Post secret Sunday

"Sometimes I think that this is heaven and we just haven't realized it yet."

Sorry post secret, you're wrong. You put the wrong picture on that post. And yes, we already realize it's heaven.

Re:Post

Reposting for relevancy sake.

Things I love about my job

- wearing scrubs and keeping my "real life clothes" for more exciting social occasions

- rocking my kicks instead of uncomfortable dressy shoes

- seeing healthy children with acute illnesses

- having the support of my attendings and colleagues who love to teach

- working in a place where they believe in the power and knowledge of nurse practitioners

- being a part of an academic institution that encourages research

- getting everyone who walks in the door, whether wealthy or on medicaid, and being able to treat them regardless of socioeconomic status

- working with other people who love children and are light-hearted and fun

- the other NP's

- the schedule (after 8.5 hours, i get to go home and have a LIFE)

- the free food that comes with being a provider

- hearing thank you from distraught parents

- shaking my head at the ridiculous things that children do

In some ways I can begin to understand why people become workaholics. Because if you love your job this much, then being there seems like you're just hanging out with your friends.

P.S.

Post secret must know that when it rains it pours, and it's been a heavy week from multiple fronts.

I didn't write this one either:

On back: I hope you had the strength and courage to face your dreams.

Friends,

I promise I didn't write that. All of my eclectic weird possessions were acquired in legitimate ways... like from junk piles on the side of the road.

On living alone

I'm a big girl now. I get up for work by myself. I get ready and eat my breakfast at the kitchen table while reading whatever article or study section then head for work. When I get home I shower/change into clean clothes and make something to eat. It's a rarity that I make a fancy meal because, hey, it's just me and I'm not trying to impress me. I do whatever reading I need to get done then watch a bit of hulu or skype or chat with friends/family who I wish were closer. I climb into bed and turn off the light while the hum of my fan puts me to sleep.

I'm not a person who typically seeks solitude. Some people need that "alone time", but I have never really been one of those people. I'm not one of those people that talks to themselves to break the silence. I seek company, friendship, and sharing. So getting used to living alone has been an adjustment.

... But for now I think I'm doing a good job. In some ways I'm better at taking care of myself. I started flossing (which I have never done with any regularity) and feel like my dental hygiene is really exceptional. Haha! Sometimes I'll even paint my fingernails! I'm still running several times a week and eating well. I've got house projects that I'm working on and there is still a lot of studying to do every day.

And there are ways that I break up the silence. I have my old Carolina laptop set up in the kitchen to play music while I'm domesticating. I skype with my family and friends a couple of times a week. And since the grocery/drug store is only 1/4 mile from my house, I will only walk/bike to the store (which means I have to go more often but enjoy the trip a couple of times a week). I can get caught up in the trap of being stuck inside myself and I have to kick myself in the tail and push myself out the door. When I do I'm always pleasantly surprised at finding something new in the quaint little neighborhood that I live in (like a climbing partner at the local outdoor shop!).

I'm looking for any and all advice on how to stay well-rounded as a single girl in a new town living alone. When I look back on times of my life when I was alone, I reflect on those times as my strongest, most independent moments and realize the character growth that I underwent as a result of those challenges. I know that it may take upwards of a year to feel like I've got a place in this town and to feel like I really fit in, but I know it will come because I'm not the kind of girl who will sit back and watch the world pass her by... I'm a carpe diem kinda girl.

Post secret new year's resolutions

15. Start a new adventure.

16. Spend more time with my favorite people.

17. ...