My Bumper Sticker

Your Bumper Sticker Should Be

What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?

What Bumper Sticker Should Be On Your Car?

1st leg complete

The first leg of my journey is complete. I am home (permanent residence) in the TC for less than a week. I fly out for Maryland on Saturday. Didn't go too bad, the packing part. Mom and I got it all packed up, Dad and Joel packed it all into the truck, then we drove home. Mom and I stayed later to get it all cleaned up. We were there about an hour past the guys. HOwever, they were towing so had to go way slower, and needed to stop a few times for gas/potty breaks. We couldn't leave until noon, because the office didn't open until then, so we were really about 3 hours behind them. But, managed to pull in to Jen/Joel's place about 10 mins after they got there. We tried to catch them and pass them on the road, but didn't make it. Oh well. It would have been hilarious.

So, this week is relax, and more relax. I have a few errands to run, but other than that...relax. Last night I fell asleep on the couch at about 5 or 6, then Mom woke me up at 8:45 to go to bed. I got up around 10 am this morning. I guess I will a bit tired. Of course Joel, U.Jeff, and I went out to La Centre, WA for some gambling. We got home around 2, then Dad likes to get things started early, so was ready to go at 7:45 am. Grrr. Oh well. I had never gambled before, and I didn't have anything left in my apt Sat. night, so I decided to go out with them. I am glad I did too. No, I didn't win. But still had some fun. I set myself a limit, because I don't exactly have any money to be wasting. But I still had fun. If I was rich, and good at it, I might enjoy it more.

Well, I am off to snag up my Grason, and run a few errands. Have a great day. I should be getting my apt info pretty soon, so I will know where I am gonna live soon. Yippee!

Here goes nothing...

Moving weekend is here. Mom, Dad, and Joel arrived tonight after work. Tomorrow morning we pick up the UHaul trailer, then Dad and Joel will go golfing while Mom and I pack everything else up. It shouldn't take too long. I did get some stuff started. Then, Joel and Dad will help us pack it into the trailer, send some stuff to the Goodwill, and then Sunday I leave.

I can't believe the day is here. My last day of work was today. They had a card signed by everyone and some cake and food yesterday. A few people got me a little something, that was so nice. It is so sad to be leaving, but I am so excited to go!

Well, I had better get something more packed tonight, so I can surprise Mom with a little bit more done. Even if it is only one more box. They went to the hotel for an early bedtime. That does sound nice....bed...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

This is a marathon, not a sprint!

So, I got all the stuff that I will taking with me packed away into my suitcases, and 1 box that I will ship via UPS. Sweet, however, the rest is a lot to do. I couldn't get to sleep last night until about 2 or 3, so I slept until 11 am this morning, oops.
That is fine. Today I have to head to Portland for some physicals and drug screens. Yeah! However, I put some stuff up on craigs list again yesterday, and today is just about the only day people can come get. Except Saturday/Sunday, I guess they can come then. But, I head back to work tomorrow and Friday for my last two days of work. Yippee.
So, I slept in, now I have a guy coming at 2 to get my coffee table, and possibly my small phone table. Thats a few more bucks in my pocket. :) Then I have to race over to downtown Portland to have a physical at some walk-in clinic. I may have to wait for a while she said to see the doctor. I hate physicals. Basically, the doctor is going to look at me, ask me a few questions, maybe listen to my heart/lungs, then sign off saying I am capable of doing the same work I have been doing. Silly job requirements.
Grr, well I had better get started packing since my mid-day will be interrupted. I did also want to drive to Corvalis to exchange a pair of shoes I got for Christmas ( I know I am lazy), but I don't see that happening anytime soon. Maybe if I get all my packing done, Mom and I can go on Saturday while Dad and Joel are golfing. That is a thought, but I have to get this done.
My title was wrong...I guess it is a sprint, so I had better get going faster now!

Ready, Set, Go!

I started packing today!!! Woohoo!

Undercover

I am undercover. I am supposed to be packing right now, but I can't bring myself to do it. I am getting a few things done here and there, but I just can't seem to get the bulk of it started.

Today I went to a CPR class, so I had to get up early. Therefore, I came home and took a nap. Well, you all know that when I take a nap, it is like 3-4 hours long. Today was no different. I don't know why, but I fall asleep, and I wake up about 4 hours later. Strange, I know.

So after my nap, I went and got me a pizza, and have just been watching some tv, doing odds and ends things. I need to get my laundry done, so I can start packing all my clothes up. I need to decide what to take, and what to pack. Grr. Moving is so hard. I feel like it is so far away, but yet I am moving back to the TC in ONE week. I know. ONE WEEK. Crazy. Then I am home for a week before I leave for good. I am not sure if I am in denial that it really is happening, or what.

It is crazy. I am going through all these emotions. Sad, anxious, excited, nervous, scared. All at once too, so it isn't like I can deal with each when they come, its all happening at once. I have gotten almost all the required paperwork in, all I need now is a physical, some lab work, and a drug test. I hope I pass! :)

Tonight, I will stay up late, since I slept this afternoon. I will get at least 3 loads of laundry DONE, and start packing my clothes into boxes. I have so much food in my cupboards, but yet I don't have any food. I don't have milk, or, ok I have no excuse. I just haven't been eating good at all. I have gained about 10 lbs, and I have vowed to start off in Maryland on the right foot. Start running again, and start eating healthier again. Of course, I won't have a car over there, so I will be walking a lot more.

Wow, this post has jumped all over. Welcome to my world!

Weather

So, because of the the weather, I ended up staying in the TC last night. I called about 2pm, and work had also heard many traffic horrors in the Gorge. I told them I was still here, and I wasn't gonna make it tomorrow. They took it well. I hated to do that, being that it is my last two weeks. I don't want to make it look like I am slacking. I want to give them everything I have in the last two weeks, and go away shining!!

Okay, I am waking up now. But seriously, I came home today, and the roads were much better. Some snow on the side of the road, but the road itself was bare/mostly dry. I did 70 the whole way, without problems.

I am home now, safe and sound. Thank you to all who helped make my birthday a wonderful day. You rock!!

I guess I can sit and relax tonight...yeah, maybe get some dishes/laundry done. Then next week, dive right into packing, yuck!

I think there is supposed to be (slightly) warmer weather here pretty soon. I could stand for some 40-50's that would be really nice. Who's with me?

Must go back

Must go back to work tomorrow. I like having days off, but I must go back. I work three days in a row. And while that doesn't seem like much to you 9-5'ers, it is. 3 days seems like forever when it first begins. I manage to make it through every time, but still seems like forever.
But then, after i work 3, I get at least another 2 off....which means packing time!! Yeah for me. I got my storage unti all situated while I was here, and got lots of boxes. Now all I have to do is decide what to pack away, and what to bring. Oh, and my parents got me an entire set of luggage for my birthday. How cool is that? So, now I may not have to bring boxes, or even ship them. Also, I checked, there is a Wal*Mart in Hagerstown, so I can go buy super cheap stuff, and I won't have to bring it with.
Things are looking good, and everything is getting taken care of. I guess I am really doing this. I heard from Charlie's new family. Seems he is adjusting well, and they will be keeping him. They even sent a couple pics over for me. It was hard, and I teared up, but I know he will be happy with them.
Well, guess I will wrap this up, need to go do something. Today I am just gonna veg. I am waiting for my new phone to arrive via FedEx today. I decided to switch to Verizon Wireless, so I got a new phone. I can't wait!!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to ME!
Yes, today is my birthday. As you notice, the countdown is complete. I will post a new one for next year. Tonight my fmaily/friends are coming over for some din-din and some yummy cake/ice cream. My sister's birthday is just a few days after mine, so we usually tend to celebrate them together.
Other than that, nothing too exciting going on here. Mostly just relaxing. I know that when I go back home, the stress begins of packing, and all that stuff. I have my travel itinerary completed. Bought my ticket, and sort. So, it is nice to just relax, and not have to worry.
Off to shower, and get ready to have some fun for my birthday!

Changes, so many changes

Charlie is gone now. He went to a nice couple. her name is Sky, and I don't know his name...oops, my bad.
They have decided to take him on a trial basis. They paid me, and took his things, and him. If in a few days, it doesn't work out, they will let me know, and I will take him back. They didn't seem to think there would be any issues. So, basically, Charlie is gone.

It is hard, and I cried, but I know it is for the best. I feel confident that he will be in a good home, and they adore him already.

Bye Charlie. I miss you already. I love you!!


Charlie.


This is the day I brought Charlie home. He was 2 months old. March 24, 2004


This is a visit last year, when Steve was taking care of him. I missed him so much, and it was so hard to see him every time. That is why I chose to give him away to someone I don't know. So I won't be tempted to get him back. I love him so much.


How adorable is this?? Who wouldn't love him?

I have a JOB!!

I had an interview today with Hagerstown, Maryland. It is a Day/night position in the PCU (Progressive Care Unit). I am very excited about it. I also have the possibility of floating to the ICU, if they need me.
I will be traveling with Access Nurses. I am pleased with my package, and look forward to visiting Maryland. I looked it up online. It is a small town of about 35,000 with lots of history. Sounds like a cool place to start. I can't believe this is actually occurring, but I am so excited for it to begin. Weird.
Well, I will send you all an email letting you know my new address when I get it. I probably won't know until about 5 days before I go where I will be living.
Charlie does not have a home yet, but someone will be coming over today. Hopefully. I will miss him so much!

Assignment

No assignment yet, but I have been submitted to lots of places. I think I will have an interview today from a place in Maryland. Apparently they wanted to call yesterday, but I was at work, and was unable to get away for 10 minutes. I hope that didn't make a difference in my chances with this facility. I am really excited to go, and I want to know I have someplace to start, soon. I will keep you all updated!!

Craigslist

I posted lots more stuff on Craig's list. I had a heyday actually. I decided to sell my couch/chair. I figure I will be getting new furniture anyhow, since Charlie has ruined all my current, so why store it when I can sell it, get some cash, and buy later.
I was honest, and let people know of the damages, and even posted pics. So people are aware of what they will be purchasing, if they decide to purchase. Worst case scenario...nothing gets sold. It didn't cost anything to post them.
I have had a few more people interested in Charlie. I am meeting with someone on Wednesday that is looking to add to their family. Her name is Sky. Oh, and yes Jeffery, when I decide to do things...I go for it and do it. Of course, I have been planning to do this for a while now, it is just that I made an official decision, and I went with it. I figure jump right in, and just do it. I am stressing majorly about everything. I don't want this stress to last for months, I want it to just be over with.
I am hoping for at least an interview this week.
I also posted some random other things like end tables, phone table, couple books, wallet, some random things that I think I can get some $$ for. I will see if I sell anything. Last year about this time, I posted lots of stuff and got about $250. So, it was fun. Good way for me to get rid of some things.
I have an old palm m515, I was thinking about selling, but i don't have the charger for it anymore, so it can't be turned on. I guess I will have to throw that out. I was thinking of posting it, and telling whoever wanted it to look for the charger, but then I figure if someone was selling the charger, they would probably be selling the palm too.
I am giving my apartment 30 day notice this week, and I will give my job 2 week notice this week or next. I have even spent most of today throwing away a TON of junk. I am such a packrat, and I don't even need this crap. Also, started packing away a few things, getting ready for the big move. Of course, my move will be complicated. I have to pack things that I will take with, and things that I will store. My mom has offered (after I asked of course) to come over a few days at the end of the month to help me pack/move.
I am gonna miss this place, but look forward to my new adventures!!

Charlie

Well, I posted Charlie to Craig's List to see if I would get any responses. I got one right away. She seems really cool. Her name is Heather. She has a 12 yo dog now, but grew up with dachshund's, so is looking at getting another. She lives on acreage, and has some kids for Charlie to play with. I emailed her to see if she would be interested in meeting, to see how she gets along with Charlie and what not. I mentioned in the ad, that I will give him away to a good home, at my discretion.
I need to know that he will be happy, and have fun, and be treated good. I don't want him to go to just any home, be left outside in the cold for all hours of the day/night, and maybe get fed once a week. I just can't handle the idea someone would do that to him, or any dog for that matter.
So, I talked with my recruiter today, she said it is highly likely that I will get a job and start by Feb 5th. So, I will put in notice at my apt tomorrow. 30 days notice, so I had better be gone by Feb 7th. If I start Feb 5th, I would move to my new home Feb 3. I am also planning to take one week off between quitting here and starting there. I think that will give me plenty of time to move, and see my family.

Travel

I think I am gonna do it. The consensus is... do it!!

So, I am.

I did lots of thinking yesterday, did my research, talked it over with my mom. Basically...nothing is keeping me here. I can get out of my lease, very easily (for a fee, but easy) and make major $$ doing it.

So, when my recruiter calls today, I am gonna tell him to find me a job. It can really fast, or it can take a few weeks, just depends. But since I am open to going wherever....I bet it will happen quickly.

Couple things though. If I do go far away, I will fly. I don't want to have to just have my car sitting here. While I pay for insurance and the payments. So, I am thinking of just selling it. I can get a rental car at whatever assignment I go to (included), so why do I need to pay for a car that will just sit. I can't fly it, and it would be so much of a better option to fly vs driving cross country.

Second dilemma. Charlie. He is, well, destructive. I am afraid if I take him, he may ruin a few things that do not belong to me, and it may prove to be more expensive taking him with. I will have to pay a pet dep each place I go. I won't have a doggie sitter like I have here, and I will feel guilty if I want to leave and explore my new city. So, my mom suggests I give him to a good home, where he will have kids that play with him, and a yard to run in. Besides, it would be crazy expensive to fly with him, and I have no clue how he would do with that.

I really hate the idea of giving Charlie away, but he is ruining things of mine, and he frustrates me so. I do love him, but I think someone else will be able to provide better for him. I am not sure if I am trying to convince you of my new idea, or me. Oh well, it is just something that has to happen. Besides when I gave him to Steve last time (last February), I missed him terribly at the beginning. I continued to miss him, but I eventually saw that it was good not having him around. Only thing is....this time I need to give him away permanently, so I can't get him back. I will always love him, and some day I will get another dog. Good thing is though, I feel better about giving him away this time, than I did last time.

Okay, moving on. I don't know where my first assignment will be, but I will keep you all posted. The recruiter guy was really cool. We had an hour or so conversation...some about traveling, some about personal stuff. I think he was flirting with me a little. Funny, he knows nothing about me. Oh well, it was fun. He lives down in San Diego (where the main office is located), so he kept trying to sell that area to me. A place that might cool. I could be very close to LA and maybe go star gazing...that would be fun.

About running. While I am at it, I might as well confess a few things. I haven't been running. I really want to go, everyday I have off, I plan to go. I just never get out there. I am not sure if it is the weather or my lack of motivation. Ever since the marathon, I haven't wanted to run long distances again. I want to train for another marathon, but then I still remember how much it hurts, and how much work it is. Of course, I remember that when I train, I have a ton of fun and I feel good too, but the pain overshadows the fun. Maybe I need to wait some time before I start training for another marathon...so I can forget what it feels like. I don't know. All I know is if I keep eating like I have been, and I keep not running....I will gain all that weight back. I lost 40 lbs total last year, and kept off 36 of them. I am very proud of that, and I plan to get another 25-30 off again this year.

I know what I need to do, I just NEED to do it! I need to get my mind back in major weight loss mode, and life changing mode. I need to exercise in one form or another on all my days off. I am not making this a New Years resolution, I really hate those. So, if I had to have a resolution, this year would be to stop complaining so much, and be more positive. I have failed so far this year, however, I am willing to keep trying until I get it right. So, starting now. I will be more positive, and stop complaining about things. Especially those I have no control over.

Okay, here goes.

Happy New Year 2007

Happy New Year to everyone. This year holds exciting things for me, I know it already! I have been talking about becoming a traveling nurse. I have been thinking a lot about it, and have talked to many people. Everyone I talk thinks that I should do it. They all say..." You are young, single....you should do it now, while you can!"

So...you ask, what is a traveling nurse? Well, a traveling nurse, is an RN who accepts 13 week contracts anywhere she wants to go. For instance, if I decide I want to go to Florida, I can call my agency up, tell them I want a job in Florida, they find it for me, and I go. The best part...they pay for transportation, provide a furnished apartment, pay for utilities, and pay me more than I make now.

So, what is the hold up? Well, I am currently in a lease with my apartment here until June 3. So, if I left before that, I would need to continue making rent payments, or speak with my leasing office, and see what my options are. It wouldn't be a big deal to keep sending rent checks, since I wouldn't be paying rent wherever I decided to go.

Where would I go first? I have no clue...except, my friend Mara, moved to California (just recently) and has mentioned it would be cool if I did an assignment near her. Which, I agree, would be totally cool. I could see cool sights, and be close to a friend to start with.

Where to go after that? I have no clue. I really want to go all over. I would love to see the East coast, maybe do some midwest assignment. Maybe Colorado. Any ideas? Another good motivating factor...they offer bonuses sometimes...so maybe I will go where the bonuses are.

Well, what do you (my blog readers) think?? Do you think this is a good fit for me? Do you think I should wait until May, or go in, say, March? If I wait till May/June, then I will have just about 2 years experience under my belt. Right now, I just have 1 1/2.

Let me know what you think, I really want your comments and constructive criticism. Let me know!!