Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Looking Back on 2014...

Hello Friends!

Any special plans for this evening?  We will most likely take in a movie and dinner and come back home to quietly ring in the new year.  Whatever your plans are...stay safe and have fun!

I'm sitting here looking back on 2014 knowing it had lots of highs and lows.  My work being the most dominant change in my life.  I worked at the hospital as a nurse for seventeen years.  It was a big part of my life.  I worked med surgical, mental health, and pain management.  Well, my job came to an end shortly before Christmas.  And, it was my choice.  In the last seven years, we have had seven doctors, three nurse practitioners, and two physician assistants.  Change was so apparent with this job.  Some of the change was good and towards the end not so good.  When I saw that I could no longer be a good patient advocate, I decided to leave.  My heart was no longer in it.  It is such a big business now to give health care.  And, believe me some things suffer with it.  I won't go into any more details, but I will definitely miss my co-workers!  Only God knows the right path for me.  And, I will give myself time to explore my options.  A Time for Everything....Ecclesiastes 3:1-22.

Thank you for staying with me if you are still reading this.  I pondered on whether or not to share the above, but I'm sure we can all learn from each other's experiences.  And, you, my wonderful followers, have given me lots of strength and encouragement through so many things.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Whew, OK...onto a lighter note.  I had some fun this year with two vacations, which was to California and Vegas...

 
I met up with my friend, Cheryl, who I went to
 nursing school with.
 
We had our son, Jeremy, go with us to Vegas.


My husband worried about being away at the time of the Ohio State v. Michigan
game, but we found some awesome Ohio State fans and truly had a marvelous time!  And, we are looking forward to the big game against Alabama...go BUCKS!

Well, I thought I'd save a few of my favorite cards made in 2014 for the end of this post.  And, here they are...


 



 



OK, friends, that's all for now.  Thank you so much for visiting here today!  I truly appreciate all your support!  Take care and have a happy healthy New Year!

Hugs,
Maria

8 comments:

  1. I am sorry to hear about the unfortunate changes in your job. I've worked in a surgeon's office for the past 18 years. Lots of change and not necessarily all good. Things have changed greatly in the practice over the last few years. The medical field of 15-20 years ago is going. I guess it comes down to being more of a business. I am grateful to still be employed but I don't know how long that will last. I miss the way things used to be. Onto a lighter note, your cards are beautiful. I wish you and your family all the best in the new year!

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  2. Happy New Year, Maria! Thanks for sharing your photos with us, Vegas is so much fun! Need to get back real soon! I'm sorry you left your job,but if your heart left it, then I'm sure it was the best choice. Hope you have some time to relax and contemplate your next move. I've loved seeing all of your beautiful projects and you've been such an awesome friend this past year.♥

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  3. Maria, I am glad you decided to share because it is always a blessing to learn more about people. :o) God has the most beautiful plans in store for you this year and I'm excited to see them unfold. He always gives us beauty for ashes and He will guide you in His perfect path. I am sorry for the lows this year and pray they only make you stronger.

    Your collection of favorites are so beautiful! Don't they just make your heart smile? :o) You are such a talented cookie and I am truly excited to see what your crafty heart has in store for us in 2015. :o) Thank you for always inspiring us!

    Hugs and blessings,
    Karen

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  4. Leaving a job is a big decision and only you know what you should do...but it sounds like you are comfortable with your decision and you made the right one. Take some time for yourself now. Thanks for sharing your fun photos! Happy New Year, Maria!

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  5. Happy New Year!! Such a lovely post and beautiful cards ... Change is inevitable whether we like it or not ... nothing ever stays the same and it forces us to make decisions we'd rather not ... I'm glad you made the right decision for you and I wish you every happiness and joy in 2015 ...

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  6. Happy New Year, Maria! I've been through the decision to leave a job a couple times & it was very difficult. I'm so grateful I left my previous position, even though I'd been there a long time & knew what I was doing. Due to management I was miserable every day & now I'm in a position where management values my work even though I feel like I'll never be as good at this as I was in my old job. We've discovered I really don't have to work so many hours & I'm so much happier. I know God will lead you to just the right opportunity. Fun seeing your pictures & your cards again. I just adore the thank you card!

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  7. Happy 2015, Maria! Such a beautiful lineup, and after a stay in the hospital for Kaden's birth in February, I think I know exactly what you mean. When Adina was born, six years ago, it was the best experience I'd had, but things have definitely changed. The Lord has something for you. In the meantime, hang in there, and try to enjoy your time off. Hugs!

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  8. Hi, Maria. I've been on holiday over the festive season and have been visiting your blog now to enjoy your last few posts. I would love to wish you a very, very happy 2015!!! So sorry to hear about your job, but I know that the Lord will open new doors to you and will lead you to where He wants you to be in the future!!! My best wishes accompany you on your way!!!!
    Thanks for sharing your story and the lovely pics of your trip and your lovely creations. Always a pleasure to visit your blog!!!
    Have a wonderful day!!!

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