Close your eyes....one year later....wow.

I realize I have not "blogged" in a year. I'm sitting at work, here at Childrens, as an RN, and became overwhelmed with thankfulness. How wild is it that one year ago, give or take, I was an antsy nursing student-praying to graduate, pass boards, find a job in a tanking economy (thanksfornothingObama), and now...I'm taking care of children and leaving work daily feeling like I genuinely made a difference. God is good.

So, whats changed...I prefer bulleted formats, so here it goes.

1. I currently have two cats. Jeter had seperation anxiety once I got a job. I adopted a kitten, tornado survivor, Lola. She is also completely ridiculous.

2. I still run. Like a Kenyan. Doing my first marathon in April and almost dreading it. I have this overwhelming feeling that i may destroy my body.

3. My anemia that grates on my nerves, is FINALLY under control. Kinda. I get random iron treatments and take a ton of vitamins. So far, 2012 is going well.

4. I live alone- and love it. I am moving in with a few nurses soon and looking forward to saving a few $$ for a bit. But, living alone is so serene.

5. I've learned a lot about myself and people over this year. Good things and difficult lessons.

6. I genuinely believe I have some amazing girlfriends in my life. I thank God daily for these women.

7. I. Hate. Meatloaf.- Some chick at work insists on bringing it and I swear I gag as I type now and think about it. Sick.

8. I've decided to do travel nursing. I want to see the world before I settle down, become a wife and start a family. What better way then through helping others throught the country? I think its a fabulous idea.

9. Through taking care of children, I've seen God in ways that I never expected. He's healed many and I've watched several move on to live with Him in heaven. My faith was really tested through this. I've smiled as I took out IVs and filled out discharge paperwork and cried as I pushed Morphine and yet my patient finds no relief, cried as the parents cry due to lack of sleep and stress, and cry when they pass away. I find it impossible to leave my emotions at the door and go about my normal routine, I pray for my patients, especially since I'm here 7 days in a row.....I just become so attached. It's really the hardest thing.

10. I still love Derek Jeter. I was taken to a Tampa Bay and Yankees game in Tampa, thanks to a pretty fabulous boyfriend, stayed at a cush resort and watched my favorite athlete play the game I love to watch. One of my favorite moments in life.

11. I've realized a lot about Birmingham. I've become super annoyed with some of the crowds that insist on having fundraisers. Not for the fundraising, thats wonderful. However, when your motives are truly to raise money for...lets say children...you do it because you genuninely want to make a difference in a child's life right? Not for some here..they like to have their picture made and check in to that event on facebook, so everyone knows.."hey..that girl went to that fundraiser for kids.." whew hoo. Want to know how to make a difference? Clothing drives, educational opportunities for parents, carseat donations, volunteer at the hospital to spend time with them....you cant wear a tux or formal dress, no cocktails here and my favorite part...no photographers. You do it because you care. Not to be seen. Obviously, this is my current soapbox.

All in all, life is going well. I look forward to seeing what will happen in the days/months/year to come.