Oooh...pick me, pick me!

I decided I need more clinical experience with patients before I graduate. I've also been told it's a good idea to start looking for a nursing job now. So I spoke with the nursing recruiter at the hospital I already work for. I stressed my preference for labor and delivery, but also explained that I've been warned that hospitals rarely hire new graduates for that department and that I would appreciate being considered for any position available. Her response was that she was hired into labor and delivery as a new graduate and that there are always exceptions. I took that as a good sign. :)

So, since I'm not yet an RN, she suggested I apply for the assistant position that's currently available in postpartum. After discussing it with my boss, I went for it! The hours are overnight, but it is full time. I'm not quite sure how well this would work with my school schedule, but I figured I won't know unless I try. Unfortunately, today at work, I was told several people have already applied for that position, so I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high.

So what does a girl in my position do? She does whatever it takes to proves she's the girl for the job! I'm working shifts to help out during the ice and snow storm, while several others are calling in. That's gotta look good, right? I have also asked an awesome OB (who is also a dear friend) and my most favorite nursing instructor (who was also my clinical instructor for my OB rotation)to write recommendation letters for me. They will be sent to the recruiter very soon. Hopefully, there will be enough evidence to prove I'm intelligent, efficient, responsible, and capable for this position. I guess only time will tell...which means I have to be patient. I always joke I went to nursing school to learn patience. I guess now is the time to test how well I've learned that lesson...

A dream is a wish your heart makes...

I'm a dreamer. Always have been, always will be. I decide what I want and go after it. Nothing stands in my way. This attitude has helped me to obtain the labels of "stubborn", "irresponsible", and "senseless". Call it as you see it...but I have a very happy life and there's very little I would change.

I have made many of my dreams come true...and am close to achieving more. I have a wonderful husband and beautiful children. I'm hoping to graduate nursing school soon. I plan to find a job in labor and delivery so I can see a miracle every day I go to work. Hopefully after I find that job, we can buy a house. And my graduation gift to myself will be a '66 Mustang. I dream of a day of never struggling to pay bills or having to tell my kids, "We can't afford it" when they ask for something basic. I dream of the day my family watches me cross the stage for my college graduation. My parents can finally be proud that both of their children went to college on their own free will and my children will see that it's never too late to reach your goals. Hopefully I will inspire them like my dad did me.

And when I'm not busy chasing my own dreams, I try to help others achieve their dreams. I'm a gestational surrogate. Yes, I carry babies for other people. I have been so blessed to have five wonderful children in my life. Three are my biological kiddos and two are my stepkids...and I couldn't have asked for better children to fulfill my life. I joke that I want everyone to suffer as much as I do, but that's a lie. Sure we have our moments, but being a mother is the most rewarding experience. And there are so many deserving women in this world unable to achieve this on their own. So, since my family is complete, why not help others complete their families? I have made some lifelong friends through surrogacy and I have brought three more beautiful children into the world through these journeys. Being a surrogate is the second best thing I've ever done, only following deciding to be a mother myself.

So this journal is born. I've had surrogacy journals in the past; but I thought it was time to start a general journal...one about ALL the dreams in my life. And hopefully I can document each dream here as it comes true. Stay tuned...as I plan for it to be a wild ride...