Closing Time

The Roman philosopher Seneca says that every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end (the 90s rock band Semisonic also said this, but it sounds better coming from a philosopher, right?). Well my new beginning has officially begun with a bitersweet farewell to my first job as a nurse. Tonight, May 29, I worked my final shift on the A pod of the 6th floor Hematology/Oncology unit of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. I will sincerely miss my incredible coworkers, those brave little bald heads (my patients), and the pride I felt in saying that I worked for such a prestigious and honorable hospital. I will also miss Nashville. I’ll miss the southern hospitality, the constant abundance of music, the cool people, and the luxury of having the 24/7 Cafe Coco around the block for my every late night conversation or coffee need. Though it was a choice that I struggled with for quite a while, I know without a doubt that it is the right thing for me at this time in my life.

Many people have been suprised by my decision to leave a stable job, in an amazing hospital, in these economically “hard times” after putting in only one year (and trust me, I clearly see that it seems like a crazy thing to do). I fully realize that I’m taking a risk, that I’m gambling with my future and quite possibly setting myself up for instability or even failure. I’ve heard “what if” from every person that knows and cares for me, and I’ve even heard it from myself…but more importantly, I’ve also felt an incredible sense of relief and peace since I made this decision. That peaceful feeling reminds me that I’m on the right path, no matter how uncertain or insane it looks.

 I’m not just jumping without a parachute though. I may be crazy, but I’m not stupid. If you’re reading this, you probably know me, but you may or may not know that I kind of have a problem…In contrast to being outlandishly spontaneous, I’m also somewhat of a control “freak”…I’ve always been a planner, a list maker, a mildly obsessive compulsive organizer if you will. I may decide to throw caution to the wind and start a whole new life, but you better believe that I will have calculated every detail, considered any other options, measured all possible outcomes, and troubleshooted before I do it…Which is exactly what I have done, and here is the loose life itinerary that I have not so scientifically formulated:

Wait, wait, wait, I must first preface my plan with this: If I’ve learned anything in my life it’s that no matter what, I have to make sure that I’m happy. That may sound simple, but millions of people spend their whole lives trying to fulfill that simple statement with little success. So I need to be certain that even if every second isn’t wildly over the top with excitement or fun, that I’m making a conscious effort to do things and be around people that make me love life, laugh, and be…well…happy.

OK! So the plan…

In my effort to be around people that make me laugh, I’m heading to Maryville,TN this weekend, in the Smokey Mountains, to visit my sweet best friend from Texas, Brittany Hale. Her wonderful Grandma and Aunt live there and will be hosting me, Brittany, and Pepsi (my dog) for a few days. Following my little Smokey Mountain getaway I will return to Nashville to pack my things, say my goodbyes, and prepare my apartment for my summer subleters. Staying on the mountain theme, June 9-13 I will head to Denver, Colorado for a crazy Couchsurfing Camp Out with my friend Karie. I’ll definitely post a blog or two about my experience there, but as of now I’ll let you know that we have tentative plans to go white water rafting, hiking, and partake in lots of bonfire dancing and s’more making. When I arrive back in Nashville June 13, I will be hopping in my car and trekking it to my next mountain range; the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I’m sure you’re wondering what the heck I’m going to be doing in New Hampshire, and that’s a valid concern. June 15-August 17 I will be working as a camp nurse at an all girls camp called Camp Wicosuta. Again, I don’t really know what to expect, but I will be posting many blogs about my experiences there this summer. This is where the plan gets a bit more uncertain. September is up in the air, but in October I am visiting Cambodia for 10 days as a volunteer nurse with an amazing organization called Freedom’s Promise (www.freedomspromise.org).   Whew! It sounds much more intense when I write it down, but I’m ridiculously excited about it…every wild and uncertain moment…

In conclusion, my goal with this blog is to stay in touch. In touch with you, but also with myself. I hope that you feel more connected with me through this and will feel free to comment, ask questions, and give suggestions.Talk to you soon dear ones.

With Love and Sincerity,

Me.