2013 New Year resolution accomplished

It's hard to believe that I've been an Alaskan resident for a week now as I recall the events of the last 4 months: graduating from nursing school, passing the state board exam to be registered as a nurse, turning 25, landing my first nursing job, and leaving Phoenix to live in Anchorage (near Cory who has 2 1/2 years left at Elmendorf Air Force Base. It's a thrilling endeavor living outside of Arizona for the first time, although so many changes all at once are a little overwhelming, to say the least. New city, new address, new roommate, new career, new car, new relationship phase...it's a lot take in. The climate alone is drastically different than the dessert that I've grown up in, but luckily this "summer" weather (60s and 70s) has been pleasant to adjust to. I had a small taste of winters to come when I was here in April when it got as low as 5 degrees, which I know is just the tip of the iceberg (pun intended), so I will soak up these 20+ hour sunlit days while I can.

I'm not much of writer, and I've never consistently stuck with a journal before (since I've always preferred to verbalize my thoughts), but I decided that blogging (another first for me) would be a great way to document my adventures and experiences and share them with my friends and family who live so far away. And  I can track my journey and have something to look back on when this season of life ends. Plus, it'll give me something to do with my extra free time when I'm bored. So...here is my first blog post!

I am one blessed girl to have had both of my parents fly up here with me and help me settle in the first week. This is us in front of my new home where I'm renting a room from Debbie who I met through my dear friend Becky in Phoenix (her sister). One of the countless God sends during this transition!

Finding my car, on the other hand, was not so simple. Once I realized that leasing a brand new vehicle was too expensive, we spent 4 days searching dealerships and Craig's List near and far for an affordable and dependable SUV that will carry me safely through snow (another new experience for me). 20-something test drives later, we found this 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback on Craig's List just a few blocks from my house. It's not the stylish SUV I wanted, but I've been told that Subarus are practically foolproof for this terrain. It's been very well maintained by the original owner who is a pleasant and friendly woman who just retired and is moving out of state with her husband. We saw her had just a few hours after she posted it. Perfect fit. Another God send.

I will resist my tendency to ramble (too late) and end my first post here with a hopeful and anxious heart as I prepare for my first day of orientation as a nurse tomorrow!!! A huge adventure in itself! I can't wait to share the highs and lows of what this career will bring and how I will make my mark at St. Elias Specialty Hospital as a brand-new RN. Until then, to whoever actually follows this blog of mine, God bless!

Cathy