I've been a nurse now for about 7 months, and let me tell you, all the stories "they" tell you about your first year as a nurse seems to all make sense now. They were right. Huh. How did they know? How did they know that I would feel like a ball of stress every night after work? How did they know that some days my job could make me cry? How did they know that even though I have a "dream job" of working 3 days a week and scheduling myself, work would be so hard?
I started pondering the real meaning of working in the real world, just in the last week or so. And I've figured out that not only does working in the real world, along with having a so-called real world boyfriend, mean working on days that you really don't feel like it, but it also means keeping up with the rest of your life on the days that you don't work.
As many of you know, (or have read in previous blogs,) I am saving up to buy a semi-new car. My current "MicroMachine" doesn't have much life in it and is already showing some signs that I really need to put her out to pasture as soon as I get the chance (and the $.) Thus, I have putting away as much of my paycheck into savings as possible. Add in the monthly bills and loan repayments, my financial status is a little dwindled right now. To make a long story short, I was recently asked by a very close friend for a one-week loan so that he could pay his overdue car payment. After much investigation of the situation and a post-dated check in hand from this fella, I agreed. I agreed to give him money for a ONE TIME ONLY loan. I also agreed to never give money to him again. I also piped in that I don't feel comfortable giving any friend a loan. 'Nough said. But ever since this little stir, I have really been evaluating how hard life can be. Not just for me, but for many other out their like "him" who work 50-60 hours a week, hate their job, and can find no time or money to even look for something better. So I find myself thinking about what all life entails. And who teaches people these skills? Who teaches people how to go to work 5 days a week, (well, most people,) keep their living space livable by vacuuming, dusting, etc, wash their clothes, dishes and whatever else may need washed, buy and cook any sort of meal(s), have a significant other, and still have money to pay bills and have a life? And why do some people learn these skills with or without any teaching, and some people don't?
As a disclaimer, I must add that I may not be the perfect "life skills" representative, but I do know that I am surviving very comfortably and am lucky to have a family that will support me, if/when I'm in need. But not all of us have that, and that's what makes me ask such questions.
Well now that I've got my head in a blunder, I'll move on to a more positive note. To summarize the last month or so:
1. Had Lasik. I'm seeing wonderfully and am hardly having any dry eyes anymore!
2. Went skiing with the Koehn family; came back with LOTS of bumps and bruises.
3. Got back to work, although I took a day off this last Sunday due to a "may-ja" headache
4. Been couped up in the apartment the last couple days due to a steady rainstorm
5. Am already investigating my next vacation: San Diego, CA; New Orleans, LA; or Pensacola, FL. Any preferences out there?
6. Am pondering the idea of becoming a travel nurse within the Kansas City area. Only 5 months to til my first year of nursing is up!
To close, I will post a few Colorado ski trip photos. If you want to see more, you'll have to email me.
I think this my favorite pic of Alex and I. Ever. (And yes, he was my perfect angel that took care of me on the mountain. He even helped me up after my numerous falls!)
Alex and I rejuvenating over lunch. Well, maybe it was just me that needed rejuvenated. (Unfortunately, I was not aware that I still had goggles on my head.)
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Bags and Jana don't even look phased from all of our morning skiing. Probably because they were waiting for me the whole time! haha
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This is the exit to Granby/Winter Park. It takes you through Berthoud pass. This is where we go every summer. Looks a little different in the winter, eh?
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3 comments:
Um, that would be PARENTS with the primary responsibility, and the more-is-caught-than-taught theory. Although it would seem that some people are simply destined to learn from their mistakes. You think your job is hard now.
May I ask how much Lasik costs a person nowadays?
I don't know when your next vacation can be, but have you considered that next year Aunt Tiny is turning 100!!! You might consider a trip to San Diego ...
That was a mouthful. You're grow'n up little sugar booger. Life is odd, isn't it. Love the photos and glad you got to go on a fun vaca. Your beau sounds awesome.
Other vaca ideas???....hmmm. I could think of one you didn't add.
Email me more pics plz *hugs*
Ah, the realization that there are no shortcuts in life. Thank goodness for parents who made us work and realize that money does not grow on trees. Pity the 20 somethings who think they should start at the same standard of living their parents took 30 years to gain. Thanks for the reminder that spoiling our children does them no good whatsoever and that they will thank me later for not giving them every desire of their heart. (For sure not now.) You're doing great Emily! God uses every experience, every job, every co-worker, every boyfriend to teach use what He wants us to know. As long as you're listening to His voice and learning from Him, you'll be just fine!
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