This book is my story. It is about what I did, saw, felt, learned, loved, hated, and accomplished during my lifetime. As I review my life I think of now versus then, compared to what my parents said then, and what I believe now. I go back and forth in my lifetime in order to demonstrate or accentuate the internal feelings I had at the time or what I think about it now. I digress a few times because of what the issue or event helped me to recall. Sometimes I am very critical, even mean as I become angry now or recall my anger then about certain events, people or issues. No apologies for that. I call it 'Veni, Vidi' because I came and I saw. There is no 'Vici' because I conquered nothing. I state that it is 'more than a memoir' because I found myself attempting to do some education and stating opinions more than once, because that is the way I am. I tell a few powerful stories regarding intensive care nursing. There is a lot on Catholicism and how I refuse it. I divulge my experiences with men - tune in. I describe my feelings while my brother was dying. I share my knowledge of and experiences in nursing, safety and accident prevention, ergonomics, and six sigma quality. I think about what I did and the incentives and influences I had to get me here. Where is here, anyhow? Well, it is being retired. It is being able to sit on my couch and write a book. I am so fortunate. In the last few days at work someone asked me if I was going to work per diem. I said, "No, no. Carpe diem, not per diem." In preparing for retirement I created an Excel worksheet with my budget. It includes my income of three pensions, Social Security, and funds I have saved. I calculated a 20-year budget with 300% increase in the cost of living going forward. I realized "I can do this." But, and a big but, at the age of 87 I will have to be shot by a jealous 40-year old wife (yes, 40 years old) or be hit by a beer truck. One of those Bud Ice blue beauties, I hope. The challenges continue.

The first complete guide to the fabulous North Shore of Oahu, this book takes readers to idyllic beaches, magnificent valleys, and a huge variety of activities that most visitors never find. Short lists and suggested itineraries help travelers maximize their time. A drive guide escorts them on a circle tour, providing interesting accounts of each place along the way. The book provides detailed descriptions of every beach and surf spot in northern Oahu. Separate chapters address the leading tourist attractions and recreational opportunities available on water, land, and even in the air. Visitors get the details on surf lessons, golf courses, riding stables, biking and hiking trails, camping, fitness centers, air tours, fishing charters, snorkeling, diving, and a host of other activities. The guide identifies inexpensive little cafes and lunch wagons as well as the best luaus and restaurants. 23 maps, a directory of services, and a complete index help readers find what they want fast.

Public and private organizations can benefit from the creation and implementation of an ombudsman program designed to problem-solve at the organizational level. This timely book presents the ombudsman in concept and in practice, offering full design and operational details from start-up to key activities and roles, as well as the benefits for the top executives, the employees and the customers. Case studies from numerous fields are examined to illustrate how a strong ombudsman program is vital to avoiding litigation, resolving conflicts and assisting management.