Oh the Weather Outside is BEAUTIFUL

This week we had gorgeous weather! 70 degrees and hiking December 12th? It almost reminded me of Texas. I was so thankful I wasn't working that day and we decided to make the most of it and go hiking in Illinois. When we got to the trail we saw that it had been overtaken with trail runners running a race. We heard that annoying cow bell in the distance. We let Maggie off the leash and boy was that dog in heaven. She loves running in the leaves, it's pure bliss. We made the hour trek home with our drinks and sunflower seeds and were invited to play volleyball with a group of friends. It really was perfect weather and couldn't ask for anything better, only that we could have played badminton too :). Since next week my birthday will be spent traveling to Peru, we decided to celebrate it a week early. I mean my birthday really is a week long celebration. That is just how a birthday next to Christmas goes. You fit it in when you can. So we went to The Kitchen Sink recommended by a friend and went ice skating at Steinberg ice rink. Literally there were huuuge puddles everywhere because of the change in temperature. My favorite part was a kid who slipped and super-manned it in the biggest puddle ever.
It was some much needed girls nights this week and my first girls night we went to Mockingjay Part 2. It was okay...I thought it was better than the book. When I started reading the book I couldn't even finish it, it was that entertaining...Second girls night Vanessa and I tried to go to yoga but forgot how bad traffic is at 530 at night. We ditched that idea and got dinner instead at the Fountain on Locust. Tasty :) After failing at making brownies we watched also a failed movie with Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock on Netflix... Sorry for making you go through that Vanessa.
My friend Jessica just had her baby this week and so I got to visit her in the hospital at Mercy :) Little Grant is precious and just perfect. So fun to be able to see one of my best friends from high school be in the same state as me! I have to say I was very observant of others care especially being a L&D nurse it's hard not to be!
Now we get ready for Peru and Pentatonix! Whoo! Fun week ahead.

Night Shift

First week of night shifts. What did I get myself into!? At least on day shifts I didn't have to think about it too much before going into work. Now I have all day to think about work. The anxiety sets in about 3 o clock in the afternoon. I try to make myself take a nap, but there is no way I can get some shut eye. Nathan's dog is barking at who knows what, Maggie is shaking the bed with her scratching, construction is going on outside, someone is mowing their lawn. People are alive during the day! At least my patients are somewhat sleepy when I get in at night. I try to let them rest but guess what! I have to do vital signs and go up on your pit. Sorry! Apologizing doesn't seem to work so well.
We have less than 2 weeks before we go to Peru. To be honest I haven't done a thing, thanks mom! We are excited for the trip ahead and especially spending the Christmas Eve in Cuzco. I am especially exited for Machu Picchu! Chris and I wanted to run up it...jk supposedly it is the hardest marathon in the world! Nah I think we'll pass and just ride a train instead. We are also going to the Amazon. Don't parhanas in the Amazon and crazy looking animals/insects are there too? I hope it is a smooth trip!