enjoy the toil

As a part of living a life more fully, I began thinking about my job. I took it because I wanted good hours which can be hard to come by as a RN. But the more I worked (or less since I get canceled a lot) the more I realized I was just trying to survive. Nursing is a tough world but the good thing is there are many different areas you can go into, basically like changing careers, but somehow you are mostly qualified with a RN license. Same Day Surgery was a different kind of stressful for me, I was/am having a hard time not getting the hours I need and working with personalities I find somewhat cold or abrasive. I really thought long and hard about how I will probably be working for at least three more decades, Lord willing, and maybe it's a little to early to just try to survive. We should try to enjoy our "toil". We were created to be productive and to create beauty and order. We should desire to bring restoration to a broken world not just jump in our bunkers and eat canned beans and play Uno until the war is over. Why not take a little time to figure out something I could enjoy working in? I have no idea what it feels like to really enjoy my labor. Sure I have great days and I have terrible days but apart from needing money and believing I maybe should use my degree for a little while, I probably would prefer not to go to work. This makes me sound lazy but I don't want to work because I currently enjoy being a dog mom to Ingrid more than being a nurse. It's the whole working/living for the weekend so many people often fall prey to and I do not want to do that anymore. Of course there should be a balance and I certainly do not have a good balance. Since there is such a variety in nursing, I figured now is the time while our responsibilities are at a minimal to see if there is something I can enjoy.


On a whim, I applied to a part time Labor and Delivery job. I've done Rehab, Med/Surg, Neuro, Short Stay Surgery but nothing since nursing school with anything L&D related. Crazy enough, I immediately received an interview offer. I explained to them in the interview exactly where I was in my career and that I wanted to work in L&D because so many people who do love it. Instead of just getting through my current job, I want to see if I love L&D too. Even though it will be a huge change and massive learning curve to switch, I believe I can do it and need to try to do it. It was probably the most honest you can be in an interview while still trying to sell yourself to future employers. Surprisingly, the interview went really well and I found it quite satisfying and pleasurable to talk the potential future bosses. 

A few days later, I received a phone call saying they wanted to hire me. Of course, I am  terrified to be so novice in this particular set of nursing skills. Some nights of restlessness have followed as I struggled to trust God in the entire situation. I took the job needless to say and a week from today will be my very first day. I will still be working some at same day surgery occassionally but I am excited to see if I can enjoy the toil of L&D.

changes!

Florida week

Davis and I recently returned from a glorious week of family, friends, beach, and seafood! It was such a lovely time with everyone and so relaxing to be by the ocean.

ahhhhhh

Growing up, my family frequented St. Augustine Florida more than  any other beach. My grandparent's had a RV and they went many times and we often would join them. My very first trip without my parents was with my grandparents and older bother to St. Augustine. Around the holidays last year, my family decided to rendezvous there this summer. It was a wonderful decision and we were so very happy to see the ocean after living in land-locked states for over three years now.

Our weekends in Florida were spent in Orlando, where Davis' dad lives. We feel so blessed by all of our family and the trip's timing was perfect. So many other dear friends and family were near by.

it appears we didn't all fit in this shot :)

 Davis' sister, Caroline, and her husband, Dustin, and their two kids, Julip and Eloise, were in Orlando that first morning. We ate a yummy breakfast together. We got quality time with Lilly, Davis' half sister as well as his dad and step-mom. We hardly ever get to see these people, it was so dear to have even just a few hours with them.

Julip and Uncle Davis

Bettina and Lilly

During the week, we were at the beach in St. Augustine with my family. It's always a good time when we get to see everyone. Being the odd-balls out west, we don't get nearly as much time with them as we'd like.  We spent most of the time alternating between the breezy sunshine and swimming in the water during the days.

reading in the sun

early morning beach

documentation of our ridiculous towels

boys did a little fishing...
daniel caught this hammer head shark

About two hours away near Live Oak Florida, live my grandparents who first took us to St. Augustine. I haven't seen them for almost three years. The last time I saw them was before my grandpa had his major stroke. It was right around his birthday so we spend a day celebrating with him. It was so good to see them. However, seeing how much he as changed since his stroke makes me so thankful for eternity when all will be made well.

happy birthday!

the grandkids, grandparents and vern (friend)

After celebrating, we went to St. Augustine. It is the oldest European settlement in America. Established in the 1500s by the Spanish, it has great history, seafood, and architecture.

Castillo de San Marco in St. Augustine

I've been to this fort many times but it is always a great adventure. It over looks the bay/intercoastal
 waterway and has protected St. Augustine all these years.

the moat can be filled by opening a hatch into the bay

daniel and ashley warding off pirates

davis inspecting the cannons

old stuff is usually prettier

St. Augustine at dusk

Spanish inspired architecture

In the evenings we often played games. Most of the time it was Bang! but there was a poker night as well. 

only the tough play, so i did not participate :)

Not only were family near by, we got to see several of our close friends for a few hours. Davis' best friend from high school, Phillip, and his wife, Leah, were in Jacksonville visiting family although they live in Texas. They came down for the  to spend half the day with us. They helped us cook our seafood feast that night. They were vital for dinner being served at a decent hour.  My twin from Ridge Haven and a great friend to both Davis and I, Alexis, was also coming to St. Augustine with her family. Our time over-lapped by a few hours on friday and we were able to catch up real quick. It was so quick I forgot to document it. There just wasn't enough time for everyone and everything. But we are thankful for the time we were given.

walk on beach after dinner with phillip and leah

As all enjoyable times, it went by way too fast. Davis and I often comment the only thing that would bring us back east is family. We love living in the west but so many people near and dear to our hearts live so far away.

family!

 We cherish every bit of time we get with our families. We love them and pray for them, as we look forward to the next visit. Thankfully this time it's only matter of weeks until Richard and Angel's wedding in Virginia.