Snow!

We just went for a walk after I cleared the car out. It was as successful as could be expected for a vertically challenged dog with long hair. Thankfully, our across the street neighbors had already snow-blown their sidewalk! We only returned with a minor amount of snow stuck to the fur. Needless to say, pupster was not happy with the brushing and drying. 

Orlando!

Left Hartford on a cold morning, barely after dawn to go to a conference in Orlando. This wasn't just your typical nursing conference about IV insertion or wound care. This was a camp nurse conference. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, why would I go to this? Well, simply put, I'm a nerd. And I love being a camp nurse!

Besides, at this point in winter (and I love cold and snow), I was ready for a break. And who would pass up some Florida sunshine?

I met some really awesome people and learned more about how to be a better camp nurse. 

And because this guy was our evening entertainment. Big thanks to Erin for getting me out of my hotel room. And totally understanding my neediness. 

And a trip to a Mexican restaurant launch wouldn't be complete without the mariachi band. 

Unfortunately I did have to leave before the conference was over. Had to get back to the real world and work. 

After dark when I flew into Hartford. The only thing on my mind was picking up the pupster. Then I saw this...

Yup, plowed in - a good 10 inches deep. No biggie, I'm a northern girl - I keep a shovel in my car. No joke. The parking attendant drove my twice before stopping. By then my car was warm and cleaned off. Really dude?

Thanks to ACA and ACN for a great conference! Can't wait for New Orleans!

Hard to believe

I missed #tbt. But I'm going to do it anyway. On Friday. At 3am. Cause that's how I roll. 

I spent part of tonight talking with an amazing coworker about my Paw. And also about men in general and how most of them are just plain terrible. Every now and then though, you find a winner, a truly good man and a truly good person. Paw was everything. And I miss him dearly. Even how he cleared his throat during a story. It's the little things. He had a great personality and loved everyone. 

I want to say this was fall of 2010. Life went downhill rapidly. I will say that I was very thankful for my CHP family and for the wonderful understanding that was given when I said I just couldn't work the rest of that weekend. Miss you always. 

Love my city...

Took this many years ago when I still lived in Pittsburgh. It's downtown, sometimes it still surprises me how culturally vibrant my home is. I miss it daily, and it's everyday surprises. I don't remember where I was going this particular day. I got off the bus and started walking when I happened upon this awesome sculpture. Loved it 😊

Hola

My love for traveling started early.  I always wanted to get out and away from my small town (not that I don't love where I grew up).  When I had the opportunity to study abroad, I was so excited. Actually, I was downright terrified.  One of my friends was supposed to travel with me, but she ended up deferring.  I managed to get all the paper work in (despite being passed the deadline) and through all of the orientation sessions.  Then, early January 2003, I was off - on my own - to Costa Rica - for 3 whole months.  Needless to say I LOVED it!

I always want to go back there, and I can't believe it has been 10 years since I left.  I need to stop saying "some day" and make "some day" TODAY!

But, in the mean time, I have found this awesome job.  I am a nurse - a pediatric intensive care nurse to be specific - and a traveling nurse.  I get the fantastic opportunity to travel this amazing country that we live in and do what I love.

I just want to use this blog to post some of my pictures and tell the stories behind them.  If people read it - great - if not, well, it's out there at least for me