Finding the perfect title for this post took me an hour of contemplation. Perhaps it’s because I’m writing this at 12:18 AM without a dose of coffee, or maybe it’s due to feeling scatterbrained lately. So, bear with me and let’s just roll with one of Instagram’s best hashtags.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the spatial relationship between my family life, current projects, and productivity in my nursing and teaching jobs. It feels like everything has meshed together all at once. I’ve been struggling with all the responsibilities I’ve taken on and my inability to say no sometimes. This has definitely impacted my ability to stay focused.
Fortunately, I had the chance to give myself a break, even if just for a few days. I explored the streets of Chicago and Dayton with my best friends, and we made it a trip to remember.
Now that I’m back, I’m feeling more energized, which has improved my outlook a bit. This week is another challenging one, but I’m putting my big-girl pants on and showing up. Everything might not be perfect right now, but that’s okay.
Let’s move on to brighter topics. Apart from being busy, here’s what I’ve been up to lately:
Reading: I’ve been engrossed in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Review Manual by Kim Hutchison. It can be quite boring at times, but I’ve got my eye on the prize. I’ve spent my days off reading this book at a public library near my home, and I’ve discovered that the same people visit the library every time I go. It’s quite comforting to see familiar faces.
Listening: I’ve been obsessively replaying Peter Cetera’s Best Hits Playlist on Spotify, particularly the song “(I Wanna Take) Forever Tonight,” a duet with Crystal Bernard. I love an oldie but goodie. Modern music like techno, hip-hop, and rap just gives me migraines. Is this a sign of getting old?
Watching: I’ve started The Haunting of Hill House, a new scary series on Netflix based on the 1959 novel by Shirley Jackson. I haven’t read the book, so watching the series is very exciting. I began with Episode 1 in Dayton, OH, with my friends, and we could barely keep our eyes open, especially anticipating the Bent-Neck Lady. The subsequent episodes have been slower, but the story is getting eerier, and I can’t wait to see more ghosts.
Thinking About: My next travel destination. I’m eager to go somewhere far with my hubby and kids. We planned a trip to the Midwest last summer, but Jaiden had to undergo surgery, so we scrapped those plans. A warmer place during winter sounds perfect.
Hoping For: Stress-free weekends ahead. Every Friday since the Fall Semester started, I’ve had to sleep early to report to my assigned facility by 6:45 AM to teach clinical for 8 hours. Then I go home, catch about 2 hours of sleep, and report for a 12-hour night shift. If that’s not stressful enough, I don’t know what is.
Wanting: A Keurig K-Mini Single Serve coffee maker and a pair of petite Figs jogger scrub pants in navy blue for Christmas. What else could a hardworking nurse want? Coffee and scrubs are a perfect combination.
Loving: Updating this blog as often as I can, but unfortunately, I can’t always find the time.
Wishing: For all of you to motivate and encourage me so I can do better.
Thank you for being here and joining me on this journey. Your support means everything to me.