Good books

I love good books. Recently at work I have had a few quiet nights and a chance to get back into reading. I have two reviews
A Respectable Trade- Philipa Gregory
This book was nothing like I thought it would be, probably partly due to my lack of attention to the blog at the back of the book. The setting is the shipping trade in Bristol in the mid 1700s. It follows two characters, the wife of a shipping merchant and an African priest who has been abducted for the slave trade. The first parts of this book I found quite disturbing, but as all things based on reality ignorance is no bliss, and I felt convicted to read on.The book gets less disturbing as thestory progresses, and it very much puts life into perspective. I would recommend this book for a great read and some challenging ideas
French Women Don't Get Fat
I was recommended this book by a friend and as with most things of this nature I was sceptical. Brillant book- everyone should read it. Every women at least and I think too if one could convince them, Men would also find this book useful. The book is written by a French woman who now lives in America. It shows an insight into the French attitude toward food and how this is different from that of the american. Very interesting analysis of everyday habits that I would have thought nothing of. it has some good practical tips about how to enjoy food without over indulging and even has recipes. I have promised myself I will read this book every 6 months from now on.

Hungry Nurses

I am inspired by my husband's recent political lobbing. I am impressed that he has recieved replies to all the letters he has written to MPs.
So it made me think its time I spoke up about the things that irk my world. Ages ago in the hospital there was a food trolley that came around for the nurses on night shift, about 3-4am. It had hot homemade soup, rolls and other healthy snacks. The trolley did very well, a whole huge industrial size pot of soup would sell each night for 2 or 3 dollars a cup. This was of course instead of having a cafe open in the night for the staff.
Then the trolley disappeared one night. Memos flew around claiming profit loss etc etc. As an alternative the CDHB promised to provide healthy vending machines so that the nurses could still be nourished overnight. Sandwhiches, yoghurt and other 'health' snacks were promised. So staff were to go from fresh hot nourishment to packet sandwhiches that would have, no doubt, been sitting there all day.
But the vending machines never came. Currently nurses can revive themselves with chips, chocolate and if in dire need an ice cream. Doesn't this seem strange for a hospital. Shouldn't hospitals, out of everyone, be modeling a healthy enviroment for their staff, and at the very least have healthy options availible??
You may say that night staff should bring thier own food, its not as if every workplace has food ready for purchase.However,
Not every workplace does 12 hour shifts. By the time you sleep, drive and park there are 2, maybe 3 hours left in which to live life. Cooking meals is not always an option.
Not every workplace do you legally have to stay at your beside all shift execpt for breaks.
It may surprise you to learn that in a 12 hour shift only one half hour and two 10min breaks are allowed.

Anyway these things are not the issue, and in fact I don't mind at all doing 12 hour shifts, not leaving my patient and having too few breaks. However WE NEED TO EAT!!!!!!!!
I plan to take this to the board- I'll keep you posted.

Walking on clouds

Well I must say I was a synic. For a long time I waited to see the fate of the corc owners feet. I bided my time and carefully took note of the walk of the wearers. I watched the green, blue, pink and one pair orange slowly infest the ICU.
And to my surprise I have become a believer. These are the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever experienced. I got myself a nice pink pair (the hot pink tempted me but I toned in down to a pastel) and put them to trial with a busy 12 hour night. My feet were rejoicing at 2am, and at 4am they were the only part of me not aching.
I dont know how I survived this long. I am stunned and I encourage all the synics of this werid looking shoe to put aside your fears- your feet will thank you.