1-8-19

Outer Journey

The cathedral was my favorite place.  The architectural of this historical building is breathtaking, and the history behind the building brings even more meaning and appreciate to this splendid church.  I am also drawn to the baptismal stand that was given to the church years ago and the fact they everyone in this city gets baptized from here.  Generation after generations come to Christ through this same baptismal stand.  That is sentimental and moving to me.  I hope someday I can come back to this church and bring my family.  I would definitely recommend this cathedral and this city to others.  There is so much history and meaning at the cathedral and throughout the city.  My first impression of this city was this cathedral.  Even though it was raining and dark, the steeple of the cathedral stood tall and pride for all to see as soft lights beamed up on this exquisite building.  Placing Jackson Square in front of the cathedral was brilliant.  The black iron fencing around this peaceful park area sets a tone.  As I entered the first full day of our trip, I sensed calmness and peace in this area in front of the cathedral.  Inside the iron fencing are many vibrant green trees and other plants that surrounded the center statue which is Andrew Jackson on his horse tipping his hat appearing as if he was leaving this great city.  This statue has a circle of ‘Knock Out Rose’ bushes and an iron fence to protect this special symbolic piece of Andrew Jackson.  Between this statue and the church is a big fountain flowing with water.  I found myself taking advantage of this area one day by grabbing a muffuletta and eating it in the park while I admired and took in the square and cathedral.  

Inner Journey

I have been on many class trips with my children and yes even a week-long trip to Washington DC.  Although each of these trips were well thought out and planned, this trip was by far the most well planned and relaxing but full of learning and exploring and truly experiencing the city in the way that each individual student wanted to experience it.  My favorite part of the class was learning about journaling and practicing this skill.  The inner journaling made me stop and think and reflect and process.  I don’t do this enough, because I let life get in the way and to be frank I let life get in the way because reflecting involves deep thought and feels that are not always easy to process and accept.  But to my delight I enjoyed learning and doing the journaling.  My favorite part of the trip was eating my way through the city.  I loved trying all the new and different cuisines.  I like to eat so eating my way through a trip is always something I look forward to.  I also like trying new foods because I learn different ways to cook when I come home.  I enjoy cooking for my family so it’s fun and a learning experience for me as I experienced the food on trips.  As I learned about the different flavors, I was experiencing I learned about the New Orleans people which was very interesting.  For example, I learned what creole meant which is the first generations born in New Orleans from immigrants that settled in New Orleans.  I also learned how resilient the people of New Orleans are.  These people have been through many tragic storms and fires not to mention the persecution because of slavery and immigrants.  This history that I learned was amazing to me and drew me to this city which taught me that I am truly a very accepting person.  The diversity that comes out of New Orleans because of their history and acceptance of all people did not bother me or give me fear.  I know who I am and where I come from and I am fine with others being who they are because of where they have come from.   

Anytime-Music

Outer Journey

I have heard music every day, almost all day long, in the city.  I heard music as I walked the street going from place to place.  I heard music coming out of open doors of stores, bars, restaurants, shops, and even the church.  This music is played in many forms and by many different people.  I have heard street performers, homeless people, amateur performers, and volunteers from the church parish.  My most interesting performance are the street performers.  I am amazed at how they set up and how they perform in the middle of everyone.  I am also amazed at the instruments they use.  I have seen these performers use five-gallon buckets to drum on and I have seen them use different size plastic cups to control the sounds coming out of their horns in order to create a different note and appreciation for their music.  I love listening to jazz with a dash of funk.  My favorite is mixing different styles and creating something new and exciting and unpredictable.  One day we were walking down a street and in the middle of the street was a group playing and everyone was standing around listening.  The leader of this group was engaging the audience between songs and the audience members were participating and enjoying it.  They had buckets set up to collect money and people would walk up and give money as a token of gratitude and support for these amazing musicians and their gifts and talents.  This was a way of life for these musicians. 

Inner Journey

As I listen to these musicians, I recognize that this is their way of life which is different then what I am accustomed to.  Nevertheless, I admire their passion and the life they have.  This city has confirmed to me that it is ok to accept everyone for who they are and what they need to do on their life journey.  We are all just trying to figure out this life we have been given, and we don’t have to have everyone fit inside a box that is perfectly square and wrapped neatly with a bow on top.  As a small-town Midwest girl, I have seen people in the midwest be very judgmental and unaccepting of people who are not like us which is sad to me.  In the Midwest, we are not comfortable with the unknown.  In fact, we teach the younger generations to be afraid of the ones who are different than us.   I don’t like this and definitely, don’t agree but this city has confirmed to me that it is good to accept others and learn from each other.  One of the biggest ways I have learned from this city is through music.  Music connects us to the history and heritage of this city, and it reminds me that we don’t need as much as we think we need in this world.  Meaning long ago when people migrated to New Orleans, they did not have much but they made do with what supplies and gifts and talents they did have and they persevered.  Today we still learn from these ancients even if they are not our own ancients.  In this city, we eat their foods, listen to their music, and enjoy the buildings they have left us.  Their legacy still lives on. 

Anytime-Art

Friday 1-4-19

Outer Journey

As I strolled Royal Street, I came upon Kezie Gallery which reminds me of my daughter named Makenzie who many call Kenzie.  I enter and find the gallery filled with paintings simpler to the famous “Blue Dog” piece.  This draws me in even further because my daughter loves dogs and this “Blue Dog” piece does interest me.  As I turn to the next room, I found GustavoDUQUE’s work.  I was intrigued by his work, more than the dogs.  I am drawn in and I instantly felt he was trying to communicate about Love through his work.  Each piece had three or more people in it.  When I asked what the story was about these pieces, I was told he began painting these pieces when he met his wife many years ago and each piece was for me to interpret the painting in the way I felt it was speaking to me.  Some pieces had bright, vibrant colors that made the three, black silhouette of people stand out.   Two of the people were always together and then there was at least one single figure someplace different on the canvas.  Sometimes there would be more than one single silhouette place in random places on the canvas.  Each piece seemed to reach into your soul and pull some life experience out to remind me of love, pain, lose, gain, and mystery.  Each piece came in different sizes and could be made in any size of my request is what the gallery salesman told me.  Each piece was in the thousand dollars nevertheless they spoke to my soul. 

Inner Journey

As I laid my eyes on the first painting I instantly thought of divorce and remarrying.  It looked like one of the people had moved forward and meet someone different and was in love and beginning a new chapter of their lives together.  Since the background was painted in different shades of gray which spoke to me as the sadness that comes from a divorce.  But then when one of the silhouettes meets another silhouette a beautiful colorful boutique of flowers come out of these two’s embrace which represented the joy and redemption of moving forward.  There are three buds that are in the boutique of flowers.  One large bud in the middle and two smaller buds.  This represented to me that each person has a past, but their future together was bigger and better than their past.  Then as I looked more, I wondered if it was saying that we all journey along and someday someone special comes along out of nowhere and joins one’s life forever because something special grows.  Either way, the painting spoke to me.  I think I enjoyed his work so much because it expressed many different feels in one painting and as I grow as a woman and have different life experiences these paintings could grow with me and communicate something new and inspirational.  I loved the colors that this artist use to express the different feels and experiences.  I think these paints are relatable and expressive at a very deep level yet settle and mild.  I don’t think it's what he has painted but more how he has painted which makes each piece universal and ever-changing with each individual's changing circumstance. 

1-7-19

Outer Journey

Having a free day to explore the city was restful and helped fill in any missing gaps that we had missed thus far.  Emma, Anna, Molly, and I decided we wanted to see the Garden District that Emma and Anna had done their E-Travel guide on.  We used the Jazzy Passes to head to the district.  On our way, we found a Fresh Market where we went in to get a pastry and water and asked some local folks the best way to see this district.  They were very kind to us and told us exactly where to walk and encouraged us to just walk it on our own because it was well worth the walk but not to pay for it.  We found ourselves exploring the beautifully designed houses the Louisiana way.  They were mostly two-story house with iron black fencing around the whole house.  Many homes had pillars on the Galla.  Also, on the Galla was seating to stay cool in the Louisiana heat.  As we found our way through the Garden District, we found a cemetery where many tours were going on and we just wandered in and explored.  The tombs were made of big cemented headstones with family names row after row.  The air felt crisp but refreshing as the sun shined down on us keeping us warm and secure.  The smell of fresh southern brewed coffee began to fill the air as we left the cemetery.  To our delight, we stumbled upon a local coffee shop inside what use to be an old stable which was now called the Rink.  The Rink is filled with little shops including the coffee shop where we each treated ourselves to something to sip on as we explored the Rink.  Across the walkway from the coffee shop was a bookstore which we later learned was named in as ‘One of the World’s best bookstores to visit.’  This was a lovely bookstore filled with great books to enjoy.  It felt very cozy and quaint.  I bought a great “coffee table” book called New Orleans Then and Now.  There on pictures of historical buildings.  One the left side is the historical picture and the right is the current picture.  Each picture is labeled, and a small description is written to explain the building’s significance.  This day was a very relaxing restful but fulfilling day that I enjoyed very much. 

Inner Journey

I enjoyed getting to know the girls in my group on a more personal level.  They each shared with me their journeys this far and some future plans of weddings and lives they were building.  It was fun to see the joy and anticipation as they dreamed of their big days.  I enjoyed building new friendships and making connections.  As I relaxed and explored this new area of New Orleans, I realize I need to relax more and get away and make more memories with my younger two children still living at home.  I also realize I need to set better priorities this semester and take care of myself to be a better mom and person.  Taking a step back and thinking about life as I walked a normal neighborhood in this city was very insightful and therapeutic for the soul and it came at a perfect time as the semester is approaching us.  I feel it’s important to take time to relax and refuel and it’s also important to reevaluate my parenting.  This free day gave me an opportunity to do this.  Another thing that walking the Garden District helped me reflect on, is the realization that all people are basically the same.  We all want the same kind of things because we are all humans with similar needs and desires.  It was enlightening to see regular Louisiana people living their ordinary lives just like I do in my hometown with my family.  We all have needs, desires, problems, and blessings, but how we deal with each of these things is up to the individual.  This was not only reflective for me but enlightening yet refreshing and renewing.  

1-6-19

 

Outer Journey

As we entered the Presbytere, the first exhibit was a historical piano that had been in New Orleans for years.  It had been destructed in Hurricane Katrina.  It was laying on its side with a broken leg.  The wood was molded from water damage and the piano keys were not in working condition.  This is how this sentimental instrument had been found in the clean up of Katrina.  In honor of this special piece, it was kept just as it was found to show a part of all that was lost.  As I continued throughout this intriguing museum, I was taken back by the devastation that I read about and the pictures I saw.  I was told that in some places there were eighteen feet of water in these historical buildings. I found myself asking, ‘How does a city recover from a flood of that magnitude?’  As I came to the end of this amazing exhibit, I was fascinated by the stories of how people coming back to rebuild and how they came together to save their heritage and make New Orleans a land of diversity and cultural again.  As I continued to walk the streets for the rest of our trip, I would imagine water raising to these high levels and then I imagined people “coming home” as the museum called it, to clean and paint and restore.  As I read and looked through the museum, I could almost smell the toxin air and water and hear the rescue helicopters and boats coming to rescue people and bring supplies.  What I remember watching on national news many years ago, I was now standing in the heart of a city that has once again persevered. 

Inner Journey

As I viewed the exhibit of Hurricane Katrina, I realized how special the people of New Orleans are.  They are courageous people who hold their home dear to their hearts.  They continue to make New Orleans diverse through art, music, and food.  They fought to keep the historical buildings that represent their heritage and the many battles and progression that happened here.  New Orleans is truly a special city that is so much more than Bourbon Street that everyone thinks about when they think of New Orleans.  After seeing the exhibit of Katrina, I thought back and remembered seeing the national news and watching each morning the devastation that was being reported.   I remember the reports of the dome being used as a shelter for people. As I saw the dome on our trip, it was interesting to see the size of this dome and imagine it filled with thousands of strand people and no place to go.  My heart still brakes for these Louisiana people just like it did many years ago as I saw the destruction and prayed for these Louisiana people.  Watching a devastating situation like this makes me realize how blessed I am and need to be more thankful for these blessings.  In my day to day routes and responsibilities, it is easy to take things for granted and wish things were different by complaining about things but in the big scheme of life, none of this really matter.  I cannot imagine what the victims of Hurricane Katrina have gone through, but the people of New Orleans are an inspiration after seeing and now understand what they have gone through and endured and continue to stay strong and progress forward. 

1-5-19

Outer Journey

Today my favorite experience was the cuisine tour.  I loved going into all the different diverse restaurants and learning each restaurants history.  The food was delicious, and I loved trying a wide variety of taste.  Miss Lisette was so interesting to listen to in the open courtyard as she taught us how woman cooked and did laundry and raised the children.  I enjoyed learning the flavors and where the spices came from and how all the different ethical group had influence and contributed to the unique flavors of Louisiana.  As a cook, I learned many things that I can’t wait to go home and try with my family.  Our next stop to Antoine’s was recommended to me before the trip so I was very excited to learn about this very historical restaurant.  I was fascinated by the history.  I loved the family feeling I received as we entered the back rooms and saw the big dining tables where parties were held, and people socialized.  I could imagine the fancy gowns and the jewelry and all the impressing that each family possibly was trying to do.  I enjoyed seeing all the gifts that were brought to the Antoine family and I think it is neat that some people still bring a gift to the family to this day.  I loved the exposed brick throughout the restaurant and how they continue to keep the long living history of this family.  The idea that the era of this family still lives upstairs was an interesting fact and contributed to the family feeling I felt here.  Remoulade was another stop which is where I found my favorite dish which took me by surprise.  At Remoulade, we were served shrimp tossed in a special sauce with Louisiana flare.  It’s a creole spice that wasn’t hot spice but just spiced.  Served with this flavorful shrimp was turtle soup.  The turtle soup was my favorite.  I did not think I would like turtle soup.  Contrary to what I was expecting, the turtle was very tender but meaty and the flavor was a settle delicious mild flavor that was satisfying.  It was filling but not too filling.  The consistency paired beautifully with the shrimp tossed in this native sauce.  Now, these are not all the restaurants we experienced on this tour but just some of my fonder memories.  This tour was very special because of the privileges we were granted to see and the food we were served. 

Inner Journal

As I listened to the history of the Cathedral, I realized more than ever why tradition in the Catholic church is so important to Catholics.  It is fascinating to me to think about all the generations including slaves that have gone to this cathedral to worship and all the babies that were baptized in the same baptism that stands there today.  This is generation after generation after generation.  I am Irish and I thought to myself, ‘Could any of my ancients have come to this country through New Orleans which would have meant my ancestors could have possibly be baptized here?’  Even if I did not have ancestors who came through New Orleans to this country, coming to this church and listening to history brought more and new understanding to my religious heritage.  A new appreciation of my religion was found on this tour.  I also appreciated learning about the nuns and the work they did, and each of the cases they fought and served for.  I did not realize how influenceable they were. They fought for causes that no one was fighting for which was impressive to me.  The wisdom of these nuns intrigued me along with their dedication to their service and devotion to God and the people of the city.  This challenged me to be more devoted to my family and eventually my patients.  Being a mother and a nurse is self-sacrificing through selflessness and the example of these nuns was inspiring.  I think these nuns started the first women’s movement.  We just don’t say it like that because that isn’t acceptable within the church.  

"Three Hour Tour..."

1-4-19

Outer Journey

The crisp air breaks through my layers of clothes as the sun beams down on our group as we wait for Milton to arrive for our tour.  This three-hour tour was very interesting, and I enjoyed it very much especially Congo Square and the Cypress tree in the square.  The square was full of green luscious cypress trees, oak trees, and magnolia trees.  It was amazing to me these trees.  They had survived the many floods and fires that this city has endured over the years, and they stood tall and proud.  I was marveled with them.  The park was inviting because of this beautiful square full of nature and peace.  The amora of damp air fills my senses as I follow the brick pathway through the park.  I am following Milton around listening to how the slaves could go to church on Sundays and to the Congo Square where they relaxed, spent time with friends and family, and even make some money to free themselves.  As a small business owner, I can relate to building a life on your own to gain freedom and hope.   Now I am not saying I have ever lived under slave conditions because I have not!  But I was impressed with their entrepreneurship, and I appreciate the dedication it takes to launch a business that makes enough money to save up to be free.  I awesome loved that fact that there was music played throughout the park for everyone to enjoy and share each other’s gifts and talents.  With so much diversity from all the different cultures, I liked how they all came together and shared.  What great memories must have been making at Congo Square. 

Inner Journey

Congo Square spoke peace and hope to me as I entered.  The green lush trees represented to me years of perseverance and courage which reminds me that things will not always be the same.  Their unique strength that stretched through ever storm and endured ever-changing society acceptances stood for the hope of better days to come.  I am also reminded to be thankful for what I do have and not to focus on what I do not.  As I stand in the square listening to Milton tell the stories of the past, I am looking around imagining the slaves and their families coming to this square with picnic southern lunches with music being played all around for all to hear.  Everyone is talking and enjoying each other.  Laughter fills the air.  I imagined slaves setting up products to be sold and plans being made between husband and wives as they plan to save every cent to buy their freedom.  I imagine the slaves were thankful for Sundays.  The ghost from this place dance around me as I imagine what it must have been like to live as a slave in New Orleans history.  It was interesting to me to learn that slaves in New Orleans were given Sundays off and could buy their freedom by selling their products.  This was intriguing and new facts to me.  It makes me sad to think how many families were broken up because of slavery.  Thankfully this world is progressing toward better acceptance of diversity.  We must not stop in this progression.  

  

The City Speaks to Me

1-4-19

Outer Journey

Our first day was full!!  We started a day in New Orleans off right with Beignets and Café Au Lait at the Original Café Du Monde Coffee Stand which was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. 

The Beignets were a sweet delight that I had never experienced before.  The Café Au Lait had a unique taste that blended well with the Beignets but not something I would enjoy without the extra sweet treat of the Beignets.  I learned the trick of tapping the excess powdered sugar into my Café Au Lait very quickly.  Mmmmmm…this decreased the bitterness and blended these two flavors together even more.  I enjoyed this early morning stroll to the French Quarters.  I came down about two hours before the rest of the class to enjoy watching the sun come up over the city and get a feel of the layout of the land during the day.  The sun looked spectacular coming up over the river and shining its warmth over the Cathedral.  The steeple stood tall above the city reminding me of my faith and devotion.  The air felt crispy and damp as I walked around Jackson Square exploring the land and listening to the quietness and knowing that soon this moment would be gone, and this area would be filled with people and drama.  I could hear the street cleaners coming down the street spraying some disinfectant cleaners to wash away the nasty dirty smell of the night gone by.  The air is filled with freshness to start the new day

Inner Journey

Starting my day off early and in quietness brings me peace and centers me.  Venturing out in a new city finding my old familiars (coffee and the cathedral) helps me center myself to have courage for the day ahead of me.  The cathedral was just splendid as the sun hit it and it reminded me of my foundation of beliefs and where my strength comes from.  The Catholic church is so symbolic so seeing the steeple and statues reminded me that God is bigger than me and He is in control and has my back no matter where I go in this world even in an unfamiliar city.

Returning to nursing school as a nontraditional student has its challenges as well as its rewards.  As I reflect on this fact and the past year that has proven this statement to be true, I am reminded of how I was led down this road and many blessings as well as the many accomplishments.  I know I have a long way to go but with each passing class and experience from this week I know I am being formed into the person that I am meant to be.  I look forward to this city and the many experiences that lay ahead to teach me and grow me in order to change me.  These beignets have already changed me and my waistline.  

Arrival 1-3-2019

Outer Journey

“Final stop…New Orleans!!” said the train conductor as we ended our seventeen-hour train ride.  Now to find our way to the hotel and get checked in our room.  The train station was newer then I expected.  When I think of New Orleans, I think of an old historical city with lots of character and flair.  Everyone seems to be very new at traveling and we are all trying to find our way.  We work together and found a SUV to hold six of us and our luggage.  Mis Ruthie was our drive.  She was a black old lady that holds her own.  She was listening to the Catholic radio station very loudly, but when the black man ahead of her got impatient with her as she was carefully trying to pull out, well let’s just say she “let him have it.”  She cussed at him and told him how it was going to be today.  When I asked Miss Ruthie how long she had been driving she said, “For too long.”   Our trip to the hotel and getting checked in went as I expected.  I have traveled some in my life, but it has been a long time.  But this trip went as I remember other trips from my past experiences.  Big cities are always amazing to me because of the sounds, the lights, and of course people watching.  As soon as the sliding doors opened for us to walk out to the taxi service curve, I heard the horns honky, vehicles swishing down streets, and tracks rustling quickly down tracks lining the city.  I could hear people talking and hustling to their destinations.  I could smell population from many people in one place and vehicle exhausts and lots of garbage accumulating from the day.  I see people and cars everywhere and lights and buildings galore.  My arms feel heavy because they are weighted down with my luggage and water bottles that I over packed and by now I wish I would have decided against.  My mouth tastes of dry mouth from lack of water and the need for food to refuel my body.  It is time to shower and head to dinner, but not before opening one of those bottles of water to hydrate.  We headed to the Original Pierre Maspero’s which was very good, but the space was smaller than I expected.  Nevertheless, I loved the environment and the food was delicious.  Our table ordered different seafood dishes, and we each tried each other’s dishes.  It was fun to see some ladies at my table trying things for the first time.  We had fried green tomatoes with a special sauce with crawfish on top for an appetizer.  The sauce was creamy and tangy being out the salty flavors of the tender crawfish just perfectly.  I was impressed.  It was the most tender crawfish I have ever experienced.  Then I was served three crab cakes with a side of gumbo and a diet coke to wake me up a bit.  The crab cakes were just delightful.  They were fried to perfection.  They were moist in the middle but fully cooked laying on a bed of greens with mushrooms and a special Louisiana sauce that added a special Louisiana flare.  They were served with two side sauces that were the consistency of mayonnaise.  They each had a unique flavor which I still can’t figure out how to describe.  I was not a fan of either one of these.  Although I did flavor one of them a little only when I ate it with the crab cake dipped with the special sauce drizzled over my dish.  This was definitely flavors I have not experienced or even known about because I couldn’t identify them.  I look forward to learning about these and many more Louisiana spices at the cuisine tour.

Inner Journey

I love to travel but this was the first luxury to go after I separated from my husband ten years ago.  In fact, during this separation, I was forced to travel a lot for the next four years, but these trips were not enjoyable but very painful and undesirable.  I was alone, tired, emotionally exhausted, frustrated, and confused.  Traveling became a necessity and a finical burden, which lead to resentment.  Since the finalization of my divorce five years ago, I find myself maybe wanting to travel again.  But, traveling alone doesn’t feel safe.  I take my younger two kids who still live at home on long weekend trips because this is finically and logistically manageable for our family.  So, deciding to take this travel course was a step toward my new normal.  Just after my first day here, I can tell this is a trip of healing for me.  Being in the city and experiencing it in this school setting has eliminated my resentments and bad memories and limited any obstacles I face traveling as a single woman.   I forgot how much I loved experiencing new things.  I love the adventure and stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s important to learn about people and cultures and different ways of living which teach me about myself and where I am going in this life.  Traveling gives me hope.  I can’t explain this, but I feel hope.  I guess it’s because when we step out of our “bubble” of the world we learn we have options and we are not limited to only our hometown. 

                                         

Departure 1-2-19

Wednesday 1-2-19 Departure

Outer Journey

The drive to Champaign was a very easy drive.  This was my first road trip with my new car for 2 months.  I rode with two fellow classmates and it was nice to have help navigating our way and chatting to pass the time and to get to know each other.  It was cold outside which we learned later as we boarded the train. But inside the car, it was warm and relaxing.  The train station was very easy to find, and parking was conveniently located near the terminal.  The terminal was very clean, and our class filled most of the waiting area.  Luckily the next two and half hours went by quickly until we boarded as a class in the very last car where it was dark and warm.  This was a welcoming experience considering it was way past my bedtime and I was ready to snuggle down to rest.  Now getting comfortable was another story.  My train buddy was also struggling so she decided a few hours into the trip she was heading for the floor in front of our seats to stretch out and sleep.  This allowed for me to stretch out on two seats and sleep better too.  The train was very warm which I was not expecting.  I brought my electric blanket which was comforting to lay my head on but not needed for warmth.  I felt fine in the morning as I rose around 6:30am and found my way to the dining area for coffee and breakfast.  Now walking on the train was a bit tricky due to the bouncing, rough tracks through Memphis.  I found myself stumbling down the center aisle through each car to the observatory as I found my way to coffee.  At breakfast, they seat you by fitting as many people as possible at your table.  There are four spots which they fill with your party and any leftover spots get filled with other travelers.  This is a great opportunity to meet people which we did.  We met a woman who was a nurse in Chicago, and she had experience in travel nursing.  Travel nursing is an area of interest for me and I learned a lot from her.  She recommended a company which I put in my notes and she shared stories of her experience.  Once she showed up for an OB job with nothing but the clothes on her back.  No scrubs just her crocks.  She borrowed someone’s scrub pants and she grabbed a mismatched top that is given to expected fathers to use.  She grabbed a pen and worked, and she said it was the easiest job she had ever done.  She made like $80 per hour.  She also shared that it is not always like that.  Sometimes she admitted you can get “screwed,” so she warned to be careful.   We also met another couple from Europe who were traveling to New Orleans.  When we asked what they did for a living, they shared he sold health foods for a company and she was a social worker of twenty plus years.  This sparked our interest because Molly, who was with me, is a social work major.  This lady shared her passion for helping children and their families.  She supervises parent visits and teaches a parenting class on how to parent your children when they don’t live with you.  I also had a chance to get to know some other classmates and collected some more notes on classes and professors to take for different classes.  I love hearing other student’s experiences and insight. 

Inner Journey

After class on Wednesday, I felt rushed to get done a few things I had forgotten to do and needed to accomplish to be prepared for the train ride.  I realized that I am way to high strung and I need to work on that.  This creates anxiety and unnecessary stress that everyone around me can feel coming from me. I do not want my family and friends to remember this about me.  I will try to be better.  Driving to Champaign is familiar to me so this didn’t stress me out.  Once we were on the road, I was fine.  I prepared myself mentally to be ready to wait because waiting can be hard.  Therefore, the waiting in the terminal did not bother me.  Now as we lined up to board the train the cold wind did bother me.  It seemed to take “forever and a day” for everyone to exit the train so we could board.  I realized I also need to be more patient.  I felt refreshed and ready to take on the travel adventure for the day even though I did not sleep in a bed.  Meeting other people outside of Peoria is always inspirational to me and I learn something from each people who cross my path.  The nurse at breakfast reminded me that I am not limited to Peoria, IL to work.  Although I have lived in this area all my life and raised my four children here does not mean I have to stay.  My years of raising kids and finishing nursing school is declining within a few more years and then I will be free to be a travel nurse or move to another state.  As a single woman for many years now I sometimes get in a mental rut thinking I don’t have options.  In reality, I do have options.  This brings me joy and hopes as I do get tired of living in small towns where everyone knows everyone.   When I met the Europe couple and listened to the woman’s experiences in social work, I am reminded that we are all the same on the inside.  We are all broken people looking for healing and sometimes we just don’t know how to get it.  Therefore, we need help, not judgment but grace.