Notes from me to you

Hello!!!

I've not updated in a while mostly because I am working nights more than I've ever done so in the past. This facility has me working 40hrs of nights a week. :-/ There is a reason 98% of acute care nurses do not work full time when giving patient care- it is exhausting. Meh... what are ya gonna do? Just appreciate the good things that come with this job....

Like being in new parts of the country!!! I haven't yet spent a great deal of time in downtown DC, but I plan to on my last few days here! This weekend, I'm going to take advantage of living close(-ish) to NY and sneak up to the city to pay a visit to my dearest Miss Gruber!!!! I've been to the city 3 or 4 times for short little trips and haven't really done the typical touristy things one normally does in NY, so that is our goal for the weekend.. tourist geeks! See the Statue, ride the Ferry, cross the Bridge, etc! On a side note, I must say that my heart was crushed when she told me that the infamous Central Perk coffee shop from my favorite sitcom, Friends, was not an actual place. I could've sworn someone told me it was, but then again that may have been the "Life Cafe" referenced in Rent. oh well ;)

Next weekend I'll be heading to Philly!! My cousin, Lindsey, recently moved from central Illinois to Philly to be with her boyfriend, so I hope to see her along with my past, dearest roommate from B'more, Sandy!!! Sandy took a position as an assistant basketball coach at a university there and to be closer to her girlfriend. I miss my Sandy and am very excited to see her and spend some time in the city of Philadelphia!!

Life is DC has been... fine. The location of the place I'm living is lovely. Our house is across the street from Rock Creek park which is a beautifully wooded area- a great place for trail running when there's time and energy! :) We often see deer running around the area and once spotted a fox. :)

Working at NIH has been quite interesting and challenging. I've enjoyed many things about it and as with any oncology setting, have met some fantastic people (patients) and some wonderful nurses. I've become friends with a lovely, quirky woman who has brought much joy and entertainment to my hours of work! She has traveled the world, having lived in Africa and Europe for half of her life, and is the president of the 2-CV car club (an old French version of the beetle). She is an amazing woman about whom a book should be written!! Her life has been filled with many adventures and its been fascinating to spend time with her!

In general, this assignment has been fine, but I will not be sad to leave it. Though I will be very bummed to be leaving the area only weeks after my dearest Jake moves here. :( We have been close friends since the days of Concordia and he and his girlfriend are moving here next week. Hopefully, we will get to spend a few days hanging out before I go...

I will also be very sad to bid an official farewell to Baltimore and the wonderful friends I've been blessed with whilst living there (and here.. I still go back quite often!). It has been a wonderful home for a year and these friends have become an important part of my life and heart... :( it will be a tearful departure, indeed.

That departure will begin on October 20/21st when I start my drive west. And yes! It is official.. I've a position at a small little hospital in Denver that is trying to expand its Oncology unit. I am still working on finding housing, via craigslist (say a prayer!!) but I am hopeful that all will fall into place. I am very excited to finally get the opportunity to live in Denver and there is a good possibility that my family will be coming out for Christmas!!

So... I guess that's the update. Please pray for a safe journey as I make my way out west- solo, this time!!!

much love to you all,
lkm