Bono's

Trying to take my camera with me more often. Trying to take pictures of cool things. (Even if I'm not great at capturing them on film.) Like snow outside Bono's BBQ!!

answered prayer

My job is now full-time. How cool!!

Reading through my journal last night and saw how I prayed Ephesians 4:28 for myself: "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need."

God provided. I am thankful.

Larimer Square

Going to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to pick up chocolate for the boyfriend:)

at long last!

I have a nursing job!!!

Just when I had all but given up hope!

It feel right into my lap. I was calling nursing homes in town seeing who had openings they would consider filling with new grads, and one told me to come on in for an interview a couple hours later. That was a Thursday, and the following Monday the Director of Nursing called with a job offer. It's like God said, "Okay, NOW!"

It is a part time position, which will mean an average of 30 hours a week. But that is quite enough to start with, and with the pay, it's better than working 100 hours a week at Chipotle. It will likely turn into full time after awhile if I desire and am doing well.

Right now I am in orientation, working the 2 long-term care units with other nurses until I am ready to be on my own. It seems overwhelming right now. Most of my clinicals were in hospitals which usually have 3-5 patients to one nurse, and my final internship in Labor & Delivery had 1 or on occasion 2 patients to one nurse. On these floors I will have 18-30 patients in a given day. They are not as sick and require fewer treatments, yes, but that is a lot to keep up with. I'm also trying to get to know all the new people I'll be working with and understand how things work in general. As an RN and BSN I am entering with more of a leadership role, and I hardly feel ready for that.

But I rest firmly in the belief that this is what God has for me right now. So I'm trying to do my best and trust him every day in it! It is a blessing to be doing something in nursing!!!

I had my last day at Chipotle yesterday, and will enjoy working only 3 12-hour days this week. I will be trying to begin my volunteer experiences this week. I started planning a few weeks ago to volunteer at the local hospital in the surgery waiting room and in my high school Spanish teacher's classroom. My schedule now will make that even easier.

boyfriend visit:)

Andrew left this morning from his 8-day visit to Colorado. It was his first time in the state! We did lots of fun things like go snowshoeing, outdoor ice skating, visit the zoo, tour the mint, and see Garden of the Gods. We played some games and watched some movies. And I got to hang out with Andrew more than ever before!! It was so awesome there are no words. Forgive me for my inadequate description of the amazingness, but the truth is, he left this morning and I am sad.

But, for the first time ever, Andrew and Sarah took a picture together:)

We went snowshoeing to Brainard Lake. It was fun.

We all had lunch and cheesecake on Sunday. Mom, Dad, Sarah, Andrew, Paul, Becca, Ben, Rachel, and Charlie. What a good-looking bunch!

Andrew took me on a fancy date to the Melting Pot. They had complimentary valet service which we both thought was way over the top. We were seated in a little private section with a fire place. And the waiter set our chocolate fondue on fire for effect. Wow.

2009 is over!!

2009 was a crAzy year!!
Here are some top memories from 2009:

memories of place:
--living on my own (without a roommate) for the first time ever!
--living with the greatest couple ever in Chandler, AZ
--moving back in with my family and happily sinking into home
--visiting my beloved CO 4 times as an AZ resident
--visiting AZ twice as a CO resident

specific memories with friends:
--standing up with Kimmie as she became a Mrs.
--standing up with Bethany as she became a Mrs.
--camping with Christy in her sister's living room
--discovering Tempe Town Lake with Crystal and Melissa
--playing doggie midwife with Jessica to Rosie's first litter of puppies
--having the best birthday with friends and birthday surprise from Christian and Jim
--spontaneous hang-out with Amanda that was way more fun than what we each had planned
--last-minute light railing to Lux Coffee with Jessica M. and reading together
--having dinner and praying at the Myers with Ephrem, Walter, and Scotty
--going to the Outer Banks with Linnea
--playing tennis with Bonnie, when it was at least 95 degrees at 10pm... and then watching Kung Fu Panda
--going on a date with Andrew that I wasn't sure yet was a date, and eating ice cream on my now-favorite park bench

other things:
--becoming involved in the life of a God-loving church in Gilbert, AZ
--starting to run--running and then having Mojo with friends, and surviving my first 5K, with Bonnie, Namoi, and Jim
--starting to date someone who is a fantastic combination of God-fearing, brilliant, and fun
--being astounded by God's faithfulness at every turn
--looking back at the end of the year and realizing I love God more now than when it started. Praise Him!

Christmas time is here!

Welp, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The snow helps. So do the lights. But mostly it's the pine scent coming from that new tree... oh~la~la

We don't have many traditions, but one thing we do every year is cut down a tree from the tree farm. It was 12 degrees outside. But we found a good one!