Getting into house plants has brought so much joy and fulfillment into my life. Before, I couldn’t fully indulge in this hobby because of my cat. However, after my dear Chloe passed away, I embraced the world of houseplants, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. I’ve become fully immersed in their care and seeing them thrive brings me so much happiness. I guess you could say I’ve become a plant momma, and it’s truly wonderful. 😊
After 31 years of service, the hospital I worked at closed down. Despite my qualifications, the transition to a new hospital proved challenging, as it became evident that they were not keen on hiring older employees. Throughout three separate interviews, I did not feel valued or welcomed. During the final interview, I was even asked about my current salary, a question that caught me off guard despite its standard nature. Moreover, the interviewer expressed consideration for offering a wage $10 lower than my current earnings and inquired about my union membership.
In response, I graciously declined the offer and made it clear that I would share my experience with others. Subsequently, I discovered that the hospital had chosen to hire younger nurses. Despite the initial disappointment, I can confidently say that I have no regrets. It was undoubtedly the best decision of my life. This experience has taught me the importance of being prepared to assertively decline opportunities that do not align with my worth and values.
My Spanish speaking students are teaching me. A part of vision screenings is a hidden picture of a butterfly (Stereopsis), and I love to hear them say mariposa.
In times of tragedy, I found solace in helping others and taking each day as it comes. The journey may be arduous, but I persevered, holding onto hope that tomorrow would bring a brighter day.
Today marks the 5th Anniversary of my 3rd Kidney Transplant, reflecting the significance of dates in my life. My journey began with my 1st Kidney transplant on 02/05/2005, graciously donated by a 5-year-old. The 2nd transplant followed on 03/19/2009, a gift from living donor and friend Lisa Moe. Lastly, my 3rd transplant on 02/21/2019, a precious gift from a 24-year-old teacher named Vanessa.
I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support and blessings from God. A year ago, I started this Blog as a source of encouragement for those enduring challenging times, to inspire them to hold onto their faith in God and never lose hope.
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Sometimes, events unfold with a purpose. Today, as I assisted a parent with registering her daughter for elementary school and discussing medical information, a meaningful interaction occurred. When the topic of over-the-counter medication arose, I invited her into my office and noticed the warmth of her smile. During our conversation, she shared that her daughter experiences severe menstrual cramping and irregular cycles. Realizing the significance of this issue, I suggested that her daughter consult a gynecologist.
She found herself feeling at ease and began confiding in me about her life. I listened closely as she shared her journey to America and recounted how she had lost her sense of self while enduring verbal abuse from her spouse. Our conversation in my office lasted from 12:30 to 1:45, making it clear that my original plans would need to be set aside as she took precedence.
If you’re facing difficult times, it can be incredibly beneficial to open up to someone, even if they’re a total stranger. I felt incredibly fortunate that she chose me to confide in. ☀︎
This was a question to all bloggers. The thing I find challenging is sometimes overthinking things that are so simple until someone questions or tells you what they would have done. It causes you to second guess yourself. Stick to your gut and stay with it! Some people mean well, and others have motives. What if you’re right?
The holiday blues can start right after Halloween. Everything accelerates with the focus being Christmas. Targeted advertising starts and gives you a feeling of being behind with anxiety creeping into your life. The holiday blues can come from the loss of a loved one, lack of family, finances, and whatever centers your life.
My thinking and feelings become more intense around this time. I lost my mother in 1994 and was the one who found her dead. I did not realize how much she centered our family. After her death, things were never the same. When the holidays came around, I couldn’t wait for them to disappear. Certain songs sent me into a tailspin of tears. How did it get better? It became bearable by honoring her name, remembering how funny she was, and the great food, allowing myself to feel sad without guilt, and also spending time with people that I enjoyed being around.
Friday marked the end of the school year for elementary students, bringing a sense of relief to the school nurses who often grapples with a multitude of responsibilities. Eager to embrace the much-needed break, I devoted the day to rejuvenating my spirit. My self-care routine included indulging in a hydrafacial, tidying up my brows, visiting a plant store, and exploring a new boutique for accessories. The day concluded on a delightful note, as my husband and I savored the enchanting Christmas lights display at Dilworth Park. All in all, it was a truly gratifying first day off.