voted accordingly. Granted, the idea of Nancy Pelosi as the speaker gives shudders, though I'm not much more confident with the present setup. It would be really nice to wake up to a Federal government that cared about their country as much as their votes. In this last round, many lost mine.

Hot in Texas

Welcome to my blog from Texas. Believe it or not, it is hot out here. Remember a couple of years ago the big push to get some fans given out to folks? Apparently, it's news that heat resides here. For we residents, just another day to go from refrigerated box, to mobile refrigerated box, to workplace that is another refrigerated box. One might wonder how ancestors survived without AC.
My experience with body adjusting to temperature is simple. Some years back, I worked a construction job in Houston in the Summer. The job involved building forms, digging ditches, tying rebar, and other fun relaxing activities in 110 degrees. We wore long sleeved t-shirts to protect the arms and a handkerchief under the hat to protect the ears and neck.
After a month on this job, I couldn't handle being in a grocery store. It was too cold. The apartment had to be at 85 degrees for comfort. Clearly, I had changed. How much? I grew up in New York (upstate) where we would wear shirts in 45 degree weather and shiver a little bit when it hit the 30's. It wasn't really cold until single digits at which point we would respect the temperature and bundle. The body's an amazing creation.