Back in action!

As of today, I have completed both my Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and Basic Life Support (BLS) recertifications, and became a newly certified provider in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)! I learned so many things about both the recertification process and found new appreciation for these skills, though I'll leave those specifics for another blog post. In my week away, I found myself filling time I usually dedicate to writing/journaling/blogging with other fun tasks, and thought I'd share some of the adventures. Would love to hear how you fill your time with fun things when taking a brief hiatus from something that typically fills much of your daily life!Our local used book store had this sitting on the shelf. They didn't know what they had on their hands! I raced to the front and took it home before they figured out what wisdom was on their shelves!I found myself taking a shopping break, and was appalled when I realized the discreet size normalizing I experienced when seeing all of the smallest sizes at the front of the racks or piles (pants, shirts, etc), despite (what I assume to be) common knowledge that average women size around a 10/12. Thus, with each and every product I found myself interested, I moved my size (in that average range) to the front of the rack. And immediately felt incredibly satisfied with the general change in aesthetics and the discreet impact it could have on others.The rechargeable batteries in my pager died. Twice. In one week.My compression socks announced themselves as down and out. And then I bought new ones (currently on sale!), and realized how long, perhaps, the compression had been down and out in my old pairs. Adequate venous circulation likely contributed greatly to my recertification successes.I realized that Trader Joe's now has Candy Cane Joe Joe's. And that likely the Costco-sized Lactaid and one box of Joe Joe's likely are consumed in equal parts.I won my football pick'em pool, for the second time in a row this year. Boom.Last night we played drag bingo. #cleavageenvyI invited midwives from my practice over for a potluck: four came, and we provided some much-needed venting time for each other with the time flying by. Then, a group of local midwife students invited me to their potluck, and I felt incredibly invigorated by their stories and their questions and their passion. Sigh. Great midwife stuff.I took baths. With epsom salt. YES.The NRP instructor reminded me of the strong midwives I had met early in my education, and of my initial excitement to my work.I found this gem at the grocery store: my favorite whiskey, in a winter blend, that is heated before drinking. #winterwhiskeyforthewinMy partner gifted my birthday present early. #lettheselfcarecommenceWe weathered the midwest storms and tornadoes with wonderful friends and delicious food, and were thankful their home and their neighborhood were safe. Sending love and support to those recovering.I snuggled this cutie.I picked my knitting up officially for the season.And this also resulted in an official pick-up of egg nog. In a glass out of the freezer. With a Chicago Bears koozie to keep my hands warm so I can type this to you.Excited to be back! Lots of great stuff coming soon!- Stephanie