Suits.

Did you see The Blind Side? It tells the story of Michael Oher and the Tuohy's. Believe me when I say that it's a phenomenal story, an affluent Memphis family taking in an option-less, penniless, meal-less black boy from their kids' school. They go on to feed, clothe, nurture, educate, and love this boy. This boy flourished and became one of the most desirable high school football recruits. He picked Ole Miss, the alma mater of his new family and beloved tutor.

and now.... a pathetic commentary on the state of athletics in the States:

the NCAA jumps all over Michael, his family, and Ole Miss claiming foul play. Those tightwad suits accuse that the Tuohy's purposefully chose to help Michael in order to benefit their school's football team. They even go as far as to say that they fear this will become a precedent among other affluent families in the South.

Uh, WHO CARES?! .... in fact, that'd be great.

This is enraging to me. A little perspective, please?! Even IF this were the case in this situation, no one should give a flying fart in space. If the worst thing this family could ask for from this child they stuck their neck out for was to follow their footsteps, I say have at it! You mean to tell me that 'integrity in recruiting' is more significant to uphold than food, shelter, education, and the love of a family?! Shut. up.

In fact, I would urge all family of means everywhere to have the tenacity the Tuohy's did to take in and care for a boy from the projects. I'm not saying it's right, but even if he was physically forced to play ball for whatever college they choose, so what?! Still an ocean's improvement from the first kind of life that boy had been given. This family gave Michael everything so that he could even consider college, who cares where he goes?! For the record, this was not the case in Michael's story. Of course, they wanted him to attend their alma mater, but in the same manner they hoped it for their two other children. You see, their encouragement towards Ole Miss was just further evidence that the love they had for Michael ran deep enough that they held the same dreams for him as their biologically given children.

Come on.

Well Hello, KCMO!

Check out the new digs! i'm living with my good friend Jasmine for three months in Overland Park, just outside of KC proper (think Bellevue to Seatown). This area is kind of 'burby for my taste, but I have to admit that I like the woodsy feel of this neighborhood. There's a superlong trail that runs along a creek, complete with tadpoles and wood plank bridges. Very Bridge to Terabithia.

As for work? Children's Mercy is a lovely place to work. Seriously. No one will believe this, but everyone I have met is just. so. nice. No joke, sunshines and rainbows all day every day. Slightly unnerving? yes. A completely welcome change? you bet. The rumors are correct, working at a childrens hospital makes all the difference. The icee machine adds a little flair, too.

Love Love Love.

mfe-mci

It's almost silly how much I enjoy and look forward to my long drives between assignments.

Pictures from McAllen to Kansas city:

1. Marsha's all packed up. I'm armed with showtunes and hydration. Enthusiastic!

2. First night in Austin, had to do Texas right and have my last meal at Rudy's BBQ. Much thanks to the Moore's for hosting me yet again!

3. Fun fact: just across the border into Oklahoma is a sprawling casino campus. Yikes.

4. Scenic turnout #a million

5. Fall foliage in Kansas.... note the lack of tumbleweed.

How Sweet it is.

These lovely ladies seen here enveloping Sammy are Brianne and Noelle. They're nine and a half. What's so great about this is I started nannying for their family when they were even younger than Sam. I watched these girls and their brother and sister through giggles, pukes, tumbles, steps, and all of the wonderful details in between. I will never forget watching Breezy projectile vomit milk from her crib or coming back from the bathroom to find three dozen crushed easter eggs on the floor. These twinsies were quick! If I was feeling particularly proud I would tell you that "Mimi" was one of their first words, and I was knighted as such by Wellie, on the right. I always joke about how I have known them since they lived underwater. A new generation of babysitters? I'm thinking we could get a two for one deal.
Love Love Love.

Service Animals Welcome only.

It has come to my attention that a great number of people in my life have not been subject to the anticipation, hopefulness, and horror that a blind date induces. As a season pass holder to bad blind date entertainment, I consider myself well versed.

Allow me to paint you a scenario:

You, an accomplished, reasonably well dressed/spoken/educated single person are minding your business living your life when approached by your coworker/neighbor/friend/eventual enemy.

"I have just the person for you!" they proclaim.

"Uh, really?"

"Yes they are so caring/nice/vaguely positive attribute! I just think you two would really like each other. He/She's just kind of shy. Want to go out with him/her?"

"Well, I'm flattered, but I don't really like the pressure of blind dates", you say respectfully while deperately looking around for a building/billboard/approaching squirrel to comment on to change the subject.

"OH COME ON. He/She could be the one! What have you got to lose?! You never know!" Enter guilt trip, followed by unknowingly insulting insights into your life like:

"what better do you have to do?"

"when WAS the last time you were on a date?"

"you'll never meet anyone with that attitude."

and my favorite...... "it's not like you have any other offers on the table right now."

So, you go. In the days preceding, your mood changes from sheer panic to indignant neutrality to just the slightest hopefulness. In this day, it's common that you and he have been communicating with each other, sharing intimate gems like:

"I was tired today, work sucks" and "YOU like the Beatles?! I like the Beatles!" If he's really enthused about this, he might even interject messages with an abundance of emoticons indicating smiling, frowning, barfing, whatever. Enthralling, I know.

As you get ready (because eff it, you still have to look good JUST IN CASE), you think about all of the crazy things that happen in this world like messages in bottles and bird migration. Certainly a successful blind date can't be that extraordinary.

and then the rain.

In my experience, the oh-NO moment usually happens upon first meeting. There are just certain things that don't work. Chain smoking is one of them. Wearing leather pants is another. Perhaps the most offensive is the wife beater and cargo shorts to dinner. I'm not kidding. Sometimes it comes later, when he admits to sleeping in his mom's bed sometimes, hates the sun or that he has never been to a concert. Most of the time, it's a general lack of charisma and personality.

Immediately you put on your gracious face. I'm told this is used by actors at awards shows, when they lose but still have to be on TV. You have to avoid ungenuine overenthusiasm, while pretending to still be glad to be there. My schtick is usually combined with a scooting all the way back into my chair, and playing with my napkin. I make conversation just like I do at other events I dont want to be at.... talking about my job, how much I like the Northwest, commenting on the music scene. That's my go-to regime. Feel free to implore it.

After the obligatory meal and ONE drink. You rise to leave. The other person jumps up and asks if you want to continue to a movie/walk/other bland date activity. You force a smile and fake a regretted look. You say one of the following:

"I would, but I have to go pick up my sister at the airport." --perfect, family related AND time contrained.

"I would, but I have to be at work super early and I can't be tired." --also good, but not foolproof.

"I would, but I promised my friend I would babysit in a half hour" --works because you're blaming your friend for having kids, and thus cutting the evening short.

He replies with a shrug and a "oh, ok....

welliwasstillgreattomeetyouyouresofuncanwedothisagain?"

You smile and say, "sure, I'll see you later"....knowing full well you will be conveniently losing his number in t-minus twelve minutes.

I usually run to my car, swearing to never do it again. In the past, I have faltered on this proclamation. However, last week I was pushed over the proverbial blind date edge. I now know that any great guy doesnt need to be set up. A real man sets himself up. So there.

EEK!

Isnt it just the most?!! Every Wednesday night I sit in front of the magical light box called TV and indulge in this entertainment delight. I hug my knees and giggle as I watch some of my favorite Broadway stars dance and sing to pop classics and timeless showtunes. I just can't get enough. No, I'm not ashamed to admit that if my high school had had a glee club, I would have been its president. Go ahead, rip my cool card. It gets damaged every time I wear a tutu anyway.

Wanted: a clue.

It's a strange and unnerving phenomenon that occurs about two-three years after you graduate from college. I call it Rapid-Onset Possibly Debilitating Soul Search Syndrome. You spend years studying your craft in college, you focus. You surround yourself with others who have made the same career/educational choices as you. You study, pass tests, do internships, train. You become qualified and then permitted to act as a bona fide nurse/accountant/circus trainer. A few years go by.... now what? You settle into your career, get a little comfortable and then realize: Uh, is this it? Cue letdown.

I have recently come to this. While I do love nursing, I have now seen that the part I love about nursing is what it gives me, not necessarily what I do. Everyone I know has heard me singing the praises of my profession. Those are all legit. I love the hours, the flexibility, the challenge, and the job security. But there's always a flip side. What's even more absurd about this happening is that I am hearing the same story with so many of my fellow peers. We just aren't sure this was the right idea. Sher hates her corporate accounting job, Stace is running in circles trying to stay on top of Texas oil, TL is a slave to her deskchair, I want to chase some butterflies.

Here are my qualms:

1. It bothers me that I only interact with people professionally during times of crisis. I want to be a part of people's everyday lives, to meet them during happy times, too. I want to be with people who are on vacation. Everyone loves vacation.

2. I never saw myself as a worker bee. I would like to be in more leadership roles. As a nurse, you only go to nurse manager. Holy paper shuffling. Yuck.

3. I sometimes have a hard time with the nursing population. It can be stereotyped to say that nurses are known for being overtired, overworked, cranky, overweight, lazy, and generally a bother to be around. Stereotypes are always started with some major evidence. Just saying.

4. In the setting of a hospital, there always seems to be an "us vs. them" attitude between nurses and doctors. This is horseshit. In fact, lots of nurses think it strange to find me texting a doctor. Guess what?! They poop brown just like the rest of us. This really irks me.

In lieu of these qualms, I have the thought that perhaps I might venture into other areas of interest. While I love travel nursing, I know that this won't be possible forever. I will likely be doing this for a long time, but I think it's fair to say that when I am finished travel nursing, I might be finished nursing in general. I have compiled a list of preferences in case I never grow the cohones to try another occupation. In no order of significance:

1. Be outside more

2. Dont sit around and get fat/ use my body in my work ...... ala the blue zone lifestyle

3. Make me cooler than I am now

4. no hairnets, business suits, or chaps.... generally must not be forced to dress like any member of the Village People

5. learn a superuseful skillset..... like woodcarving. or skydiving. or operating a crane.

6. interact with people during happy times

7. allow for an abundance of travel

8. encourage less focus on monetary motivation

9. get the opportunity to be a really good boss.... like Blake Mycoskie.

10. help me to learn contentedness.

PS. is this silly butterfly chaser wanting the American way? is it just never enough? if so, i'm moving to italy.

incoming.

I have completed my contract here in the Rio Grande Valley. I am thrilled to be unemployed for the next two weeks. I can't wait to start my drive tomorrow. Gotta admit however, as enthused as I am always to move on to another location, it is always bittersweet. I have been taking care of a certain patient now for about a month. She is very sick. As a result, I have gotten close with her family. Her mom gave me the tightest hug this morning, a big smooch on the cheek and told me "adios, chiquita. muchas gracias por cuidar mi hija". That pretty much makes all the ass wiping and tracheal aspirate worth it. Dang it, as much as I sometimes doubt my career choice, this is still pretty badass. Thankfully, I will have time to ponder all of this during the 1,043 miles I have to travel in the next few days.

stay tuned, I have been brewing some thoughts.