globetrottingnurseApologies for this overdue blog post and for being so quiet on the keyboard, but I do have to talk about how My 2021 was amazing and adventurous. After relentlessly working during the pandemic in 2020, I had a different outlook for 2021. You must experience life in the way that it makes sense to you.
New Beginnings: January
I rang in the New Year with my niece in South Florida. We kept it traditional and ate Soup Joumou, which is a Haitian tradition for January, popped champagne, and enjoyed some nice sights. After gulping down countless bowls of soup, I set out North to Tallahassee. I started with brunch in Miami, had a delectable lunch at this library-style restaurant in Clearwater, and drinks with Ashley in Orlando.
I concluded January, by taking a leap of faith for a Houston assignment out of my nursing specialty. After working over eight years in Labor and Delivery, I attempted to dabble in Med/Surg. Let’s say I would never trade caring for a mother in labor with a man in pain due to prostate issues. I rounded the end of the month by turning up in Houston with Marcy for her 33rd birthday.
Have you tried that TikTok, quesadilla hack? This foodie did and I’m hooked for life.
Peace: February
I came across a pleasant change from bedside nursing which led me back, back to Cali, Cali. This assignment allowed me to start in San Francisco and ended in Pomona, which is in Southern California. There I received the opportunity to administer the Covid-19 vaccine. I never realized how much this out-of-hospital experience would benefit me both mentally and physically, especially on how taxing Covid-19 affected my nursing career the prior year.
Movement: March
Upon conclusion of my out-of-hospital contract, per usual Globetrotting Nurse style, I arranged a quick Los Angeles getaway. If you are an Insecure fan then it’s a given that I went to Issa and Lawrence’s apartment, I checked out the house that was featured in Friday, and dined at the scenic Castaway restaurant in Burbank. This restaurant is a must-see when it comes to sunsets. I lodged at the Hotel Figueroa in downtown LA which provides you walking opportunities to witness beautiful murals.
Then this travel nurse had to go back to work which led me to a non-ending contract in Massachusetts.
Did you try that TikTok feta cheese pasta?
Appreciation: April
I was finally getting used to the Massachusetts lifestyle, although there was snowfall in April! My birthday would be in three months, so why not use this weather to plan. This birthday would be super special for me because I am now at a point in my life where creating memories mean everything to me. One way I accomplished this was by daily documenting anything I was grateful for 100 days up to my 35th birthday.
Exploration: May
I continued to venture more in Massachusetts since the weather was finally warming. I also received my first appreciation award as a nurse on Nurse’s Week.
Final countdown: June
My epic birthday trip was approaching, hence any last-minute preparations had to reach completion, I can be quite a procrastinator.
I had a great deal of packing to do, therefore it was time to say my goodbyes to my Massachusetts family. Check out my Instagram for my last clock-out twerk. After working 48- 60 hours per week for 3 months, it felt exhilarating.
Celebration: July
I commenced my birthday month with family time, so my sisters and I planned a mini family trip for 9, whew. We began our tour in Key West and ended it by competitively playing Uno Flip, Jenga, and more in Fort Lauderdale.
Before my actual birthday, I held a dog-only fete at my sister’s house in Port St. Lucie for my Bella’s belated 70th. Yes, I invited all our fur babies, they ate cake, licked ice cream, and came dressed to impress.
In keeping with the ice cream chatter, I ended July with my cherry on top. I celebrated my 35th birthday with my first official solo trip to East Africa. Please stay tuned for this amazing blog.
Restoration: August
Since I did not unite with my King in Africa, I made my way back to America. Upon my return, I was a witness to beautiful nuptials in Fort Lauderdale with my niece as a date, I brunched in Tallahassee with my bestie at Charlie Park and received a vitamin IV infusion with Hydrip Health.
It was time to resume to my duties, so I hopped back to Hollywood, FL. This was my second time returning to a hospital that I have previously worked at and there is a reason they say don’t go back to your ex. I must express that I enjoyed my time in South Florida with my loves. From dinners to drinks and some much-needed beach therapy.
Repetition: September
Road trip! By this time, you can note my love for road trips, it makes traveling long distances much easier by allowing you time to enjoy different areas. I tried that smoking TikTok drink at the AC Hotel in Orlando and had some much-needed retail therapy at the outlets.
Once again, back to work and I guess I did not learn from my last ex because I was heading back to the same hospital in Massachusetts, they do say third time’s the charm. At this point, I do not recommend repeating contracts unless you are truly in love with the facility, staff, and policies.
Re-Creation: October
It was fall in Tallahassee, which means it was time to attend THE Florida A&M University’s homecoming. I caught up with former colleagues and got to see the band perform after roughly a decade.
Reflection: November
This time of year is generally spent with your loved ones due to the season, but this year was extremely precious due to my uncle’s cancer prognosis. One thing he taught me was to enjoy life every second that you are given.
In true HBCU form, I went to Classic weekend in Orlando, turned up, then worked myself out by beginning a Pole Fitness program at Queen of Hearts. I never realized how much core strength was required to support your body on the pole, a must-try for your fitness routine.
Finale: December
I concluded my year of adventure completing my second solo trip. Due to my timeline, I booked a last-minute flight and resort, and within a couple of days, I was devouring a plate of jerk chicken with a Red stripe in my hand in Jamaica.
I went through many weather changes, heartbreaks, and life lessons this year and pushed myself in ways that I could never imagine. I felt like this was a year that taught me that after all that you go through, you must experience life in the way that makes sense to you.
The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.
Oprah Winfrey
