I'm not feeling so hot. I think I came down with a bit of cold when I took a swig of a friend's cider. I was warned as three sick individuals had already sipped from the same rim. I boldly proclaimed that I was a nurse and we have rock solid immune systems. I was proven partially wrong as I have a persistent tickle in the back of my throat and my nose decides drip on occasion. It isn't bad, but I'd rather have no throat issues.
When I became aware of my bothersome throat upon waking I decided to visit my SIL's blog as she oft posts natural remedies and I have a night shift looming ahead of me that I want to be in tip top shape for it. I brewed me some Garlic Lemonade and I may have put in too much honey and lemon juice, but I am sipping just the same and praying that it is as soothing as Shawna promises. It is warming me up, if nothing else, and I appreciate that in and of itself.
Fall came quickly to these parts. It has been cold. And wet. And miserable. I don't mind it, but I am already contemplating turning the heat on in the house. I know it is only September, but it is currently 13 degrees in my house (55 degrees for those of you South of the border) and that is less than optimal.
I made this recipe for Roasted Butternut Baked Penne. All I can say is YUM. Erik and I both enjoyed it. I didn't even put in mascarpone or bacon and it was still delicious. And I put in a little extra milk because I don't like things too thick. Seriously though -- you should definitely try it. Yummy.
Speaking of milk. We have been drinking raw milk lately and it is delicious. Well, I don't drink milk, but I have cereal with milk and I use it in my chai tea and I bake with it and I love it.
I have a friend coming to visit on Monday! I have not seen her since my wedding day and I cannot wait!! She is out from Manitoba so I am now dreaming up fun things to do with her. I'm not even worried about the weather as I could use some time sitting on the couch, sipping on tea, and catching up. It will be so so nice to see her again. She just told me this morning that she is in the Lower Mainland -- she was hoping to surprise me, but realized it would be too difficult as she had no clue what my schedule was. As I said, I cannot wait!
Beyond that I have yet to unpack half of my house. Our living room is empty and the spare room is full of books and guitars... on the floor. One day I will be motivated to get those organized -- they are proving too overwhelming at present.
And that is that.
Friday, September 27, 2013
{this moment}
{this moment} - A
single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple,
special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and
remember.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
*** *** *** ***
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
quickly
My ride is coming to pick me up any second so this will be incredibly brief. I don't have much to write but I find my desire to return to these pages lessens as I neglect them more and more. And I love looking back at what I have written in the past so I am forcing myself to take three minutes to write something.
If I had copious amounts of money I would buy myself a blanket warmer. We have one at work and it is heaven sent at 03:00 when you are shivering and slightly disoriented. I love me a warm towel when I come out of the shower (I have been known to bribe Erik into getting one fresh out of the dryer for me on occasion) and yes, a dryer is wonderful, but a warmer constantly stocked with blankets -- that would be delightful! Warm blankets on demand. Yes, please!
I'm going to a conference tomorrow. Then heading to work after to finish my shift, but that's ok. There may be some educational opportunities for me in the near future... outgoing education, not incoming. It may involve traveling IH wide to help roll out a program we have been using for the last year or so. I am nervous, but a little bit excited. It will be an experience, that's for certain. I don't have much information on what is expected of me, but I'm hoping to get some soon.
I miss Mandi and her family. Lots.
Maelle and Elinor are coming for a sleepover next week!
I hate packing lunches. And we have been re-learning how to cook. We've been home for almost three months (yoinks!) and we are still learning. I was amazed at how much I forgot about daily life while we were away.
We have one car. Our places of employment are a seven minute walk apart which would be brilliant except we both do shift work -- I work 7-7 and Erik works 7-3 or 3-11 or 8-4. This means a lot of driving, some busing, and car pooling for me the few days I can. It is only a 15-20 minute drive to work, but I was spoiled when I lived a stones throw from the hospital so that seems like clear across town (it is, in fact, clear across town).
Gotta go.
If I had copious amounts of money I would buy myself a blanket warmer. We have one at work and it is heaven sent at 03:00 when you are shivering and slightly disoriented. I love me a warm towel when I come out of the shower (I have been known to bribe Erik into getting one fresh out of the dryer for me on occasion) and yes, a dryer is wonderful, but a warmer constantly stocked with blankets -- that would be delightful! Warm blankets on demand. Yes, please!
I'm going to a conference tomorrow. Then heading to work after to finish my shift, but that's ok. There may be some educational opportunities for me in the near future... outgoing education, not incoming. It may involve traveling IH wide to help roll out a program we have been using for the last year or so. I am nervous, but a little bit excited. It will be an experience, that's for certain. I don't have much information on what is expected of me, but I'm hoping to get some soon.
I miss Mandi and her family. Lots.
Maelle and Elinor are coming for a sleepover next week!
I hate packing lunches. And we have been re-learning how to cook. We've been home for almost three months (yoinks!) and we are still learning. I was amazed at how much I forgot about daily life while we were away.
We have one car. Our places of employment are a seven minute walk apart which would be brilliant except we both do shift work -- I work 7-7 and Erik works 7-3 or 3-11 or 8-4. This means a lot of driving, some busing, and car pooling for me the few days I can. It is only a 15-20 minute drive to work, but I was spoiled when I lived a stones throw from the hospital so that seems like clear across town (it is, in fact, clear across town).
Gotta go.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
celebrating our fifth anniversary.
Erik and I went on a mini vacation to celebrate our fifth anniversary. I can hardly believe it has been five years already, but it has and we spent a couple nights at Harrison Hot Springs to celebrate. We planned it a few days before we went -- a last minute deal easily convinced us.
The holiday was all-to-brief, but it was wonderful. We only had one full day in Harrison and we decided to go on a hike. We did was is unofficially known as the "Harrison Grind". It rained a wee bit but we spent most of our time in the forest. Apparently Erik didn't get the "I'm planning on doing a hike memo" so he only had jeans to hike in. We only hiked for 4.5 hours instead of doing the full thing, but we did the hardest part and got a lovely view from where we ended so it was well worth it.
We didn't do much aside from hiking. We slept. We lounged in the pools. We swam laps. We ate delicious food. We enjoyed being just the two of us again. It has been a while and after almost seven months of constant companionship I was really missing my husband.
Can I just say that I love buffet breakfasts? Like really really love them. I always eat way too much, but how can you not with unlimited bacon?? Yummmm.
The holiday was all-to-brief, but it was wonderful. We only had one full day in Harrison and we decided to go on a hike. We did was is unofficially known as the "Harrison Grind". It rained a wee bit but we spent most of our time in the forest. Apparently Erik didn't get the "I'm planning on doing a hike memo" so he only had jeans to hike in. We only hiked for 4.5 hours instead of doing the full thing, but we did the hardest part and got a lovely view from where we ended so it was well worth it.
We didn't do much aside from hiking. We slept. We lounged in the pools. We swam laps. We ate delicious food. We enjoyed being just the two of us again. It has been a while and after almost seven months of constant companionship I was really missing my husband.
Can I just say that I love buffet breakfasts? Like really really love them. I always eat way too much, but how can you not with unlimited bacon?? Yummmm.
Monday, September 16, 2013
fort st john.
My dear friend, Mandi, and her family moved to Fort St. John on September 1st.
It broke my heart to see them go.
Mandi is my person. She is my go-to... my support... my encourager... my buddy. She is the one that I spent most of my time with and I sorely miss her. I have thankfully been incredibly busy since her family moved away, but I spend much of my down time wishing they were around.
We threw a farewell party for them which would have been much more enjoyable if it was a yay-you're-staying-here party. It was still fun. Our entire church showed up along with much of Kevin and Mandi's families. It was lovely to celebrate their family and what they mean to all of us. And to remind them that they have all of us rooting for them and loving them.
I am hoping to go visit in December. Woohoo! Who doesn't want to go to Fort St. John for a holiday? It seems so very far away. And it is, but it will be here before I know it.
Mandi moved up north. So that happened.
It broke my heart to see them go.
Mandi is my person. She is my go-to... my support... my encourager... my buddy. She is the one that I spent most of my time with and I sorely miss her. I have thankfully been incredibly busy since her family moved away, but I spend much of my down time wishing they were around.
We threw a farewell party for them which would have been much more enjoyable if it was a yay-you're-staying-here party. It was still fun. Our entire church showed up along with much of Kevin and Mandi's families. It was lovely to celebrate their family and what they mean to all of us. And to remind them that they have all of us rooting for them and loving them.
I am hoping to go visit in December. Woohoo! Who doesn't want to go to Fort St. John for a holiday? It seems so very far away. And it is, but it will be here before I know it.
Mandi moved up north. So that happened.
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
quick photo update
August began with a birthday for these two -- I can't believe they are already one! I suppose missing half of their first year made it pass by much more quickly. We had brunch and a cake smash to celebrate Peyton and Avery's first birthday.
The day after their birthday we headed down to Western Washington to visit Erik's family and attend the wedding of a friend. Little Miss was the flower girl as her uncle was getting married. She was adorable (as always).
After the wedding Maelle joined us at my in-laws and camped in the backyard with us.
Erik's grandparents were in town so we got to spend some time visiting with them. I haven't seen them in a few years so it was nice to catch up again.
On the way home from Washington we stopped to visit an old friend and to meet a new friend... his new friend. We stayed longer than anticipated but it was fun to catch up with Joel and to get to know Brianna.
And that is about as much energy as I have post-night-shift.
Erik and I are heading to Harrison Hot Springs for a couple nights -- I cannot wait!! I feel as though we have hardly seen each other lately. The weather is supposed to be terrible, but we'll have a good time anyway.
The day after their birthday we headed down to Western Washington to visit Erik's family and attend the wedding of a friend. Little Miss was the flower girl as her uncle was getting married. She was adorable (as always).
After the wedding Maelle joined us at my in-laws and camped in the backyard with us.
Erik's grandparents were in town so we got to spend some time visiting with them. I haven't seen them in a few years so it was nice to catch up again.
On the way home from Washington we stopped to visit an old friend and to meet a new friend... his new friend. We stayed longer than anticipated but it was fun to catch up with Joel and to get to know Brianna.
And that is about as much energy as I have post-night-shift.
Erik and I are heading to Harrison Hot Springs for a couple nights -- I cannot wait!! I feel as though we have hardly seen each other lately. The weather is supposed to be terrible, but we'll have a good time anyway.
Monday, September 02, 2013
still here.
I wasn't planning on taking a month away from this space, but August proved to be an exceptionally busy month.
We moved into a new place on August 1st and I haven't spent an entire day home yet because we have been here, there and everywhere. I have many things to unpack and organize, but setting up the house has been on the back-burner all month.
I do plan on posting a proper update soon, but here's a list of a few things August entailed:
- moving.
- a first birthday.
- a wedding and a trip to Western Washington.
- a short visit with an old friend and a new friend.
- a few sleepovers at my house with some little people.
- rock climbing.
- a visit from my newest nephew and his parents.
- packing and cleaning a friend's house.
- a fifth anniversary.
- a pregnancy announcement or two (not mine).
- a farewell party.
- a trip to the fair.
- and a dear family moving to Fort St. John.
It has been an emotional month... I feel I haven't had two seconds to breathe. I have been trying to enjoy each moment and to be present with each individual I have spent time with.
I am still here. Still alive. And still planning on updating a bit more in a bit.
Enjoy your long weekend.
We moved into a new place on August 1st and I haven't spent an entire day home yet because we have been here, there and everywhere. I have many things to unpack and organize, but setting up the house has been on the back-burner all month.
I do plan on posting a proper update soon, but here's a list of a few things August entailed:
- moving.
- a first birthday.
- a wedding and a trip to Western Washington.
- a short visit with an old friend and a new friend.
- a few sleepovers at my house with some little people.
- rock climbing.
- a visit from my newest nephew and his parents.
- packing and cleaning a friend's house.
- a fifth anniversary.
- a pregnancy announcement or two (not mine).
- a farewell party.
- a trip to the fair.
- and a dear family moving to Fort St. John.
It has been an emotional month... I feel I haven't had two seconds to breathe. I have been trying to enjoy each moment and to be present with each individual I have spent time with.
I am still here. Still alive. And still planning on updating a bit more in a bit.
Enjoy your long weekend.
Friday, August 02, 2013
{this moment}
{this moment} - A
single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple,
special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and
remember.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
*** *** *** ***
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Colton.
We spent 16 hours visiting my brother, sister-in-law, and the newest member of their (and our) family. It was a last minute decision, but the 3.5 hour drive was well worth it.
I am a crier. I always have been and I suspect I always will be. I am most easily reduced to tears when I am feeling particularly happy, love-full, and/or proud. It came as no surprise that I met my nephew with salty discharge impairing my vision.
I was struck by how tiny Colton was as I approached him. His general size was really all I could make out due to lack of visibility, but it seemed shocking none-the-less. I was eventually able to make out the features of his tiny face -- he is cute! So very very sweet.
I snapped a few photos (who could resist) and enjoyed his perfect babyness. The way he smelled. His perfect little pouty lips. His tiny squeaks. And his post swaddle stretch. And his unbelievably soft skin. Mmmmmm, I love babies.
I am a crier. I always have been and I suspect I always will be. I am most easily reduced to tears when I am feeling particularly happy, love-full, and/or proud. It came as no surprise that I met my nephew with salty discharge impairing my vision.
I was struck by how tiny Colton was as I approached him. His general size was really all I could make out due to lack of visibility, but it seemed shocking none-the-less. I was eventually able to make out the features of his tiny face -- he is cute! So very very sweet.
I snapped a few photos (who could resist) and enjoyed his perfect babyness. The way he smelled. His perfect little pouty lips. His tiny squeaks. And his post swaddle stretch. And his unbelievably soft skin. Mmmmmm, I love babies.
Friday, July 26, 2013
{this moment}
{this moment} - A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
*** *** *** ***
Meeting the Mister.
Erik and I made a last minute trip to the coast to meet Colton Garrit -- our newest nephew. We will be away from Kelowna for less than 24 hours, but the trip has already been well worth it. I got off work at 07:00 yesterday so I haven't slept in over 36 hours, but these midnight cuddles make everything ok. Mama is off to bed while I settle the boy. We leave for home in six hours so I plan on savouring each moment with the fella. He is pretty perfect, this nephew of mine. I love him oh so much. Oh so very very much.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Scotch Creek
We went camping last weekend and it was absolutely wonderful! I forgot how much I enjoyed spending every moment outdoors.
We didn't bring a stove so we camped over the fire. I cannot remember the last time I did that -- if I ever have. Not every single meal, at least.
The trip was too short, but then it always is. I can't wait until we are real grown ups who take a week of holidays at a time... or two. Being at the bottom of the pecking order means I have time of at the beginning of November -- woohoo!
I'm not complaining that we don't have holidays (I am aware that we just returned from a very long trip) but I am excited for time to camp in our own country. And to do so at a leisurely pace rather than feeling as though we are always blitzing through the weekend.
Back to our actual weekend.
We ate yummy eats. Swam in the lake (everyone but myself). Did cartwheels in the park. Shared an entire tub of ice cream (or it would have melted!!). Sat by the fire. Talked. Laughed. And generally enjoyed each other's company. It was lovely. Just lovely.
Sawyer adores Erik. They are always being silly and giggling about something or other. It makes me a tiny bit jealous because I know I'm not nearly as fun as him. I can't compete though! The kiddies just love love love him!
Gus is always resourceful. Here he is using his teeth to support himself while he climbs onto the cooler. What a little Kade buddy.
The young'ns in the morning. They slept until 08:00, thankyouverymuch! It was awesome.
Cooking breakfast -- yummy breakfast wraps that Mandi made. They were delicious!
The boy. Passed right out. I even put that t-shirt on him without so much as a single stir. He was zonked. It felt so nice to snuggle with the little mister while he slept. I forgot how much I love the stinky, sweaty-ness of a toddler.
Just before passing out. Not a happy camper.
I love this guy. I really really do. He is a much better spouse than I am, but he is patient as I continue learning and growing. I can't believe I get him all to myself.
Sawyer came to play in the morning. Here the two buds are counting fingers.
It was a good weekend to be sure.
We didn't bring a stove so we camped over the fire. I cannot remember the last time I did that -- if I ever have. Not every single meal, at least.
The trip was too short, but then it always is. I can't wait until we are real grown ups who take a week of holidays at a time... or two. Being at the bottom of the pecking order means I have time of at the beginning of November -- woohoo!
I'm not complaining that we don't have holidays (I am aware that we just returned from a very long trip) but I am excited for time to camp in our own country. And to do so at a leisurely pace rather than feeling as though we are always blitzing through the weekend.
Back to our actual weekend.
We ate yummy eats. Swam in the lake (everyone but myself). Did cartwheels in the park. Shared an entire tub of ice cream (or it would have melted!!). Sat by the fire. Talked. Laughed. And generally enjoyed each other's company. It was lovely. Just lovely.
Sawyer adores Erik. They are always being silly and giggling about something or other. It makes me a tiny bit jealous because I know I'm not nearly as fun as him. I can't compete though! The kiddies just love love love him!
Gus is always resourceful. Here he is using his teeth to support himself while he climbs onto the cooler. What a little Kade buddy.
The young'ns in the morning. They slept until 08:00, thankyouverymuch! It was awesome.
Cooking breakfast -- yummy breakfast wraps that Mandi made. They were delicious!
The boy. Passed right out. I even put that t-shirt on him without so much as a single stir. He was zonked. It felt so nice to snuggle with the little mister while he slept. I forgot how much I love the stinky, sweaty-ness of a toddler.
Just before passing out. Not a happy camper.
I love this guy. I really really do. He is a much better spouse than I am, but he is patient as I continue learning and growing. I can't believe I get him all to myself.
Sawyer came to play in the morning. Here the two buds are counting fingers.
It was a good weekend to be sure.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Colton Garrit
Colton Garrit
Born July 21, 2013 at 21:56
Weight: 7lbs 14oz.
Height: 21 inches
Yes, there is another sweet little man in the Jansen clan.
Zachary and Heather welcomed Colton Garrit into the world just a few days ago.
Everyone is happy, healthy, and now home.
Colton Garrit, we cannot wait to meet you in nine days.
We love you something fierce!
Welcome to the world and into our hearts.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
rambling
Erik comes home today! I cannot wait. It has been far too long since I saw him last.
We are going camping this weekend, which I am incredibly excited for. I can't say I am looking forward to locating all our camping gear under my sister's house, but we can't really leave without it.
I baked yesterday in preparation for the weekend. It was the first time I have baked in over seven months. I made four different recipes -- blueberry muffins, banana muffins, boterkoek, and lemon loaf. I hope they turned out ok.
My set at work went... well it went. It wasn't nearly as bad as I anticipated, but there are many protocols that I have forgotten. I thankfully knew what I didn't know -- I knew that I didn't know it -- so I asked. I probably asked at least 100 questions. At least. Thankfully there were many ears to share the load so I wasn't continually bothering the same person.
It as nice to see the people at work. None of my colleagues are particularly good friends (it is difficult to get together outside of work) but there were many faces I was delighted to see. Many hugs were shared. Few stories were told (too busy with work). But I realized how much I care for and appreciate the girls I work with.
It felt good to be a part of something again.
I haven't taken a photo in a week. It feels strange to not lug my camera around. I constantly find myself wishing I had it on me, but it isn't convenient to carry around.
That's all.
We are going camping this weekend, which I am incredibly excited for. I can't say I am looking forward to locating all our camping gear under my sister's house, but we can't really leave without it.
I baked yesterday in preparation for the weekend. It was the first time I have baked in over seven months. I made four different recipes -- blueberry muffins, banana muffins, boterkoek, and lemon loaf. I hope they turned out ok.
My set at work went... well it went. It wasn't nearly as bad as I anticipated, but there are many protocols that I have forgotten. I thankfully knew what I didn't know -- I knew that I didn't know it -- so I asked. I probably asked at least 100 questions. At least. Thankfully there were many ears to share the load so I wasn't continually bothering the same person.
It as nice to see the people at work. None of my colleagues are particularly good friends (it is difficult to get together outside of work) but there were many faces I was delighted to see. Many hugs were shared. Few stories were told (too busy with work). But I realized how much I care for and appreciate the girls I work with.
It felt good to be a part of something again.
I haven't taken a photo in a week. It feels strange to not lug my camera around. I constantly find myself wishing I had it on me, but it isn't convenient to carry around.
That's all.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
be silent.
Be Silent.
Be still.
Alone, Empty
Before your God.
Say nothing, Ask nothing.
Let your God look upon you.
That is all.
He knows.
He understands.
He loves you with an enormous love.
He only wants to look upon you with His love.
Quiet.
Be still.
Let your God love you…
(author unknown)
Monday, July 15, 2013
Photo Recap.
Too much has happened since Erik and I parted ways at the beginning of June. Well not too much, but more than I have the desire to recount here. Instead of using words I am going to post a few photos to summarize a bit of what I have been up to. So here we go.
And I still have many photos on my camera to upload. My time home has been spent with family and friends and I have been perfectly busy.
Lynn was working the first week I was in Australia so I had plenty of time to walk and enjoy the nearby seaside. It was blissful.
Above is a photo of my favourite place in Port Stephens. We whale watched here and I grew incredibly fond of the area.
Train ride en route to Kuranda.
A cute Kangaroo.
We attended the Good Food and Wine Show in Sydney. Hello Chef Stone!
Of course, the Opera House.
Cuddles on my return home.
Miss Avery Sharlene. Such a sweet face.
Camping in Clearwater. We went for my nephew's baseball tournament.
And I still have many photos on my camera to upload. My time home has been spent with family and friends and I have been perfectly busy.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
I Survived!
I have officially survived my first day back at work. There were only a few minutes of terror in the middle-ish where I second guessed five things at once, but I made it!
It was nice to be welcomed back by some loved colleagues -- I thankfully knew most of the girls working today. I was given many hugs and all of my questions were answered no matter how silly they were.
It felt good to contribute to something again. To be a part of a team. To help someone else. To think critically. I won't say that I am particularly glad to be back -- I rather enjoy my life outside of work -- but I do enjoy aspects of my job.
Sleep was difficult to come by last night, but I felt ok when my alarm finally went off this morning. And the day went mostly smoothly. My partner today was exceptionally helpful, which I always appreciate (doesn't everyone??).
It was a good day and I am less anxious to return tomorrow night as the first day is usually the most intimidating.
It was nice to be welcomed back by some loved colleagues -- I thankfully knew most of the girls working today. I was given many hugs and all of my questions were answered no matter how silly they were.
It felt good to contribute to something again. To be a part of a team. To help someone else. To think critically. I won't say that I am particularly glad to be back -- I rather enjoy my life outside of work -- but I do enjoy aspects of my job.
Sleep was difficult to come by last night, but I felt ok when my alarm finally went off this morning. And the day went mostly smoothly. My partner today was exceptionally helpful, which I always appreciate (doesn't everyone??).
It was a good day and I am less anxious to return tomorrow night as the first day is usually the most intimidating.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
still in bed.
I am lying in bed still. I am desperately trying to savour this moment -- the one where I still have little responsibility for one day more.
I start work tomorrow. Eek! It is back to reality I feel as though nausea is barely being held at bay. I am so thankful that I had 12 days of peaceful bliss since returning. It was absolutely necessary -- ok, it may not have been necessary, but it was absolutely wonderful.
I have a long list of things to accomplish today most of which is preparation for tomorrow. I have been stressing about silly things like what to pack for lunch. It is funny how much you forget while you're away.
I dropped by work earlier this week just to ease my mind a bit. Seeing two names I recognized currently manning the floor did nothing to abate my fear. There has apparently been plenty of change since I last donned my uniform and a slew of nurses have both come and gone (mainly gone).
I am thankfully starting on a Sunday which means things are typically a bit slower as there are no elective surgeries performed. Praise the Lord for that little mercy.
The sunshine is beckoning me despite the comfort of my bed. Today is entirely beautiful and I am going to enjoy every moment of it.
I start work tomorrow. Eek! It is back to reality I feel as though nausea is barely being held at bay. I am so thankful that I had 12 days of peaceful bliss since returning. It was absolutely necessary -- ok, it may not have been necessary, but it was absolutely wonderful.
I have a long list of things to accomplish today most of which is preparation for tomorrow. I have been stressing about silly things like what to pack for lunch. It is funny how much you forget while you're away.
I dropped by work earlier this week just to ease my mind a bit. Seeing two names I recognized currently manning the floor did nothing to abate my fear. There has apparently been plenty of change since I last donned my uniform and a slew of nurses have both come and gone (mainly gone).
I am thankfully starting on a Sunday which means things are typically a bit slower as there are no elective surgeries performed. Praise the Lord for that little mercy.
The sunshine is beckoning me despite the comfort of my bed. Today is entirely beautiful and I am going to enjoy every moment of it.
Friday, July 12, 2013
being home.
I am snuggled in bed in the beautiful home of some even more beautiful friends. They are more than generous and are allowing me to stay with them for a while.
I feel overwhelmed at the thought of trying to catch up on this here blog. I think two months of my life will just be skipped as it is too much to try to recall the happenings. Maybe an update entirely of photos is in order.
I am home. It has been ten days and it feels as though I never left. The only strange thing about coming home was how natural it felt. It was uneventful (aside from reuniting with the people I know and love). Life just continued on while I was gone. I spent 200 days traveling the world, but my friends and family spent 200 days continuing their normal lives and I just melted right back in. It is both comforting and disconcerting.
I remember when Lindsey had her twins... I went to the grocery store the morning after meeting my beautiful nieces and picked up a few things. I distinctly remember watching everyone else going about their every day and felt an intense urge to loudly announce that my sister had just delivered two babies from her nether regions. The people I was watching looked bored and uninspired and I wanted them to know that a miracle had taken place. But that day was just another ordinary day for most people.
And it is similar being home. I got to experience all these incredible things, but they mean nothing to anyone else.
I locked my keys in the car the first time I drove to the grocery store and felt the need to announce that I hadn't driven in seven months because I was busy hiking in Colca Canyon, or seeing Machu Picchu, or strolling through the hills in Scotland, or riding a dirt bike to the equator, or eating larva, or snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, or visiting Angkor Wat. I had an excuse for being so silly -- I hadn't driven a car in seven months because I off gallivanting. I felt that it was important for people to know as I saw a few customers roll their eyes at me. I sheepishly had to ask to use a phone to call my Dad to come help me. Now that I have written this I'm not entirely sure how it ties in...
I'm not expecting people to be amazed at my trip or anything -- it isn't that at all -- but life went on while I was off on my adventure. And that is awesome.
It feels like a dream, our trip. I have looked through a few pictures of our travels and it is surreal to think of the miles we covered over the last seven months. I feel as though it should have more of an impact on my life. I feel as though it should have changed me. I should be more compassionate, more thoughtful, more thankful, more intentional, more educated, more empathetic, more generous, and more inspired. And maybe I am. Maybe I'm not. I guess we will have to wait and see.
I am tangenting off so far I have no idea where I am going with this thing.
I am curious to see the impact this last chapter in our lives has on us. I wonder if it has changed us and how. Was it just a vacation? What did we learn? How will we be inspired? How will it affect our daily life? Will it be an isolated event that we experienced with no lasting effects?
I cannot wait for Erik to come home from Alaska so we can sit with these questions and the many others that have been rolling around in our minds. I am interested to debrief with him and to see what we learned.
For now, it is nice to be home. It is comforting that life just went on for everyone else. It is easy to pick up where we left off. It's true, there is no place like home.
I feel overwhelmed at the thought of trying to catch up on this here blog. I think two months of my life will just be skipped as it is too much to try to recall the happenings. Maybe an update entirely of photos is in order.
I am home. It has been ten days and it feels as though I never left. The only strange thing about coming home was how natural it felt. It was uneventful (aside from reuniting with the people I know and love). Life just continued on while I was gone. I spent 200 days traveling the world, but my friends and family spent 200 days continuing their normal lives and I just melted right back in. It is both comforting and disconcerting.
I remember when Lindsey had her twins... I went to the grocery store the morning after meeting my beautiful nieces and picked up a few things. I distinctly remember watching everyone else going about their every day and felt an intense urge to loudly announce that my sister had just delivered two babies from her nether regions. The people I was watching looked bored and uninspired and I wanted them to know that a miracle had taken place. But that day was just another ordinary day for most people.
And it is similar being home. I got to experience all these incredible things, but they mean nothing to anyone else.
I locked my keys in the car the first time I drove to the grocery store and felt the need to announce that I hadn't driven in seven months because I was busy hiking in Colca Canyon, or seeing Machu Picchu, or strolling through the hills in Scotland, or riding a dirt bike to the equator, or eating larva, or snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, or visiting Angkor Wat. I had an excuse for being so silly -- I hadn't driven a car in seven months because I off gallivanting. I felt that it was important for people to know as I saw a few customers roll their eyes at me. I sheepishly had to ask to use a phone to call my Dad to come help me. Now that I have written this I'm not entirely sure how it ties in...
I'm not expecting people to be amazed at my trip or anything -- it isn't that at all -- but life went on while I was off on my adventure. And that is awesome.
It feels like a dream, our trip. I have looked through a few pictures of our travels and it is surreal to think of the miles we covered over the last seven months. I feel as though it should have more of an impact on my life. I feel as though it should have changed me. I should be more compassionate, more thoughtful, more thankful, more intentional, more educated, more empathetic, more generous, and more inspired. And maybe I am. Maybe I'm not. I guess we will have to wait and see.
I am tangenting off so far I have no idea where I am going with this thing.
I am curious to see the impact this last chapter in our lives has on us. I wonder if it has changed us and how. Was it just a vacation? What did we learn? How will we be inspired? How will it affect our daily life? Will it be an isolated event that we experienced with no lasting effects?
I cannot wait for Erik to come home from Alaska so we can sit with these questions and the many others that have been rolling around in our minds. I am interested to debrief with him and to see what we learned.
For now, it is nice to be home. It is comforting that life just went on for everyone else. It is easy to pick up where we left off. It's true, there is no place like home.
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