Unemployed and Homeless

This morning I woke up with a new status. Unemployed and homeless. The very image of success. I called my dad last night on my way home from work.
"Hey dad, I'm unemployed and homeless. You must be so proud." His reply was amazing, "I am proud of you because this is a decision that you made to follow a dream." I have a great dad.
The past week has been ridiculously busy. Sleep deprivation accurately sums it up. I have moved out of my house and quit my job. The house I have called home for the last two years is adorable, colorful, character-filled and quirky. How many houses do you know have a random hole in the wall that is framed? My last day at work was wonderful. I was struck by how much I love my job and how much I love being nurse. My coworkers were incredible, generous, supportive and helped make my day awesome. I was completely touched and humbled. I also ran on a sugar high all day. It was delicious and nutritious.
Leaving my job and house has been incredibly difficult. The post-college chapter of life has been fantastic and I have enjoyed it and have been blessed in many ways. I'm just ready for a fun adventure and a new environment. That doesn't mean that I haven't loved the life I have led and saying good-bye to something you love is challenging. If my friend Jalean hadn't come up to the floor to leave work with me, I might still be sitting at the nursing station, jumping up to answer call lights. I had to take a very big breath and walk out the door. I think this part of the journey is much more difficult than actually getting on a plane to leave the country, knowing that I will be out of my comfort zone for the next 10 weeks, far from home, family and friends. I talked to Melissa and she said, "Holy Crap! This is happening! We are actually doing this!" My sentiments exactly.
Through this process, I'm amazed at how blessed I am. I am blessed to have had a job and a house to leave. I am blessed to have the financial means to chase this dream and a fantastic friend to travel with. My friends and family have been incredibly supportive, generous and understanding. I'm storing everything at a friend's house so that I don't have to rent a storage unit. She has helped me move and clean. My brother is letting me crash at his house. My parents are taking my very large, energetic, enthusiastic golden retriever, Ellie. Unfortunately, due to my marathon training, I have not worn her out. I have only given her the gift of endurance. The ranch will be a good place for her while I'm gone. Ellie, by the way, knows that something is going on and is confused and not sure that she approves. She has been very loud and concerned. Annoying at times but dang cute. I am also extremely blessed to have a sense of peace regarding my future upon my return. I believe I have a calling and a career direction and that God will provide.
So the first part of the journey has been accomplished. Quit and move. Check and check. Next on the list: fly to Europe and have a rockin awesome, beautiful, amazing adventure.