I usually write an inspiration to nurses on my blog and who knows maybe that is what this will end up being, but I feel the need to write about my experience yesterday and the decision that is solidified for me. I work in the ER, in case you hadn’t gathered that from my blog already, and have done so for the last 11 years. The ER can be a roaring beast that devours all in its path…or at times can be a gentle beast that lets those working there stay alive to come back another day.

Yesterday was one of those days that just makes you want to find a corner to cry in. We had 2 nurses call out—so we were short staffed from 7am -7pm and the patients just kept coming. Our supervisory staff were all off to conferences so there was no physical help available from them. The rest of the hospital was dealing with their own issues and had no nurses to spare…(which makes me think of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine is in the public bathroom and asks the women next to her if she could spare a square…and sure enough the woman says NO!) Any way…

Our amazing team that worked yesterday pulled together and we got the job done and we did it very well! Read more…

As the music starts pumping through the MP3 player speakers, the whole gym full of women take their positions and ready for the Zumba class to take off. My friend and I give each other a grin and laugh…this is our first class and though the gym is full of women of varying ages and shapes, but we are feeling a bit on display. As soon as the instructor starts moving her body and giving instructions, intimidation melted away and the music took over. An hour later we were drenched in sweat with big smiles on our faces! I will not say that we knew many of the moves or that we looked cute doing them but the class was soooo fun!! Wed. night we are going back for more.

One week ago today, my friend and I made a commitment to one another to hold each other accountable as we once again pledged to live a life of health and fitness. We both had slipped into some unhealthy patterns over time and needed a good nudging and a hand hold to make a plan and stick to it. So this past week we went to the gym, ate a more healthy diet, drank more water and attended our first Zumba class. Read more…