Nashvegas

It's currently 8:15 on Monday morning. I am not in staffing. I repeat, I am not in healthcare staffing this morning. Woah. I'm currently on paid vacation from Bradford. I worked my last day on Friday, but get paid for my six unused vacation days. 

On Thursday, the gang took me out to lunch at Chicos to say goodbye. I had four people fighting to pay for my $5 lunch. I wish that was a constant in my life- both the $5 meal and the people fighting to foot to bill. 

This crazy, eclectic group of people make up most of the staff at the Bradford extended care program. 

This little trio represents the group at the end of our hall. We were safely tucked back in the corner away from the hustle of patient traffic. I loved it that way. Someone had to really want to see me or have a scheduled appointment to knock on my door. There are things that I will miss. I was proficient at that job and knew how to simultaneously help the patient and family while meeting insurance requirements, documenting properly, and playing the game of keeping many people happy. I will miss my beautiful, corner office with the windows on two sides that allowed for lots of natural lights and glimpses of wildlife. I will miss knowing that a group of people knew my work ethic, my boundaries, and my standards of patient care. 

 

However, it was time to move on. Teri (above right) reminded me that I had made a commitment to be out of Bradford by the first of the year and I did it. Jared and I did it. Jared started his new job today. He's in a training group as the only white male. The group is largely black women. He'll probably stand out a bit with the enormous red beard. However, he'll do great. He can get along with anyone and talks to everyone. Hmmm, reminiscent of my father. I hate that Dad isn't in Nashville. I am getting used to his absence and am not startled to find that he isn't home when I get here. Sometimes I feel guilty for getting used to his absence, like I should be missing him more. But, then the days come when waves of grief wash over me and my insides ache from missing him and it's almost a relief to reconnect with those feelings. Dad's presence is definitely around this home. His handwriting is on papers in the computer room, gifts to him from his children are scattered about, my mother's tears spring up here and there as he crosses her mind. 

This is Scout as we're about to make the journey to Nashville. Scout has been good for Mom so far. Nothing like a puppy waiting at the back door to change the face of an empty home. Scout is very interested in kissing Mom though, something Mom has not yet allowed. Scout now has a mission. 

Jared and I spent most of the weekend with Warren, Jackie, Mike, Ryan, and Mom. We went to Las Paletas for popsicles last night. I am ready to wear this town out trying out the new restaurants and activities. Now, I just need a job. I have an interview at Children's hospital on Thursday morning at 11am. I really want this job. I'm trying to trust that I will come to the right job. Well, I'm off. I have such a packed day! I'm going to exercise, watch Homeland, and do some job searching. Yay!