I will be a snowbird for life!

I cannot get over how sunny and warm it is all the time here in Mesa.  I totally get the snowbird thing so much better now.  Forget waiting until I'm older, I think I want to do this every winter from here on out!!

So far I have been to Tombstone with family and friends, Sedona with a group of gypsies, hiking in the Superstitions with gypsies, shooting in Tonto National forest and out to eat at some fantastic new restaurants!

Tombstone was such a fun day.  We did see the OK Corral reenactment and it was worth it.  I wouldn't mind seeing it again!  Sedona was a blast and so beautiful.  I could definitely go back there.  Hiking in the Superstitions was absolutely breathtaking, literally, and I will get back there to see some more.  Shooting was a wonderful experience.  I've shot rifles, but now feel confident with a handgun.

Work is going well, too.  I know I could probably pick up OT, but I am having way too much fun running around outside to want stay inside.  I have met some wonderful people from all over as many of my patients are snowbird.  I even had some folks from Fargo and the wife and I reminisced about sauce from Mexican Village.

Funny story so far, I was helping an older gentleman to the bathroom and he was hooked to the IV and it was finished.  He was eager to go and I kept saying wait and he kept moving.  I finally said it more loudly and firmly "Wait!" and he said "That's what made the bridge fall"  I cracked up, he did as well.  It was so fun.

If you want to see my photos so far, here are the links.  I don't know if you need an account or not!

Tombstone: http://www.flickr.com/photos/35077813@N03/sets/72157640354491573/
Sedona: http://www.flickr.com/photos/35077813@N03/sets/72157640352472465/
Tonto National Forest: http://www.flickr.com/photos/35077813@N03/sets/72157640353128435/

Enjoying the sun

So here's my flip flop shot that I promised everyone before I left.  With getting moved in it took a few days to get a pedicure, and I really did feel a little bad that I was wearing flip flops during the arctic blast my northern friends were suffering.

While I was getting my pedicure I was asked if I wanted a sea salt scrub.  I said "maybe next time" which I guess sounded like "that's fine" because I got the sea salt scrub.  During the manicure I was asked what color polish and I said none, so I got clear.  But it was really cheap and completely relaxing, so I am definitely going back!

Quirks I've noticed while driving is many people seem to be in the wrong lane, usually by several lanes.  I find that very unnerving.  Also, I see blinkers go on to merge into a lane, someone is there so the blinker goes off and the person comes over anyway.  Keeps me alert for sure!!

This is Charlie, my roommate's dog.  He is not as cute as my grandpa Charlie, but he is a pretty good dog.  He rarely barks, he doesn't beg too much, and he is friendly.  My roommate is great, too.  She has great stories to share and she is funny.  

Anyway, I'm off to try yoga with some other travel nurses.  I'm a little nervous and promise I'll share if it all goes horribly awry. 

 

New Year, new locations, new people

Happy New Year!  What is it about this day?  It's a Wednesday, normal snowy day in Iowa.  Yet it's a day that has so much significance to so many people.  A fresh start on goals.  This year I will.....?

Well, today I will not attempt to start a diet as we have snack food galore ready to go for all day football.  Today I will enjoy the snow falling because I know that come Monday, when the high in Des Moines is forecast to be -2, I will be in sunny Arizona wearing flip flops!!  Today I will cheer for the Hawkeyes in the Outback bowl, and I most likely will not start an exercise regimen.  Today I will enjoy a day with my folks, because these are few of these left this visit.

Next up is Mesa, AZ.  I am so excited about this contract.  I know people in the area, I know people that will be visiting the area and it's going to be warm!!  I get to work day shift which means I may even get a slight tan, or at least look a little less pasty.

And here is a laugh to start off your new year:

I was watching the heart monitors and realized my patient had leads off.  I went in to check and found said patient in the bathroom, with the heart monitor on the floor, IV line on the floor, pulling off various dressings.  I stood staring unsure what to even say or where to start and the patient looked at me and said "It's a mystery"