Crickets….

Hi everyone,

I know,  it's been forever since I've updated this blog. What is my excuse? I have none really, except that life has just been happening. Does that mean I gave up on this blog completely? Not at all. There was times I came back to revisit past moments, look up old recipes I had posted on here, and read up on all the lovely blogs written by my friends. Recently I have had something occur in my life that has brought me back to my little soapbox. I've missed writing on here and I've missed sharing parts of my life both positive and challenging.
Just to bring everyone up to speed. Here is an update:

I'M A NURSE: 
I am no longer a nursing student but an actual nurse. I studied my ass off and passed my NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Exam) in 75 questions back in October. Not only that, but I landed a job at the hospital I wanted to work at a week later. Transitioning from student to nurse has been amazing and the scariest thing I have done in my life. There was a full month streak where I encountered almost every type of challenging patient you could have on our unit.  I was so grateful for the other nurses and techs on my unit who helped out during the challenges and encouraged me when I did something right. The only thing that I can say that I dislike is the schedule. However, a wise nurse on the unit put it bluntly. She said, "Suck it up Laura,  you are a nurse now." I wanted to bitter about this comment, but she was right. I knew going into this profession that it was going to be challenging, but I accepted it full heartedly. Now that i'm in this actual position I find it eases my mind to just go with the flow rather than fight it. At least for the moment that is. Nursing is a job that can be very stressful. I have discovered that running and going to acupuncture weekly has helped keep my stress in check.  I've also downloaded some meditation apps to listen to on breaks or before I go to bed. It seemed silly at first, but I find it really does work! I recommend the calm.com  app for a good escape.

RUNNING
I'm still running, but I'm not trying to clock in long runs. Now I just run to feel good. I find I just run and listen to what my body is telling me. If my body wants to walk a bit and take in the sunset happening on the westside of Albuquerque...I let it. If my body wants to charge a hill like a mad women...I let it. This doesn't mean that I won't challenge myself in the future to clock in the long runs again, but for now this is what works for me. I still have the La Luz Trail Run in my sights. I'm going to run up that mountain some day.

THE SEÑOR: 
Business has really taken off for the Señor this last year and we feel so blessed. We truly thank God for all the blessings we have in our lives. Construction is hard work and there is not a week that goes by that I'm not treating some freak wound he got on the job, but I'm so proud of him. His hard work put me through nursing school. His amazing support all the way through my crazy journey is something I will never forget.  We have both been working hard and are looking forward to our first vacation of 2014. We will be going to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to watch my good friend Alex get married. We love a good wedding!

Recently we did a huge grocery shopping spree. We waned to purchase food that we could prepare and cook at home. With our new work schedules, it's been easy to just go out to eat. As fun and good as that sounds, it does get old after awhile. I hope to share some of the new recipes we try on the blog. Got a good recipe? Please send me a link or post it in the comments.

I look forward to catching up with everyone!
Cheers,
Laura