Where is the Snow?

Ok, for a lot of people, this 50 degree weather is wonderful. For me, it is not. Rain is gross when the temperature is below 65 degrees. Snow is expected and I love the snow this time of year. It makes everything sparkle and accentuates the beauty that surrounds us in the world. Also, it helps get me into the Christmas mood. I really am shocked that there has only been one snowy day here in Grand Rapids thus far. I guess spending the last 4 years in Holland, I'm used to excessive amounts of snow once December hits. Even though there may not be a lot predicted between now and then, I'm still hoping for a white Christmas.

The lack of snow thus far has been good traveling, which I seem to be doing a bit of here and there. And, it helps me know exactly how long it will take me to get to work, which is nice since currently I'm a little worn out.  This whole nights and evening is starting to wear on me, since my body isn't quite sure when I should be sleeping, eating, or staying awake. Tonight I work an evening, and then overnight on Friday, which I can't wait to be over because Saturday MOLLY COMES BACK! I'm a little excited since she'll be home for more than a few days this time. But, it already makes me miss the whole Christmas Break thing that have been part of my life since, oh well... I started school about 19 years ago. Talk about a bummer. But it's ok, it is part of growing up right? People still are sick over the holidays, and I really just need to remember how blessed my family is with their health, and how spending the holiday season together in our own homes is blessing that we take for granted.

Anywhoo, since Molly will home for the next couple weeks, one of the first things on our list to do is to have (at least one) night of making christmas treats. These will include, but are not limited to: Spritz cookies, York peppermint brownies (my fav), Christmas "crack" - chocolate and caramel covered saltines, and a few others that I can't think of at the moment. If you're lucky, and you're around the Kzoo/GR area, maybe some of these will come your way. I know that we shouldn't be eating all of them - even though I know I'll want to.

But it's time to get my Thursday going, I have to be to work in an hour an half, so I should probably get a few things done between then and now. Have a wonderful day!

'Tis the Season

Happy Tuesday! 

Mine has been mainly full of sleep, due to the fact I worked the last two nights. I am exhausted. Last night, I had potentially the easiest, most stress free night of work that I will ever have on the unit. The reason was due the fact our unit is currently located on 9 Center (we are normally on 5 North) due to maintenance issues, and our census was down to 12 patients for 4 nurses. It was AWESOME. I actually felt like I could give my patients the time and attention they need, and not feeling stretched to my limit, and I could get other things done not related to direct care. It was a breath of fresh air, definitely needed since most of my shifts have been pretty busy the last couple weeks. 

Right now, I want to finish decorating for Christmas. I feel pretty on top of my Christmas shopping for people, but the decorations are lacking. We have a few things up around the house but I REALLY want to finish up things.  It will be my late night project, since I know I won't be able to fall asleep until at least 4am, and well, it's not like there is much to do at that time of night. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love the joy associated with this time of year. One of my favorite things to do is lay by the Christmas tree, all lit up, with the fire going and read a book. There is something about this time of year that allows me to see all of the love that God has infused into my life.  I truly feel that God has blessed me with the most supportive and loving family and friends. He reminds me that they will be there, even when I have a tough day or week. And I love celebrating this joyous season with them, never forgetting that ultimately we are celebrating the birth of our Savior. 

But it is time to get productive, since I've slept from 9:30am - 4:30pm. And my new running shoes are here! YAY!  I think that means I should go get them and break them in. Have a great night! :)

Hello There :)

Well, I've been debating starting one of these for a while now, and fingers crossed that I keep up with it. I don't look at myself as a writer (that's Molly) but I figured it would be something fun and a new way to challenge myself. Here, my goal is to examine my everyday life, pull out the worthwhile, unique, amazing, ordinary triumphs and ridiculous moments, and share them. Some days, it still takes me a moment to realize that I am done with college and REAL life has begun to settle in. But hello and welcome to my post-college, figuring-out-the-real-world life as a new graduate nurse. It has already been an exciting ride. And every day is something new, especially working at night. 

Currently, I'm still feeling the exhaustion of working all of thanksgiving weekend. Three nights straight, with an extra long shift Sunday night wore me out. Working on an oncology unit, we see patient's from ages 20 to 95+. This wide age range leaves me coming into work each evening not knowing what to expect. Sunday Night/Monday morning was no exception. I was graced with a Polish woman in her late 70's as one of my patient's. And when I say Polish, I mean REALLY Polish. English was her SECOND language (she rolled her eyes at me no less than twice during the shift). Her and her family were loud and she was extremely stubborn (hmm…I wonder why that sounds familiar… my family?...). Well, this stubborn lady decided to try to get up on her own (which she hasn't done EVER during her 5 days with us) to go to the bathroom. Was she successful? No. Did she fall? Yes. Did she even care that she fell? No. She said she landed softly on her bottom and she was fine (which doesn't really cut it in the hospital, falls are serious business here). Did she scare the crap out of me? Most definitely. Needless to say, this happening at 5:30am, when my shift was done at 7:30 and I had 5 other patient's, it set me back a little, with the patient's attitude towards the situation eating away at my last nerve. Through the longest shift of my life (wish I was kidding - got home at 10am), I just found a few things interesting. 

1. This patient made me laugh, in the midst of everything, because the way she was SO stubborn in her was a flash back to my Grandpa Schab (He was Polish too - Ironic?), who we literally couldn't convince to do anything he didn't want to do and was very blunt with words - as was this woman. 

2. It made me very grateful for the people working on my floor. They helped me so much during that shift and saved me from being even more overwhelmed than I already was. 

3. Once again, it showed that though as well as I might plan out the night, things don't always go that way. Reiterating know fact of how one decision can dramatically change a situation and sometimes, we just have to go with it, do the best we can, and the hope everything will turn out ok.

And #3 is kind of how I've been approaching life lately. Trying to live in each moment I get to spend with the people I love. Leaning on God when things don't seem to go the way I had hoped, and thanking Him for the people that help hold me up when life's challenges are trying to pull me down. A year ago, I pictured my life to be a little different that what it is now, but that is ok. I love this life I've been blessed with. My challenge is to grow in God each day, and remember that I am part of God's plan, a plan more glorious than can be imagined. Giving everything to God and trusting Him. For He knows my heart much better than I do. And blesses me before I realize.

Oh and I try to remember saying too (one of the many things I've found on Pinterest):

"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way"

God is always working, always speaking, always loving. He's always working to make things good. A reminder that I tell myself daily. 

And now it's time to go back into real life - time for a run and to get ready for work. At least it's sunny out (even though I was hoping for some snow...). 

Happy Wednesday.  :)