How To Tame A Monster

This week is very special for me.  I am privilaged to be able to share my love of travel and new places with someone very close to my heart....my nephew, Trae.  Trae is 9 years old and lives in the same area that I grew up in, in the mid-west.  It has a very small-town feel to it and people that live there, tend to stay in the area.  I'm certainly the oddity when it comes to leaving.  I've gotten accoustomed to being the odd man (or woman as it may be) out.

It's been a joy to be able to share all of the new experiences with my nephew.  The excitement in his voice while waiting for the train to bring him to thto the e 'city' was palpable.  It gave me the same excitement just hearing him.  The look on his face when he saw his first sky-scraper was priceless.  I'm enjoying every minute of sharing the city with him.

I feel very lucky that I am able to travel and I try to share my love of travel with others in my life.  My Mom and step-dad have been able to travel to see me in many new places, my daughter has more 'air' time than most adults that I know, my Son traveled with me for a while before he decided to plant himself for the time being.

In addition to family, I can now add my nephew to the (hopefully) ever growing list of those that have been exposed to the world of travel.  Several of my kids' friends have joined us on adventures over the years and each one of those times was special to me.  I loved being able to share my love with them and hopefully open their eyes to the fact that there is a big world out there to be explored.

Through all the joy....there is always a downside.  One that I have been able to hide away, locked up; like a monster in the closet... somewhere in the back of my mind.  It surfaces once in a while but I continue to push it back and try to forget that it's there.  This holiday season...the monster came for my daughter and hit me harder than ever.

What is my Monster?

It's the fear and the reality of being left out, forgotten, overlooked.  How-ever you want to look at it; it's the time when those that should be close and concerned ie family and good friends forget or neglect to think of you.  Forget to invite you to the holiday dinner....your usually gone anyway.  Overlook the thought that you might be available....even though you usually aren't.  Leave you out of the festivities and events....because they are certain that your celebrating with someone else.

I can deal with MY monster.  I've learned to make my own happiness.  When my monster rears it's ugly head, I can put it back in the closet with all the fond memories and experiences that my lifestyle has allowed me.  It still hurts; but I can deal with it.

But now....?   Now, my Monster and I have an issue....and i don't know how to tame it.  I can't push it back into the closet with MY memories...it isn't after me this time.

How do I tame a monster when it isn't attacking me?

2011 Round-up

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Since it's getting close to the end of 2011, I thought it fitting for me to post a round-up of people, places and events that occured during the year.

I've worked in three locations this year.  Here is a summary of each:

• Kansas City, MO ~ North Kansas City Hospital
• High nurse patient ratio's 1:8
• Largest unit I've ever worked on at 52 beds
• Traveler friendly on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best: 6/10
• Busy...busy....busy!

• Providence, RI
• Average nurse patient ratio's 1:5-6
• 20 some bed unit
• Traveler friendly: 9/10 (These nurses were very welcoming)
• Nice slow easy work pace

• Chicago, IL
• Average nurse patient ratio's 1-5-6
• 20 something bed unit
• Traveler friendly: 5/10
• Moderately busy but not overwhelming

Places that I've traveled (I'll include my travel nursing locations here as well)

• Kansas City, MO
• Tons to see and do
• Surprised me on it's diversity
• COLD (I was here in winter)
• I would consider going back (during warmer months)
• New Orleans, LA
• Traveled here twice this year.  Once for MG and again for French Quarter Fest
• Always love NOLA
• I WILL go back.
• Minnieapolis, MN
• Surprisingly fun city
• Always something fun to do/see
• Would go back to explore more
• Louisville, KY
• Stayed here with a friend to recouperate from surgery
• Somewhat of a home away from home for me
• Visited with friends and family
• I'll always come back due to family in the area.
• Road Trip across Pennsylvania (twice)
• Loved the covered bridges
• People were helpful and friendly
• Great comfort food
• Hated Hershey, PA
• Hoboken, NJ
• Went to see Carlo's Bakery (for Trinity)
• Small town feel with all of the big city ammenities
• Would love to go back
• Providence, RI
• Got robbed twice
• First place I lived was ghetto...moved into hotel
• People at work were the only redeeming quality
• Would return but have to find a good spot to live
• Chicago, IL
• Always tons to do/see
• COLD (winter in Chicago...not smartest choice)
• Live too far from the 'city'
• Would return if I could live closer to downtown.

So it looks like I managed about 8 states.  Not too bad for a girl that had two surgeries this year and was down and out for a good two months.

No international travel this year which is a bit disappointing but I'm heading to South America in February....so how is a girl to complain?

Where did you go in 2011?  What was your favorite and why?  Have you been to any of the places I went in 2011?  If so, were your impresssions different?