Hey ya’ll!!! I just got back from work, ate a gargantuan salad, and am sitting down to unwind for the evening. Today is my day off working out- so rather than working out I am using this time to whip up a blog post! My mind is just buzzz buzz buzzzzing! Rather than jump into the studying and work I need to do tonight, I want to take a moment to reflect and write to calmmmm down.
We left off last time after my first day. Ohhhh my lanta, I cannot get over how much information I have been struck with in a single week. This orientation period is going to be non-stop. By the end of the next three weeks, I will be checked off on competencies I learned through nursing school as well as new ones they have assigned us (like dealing with lumbar drains and neuro. specific interventions). I can hardly wrap my brain around it! 😜
My first thought when I saw what skills we would be doing was Wow, how cool. And my second thought was, Wait…. I have to actually do that now... needless to say, the terror began setting in! I haven’t performed these skills in nearly a year (due to the length of time it took me to get approved for my exam), and some of them I didn’t even have a ton of practice with in the clinical setting. On top of that we have hours of orientation training modules outside of our hospital hours, exams to study for as part of our competency testing, and hospital training for the general on-boarding of staff. Basically- I’m just sayin’ it’s gonna be a non-stop train until about May when my initial orientation competency check is done. I may have next to zero free time, especially starting next week, but that’s okay. It’s so worth it and I’m ecstatic to finally be doing what I love. And I am relishing in the review and learning process. I learned more this past week than I probably learned in half a semester of nursing school. It’s nuts! It feels amazing to be a “student” again… but this time I’m not paying to learn, I’m being paid to learn! How neat!
Part of the reason I love blogging is I can look back and see what I was feeling and thinking at a certain point in time and see the progress since. Right now I am feeling totally incompetent, eager, excited, and exhausted- but also exhaustively blessed. The entire staff is eager to help us learn, and I can’t wait to see what skills I will be capable of in just a couple months from now. Every individual I have met has been honest-to-gosh superb. Like I said in my last post, the culture created by the hospital is unlike anything I have ever experienced.
So a typical day from Monday- Friday sort of looked like this:
5:00-6:00 am: Get ready, have breakfast (yummy deliciousness of Ezekiel bread/yogurt/reduced sugar craisins/strawberries & coffee)
6:00 am: Leave the apartment and beat the traffic (with my business casual clothing that I now own). Ha! In NoCal, if you leave the house at 7 going north, you are guaranteed at least an hour of traffic if you are going anywhere over twenty minutes away. I figure by leaving the house at 6 am, I can get to my destination without traffic and be more productive during the waiting period. (I just sat in the parking lot or at Peet’s coffee to get stuff done!)
6:10-8:00am: At the beginning of the week before we had any assignments due I was able to do some blogging, order bridesmaid dresses for my best friends’ weddings (HOLLA!), and get other random stuff done. By the end of the week I was cramming for different exams/reviewing our wealth of information/trying to keep up!
8:00-5:00 pm: Work work work work work!
The first day the director looked at us all and said point blank, “This will be the hardest year of your life.”
While initially I thought, Hmm, not sure you can top sophomore year of nursing school… ,
I then thought…
BRING IT!
Our first week (and the first part of this week) was all the “logistical” house-keeping information, taking “baseline” exams to see where we stand, orienting the units, and going through different skills and lectures. It has been intense, but I wake up excited to get started every single day- even though it’s sorta a challenge getting out of bed. I just think of my coffee- the most powerful motivator in all the land.
For lunch most days, I pack a No Cow bar, an apple, some grapes, carrots, a couple handfuls of boom-chicka pop, hummus, and almonds. A couple of the days where we had a cafeteria I stopped in and made a massive salad with grape leaves, roasted red peppers, hummus, and all the veggies. YUM!
Let’s take a quick tick and just chat. So first week, right? I had too many embarrassing moments it was CRAY! For instance, I somehow had gum stuck to my jacket on my way into the hospital for the first time. Luckily, someone stopped me and let me know (thank goodness for kind people). I also just said some silly things that make me hot in the face when I reflect upon them, dropped an absurd number of miscellaneous items (including my sanity). To sum it up- I was a hot mess. It’s fine though- my coworkers are all so sweet, and I’m pretty sure everyone’s heads were spinning too fast for anyone to notice! Also, my sister calmed me down on the days I was feeling wayyy in over my head! Hermana to the rescue.
Oh, and the 8am- 5pm is just for orientation and classroom training. When I start my shifts I will be 7am to 7pm! (Then halfway through it flips and I will go to night shifts!).
5:00-6:00pm: Sit in traffic, wanting to pull out my hair.
6:00-6:10: Eat something- I am ravenous when I get home after the long day. I usually have something light like eggs & hummus or spoonfuls of PB2 with carrots or PROTES chips.
6:10-7:10pm: Workout. Trust me, most days I have wanted to do nothing but come home and plop on the couch. But the minute I get outside and start to run or do an Insanity workout I have a sudden renewed energy to get me through the rest of the evening! It also gives me that rush of adrenaline to lift my spirits after fighting the traffic and ease the road rage.
I also love this time to snap some photos. Entering into this new time of life, I am determined to find the beauty in EVERY single day. When I was in nursing school I had this mentality of just doing what I needed to in order to get by. My phrase was always, “I just have to keep my head above water”. Going into this next stage, which will be comparable in the stress/busyness arena, I want to make sure I find the beauty and appreciate that beauty that surrounds me even when I feel like things are just hard! I quite literally have to stop and smell the roses 😉 I have a feeling my patients will be that piece of beauty for me many days <3
7:10-8:00 pm: Shower then dinner!!! Since DJ and I have been married, dinner time has been the one part of the day that we give each other our undivided attention. With his new job, he doesn’t get home from anywhere around 8 to 10pm. I eat dinner on my own while usually playing Grey’s Anatomy or KUWTK to keep me company while I down my food (woah- that sounds so pathetic, but I promise it’s not so bad!). Last week I was on my loaded sweet potato kick (yes, still obsessed), and this week I have craved giant salads with tons of veggies, chipotle black bean burgers, hummus, and balsamic vinegar dressing!
Also- I used to have a recipe posted for this, but I’m not sure where it ran off to. I’m gonna hunt it down soon!
Back to the dinner thing… I’m realizing we have officially passed that threshold into a new stage of life with us both trying to build our careers. Our ebb and flow of the day is changing drastically, all for good reasons, it’s just going to take getting used to. It naturally makes the time we have together all that more treasured. I’m also infinitely thankful for this past year and a half we have had to create endless precious memories and make sure our marriage is on super solid ground before this craziness ensued.
Some days he waits until he gets home (yes that late!) to eat dinner. I try to make sure there is something in the fridge for him. Last week it was salmon, farro, and veggies. This week is crockpot ginger peach chicken with rice, and later this week I am making crockpot ribs! I prepped it all Sunday so that it was good to go for the rest of the week-I don’t have tons of time when I get home in the evenings, so crock pot meals will be our best friends for a bit! I also placed about half of the crockpot meal into labeled freezer bags and for future times that DJ might get home before me, so he can just throw one in the microwave.
8-9pm: Work on misc. tasks that need to be done and work orientation training online.
9 to 10pm: Finish cleaning up the house so it’s tidy, make some overnight oats for DJ to have in the morning. He has been on an OO kick since the Daniel Fast! It’s hilarious to me that something we discovered during a “fast” has become one of his favorite breakfast foods. He also said I need to post my overnight oats recipe, so I may just have to do that!
After that, I get everything together for work, eat an ice cream cone (my mint chocolate chip phase has gone back to cookie dough), and plop into bed to read HP hoping to fall asleep before 10:20. DJ usually comes home right as I’m getting into bed, so I make sure to give him a hug before I hit the hay. I think we maybe saw each other for a total of twenty minutes from Monday to Friday last week- and that’s being generous!
BUTTTTTT……….
FRIYAY DATE NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oook, I may be getting ahead of myself. We both were POOPED come Friday. I seriously could not peel myself off the couch. So we decided to make Friyay Date night into Saturyay date night.
We tried out this restaurant in Campbell called The Socialight. It was one of the most unique menus I have ever seen (slightly reminded me of options that would be on Orchard City Kitchen’s Menu).
I was obsessed with the inner decor. I told DJ if I ever owned a restaurant this is what it would look like. One side was lined with wine coolers, and the other side was a sports bar feel with hanging globe lights down the center. It was the perfect mix of class, elegance, casual, and chic!
Like I said, the menu was fascinatingly eclectic! DJ and I tried as an appetizer their salmon sashimi with avocado and wakami salad served with shrimp chips (my mom used to make these chips at home when we were younger, so this flashed me back to my childhood!).
DJ ordered their fried chicken and raved about how tasty it was.
I ordered their vegetarian Indian Paneer with caulfilower confite and yogurt glaze. It wasn’t bad, but I was a bit disappointed. And the service was epically slow- (we were warned about that on YELP!).
Sunday we went to church.
After, I meal-prepped and worked all day on orientation assignments. The hardest thing I think about this new job is the feeling of having to say “no” to so much else outside of it. I am undeniably a people pleaser, so when I have to say no I almost feel like I’m doing something wrong, or selfish. I won’t be able to volunteer as much at church as I used to be, and I’m not able to hangout with friends like I used to either. I guess my biggest fear is that people won’t understand- that they will resent me for it. But my mom reminded me that this is God’s calling on my life, and there is nothing selfish in pursuing that. I’ll still be serving, just in a different way. All I want to be able to do is give my everything to this year, learn as much as possible, and take advantage of this residency as much as I can. I want to be the best nurse I can possibly be. I want to be able to give my patient the best care possible, and that is going to come at a sacrifice in this present era of my growth. I don’t mind the sacrifice, I just hope I don’t lose others in the process. Mom L reminded me that those that are truly friends will be supportive and there at the end of it all. It’s true too, I just have to realize change inevitably does bring change in other areas.
Ok, jumping off my soap box!
Below is a picture of my drive into work today. This was my little piece of beauty. There was water surrounding me on all sides as I drove across the bridge.
ALSO- quick highlight- the lecturer made a pun that I just can’t keep to myself. The best part is I don’t think he even realized it….. but while referring to a colleague, he said, “She’s a cardiac nurse at heart”. BAHAHHAHAHA.
I really want to open up some conversation with you guys- I miss having time to read all the blogs and keep up. I’m gonna try to find a way to fit it all in because goodness gracious I miss it too much! But for now let me just get some feedback…
- Anyone else navigating a new stage of life?
- What has been the highlight of your day/week?
Real quick: HAPPY BIRTHDAY (on the 27th) to my rockstar of a mom (Mom J)! I LOVE YOU! 🎉😘
ALSO- I’m so thankful for this community if I don’t say it enough 💕
xo <3
Oh dear Mack 🙂 It is just soooooo good to catch up a little after all this time! Reading you is always heartwarming, and a great dose of Cali sunshine in a post!
You are one little warrior (and a very stylish one!) and I admire your dicipline so much! It is great to see your enthusiasm and it’s inspiring to watch you hunt your dream no matter the efforts needed… You go girl!!
I am a people pleaser at heart, but the years taught me how to decline politely what I can’t fit in my schedule. I know how difficult it is to use the big bad “no”, but if you don’t, you’ll end up having no time on your own, to relax and stay grounded. And it will put everything else in jeopardy. Your Mom is right, true friends will no hold any grudge for not seeing you as much for a while. Even a long one. It is not being selfish, it is just being smart! 🙂
Sending you the warmest of thoughts to help you keep a good pace in that marathon life of yours 🙂 🙂 🙂 *Lots of Luv from Freezingland* xx
Cyr!!!!!!!!!! Oh it is SO good to hear from you! You just made my whole morning!!!! Thank you for the words of encouragement – this morning I was extra extra sleepy so it was just what I needed 🙂 thank you for your words of wisdom too! You’re so right about how it will be detrimental if you never say no to other areas. I guess it all comes down to prioritizing! Thanks for affirming that it’s not selfish either ❤️ sending Freezingland big hugs and lots and lots of sunshine !!!!!! 🤗🤗🤗
Your sunny ways have made the trip safely, Mack!! After several very grey days, we are finally getting some blue sky and bright sun!!! Thanks for the quick Cali-delivery hehehehe
You are such a brilliant, passionate, inspiring young woman… There will be no measuring the good that you’ll spread around to your patients. And I am sure the people close to you will understand the sacrifices you have to make in order to get there, and change lives for the better with your knowledge, your skills, your smile and your warm and bubbly personality!!
You already brighten others’ lives with just words… I can’t imagine what it will be when Nurse Macky will get to work for good 🙂 🙂 🙂
Muah!!
Oh my gooooodnesss, Cyranny <3 <3 Ok… this literally brought me to tears. You truly have the gift of encouragement BIG TIME!!!!! I may have to look back at this sweet comment when I'm having a hard day- these are truly the sweetest words <3 So thankful for you! And I LOVE "Nurse Macky!" Ahhhhh! I may need to make that a thing 😉 Hope everything is going so well for you!!!!! MWAH!
*Hugs* You totally deserve every good word that comes your way… If anything, you’d deserve more regular encouragements from me, but I’ve been away for a while… I’ll try to keep better habits from now on 🙂
Have a Tony the Tiger Grrrrrrrrrreat week, sunshine!! 🙂 xx
Oh my goodness, no worries, Cyranny! You have been one busy bee! I never expect anything at all so when these sweet comments come my way are such a treat <3 And I love that (Tony the Tiger sign off)- I'll totally be using that 😉 XO
🙂 🙂 🙂 Muah! Gorgeous 🙂 🙂 🙂
Great post! I love that outfit. Where did you get your watch from? xx.
Thanks so much!!!!! The watch was actually a gift from my hubby for Christmas! It is a coach rose gold one! I literally wear it almost everyday! It goes with everythingggg! XOXO
It’s gorgeous! He has good taste xx.
Aww thank you!!! He does ;)! I’ll pass that on to him that you said that! Have such a great day, dear!!!
I love all of the memes and that pun! You look really pretty and professional, and I’ll never grow tired of beautiful flower/foliage photos! Kudos to maintaining a wonderful attitude through these changes and challenges. We aren’t in a new stage of life, but in the nearish future, we’ll be looking at moving from renting to buying our own place. It’s exciting but so daunting! I think I am a people pleaser, but I’m trying to learn how to say ‘no’ politely when it’s just too much for me. Have a great Fri-yay Eve!
Hi, Kori!!!!!!! Thanks so much for appreciating my humor. While it makes most people’s eyes roll, it’s nice when someone gets a giggle out of it 😉 And with the flowers popping up EVERYWHERE my runs have been super interrupted to take pictures, but I love it! And that is SO exciting about buying your own place- woooohooo! Keep us updated on how that goes!!!!! That’s huge! And happy Friyay eve to you too!!! (I love that and will certainly be using that)!
I certainly will! It’ll likely take quite a bit of time from the initial search, qualification, offers, but it’ll become our priority to start later this year. 🙂 Have a great one and look forward to your next update!
Nursing school sounds super stressful so good for you for sticking with it. I wish you the best of luck at work. 🙂
And I think it’s awesome that you pushed yourself to work out even though you were exhausted. I find that working out actually increases my energy levels and helps me fall asleep faster so that’s a plus lol.
Oh, girl, it was insane but SO worth it! ❤️❤️ thank you for your sweet words!!!!!!!! And exercise definitely helps a ton with getting the energy up and sleeping! Yesterday was my day off and I have such a hard time falling asleep compared to usual!!!!! Hope you are having such a great week 🙂 almost Friday!!!!!
So nice to see a post from you MacKenzie!! I’ve been missing you but also praying for you too because I know it’s a busy season for you and DJ right now. You both are so busy. Keep making time to catch up and share about each other’s days and highlights and struggles. Love seeing your “date night” posts and the delicious food pics! Thanks for a look into your “typical day” I’m so happy you’re doing what you love! Take care sweetie xo
Awww, Anna!!!!!!!!! I miss keeping up with your posts SO much!!!! You are too sweet- thank you for your encouragement and wisdom always ❤️ have you had a season of life like this with your hubby?! Hope all is so well! XOX!
So glad to hear that your job is going great! It sounds both challenging and fun. I hope it brings you lots of happiness!
Awwww!!!! Thank you, lovey!!! <3 You are too sweet. I feel so bad that I haven't had much time to read yours and others blogs lately- I miss them tremendously. Hopefully things will slow down starting next week! Have such a great rest of your weekend, dear! Thank you for stopping by 🙂 Your comments always brighten my day! XO
Yay a Mack Marie update!!!! I was MIA for a few days too and as soon as I got back onto WordPress I was looking for an update, and here it is!!!! 🙂 I have to give you and all nurses out there all the kudos in the world for ALL that you guys do. The schooling, prepping, testing, learning, the work hours….its TOUGH and takes a ton of stamina! So you go girl especially when I’m reading that you’re out on the road by 6AM and still coming home to work out and be the best wifey to DJ by leaving him dinner for when he gets home too. You are kicking butt and I’m so proud of you! Also crock pot recipes to the rescue for sure. It’s funny because if I don’t go home and cook dinner then Andrew’s turning on a George Forman and cooking a burger in the most plain jane way ever…so anyways, this week I promised my friend I’d babysit for her after work for 2 nights which left Andrew in a semi panic because he might just starve (so dramatic lol) so I also made sure to premake him dinner ahead of time. But where I was getting at was.. now that I think of it I should’ve done a crock pot recipe. Also I have to add I love you in your cute little business attire!!!!
Not 100% navigating in another stage of life- yet. But I was MIA because I’ve been training at work; I just got semi promoted to help assist our VP of World Wide Sales (aside from the CEO he’s probably like 3rd one down from being THAT important) and I’m semi freaking out because it’s A LOT of pressure to be accurate on basically 100% of my tasks. But so far so good.
Highlight of the week…. I just got my vacation times approved so Cali in end of May YAY! And Andrew and I booked one more trip but its not nearly as exciting as Cali.
Hope the rest of your week goes smoothly. All the love <3
xo, JJ
My Sweet JJ,
Ahh I am the worst right now. I miss blogging so much! Once I shift to my 3 12s a week I think I’ll have more time <3 I HATE being so behind on your posts! Thank you for your sweet words about nursing. I feel blessed to be a nurse, it is truly such a tough profession, but gosh, SO worth it! <3
OK—- that is HILARIOUS about Andrew freaking out about you being gone- LOL! Girl, what would he do without you?! And lemme jus say- George Forman is LIFE! I made SOOOO many burgers on that thing in our first year of marriage. Gotta do what you’ve gotta do!
And I actually thought of you when I was out shopping for my “big girl” clothes!!! Lol. I love all your business casual outfits, but I have yet to find super great dresses to wear. Where do you find all yours?! I love them!
Last- WE NEED TO CHAT!!! JJ!! That is HUGE! Like MAMMOTH! That’s AMAZING!!!! I need to know the deeeeets!!!!!!!!! I’m spazzzing out over here- GIRLLLLLL. CONGRATS!!!!
SOOOOOOO happy you are approved to come at the end of May!!!! I only will be working 3 days a week then so hopefully I can see ya! Are you gonna be more in SC or SF area?! AHHHHHH! What the heck- we are actually talking about this! It makes me too excited- I can’t even handle it.
XOXOXO
Holy moly your life is buuuuuuusy, girl! But you handle it with such absolute GRACE. It’s so inspiring. And I love that you take the time to find the beauty in every day. That’s something I’m really working on! I get road rage bad and I’m in ND. It takes me like 5 minutes to get home but I still get rage-y (haha!) I hope your new job keeps getting better and better! And as for the dropping things and saying things you wish you hadn’t- that happens to alllll of us at some point, so you are not alone, my dear! Beautiful pictures from your run, btw! It makes me feel inspired to go out and go for long walks and enjoy the scenery. I struggle with finding the motivation to work out but goodness! If you can find the time- so can I! 🙂 have a super faaaantabulous weekend! XOX
Hey sweet thang!!! You are too kind!!!! I feel like I handled it all with the opposite of grace- so you are too sweet to say that <3 And YESSSSSS, road rage—- it just takes over!!! I become like a different human being. Hahahha. And not to sound super cheesy, but if you look for the good, you will find it <3 I had such a rough few years where I felt like I was barely surviving the school year- I never want to let myself get back like that. Hope your weekend has been absolutely perfect so far! Sending so many hugs! XO
Woah! I’m impressed at how you keep yourself to the schedule. 5am wake up? That’s not an easy feat, girlfriend. I pray that God will provide the strength and positivity for you to keep on cranking and pushing through each work week! But I’m also equally impressed that despite this work and the hectic schedule it brings, you’re able to take care of yourself well through great food choices! Your food pictures and selections have never failed to disappoint. Make sure to keep this up! Feed your body the best and the most nutritious meals you can provide it because it’s going to need it with all the busy work you’re doing! Best of luck on finishing the rest of the week strong! I’m rooting here for you!!! xoxo, Steph
Oh! And before I forget – I just nominated you for the Foodie Alphabet challenge! Go check out my most recent blog post – I had a lot of fun making the foodie alphabet, and I think you will too! TGIF xoxo Steph
Woah, no way!!!! Girl, you are the best! I can’t wait to check it out! I’ve never heard of that one but it sounds AMAZING! Thank you SO much! <3
Yay! Can’t wait to read your foodie alphabet! I just know it’s going to be great. xoxo Steph
Hey, girlie!!!!!!!!! AHHH I’m still working on that e-mail 😉 I have not forgotten! It’s just been seriously the craziest week ever!!!! But I’m super eager to chat with ya! And luckily it’s only these past two weeks that is like that and after that it’s only going to be 3 days a week with 12 hours shifts- wayyyy bettter! Thank you TONNNNNSSSS for your prayers. Wow, that means the world, truly! Thank you for your encouragement always, Steph!!!! Hope your weekend has been perfect 🙂 XOXO
Don’t worry! I’m praying that this week will be a bit better and less stressful. I’ve been doing a devotional right now and it’s been so great to think that life is just a test from God. Accept this struggle and hardship as a test from God – of how much faith and dependency you have to the amazing Father. Keep me updated on your life b/c I’m nosy and I love reading about your life (not in a creepy way of course haha)!!! xoxo Steph
That devotional sounds AMAZING! What wise, encouraging words. What’s the name of it?! And oh girl- that’s so sweet! Not creepy at all… that’s how I am with your blog too and everyone else’s I follow! That’s why I get seriously ancy when I’m not able to go read everyone’s blogs because I’m like, “Uhhh I have to know what’s going on!!!!” . Haha. Sending big hugs! XO
Hey Mack! It’s called “The Purpose Driven Life.” I was talking to my parents about this and funny enough, they had the same devotion! They read it when they were in their 30’s. I think it’s really great for those who are struggling with glorifying and really living out God’s life in this day and age with work, competition, and stress. Have an awesome Sunday! xoxo Steph
I LOVEEEEE purpose driven life!!!! I did the study when I was in middle/high school (ish), it’s amazing! I bet it would be encouraging in a whole new way today considering I’m in such a different place of life. Thank you for the suggestion!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Yeah – it’s definitely a great devotional. I’ve also started a devotional called “A Year with C.S. Lewis.” It’s definitely more thought-provoking and stimulating. I highly recommend it. Have a great Easter Weekend! xoxo Steph
YAYYY! Thank you tons for the recommendation, lovely! I AM GOING TO SEND THAT E-MAIL SOON! Haha- I have not forgot 😉 And I hope you are having an amazing Easter weekend <3
Yes! I’ll be looking forward to that email!
Hi Mackensie, good for you to be able to reflect and calm down! I guess there is a lot of things to have to take in during orientation. But it is great that the staff are excited that you all learn. You do get up early, what a healthy breakfast Dear, I need to eat more fruit for the first meal of the day too! You have the right idea getting on the road early , then being able to hang out a bit before work. And gosh , just look how cute you are in your Business casual outfit! its wonderful you are excited to get to wor. I know about the embarrassing moments, don’t worry about them, we all had them in our lives, and you will look back and laugh later, I promise! Its great your Sister was there for support. its nice to find the beauty in every day Mackensie, such awesome photos of the pretty flowers. Its hard that you and Dj don’t get much time during week, but if you can get to hug each other there is a little comfort. the socialight looks an awesome place and food so Yummy. I know your friends will understand you have a new calling and have to focus on it for now, you are in such a positive frame of mind for work and you will be the best nurse you can be and more. your personality will give great comfort to the patients you encounter. What a georgous sunrise going into work, that I’m sure gives you a boost. You will get to all the blogs in time Dear, and this community in soooo thankful for you and your generous spirit. God bless you Mackensie, Hugs, Terri xoxo.
Terri!!! I cannot even explain how much your comments make my day. It’s so crazy that we have never met, yet I feel that you are such an encouraging, loving friend. It’s hard for me to stop in the middle of my “to-do” list, but I’ve learned the importance of taking time to appreciate the little things, breathe, and rest. I’ve learned a lot in this last stage of waiting that I’m trying to make sure I don’t forget now that I’m hitting the ground running!!! And the staff/other residents are incredible. I feel blessed to have such fantastic support entering such a challenging profession. The learning curve is intense!!! Also, about the toast- it will blow your socks off!!! Try it if you have the chance Yogurt on toast with fruit- AMAZING! I don’t know why it’s not a common thing! And about the outfit- coming from you, the fashionista, woooohooo! I’m not always a fan of shopping, but it’s such a relief when I finally feel like I have a few good “Go-to” items! Oh and all those embarrassing moments- this past week I was able to laugh about them with a few more residents, so you were spot on about that 😉 It was much more relaxed with everyone this week, so I’m thankful for that. Thank you for your encouragement, words of wisdom, and love that just seeps out of your words! It means tons and I am SOOO thankful for you, Terri! XOXO
Aww thank you for the kind and loving sentiments, I love your blog and that is why it is so easy to be encouraging. Hugs Mackensie, Terri.💗
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As always I love reading all of your blogs. Bless your heart (cardiac nurse heart?) that you are still writing and keeping us Moms current on your life! I do so know how you feel with a new stage of life. I am nervous, terrified, excited, reinvigorated, ecstatic, crazy, and every emotion under the sun, but day by day we will get closer to what we are working hard to be. And along the way, we can see the beauty in each day, your drive to work (just be careful driving and taking pics my dear!) and can’t wait to see where God has you in 6 months! You inspire all of us and thanks for being you! Love, Mom L
Awwww!!! Thanks, Mom! It was super therapeutic to be able to write out and just get out everything that’s been floating around in my head. I just love that we are going through such similar emotions/changes together! It was such a comfort chatting with you last week. And hehe- I will be very very careful taking those pictures 😉 No worries- there weren’t too many cars on the road at that point! <3 Cannot wait to see where we are in just a few months! It will come so quick! You are going to be a rockstar realtor, and hopefully I've started a few IVs 😉 Love you!!!!
Oh my my!! such a hectic schedule. ..I bet won’t get off the bed on Sundays 😀😀 If I were in your place.
Life is never easy as it seems but even in the tough moments we shouldn’t loose control as these are testing times…try to relax even in small pockets of times when you get free..getting curious to know about your nursing experience and patient stories
Kiran!!!!!! So good to hear from you, love! How are you?! I totally agree with you- the hard and challenging times of life truly refine us. Thank you for sharing your encouragement and wisdom, dear! I can’t wait to give another update. I started my 12 hour shifts this week and love them already ❤️
It must a lovely morning at your end I suppose …good morning dear Sister Mackenzie …curiously waiting for your stories and experiences in hospital.
So glad you’re settling in–even though it’s crazy! I know that in no time you’ll be in the swing of things! Your patients will be lucky to have you!
Im definitely going through lots of life changes with being pregnant–learning to take it one day at at time and not glaring at the overwhelming full picture. Learning to say no has also been important and hard for me to learn too!
Hi Heather! Oh boy has it been a crazy week. Sorry to just be responding!!! THank you for your SWEEET words. I totally resonate with you about taking it one day at a time. It’ll be amazing to see what life looks like for both of us just a year from today 🙂
It sounds like work has been amazing and intense and awesome all at the same time. I know you’re going to rock it, though!! I love that you stop to take pictures each day. That is truly living in the moment and appreciating the beauty God has blessed us with!
Sweet Allie!!!!! Ahhh work has definitely been every single one of those things. Those moments of stopping and just taking pictures really have been the highlights of my days! It’s amazing what creativity and appreciation of God’s beauty does for the soul <3 Hope you are having the most wonderful week, love!
Hi Kenz, Loved your latest and know that it has been really hard work and a lot to learn , just what you have been
waiting for , to be a real nurse and now back to a student again and enjoying it , i’m sure. This is so exciting!!
I am sure your will absorb every bit of it and enjoy it all I know it is a lot to remember all at once but what a great
opportunity now with learning again and at the best school ,Standford. You worked hard for that!! I loved the black cat on the computer, cute and I see you have your hair more blonde Really pretty. Your food is always so delicious looking, Yum, We are in Texas in Kerrville. terry and Pat and Jill and Pete will be coming for a few days next week or so.take care and love you and miss you
Gramma
Oh gram you are simply the best in the world. I send big hugs. It was so good talking to you on the phone today! Love you dearly 💕💕💕
Hi, lovely! I nominated you for the Sunshine & Versatile Blogger Awards! I’d love for you to check it out xx.
https://kaliborovic.wordpress.com/2017/04/07/sunshine-blogger-award-versatile-blogger-award/
Oh my goodness, Karli!!!!!!! You have no idea how much this made my day! I have been super busy and am late to responding – but this is the sweetest thing! Thank you, love!
Hey Mackenzie!
I nominated you for some awards on my blog! Hopefully you have the time to check them out and participate 🙂
https://christyexplainsitall.wordpress.com/2017/04/09/awards-awards-and-more-awards/
Oh my goodness, Christy!!!!!!!!!! This is tooooo sweet of you!!! Life has been insane this last week, but this just put the biggest smile on my face! Thank you, thank you 💕💕💕💕 I can’t wait to read your acceptance responses too!!!
Aww you’re so very welcome! I’m glad my nominations gave you a lil happiness, we need as much of that going around as possible ☺️
What a week, Baby Girl! You are a bundle of energy even if you don’t feel like it! You’re working and going through all the orientation stuff but you still cook, exercise, and clean up the house. I read about your days and wanted to take a nap! Tell DJ I snorted laughing about the “..cardiac nurse at heart” line!
I was going to tell you that your real friends would never resent you not being available right now but your mom beat me to it! Wise woman. People get busy and their true friends wait patiently.
The restaurant interior is really cool but it’s sad they have such slow service and your food wasn’t great. Ambience is important but service and taste is what makes or breaks a restaurant!
I can’t wait to finish catching up on what’s been going on in your life!
Awwwww!!!!!!! Thank you so much for this sweet note of encouragement, Elizabeth!!!! I can’t tell you how much this made my day!!!! The restaurant truly was awesome from the decorative perspective! I would give them another chance- could have a been an off day for sure! How are you?!?
My current response to “How are you?” is “It’s ALIVE! ALIVE!” The restaurant could have been having an off cooking day but you mentioned the service was given poor marks on Yelp. But if DJ liked his chicken I’d give it another chance. I’m glad my remarks made you happy! You’re just gorgeous when you smile!
Hahahha – never a doubt that you will crack me up! And trueeeee- yelp does not lie usually!!! Maybe if we have a friend that is really craving good fried chicken we will go back 😉 and you are too sweet!!!! Thank you for always making my day! 💕 hope your week is amazing so far. One day until FRIYAY!!! 🎉
And a day close to your date night!!
Seriously loving all your flower pics that are starting off your blog posts (especially since I am currently in NH where there is still SNOW! SNOW!)
Seriously your posts are making me smile! I can just feel your excitement and it is so infectious! I am so happy you are loving it!
I agree. I look back on all my old diaries and while I cringe (I mean my teenage self was ridiculously annoying and angsty and annoying) And am amazed at the growth. You are on such an incredible journey sweets and I am so proud of you!
Oh gaffs! Another thing I cringe at. But as much as it seems worse when we make them especially when you feel like you are “Suppose” to be smart, everyone makes them. And with all the incredibly amazing stuff you are learning it is totally allowed!
I love love LOVE that you are taking a moment to appreciate the little things! It really helps when you feel like you are sinking from all the craziness. It also goes hand in hand when saying no. It isn’t selfish to say no and take care of yourself. You are doing incredible things and those who have you back will understand that! And while your patients will become your moments of beauty you will most definitely be theirs.
I hope you have an amazing weekend beauty! <3
It’s snowing there still?!? oh boy!!!! That’s nuts! Weirdly- I miss the snow ! And thank you tons for affirming that it’s not selfish- I’m always SO worried that making choices or prioritizing what is “right” for me or dj and I sometimes will come across as selfish. It helps a ton when you reframe it as “taking care of myself”!! It’s true- if only I had thought of it that way all along! Thank you for phrasing it that way. You’re the bestttttt ❤️❤️❤️
My parents yard has snowbanks that I don’t think will ever melt! 🙁 They are still so huge! Yes I am throwing myself a pity party. ;p Lol. That makes sense though when you don’t have it.
Anytime! It isn’t selfishness! You can’t take care of anyone else if you can’t take care of yourself. Love, compassion, acceptance, all of it starts with you, and if you don’t take time to give yourself that, giving it to others will take its toll on you. I have learned that the hard way and it was no bueno. Even now, it is still hard to give myself some TLC, but I need too. We all need too even if it is taking twenty minutes to read a book, or sit in meditation or smell all the pretty flowers you have there! Anytime sweets! I know I have said it before, but I really mean it! I am here always! <3
That is SO crazy about the snow banks! Since it took me about a year to respond to this comment have they melted yet?! 😜 And I really took this comment to heart… I totally spontaneously booked a massage tonight 🙌🏻 When I justify the massage to DJ I’m just gonna say, “Kate told me I need self care and Kate is wise… hence.. massage!”. I hope your week is going so well 🙂 ❤️
Hey Girl!! Glad to read you’re doing great! I find it so inspiring to read about how you’ve found your passion! Your inner compass is clearly pointing towards that direction. I think that the people who truly care about you will know and understand! Other than that, don’t let anything hold you back! xoxo Sarah
Hi lovely!!!! Oh girlfriend, lemme tell ya, I am going through some serious blog withdrawals right now!!!! Sorry I am commenting back so late! Thank you for your sweet comments. They mean tons to me and encourage me greatly. How are you doing?!? XOXO
Hey Beautiful! Seeing how busy you are, I’m amazed where you even find the time! It’s very inspiring!! I’ve had a couple of days off, so I’ve been quite happy. I’m also getting into bullet journaling, so I’ve also been enjoying that! Anyhows, hang in there girl!! It’s almost weekend! xoxo Sarah
Bullet journaling sounds like a perfect type of journaling for my stage right now so I definitely may have to try that!!!!! Have such a great weekend celebrating your birthday 😍🎉😍🎉😍 WOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Thanks sweet girl!!! I’ll definitely enjoy more in the weekend haha!! I’ll have some tapas with the whole family of my BF, it’ll be fun!! I’ll post soon on my BuJo (bullet journal). I’m getting the hang of it! so much fun and relaxing!! Have a great weekend!!! xoxo Sarah
Yayyy! Maybe since it took me forever to actually respond to this you already wrote it?!? Someone else just mentioned bullet journaling and I thought of you! I think it was a sign that I really need to get on that boat 😉 I hope your week has been so lovely, girlfriend 💕
Hey Mack!! I actually have made a post!! I had SO MUCH FUN!!! But it was very time consuming. I did something simple to start with. You can have a look at here if you like: https://sarahscupofbeauty.wordpress.com/2017/04/23/cup-of-life-starting-my-bullet-journal-april-2017/
xoxo Sarah
Yayyy! I cannot wait to check it out, love! ❤️
Goodness! This is one steep learning curve!
I love how your tackle challenges with so much grace, even when you are panicking! and how you continue to fill your life with beauty (flowers, the beautiful photos) & nourishment (nutritious as well as fancy food, and spiritual as well).
Hi Ju Lyn! Thanks for stopping in 🙂 Your comments always make me smile! It is definitely a learning curve, but in the moments of feeling overwhelmed I have to remind myself about how horribly I wanted this and what a great opportunity it is too! And you are SOOO kind to say I handle it with grace- I feel such the opposite most times so that’s very encouraging ❤️ I hope you have the most beautiful weekend ahead!!!!