Down in the Valley.

So, remember how I went to Nevada for Thanksgiving to see family that I haven't seen in a trillion years?

Now, I've gotten used to mountains out here, but 2 lane roads, open plains, and mountains in the background? Along with the salt flats as seen to your right (can you believe that's not snow)? Gorgeous. I was so fascinated by Nevada.

My family lives on a ranch. I've learned that it's a 24 hour job. It's also beautiful. Jackson and I went along to feed cows right after we got there.

See that unbelievably long herd of cows following us? The 'moos' were the best.

It was so nice to spend time with family. We had the best time; so many laughs and memories that were made. I think I brought home a few pounds of food in my belly area, but it was so worth it. Both of my cousins, Roby and Ryan each have lovely wives and the cutest kids ever.

Grant is 2 years old and a big boy. He's so sweet and caring, especially with his little cousin.

Sweet little Avery. She's 18 months (give or take, I think). She is so silly. Example: This picture. She even said "cheeeese" while she was striking this pose down here.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures from the trip....We went on a drive through the valley.

My Aunt Maggie. She looks a little like my mom, right? And Alisa, Ryan's wife is laughing in the background :)

Last but not least...My cousins, Roby, Ryan, Avery, Grant, and my Uncle Steve.

This is Roby's wife, Amanda. And of course, the scenery. So amazing.

I just wanted to share some of my trip. For more pics, including me immobilized on a couch with a dog because I was so full it hurt, look on facebook. I really have to go visit again soon.

Oh and I have a cool post, to come soon :) YAY

Smiles

Can I just say that I am way excited to start working in the Progressive Care unit?

I never thought I would be working in a critical care/cardiac setting. It certainly has not ever been my first choice; It still isn't. But after learning the details of what I will be doing, I am looking forward to starting to be hands on and taking care of my patients. I'm going to take care of very sick people. Apparently, this floor is where all the action happens. It will be fast paced, just like my last job, but I will only have 3-4 patients. Do you remember how many I had in NYC? Sometimes up to 8!!! And my nurse manager is probably the coolest guy ever. He was the first one out of my other new orientees' clinical managers to show up and give me my schedule-- giving me Thanksgiving, Christmas, AND New Year's off.

Which brings me to the next topic-- I'm coming home :) December 15th-20th, mark it on your calendars. Jackson's coming with me. We are way excited-- Well, probably me more than him. I will make my family have a faux-christmas morning. I'm so looking forward to this.

And...I get to spend Thanksgiving with family! I happen to have an Aunt that lives in Nevada -- My mom's sister. It is conveniently 2 1/2 hours away from Salt Lake. The last time I've seen her/my cousins has been probably 15-18 years ago. This will be so much fun. They live on a ranch. Reunion time.

Weekday Update, with Amy.

Not Amy Poehler. There I go with the TV references again. Anyway....

Today was my first week as a nurse in Utah. Things are a little bit different, but most of it is pleasant. I do miss my Lenox Hill crew. But, about 99% of the people I've encountered so far are friendly, nice, sweet, and say 'Hi' to you in the halls if they don't even know you, so that one-up's Lenox Hill in a sense.

Pretty different view compared to Lenox Hill Hospital.

I just ate vegetarian fare....Can I just say it's delicious? I had a sweet potatoes, onions and walnut dish. Who knew that vegetables could be so flavorful. Big shout-out to my roommate Megan who cooks deliciously! She says she uses allrecipes.com for her sweet dishes. I've made one attempt at baking since I've been here. The result was this:

Mmmhmmm.....Smore's cookies. Can't get over them.

Oh by the way...I got a new car. 2006 Honda Accord. It's cute and has heated seats as well as cruise control (way important).

birthdays.

This past week = Blissful with a little bit of stress.

Last Monday (Halloween) I celebrated my sister Alison's birthday. She is 21 at last. I told Jackson he had to treat me good on Monday...It was a special day for me too, hello!! I became a sister! Do you know how sad that was to give up my 'only child' spot? For the most part (minus the scars on my hands) I have loved being a sister. And having a sister is lovely too.

Jackson is 28. His birthday was November 2nd. Two years to 30, and his second birthday that he has spent with me. I think it was a pretty special week. We ended it with brunch at Sundance, the Foundry Grill. Talk about fancy goodness.

My brother Matthew turned 17 on Friday. Do you know how bittersweet it is to see your little brother grow into an adult? I think it makes it even worse that he's almost 6 feet tall. I told him he isn't allowed to get older anymore. But...When he starts looking at colleges next fall, you know I'll be so excited and make him visit Penn State. Next year. Wow.

Between all the birthday madness, I have moved to Murray. For my east coasters, it's about 10 minutes to downtown Salt Lake City. I live with 3 girls and a dog whose name happens to be the same as my boyfriend's. And, I live in a HOUSE. Not an apartment, a house. I have to keep reminding myself that....I always accidentally say apartment. Oops.

I'm also a pro-gamer. Just kidding, but I purchased an XBox 360 today with a Kinect, and the game Dance Central. I found this gem at a Halloween party out here...I basically tore the house down with my dance moves. So this will keep me busy for a while...Dancing like a crazy person in a basement. Should be fun.

And work starts in one week. I didn't realize that until I looked at my calendar. What in the world?!