Moments that change your life

There are moments in everyone's life that change the way you think, feel, behave and how you view the world.  I wouldn't be getting ready to start this new adventure if I hadn't been on vacation this past fall.  I am just a short 10 days away from hitting the road and I can honestly say that if I had not vacationed in Grand Cayman this past October, I might not be taking this chance in life.  I am posting a verse from a healing healthcare class I took several years ago, that was also a life changing moment.  I still have my starfish and I carry it with me most days...

HE STARFISH STORY

Once there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up. As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing? "The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean." "I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man. To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die." Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!" At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

Adapted from The Star Thrower
by Loren Eiseley 

6 weeks and counting

I have a little over 6 weeks before I hit the ground running to Portland.  I am starting to feel some major anxiety when I stop and think about all of the things I need to do before I leave.  As of yesterday, I have every piece of paperwork and test modules I needed to complete, turned in and signed off.  This is a huge relief, I have been running all around 3 counties for the past month getting medical records, drug tests, legal documents all turned in.  Now all of my attention can focus on my Christmas shopping, saying good bye to all of my loved ones and packing up my car.  I actually started a packing list. This is completely out of character for me, I am the type of girl who wakes up the morning of and throws a bunch of stuff in boxes or suitcases and hit the road.  I am actually putting a lot of thought into what I need to take because I don't want my mom to have to mail anything 2500+ miles.  My packing list includes the bare minimum when it comes to moving. Four plates and four bowls, a set of pots and pans and bake ware, four bath towels, four washcloths etc...where I am having the most difficult time ( and I know no one will be shocked by this) is deciding on clothes and shoes.  All these questions are going through my mind, what's the weather like, how many pairs of shoes do I need, which of what style shoes do I take, what color can I wear to work, do I take going out clothes, and casual clothes, should I just take every piece of clothing I own ( the answer to this is no, I am not hauling 20 baskets of clothes across the country or up and down stairs every time I move)!!!! I guess I will figure it all out closer to the time I leave, if not, I will fall back on my old stand by motto...Just go buy new ;-)...

My mom is, to put it nicely, less than thrilled that I am moving to Portland.  In order to ease some of her anxiety on me leaving I have asked her to drive out with me and then she will fly home.  Hopefully with her spending some time in Portland she will feel better about me moving there for 13 weeks.  This vacation for her has prompted me to do a lot of research on Portland.  Portland is the 3rd safest city in the Continental US, it has an amazing public transportation system, the median temp for winter is about 50 degrees and it hardly snows (of course I am trading snow for rain), and it has all of my necessary stores, MAC, target, trader joes, many many many microbreweries, and people keep telling me you can smoke pot out there too ( not that I know anything about this).  Everyone I talk to loves Portland, it wasn't my first choice but I glad that I am going and getting to spend time in the Pacific Northwest for a few weeks.  I have so much I want to do while I am out there, I hope I can fit it all in!!!

Hitting the ground running

I have decided to follow my dreams and my heart.  I am quitting my job, packing my car and heading west.  First stop...Portland Oregon.  I am starting travel nursing and have always wanted to go to the Pacific Northwest, Portland needed nurses and everything else just worked out.  I am nervous as hell and more excited than any kid on Christmas morning.  My last day at my current job in 1/2/13 and my first day at my new job is 1/14/13.  Each assignment is for 13 weeks, I figured I can do anything for 13 weeks!! So stayed tuned and see how my new adventure unfolds....