June

Sometimes it is so hard to keep up my blog. But, I do see my blog as my vent and my free therapy. I have a goal. To finish enough posts for the second volume of As My World Turns. The sub title is Finding Joy in My Journey. And I have had a real struggle in finding joy. I'm hanging in there. But it's just how it is. June started with me finishing my training in Pediatrics. It's totally new and scary to me, but as finding Nemo says...

That is one of my favorite sayings currently. I just started at a new location for my job , I'm on the move. It was during this time I heard devastating news. My friend Theresa's son Sam had passed away at 14. It's been such a shock and so heartbreaking, which also followed tragic news in our community of two police officers who were killed in the line of duty.

 

Gone much too soon. Love you Sam.

In between this, I did do something fun. I finally saw Billy Joel in concert!! That has been on my list for like forever!

First time I went to a concert by myself, and you know what? It was awesome.

A week later my Uncle Dean passed away

Everybody wants happiness. Nobody wants pain. But you can't have a rainbow without a little rain.

As hard as it was to say goodbye to someone, so soon again. It was a good experience. Perhaps even a miraculous occasion. I spent the family luncheon afterwards with a family member that I haven't spoken to since Mom passed. It could have gone so many different ways. But I definitely felt Heavenly Fathers hand in this.

This was played at my friend Jessica's funeral a couple years ago. I'm holding on to this song. It helps.

Hope.

Its been six months since I've made a post. It's been a rough six months.. But I've made it. I'll save that for another day. But I crossed something off my bucket list. I went to my first lantern lighting

I'm not writing much tonight. Except the lantern lighting was a life changing, magical experience. I'm living life. And life is good.

Easter Sunday

The weekend before I started my new job was Easter. I went up to St George for the weekend to visit Monica and her family ! It was fun to just get away for a day or two.

I did a few things...

Like hold a snake for the first time, ever! ( Holy. Crap.)

And so did Austin...

Tatiana made us dessert, what a pretty cake huh?

Supervising the massive egg decorating!

Love this girl!!!

It was so good to see family . We didn't do a whole lot and we didn't have to. Just spending time together was enough. And I was a little nervous for Monday! Another thing I decided to do was as I drive home I decided I wanted to visit the cemetery in boulder city, to visit mom and dad. I decided to cut through Logandale on a "backroad" - I stopped at Wally's for directions and gas, and who do I run into? My cousins in Logandale..funny is an understatement. So after our chat at the gas pump I went on my adventure..

 And I was terrified! My biggest fear is driving on a desolate road by myself, with no one around. Scary! The funny thing was there were cars around me ahead of me... One by one they turned around and went the opposite direction. They were scared too I think because there was no signs at all. I had food water, my phone and medication ... So I initially thought I will be just fine. I can say that it was a pretty, but long ride. It landed me on Lake Mead Parkway by Lake Las Vegas , which was good. But what an adventure!

Race for the Cure 2014

Short and Sweet. Today we did the 5k for the Race for the Cure. We did in memory of our moms. It's. A great way to celebrate our Moms.. I have been walking a mile and a half a day, so I felt prepared. It has been a few years since I last participated. I feel great, even though I'm wiped! 😊

My last week at work :(

 After months of anticipating, it's finally here . In a few days I'll start a new chapter in my life. I've been so sick about the uncertainty of it all... I had a job application floating out there somewhere, but I haven't heard anything yet so I was making my final preparations. But a lot of time spent praying for guidance, and somehow I know I will be ok . It's called having and practicing faith. And it's hard to practice that when you basically feel shattered. But you know what? You pick it up piece by piece and take a deep breath and start over. Because you can and will do this! So here are a few pictures because I wanted some pictures with my friends :)

The last week it slowed done a whole lot! But they let me work after all.. I like to say because I'm a cheap. ;) Whatever . As long as I get paid ! This is part of my hallway.

This week even though it's sad...I got good news. I finally got the job!!!  :D

Truer words were never sung !

Private joke. Tell you about that in a bit. But this is my Susie's last night. She is retiring. I helped her get her CNA job in maternity when I needed to cut my hours back for nursing school . She's such a good person. I'll miss working with her- but we will keep in touch. Miss you Susie Q!

Our last Monday we had one patient.. So what do we do after our one patient is settled?

Sssh!! Where's our popcorn? ;)

Our time had finally come. My last day was Thursday morning. As sad as I was, I really didn't cry too much. Maybe because I'm looking forward of things to come. Here's my post from Facebook -

"Reflecting today. 75,000 babies born... Thousands of patients taken care of during my 15 yrs here. I wish we could pack up and work somewhere together, but that's not how it goes.  I can truly say that I will miss my Valley family. I grew from a CNA to an LPN with a lot of laughs and bumps along the way. Thank You for your example. You have shaped me into the nurse that I am today. We have shared joys and sorrows... and you will always hold a special place in my heart. Best Wishes! "

Last, but not least..

Our goodbye party at Millers Ale House ...So back to the private joke. During one of our nightshift after it was announced we were closing, we started talking about the cuts that would need to be made .. The luxuries from our lives. Lori couldn't afford tide.. Barb couldn't afford Charmin.. And I couldn't afford albacore tuna... Cause I'm a tuna snob, LOL. Kinda disappointed I didn't get tuna, LOL!

And then came Friday. This is for real now. Time to turn in the badge and pick up my last check 😔

Our first breakfast at Omlet House...Start of new traditions ☺️

I'm ending this on a happy note. I will for sure keep track of you. And it was a honor to work with you!! I'll miss my night crew... I even dedicated a song to you.. One we know very well, played at 2200. 0200. 0600. "It Michael!!" 

 Forever MJ!!! LOL I will always think of my night crew when I hear Billie Jean ;)

And.... Last but not least

I'm official now!! Woot-Woot!!