Category: all about me

all about me, near and dear

ch-ch-ch-ch-changes are comin’

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Well, I didn’t think I could make it. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it. When I started at LTAC, I really, seriously, honestly, did not think I would make it through my two year contract. Ladies and gentlemen, that contract ended today.

I haven’t said anything yet, because I have been waiting until it was time to move on, and honestly, I don’t know how I really feel about everything, to be honest. It hasn’t really hit me yet that I will be moving to a new department, and essentially, on a new type of nursing. About a month ago, I interviewed for, and got a job in the Emergency Department.

Now, the funny thing here, is that I have always wanted to work in the ED. In nursing school almost every clinical professor, almost every instructor told me I was destined for the ED, but I didn’t know. I still don’t. I hope that it is a good fit for me. I am sort of excited, mostly nervous, but trying to let it register, mostly.

Here’s hoping that this is exactly what I wanted, no, NEEDED, from nursing. I thrive on learning, becoming better, and helping people. This is a big step. This is a big change… but it’s one that it is time to make!

all about me, blog on blog, near and dear

thankful

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It has occurred to me that this year has been quite the tumultuous one, and while I remain extremely stressed most of the time, I have a lot to be thankful for.

James and I have been together 9 years and counting, and I couldn’t be happier. We keep talking about potentially having a child someday, so who knows, maybe we will be parents in the future?!

While we did lose my dear, sweet Sydney this year, which was the worst day of my life by far, we welcomed Charlie into our lives, and it has been quite an adventure. He is pretty good, but when is bad, he can be pretty bad. Poop and pee monster, for sure! Also, please stop chewing on everything in sight, little man!! I still miss Sydney each and every day, and some days are harder than others, but I am just thankful I was able to have a wonderful almost 8 years with him. I love you Sydney!!

We bought a house this year. It was an ironically called short sale, which took a stressful 4 months to complete. We have the house, we don’t have the house, we have the house, we don’t have the house… ACK! Overall, it worked out, and we rented our house to our friend and real estate agent, but it still doesn’t feel totally real at times. This is the house we always wanted, and getting it seems a little dream like, and I guess it is hard to process.

I have been working as a nurse for a year and half now, and I still find that I am not over nursing school. It was a terrible experience that really tore me down emotionally, physically, and my confidence is having a hard time bouncing back. I do feel like I am more proficient in my profession, and I do take a lot of joy home from my job, but there are days that are so intense and they don’t need to be. It just really wears on me at times. I was talking with a coworker recently when it really dawned on me; I have been through a LOT this year, as well as from the beginning of nursing school until now, so maybe a real vacation is in order in the near future.

Finally, I do have to say, that while my anhedonia is a large part of my lack of blogging and participating in my hobbies, I am somewhat content, and I am thankful for the wonderful things in my life. I have an amazing partner, wonderful dogs that love me, a great house that I am trying to realize is a wonderful home, and excellent friends that I get to spend time with. Overall, there is more to be thankful for that not, and that’s something worth noting.

all about me, blog on blog

only 5?

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I was looking last night, and I noticed that I have only written 5 posts for this entire year. Whoa. That has to be a new record low. Thing is, I just don’t spend that much time at the computer anymore because of work. I work those insane 12-13 hour shifts, and then I just want to veg out and relax. Days off are about catching up and not doing anything strenuous. So far, it’s been good, but I am pretty stressed at times because of work; being a nurse is a stressful job, and don’t let anyone imply otherwise.

This year, so far, has been pretty decent (at times). We bought a new house, right across the street, which still sort of doesn’t seem real at times. Also, we got a new family member in Charlie; even though we lost our precious Sydney, whom I still miss each and every day. Overall, it’s been a year of new things, and things are pretty good right now.

I also became a Scentsy certified consultant this year, something that I absolutely adore. What is Scentsy you ask? If you want you can check out the website; I started selling the stuff because I love it so much. My house smells amazing!

That’s really about it. I wish I had more time to spend listening to music and catching up, but it seems like this year is flying by at record speed. Work is taxing and always challenging, but can be very rewarding, which is nice. Charlie is a delight, even though is a poop and pee monster who likes to chew on anything he has in his eye line. He and Pickles get along very well, and I couldn’t be happier about that. I just miss my Sydney something terrible. The new house is a lot to take in, and I am so happy we were able to make this move; even though it was a grueling 4 month process to acquire it! Short sale? How ironically titled.

Anywho… I hope you all out there are doing well, know that I am doing my best to be well, well, as well. Here’s to newness, changes, working hard, and reaping the rewards; and getting sleep and listening to more music on days off!! Now… to get back to my day off!

all about me, blog on blog

so…

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We bought a new house. The house right across the street even! A dear friend is renting our “old” house, and all is going well; that is, if I could get everything in order in the new house and get settled properly.

Charlie the puppy is growing into Charlie the dog quite quickly. He and Pickles are quite the pair; they love each other. It’s great to have a sweet baby, but I still miss my Sydney terribly.

Other than that, not much is different. I work too darn much. I have been hanging out with friends and living; which apparently leaves little time for blogging. I would say that I’ll try to get back into it, but I honestly don’t know how much I could guarantee regularity. Days off are usually used to recuperate from a difficult day or two of being a nurse; which, while it is a difficult and grueling job, it has many great, heartwarming moments (which do help dull the moments that aren’t so great).

Overall, life ain’t so bad… and I guess that’s pretty good, right?

Hope you kids are well as well out there. Back to the grind!

all about me, blog on blog

still alive

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Yep, I am still breathing. I have been working, and sleeping, and well, working some more. When I’m not doing those things, I am drinking wine, and hanging out with friends, probably. Overall, things are okay.

I have had some tragedy in my life not so long ago; our sweet Sydney died unexpectedly, and I have been trying to find the right way to blog about it, but I haven’t come to that space yet. Soon. We did get a new puppy a few weeks ago too, named Charlie. He’s a handful as well. Like I said, busy with life; no time for blogging it seems.

However…

I will be posting more in the future. I promise. I haven’t forgotten about this blog, and I will be back!

all about me, blog on blog

seems kinda empty around here lately…

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Yeah, I notice that I don’t post that much, and that I don’t do nearly enough 5SFs, but to be honest, this new job kinda wears me out; when I have a day off, I don’t get much done, really. Things are going okay with me, however, so no need to fret, that is, if you were for some reason or another.

I am sure, eventually, once I get into more of a groove, I will be able to do more, but right now, sleeping in, and having lazy days off are certainly more of a priority. I hope everyone out there in cyberland is doing well!

all about me, britney n' k-fed, concerts, happenings

an update post (of sorts)

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So things have been pretty quiet around here, and for that, I don’t even know what to say. I have kind of been in limbo since I finished school back in May, and after taking the NCLEX, I was happy that I was finally a RN, but honestly, all I could think was, “What next?”. Well, thankfully, I was able to recently interview for a job, and have since accepted a position to be a nurse at a hospital that I really like, and that is close to my house; two major pluses. People keep asking how happy I am, and honestly, I keep teetering between completely terrified, and somewhat excited; yet not much in between. The thought of actually BEING a nurse is a daunting one; one that I am sure will come with time working and experience (two things I desperate wish could happen faster than is possible, which I begrudgingly accept). In the mean time, I am just trying to get used to the idea. I completed orientation last week, and will start on the floor this week; again, very excited, and even more terrified/nervous.

Other than that, not much has been going on with me. Things are pretty good; money is tighter, but hopefully, that will remedy itself soon seeing as the job thing has come to fruition (thank goodness!). Life is pretty lazy, I guess, and that is a good thing, I guess, right?

On a final note, we did end up going to see Britney last night at Philips. Everyone who knows me, knows that I have a soft spot for the pop princess, and while I was glad I decided to go to the show, and really enjoyed it, I have to say, it might be my last Britney concert. At her best, she was clearly only giving about 60-70%, and it was pretty noticeable; especially considering how amazing her Circus concert was a couple of years ago. She looked tired for most of the show, and we even joked that we were at a Sit-ney Spears concert for the first half, because of how many times she just sat down on props, and parts of the stage. I know she’s gotten older, but I think it’s clearly time to switch things up a bit. If she’s not willing to (or cannot) go all out and dance like she used to, and kill it like she used to, then I think she needs a new, revamped act. I still love the girl, and yes, I know she just lip syncs (and no, it doesn’t bother me, so save it if that’s your only comment), but before, she would make up for it with sheer performance and theatrics. This time, there were some theatrics, and a few attempts a dancing, but most of it, she just seemed to want to smile, whip her hair, and prance around. While that’s cute, and I enjoyed it, it wasn’t her best, and if you have her previous stuff to compare it to, it’s just that much more clear, sadly. Either way, it was a fun concert, but it certainly wasn’t her best; and that’s coming from a die-hard fan. Oh well, I guess you can’t win ’em all.

all about me, school, show the love

Duane Moody, RN

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I just found out today that I am a registered nurse. I took the NCLEX yesterday, which is the board certification test for becoming a RN, and even though I haven’t received the results yet, the Georgia Board of Nursing has already posted my status as an active registered nurse with a license number and everything (this must really bug the company that provides the NCLEX, because they require you to pay $8 to find out your results 48 hours after the test… which is apparently now unnecessary if you can find out that you are an RN, because obviously if so, then you passed it). I was a bit freaked out, because it was HARD. I had the minimum number of questions (75), and when it shut off, I felt my heart sink; did I pass or fail? Well, it looks like I did fine!

To describe how I feel in one word, it would be surreal. This has been a long, frustrating, trying, and completely exhausting journey. I never thought I would do this. There was a time I never thought I’d actually get into nursing school, and then I did. There was a time I never thought I’d graduate from nursing school, because of how fucking hard it was, and then I did. There was a time when I prepared, not so long ago, for the monster that is the NCLEX, and I was worried I wouldn’t pass it, and then I did. There was a time when I wanted to be a nurse, and now, I am one.

Duane Moody, RN.

Like I said, it’s all a bit surreal. An almost 5 year journey is complete. As I sit here, excited to take the next steps and get a job as a RN, I can only reflect on just what I have gone through to get to today. Let me tell you, it was A LOT. Those that listened to me complain about nursing school; THANK YOU for listening. I can’t tell you how much appreciate all of your friendships and your patience. To James, who put up with more than anyone, I thank you the most; after all, I know I was more than hard to deal with for more than a little while now. I love you, and appreciate all of the patience and loving support you have shown me during this very difficult journey.

It’s finally all done, and yet, this is a beginning at the same time; and I am ready to move forward. Excited, even! Let’s go nurse something!

all about me, school, show the love

tonight, I finish with nursing school…

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Tonight, I am going to my pinning ceremony for nursing school. I think that it is pretty amazing that this is also the same date as Florence Nightingale’s birthday; as she is the woman who pioneered modern nursing. This is the ceremonial passing of the torch to us, transitioning us from nursing students, into nurses. Being an anthropologist, I respect the rites of passage and need for ritual in culture, so I look forward to participating in my own rite of passage this evening.

With that being said, this has been one HELL of a journey. I started taking pre-requisites back in 2007 (!) when I made the decision that I wanted to leave my job and become a nurse. Many classes, and OH SO MUCH frustration later, I am about to walk across the stage and be pinned as a graduate nurse. I can’t say as it has sunk in that much for me yet, because I keep finding myself going and checking grades for this final semester just to be sure that this is indeed real, and that yes, we are finally done.

This has been an intense, very long journey, and I have been so long ready for today. Now, I can’t wait to go and take my board exam, get my RN license and finally become a registered nurse. People keep telling me congratulations and how my hard work will pay off, and I honestly can’t wait to see that happen; all in good time, right?

Thanks for all the support everyone has thrown my way; it means a lot.

all about me, school

I’m still here

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I am very busy with school and whatnot, but I’m still here… This semester has been an exercise in extreme patience, and so far, I am only doing so-so with said patience. I really need to learn to relax and just let shit that I cannot control go, but I have such a hard time with it. I do find comfort in the fact that it will all be done at some point in the near future, and I can move on, and not look back. Thank goodness I have friends (both in school and outside of it) that are so awesome, and help me take my mind off of the crap… and listen to me bitch about it too. It’s frustrating to be so frustrated all of the time, and it really just makes me angry all of the time, which I honestly can’t stand feeling like either. I’m just trying to focus on the big picture, and the end game, which I know will make everything up to it completely worth it.

Other than school, I can’t say much else is going on with me right now. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, or really, just an indifferent thing, but either way, it’s where I’m at right now… still here, and holding on. I can say this with perfect certainty; I cannot WAIT for May.