Good friends make for a Good time

The weekend before last I had an apartment full! My best friend came to see me from Wild and Wonderful, West Virginia to spend the weekend! We had a great time exploring RVA a bit and then heading to Virginia Beach for a day of sunshine. It was nice to see them, but I was exhausted after they left! Lots of naps! Below are some photos of my time with Amanda and her family!

At the Richmond Squirrels baseball game with Nic & his friend Evan

The Virginia Holocaust Museum
Great for our little History Buff!

Jake and I at World of Mirth, being silly!

Getting Milkshakes at The Galaxy Diner

Virginia Beach

Words cannot describe our love for this boy!

One on One time with my beautiful BFF!

The following weekend, I spent some time with new friends, did a little (or a lot) of shopping, and got some much needed R&R!

Ladies Night!

 

 

5 Tips for Meeting Friends in a New City

1. Do not be afraid to talk to people. The worst that could happen is that they could be rude and ignore you, but you can also make great friendships with new people just by putting yourself out there!
2. Do not sit in your apartment/house every night! You cannot make friends by sitting at home, feeling sorry for yourself with a bowl of ice cream on the couch... trust me, I know from experience!
3. Go to a restaurant for dinner and sit at the bar. Believe it or not, you may strike up interesting conversations with people you never imagined speaking with. I actually met a few of the ladies in the picture above at a bar and we have become good friends!
4. Tell people that you are new to the area. Not only will they be more understanding of you sitting at the bar alone, but they will also likely want to help you have a good experience. Most likely they will give you recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and directions too! This is SO helpful, especially when there are so many options!
5.  Keep an open mind! Being closed minded will not get you very far! I am amazed at how different things are even if I am only 1 state away!

Freedom isn't Free

So, this post is going to be a little different today...

On this day 3 years ago, we lost 31 brave soldiers after their helicopter was shot down by a rocket propelled grenade in Afghanistan. One of those men, included Chief Nicholas H. Null, a Navy SEAL from my hometown of Parkersburg, WV. I did not have the honor of getting to know Nick, however it is quite clear that he was one heck of a fella. He was married with three very handsome little guys and was loved by SO many. They paid the ultimate sacrifice the least any of us can do is to ensure that it will never be forgotten. Thinking of all of their families today because no matter how much time passes, it will always feel like pouring salt into a fresh wound.

Chief Nicholas H. Null

Working in the medical field, especially working with the older population, you can be sure that you will have the honor and privilege of working with a number of Veterans. These men and women that you have the opportunity of working with will undoubtedly change your life, they will teach you something, and will absolutely leave you with an overwhelming feeling of pride.

My handsome Navy Sailor & his beautiful Wife; circa 1954
Mr. & Mrs. Harold Dane Showen
(My Grandparents)

Throughout my short time working in the medical field, whether as a nursing assistant, a student, or as an occupational therapist I have encountered, what I believe is, some of the most self-sacrificing, honorable men in the country. I have met a pilot who was MIA during a deployment (saw the letter to his family to prove it!), a POW and soldier who fought in the Battle of the Burge and suffered from frost bite during that battle, a soldier who was a part of the platoon that bombed Hiroshima ending World War II, a former drill Sargent who fought in the Korean War, many purple heart recipients, as well as the opportunity to meet and thank a 3 limb amputee following his tour in Iraq. There are many, many others who are more than deserving of recognition. These men really make you feel a sense of pride in our country and make you realize just how good we have it back here in the States.

There is no question that they have seen, heard, and done things that we can only dream of, things we only see in the movies. You can see the pain in their eyes sometimes as they express their feelings and experiences, but you can also see that they would not have had it any other way. They are proud of the country they served, they were happy to fight for us, and grateful to have survived it all. The more stories and encounters I have with past and present military men, the more grateful I am for each and every one of them. I am so very blessed to have the privilege of working with these men and having the opportunity not only to enrich their lives but also to thank them for all of the sacrifices they have made serving the United States of America. Without a doubt in the world, they make you proud to be an American!

Thanks to all those who have served, are serving, and will serve. I will always be grateful.

RVA

On Wednesday, July 23, 2014 I started my journey to Richmond, VA for my very first "big girl" job and my first job as a traveling therapist! (No pressure!) I packed my car with the necessities and this Mountain Mama made her way to RVA!

Upon entering the city skyline I thought, "Oh my gosh, what have I gotten myself into!?" There is SO much to do and see around here that I am not sure 13 weeks is long enough! After a few short days it is obvious to me that I am going to really like travel. Everything is new to me... and there is just something about that newness that elicits a lot of excitement.

I am very thankful to have met a friend who has taken me around town a bit since I have been here. Below are some photos along the way.

Driving towards RVA city skyline!

The skyline from Legends, a restaurant on the James River!
This was absolutely breathtaking!

At Conch Republic where I tried gator for the first time!
How stinkin beautiful is this?!

Out on the town with New Friends!

"Shark attack" bucket at Baja!

Had a busy weekend after move-in and Monday snuck up on me! The facility I will be working at is much larger than those I am used to, so it has taken some time to get my bearings. They definitely expect you to hit the ground running as a traveler, can't hold back! If you know me at all, you know that I hate to-do lists... they give me anxiety! So my to-do list at work right now is a bit stressful. I hope to get all caught up with my notes and paperwork tomorrow.

First Day of Work!

Representing good ol West Virginia!

Now for the difficult part of travel this far... it can be pretty lonely! Even though I know a few people in the area, there is nothing like a quiet night in with your best friend and a bottle of wine. Missing the little things that close friends and family can bring but enjoying the new-ness as well! Excited for what this week will bring! Until next time...