Nice People

Yesterday, someone dropped our LOST keys off at our local gym.  Crazy.  I thought they would forever remain on the Appalachian Trail.  Thanks! I'm glad to see how nice people can be!

Me, Maddie and The Mailman

Have you ever changed your daily routine in order to avoid someone?  I have.  My story begins here.

Friday-Our very friendly mailman brought a package to our door.  Somehow, we broach the topic of my career as a trauma nurse in VA.  He mentions a few hospitals I could look into.  I thanked him.

Monday-Our very friendly mailman asks me if I had a job, yet.  I said, "Well, I just turned my applications in today."

Tuesday- Our very friendly mailman asks me AGAIN if I had a job.  I reply, "Well, I turned my application in yesterday.  They probably haven't processed it, yet."

Wednesday-I peer out the window before taking Maddie for a walk.  No mail truck in sight. I like the mailman, but don't want to answer ANY MORE questions about my job situation.  Maddie and I amble along and run INTO THE MAILMAN.  You already know what he asks me:)

Thursday-Maddie and I go for our daily walk an hour earlier.  I feel guilty.  I did all of this just so I wouldn't have to answer questions about my job.  I'm so lame, sometimes!

Wondering what I've been doing since moving to NJ?  Most people do.  I am studying for certifications, putting in applications,  and avoiding the mailman.  I'm also writing.

Because of The SNOW...

Because of the snow:

1) Joel stayed home on Monday!  There are STILL lots of power lines down.  There are also MANY people without electricity.  We aren't one them.

2) We were able to finish HALF of our Christmas shopping.

3) We had visitors!!  One of Joel's bosses came over on Sunday.  He and his wife had not had power for 24 hours.  It was nice having company.  We like Joel's boss and his wife.  So, does Maddie.

4) We bought an ice scraper.  We might need that here :)

5) We played Super Scrabble.  I beat Joel for the FIRST time in our marriage. I think I may write this victory on the calendar!

6) We ordered pizza and were DENIED.  Nobody wanted to go out in the snow.  We had to settle for cheese and crackers (I didn't go grocery shopping BECAUSE of the snow).

The snow was pretty and it was fun hanging out with my hubby for an extra day, but we're hoping it doesn't happen again until ALL the leaves are off the trees!

Wondering what I'm doing since I've moved to NJ?  My mailman sure does:)  Anyway, I've been applying, applying, applying.  Studying for new certifications and writing.  I'm staying sane...for now.

Things About Jersey I'll NEVER Understand

1) Yielding on green.  Was this not required in NJ drivers ed?  I received a shake of the fist for taking MY right of way the other week.  The aforementioned fist lady was turning left into traffic.  I think my neck hairs are still bristling with a twinge of anger....just a twinge.

2)  It's going to snow on Sunday.  I thought I moved to NJ...not back to MN.

3)  Apparently, hospital inpatients still have to share rooms.  I seriously thought that was a phenomenon from the 70's.  No wonder nosocomial infections are so rampant in the USA.

4)  One of the first questions I'm greeted with when telling people I'm not from around here is "What did you move HERE for?"

5)  Apparently, NJ people don't move much.  People give me a very inquisitive look when I explain my past dwelling places.  They scratch their head and say "So, your from MN, but you moved from VA...and now you're HERE." I say, "yes."  (I don't even bother telling them I lived in OH for 2 1/2 years).  The next question that always follows is "How did you EVER meet your husband."  Guess I lead an exciting life folks.

6) People live in castles here and our property taxes our ridiculous.  How is it that people are living in castles?  Come visit me.  You'll see what I mean.  There's actually a house with a mote around it.

7) There have been bear sightings in my neighborhood.  What?  Why are bears living in the most populated state?

8) Why do so MANY middle-aged women born with DARK hair insist on dying it platinum blonde?  I've seen a lot of this since moving here.

9) Halloween.  Whoa.  People REALLY decorate up here.  I passed a hedge filled with fake cut-off limbs.  I threw up a little. Okay. Not really..but it grossed me out.

10) Radio stations.  I don't care if you've "Got the Moves Like Jagger."  I want some real music.  You would think with such a dense population of people you'd have more radio station options.  maybe not.

This is what I don't understand thus far.  Maybe once I've lived here a while it will all become clear to me.  Let's hope.

Wondering what I've been doing since moving to NJ ? Here's my repertoire.   1) Applying for jobs 2) Signing up for certification courses  3) this.

I'm A Nerd. I Don't Care.

I have decided to split my blog.  New In Jersey will be exclusively about our family, friends, activities and pet. So, if that's all you want to read about, stay here.   If you want to read about saving money tips, recipes and ect., go here.  I know.  I'm a nerd and I totally accept that label. What can I say?  Moving is a bit of a transition. I blog when I go through change.  This is the only justification I have for my increased nerdiness of late.  :)

Poll Results and MY Thoughts...

Should I get my MSN?  (Masters of Science in Nursing)

Yes...100% Definitely.

  1 (12%)

More Yes than No.... It's good to have options for a career in the future.

  2 (25%)

More No than Yes....Student Debt takes a long time to re-pay.

  1 (12%)

Definitely NOT...It's time to focus on family...not your career.

  4 (50%)

This poll reinforced the fact that New in Jersey has a lot of lurkers. Whatever.  I'm okay with that.  Feel free to share your opinion at anytime, though!

I was surprised that 50% (plus one verbal opinion) voted that I need to focus on family and not my career.  I do NOT get this feeling when talking to others in the work force, church or any other location for that matter!  I've always wanted to be a stay at home mom and I'm glad that there are SOME people in the world who clearly support that choice.

I voted more yes than no.  I must admit that my thoughts resemble a pendulum from week to week. 1/2 a month ago I looked up every on-line MSN program in my area.  Today I "reminisced"  about the time I was threatened to be pooped on and another moment when a patient tried to strangle me with my stethoscope (they were clearly confused so I have no hard feelings)  I also recalled agonizing days I've been sworn, swung and yelled at.  Don't get me wrong, there were VERY fulfilling moments at my old job.  Some of my patients have really challenged me to be a better person because of the way they responded to their difficult situations.

Joel voted "more no than yes."  I will always appreciate that he finds worth in the fact that I would love to stay home with our future children.  He's okay living with less money and will never push me to work, have children and go to school.  I married a great guy!

That being said, I haven't completely decided my future (fancy that)! I'm positive God will show me what's best....I'm just not sure when!

Hikin' the Appalachian Trail

Our happy little family.

Maddie was such a sport.   We could hardly keep up with her

Joel getting his senior pic pose on.

Perfect fall colors

I think this is the best picture of Maddie we have EVER taken.  It's like you can see into her doggy soul.

Me...makin' our trip a little cheesier

I'm guessing this is the rock that stole our keys (read below)

Yesterday, Joel and I made a mistake that every hiker dreads.  We LOST our keys on the Appalachian Trail. Our house and car keys-GONE. They disappeared and left us in a huge mess.  Luckily, we were with a group of teachers from Joel's school or we'd probably STILL be trying to find our way home.  It was a long Sunday night that will spill into our Monday evening as well.  (Joel still has to go pick up our car in some far away NJ town). The above pic's were taken while we were still blissfully ignorant of what was waiting for us at the end of the trail.  It was still a BEAUTIFUL day and we were able to get to know a handful of teachers a little better.