Rain, rain go away!

Well it has certainly been a 'weather shock' after spending a weekend in 75 degree weather, I was greeted with 40 degree rain for the week. There's quite a bit of flooding and power outages across the area and half of my hospital unit is actually closed due to flooding! It looks like the weather should start getting nicer in the coming days. I've added a few more photos to remind me (and you!) of the beautiful sun and warmer weather that is (eventually) on its way . I'm looking forward to working three more days and then going back home for a long weekend. I haven't seen my family for a little while so it will certainly be nice to catch up with them all.

I'll update a little more later! I'm off to run some errands and then back to work :)

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"Hear with your ears, listen with your heart."

Delray with Davedaddy

Well, I can't believe just three days a go I was leaving work, packing my bags and heading on a plane to Florida. This past weekend flew by but was an amazing time. I'm getting ready to head back to work tonight, now with a refreshed mind, sun-kissed checks and so many great memories dancing through my head. This past weekend I visited Delray, Florida to meet Braydon's grandfather. Davedaddy (his grandfather's coined nickname) is as sharp and kind as they come, he turns 90 this June and is an inspiration to all.

Above and below are a few photos with Davedaddy; we all became close friends very quickly!

Braydon and I ran on a beautiful parkway each morning; we passed by many ornate houses, meticulous landscapes and sun-tanned senior citizens. We always stopped on the beach to catch some sun rays before heading back home.

Davedaddy sure knows how to wine and dine, this is at a french, seafood restaurant called 'The Gazebo.' All the waiters wore tuxes and there was a chandelier as big as me in the dining room.

We were able to spend one day with the whole crew: Deke (Braydon's dad), Braydon, me, Davedaddy and Boo (Braydon's mom). We looked at scrapbooks, went out to eat, chatted and just enjoyed our time together.

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"When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning,

by dreams that need completion,

by pure love that needs expressing,

then we truly live life."

-Greg Anderson

Congrats to Brandon and Amy!!

MY BROTHER GOT ENGAGED!!

On 2/22/10 while the sun was rising in Talum, Mexico a wonderful lady was asked to be my dear brother's one true love!

Excitement does not even begin to describe my feelings for the engagement of Brandon and Amy. Not only do I have such a great time with these two but the happiness, joy and peace that Amy brings to Brandon absolutely illustrates true love.

Above is Brandon, Amy, Braydon and myself at home celebrating my dad's birthday. You can also see our wonderful turf n' surf dinner; Dad with his perfectly grilled tenderloin and Amy with crab legs the size of her arm.

I literally just woke up from a 24 hour sleep, I'm currently drinking some coffee and getting ready for a long run along the river...its sunny and 40 degrees outside, almost like summer! I leave for West Palm Beach on Friday...cannot wait!

Love to you all.

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"To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides."

-David Viscott

Skating, smiles and snoozes

Greetings!

Wow, its been a while since I last updated, once again the past few weeks have flown by and swept me away with it. On my last post we were in the middle of a snowstorm, fortunately it only lasted a day and actually brought beautiful weather with it afterwards. I just got off a plane from Minneapolis and am once again gearing up for another few days at work. The next week should be a nice break from my previous stretch of working 6 out of 7 days, this time around I have a few observational experiences, days off and seminars in the mix. A week from this coming Friday I'm heading to Florida to visit Braydon's parents and grandfather, I am counting down the days until the beach, warmth and time with family.

My past time at home was wonderful, as always. It was a shorter trip, spanning about three days, but I seemed to pack in just as much as usual. Among the highlights....celebrating my dad's 58th birthday with a wonderful surf and turf fare, watching the olympics, skating with my dad, bailey and braydon (see pictures below), going to church, running around the lakes with Britt and Annie (we did 12 miles yesterday--just like the good old days!), eating at a great Indian restaurant with my dad (called Chin Dian Cafe in Northeast Minneapolis--I highly recommend it), meeting Braydon at work for lunch, and of course relaxing and napping too!

As many people know, one of the things I miss the absolute most from home are my animals. I have this great love for my three pets and I dearly miss them here in new york city. So I've dedicated a few pictures to those lovely creatures...above you can see Biggles and Gus cuddling, below are many pictures of my family's golden retriever, Bailey.

Bailey was soo excited to be out on the ice, chasing pucks and sliding around. I call him an 'old man' but he definitely showed us his younger side that day! Speaking of young, look at my dad--on the 30 anniversary of the 'Miracle on Ice,' he showed us that he still has the skills Herb Brooks (and many others) taught him a few moons ago.

The past three years have slowly but surely converted Braydon from a Southern, Virginia boy to a winter-loving, ice-skating Minnesotan man.

Wow, what great pictures and great memories. There are many things I miss about Minnesota, but the authentic, traditional winter must be towards the top of the list. Call my crazy but I love it when the wind bites my lip, the ground crackles under my feet, the cold freezes the outdoors, and the snow transforms the world into a great playground.

Love, peace and joy.

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"If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people."

-Thich Nhat Hahn

Snowmageden

I hope everyone is surviving the snowmageden (that’s what the weather man used to refer to the recent snowy weather). Above is a current picture of the snow outside my window, luckily I'm all cozied up in my room: heat on, candles on, oven on, smile on. Yesterday I made it out on the last airplane to NYC from Minneapolis (I think for a few days due to the snow!). I was bummed to leave Minnesota a few days early but glad to make it back to work on time. Apparently the news anchor said that today is the worst day of the year (so far) for airplane travel!

On Sunday I returned from a weekend in Lutsen, Minnesota (a Northern Minnesota town that hugs Lake Superior and has some of Minnesota’s largest ‘hills’). Eight of us headed up to a villa that sits on Lake Superior. We downhill skied, Nordic skied, snowboarded, played charades, laughed, and had a great time together. I’ve posted some pictures from the weekend.

View from the gondola

Braydon before our first downhill run, ''on top of the world''

The two of us

Me nordic skiing

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"A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow."

-Danish Proverb

Where I am and Where I am Going

My mom often jokes with me saying, "Jenna, you want everything wrapped up tied in a bow." I'm not a person who loves surprises nor thrives on spontaneity. I'm a 'planner' by nature and am often dreaming about the next step ahead of me. I'd love to share a few thoughts on what excites me about the future and road of possibilities. I love my job at NYU; it is providing me with a premiere educational experience as a brand new RN. I am constantly learning and have copious support from the administration, faculty and senior nurses. As previously mentioned I began a one year "Nurse Residency" program in July of last year. The program is designed to provide new nurses with a thorough orientation to the profession through ample resources, seminars and classes throughout the first year. The program allows new nurses to work independently, carry a full of load patients and be autonomous while providing extra support a long the way. At the end of July I have the opportunity to attain a promotion at NYU or move to a new hospital with a valuable year of experience under my belt. I have made no definite decisions but can say I certainly miss Minnesota nice and all my friends and family. I have full intentions to continue oncology nursing in the future; it is truly where my heart and passion lie. Someday I hope to intertwine my love for oncology with other specialties including pediatric oncology, hospice nursing, and graduate school in nursing education. The nursing profession provides so many career paths that are easily tailored to a nurse's stage of life, personality and dreams. I hope to continue oncology 'floor' nursing (working on a hospital unit) for a few more years; I still have so much to learn and grow. But after that time I am excited to pursue other professional options. The past six months have also opened my eyes to a wide range of social justice issues within the medical field. Specifically I am interested in advocating for advance care directive education (living wills), improved doctor to patient communication, preventative medicine and the promotion of death with dignity. I hope to spread awareness of these issues on both a professional and personal level. So in response to my mother's comment...here is my one example where things are not so tightly wrapped up in a pretty bow; while I have a general direction for my future, there are still many uncertainties and possibilities. To say the least, I'm anxious to find my way on a journey that isn't perfectly planned but nonetheless I'm excited to continue a life of promise and fulfillment.

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"Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work."

-William Arthur Ward

A little more from the mini-apple

Hello hello!

Best wishes to everyone.

I have a few more picture to share from my past visit to Minneapolis. Sitting here in my little nyc apartment I must say I'm a little home-sick for all my friends and family...luckily I only have to wait three more days to see them :)

Above and below are pictures of Braydon and I on our walk home from dinner through Loring Park. The park is just a block away from Braydon's condo and a main part of his (and mine, when I visit!) daily walk to work.

On our last night together we made our favorite dinner...chicken, salad, broccoli and ice cream....I don't think either of us cook a lot when we are alone but we love cooking meals together. Note the beautiful center pieces of roses waiting for me upon my arrival to mn :)

Above mom is giving Bailey his daily facial while watching the vikings game with family and friends.

This is what I miss most about being away from home....my amazing parents, my loving bro, all the wonderful neighbors, the cozy fireplace and a home full of love.

Until next time, love and peace to all!

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"The light of divine wisdom shines in my thoughts and fills me with understanding."

-Silent Unity