Answered prayer...

Today as I was driving back to Iowa from a busy weekend at Laskiainen, my phone rang.

It was the Human Resources lady from the hospital that is 1 1/2 blocks from my apartment. She asked where I was, and being me, I said "You really want to know?" She said she did and I was honest: I said I am just south of Duluth, headed home to Spencer, what's up? She said that after talking things over with the Nursing Manager, she wanted to offer me a position at the hospital!

So, after a frustrating 6 months of trying to be patient (and not succeeding at times), I am the newest Med-Surg nurse at the hospital. WHEW! The job is part time to start with an exceeding excellent chance to go full time after 4-6 months, rotating 12 hour shifts, every third weekend, with benefits.

I feel like a huge weight is off my shoulders. I can feel the peace of getting a structure to live in. I will know 6 weeks in advance what my schedule will be and I can set a pattern to it. I am a creature of habit. I love patterns and am comfortable with knowing what I will be doing any given day.

My neighbor, Ada, didn't even let me get passed "Spencer Hospital called and..." before she said "OH! I am soooo happy for you!" It was a 3 hug visit, she was so excited.

So, I guess I will be staying in Spencer for the time being. I don't mind it. I know Pops was pulling for Florida, but after I get a few years experience, I may be able to wrangle a winter months in Florida/Spring, Summer, Fall in Iowa job yet.

Now, Laskiainen...The Finnish Sliding Festival. Up on YouTube, I have 4 video clips of the weekend. There are 3 sliding ones, and one of the Vippu Kelkka (whip sled).

My Cousin Andrea

My Cousins Chris (Andrea's husband) and Emma Kay (their daughter)


My Cousin Mason from North Carolina, his first Laskiainen

The Vippu Kelkka (When I was younger, this was actually "built onto" the lake, and there was no sissy....errrr seat belt on the sled. You learned how to hang on....and trust the pushers to be nice :) )