December 7, 2009
Well, let me start this letter off with a big ol’ MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Sunshine State! I hope this Christmas letter finds you well. This is the first EVER Christmas card I have sent out solo, so bare with me… I will do my best!
So I just got done celebrating my 23rd birthday this week, and wow time flies when you are having fun! I have had so many wonderful things happen during this past year, and I am excited for the next year’s joys and surprises. Only God knows what is coming next for me, and I am excited to see where my life will take me.
As all of you know, I moved to Milton, Florida mid-November this year. As an update on my life down here, I can honestly say I have been enjoying Florida so much and am SO happy where I am. I am blessed to have family and friends here supporting me (Jake, Dana, Brad, Jeff, Katrina, Zeke and Suzie) during the whole move and transition and it has been perfect. God is definitely watching over me closely, and His plan has brought some great opportunities and people into my path. While here, I have definitely noticed some changes… I have become a southerner for sure. I can be caught drinking sweet tea, sleeping on the beach, and putting on long sleeved clothes when the weather is less than 55 degrees. Ha ha! I am flying home this Christmas to be with my family and friends and should be staying through the New Year, before I grow wings and fly back “home” to Milton. I love it here, but MN will always be my home sweet home.
My nursing job at UniHealth is going very well. I love being a Nurse, and am happy I can finally do what I have wanted to since I was 8 years old. All those years of schooling and a lack of social life are finally behind me, and I get to enjoy the newfound “adulthood” I have entered into. I have been promoted to Nursing Supervisor, and am the Charge Nurse on the 11-7 shift. It is wonderful! Besides that, I am also looking at a Graduate Nursing Residency through Florida Hospital that starts February 2010. I hope to get into their 12 month program where I will rotate through the whole hospital and learn about every area of nursing in-depth. Fingers crossed!!
I am back in training for my goal of completing a marathon while in Florida. My running partner and cousin Jakey-J is there every step of the way, coaching me. It is hard at times, but I know it is going to pay off. I hope to be ready to run my first 10K in January, and build my way up to a half marathon, triathlon and then finally a marathon. I enjoy the relaxation and feeling of accomplishment after a great run (and the wonderful FL weather doesn’t hurt, either!). Gotta love those endorphins!
I am healthy and happy, and still enjoying every day. I am continuing to grow as a person every chance I can, and I sure am staying busy!
I miss everyone back home, and I am eager to hear about all of the latest news when I am back in Minnesota for my visit. Have a GREAT holiday season!!!!
I love you all,
Laurabelle
PS- J It didn’t quite feel like Christmas without snow, so I improvised at Pensacola Beach today and added a Christmas Tree and Santa hat!!!
