A Nurse's Snow Day

I'm guessing 99% of you have been enjoying tolerating these snow & ice days the past few weeks. (If you're in the lucky 1% that has sun & a beach, we are not friends right now. Actually, can we be best friends and I come visit you, stat? #Kthanks.) But unlike most of you, I don't get to enjoy said snow. Instead I'm offered a hospital bed before and after the bad weather days to lock me in the hospital forever ensure I'm able to work on my scheduled days. Luckily, this time around I was able to skip out on the slumber party with patients, but had to brave the cold each day instead.

These are a few of my thoughts as I'm going to work in the 5 degree temps lately. And yes, I know my 5 degrees is mild compared to my Northern friends. It's all the same once it's less than 30 though, right?

"Why do they make the nurses park so far from the hospital? It's torture." 
Sometimes I feel like they sit around and think, this parking garage is 10 miles away? Nurses can park there! It will surely improve nurse satisfaction. 

Okay maybe that's an exaggeration. But it certainly seems that way every where I've worked. 

"These shoes just might lead to my death." 

Danskos (aka ugly clogs that literally save my feet and back from falling apart after 12 hours) provide no traction in snow and ice. None. They can be pretty tricky to walk in on a regular basis. Tripping over the floor for no reason is a common occurrence. Add some ice and a mile walk into work- you're basically doomed. 

"Why didn't I buy a warmer jacket?"

Oh right, because I moved back to the south. It's supposed to be spring by now!

"Great, now I can't feel my legs. Or any other part of my body."

Scrubs are the least warm clothing in the history of ever. It's pretty much like walking around naked in the 'feels like -5 degree temps,' but at least I still have my dignity. Until I fall from said shoes above.  

"My eyes are watering and the tears are freezing. Now I can barely see."

This will really help the whole walking on ice bit.

"I feel like a turtle trying to hide in my jacket."

"When's the next flight out to somewhere warm?" 

Oh that's right, there are none because everything is shut down from the ice. Except the hospital of course. 

Any of my nurse friends agree with me here?? And for the record, I made it to and from work safely each day, dignity in tact. Now can it just be spring already?? I'm over the cold.

Let's Visit Nashville

A few weeks from now I'll have my first visitors in Nashville, starting with my hometown best friend, then my mom, sister, and aunt, and lastly my girls from college and work. I'm so looking forward to spending time with them and showing them around this fabulous city! I decided to make a bucket list of sorts so that we can hit all the best things about Nashville while they're here. Some of these places I've been to already (maybe more than once!) and others I'm waiting until they're here to experience.

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1. Grand Ole Opry
Whether you love country music or not, this is a must at some point when you're in Nashville. What started out at radio show has now become one of the most visited places in Tennessee. You can catch a show or just take a tour and learn about the history of the Opry.

2. Ryman Auditorium
This is another major historical site in Nashville. It's often called the "Mother Church of Country Music" and was also named the official birthplace of bluegrass music. The Ryman was home to the Grand Ole Opry for years until Opryland opened, but you can still catch Opry at the Ryman every year.

3. Downtown Nashville
I've mentioned before that downtown is filled to the brim with tourists, but that's exactly what we'll be when my friends and family are visiting so a fun filled night in downtown is definitely on the list. There are endless number of bars and restaurants that feature live music (mostly country) at most times of the day and night. I'm excited to pull out my boots and enjoy some two-stepping while they're here!

4. Bluebird Cafe
You might have heard of the Bluebird from the ABC show Nashville, but it's been around much longer than that. The Bluebird Cafe is a small listening room that features acoustic shows. You will most likely hear songwriters performing their own songs, and it isn't limited to just country. They also have open mic nights for anyone to perform. Many people are discovered at the Bluebird- Garth Brooks anyone??

5. Belle Meade Plantation
Belle Meade is a southern plantation with rich history dating back to the 1800s. It's had many different purposes over the years, including a thoroughbred breeding farm. Today it's a venue for tours and events, and has a winery. We'll go for the history and stay for the wine. Or go for the wine. Either way, it will be great!

6. Brunch and bowling at Pinewood Social
Yes, I've been here multiple times already. I think it's pretty safe to say that it is my favorite brunch spot so far. It's a one stop shop that has it's own coffee bar, dining space, bowling lanes, karaoke room, and an outdoor area with bocce ball and two pools! Not to mention the food is absolutely delicious! Who would have thought I would crave the fried broccoli from here? It's a fun atmosphere any time of the day!

7. Centennial Park
Centennial is located in the West End area. It's filled with walking trails, basketball & sand volleyball courts, and a small lake. It also is home to the Parthenon, a replica of the Parthenon is Athens, Greece, which serves as art museum. Hopefully the weather cooperates and we can enjoy some of these outdoor activities while they're here!

8. Brewery Tour
I haven't decided which one to introduce the girls to. I've been to Yazoo and Jackalope and both have great beers. There is also Blackstone, Fat Bottom, and Tennessee Brew Works that are on the list to try. I'm sure we can't go wrong with any choice we make!

I chose not to include any other restaurants (the list for that could go on for days) but don't you worry, there will be lots of good food happening.

What's on your list for Nashville? Anything you've done before and want to do? I'd love to hear!