one hundred and one things #8

#8 I am a hunter.

I’m looking forward to a break—a hunting break that is! Yes, I hunt—well, at least I sit in a little blind in the woods with my propane heater and have a gun at my side in case I see any deer…I’ve actually only ever gotten one deer in my short hunting career. :)

About six years ago I decided that what my dad has done my entire life on November 15 looked like fun. I enrolled myself in a hunter’s safety course (required by Michigan law) and endured about four weeks of classes with pre-teenage boys and their fathers. It was quite interesting to say the least—I think they thought I was quite interesting as well. ;)

I know much controversy surrounds the concept of hunting…guns in the house, killing innocent animals, yadda, yadda, yadda…but my perspective comes from one of a family who has great respect for the power of firearms (I didn’t even know where my dad kept his guns for most of my life) and a great respect for the life cycle of God’s creation. My personal perspective on hunting? I honestly just enjoy sitting in the quiet woods and the camaraderie of being with my family. Whether I have a gun in my hands or not is beside the point in my book.

One hundred and one things #7

#7 I’m 100% Dutch.

Yes, that’s right—maybe one of the very few people you may know who can claim that they are a pedigree. The only other I know of is Jason.

My last name is actually German—but hundreds of years ago, a German man crossed the border to the Netherlands and married a Dutch widower and gave her four children his last name. The rest is my history…

I actually love my last name as it is very unique. There are literally less than 500 people in the United States with my last name—and because of that, we are all related in some distant or not-so-distant fashion. Family trees are really kind of a fascinating thing. I love getting my grandparents (all four of them!) to talk about their growing up and what they remember of their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It’s cool to feel a part of something “historical.”

one hundred and one things #6

#6 I’ve had 13 jobs in my life.

Wow. When I actually generated a list of how many jobs I’ve had…I didn’t realize how long it would be! They are, in this order:

Babysitting
Advance newspaper (route)
Russ’ Restaurant (waitress)
Laser Alignment (miscellaneous)
Holland Home (nurse aide)
St. Mary’s Hospital (2 weeks as a nurse aide)
Spectrum Health (infant hearing screener)
Cedar Campus (camp nurse)
Spectrum Health (med-surg nurse)
Holland Home (head nurse)
GRPS (school nurse)
YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin (camp nurse for three summers)
GVSU (adjunct nursing faculty)

A lot of the jobs have overlapped, and it would be tricky for me to go back and figure out exactly when I worked at each place. The worst job I ever had was probably that two week stint at St. Mary’s Hospital. The position was supposed to be a nurse aide on the labor/delivery unit, but when they hired me, they were creating a new position and there was no one to give me clear direction as to how to do anything, much less what I should be doing. It was horrible. Everyone acted as though I should’ve just known what to do…but I didn’t because no one was training me!

The best job I’ve ever had would have to be camp nursing. I do love my job as a school nurse, but too often that pulls at my heart strings, so camp nursing is always a great outlet for me. Patching up scraped knees and elbows, making kids smile again—that is very healing for my soul! Plus, getting to be outdoors as much as possible doesn’t hurt either. ;)

one hundred and one things #5

#5 I've only ever owned 3 cars.

My very first car my dad bought me the summer before my senior year in high school. We had a deal that he would pick out and buy my first car, but I paid for the gas, maintenance, and insurance. I told him that my only stipulation was that the car needed to be younger than me…
He found an Oldsmobile Omega. A 1983 four door, tan color with red interior, it had AC, cruise control, and I had a tape deck installed. (very high tech!) ;) That car and I did well together—I even watched it pass the 100,000 mile mark. I drove it until nursing school, when I began commuting to GVSU and other nursing clinicals, and needed a newer, reliable vehicle.

Now enter the Saturn. I leased it brand-new in 1999 with 7 miles on the odometer (I thought that was so cool!). She was a cute, four door, dark blue with grey interior. It also had AC, cruise control, and a tape deck. That car and I went everywhere together…from Florida to Chicago to South Carolina to the UP to Chicago (yeah, I was in Chicago a lot). She was always awesome in the snow and handled camping trips like a champ. We spent over 7 years together—it was a great relationship. :)

Now I drive my “dream” car—a Ford Escape. I bought it used, but what an upgrade it was from my little Saturn! A 2002, it’s bright red with grey interior, has power everything, a moon roof, and a six-CD changer. Yep, maybe I’m a bit spoiled now—but the gas mileage (& prices) keep me humble. This car will be around for quite awhile I do believe...

one hundred and one things #4

#4 I always order the 6-inch turkey at Subway.

yeah, a little boring, I know...but I've always been one to stick with what I like. ;) The toppings I choose are always the same as well: spinach, tomato, pickles, green pepper, onions, and spicy mustard. The coolest thing about this is that a whole Subway meal--my sandwich, baked lays, and a diet coke--is a total of 10 Weight Watcher points. 10 points! :)

another thing I always order...Southwest Eggrolls at Chili's.

hey, predictable may be boring...but makes decision-making a whole lot easier! ;)

One hundred and one things #3

#3 I like Star Wars.

Okay, it's as simple as that really--but it amuses me what kind of opinions of me that statement can often bring about...so I'll clarify for those who may be concerned. :)

My dad is a fan of science fiction and being that as it may, it seemed only natural for him to make sure his children are also fans of the same. I honestly don't remember a time in my life when I did not know the words to all the Star Wars movies. I've read all the books, I've played Star Wars Trivial Pursuit and done pretty well, I even own a Star Wars version of Monopoly. I've seen all six movies in the theatre--even a couple at a midnight opening--and one in an IMAX version. I admit that I probably have a pretty unusual amount of Star Wars trivia in my head for someone my age/gender...

But, having said all that, I also want to say that I enjoy the stories for the pure entertainment value. I don't go to Star Wars conventions, I've never dressed up as one of the characters, and I don't really believe there is a "long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." Fiction stories are just that--fiction. It really is just a fun story.

So, does anyone know how many people fall into the sand pit monster on Tatooine? ;)

One hundred and one things #2

#2 I collect children's books

It's a funny thing because I really didn't realize this about myself until Jason asked me one time if I collected anything. No, I replied, I don't collect anything....well, then he caught me this summer. We were in a bookstore and there I was in my natural state of gravitation to the children's book section. I inevitiably end up there in any bookstore--and yes, pretty much always walk away with another book for my shelf. I admit it! I do have a collection--children's books. I could give a full listing of my library, but I won't bore you with those details. Although, in case you're interested in seeing what is so fun about children's books, I will give you one title to start with: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. Start with that one and you'll see why I can't stop reading them... :)

One hundred and one things # 1

my friend Amy has done an interesting thing on her blog that I thought I would try...writing 101 things people may not know about me. granted, those who are closest to me know pretty much everything there is to know about me--but hey, who knows? maybe they'll learn something new too... :) I'll write on this topic when the spirit leads--and today I'll start with number one.

#1 All four of my grandparents are still alive.

I've already mentioned that I'm entering my 30th year on this planet, and I am thrilled to be able to say that both of my parents' parents are still alive. Yes, they are getting older and their bodies may be slowing, but their brains are all there. ;) How fortunate am I to be able to call or visit these wonderful, God-fearing people anytime I want? I observe my friends' families who may have one grandparent, or even no grandparents left, and I know that I am truly blessed to have these special people available to me.