88.5 hrs.......

But who's counting???? Um.  ME!! :)  That's how long I have until I pick up Wayne from the airport.  To say I'm excited would be quite an understatement!

Well last night was my first night off of night shift since January.  And after only have 16 hrs of orientation I was on my own.  I was nervous, but am happy to report I had an AWESOME night.  The facility is sooooo nice.  Everyone there was very nice and SUPER helpful.  I had a great group of patients.  I got to take an actual lunch break and wasn't stressed at all.   Not once.  It was a laid back flow for the whole unit.  I asked a few people if this was the "usual" flow and the answer was "yeah, this is about normal".  I'm sure I'll pay for this blog at some point, but this was NOTHING compared to the chaos and busy level that I'm use to!  I can totally handle this.. if "this" is how it stays..... I'll be a happy gal!! :)

I found myself at one point last night thinking "wow.. I'm in MARYLAND????  When and how did this happen?"  And it caused me to reflect on the past year and a half or so.  Wow.  If anyone had told me I'd be where I am a couple years ago, I would have laughed my butt off.  Wow.  Life certainly takes control sometimes!  And I love this journey and adventure I have had.... and I'm so excited for the future and all that it holds!!!!

yahh...lyrics!!

Electronics...

GRRRRRR...... It has not been my weekend for electronics (but the Internet gods have cooperated, so I thank them for that!).

Sat night after my first full on the floor shift (will totally get to that in a minute...) I come home exhausted and a computer boot error..... this began the night.  I talked to computer friends..one had no clue..the other was puzzled, but was gonna look into it.  In the meantime (since I'm soo patient and all...) I called up Dell support.  Which means, I called India (literally).  Since my computer was old an out of warranty they told me that to speak with  technical support person it would cost $59.  I said "well, does that guarantee I can be using my computer tonight?"   "Oh yes man, absolutely!"  Well, it's not what I wanted to do, however for a "guarantee" fix, totally worth it.. right?   Well an hour later I was asked for billing information for the part to fix my computer...which is almost the price of a NEW freakin' computer.  So of course I'm not happy and ask about the $59 guarantee to fix my computer TONIGHT (emphasise on TONIGHT!).  They argue that the price doesn't cover to fix only to talk to a tech support person.  I throw a fit and demand that my recording be listened to (cause they tell you "this call is being recorded").  Long story short (or somewhat shortened) they reimburse my my money (which will take 30 days, but still).... and after discussing with my computer friend, I am now blogging from a new laptop.  SIGHHHH... I didn't need another expense right now and if I weren't so far from everyone, including my banks (which have NOOO branches here), I might delay longer.  However, we are a technology dependant world?  And to replace vs. fixing wasnt' a huge difference. Like $100?   And as I was explained, my computer was becoming like an old car... every week was starting to require money to be put into it for just MAINTENANCE.  So financially better off to replace than to continue to put money into a old computer that needed a lot of work.  I guess I got 5 yrs or longer outta the last one?? I guess that's not bad?? I dunno....   

So, in my efforts to search for the perfect facebook, email, banking, and blogging laptop (let's face it, that's all i do on here.....) I discovered my GPS holds a serious grudge.  I looked up "best buy" from a shopping center.  It said the closest was 21 miles away.  Ok. Well, it's Easter Sunday.  I'm totally alone, and a drive to a new place isn't sounding that bad.  So I drive.  Get there... closed.  In KY *nothing* closes for Easter.  Apparently here, more places do.  Including the best buy that is 21 miles away.  Oh well, was a nice drive and a nice view.  Plus it got me outta the hotel for a few hours.  Winning!  Once I get there, the GPS takes me really far out of the way not once, not twice, but THREE times to get to different places.  I was annoyed, but since I wasn't on a schedule I thought, eh...no big deal.... I get back to Hagerstown and go back to the shopping center I was at (just to explore and kill some time..) and as I'm driving in the shopping center...guess what I find?? Yup.  Best Buy.  Considering the closest one was 21 miles out, I was shocked.  It's amazing what they can build in 2 hrs time I guess?!?!!?  lol  This best buy was less than 0.5 miles from where I was when I looked it up on the GPS.  Ohhhh welll.. It all worked out, and I got to explore a new town close by!

Once I got back to town I hit Texas Roadhouse for dinner.  I've been here LESS than a week and my server already knows my order... 6oz sirloin rare with baked potato butter only, salad with ranch (to go).  Yeah, I'm now ordering Rare.  Well, in a nicer steakhouse, medium rare is perfect.  In chains, I guess they are scared of law suits or something, so they cook it a little more than your nicer places.  However, I don't remember a time that I ever got a steak that I requested to be cooked longer?  

Sooooooo.... after a nice break from the working world, I start back to night shift tomorrow night.  I'm so dreading it.  I've been able to get off of all sleeping meds and aids... now what?  I hope I can stay up all night and sleep tomorrow... we'll see... It's 10pm and I'm tired and ready for bed.  I need to be up for at LEAST 6 more hours, which just sounds painful right now.  At least when I had my own place I could pass time with laundry, cleaning, watching dvd's, etc......  Oh well.  Will just suck it up.

This is my first full week back to nursing.  After one full day on the floor I was hurting.. my back, legs, and shoulders.. wow.  I was happy to mentally be back to working, but physically my body gave me the good old one finger salute!  lol.  The new unit seems awesome though and I'm excited to be on my own tomorrow night!  And nervous..let's not forget THAT!

In 5 days... I will be picking up my love at the airport.  I am soo excited.  I can't wait.  I'm so ready to get on with our lives.  I wish things were easier, but being an adult means things aren't always easy.  I sure do love that man, and I love how much he loves me.  I still get butterflies.  My heart still races when I hear his voice.... even after all this time.  I cannot (and refuse) to imagine my life with anyone else.  I love him so much and cannot wait for the future.

Well I guess I'm off to try to enterain myself for several more hours... ughhh.  Love to you all....

Just sayin'.....

I am so blessed. I have the BEST friends a girl could ask for.   You know who you are and I love you.  Even several states, zip codes, and area codes away... it's like they are right here.  Thank god for FB, texts, unlimited calling plans, and emails.  Sometimes I become overwhelmed with my emotions because of the love my friends give me.  Tonight is just one of those nights.....

I love my friends.

And I love my love! :)

In THAT news.....

7 days........ it's almost time to start saying "this week" and asking directions to the airport.  How selfish is it if I don't let him go home?  I'm so excited and so nervous.  I am so scared he will face me and realize that I've simply hurt him too much to carry on.  But I hope I'm wrong.  And nothing will put my mind at ease until we are face to face and arm in arm.  I just want this week to pass and be at that airport.  Just think..one week from today!! I try to think "hey...look how quickly the last week went!"  One week ago I was with my friend Autumn who had dental work and needed a nurse for the night.  On one hand that seems like a day ago..on another, a year ago.. Sighhh.. I just want him here...

So.. I'm ending tonight on some lyrics (shocker!!)...  credit: Train.....

Well an airplane's faster than a Cadillac
And a whole lot smoother than a camel's back
But I don't care how you get to me
Just get to me
Parasail or first class mail
Get on the back of a Nightingale
Just get to me I don't care just get to me
Prokeds, mopeds take a limousine instead
They ain't cheap but they're easy to find
Get on the highway point yourself my way
Take a roller coaster that comes in sideways
Just get to me - yeah

Go on hitch a ride on the back
of a butterfly
There's no better way to fly
To get to me
I look around at what I got
And without you, it ain't a lot
But I got every, with you, everything

Maybe you could pollinate over the
Golden Gate
Take a left hand turn at the corner
Of Haight
And then a sharp right
At the first street light
And get yourself on a motor bike
And if you think you'll get stuck in a
traffic jam
That's fine, send yourself through a telephone line
It doesn't matter how you get to me
Just get to me

Cause after every day
The wind blows the night time my way
And I imagine that you are
Above me like a star
And you keep on glowing
And you keep on showing me the way
SHINE SHINE SHINE

And there is a link with lyrics, in case you don't know the song.. sometimes lyrics without music are boring and dont get the proper message across.....

Hellooooo Maryland!

The week started off with total chaos.  I got the job offer on Saturday for Maryland and accepted.  So Monday I started the to do list.  My recruiter previously said all the stuff could take a week or so to do.  I got it done all in one day.  Go me.  Why though?  Because the hospital wanted me to start Wed.  So I got everything done, packed up clothes and such.... which, thanks to the weather changing so much right now, I had to pack for spring/winter/summer conditions.  Suitcase is HEAVY!  I hit the road Tues morning, and got here to my home for the next 6 weeks in a suite at a hotel.  I got a call from my recruiter that the hospital orientation has been moved to MONDAY instead of Wed. My recruiter was gonna have the hospital cover my hotel expenses since this was their delay.  Surprise...they suddenly could get me in for orientation on Thursday (today).  What a whirlwind.  But, was glad to have the extra day off to relax.  Plus.....there is a MASSIVE outlet store 2 miles down the interstate.  Woot!  I walked about 1/4 of it and didn't even go in a fraction of the stores I walked past.  It was a gorgeous day too!  Plus Wed a.m. I was having trouble getting out of bed.  It is sooo big and comfy and the pillows rock.  I have accomplished the unthinkable.. I have discovered how to take up the ENTIRE king size bed???  lol.  I mean...sprawled out... 

I drove around yesterday and discovered some of this gorgeous town!! And within a 2 minute drive towards the country, discovered the Pennsylvania state line?!?!  Waahhhatt??  Totally didn't realize I was THAT close to the state line! lol.  I really enjoyed the day, was awesome.  I felt so.... free????  The town really is pretty though and I cannot wait until my partner in crime is here (like how I'm leading up to my news????) so I can let him drive and let me take pictures!! Even found a music studio downtown.  It's got some soon to be blooming trees outside, so I'm sure that in the next little bit that will make for some perfect pictures. Even found a road sign that read "look left.  look right.  then pull out".  Ok, yes I may be a little immature.  I'm totally ok with that... but I HAVE to have a picture of this road sign!! LOL!!!  That's total birth control EPIC FAIL! LOL!! :)

Today was my first day on my assignment.  The hospital and medical facility are HUGE!  It just opened in December.  It's state of the art and is simply beautiful.  Everyone for the most part was really nice.  I got my schedule and it rocks!  Hello every weekend off!! Perfect for current plans, and future plans that include exploring the Nation's capital with my love (like that..another hint...) and I'm sure some speedways (insert rolling eyes here??? lol).  What is it about cars going in circles that is sooo appealing?? Wayne and my dad have been driving me NUTS when I've been looking at assignments.... very quick to inform me what race tracks are nearby.  Nuts in a good way though.  Of course I'll never admit that... or did I just admit it anyways? 

And it's not just at the hospital where people seem nice.  Everywhere I've been.... shops, restaurants, the hotel I'm living in, etc, etc... everyone just seems... nice!  I was watching an episode of How I met your mother the other day... and there was a quote (which I am failing at finding the EXACT quote....so I will paraphrase....  "have you ever been somewhere you've never been before but feel like you are exactly where you are suppose to be?"   Granted, I am not saying I feel like my destiny is to live the rest of my life in Hagerstown, but I certainly do feel that I am here for a reason and that this is part of the plan for my life.  And considering how everything keeps falling into place, it makes me smile. 

I've done some soul searching and feel like more than ever I know what I want and need in my life.  And as part of that soul searching (for the first time ever in my blog...EVER... I am about to get religious...) I have began praying more often.  And 2 weeks ago in the middle of a prayer one night, I decided to turn everything to god.  I decided that I was simply not going to worry about my life (career, personal, love, etc) and I would simply put it all in his hands and allow him to lead and guide me to where I need to be.  Since then, I have not been stressed about certain things, and I haven't been worried.  I have more clarity about so many things that I never had before.  Next thing you know, I have a job, a new place to go, money from UK that came a month early (even though I was told it was IMPOSSIBLE for it to be approved before the end of May!), and a few other very personal things in my life.  And did I mention I am completely off ANYTHING to help me sleep???? No ambien.  No herbs.  Nothing.   Then, (and here's the secret news) today I got an email from my love that the things we've been trying to work on are gonna happen.  Wayne has been approved time off work and will be here in Maryland with me, and in my arms... in 8 days for three whole weeks together.   And wouldn't you know it, the flights were booked this morning, and this afternoon I got my schedule.  And guess what? The night that he lands they already had me off that night and the next night (which is a Fri night and Sat night).  We get to view the capital together, attend our first 7m3 concert as a couple, and attend a dear friends wedding as a couple.  All the things that the miles has robbed us of... we are taking back.  Hopefully he can get some things taken care of too job wise.....and hopefully the next time we part (IF I let him leave...) will be the last time ever. 

I'm so ready to start the forever part of...well..forever.

Things I *SWORE* I'd never say...

"Because I said so"

"you just know"

"you are grounded"

"you'll thank me in 10 years"

"It's called tough love"

This past week I was in charge of my 17 yr old niece.......so yeah, the above picture isn't quite as accurate to sum up my week.... more like this....

 Followed by.....

I always prided myself in being a good aunt, and love my niece dearly.  We've had a good relationship and were more like friends than anything else.  However heading into the week, I was afraid that she would try to use that to her advantage and "use" me for lack of a better word.  I won't go into the details of what happened, but my fears came true and it's been quite a stressful week.  So much so that the thought of getting my tubes tied seemed like a *fantastic* idea.  (of course, I say that with extreme sarcasm!  I do want kids!)  Very quickly into the week I found myself saying things that my mom had said to me.  Things that at the age of 17 (and knew everything already) I swore with a sarcastic roll of the eyes that I would NEVER say.  

I think it has a lot to do with the fact that she hasn't had to view me as an authority figure since she was... ehh... 10 maybe? I was always her "pal".  I figured today when we had a family meeting and I, "ratted" her out if you wanna call it that.. I prefer to think of it as an intervention for someone that I dearly love.....that she would swear off ever speaking to me again and inform me how I've ruined her life, that she hates me, and all the other mature stuff we say at the age of 17.  And if she was thinking that on the inside, she certainly didn't show it on the outside.  Even hugged me and told me she loved me at the end.  We spent the night watching tv in the family room... like a family for a change.  Was nice.  I hope it's not a front, I really do.  My dad even said that maybe with her calm reaction to the meeting that perhaps some things she's been doing were a cry for help?  I dunno.   Time will tell I guess.  She'll be 18 in 3 weeks.  I just want the best for her, so even if that means pissing her off I'm fine with that.  I know I have her best interest at heart so tough love is sometimes necessary.  And I feel that she will one day thank me... I hope..... 

It does feel like Parenting 101 though... I think boarding school from the ages of 13-25 is an awesome idea.  Perhaps I should start saving now??? lol.  

The week has been great, and is ending on an awesome note with even more good news that I received in the last couple of hours.  Yah!!  Everything is falling perfectly into place.  :)

Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend.  I will update soon!! :)  

And finally...

Hope Maryland is ready....

Cause I'm on my way!!  Got a travel nurse assignment and should be heading that direction next week!  Woot! So excited.  Monday I should find out all the minor things I need to take care of and should find out about my living arrangements this week.  Since it's a furnished apartment won't have to take much other than clothes and basics.  I'm excited!!  :)  The hospital is BRAND new (which is awesome!) and I am going to be getting new experiences that I'm really excited about as these are things that in addition to having my first travel assignment under my belt, will allow me to also open more doors to more and more opportunities!

Now that I know where I'm going, as soon as I find out when, should be able to start making arrangements for other stuff.  :)  Top secret happy stuff.  :)  Everything is lining itself up just beautifully.  

Also officially wishing someone special a very happy birthday!! :)   I love you baby.  :)

I have had a good week. No.  Awesome.  Got an upgrade to my stereo so I can play my ipod through it, got my computer fixed and it's now super fast!  Was able to access money from my 401K a month earlier than expected because I got to speak to someone who was actually nice and willing to help me out.  I have spent some time with lots of friends and am gonna see a couple more this evening.  I am so truly blessed.  A good family, great friends, a wonderful man I love, and now an amazing career opportunity.  God is good. 

I'm ending with a video to one of my current favorite songs!