Grow Where You Are Planted

I've been really struggling with the fact that I'm not employed.  Today my mom offered excellent advice when she stated, "Grow where you are planted."  So, even though I'm not making any money or using my plethora of education (8 long years to be exact),  I can still THRIVE and strive to be the best stay-at-home wife/volunteer/job-hunter ever.

The following is a list of how I'm attempting to "grow where I'm planted."  I'm learning how to 1) manage my household more efficiently 2) take one day at a time 3) trust God (this is definitely a slow process).

We Are Ready For Christmas

Our house is all decorated and Maddie sported a bow long enough for me to take a picture!  We are really missing family and friends this holiday season.  We're excited to travel south for Christmas!

Our First Thanksgiving in NJ

Our realtor gave us this turkey made out of cookies.  Delicious!

The flowers Milt and Linda gave us

Linda stirring up Oma's famous stuffing

Milt enjoying the Macy's Day Parade 

Maddie being herself

Me...in a very close self-portrait

Joel in all his morning glory!

We had a great Thanksgiving!  Hope you did, too!  I'm still missing my MN and VA family, learning the Jersey way of life and blogging.

We May Not Have Kids...

...but we have a cute dog that has to wear a sweatshirt.

Joel refuses to take her outside when she's wearing her pink hoodie.  Whatever.  I guess I don't have to give up a "man-card" to walk my bundled, furry friend.  At least she's not shivering anymore!

Wondering what I'm doing since our big move?  Everyone seems to be.  I'm still walking my dog, avoiding the mailman, studying for exams and blogging.  Life is good.

Why?

Why? I've been asking my poor husband this question a lot lately.  God, my mom, sister and friend have all heard me rant, rave and inquire,

"Why did I go to school for eight years if I'm just sitting at home?"
"Why did I choose the per diem job when all the recruiters were calling me?"
"Why aren't the recruiters calling me now?"
"Why am I at home with no children?"
"Why did I have to leave my job in VA?"

Nobody, can answer these queries.  Obviously.   I am continually concluding that God is testing my patience and humility.  It's not fun telling people,  "I'm in-between jobs right now" and "No, we don't have children."

So, that's where I am at, folks.  I'm learning patience, humility,  asking "why?" far too often, walking my dog, taking certification courses and blogging.

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.