Where it all started...

It wasn't even our idea to begin with. It was on the back end of Covid and a good friend was raving about the pay rates that travel nurses were making. We had no thoughts of selling our house, never even crossed our minds. We were reasonably happy where we were at, doing what we were doing. We had just renovated our basement and updated our shower. We had family close, our girls had weekly playdates with friends, and we even got the occasional date night. We laughed at first, but the more we thought about it, the more sense it made. I reached out to a recruiter on a Monday, on Tuesday we were submitting to our top places, and by Thursday I had my first travel nursing gig. On Saturday, with advice from friends and some liquid courage, I called my manager to give my notice. Things moved even quicker after that and before we knew it, we were packing up a U-Haul to head to place we knew very little about - Louisville KY.

I quickly learned not all hospitals are the same and nursing is different in every state. I was very thankful for my years of experience and the nurses willing to help me. I became friends with another travel RN and she was super helpful with the transition. She also planted the seed for RV living. Our AirBnB was within walking distance to the hospital which allowed for extra sleep and allowed Brandon and the girls to meet me every night to walk home!

As far as Kentucky as a whole, we enjoyed our time there! We took the girls to their first National Park - Mammoth Cave. Nora loved riding on the bus from the visitor center to the cave entrance. We also explored the Louisville Zoo, Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and so many playgrounds! We rode on the Belle of Louisville, the only remaining authentic steamboat from the 1910s! We took advantage of being in "bourbon country" and visited numerous distilleries. I learned how to try bourbon without making a face and eventually, to enjoy it. Brandon finished the whole bourbon trail earning a cool stave!

We celebrated several holidays away from family including Halloween, Brandon's birthday, and Thanksgiving. Being new to the area, we were unsure of where to take the girls trick or treating but we thankfully found a few places doing trunk or treat! Nora had a blast dressing up as Elsa with Ellie as her Olaf! We missed being with family for Thanksgiving, but Brandon made a delicious feast for the 4 of us! We also got to enjoy the beginning of the Christmas season! Frankfort looked like a Hallmark movie, complete with horse-drawn carriage. Elsa and Olaf made an appearance as well much to the delight of Nora. We drove through the Louisville Mega Caverns and Buffalo Trace Distillery enjoying all the Christmas lights!

Before I knew it, my contract was over and we were headed back home for Christmas. I knew that I was ready for another place to explore, a new hospital to learn at, and that travel nursing was even better than I expected!