August Left

Pick a post and scroll to the bottom to read.

Colorado
  • Drift – 10/16/2026.
    I really put posting on this blog on the back burner. Not really for any particular reason, but I have found myself staying busy enough where sitting down and writing a blog entry just wasn’t on the foreground of my mind. Things have been going okay the last couple weeks. The weather is starting to… Read more: Drift – 10/16/2026.
  • Extend – 10/6/2026.
    Been a minute since I’ve sat down and wrote a little update. I’m currently in the middle of working my three shifts. I went camping last week with some old coworkers and their friends. Other than being freezing cold overnight due to a lack of blankets on my part, it was really nice to get… Read more: Extend – 10/6/2026.
  • Traffic – 9/28/2026.
    I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what the next year or so of my life is going to look like. Taking this contract has been a nice change because it allows me to really only have to think about the next 12 weeks which feels more easier to manage than the next 12 months.… Read more: Traffic – 9/28/2026.
  • Identity – 9/25/2026.
    And just like that, another round of days off come to an end. I work the next three days covering the weekend. Two afternoon shifts and an overnight so it shouldn’t be too bad. And I got paid today so that felt amazing. Things are finally turning around. I visited a friend yesterday. We were… Read more: Identity – 9/25/2026.
  • Dollar – 9/22/2026.
    Growing up my Dad had this newspaper cut out taped to his desk that served as his daily motivation as he navigated raising two kids and providing for our family. It said something along the lines of “life is easier when you’ve got a lot of monies”. Similarly, I framed a dollar bill a couple… Read more: Dollar – 9/22/2026.
  • Freudian – 9/19/2026.
    It’s been really nice having the last couple of days off. Things have been really slow. I spent today taking it easy. In the morning I went and got breakfast and ate it at the park like I usually do. I got some groceries. Made it home before the rain started in the afternoon. And… Read more: Freudian – 9/19/2026.
  • Momentum – 9/17/2026.
    I finished my last shift of this big stretch this morning. I worked six out of the last seven days, last night being a night shift, and today I’m feeling pretty depleted. I’m just going to order in, do laundry, some light stretching and exercise, and watch TV tonight. I got paid today. The payment… Read more: Momentum – 9/17/2026.
  • Hurdle – 9/14/2026.
    Have you ever had an experience where you were so close to accomplishing something but then you have a setback that pushes your goal just a little further away? That’s how I’m feeling right now. I was so close to finally feeling like I’m not having to push this figurative rock uphill anymore and things… Read more: Hurdle – 9/14/2026.
  • Evolve – 9/10/2026.
    Today I start my stretch of shifts for the weekend. I spent the last couple days off mapping out what the next 12 weeks are going to look like. The habits I’m going to work on developing, financial plans I’m going to carry out, and the progress I’m going to make turning my life back… Read more: Evolve – 9/10/2026.
  • Process – 9/6/2026.
    Done my stretch of three and all my orientation for my new job. Things have gone really well the last couple weeks. I’ve got the workflow and processes down after only a day or two of being shown what to do and I feel ready to get set into a groove and work the rest… Read more: Process – 9/6/2026.
  • Control – 9/1/2026.
    Today is my first shift at the new job. I actually got really lucky with my schedule. There was no guarantee about what it was going to look like, as per this contract I wasn’t able to pick which days I worked, but thankfully the manager did me a favor and grouped my days together… Read more: Control – 9/1/2026.
  • Start – 8/25/2026.
    I just finished two days of onboarding at my new job. It was just like any other first day at a new facility. A lot of sitting and listening to hospital leaders talk about how great the organization is, what to expect working for their company, and of course all the relevant clinical information needed… Read more: Start – 8/25/2026.
  • Forward – 8/23/2026.
    Today is the last day of my mini “sabbatical”. It has been really refreshing to spend the last 20 days or so resting and recovering, enjoying my hobbies, centering myself again, and preparing for the next chapter of my life I’m about to start tomorrow. I think what I’m most looking forward to is making… Read more: Forward – 8/23/2026.
  • Birthday – 8/17/2026.
    It’s been a while since I updated this blog. My last post was just a couple days before my last day of work, and since then a lot has happened. I quit my job the 2nd of August. I’ve been taking this month off to have big mental reset. I took the biggest motorcycle trip… Read more: Birthday – 8/17/2026.
  • Closing – 7/28/2026.
    Only two more shifts until I’m done with my current job forever. It feels pretty surreal that August is in a few days. I remember sitting at this computer six months ago feeling like today was going to take forever get here. I’ve had this timeline in my head for the last couple months waiting… Read more: Closing – 7/28/2026.
  • Canvas – 7/20/2026.
    Done another stretch of work for the week. I got a job offer and actually signed my new job contract today. I put in my two weeks at my current job Friday night almost immediately after I started my shift. I’m really excited to finally step away and distance myself from my ex. Not working… Read more: Canvas – 7/20/2026.
  • Act – 7/15/2026.
    It’s been another slow couple of days off. I went to the lake today and spent some time on the water in my kayak. I felt guilty sitting inside when it was clear skies and 90 degrees outside. So I packed up and headed 20 minutes south to get some sunshine. It was really calming… Read more: Act – 7/15/2026.
  • Humanity – 7/10/2026.
    Getting ready to head into my stretch of three for the weekend. My days off this week were slow. I went on a ride yesterday with my friend from work. Other than getting caught in a little bit of rain, it was another enjoyable day getting out and putting miles on the bike. I’ve done… Read more: Humanity – 7/10/2026.
  • Spent – 7/7/2026.
    I had a really great day last week on my motorcycle trip. My friend and I went down to Colorado Springs, Canon City, and then drove back up through the canyons to get back to Denver. It was a long day, about 8 hours total. It gave me a lot more confidence on my motorcycle… Read more: Spent – 7/7/2026.
  • Smoke – 7/1/2026.
    I took a couple days to just do some recovery. My Crohn’s had flared up a little bit and the last couple days I have just felt like I couldn’t get enough sleep. I didn’t end up going fishing today like I had hoped, instead I just slept in until the afternoon and played some… Read more: Smoke – 7/1/2026.
  • Starter – 6/24/2026.
    The rain showed up. It’s thundering and lightening outside my apartment as I type. I had plans to go on a motorcycle ride with a friend from work tomorrow so we will see how wet everything is tomorrow when I wake up. I didn’t get up to as much as I’d hoped I would this… Read more: Starter – 6/24/2026.
  • Crush – 6/22/2026.
    I finished my stretch of three shifts for the weekend. It feels good to back on my usual schedule and know I have four days off this week before I have to return to work. Tonight I’m just taking it easy, I just ordered some takeout and am going to relax with a movie or… Read more: Crush – 6/22/2026.
  • Action – 6/18/2026.
    Today I finally got out of bed and went West to the mountains. I had plans to hangout with a friend from work today but he cancelled last minute so I told myself it was a sign to finally take the day and drive out West to see the Dillon Reservoir and Silverthorne like I… Read more: Action – 6/18/2026.
  • Still – 6/16/2026.
    I can’t sleep. It’s just after midnight and I can’t turn my brain off. I finished work Monday morning and fell right asleep when I got home. I was up for a bit in the afternoon but then went right back to bed after I ate some lunch. I underestimated how tired I was after… Read more: Still – 6/16/2026.
  • Flight – 6/13/2026.
    I applied to a flight nursing position this week here in Colorado. The service that is affiliated with the healthcare system I currently work for had an opening, and I applied. I know it kind of goes against me getting away from the hospital I’m at now, but this opportunity is a big deal. And… Read more: Flight – 6/13/2026.
  • Service – 6/9/2026.
    Just another day here in Denver. I am getting through the last couple shifts I have this week, tonight being a shift I’m covering for someone and tomorrow one I picked up as extra opportunity for some overtime monies. I’m pretty committed to the idea of getting out and doing some camping next week since… Read more: Service – 6/9/2026.
  • Wire – 6/6/2026.
    Getting through these flip-flop shifts this week. It’s honestly not that bad working a day, then having a night off, working again, but it doesn’t leave much time in the way of doing anything exciting on the night off. I woke up around noon today and it was already almost 90 degrees outside. It seems… Read more: Wire – 6/6/2026.
  • Self – 6/3/2026.
    I got a phone call today from Jen. I hadn’t heard from her all day after trying to make some more plans with her this week after being back for a couple days post camping trip. I kind of felt like something was coming, and she told me that maybe this isn’t something she thinks… Read more: Self – 6/3/2026.
  • Interlude – 6/2/2026.
    I went camping over the weekend with Jen. It was nice to get away for a couple days and go do something new. It was really windy which made it hard to keep a fire going and it got really cold at night but we persevered. I worked a shift Sunday and picked up tonight… Read more: Interlude – 6/2/2026.
  • Standby – 5/24/2026.
    Today is the last day of a stretch of four this weekend. Today I’m on call right now, just waiting to hear if they’ll need me to come in later. Otherwise I’m just trying to wind down and recover for the next couple days I have off. I plan to spend some time with this… Read more: Standby – 5/24/2026.
  • Open – 5/21/2026.
    I’ve noticed that I’ve been slower and slower to come back to this blog. I wonder if that’s because things are actually getting better for me emotionally or I just have less to say about it all now. Since my last update I blocked my ex’s number again. This time for good. After she had… Read more: Open – 5/21/2026.
  • Tie – 5/13/2026.
    It seems like the warm weather is finally starting to stick here in Colorado. The last couple of days have been sunny and warm, ones that really inspire me to actually get out of the house and try to go do things during my down time. However, I scheduled myself to work some overtime in… Read more: Tie – 5/13/2026.
  • Monday – 5/8/2026.
    I have quite the update from my last post. My ex reached out to me again. At 1 in the morning on Monday while we were both on shift she followed up about the coworker she had asked me about a week prior. Asking if I had heard back as she told me I should… Read more: Monday – 5/8/2026.
  • Cast – 5/3/2026.
    Tonight is the third of four shifts this weekend. It hasn’t been going so bad but it is feeling off of my usual groove. I’ve just been making sure to keep myself hydrated and sleep as much as I feel like so I don’t get too run down. The forecast is still predicting the possibility… Read more: Cast – 5/3/2026.
  • May – 5/1/2026.
    I can’t believe it’s May already. The year feels like it’s just blurring by. This last week has been nothing but cold and rainy and I’m about to start a stretch of four shifts in a row this weekend, which is not something I usually do. This week I just spent my days inside. I… Read more: May – 5/1/2026.
  • Familiar – 4/28/2026.
    I did something. And I’m still not sure how to feel about it. As I was walking in to work on Sunday, I saw my ex drive up in her car. And rather than just continue walking, I waited for her. When she saw me standing there I looked at her and asked if she… Read more: Familiar – 4/28/2026.
  • Pull – 4/26/2026.
    It’s my last shift of the weekend tonight. The last couple of days we have been working shorthanded and tonight seems like it’s going to be the same. My managers were sending out messages asking for people to come in and help. I don’t blame people for not wanting to be at work any more… Read more: Pull – 4/26/2026.
  • Teeth – 4/25/2026.
    Man, it has been a while. I don’t really know how posting on this blog consistently got away from me but it’s been almost two weeks. Honestly I think I have just been feeling really stuck lately. My life keeps moving forward but I don’t feel like I’m getting anywhere. Since my last post about… Read more: Teeth – 4/25/2026.
  • Loops – 4/12/2026.
    Last shift of the week tonight. I feel flat today. I’m pretty tired, I don’t think I’ve been sleeping the best after my shifts which hasn’t helped. I have a treatment showing up Tuesday so I hope that fixes me up. Yesterday I got approached by my ex again as I walked into work. I… Read more: Loops – 4/12/2026.
  • Interview – 4/9/2026.
    I’m really happy that I started this blog. Even though it’s mostly been a tool for me to process this challenging time in my life, it’s nice to be able to go back and read and reflect where my thoughts have been over the last five months. I had an interview today for one of… Read more: Interview – 4/9/2026.
  • Easter – 4/5/2026.
    Happy Easter. I have my last shift of the week tonight. We are having a potluck at work so we can all celebrate Easter together. That makes the day feel a little more special while we are away from our loved ones. The last two days have been pretty steady. I’ve been quite tired during… Read more: Easter – 4/5/2026.
  • Frequent – 4/1/2026.
    I can’t believe it’s April already. The weeks are moving by so fast this year. I think it feels that way because my days aren’t really being lived right now, I’m just getting through them. It has been raining here. The weather has cooled off and so I haven’t had the motivation to get out… Read more: Frequent – 4/1/2026.
  • Safety – 3/29/2026.
    Getting ready for my last shift of the week tonight. Our census has been so low the last couple of days I actually got to stay home Friday night because they didn’t need me. I spent the night playing computer games with my brother, as that’s our only way to spend any time together living… Read more: Safety – 3/29/2026.
  • Drifter – 3/26/2026.
    I had an okay few days off this week. I didn’t get up to a whole lot. Mostly it was just forcing myself to get out of my apartment everyday and at least go get some sunshine. There is a park near my apartment that I have been frequenting. Somewhere to take long walks or… Read more: Drifter – 3/26/2026.
  • Design – 3/22/2026.
    Readying up for the last shift of the week. This stretch has been good, I got floated to another unit Friday night which didn’t end up being too busy. It’s nice to get my float date out of the way with an easy day. I’ve been brainstorming what I want to do this week on… Read more: Design – 3/22/2026.
  • Gravel – 3/18/2026.
    I did an important thing today. I got myself out of my apartment and took a couple hours out of the day to drive somewhere new. I’ve been having a hard time motivating myself to get out and do things. I don’t know if it’s a lack of enthusiasm from being a little depressed or… Read more: Gravel – 3/18/2026.
  • True – 3/15/2026.
    Tonight is my last shift for this stretch. Work has been easy this week. Nothing too busy or complicated. At this point I don’t really mind the boring shifts. Sometimes it’s hard to feel stuck there for 12 hours but it’s something I have to do. It snowed last night. Enough to cover the ground… Read more: True – 3/15/2026.
  • March – 3/13/2026.
    This week was so up and down with my sleep schedule. I don’t think I got a full nights rest at all this week just a bunch of naps here and there. I don’t know what is wrong with me right now. I thought maybe I was starting to get a little sick earlier in… Read more: March – 3/13/2026.
  • Silence – 3/10/2026.
    It’s currently 4 a.m. I got home from work yesterday morning with the intention of staying up for a while and enjoying some down time but ended up just falling asleep. I was awake for a bit in the afternoon, fell back asleep after some dinner and now I woke up a few hours ago,… Read more: Silence – 3/10/2026.
  • Warm – 3/8/2026.
    About to head into my last shift of the weekend tonight. It was nice working last night during the time change – it meant I worked an hour less than usual and I definitely noticed it when I got home and wasn’t immediately tired. We had a snow day Friday and it covered most of… Read more: Warm – 3/8/2026.

Drift – 10/16/2026.

I really put posting on this blog on the back burner. Not really for any particular reason, but I have found myself staying busy enough where sitting down and writing a blog entry just wasn’t on the foreground of my mind.

Things have been going okay the last couple weeks. The weather is starting to change slowly into more winter vibes. It has been sunny these last few days but there is snow in the mountains. It’s only a matter of time before it makes its way down here to the plains. The mornings have been cold, the nights the same.

I’ve started talking to recruiters about my options once my contract ends in November. Getting ahead of this job search was something I knew I needed to do early. I didn’t want to be getting to the end of next month and be scrambling wondering what the heck I was going to do next.

My Dad had asked me why I didn’t want to stay at this location. I told him that there are way too many contracts out there for me to stay at this location busting my ass as much I have been all because they don’t want to staff the place appropriately. And that’s pretty much it. I have the luxury of choice rather than staying somewhere I don’t feel happy at.

It gives me agency. Which is a nice feeling to have lately. Slowly rebuilding everything in my life that has been otherwise felt out of my control.

I still intend to get back home in December. Spend some time with my family and relax a little bit. Not really having to worry about what my days are going to look like or what I need to make for dinner. It’s all the little choices in the day to day that make life feel exhausting. Last time I was home all I did was sleep. And I think that’s because I finally just felt relaxed.

I don’t really know what my life is going to look like next year. Which kind of worries me in some ways. But I guess the only thing to do now is to just keep stacking the small wins. Getting my finances back on track. Making where I live feel like home and not a temporary space. Enjoying hobbies that give my life meaning. Making friends and building a social circle here.

Sometimes I wish there was a book I could read or a websites to visit that would just tell me exactly what to do. An instruction manual for life. Otherwise it’s just me and this blog trying to figure it out.

Thanks for reading.

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