Now, don't get me wrong, I expect to graduate from school, pass NCLEX and become a nurse. But, I have been around the block enough times to know that sometimes things happen that are not in one's control. So, as a backup, I decided to be certified as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). As with most other aspects of healthcare, you have to learn to jump through hoops to do anything. Such as getting the American Red Cross chapter in Harrisburg to not only accept my application to take the test, but to accept payment as well. It seems that unlike most organizations in this country, they do not accept personal checks. So, it took 4 tries to finally get my exam date, which is April Fool's Day. (I wonder what exactly to think of that) And I will have to count on being downtown for most of the day, which will cost at least $15 for parking. The test itself should be no big deal, since I learned all of that in 1st year of nursing school, and did that for HVHS for 6 months. Now, I wonder if this will all be worth it.
We'll see.......
Namaste'
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
In US and Europe, a Unified Message to China: Negotiate with the Dalai Lama on Tibet
With Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Washington last week, both President Obama and the U.S. House of Representatives stated that the U.S. government expects Beijing to negotiate with the Dalai Lama's representatives on a durable solution for Tibet, despite repeated demands by Chinese officials to drop the Tibet issue.
"The statements by the President and the House send an unequivocal message that the United States expects the Chinese government to negotiate sincerely with the Dalai Lama,” said Todd Stein, Director of Government Relations at the International Campaign for Tibet. "The U.S. government has reminded China’s leaders that their vision for a harmonious U.S.-China relationship will not materialize until they deal with Tibetan leaders on a durable solution for Tibet.”
On Thursday, President Obama told Foreign Minister Yang of his “hope there would be progress in the dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama’s representatives,” according to a White House statement. This followed a State Department statement issued on the 50th anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s exile which “urge[d] China to reconsider its policies in Tibet that have created tensions due to their harmful impact on Tibetan religion, culture, and livelihoods.”
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution that “calls upon the Government of the People's Republic of China to respond to the Dalai Lama's initiatives to find a lasting solution to the Tibetan issue.” The resolution (H.Res. 226), which also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s exile, was introduced by Representatives Rush Holt (D-NJ) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and approved by an overwhelming vote of 422 to one.
In debate on the House floor, Rep. Holt, the sponsor of the resolution, said, “We urge the Chinese Government to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Dalai Lama in a sustained effort to craft a permanent and just solution that protects the rights and dignity of all Tibetans.” Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, the lead cosponsor and Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said, this resolution can serve as a response to the foreign minister. The U.S. Congress has a message for the Foreign Minister of China's Communist regime, and that is that the Dalai Lama is not only a religious figure, but a person of such renown that he was granted the Congressional Gold Medal.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “What we can do is put the moral authority of the Congress of the United States in the form of this resolution, with a broad bipartisan vote, down as a marker to say that we understand the situation there, that we encourage it to be different and … that we are on the side of the Tibetan people. On Monday, Speaker Pelosi, on behalf of the U.S. government accepted the gratitude of the Tibetan-American community as Tibetan-Americans from around the country converged on Washington to lobby Congress to continue its long-standing support for Tibet.
President Obama will met Chinese President and Party Secretary Hu Jintao in London on April 2 for the G20 Summit.
European Parliamentarians support Tibet dialogue for 50th anniversary
In a resolution adopted by the European Parliament on Thursday 12 March to mark the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule, the Chinese Government is urged to resume talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives with a view to "positive, meaningful change in Tibet", not ruling out autonomy, which is a solution that the parliamentarians believe would not compromise China's territorial integrity.
The European Parliament urges the Chinese government "to consider the Memorandum for Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People of November 2008 as a basis for substantive discussion leading towards positive, meaningful change in Tibet, consistent with the principles outlined in the Constitution and laws of the People’s Republic of China". The resolution calls on the EU Council Presidency to adopt a declaration along the same lines.
The Tibetan Memorandum, presented by envoys of the Dalai Lama at the eighth round of talks in November 2008 in Beijing, respects the principles underpinning the Chinese Constitution and the territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China, but was rejected by the Chinese Government as an attempt at 'semi-independence' and 'independence in disguise'.
In addition, Parliament's resolution "condemns all acts of violence, whether they are the work of demonstrators or disproportionate repression by the forces of law and order". It calls on the Chinese Government "to release immediately and unconditionally all those detained solely for engaging in peaceful protest and account for all those who have been killed or gone missing".
MEPs ask the Chinese authorities "to provide foreign media access to Tibet, including the Tibetan areas outside the Tibet Autonomous Region" and "to grant UN human rights experts and recognised international NGOs unimpeded access to Tibet so that they can investigate the situation there".
The resolution was adopted by 338 votes to 131 with 14 abstentions.
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Statement from U.S. Senator Feingold on the 50th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day
I am honored to be part of this event today as we remember the historic day in 1959 when hundreds of thousands of Tibetans risked their lives by filling the streets of Lhasa to protest the political, cultural and religious oppression that continues to this day in Tibet. We are marking a tragic anniversary - 50 years after His Holiness the Dalai Lama and hundreds of thousands of Tibetans were forced to flee their homeland as a result of brutal repression by the Chinese government.
Standing up for human rights is not always easy, and I am pleased that the new administration appears to be committed to these critical values and to the importance of ensuring they play a central role in our foreign policies. I will continue my efforts to ensure human rights are a central part of our policy toward The People's Republic of China, and I urge the new administration to do so as well. China's oppression of the Tibetan people must end, and the U.S. has a critical role to play in helping Tibet regain its autonomy.
Today's commemoration marks the Tibetan people's continued pursuit of their fundamental human rights, including the freedom to practice their religion, to preserve their culture and to speak their own language. I stand with you in that pursuit.
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Tuesday, March 10, 2009
How can we justify this?
I saw a video shot by a Romanian cameraman on a mountain climbing expedition in Nepal recently. It shows Tibetan monks & nuns trying to cross the border into Nepal and some of them being gunned down by Chinese Red Army troops in cold blood. How appropriate that today is the 50th anniversary of the Chinese invasion of Tibet. This video is a classic example of how religious freedom and freedom in general in Tibet has been squashed by the Chinese government. And unfortunately, we Americans have been financing this sort of repressive action by buying goods made in China. Now, I realize that many times one has no choice to do so since it seems that EVERYTHING is Chinese made. Thanks to companies like Wal Mart and many others, our markets are flooded with these goods, so that they can increase their already huge profit margin. And are you aware that we owe the Chinese government billions of dollars in Fed Treasury notes? What happens when the Chinese government decides to cash these in? This country wouldn't have the resources to pay that. And then what happens? Your guess is as good as mine in this case. This may seem like it means nothing to you in your own life, and that is more than likely true, but in a country that talks a lot about personal freedoms, can we as a nation continue to justify and allow the actions shown on this video?
Namaste'
Namaste'
Monday, March 9, 2009
Incident?
A word of warning, I'm about to go on a political rant....
A few days ago, I emailed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding her (and the Obama administration's) collective lack of backbone when the issue is Tibet. Ms. Clinton in the past had ripped W's administration in dealing with China, but when she stood face-to-face with the Chinese, she showed that she is just as much a politician as her husband was. I received an automated reply today that was labeled incident. I wonder what exactly that means. Am I considered a problem now? I realize that as a Buddhist I should just let go. But when it comes to Tibet, I have trouble what that. I cannot idly stand by and let the people of a peaceful, Buddhist nation continue to be repressed by another once-great nation.
I am both worried and upset about how dependent on China our country (and many others) has become. It seems that nearly everything I purchase has the made in China label on it, and I am aware of how much in Treasury notes the Chinese hold. I am concerned both of these will be used against us (maybe already) and how I have little choice in my money going to a government that does little but ruin its own people's lives with its policies (US) and to another that kills, detains without reason, and generally causes suffering on others. (China)
Yes, I do put my money where my sometimes-unmindful mouth is. I am a member or many groups, such as FPMT, Students for a Free Tibet, and a few others. And I do let my representatives in DC know what I feel on this subject. I just wish there was more that I could do.
Namaste'
A few days ago, I emailed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding her (and the Obama administration's) collective lack of backbone when the issue is Tibet. Ms. Clinton in the past had ripped W's administration in dealing with China, but when she stood face-to-face with the Chinese, she showed that she is just as much a politician as her husband was. I received an automated reply today that was labeled incident. I wonder what exactly that means. Am I considered a problem now? I realize that as a Buddhist I should just let go. But when it comes to Tibet, I have trouble what that. I cannot idly stand by and let the people of a peaceful, Buddhist nation continue to be repressed by another once-great nation.
I am both worried and upset about how dependent on China our country (and many others) has become. It seems that nearly everything I purchase has the made in China label on it, and I am aware of how much in Treasury notes the Chinese hold. I am concerned both of these will be used against us (maybe already) and how I have little choice in my money going to a government that does little but ruin its own people's lives with its policies (US) and to another that kills, detains without reason, and generally causes suffering on others. (China)
Yes, I do put my money where my sometimes-unmindful mouth is. I am a member or many groups, such as FPMT, Students for a Free Tibet, and a few others. And I do let my representatives in DC know what I feel on this subject. I just wish there was more that I could do.
Namaste'
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Taking the road to becoming Buddhist
It was a (for me) strange combination of events that led me to Buddhism. For most of my life (after high school), I was I guess one could say wavering between agnostic & atheist. This comes mostly I believe, that I was forced to go a evangelical Protestant church until I graduated from high school, when I was given the option of going or not. I chose not, since about 75% of the people who went to this particular church are what I would describe as "Sunday Christians". Not to say they were bad people, but their religious practice stopped the moment the left the church parking lot. So, I kind of went along my own way, being rather the hedonist,and blowing up my 1st marriage in the process.
The a few years ago, I started noticing Buddhism. At first it was watching a documentary on the Dalai Lama on the History Channel. Then in my1st year of Nursing I noticed a classmate reading "Making The Mind an Ally", By Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. I asked the girl what she thought of the book, and she told me that it was about meditation, but she found meditation to be incredibly boring. Then a month or so later, I saw an article in one of the Student nurse journals regarding relaxation techniques. Meditation was prominently featured, and I read it with great interest. So, I started to try my hand at meditation. I found it difficult, but having read about the potential benefits (better focus, less nervousness) I committed myself to work at it. I also bought myself a copy of the Sakyong's book, and voraciously read it. This began my path to the teaching of the Buddha. I read everything I could get my hands on regarding Buddhism, and decided to begin a practice at home, which I continue to this day. Now, I know that I really should be visiting a meditation center and become part of the Sangha (followers of the teachings of the Buddha), and I intend to do that, but only as I feel comfortable with the idea. I still read & view all that I can find on the Dharma (Teachings) and I meditate everyday for at least 10-15 minutes, but mostly I do about 30 minutes/day.I am also a member of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, which I give to regularly. I don't know that all Buddhists would consider me much of a follower, but I'm still working on it.
An interesting insight was afforded to me recently when I mentioned to my mother that I considered myself to be Buddhist. Mom is pretty much an agnostic, but seemed interested in what Buddhism was about, and I explained (not very well) what I knew of it. Sometime later, she had mentioned my conversion to my brother who apparently thought it was humorous. Now, my brother had himself converted to Roman Catholicism some years earlier when he married his wife, something that only recently I found that my late father quietly but immensely disapproved of. My father, raised as a Baptist, had issues with Catholicism (the reasons for which I never did learn) but kept his disapproval a secret to all but Mom. Anyway, Mom told my brother of this fact and also told him that he might consider allowing me to practice my own religion in my own way, just as Dad had done for him. Very Buddhist, in her own way.
Combining My religious practice and nursing also seems a perfect fit. Buddhists aim to end suffering and Nurses do the same, except in a different manner. So, I believe for the 1st time in my life my being and my life are in synchronization.
Namaste'
An interesting insight was afforded to me recently when I mentioned to my mother that I considered myself to be Buddhist. Mom is pretty much an agnostic, but seemed interested in what Buddhism was about, and I explained (not very well) what I knew of it. Sometime later, she had mentioned my conversion to my brother who apparently thought it was humorous. Now, my brother had himself converted to Roman Catholicism some years earlier when he married his wife, something that only recently I found that my late father quietly but immensely disapproved of. My father, raised as a Baptist, had issues with Catholicism (the reasons for which I never did learn) but kept his disapproval a secret to all but Mom. Anyway, Mom told my brother of this fact and also told him that he might consider allowing me to practice my own religion in my own way, just as Dad had done for him. Very Buddhist, in her own way.
Combining My religious practice and nursing also seems a perfect fit. Buddhists aim to end suffering and Nurses do the same, except in a different manner. So, I believe for the 1st time in my life my being and my life are in synchronization.
Namaste'
Introduction
I suppose that since I just started this blog and I've been a Nursing student longer, I should write an overview of what's happened so far...
I started this journey (nursing) in the Fall of 2005 strangely enough with the intent of becoming a Rad Tech. Unfortunately, the college neglected to tell me until the fall of 2006 that they only accept 7 students into the program a year. Needless to say, I didn't make the cut since there were over 40 people trying to do the same. So, I switched my major to Nursing and started in Fall 2007. My first year went well, passing both Nursing I & II within 2% of a B. Summer went OK, but Fall 08 was not what I wanted. To be quite honest, this was at least mostly my fault. I did not put the sort of effort into Maternity lecture, my test taking strategy was wrong, and I wasn't aware that a case study I was responsible for meant that I was also responsible for being the instructor, which I feel I was not prepared to do nor do I feel that I was qualified to do. Consequently, I failed Maternity by 4%. Critical care started poorly, but I picked it up, and managed a strong C. Pediatrics was a whole other situation. The clinical end of it was in my opinion, nearly a waste of time. We were NOT permitted to do anything aside from bathe & feed the babies, and though I tried to learn as much as I could, it was a little frustrating. Lecture was worse. The teacher did not seem interested in her task, and she seemed to not care for any sort of questioning. I studied harder for this rotation than any other, and ended up failing the semester by.2%. That's 2/10 of 1%. So, (space depending) I'll be back to re-take the semester in this fall ('09), with at least the advantage of having done it once already and a knowledge of what I did wrong. That, and with a renewed sense of purpose.
Namaste'
I started this journey (nursing) in the Fall of 2005 strangely enough with the intent of becoming a Rad Tech. Unfortunately, the college neglected to tell me until the fall of 2006 that they only accept 7 students into the program a year. Needless to say, I didn't make the cut since there were over 40 people trying to do the same. So, I switched my major to Nursing and started in Fall 2007. My first year went well, passing both Nursing I & II within 2% of a B. Summer went OK, but Fall 08 was not what I wanted. To be quite honest, this was at least mostly my fault. I did not put the sort of effort into Maternity lecture, my test taking strategy was wrong, and I wasn't aware that a case study I was responsible for meant that I was also responsible for being the instructor, which I feel I was not prepared to do nor do I feel that I was qualified to do. Consequently, I failed Maternity by 4%. Critical care started poorly, but I picked it up, and managed a strong C. Pediatrics was a whole other situation. The clinical end of it was in my opinion, nearly a waste of time. We were NOT permitted to do anything aside from bathe & feed the babies, and though I tried to learn as much as I could, it was a little frustrating. Lecture was worse. The teacher did not seem interested in her task, and she seemed to not care for any sort of questioning. I studied harder for this rotation than any other, and ended up failing the semester by.2%. That's 2/10 of 1%. So, (space depending) I'll be back to re-take the semester in this fall ('09), with at least the advantage of having done it once already and a knowledge of what I did wrong. That, and with a renewed sense of purpose.
Namaste'
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