IT’S HERE! IT’S HERE! FINALLY! My Birthday Q&A that I promised is finally here. I’ve noticed a lot of bloggers doing Snapchat Q&A’s, which is a great idea and a fun way to interact but thought I would do mine here that way you can refer back to it if you need to! So, without any further delay …

What eyeliner do you use on your eyelid?
I wear L’Oréal® Paris Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black on my upper lid. It’s my favorite drug store buy. On my waterline, I wear MAC Fluidline Eye Pencil in Black Brilliance.

I did just recently purchase this Gel Eyeliner to try out, so I’ll keep you posted on how I like it compared to my old staple.

After changing up your nail routine, what are your thoughts on SNS? Are you converting to it or do you still prefer gel?
Initially, I wasn’t a fan because my nails broke so easily with my first go at SNS. I went back twice to have Chris, my nail guy, fix broken nails during those two weeks. Now, I’m on my third time using it and, since this last time I got them done, I haven’t had one break. I really do think my nails have become stronger using SNS because of the Vitamin E and Calcium in the powder. I also love how thin and natural looking they are compared to what they look like with gel.

For now, I’ll continue to use SNS. It’s quick and doesn’t subject my nails and skin to UV light, but I told Chris I need more color options. Currently, he doesn’t have very many and I’m a little over the white I’ve been sporting.

What’s your favorite foundation?
My favorite foundation is right HERE. It’s full-coverage and oil free. When I’m pressed for time, it’s really hot outside, or I’m not really wanting to get super done up, I use this BB Cream as my foundation, which is also oil free.

I would definitely recommend using a primer on your face before applying your foundation to help it set better. I recently started using this Mattifying Primer on my skin before applying my foundation to help control oil, and have been really impressed. I also like Smashbox’s primers, as well. They’re my long-time favorite.

What’s your favorite lip color combination?
This is a hard one because I have so many favorite lip colors, but I’ll just go with what I wear the most lately – THIS lip liner in Stripdown. THIS lipstick in Rosecliff. THIS lipgloss in Turkish Delight.

I also like just wearing THIS lip color in either Creme Cup or Creme d’Nude by themselves sometimes. [NOTE: In the product photo, the colors actually look like they’re swapped. The Creme Cup is more pink. The Creme d’Nude is more of a light, neutral brown.]

What are your favorite nail polish colors?
My all-time favorite for the past couple of years has been OPI’s ‘Mod About You’ but I switch it up based on season. Here are a few that I can think of off the top of my head:

SPRING / SUMMER
OPI ‘Mod About You’
Essie ‘Lapiz of Luxury’
Essie ‘Play Date’
Essie ‘Mint Candy Apple’
Revlon ‘Flirt’ & Dreamer’

FALL
Essie ‘Mink Muffs’
Essie ‘Big Spender’
OPI ‘Taupeless Beach’

WINTER
OPI ‘Big Apple Red’

How do you style your hair daily?
On Snapchat yesterday, I gave a quick run-down on what I use to style my hair. You may still be able to catch it if you’re reading this in the morning. My username is the same as my Instagram: @alyson_haley

THIS is the shampoo I’ve been using lately. I’ve been a long time lover of Aveda products, so I used to use their Color Conserve shampoo and conditioner, but am loving Pureology right now. In terms of frequency, I go as many days as I can without washing it … most of the time, I can go about 6. I know not everyone can but I trained my hair to be able to go that long because I actually despise the process of washing, drying and styling it.

If it’s wet, I spray THIS heat protectant in it, then brush out any tangles with my Wet Brush. Then, I spray THIS volumizing tonic to my roots, and THIS styling foam to the rest of my hair. Next, I section off my hair in to two halves and blow-dry each section with THIS nanothermic round brush. 

Yesterday, I didn’t feel like curling my hair but, when I do, I use this T3 Curling Wand. I recently switched from using my Sultra Bombshell Wand because I felt like it wasn’t getting as hot as it used to and wanted to try something different.

POST IDEA >> Let me know if you want me to do a post on the difference between the two wands!

To finish, I run THIS elixir through my hair to give it some shine. It also nourishes and strengthens my hair, as well. Personally, I like it better than Moroccan Oil and it’s good for all hair types. Then, I spray THIS hair spray over my hair. I like it because it smells good and offers good hold without making my hair sticky or stiff.

Voila!

What makeup / beauty products would you recommend for a newbie?
You’ve got to start somewhere so I’d recommend any of the products I’ve talked about in the questions above! I’d say start with getting a good foundation match, but keep in mind that what foundation will work best for you depends on your skin type and what kind of coverage you’re looking for. Don’t get discouraged, though! Head to your local makeup counter at any department store and any of the gals at the counters can help direct you from there.

To give you some background, I have oily skin and I like full coverage typically [i.e. covers any and all dark spots, acne scars and other imperfections] so THIS foundation works best for me because it’s oil free and offers that type of coverage.

I’d highly recommend THIS eyeshadow palette and THIS one to give you some variety. See the first question for my eyeliner recommendations, and I LOVE THIS mascara. To give your face some dimension and shape, I’d recommend THIS bronzer to apply to the underside of your cheeks and hair and jawline. Email me if you have any questions!

What’s your favorite Bible verse?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will set your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we ask or imagine.” Ephesians 3:20

What are your favorite books, specifically Christian focused ones?

Love Does by Bob Goff

The Shack  by Wm. Paul Young

Jesus Is __  by Judah Smith

Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge

Scary Close by Donald Miller

How do you stay focused on God when you’re struggling the most?
To be honest, I feel like I seek Him more when I’m struggling with something than when life is pretty ‘good’. I seek Him regardless, but I’ve noticed that, when I’m struggling with something, I tend to pray more and ask Him to help me understand or accept whatever I’m struggling with and for wisdom and discernment on how to move forward, etc. Being intentional about your prayer life, though, whether you’re struggling or not, can help you feel so much closer to God. At least it has in my experience. And, obviously, spending time in the word and delving in to a good daily devotional helps, as well.

Do you have certain scriptures you always look to?
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

“And if not, He is still good.” Daniel 3:17-18

“And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst.” Zechariah 2:5

“God is within her, she will not fail.” Psalm 46:5

See more great verses and insightful quotes on Christianity and a relationship with Christ HERE.

In Jacksonville, I go to the Church of Eleven22. Check out the podcasts from previous sermons HERE.

What is your ultimate dream place to visit?
I won’t complain about traveling anywhere but I definitely think Italy has been on my list the longest. Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, Capri, Positano, Lake Como, Cirque Terre, Bologna, Verona … I want to see it all. 

Also on my list … Switzerland, Canada, Greece, Hawaii, Australia, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Curacao, and the list goes on.

How do you afford to travel so often?
Just like everyone else, I travel within my means based on my income.

Favorite place you’ve traveled to and would recommend?
I would certainly recommend Rosemary Beach for anyone wanting to stay stateside. But, I certainly can’t not recommend London and Paris after my recent trip abroad. Both cities are beautiful and charming in their own regard and have so much history and culture to keep you busy the whole time you’re there!

Do you have a boyfriend?
I do not.

Can you tell us about your previous relationships?
I’ve been in two relationships and both were very different.

The first began when I was a freshman in college and lasted about three years on and off. It was the closest thing to love that I’ve ever experienced, but was probably more along the lines of lust, in retrospect. We clicked and had an insane attraction to each other. We loved spending time together and we laughed all the time but, unfortunately, the relationship crumbled due to a lack of trust and security. We were both to blame for its demise. In many situations, neither one of us handled ourselves in a manner that was respectable. I think we both wish we had been better to each other. It was an unhealthy relationship, all in all, but I know we remember each other fondly because of the connection we had. I have yet to experience anything else like it.

The second relationship began when I was finishing up nursing school, at the age of 23, and ended just before my 25th birthday. I had a hard time letting myself open up to prospects after my first relationship and this person was the first person that I let my guard down with. He was respectful, hard working, adventurous, and a genuinely kind person who treated me the way a woman wants to be treated. I adored the person he was, the family he came from, and I liked how safe I felt with him. Despite all of his amazing qualities, I had this gut feeling that I wasn’t his person and he wasn’t mine. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made because, obviously, I wasn’t sure what hung in the balance and, really … who likes breaking up with someone? 

For all you super nosey gals out there … both of these gentleman are happily married, and I am very, very happy for them. Like I always say … the best is yet to come for this girl!

Have you ever tried online dating? If so, what app / site and what was your experience like?
I have never tried an online dating site, but have used the dating app, Bumble. My girlfriends and I had fun connecting with gentlemen in London and Paris through it, but never met up with anyone! I will say, though, there are some good looking gentlemen over there, ladies! Witty, too! Always a plus …

What is your best tip for finding a community at your age?
Never turn down an invitation, even if you don’t know anyone but the host!

Where did you go to college? Were you in a sorority?
I went to the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. I was an Alpha Chi Omega during my entire college experience, where I served as VP Recruitment one year. I loved being a part of Greek life, but hated how cliquey sororities could be. I made a point to make friends in every chapter [we only had 4 at the time] and encouraged other women to do the same. I served as Panhellenic President for a year and Director of Recruitment Counselors my last year. I had an absolute blast and completely support women getting involved on campus in some way during college. It teaches you a lot and the friendships you’re left with will last a lifetime! 

What did you go to school for?
I changed my major quite a bit, and was in school longer than I should have been but, ultimately, went back to the original major and received my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2010. 

What is the best advice for someone transitioning from college life to a career?
Get to work on time. Be attentive and willing to do any task asked of you. Take your job seriously. Pay attention. Be respectful of your co-workers and open to constructive criticism. There’s always room for growth. Keep a positive attitude. Ask questions. Be honest about your mistakes. Get off your phone during work hours. Go to bed at a reasonable hour. Keep alcoholic beverages on week nights to a minimum.

What kind of car do you drive?
I drive a 2011 Toyota Venza, that was originally my Mom’s. For those of you who are new followers to S&T, my mom passed away a little over two years ago. She was driving in my car at the time that a brain aneurysm [we didn’t know she had] ruptured, killing her instantly. My car, also a Toyota Venza, wasn’t completely totaled but, clearly, I didn’t want that one back. I decided to keep my Mom’s, even though it was not what I would have chosen color-wise [exterior and interior]. It’s a car and buying a new one wasn’t necessarily something I had on a high priority list after losing her, so I just decided to keep it and have been driving it ever since.

Funny that this is one of the questions, though, because I actually have an appointment with a car salesman next weekend to finalize a deal on a new car. I’ve been wanting a new car for awhile now, but have taken my time with it, test driving a bunch of different options out there that I like, and have finally found one I love. However, being that this deal is not final, I won’t say what kind of car it is. You know … don’t want to jinx it. 😉

How tall are you?
5’3

What book(s) are you reading right now?
Sadly, I’ve gotten out of reading lately. I am still trying to get through Daring Greatly by Brene Brown, which is excellent … I’ve just been really unintentional about getting through it.

Do you think you’ll ever get Fish a brother or sister?
I would love to! I really, really want either another Dachshund or a French Bulldog and name him or her Chips. [Get it? Fish and Chips …] 

I think my only hesitation is just that I live in an apartment, and my roommate has a cat. The cat and Fish aren’t exactly friends, so can’t imagine throwing another canine in the mix.

How do you stay in such great shape? Do you work out?
I really despise this question because I know you won’t like the answer. I’m actually probably NOT in great shape. I don’t work out and I eat like crap, most of the time. I have an extremely high metabolism so I have always been slender, but definitely know it would be good for me to do some strength training and increase me calorie intake to gain some healthy weight.

Where do you get your spray tans?
I go to Sol US Tanning, and get the Clear tan [level 2] with the Prep only. 

What’s your favorite investment bag? investment pair of shoes?
BAG – Celine Mini Luggage Tote
It was my dream bag for so long!

SHOES – Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boots
I wear them so much in the Fall / Winter!

Do you live in a beach house or is that just a place you visit?
I live in an apartment in a beach town. I wish I lived in a beach house! You might be thinking of my trip to Rosemary Beach, where I stayed in THIS adorable cottage house. It’s one of my favorite little cities in Florida to visit, but it’s about five hours from where I actually live. 🙂

Top 5 words of advice you would tell your “early twenties” self:
1. Trust your gut.
2. Hang out with your parents more.
3. Stop changing your major.
4. If you don’t have it, don’t spend it.
5. You will be okay.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
These questions are so hard for me, but I’ll give it a go … I see myself happy and thankful for all of the ways God has guided me and shown me His love and grace. I see myself seeking Him in all things and putting Him before it all. I see myself with a husband and children, hopefully. I see myself continuing to evolve and grow in this creative space and as a business owner, being open to new and fun opportunities. I see myself continuing to seek adventure and connection with others. I see myself continuing to be a loving and doting dog momma to Fish, because I’m convinced he’s going to live forever. [Don’t ruin this for me]

The only thing I can’t see is where I’ll be. I love Jacksonville but I’ve always kind of been open to the idea of leaving again. So … we will see 🙂

Are you planning on doing more YouTube videos?
I would love to! I just haven’t set aside the time it takes to do more. If I’m being honest, I need help around the office to free up some of the time I spend doing certain things so that I can spend that time on more of the creative side to S&T. I’m going to be hiring a few people in the next month or so, for a few different roles, so I’m hoping to get more out to you in the next few months once those roles are set. 

Can you do a tour of your closet to see how it’s organized?
My closet is nothing to aspire to. I promise you. It’s organized chaos, and I use the word organized VERY loosely. I am going to be doing a post coming up being more organized, but it’ll be focused more on being professional organized. One day, I hope I can feel confident enough in my closet to share some organization tips! One day ..

What do you do with all your clothes that you don’t need anymore?
My church has a wonderful thrift store called Hope’s Closet that I regularly donate to OR I resell items on a separate Instagram called @shopalysonhaley! The items that I choose to sell are typically BRAND new or only been worn once or twice. Definitely follow along!

How do you structure your day working from home?
I think this is definitely something I’m still figuring out. I’ve learned that I am not good at creating an internal structure, or schedule, for my day or week, in general. Typically … I do my best to have my blog post go live by 6AM [doesn’t always happen], so that I can get up by 7:00-7:30, get ready, eat breakfast, take Fish out, and have social promo done by 8:30-9:30. For a long time, at this point, I would sit and draw a blank on what I should be working on. There are so many things that need to get done, between the business side and the creative side and, for me, for whatever reason, its hard to pick and choose, and prioritize, what deserved my attention next. Every day and week is different, so what I’ve found to be really helpful is just keeping a running list of things that need to get done so that I always have something that I can refer to to help guide me after I’m done promoting my post on social media in the morning. 

Honestly, I’m more right-brained than left-brained, so sitting down and getting those left-brained necessities done is a struggle for me when I also have to create Instagram content that day or style a photoshoot. It’s a challenge to switch back to the analytical side. So, that’s one of the struggles I face, as well. I think, as I continue to figure out how to do this and as I have more of a team in place, I will designate specific days of the week to be BUSINESS days and specific days of the week to being CREATIVE days.

Stay tuned … 

How do you separate work life from personal life?
When I’m with my friends, especially the friends I don’t get to see very often, I try to be really intentional about being as present as possible and not worrying about creating content, getting back to comments, checking emails, etc. We, as bloggers, could work every hour of the day if we let ourselves. Our job is never over. Think about it … social media never stops. I think it takes some time to become aware of how easy it is to get sucked in to ‘work’ because our phones are always at our disposal, and how important it is to draw a line. It has to be a conscious choice and it becomes something you realize over time.

Creating boundaries and realizing when it is and isn’t appropriate to ‘work’ is also important. If you’re husband or mom doesn’t mind taking photo’s while on a trip or while spending time together … great! It can certainly be a way for you to bond with them. But, just for me, I would never give my girlfriends my DSLR camera when we’re on a trip together [like last weekend in San Francisco] and ask them to do a photoshoot of an outfit for me, no matter how supportive they are of what I do. When the time together is meant to invest in the friendship, I make a point to not deter the attention away from that by shining the spotlight on myself. My content on Instagram may suffer in the eyes of others, and even myself, but it’s important to realize and prioritize what really matters.

Investing in our friendships and relationships SHOULD matter more to us than the content we share on social media. Those investments will be worth more in the long run.

My friends are amazing, supportive and my biggest cheerleaders and they will gladly take a quick snap on my phone from time to time for me but, at the end of the day, they want to hang out with the friend that they’ve known for years, and vice versa. So, I keep work to a minimum and focus on them. The same goes with family and, I’m sure, the same will go for any future relationship.

Was there an age when you thought ‘when did this happen?’ or ‘how did I get here?’? What age was that?
I’m not sure about ages but there have certainly been moments: when I reached 100,000 followers on Instagram, when my blog received over 100,000 page views a month, when I was recognized by a reader in public, when I quit my nursing job, when I purchased my LLC, when a major online publication wanted to feature my content, when I got my first sponsored post, etc.

I’m certainly thankful for all of these moments. I don’t take any of them for granted. I absolutely love what I do and can’t believe that it’s something I can do for a living. Thank you all for being a part of it.

Who are your fashion icons or inspirations?
Oscar de la Renta will always be my favorite designer. I also love so many elements to 50’s and 60’s fashion. They were completely different decades, fashion wise, but I could pick and choose so many things from each and put together today and love it!

How do you balance being “you” and operating a “business”?
Oh my goodness … this is such a great question. There should absolutely be a separation, even though what you get out of me as readers IS the real me. What I mean is … We should take time off. We should not feel guilty if we don’t post something on social media one day. We should not feel guilty if you go on a trip with REAL FRIENDS who aren’t bloggers and, therefore, aren’t posting the most ‘Instagram worthy’ content. We can’t always be thinking about work. We can’t always be operating to satisfy what we think our audience wants from us. But … we trick ourselves in to thinking the opposite of all of these things because we love what we do. We love sharing ourselves with you. The truth is, though … we are wired to need human connection, like face to face interaction, not an online connection. And, we will be left a sad shell of a person at some point when we realize all our successes in business and our online persona can’t offer that real, human connection that we need.

Blogging, specifically style blogging, has blown up to become such a big industry in the last couple of years and there are so many aspects to it that, I think, can become a little unhealthy … like, no time off.. constant comparison.. striving for aesthetic perfection.. underlying competition.. jealousy.. etc. These are just something’s I have seen and, if I’m being honest, personally experienced.

So, finally … to answer the question … I balance being ‘me’ vs. operating a business by maintaining a close relationship with God, my family and my friends outside of the blog world. The things of this world will never fully satisfy my heart. It’s all temporary, and I’ve only ever experienced pure joy when I can feel His presence or when I’m checking out of the online world and talking to my family and girlfriends about what they have going on in their lives. It’s so refreshing and it helps me keep a clear and healthy perspective on life. It makes me so happy and highlights how silly some of the things my business leaves me worried about. I sincerely think it’s one of the healthiest things bloggers can do.

Do you get recognized by people a lot when you’re out?
Every now and then! I wouldn’t say it’s often but I have a handful of times! If you ever see me, please don’t hesitate to say hello! I love meeting y’all out and about! xo.

How do you afford the clothes, accessories, bags, hair products, etc. if they’re not c/o [courtesy of]?
Just like everyone else, I buy clothes, bags, accessories, etc. within my means based on my income.

Can you tell us about your nursing school experience? Your nursing experience?
Nursing school is certainly not for the faint of heart. I can’t say I would be ecstatic about going through it all over again, and I’m not sure I would go through it all over again. It’s interesting to see where I’ve ended up … in a more creative job … and to think back on how challenging nursing school was for me. It’s funny how we can want to be one thing, but not know that the path to get there is one that isn’t complimentary to how you learn or how you naturally operate. I had to work REALLY hard to get through the program and to pass my licensure exam. I didn’t always make it through things on my first try, and I confused my professors by how strong of a writer yet how poor of a test taker I was. For a good majority of nursing students, it was either the other way around or you were amazing at both. I hate admitting this to you all. It’s embarrassing. I consider it a huge accomplishment to have Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and to be a Registered Nurse, and I’d like to keep you thinking that I’m this crazy cool breed of a woman who can do it all. But, the reality is, it didn’t come naturally and it was a really challenging experience. I will say, though … that experience lead me to exactly where I am right now. I would never have met a girl named Nicole, who became my best friend and lead me to meet Miguel, who is now S&T’s primary photographer. Life sure does have a funny way of working itself out, huh? Things like that make it hard for me to not believe that God has all of this already planned out, and that He knows what He’s doing. So, just trust the struggle you’re in, whether it’s nursing school or something else, and keep going. Don’t quit! It all is the way it should be.

As for my nursing experience, it is one I’m thankful for. It was enlightening. It was challenging. It was funny and fun, at times. It was scary, at other times. Nursing is a thankless job, so it’s important to always bring your positive attitude and sense of humor with you because it can still be great. For more on my takeaway from my nursing experience, head to the last question.    

What units did you work on when you were a nurse?
Initially, I worked on a General Neurology and Neurosurgical Unit, with some experience in Orthopedics and Trauma. My last two years were spent on a Progressive Neurosurgical and Neuroendovascular Unit, where I took care of patients after brain and back surgery, essentially. 

What advice would you give to new nurses?
Don’t act like you know it all. Ask questions. Look stuff up … you’re taking care of REAL LIVE HUMANS! Be nice to everyone you work with … y’all are a TEAM. If you don’t have a good feeling about the way someone is presenting, call a rapid response. Better safe than sorry. Get in there and do things you’re afraid to do … You need to be competent and DOING THINGS is the only way you’ll get there. Remember how you feel right now. Be nice when you’re no longer the new nurse. Complete your orders and don’t leave a mess for the next shift. It’s a 24 hour job, yes, but there is a way to get as much done as you can. CHART AS YOU GO [easier said than done, I know, I know..]. Eat fast. Bring snacks.

Do you still work as a nurse?
No.

What made you leave? Did you have a breaking point?
I decided to leave nursing because I felt led to run S&T full-time and I, honestly, enjoyed it more. If I had a breaking point, it wasn’t over a particular situation. It wasn’t because I hated nursing. I was simply exhausted from working both jobs full-speed ahead, with everything I had. I’m naturally someone who likes to be busy and, sometimes, takes on more than I should handle on my own, so walking away from nursing was a hard but healthy decision.

How did you really know it was the right time to quit nursing altogether and blog full-time?
I don’t think I ever “knew” I was making the right decision, but there was a moment that comforted me in making it. I had made the decision, typed up my resignation letter and started driving to the hospital to meet with my manager and give her my notice. I was a nervous wreck. I was really scared. I made enough from the blog to be okay, I thought, but there’s no guarantees when you’re in a business for yourself. There was a billboard that I always made a point to read on my way to the hospital. It usually said something witty or sarcastic. On this day, it said “Do not worry about tomorrow. God is already there.” I started crying because, I mean, hello … God was totally flirting with me. It was just the little reminder that I needed. I was still nervous walking in and cried as I told my manager, but she knew it was coming and understood. She had been watching my blogging journey unfold, as well, and reassured me that she supported me in whatever I did. So, I don’t think anyone ever really knows and, I think it’s normal to be scared but it’s more important to not let fear paralyze you and just let God do His thing through you!

Do you miss nursing?
I miss talking to patients and their families, specifically asking my elderly patients their love stories. I miss working with all my fun co-workers, but I don’t necessarily miss the craziness of juggling a full patient load and the politics within the hospital setting.

Would you ever go back, even just for a PRN position?
Never say never but, at this time, it’s not something I’m considering.

Do you ever regret leaving the profession?
No, I don’t regret leaving. I had a feeling the choice would eventually come and, when I felt this overwhelming anxiety about continuing to work both jobs simultaneously, I knew it was time to say goodbye. I always considered it a huge honor to walk in to a patient’s room and introduce myself as their nurse … to take care of them for the day, helping to facilitate their plan of care, while also helping them understand what it is that is going on with them so that they feel less anxious and less scared, educating them on how they can take care of themselves better when they leave, while also helping their loved ones understand what’s going on and what the plan is so that they feel less anxious and less scared. And, not only that, but to laugh with them and get to know them, learn about them, and learn from them … it’s a beautiful and precious honor. The hospital is not a glamorous place … it’s a very human place, a very vulnerable place … but, to be honest, I like all things human. I like the vulnerable, the tough, the sensitive, the uncomfortable. If you can’t show me your heart, I’m going to have a hard time understanding you. Being in the hospital forces tough people’s brick walls to crumble, forcing them to really feel, and it’s a scary thing for most. I sincerely miss experiencing those very human moments, those scary moments, with my patients and their families. I miss sitting with them on their bed as they tell me how they lost their loved one and how it’s been hard since; or when they met Jesus; or how their children won’t help them manage their medications and they know they don’t remember things as well as they used to; or how they think they’re going to navigate through the decision of whether to try chemotherapy again; or how they’re going to decide whether or not to stay on a blood thinner and risk falling and bleeding to death or not take it and risk having a stroke; or how they met the love of their life, etc. My experience as a nurse gifted me an enormous perspective on life, and love, and loss that I may not have been able to gain otherwise, and it is a perspective I am truly grateful for. It has helped me see God’s love when, on some days, it was really tough to see and it has taught me how to love people better … how to open up your heart and your arms to people, in whatever condition they are presenting in, and to just love them and serve them like crazy. Nursing, thank you for making me a more human human being. I don’t regret leaving you, but I will forever miss you.

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Whew! That was a lot … I know! I will try and do these more frequently so that they aren’t as lengthy next time! Thank you so much for submitting your questions! I was blown away by the number of you who had questions and also by what you wanted to know about me. Keep ’em coming! I’ll go ahead and start collecting some for the next one. Maybe I’ll do one once a month? Let me know your thoughts! Appreciate you stopping by and props to you if you read the whole thing! Now I’m off to do anything that involves me NOT talking about myself … 😉 xo.