In the Spirit

I took some action at work last week and finally assembled & decorated the unit's Christmas tree (sadly, I seemed to be the ONLY one motivated enough to do it). The ornaments used in years past were traditional glass colored balls, but I switched it up this year! Every time someone walks by now, they say, "awwwww." See if you can tell what I used to get the Women and Infants Care Unit in the Spirit of Christmas (and delivering babies)!

The Little Things

I am so happy to FINALLY have a vacuum. My apartment came with a central vacuum, and it only worked the first night (Oct 20th) I moved into my apartment (for those that know me, I probably burnt the poor thing out). Since then, I have had many visits from the repair man with no reviving results. I have been using a measly Dustbuster to vacuum corners that get dust bunnies to get by. My Dustbuster will be glad for a break. My apartment manager just now left my apartment, leaving behind a brand new shiny red vacuum just for me! I'm going to get straight to work!

Thankful

I'm a little late in saying Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, but....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

I have done some reflection and have so much to be thankful for. Here's my list:

1. My loving Ryan, who supports me in all I do, loves me through it all, and who is my eternal optimist. I know I can ALWAYS count on him for an encouraging word, and just knowing that makes me smile :) I can't wait to be back home and living with my best friend again.

2. My wonderful family (immediate and extended), who can't wait for me to get home. I know I have so many prayers from them that lift me up.

3. Crystal, her husband, John, and their 3 little guys - Calvin, William, and Henry. They are my family here in Korea, and they make sure I'm never alone for too long.

4. My awesome job as a labor and delivery nurse. I get to see little miracles born everyday. Not many people can say they share that special moment with a new mommy and daddy. I see unconditional love on the faces of many parents, and I can't wait until I get to share that special moment with Ryan.

My list could go on and on...I have so much to be thankful for! Most days I have to take a few steps back from life to see what I take for granted. Even halfway across the world - away from all I know - I have many blessings to count.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Well, it snowed in Seoul today! I didn't get to see much of it - only got to look from the hospital windows at work. The snow had stopped (and none of it stuck) when I got off work at 4:00pm. Bummer! If I'm going to live in the cold, then I want snow. Just being cold is miserable - snow at least makes the drab winter pretty (until all the cars make it dirty, of course)!

The snow does seem quite fitting, considering I've been listening to Christmas music for a week now. I accidentally didn't pack any of my Christmas CD's to bring to Korea and was very sad when I discovered this. Thank goodness for iTunes! I told Ryan one day over the phone that I was downloading Christmas songs, and he broke out singing "I Believe in Santa Claus," a song from one of my favorite Christmas albums (Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers). Last year Ryan and I drove from Louisiana to Ohio for Christmas, and I think he heard the album at least 25 times (much to his dismay). The drive is about 17 hours, and I forced him to listen to Christmas music the entire way there and back! He can blame my Christmas music preferences on my parents :) I hope everyone is staying warm - I've heard it has been snowing in Ohio and Kentucky, too!