1) I am now a Pilates addict (“Cat style,” that is.  She is a super cool instructor with a sleeve tat I completely envy and a way of making me sore for days).  I like it so much I kind of feel like my passion for running has wained…just a little.

2) Pandora radio — Try “A Fine Frenzy” Radio.

3) I am now part of the night crew at Baylor where I work as a now INDEPENDENT nurse which can be quite frightening at times.  Although I think I’m doing a pretty darn good job! 

4) I’ve acquired a list of nicknames a work.  The most popular: “Blonde.”  Yes, the Alaska story got out as well as a few other shining blonde moments while at work.

5) I’ve learned that my job is WAY more emotional than I expected — It’s more than seeing critical patients and how it affects their loved ones…it’s the sadness that comes from seeing the pain that we induce as medical professionals to prolong a life that is so visibly suffering.  Also, something I never expected, is the frustration, almost indifference,  I have towards patients who are in our unit as a direct result the choices that they’ve made and their refusal to make lifestyle changes that would have otherwise made a HUGE impact on their health…NOT TO MENTION the fact something happens to patients at night that makes them crazy- I’ve already been kicked and pee-d on.  Thank God for ativan. 

6) Along with work comes a PAYCHECK!  Despite budget frustrations and the responsibility of bills, I love having a little money to set aside each month to buy something fun.  I really think I am finally identifying my very own style and I love it!  I love anthopologie-like finds…trendy, comfortable, and casual.  Here is a fun find I bought today at a craft fair at a local church…

www.whitehousedesign.net

p.s that’s not silky underwear hanging from my bedpost…it’s an eye mask to block out the light!

7…) How about TCU football (ranked 4th!!)…my roommates whom I adore…fall weather…

I am once again in awe of the Lord’s faithfulness and really am so happy to be where I am!  Thanks for reading,

Leslie

Work has begun and it is very bitter sweet…kind of the “first day of the rest of my life” kind of feeling.  I am in a great place though and I know I will be learning a ton.  Despite my very large and obtrusive “intern” badge, I am not a student nurse, nor am I a graduate nurse…I am a registered nurse!  RN for life!

I was downtown Ft. Worth to get new Texas license plates and I parked in a parking garage (at 2:40pm).  I was back in the parking garage a little after 3 pm and got happily in my car only to realize I had no cash whatsoever.  I thought I might be able to convince the booth guy because parking was free after 3pm (a difference of only 20 minutes from when I parked my car).  The booth guy was a total jerk and told me I had no choice but to back up and go to the nearest ATM.  Frustrated, I did so, only to find that the ATM he pointed out was only accessible by car.  I walked 5 blocks to another ATM.  At this point, I realized there was no way I could get money out because I only had a credit card- my debit card was lost/stolen a few weeks ago and I still hadn’t received my new one.  Very close to tears at this point, I went into a bookstore and explained to them my situation, hoping maybe I could get some cash back after purchasing something.  The convincing clerk told me I could buy something and they would stamp my parking garage ticket.  I bought some useless magazine and I was on my way, got back in my car and pulled up to the ticket booth only to find…THEY DO NOT ACCEPT STAMPED TICKETS.  Okay, now I’m crying and pleading with the man to let me through and, I believe I said, “I am not sleeping in my car tonight.”  He said I would have to wait until 8pm until parking was free and he was off of work!  (He wouldn’t let me mail in the lousy $4). So, I backed up, yet again, making quite the scene- I was going the wrong way in a narrow section of the garage.  Thankfully, a construction worker had seen me several times.  He asked me what the problem was and didn’t quite now how to handle my hysteric tears.  The poor man dug in his pocket and pulled out $4. God bless that man!  I was FINALLY on my way.  I will forever have at least $5 of cash secretly hidden in my wallet for desperate situations such as this. 

Adjusting to full 12 hour shifts has also drained me to the point of tears at least once last week.  So, really, I need someone to take care of me.  The quick fix is usually a good meal and maybe even a good glass of wine (Thanks Jackie!)

1. I officially have 2 more classes of my undergraduate degree.  Count them- 2!

2.  I will graduate with (in my opinion) the most honorable of degrees and will soon be able to sign my name followed with the letters RN, BSN

3.  I have accepted my very first real job offer at Baylor All Saints in Downtown Ft. Worth in their Cardiac ICU.

4.  I am  playing piano in Church again and am challenged to develop my creativity in music once again.

5.  I have more friends at TCU than I can count on one hand and I am graduating from TCU in 7 weeks…two things I would have bet hard against a couple of years ago.  (Key word=TCU).

So yes, a compilation of everyone’s best would be quite the life…but why not enjoy the accomplishments that you’ve worked for, the blessings that are your very own and learn to be sincerely joyful for the triumphs of others.

2. I am now on the rotation to play piano at church with an amazing band – violin, cello, bass/electric guitar, drums and all…

3.  I am watching every last dollar to my name vanish and can’t wait for a steady source of income.  (First things on the wish list are: a dog, a new phone, and a bike). 

4.  I am obsessed with the 20 minute Shred workout video by Jillian Michaels (from the biggest looser).  It is really pretty intense. 

5.  I was skeptical but I made this “southern” side dish for my dinner group and it was so delicious, thanks to Bobby Flay.  I will share the recipe below.  (I served it with pork and green beans, yum!) – Jalapeño Cheese Grits…

Ingredients:

• 2 cups quick-cooking grits  
• 2 1/2 cups grated extra-sharp Cheddar
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
• 3 large eggs, well beaten
• 2 jalapenos, finely diced
• 1/4 cup canned chopped green chilies
• Garlic salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook the grits according to the directions on the back of the package. Remove from the heat and add next 6 ingredients (Cheddar through chilies). Stir well and season with garlic salt, to taste. Pour into a buttered 9-inch baking dish and bake for 1 hour. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Newest countdown: 114 days until graduation. TBA: Where I will be post-graduation- although I’m pretty much made up my mind. If any one feels up to writing a message in the sky for some affirmation…I am all for it.