Unexpected Happiness

So I’ve been in my new apartment for one full week and I love being on my own again. Aside from the freedom to come and go as I please, I like having a safe sanctuary. I’m still in the process of settling in but it’s feeling more like home as each day passes by. This is really a new and exciting start to something new. I’m beginning classes next week and I’ve made a change in the path that I’m traversing. Instead of nursing, I’m pursuing a MA to become a Physician Assistant. Raine’s father, who is a doctor, provided me with several pros and cons on Nursing School, PA School, and Medical School. Ultimately, I think PA School is a better fit and I’m taking the prerequisites. This summer semester I’m taking Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Biology as well as a hip hop dance class. It’s only 8 credits which I’m much happier with compared to the 11-credits I was intending on taking. In the fall semester, I’ll take Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology and another hip hop class. I think the routine and structure is really something I need to get back on track.

This weekend, I’m taking a few days off to see my favs in Breckinridge. It’s a reunion for many of my Semester at Sea friends and I’m really excited to kick off a wild and exhilarating vacation. The festivities begin Thursday night and don’t end until Monday evening. These gatherings are really what keep me going. I get so caught up in the daily grind that sometimes I wonder why I do it. These people bring me back to reality by gently reminding me how important it is to make a difference in the world. I’m particularly excited to see Jenn Cook and Steph Lyons because they live so far away but really have made a committed effort to keep in touch and remain a substantially significant part of my life. Of course, my crew from up north: Raine Fryberger, Annie Hallowell, and Jenna Abrams are other obvious individuals I’m always happy to spend time with.

I’m at a very content part of my life right now and I’m grateful to the people and experiences that have led me to this point. More importantly, I recognize the hardships I weathered to get here and hope that I’ve taken the valuable lessons to heart. We are the sum of our experiences and I pray that I continue to develop and blossom into the ME that I’m destined to be.

A Brighter Day

There’s nothing like opening your eyes and feeling the vibrant warmth of a fresh and sunny day. Last night I went out with friends from work and we celebrated Cinco de Mayo at Jose Muldoons and it was so great to vent and share in the frustrations of work. I really think it was long overdue! I was so angry and miserable when I woke up yesterday to my father demanding me to straighten up and reorganize my room for the estate photographer. I was so angry I left to take care of my daily affairs before work and didn’t even mention to him I was leaving. Today’s a much brighter day. Some quick updates…

I’ve been cleared by the police and DHS regarding my alleged child abuse. I’m back on my unit and working with my kiddos. In fact, I was shocked to return and see my little ones who are normally assaulting me, come up and give me hugs! They told me they missed me and that I shouldn’t “take vacations anymore.” It’s moments like that, that show me I’m making a difference in the lives of my kids. The investigation results indicated the alleged charges were unfounded. The police officer who spoke to me after speaking to the child thought he’d be humorous and asked if I’ve ever had felony charges against me. I replied that I hadn’t and I didn’t intend to. He laughed and said, good because I’m not facing any charges. He then told me next time I want to beat on a kid, make sure to do it in front of somebody. I really appreciate his attempts to lighten my mood. Yesterday, I asked for my HR record in order to review what my hospital filed and it lists the allegation, the findings, and notes that I was moved off the unit for My safety and for the safety of the hospital. It very clearly states that I was in no error.

This month is really looking up! My work schedule has changed and now I have every Tuesday and Thursday off at work so I can take my evening class. I start summer school at the end of this month and I’m taking a heavy 11-credit course load for working fulltime. I’m taking Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Nutrition, Psychology of Human Growth and Development, and a dance class. I’m moving into my single apartment May 11th and I really can’t wait to be out on my own again. I miss that sense of self-independence. The weekend of Memorial Day, I’m heading up to the mountains to see some of my favorite bunch of kids from voyage around the world. It sounds like there are gonna be shenanigans but it’ll be great to see everyone. I’ve also started a moderately intense fitness program. Strangely, I’ve got this idea that I really need to focus on my personal health if I expect to live a life worth living up through my 70s and 80s. I know what you’re thinking…maybe a little premature?? Something’s just different, I’ve got a bright outlook on the future and my mind is set more on the distant potential and opportunity.

It’s so nice to have something positive and bright to share compared to the recent negativity!
-Namaste