And so it goes....

The journey has begun, phase 1 began last night with the ending of my career at the Nebraska Medical Center. No one ever thinks they are going to cry leaving a job that involves more feces, mucous, and other bodily discharges than any other career in the world. The patient's decided to give me a proper send-off, and secreted more bodily discharges than usual, leaving me to spend most of my day ensuring my patient's had shiny, ulcer free rear ends, and treating their TB, MRSA, and other communicable diseases.  I love my job, maybe that's why I cried all the way to my car, but man, this vacation will be essential to preventing early onset nursing burn-out....

Now, my address is South Dakota- and I will spend the next 4 days attempting t0 convince my mom and dad that I am not 'crazy.' Chance of success is minimal, so instead I will scare my mother as I move all my personal belongings into her basement. And maybe tell her at the end there is no plane ticket to New Zealand, but I just needed an 'in' to living in her basement.... hahahah it's funny, but really not!

After that, it is all in God's hands. But wait, it always is. 

My Country 'Tis of Me, Sweet Land of Liberty....

...Of Thee I sing...

I should have celebrated Independence Day with a little more jubilation than I did- I am afraid to admit, it's 10pm on 4 July, and I am about to retire the computer for the evening and head to bed- in full appreciation of all the American citizens exploding fireworks in around me.  And very, very thankful to be in America right now. :)

The times they are a changing....

Oh yes they are.......

At some point, my "stable"  (haha!) life in Omaha changed, and now I am remembering what it is like to be a traveler, so soon, I can once again, join the ranks as an explorer. It's been a long time coming, and I am prepared for the challenge. 2 weeks from now: move out of apt and become homeless....

Just spend 12 glorious days with Katrina- friend from Greece, and showing her the sights and the sounds of American life- which all include baseball, beer, jag, dinner parties, shopping, "clubbing...." It's been so wonderful to have her here- she's a consistent reminder of why it's important to travel. 

And now, I once again wake up to an empty apartment- no more houseguests, no passed out bodies lay across the living room, and with it, a strange cleanliness which this apartment rarely sees. Now, life is a daily reminder that things will inevitably change...

Still have received no word on the status of my Nurses Board Application. Just shot them an email today to see how many more corrections I have to make to my name on my application.  I realize, I am getting slightly nervous. In the end though, I have a plane ticket (one-way), a backpack, and enough funds to grant me food or housing as I backpack across New Zealand... The rest will fall into place, it always does. 

Still Crazy After All These Years....

"And we talked about some old times

And we drank ourselves some beers

Still crazy afler all these years

Oh, still crazy after all these years"

Thank you Paul, once again for your brilliant words!

This weekend was proof that the K-Team still has it. Luckily we haven't been sucked too deep into the world of work, responsibility, and insurance to do a little traveling and take on yet another town. 

Enter St. Louis, Saturday afternoon. Neither of us had any previous Missouri experience (oh wait, that choir trip to Branson, MO seven years ago...) but St. Louis remained unchartered territory. In typical fashion, we arrived in sweat pants after the 7 hour drive, our excitement increased 10-fold from the carmel apple suckers that now accompany every road trip. Map quest brought us without incident directly to the bottom of the famous Arch in downtown St. L. Not quite dressed appropriately for this occasion, we transformed ourselves from grungy pajama-wearing slobs into classy, sophisticated 20-somethings ready for the town. All in 2.4 seconds. In our car. A few snapshots later, we had accomplished the feat of experiencing yet another worldly wonder (we have our own 297 wonders of the world) and declined a ride to the top in favor of beers at a nearby bar (the ride was sold out anyway...) 

Walking through downtown St. Louis gave me a sense of downtown Sioux Falls- quiet and cute. Not what we were looking for. Especially since we had Paul Simon on our mind, and had been anxiously awaiting his live concert for our entire lives. Walking through, we couldn't find a place that was calling our name... Mutch says "hey let's keep walking and wait for a sign."

4 seconds later:

"Ladies! half price beers!"

That's all we needed. Into the bar we go. There was a sign of Rachel Ray on the front as this place's pizza was featured on her show. Must be a good place.  Insert 4 U.S. Army men. they had gotten weekend passes of the base and we could sense their excitement/freedom. 

"Girls! we haven't seen a girl in months!"

Creepy.... I thought. But Mutch was entertained, and I figured I could enjoy some entertainment as well. After conversation about Ninja skills, and their lack of female companionship, we set off, not willing to miss a second of Paul. And of course an exchange of numbers we would later regret.

Arriving in Fox theater prompted me to immediately text my mother and tell her to get her butt to St. Louis and check out all the dashing middle-aged men flocking the theater. Most of them were accompanied by equally beautiful wives or mistresses, but some were free agents. We quickly realized we were the youngest patrons at the event, and our creepy scope of the social hour only made us look like desperate golddiggers. Unless we wanted a lesson on colonoscopys or AARP, we decided to limit conversation with fellow patrons to just about Paul Simon. 

Sometimes when experiencing something so great and anticipated- like a wedding, or graduation- it's hard to believe at that moment that you are experiencing it. Sometimes I feel like it's an out of body experience. Now, I adore Paul Simon and had many of his songs on my IPOD. Part of my drive to see him though, is his legend, and his influence on the music world as it is today. So when he entered stage, I couldn't believe I was seeing Paul Simon... it's sort of unreal. One of his songs has been on my most played for a while because of it's significance to leaving. It's the Father and Daughter song. I had decided long ago those lyrics must be given to my father upon my departure (don't worry, I am saving Billy Ray and Miley for mom!) When Paul started singing the words it brought the first wave of incredible sadness that I have about leaving my family. It reminded me how important family is. I couldn't do ANYTHING without the love of my family.

"I'm gonna watch you shine, I'm gonna watch you grow. 

 I'm gonna paint the sign, so you'll always know

 As long as one and one is two, 

 there will never be a father who loved his daughter more than I love you."

Mutch pointed out that whatever the reason, or the season, Paul has words which can bring you great comfort, or joy. Or in my case, great sadness. These words can put into meaning what I cannot do. Once again, thank you Paul.

The concert was a brilliant display of true talent that withstands the test of age. I hope some of the artists of today can continue to display talent well into their golden years like Paul has. Who knows, maybe we'll find ourselves going to Britney Spears 40 years from now....

We de-classed as quickly as possible after the show, and found ourselves in an equally unclassy part of St. Louis. "We went from classy to trashy so quickly." Stated Mutch. The pouring rain did not help "class factor" (frizzy hair), although I still don't understand how every other girl out had sleek and shiny straight hair...

Despite our drowned rat appearances, we painted the town red, in typical Kelli fashion. There is no away around it. And we got up early, started the long journey back to Nebraska. And also in typical Kelli style with the comment: 

"If only Joan and Jean knew...."

No Worries Mate!

For some reason, what I was expecting out of a phone interview with a "ward" in Australia is not quite what happened. I thought they would ask many more questions about surfing, vegemite, and my travel goals. While they did ask those questions, they also asked some clinical situation questions- who would have thought?

Corey: "You are taking care of patient X and he has central------ poly----- myelinosis. What do you need to know in order to take care of this patient?"

Me: Um, can you repeat that disease process?"

Corey: "Central ------ poly------ myelinosis."

I start to sweat balls when I realize this is not a disease process I have even heard of, let alone know anything about. I ponder if I should make some deductions based on central: central nervous system. Poly: many?. Myelinsos: Degenerative disease process of the myelin on the central nervous system? But what are the clinical indications? Is it quickly progressing? Or slow, like MS? 

I ended up taking the easy way out and saying since I clearly don't know what this is, I would have to look it up before taking part in any sort of care of this patient. 

"No worries, mate!" replied Corey.  Ha, I hope so! And I hope that is the mantra of life in Australia- no worries!

P.S. He also stated- everyone gets 6 weeks paid vacation and one day off per month! And 8 hour shifts.... And the Board of Nursing in Victoria establishes a patient: nurse ratio that cannot be exceeded. I appreciate that, and firmly believe in order to prevent unnecessary errors, every Board of Nursing should do the same. 

That's all for now! Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Sir Isaac and Tater tot!

These two magnificent boys deserve a blog all their own (actually their mother has one, check it out!) However, I feel I owe these two an entry dedicated solely to them!

This week, I had a abundance of days off and in order to break the monotony of multiple days off (by the way, I have a FABULOUS day-off routine!) I hopped in the car and headed up to SD to see my two favorite boys!!

Isaac (2 1/2) also known as "Sausik" or "cute" is just a bundle of life! Sometimes it is overwhelming for those around him (we were once asked to excuse ourselves from church with Isaac) however he truly has been given a gift not everyone has. Everything in life is exciting and new and MUST be touched, jumped in, thrown, or screamed at. Obstacles don't matter, and certainly mom and dad's time-outs don't ever break his spirit. Don't get me wrong, this kid is an angel... most of the time. My wish for him is that no one will EVER break his spirit, tell him he can't accomplish something, or diminish his love for new experiences. Hugs and kisses are rare from this child- he would rather be playing, singing, laughing, or dancing. However, a hug and a kiss from Isaac are one of my favorite things. And very genuine. Except when he wants something. Ok, he's two, and he's a genius!

Tater (Cayden,) just turned 1 yesterday, and he is also my godchild. I identify with Cayden because he is the second born, much like myself. Isaac is much like my sister was a child (so I am told) and Cayden is much more quiet, and much more a mama's boy, like I was. My sister handled her first born not being a clinger SO well, she definitely deserved Cayden. Cayden is easily dominated by Isaac, however he has a quiet determination, that will surely give him extraordinary gifts! Cayden will not be one to stay in the shadows, he will also do amazing things with his life. He is also one very special gift from God, just inquire about the story of his birth!

I write this because well, this blog is dedicated to my quest for Australia. On Thursday, when I drove back from Sioux Falls, for the first time in my whole entire life, I felt a part of my heart hurting. Hurting for the things I will miss, and wishing I could have the best of both worlds. I wish I could go off and see the world and have my family present with me. However, I go back to the quote from the "Alchemist" about how true love does not stop us from pursuing our dreams, but those in our lives who truly love us, will support us, and be present on that journey to our dreams. A constant battle in my head is that I want to be a large part of their lives, however I don't feel as though South Dakota is my home right now. Maybe someday. God has something in store. He always does!

That feeling is one always in the back of my mind, and I am aware of what I am leaving, and what I will miss. That doesn't stop the excitement of the unknown, and all the new people and things that will be a part of my life. I think this is a quote of my Grandma Ruth's which said "the world is full of friends we haven't met." 

Life is a journey, and happiness is a journey. 

Sorry for the sentimental post. Don't know what overcame me. I am tearing up as a type this. Ridiculous!

Letting the cat out...

So... we have plane tickets. Well sort of. We have a one-way ticket from San Fran to Auckland, NZ. Still need to work out some minor details, such as getting to Frisco, and then onto Oz. Hell, we don't even know where we are going in Oz. Hopefully somewhere with sandy beaches, lots of Aussie men, and maybe a place to work. Minor details such as getting to Frisco, and what we will actually do while "backpacking" in NZ are simply minor details. 

First challenge (after the plane tickets) was telling the family. God Bless them all, but I think they fail to understand the depth of my obsessions. I am quite different than all of them and I used to believe I was switched at birth. but as I grew, I gradually began to notice a slight physical resemblance to the rest of my family. But they don't seem to share my enthusiasm for messes, lack-of-plans, and all-in-all flying by the seat of one's pants. Wasn't sure how they would handle my plans on living in the South Pacific. That "cat" came out with little drama. Thank you mother and father. Once that cat came out, came the next hard part... telling my boss 8 months before I leave that I want to live in Australia. So for those of you who MAY wonder why I want to go to Australia, I will give you a slight rundown...

- No husband

- No children 

- No commitment

- Pure insanity

I have also learned in my life that life is made to be lived. Houses are meant to be lived in, cars are meant to be driven. Clothes are made to be worn, and and your body is certainly made to be run down. The world is meant to be seen and enjoyed by all. You never know when life can change, or how long you have on this earth. I truly believe every person should have a bucket list, and it should be pursued with every chance. I don't think i will make it to every country, or every great wonder of the world, but I certainly hope to make a dent... better get moving.