Football!

What made me happy today? Football!
Last night, there was a football game. As OHL was playing a home match against Waasland-Beveren, I went there with the Red Cross to help out with first aid, if needed.
It was fun! I was on the team at the sideline, so if a player went down and needed help, I'd have to go out and help get him off the field. Of course, there were other volunteers there. I'm in no way able to get one guy up all by myself. But I never had to go out on the field.
Which means I got to see the entire match from the sideline! We were sitting in between the trainers of both teams. It was so cool! I've seen a few live football games, but never this close up :-) We did have to duck a few times, as a ball came really close to us. And a few times I wish I could see the replay of a particular action, but it was a really fun night any way.
It was a great match too, OHL won 4-2. I'm definitely hoping I'll get to be on the sideline team again soon :-)

First aid fun!

What made me happy today? Having fun at my first Red Cross first aid stand!
A while ago I did this post about becoming a volunteer for the Red Cross. And today I had some time available so I volunteered to help out at the first aid stand for a local soccer tournament.
Wow, I saw a lot of 11 year old boys with scraped knees today. But being able to help them is nice :-)
And it was fun meeting new people as well! I don't go out much during the week, with work. So volunteering for the Red Cross is a great way to meet some new people while helping others!
Should you have some time available, and want to do some volunteer work with the Red Cross, just Google for your local chapter. You don't need a medical background to volunteer for them. And you never know when you may save a life!
Enjoy your Saturday!

I volunteer!

What made me happy today? I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!
Nah, just kidding. I won't be participating in the Hunger Games, as I'm lucky enough to be too old for the reapings. Plus, it's fiction ;-)
But I am now an official volunteer for the Red Cross. They can always use more volunteers, and as a nurse, I felt like it was the right choice. So soon I'll be helping out with first aid etc. at local festivals and events.
Why did I do this? Well, I have a bit more free time on my hands these days. And after taking a course with the Red Cross a little while back I found out that they're almost always in need of more volunteers. As a nurse, it just seemed to be the right fit for me. So I sent them an email for some additional information and signed the paperwork. So I'm now officially volunteering for them.
It feels nice to give something back :-)

Add one to the list

What made me happy today? Being able to add another certificate to my list!
I took the Red Cross' first aid exam today. For me, it was the first exam ever I wasn't nervous about. And I passed! So I received my certificate, which I can now add to my growing list of degrees and certificates. My grandma is going to be right after all. If I keep going like this I'll be able to use them as wallpaper one day :-)
But on a more serious note: take one of these courses yourself. The Red Cross / Red Crescent organise them in a lot of countries. Or just Google and see where the nearest one is given. You may never need it, but your knowledge of first aid and CPR might one day save a loved one's life!

Easy peasy stuff

What made me happy today? Noticing that the course I'm currently taking is easy!
Of course it is. My company had the splendid idea to send the fully registered and licensed nurse to a first aid course... Kind of silly if you ask me, but in order to become first aider at work I have to take this course. Forget my nursing degree, forget the fact that I have two specialist nursing degrees or the fact that I have a valid CPR and basic life support. Nope, I have to take the course...
Oh well, at least this all means that these three days will go easily for me. And the exam on Thursday will be one I won't be nervous for :-)