The other day I referred to myself as a "bad blogger" because of my absence from this place lately. I had to correct myself. I'm not one of those bloggers that has posts planned out for months and posts something every day. I admire those of you who are able to get that done, it's just not me. I'm more of the write something when it comes to me, and if that's not happening lately this space might be a little quiet.
Sometimes I need to remind myself that the only expectations I have to live up to here are my own. Of course, I want y'all to enjoy this place too, but I'm not going to post fluff just to say I've blogged.
With all that being said, it's going to remain quiet around here for a bit longer. It's my last week in Texas so I'll be busy between packing and seeing family and friends, celebrating New Years and then moving to Nashville! Don't worry, I'll be back once I get settled in my new place.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and will have a safe & happy New Year! See you in 2015!
xoxo, April
Monday, December 29, 2014
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Photo Challenge- Week 2
Hi friends! I'm keeping it short and sweet today because I'm having to post from phone, which is such a pain!
Day 8// Furry Friends- Oliver in all his Christmas glory
Day 9// Red & Green- Hershey kisses are best in Christmas colors
Day 10// Sing- I'm in love with all Pentatonix songs, but especially the Christmas ones
Day 12// Friends- Celebrating a sweet friends graduation
Day 13// Joy- Cupcakes always bring joy
Day 14// Nutcracker- If you look closely, there is a nutcracker right behind my mom. We went to watch The Nutcracker ballet but cameras weren't allowed inside and apparently I'm a bad blogger and didn't get any other pictures!
Hope you all had a great weekend!
Xoxo- April
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Next Stop...
Now that I'm done with my nursing assignment in Albany, I'm sure you're dying to know where I'll be next. If you aren't, just flatter me for a second, okay? Thanks!
Well I'm so excited to announce that I'll be heading to...
NASHVILLE!
Starting in January, I'll be moving to Nashville for (at least) three months again. I'll be working at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Vandy is a wonderful hospital; I know working there will be such a great opportunity but I'm a little nervous about it too! Also, they have a transplant unit which I could potentially work on, and that just makes my heart so happy!
On the drive back from New York last weekend, my mom and I stopped in Nashville for the day. We found a place for me to live thankfully! Apartment searching is beyond stressful to me and that is such a weight lifted of my shoulders. We explored downtown a bit and I can't wait to be there for more exciting adventures!
Any Nashville bloggers out there? I'd love any and all advice on living in Music City!
Xoxo- April
Monday, December 8, 2014
Oh, Christmas Tree! + photo challenge update
I'm back in Texas! My mom and I spent all weekend driving from New York to Texas. I don't understand how driving and sitting in a car can be so exhausting?! But it is so nice to be home with my family and my furbaby!
I made my mom promise that she wouldn't put up our Christmas tree until I was home! It's been a tradition for as long as I can remember that we go pick out a tree from the tree farm and decorate it together and I was not going to miss out on that this year! We wasted no time yesterday on continuing this tradition. (After we had tex-mex for lunch, of course.)
Warning// picture overload ahead.
I made my mom promise that she wouldn't put up our Christmas tree until I was home! It's been a tradition for as long as I can remember that we go pick out a tree from the tree farm and decorate it together and I was not going to miss out on that this year! We wasted no time yesterday on continuing this tradition. (After we had tex-mex for lunch, of course.)
Warning// picture overload ahead.
Hay ride trip out to the trees.
This tree farm had some of the most perfect Christmas trees! I just loved the shapes and how full the trees were. (Is that weird?)
We found our perfect little 7 foot tree!
And then got to saw it down ourselves!
My precious Momma
After cutting down our tree, we enjoyed some hot chocolate and smores by the fire!
I love Christmas traditions with the family and I'm so thankful to be home with them during this time of year!
Now for the December to Remember photo challenge update!
Day 1- In your cup// A little wine in this cute Christmas wine glass.
Day 2- Snow// My first ever snow angel.
Day 3- Cheer// My kind of "Holiday Cheer"
Day 4- Cozy// To you these probably just look like (really) old slippers. To me they are amazing.
Day 5- Santa hat// I must admit I wasn't able to get a new santa hat picture, so here's Oliver Santa.
Day 6- Wreath// There is something amazing about this simple, fresh fir wreath.
Day 7- Oh Christmas Tree// Our candy cane tree.
I hope y'all are enjoying the Christmas season as much as I am!
xoxo- April
Friday, December 5, 2014
Hugs and Tears
It's a very likely possibility that I'm crying right now as you read this. And as I wrote this.
Let me explain.
Today is the day that I'm leaving New York and heading back to Texas. I knew when I made the trip up in August that it was likely this would only be temporary, for three months to be exact. My travel nursing assignment has come and gone and now I must move on to the next one.
I'm sad for multiple reasons. I have absolutely loved living in the Northeast and experiencing so many new things. Sure, my southern roots have given me away more often then not, but I like to think I adapted pretty well to life here, and enjoyed myself in the process. (Even the snow!) I also really came to enjoy the hospital I worked at, and made some good friends in the process. Saying goodbyes are never easy, even when you've only known someone for three short months.
But the hardest part, without a doubt, is leaving Casey and Joe. I have been so fortunate to have been able to live with them during my stay here. They have both made me feel so at home from day one. We've been a little family of three and it's been wonderful! I can't thank them enough!
Joe is like the big brother I've never had! He's so thoughtful and always sure to include me; I've never felt like the third wheel with the married couple. Also, he's a great cook! Who knew?? And the chocolate pie he makes is definitely in my top 5 favorite desserts! YUM!
I don't even know where to begin when it comes to how much I'm going to miss Casey! This girl came into my life by chance almost eight years ago, and we've been nearly inseparable ever since. We've endured lots together and grown to be (in my opinion) some pretty incredible ladies. I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without Casey. I admire my best friend for her faith, her strength, her patience, her creativity, and her kind heart. She inspires me to be the best version of myself and I look up to her in so many ways.
Today feels like Christmas break freshman year all over again. Neither of us wanted to leave each other for even a month. There were lots of hugs and tears, just like today. But we can be miles apart and I know that our friendship will never change. I'm so lucky to have you as my best friend and forever roommate, Casey Lynn. xoxo.
Let me explain.
Today is the day that I'm leaving New York and heading back to Texas. I knew when I made the trip up in August that it was likely this would only be temporary, for three months to be exact. My travel nursing assignment has come and gone and now I must move on to the next one.
I'm sad for multiple reasons. I have absolutely loved living in the Northeast and experiencing so many new things. Sure, my southern roots have given me away more often then not, but I like to think I adapted pretty well to life here, and enjoyed myself in the process. (Even the snow!) I also really came to enjoy the hospital I worked at, and made some good friends in the process. Saying goodbyes are never easy, even when you've only known someone for three short months.
But the hardest part, without a doubt, is leaving Casey and Joe. I have been so fortunate to have been able to live with them during my stay here. They have both made me feel so at home from day one. We've been a little family of three and it's been wonderful! I can't thank them enough!
Joe is like the big brother I've never had! He's so thoughtful and always sure to include me; I've never felt like the third wheel with the married couple. Also, he's a great cook! Who knew?? And the chocolate pie he makes is definitely in my top 5 favorite desserts! YUM!
I don't even know where to begin when it comes to how much I'm going to miss Casey! This girl came into my life by chance almost eight years ago, and we've been nearly inseparable ever since. We've endured lots together and grown to be (in my opinion) some pretty incredible ladies. I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without Casey. I admire my best friend for her faith, her strength, her patience, her creativity, and her kind heart. She inspires me to be the best version of myself and I look up to her in so many ways.
circa 2010
We've been getting into mischief since 2007, like storage-box-lid-sledding-at-2-am. It's a real thing, I promise. The last three months may have been less mischievous (cause we're too old for that now), but definitely adventurous. I couldn't imagine exploring the northeast without Casey by my side!
Today feels like Christmas break freshman year all over again. Neither of us wanted to leave each other for even a month. There were lots of hugs and tears, just like today. But we can be miles apart and I know that our friendship will never change. I'm so lucky to have you as my best friend and forever roommate, Casey Lynn. xoxo.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
A Grateful Heart
Some days I love my job. Some days, well, I don't love my job so much.
Don't get me wrong, I do love being a nurse and caring for people. It's definitely not something just anyone can do, and I know I'm doing it for a reason, but that reason tends to slip my mind from time to time.
Unfortunately, so much of being a nurse these days isn't based on actually caring for a person, but more so on patient satisfaction surveys and if insurance will pay for this or that. Some days are full of sucking up to a patient so they'll say you did a good job, instead of putting a foot down and doing what is probably better for them. But that is a soapbox I won't be stepping on today.
Some days are definitely tougher than others. And some patients aren't so easy to handle either. I might have that grumpy old man that can't be pleased no matter what you do for him. Or sometimes even worse, the family that is never satisfied. Those can be long and difficult days where I leave mentally and emotionally exhausted.
And then sometimes, I get that sweet reminder of why I'm a nurse.
I can't go into details (hipaa and all), but last week I was lucky to get that reminder again. I got to take care of a lady that just could not be sweeter if she tried. Even in her circumstances, she stayed optimistic and upbeat. It was extremely refreshing to be in her presence. We chatted and got to know each other over the two days. I told her of my moves from and back to Texas. She told me about her family. She even offered to call her brother and let me follow his snow plow back to Albany since I've never really driven in snow. (Who said New Yorkers weren't nice?! Pshh.)
The moment that really struck me was on Thanksgiving as I was leaving for the evening. She gave me a huge hug, and said "sometimes people only come into your life for a short amount of time, but make such an impact on your life." Wow. It really is moments like this that really sum up what I love about being a nurse. Sometimes all it takes is one sentence. I know I'll never see my sweet lady again, but I'll definitely never forget her and that comment.
Those sweet patients that nurses get to take care of may be medically busy with lots of medications, therapies, tests, and procedures but at the end of the day, we mostly remember being appreciated for the care we've given. A simple thank you goes a long way and really just might be what that nurse is needing. And I'm grateful for the days I get those sweet patients that touch my heart more than they know.
Xoxo- April
Don't get me wrong, I do love being a nurse and caring for people. It's definitely not something just anyone can do, and I know I'm doing it for a reason, but that reason tends to slip my mind from time to time.
Unfortunately, so much of being a nurse these days isn't based on actually caring for a person, but more so on patient satisfaction surveys and if insurance will pay for this or that. Some days are full of sucking up to a patient so they'll say you did a good job, instead of putting a foot down and doing what is probably better for them. But that is a soapbox I won't be stepping on today.
Some days are definitely tougher than others. And some patients aren't so easy to handle either. I might have that grumpy old man that can't be pleased no matter what you do for him. Or sometimes even worse, the family that is never satisfied. Those can be long and difficult days where I leave mentally and emotionally exhausted.
And then sometimes, I get that sweet reminder of why I'm a nurse.
I can't go into details (hipaa and all), but last week I was lucky to get that reminder again. I got to take care of a lady that just could not be sweeter if she tried. Even in her circumstances, she stayed optimistic and upbeat. It was extremely refreshing to be in her presence. We chatted and got to know each other over the two days. I told her of my moves from and back to Texas. She told me about her family. She even offered to call her brother and let me follow his snow plow back to Albany since I've never really driven in snow. (Who said New Yorkers weren't nice?! Pshh.)
The moment that really struck me was on Thanksgiving as I was leaving for the evening. She gave me a huge hug, and said "sometimes people only come into your life for a short amount of time, but make such an impact on your life." Wow. It really is moments like this that really sum up what I love about being a nurse. Sometimes all it takes is one sentence. I know I'll never see my sweet lady again, but I'll definitely never forget her and that comment.
Those sweet patients that nurses get to take care of may be medically busy with lots of medications, therapies, tests, and procedures but at the end of the day, we mostly remember being appreciated for the care we've given. A simple thank you goes a long way and really just might be what that nurse is needing. And I'm grateful for the days I get those sweet patients that touch my heart more than they know.
Xoxo- April
I'm linking up with Ember Grey for A Grateful Hart!
Monday, December 1, 2014
Make it a December to Remember
Wow, where did November go?? I feel like it just started yesterday and now it's December already! Oh well, that just means it's time for more goal setting.. and Christmastime!
November recap: let's just say I did not do so hot this month.
//Stick to a routine for devotionals: I hate to admit that I'm still slacking.
//Do yoga/barre two times a week: I did yoga a couple times... for the whole month. I'm telling you it just went by way too fast!
//Try three new recipes: This one I actually accomplished! I made 21 day fix meatloaf, chicken parmesan, and two of my momma's recipes- broccoli rice casserole and yummy corn!
//Start learning to crochet: I started this, but I wouldn't call it success. At all.
December goals:
//Pay it forward: I've never done this before, but I'm going to this month.
//Read The Giver and The Hunger Games series again: I recently watched The Giver which was an amazing movie! I haven't read the book since middle school I think but I remember loving it even back then. Also, Casey, Joe and I went to see the new Mockingjay movie- so good! But I can't remember most of the book and I need to know what happens, now!!
//Complete a December photo challenge: I found some photo challenges I liked, and then tweaked them to make my own. I don't plan on putting them on social media daily, but instead doing a weekly update every Monday here on the blog. I'd love for you to join me!
//Do the SheReadsTruth advent study, "O come, let us adore Him": I love the SheReadsTruth devotionals and know that this one will really remind me daily of the reason we celebrate Christmas. I can't wait to dive in deeper this month! Head over to SheReadsTruth to read the amazing devotionals!
//Most importantly, spend quality time with family and friends: I'll only be in Texas for a month so I plan on using every bit of my time to see family and friends. I know that will mean lots of traveling around Texas but I'm ready for it!
Do you have any goals for December? I'd love to hear about them!
Xoxo, April
November recap: let's just say I did not do so hot this month.
//Stick to a routine for devotionals: I hate to admit that I'm still slacking.
//Do yoga/barre two times a week: I did yoga a couple times... for the whole month. I'm telling you it just went by way too fast!
//
//Start learning to crochet: I started this, but I wouldn't call it success. At all.
//Start Christmas shopping: Okay I have an excuse for this- I already can't fit everything in my car for the trip back to Texas so I couldn't add anything else! But Abby started buying some gifts and we always go in together on things so does that count?
December goals:
//Pay it forward: I've never done this before, but I'm going to this month.
//Read The Giver and The Hunger Games series again: I recently watched The Giver which was an amazing movie! I haven't read the book since middle school I think but I remember loving it even back then. Also, Casey, Joe and I went to see the new Mockingjay movie- so good! But I can't remember most of the book and I need to know what happens, now!!
//Complete a December photo challenge: I found some photo challenges I liked, and then tweaked them to make my own. I don't plan on putting them on social media daily, but instead doing a weekly update every Monday here on the blog. I'd love for you to join me!
//Most importantly, spend quality time with family and friends: I'll only be in Texas for a month so I plan on using every bit of my time to see family and friends. I know that will mean lots of traveling around Texas but I'm ready for it!
Do you have any goals for December? I'd love to hear about them!
Xoxo, April
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)