2011 Year in Review

While catching up on some of the blogs I follow, I came across a review of a writer's experiences in 2011, covering what went well and what could have been better.  Here is my view of this past year starting with the bad stuff...

Things That I Wish Were Better 
Work Stress
I started my current job - assistant clinical nurse manager in surgery - last year.  In the beginning, the challenges were a bit overwhelming.  I was internalizing everything plus working 10-12 hours most of the week.  By 2011, it felt like scales were tipped and I was going to drown.  That's when I realized I need to take action.  Thankfully, I somehow caught my breath and got out from under the endless waves.  I only wish that I reacted quicker to the oncoming tsunami.  It was an important lesson to learn.  Moral of the story:  if you are not healthy mentally and physically, then you cannot be effective in your job.  I'm noticing that I occasionally find myself drawn to the rough waters, but I'm getting better at recognizing the symptoms and throwing myself a lifeline.

Achilles Tendinitis
This is again another example of not paying attention to what my body tells me.   The tendinitis is an old injury which came back when I pushed myself in the Spring to run the Shamrock Shuffle.  Then I started training for a half marathon.  I thought that if I rested it would get better.  When the pain worsened, I finally gave in and saw a doctor who recommended physical therapy.  It has been a slow and frustrating road.  I'm not sure how much more I can take of this, but I will keep plugging away!

Dating
Looking back over the past year, I didn't go on many dates.  When I did have opportunities, I fell into the same bad habit of choosing men who were not emotionally available or who were flat out not right for me.  I hate to think that I'm really anti-relationship and that's why I choose these guys.  Time for some serious introspection, Marj...


Things That Were Really Awesome
Making Progress at Work
When I first arrived at my current job, it felt like there was so much to do.  I soon discovered that was an understatement.  Surrounded by some absolutely fantastic people, I was able to focus and we moved forward together.  By the time my first year anniversary with the hospital rolled around, I could look around and see how much progress we have made and how much I have grown as a leader.  There is more to accomplish, but I learned that I'm not alone in the desire to provide the best care for our patients and to give 100% every day.

Living With My Little Cousin
For about six months, my cousin K lived on my couch.  While this sounds might sound unappealing to some, I actually liked the company.  I let her stay with me for free because I remember what it was like to want to venture out on my own, but not have the resources.  Living with me allowed her to be close to work, lower her stress, plus save money.  The benefit for me was having the company of someone who is like a kid sister to me.  Now that she has her own place, it's a bit lonely some nights.  Time to get a dog...

Trip to Stockholm, Sweden
Ever since I can remember, I have had wanderlust, an intrinsic need to explore the world around me.  This year's choice was to travel to see my favorite Svenska Flicka (Swedish Girl) Emily in her homeland.  It was so wonderful to spend time with her and strengthen an already powerful bond.  I felt extremely comfortable wandering this beautiful city with and without my friend.  Could I ever live there?  Yes!  Well, at least in the summer.  Maybe in 2013, I'll plan a winter trip to see her.

Apartment Rehab
For one painful month, I lived out of boxes in the apartment below while my landlord rehabbed my apartment.  When it was finally finished, it was gorgeous. There are still a few things that I would change if I owned it, but altogether it is wonderful.

Buying A New Home
On Thanksgiving Day, my family sold me on the idea that now is the time to stop paying rent and actually  own my very own home.  Less than two weeks later, I laid eyes on my future home.  Now I'm going through the process of entering into my first serious long-term commitment.  I would have thought that it would have been marriage, but with all the cheating and divorces I've witnessed, this is so much better!

So that is everything in a nutshell...

Thank you to my family and friends who made this a wonderful year with great adventures...  Looking forward to 2012!!!

Happy New Year!

Gott nytt år!

Feliz Año Nuevo!

Maligayang Bagong Taon!