Life Lately
Holy moly it has been a minute. I have been so busy lately that I haven’t had time to sit down and write. It is a beautiful Saturday morning in Kentucky. Excitement is in the air, you can feel it. The horses are racing today. Instead of participating in any activities, I decided to come to A Cup of Commonwealth downtown, get a cup of my favorite coffee, listen to indie music and type. I was racking my brain all night trying to think of something better to do, like do some errands and get the junk out of my backseat. But I thought about how much I enjoy this and owe it to myself to relax. Last Sunday at church, our pastor was preaching about finding joy. He told a personal story about how he went fishing recently with his buddy and had a great time. He said he was also racking his brain beforehand about an excuse to get out of it, like how he had errands to do, he was tired, etc. He was so glad he let himself go and it paid off. He told us to do the same. Do things that bring you joy. So, here I am.
School has been none stop since August. We just had our fall break which marks the middle of the semester. Crazy to believe I am halfway through my first semester! It has been kicking my butt to say the least. Luckily, this is the last semester where I am taking another class alongside my nursing course. So many assignments and reading. You know that Spongebob episode where his brain is on fire? That’s how my brain feels. A constant state of stress. I just think about all the upcoming assignments and things I need to get done. I am busiest at the beginning of the week so by the time Friday roles around, I can finally breathe.
So far I really like it. I am so happy I am pursing this over my bachelors degree. My life would be totally different had I kept with it. I especially like my clinical rotation. Right now I am doing my clinical at an accredited hospital in Lexington, Baptist Health, on Tuesdays. Each day presents a new challenge. The majority of the patients on our floor are older adults with neurological and cardiovascular issues. It is tough work. I just try to observe, learn and help as much as I can.
I would love to work at Baptist after graduation. That’s my goal.
Two big things have happened since I last wrote. The first is I have a new roommate. My boyfriend moved in the week before nursing school started. So far it has been great. Since I am gone the majority of the evenings, he cooks dinner and holds down the house. I do the majority of the cleaning (only because I am OCD) and do laundry. We tag team the dishes. It is so nice having him there. Sometimes I think back to how tough long distance was and wonder how the heck I dealt with it. Let me tell you something, coming home to a cooked meal is the best thing ever. We really are “partners” in this life. I have had lots of anxiety lately and I am sure it will continue until graduation. He helps calm me down and bring me back to reality whenever my head is far into the following week, anxious about exams and assignments days away. I am very thankful for him. He is the golden retriever to my black cat.
The second big thing that has happened is I died my hair back to brunette. I am very happy with this decision. God made me a brunette so might as well not fight him on it. Blonde requires so much maintenance and money. The day you get it done, it looks fantastic. Give it a week and it’s already brassy. I was over it. Brunette suits me. Plus, I always go darker near fall. I intend to stick with it even after this winter.
Lately I have been feeling very homesick. Especially during the fall. Fall and summer is when I miss it the most. So many memories associated with those two seasons. Fall reminds me of high school; Friday night football games, homecoming, soccer practice. Whenever I played soccer, we got to watch the season change from summer to fall because the field was surrounded by mountains. Slowly but surely they would change from green to vibrant reds and yellows. I miss the mountains. I need to be near the them, east or west.
Fall is my favorite time of the year. Like I said, it brings back lots of good memories. I love pumpkins, the cool temperature, mums, decorating, candles, when leaves fall off the trees in the wind, a subtle spooky atmosphere, football on the TV, Keeneland, Caturdays. It is superior. I wish I was able to enjoy it a weekend back home in West Virginia but life right now is not letting that happen. That’s alright. We will make the most of it here in the Bluegrass.
I am thankful for the beautiful weather. Thankful for this time I was able to write. I want to continue to keep in mind what my pastor said last Sunday; to enjoy joyful things. So, if you’re reading this, go do something that makes you happy. Destress. Yeah you’re tired but get some coffee beforehand. The errands can wait. Go hang with that friend you haven’t seen in forever. Go fishing. Go on a walk. Take care of your mental health. Enjoy the day.