Another Step Forward

I realized at lunch yesterday that I haven't updated this blog in a while. Why at lunch? Well, my grandmother whom I haven't spent time with in 16 years contacted me and I found out that she reads my blog. Humbling for me. However, since I get to enjoy time with her, I think I am the lucky one. And with that a quick update and the past few months:

1. Got carbon Monoxide poisoning from the apartment I was staying at in Farmington. That was no fun. Luckily I came back to Albuquerque and finished up my clinical with two amazing Nurse Practitioners and a Physicians Assistant, all of whom taught me a great deal.

2. Cuidando Los Ninos is making great changes. Tony Pino is an AMAZING leader. He along with his development team put on a breakfast event that did well in terms of bringing the community together and raising funds for the non-profit.

3. The Youth Creating Change Film and Art Festival was a success! And lots of fun. These students really took on an incredible amount of determination and responsibility to spread the word about childhood homelessness.

4. Got nominated and choose for the top 40 professionals under 40 by New Mexico Business weekly. A Big thank you to my family, friends and  Mountain Man, for being in my life and motivating me. Emily, Erica and Tony thank you for nominating me and writing letters of recommendation on my behalf. The Celebration is June 21st.Check it out here: http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/event/64991

 

5. I GRADUATED! It is official I have a Masters of Science in Nursing and am now a Family Nurse Practitioner. I will be taking my national boards this summer.

6. With my plate less full I have decided to take a wonderful opportunity and become a Board member for American Women Veterans. I have much to learn and much to do but I am motivated and excited for this next stage in life.

and 7...

I met with Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Retired General Shinseki today and discussed veterans education and benefits. More on that later. And with that I hope you enjoy the wacky pictures. More soon. ~m