3 reasons for happiness today

1.  I recently  made the decision to let my boss know that I was interested in moving to day shift if something opened up on the rehab units.  While I really like the differential that night shift provides I was starting to feel like I needed more of a challenge and would like the opportunity to not be tired all the time and have a (somewhat) normal schedule.  Within a week of that discussion a spot opened up and my boss also shared that she would like to train me as day charge nurse.  While I have technically been charge on night shift from time to time it is more of a "in case you-know-what hits the fan, you are the only RN on staff" title.  Day charge is definitely more of a challenge and you kind of run the show.  I am nervous but excited to make this advancement in my career.  I have also been very humbled by the positive feedback I have been getting from my co-workers reactions to the change.  So, on June 1st the transition begins!

2.  The hubster also got a new position/promotion at work that involves supervising others and the receiving in the warehouse!  He just started this new role yesterday and already seems happier.  He also starts back to school next week to complete his degree.   The "Back to school, back to school" tune from Billy Madison has been playing on repeat in my head!

3.  My sister-in-law graduates Nursing School today!  I am so excited for her and I know first hand how difficult the last 2 years have been and she has handled it all with flying colors (and a 4.0)  Hooray for Jube! We are super proud of you! 

So things are feeling pretty good in our life, plus it is (pretty much) summer!  And I have a bike! We are planning a bike excursion to one of our local and amazing breweries this weekend for a small batch festival.  Let the summer fun commence!

Mommy Time

My wonderful visit with my Mom and Mike just came to a close this morning as they headed back to Canada.  Sad day.  But this was the most time that I have spent with my Mom since she moved to Canada 13 years ago, so it was pretty great.  Here are some of the highlights.

We had a hike together, though didn't hike as much as I thought we would due to weather and my work schedule.

Cassidy was in dog heaven since her Mummu and Papa Mike took her on lots of extra dog walks.   And Stella enjoyed lounging on the made up futon and having extra heads to sleep on.

We had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend and made a trip to the Denver Zoo.

Then Sunday we made some special meals then shared our Finnish heritage and made coffee bread together

It was a really great visit and I look forward to many more extended visits now that they live the retired life.  My Mom is pretty great, I mean who else would pin your animals down to trace their paws on your birthday card?

Happy Mothers Day to all the special Moms in my life! 

29

Does anyone else have expectations of a certain age they will hit and dread it when that time approaches?  For many it is the decade markers.  I am fast approaching my first, "uh-oh" decade of 30.  For some reason I don't dread 30, I just assume that I will be so busy with my career and potential family that it won't even bother me.  But for some reason, 29 was looming.  I think I will blame this one on my parents (cause why not?) for exposing me to birthday denial at a young age.  I remember attending the birthday party for the organist at our church.  It must have been a "decade" (cue ominous music) party as it was a pretty big gathering.  When they brought out the cake out (which I, of course, was most interested in,  being a kid and all) and looked on puzzled at the "Happy 39th Nice Lady Organist!" as everyone else laughed.  Why was this so funny?  I even had to ask my Mom, who explained that she wasn't really 39, but older, and women of a certain age don't like to draw attention to their real age.

And so I filed that away with many of the the other "lessons" such as "beauty must suffer" as I cried when getting the tangles brushed out of my long hair, and "You CAN'T wear white after Labor Day!".  But, as I approached my first "decade of dread" and the end of my 20s, 29 seemed worse than the impending decade!  But, I really must say that I had an unexpectedly delightful birthday.

Why unexpected you ask?  Well I was lucky enough to finally have my birthday fall on a weekend only to have to work a 4 shift stretch spanning that weekend.  On the night shift.  While my Mom and Stepdad were visiting from Canada.  Sad for me!  But, when life gives you lemons and you're feeling extra sour about turning 29 because your parents accidentally exposed you to a culture where the 9 is better than the 0 you...

...ask for a bicycle for your birthday!  I felt like a kid on Christmas riding my bike around the parking lot and getting the setting "just right"!  I love it and thank my hubby so much!  And then, when I finally roused after my night shift I came downstairs to this lovely spread

Presents!  All were much appreciated and made me feel so very special on my dreaded 29th.  Probably the most touching and unexpected was this,

Painted by my mother.  The morning of my birthday.  From flowers she picked on a walk that day.  How amazing is she?!  I've been bugging her for a painting for years now and it still took my breath away when I found this little gem tucked away amongst my gift.  I will treasure it always. And then she made me cheesecake.  Moms are the best!

Much thanks to my Mom and Dad for bringing me in to existence and for the lovely gifts.  Also thanks to Pat and Mike for completing our, sometimes complicated but always loving, family.  To The Jims and the Cindys, thanks for always remembering these special days with your thoughtful gifts and words, and welcoming me in to your family, I'm pretty lucky to have such great in-laws! And, of course, my husband.  Looking forward to many more "decades".  Thanks to everyone who took a moment out of their busy day to send me a facebook post, give me a call, send a text, or send a special gift or card, for making my birthday special.  Much love.  Even if I have to be 29 now.