unemployed

For those who don't know, Fort Collins job market is tough. Really tough. So is the housing market in the the prince range most people can afford and the rental market is insane. Basically, people want to live and work here.

So, way back when we arrived for Davis to start grad school, we thought it would be super easy for an RN to get a job anywhere. We were wrong. Apparently not here and in fact it is even more challenging now. For over a month, I literally applied to every hospital RN job from Denver to Cheyenne.  I landed ONE interview in Cheyenne but was turned down because they wanted someone with more experience. Ah, the conundrum of having a legit degree but no experience. Finally, down to our last pennies, I gave in and went into the first nursing home I saw. Three days later, they officially hired me. Thankful to be employed but angry that all my RN friends back home landed their dream jobs and were what I thought was real nursing. For 11 months I worked my tail off there. It was horrible/crazy but invaluable experience. This is the job that I will compare all future jobs with and as long as it isn't THAT bad, I'll be okay. But I really did love most of those residents. Goodness, the last year(s) life can be so hard in so many ways.

 I'm not complaining at this point, it's a set up for why I am sad to leave my job.

After applying to hundreds of positions, I finally received a phone call to interview for a Med/Surg position at Poudre Valley Hospital. By the grace of God, they hired me out of 200+ applicants. I am so thankful for that job. Yesterday, I left my job and now I am unemployed again. Of course, it's a little different now but I was genuinely sad to go and scared to start over. What if I have to do something like my first job again? In some ways, I feel like they rescued me. Not that this job was perfect by any means. Working with people, especially when they are at a low part in their lives, is extremely challenging.  It was the job I actually didn't fear going into and could be proud of.  After my shift yesterday, I cleaned out my locker then turned in my keys, badge and (slacker) tracker .

You are probably thinking: "O my goodness please put up some pictures" and "there isn't any way I'd read that wall of text". (or internet speak TLDR)

Okay, I heard you :)

 

Snapped a picture on the way out. I wanted to try more aesthitically pleasing shots but felt silly.

 

My former locker. I can be so sentimental.

When I got home, we took Ingrid for a walk on some trails in park near our house. She loves sniffing nature while I look at it. Davis tags along because he enjoys us both. We make a good team.

Stunning sky at dusk.

I couldn't help but notice the perfect reflection of beautiful clouds on the ponds.

 Ingrid jumped in for an April swim. Thankfully, the pond is much warmer than the river.

This is The Farm. The barn was built in 1920. Now it's more of a petting zoo but only farm animals.

This morning we got up and walked into Old Town to eat breakfast with our favorite people, the Rydbecks and Angerts. They have been some of our longest and dearest friends here. No pictures this morning though I COMPLETELY recommend Snooze for breakfast/brunch/lunch if you are ever in this area. We happily walked home with our hearts and bellies full. 

Tonight is a final four gathering with more friends. The host went to Michigan for undergrad and his wife is a UNC girl, they have a vested interest in March Madness. Even though I used to play basketball, I typically do not watch it. We are going for friend time.

Happy Saturday!