What do you say?

I am often reminded of something a patient's husband said when she passed away: "I have never felt so much peace and heartache at the same time."

Even though I have been in oncology nursing for over 2 years now, I still cannot say I know what to say when a family loses their loved ones. Each family is unique and grieves in its own way.

Rest in peace, Amber. You are already missed by so many...

What a weekend!

On Friday, I drove up to Lerna, IL to visit a former roommate of mine. I had such a good time remembering senior year and the hell we're not in anymore (nursing school). She is in the process of remodeling her house with her husband and it looks wonderful so far! I think she needs to come and decorate my house when she's done with hers! ;-) Thanks for the wonderful visit Tricia and Nathan!

On Saturday, I went to Amber and Jason's wedding in Hazel Dell, IL. It was such a beautiful wedding! The bride was so beautiful! The reception was beautiful as well- it was on Jason's family property with a lake and all. There were tents set up as well as 3 separate bonfires by the lake to keep warm throughout the night. It was definitely not like any other reception I've been to! Definitely a good night!




I came home today and I pulled into my neighborhood. As I am driving in, I saw one of my neighbors also decorated for Halloween by putting a scarecrow and a wreath made of autumn leaves out. As I pull closer, I realized it's my house! The scarecrow and the autumn leave wreath was joining my little bale of hay and pumpkin that were already on my porch! I knew my parents did it for me. As I pull around the back of my complex to get to my garage, I realize there's this bright green bucket sitting in someone's lawn. As I get closer and closer, I realize it's in MY yard. Then I saw plants galore. My parents were getting my garden set up for me! :-) That's not all either. I proceed to open my garage door to pull my car in and let's just say my car never made it in. My mouth dropped open. My bike that I have not ridden in 10 years is hanging on the ceiling and I have two large shelves (very much needed!) hanging in my garage! I was absolutely floored. After a minute of standing there speechless, my parents pulled up to my driveway and surprised me. Needless to say, this was a wonderful surprise! My house looks so beautiful on the outside now! I just need to work on the inside now...

Last 4 day stretch at work...

For now...

For the last 2.5 weeks, I have been working 4 days, off one day, working another 4 days, off one, and working another 4 days. It's pure exhaustion!

I was able to take time after working on Friday to attend the Bachlorette party for Amber and Ashley, some of my coworkers on 6900. It was so much fun hanging out with my friends from work and definitely fun to be doing something not work-related!

Roadtrip...

Here's the pictures from North Carolina!

1 week and 36 hours of driving later...

I made it home from a wonderful vacation spent visiting my aunt, Jodie, and her family in North Carolina and my brother at Wake Forest.

The road trip itself was a beautiful drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway, mountains, and valleys. You just can't beat the beautiful scenery of the east coast. I quickly recognized West Virginia as the "White Trash State" due to its only major city, Charleston, being taken up with half factories and plants and the other half just plain dirty. On top of it, it seems like every destination (gas stations, hotels, etc) I hit in West Virginia, a fight broke out or sleezy men were easy to find. I don't think it helps that I saw a special on how half the population of West Virginia is doped up on Oxycontin. Needless to say, I think I could move to any state but West Virginia and I apologize for being negative about WV if you're from there.

I did finish painting my half bathroom before I went on my vacation and I absolutely love the color. Of course, it's the only room I painted at this time...

Now, I must settle back into my routine at work (not too excited about that) and earn some more money.

Light the Night Walk...

Tonight, a group from my floor and I signed up to walk for "Light the Night" in Forest Park. We signed up to walk with the family of a former patient of ours who passed away almost a year ago and left a daughter behind. Her daughter is now almost two years old and looks like her mother!

Here's Bentley with Megan's favorite nurse:


Bentley's sign on the back of her shirt:


Amber and Jenny at the start of the walk:


6900 staff Marching for Megan:

Floating with Amber and Jason...

This past weekend, a large group of us went floating with Amber and Jason (who are soon to be married next month) in Bourbon, MO. We all had so much fun! It wasn't warm, but it wasn't chilly (until nighttime). We definitely want to do it again, but when it's warmer.

I'm looking forward to working just 3 days this week! Siteman doesn't need me so I actually get 4 days off to get stuff done around my house! I am definitely going to try finishing painting my half bath and my basement closet.