Fresh New World
Prompt: Fresh
Over 3,000 miles away, the plane descended upon dry, hilly terrain. She swiftly maneuvered her 3 suitcases through the congested arteries of the terminal; everyone scattering off to some adventure. Naivety sped the pace of her feet towards an exit, nearly as quickly as her thoughts. Anxiety. Fear. Determination. All fought for attention in her frontal cortex. No car. No map. Not a friend within three time zones. This was not part of the itinerary. Yet this was precisely what she needed. Just 3 bags and a seed of fortitude, ready to grow and flourish in a fresh new world.
The above paragraph was written in response to the 100 Word Challenge authored by Velvet Verbosity. The scenario took place six years ago when I took my first travel nursing assignment in Southern California. After living in South Florida for over 24 years, I accepted a 3-month assignment at a children’s hospital working in a neonatal cardiac unit. Despite living out of 3 suitcases, alone (my family was not thrilled), without a car, and no one to turn to, this time was pivotal in developing the person I am today. I struggle to find words to accurately describe the intense fear and loneliness I felt during that time. But it challenged me emotionally, physically, and professionally. So I ended up extending my 3-month contract several times. I also later met Dadisodes. Sometimes life really is like a box of chocolates.
Sometimes, you have to go all the way down to come all the way back up again.
Solomon’s last blog post..Things I’m Grateful For on Monday 18 August
August 18th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
I had no idea you were from S. Florida–be glad you are not in the state right now–we are anxiously awaiting FAY!
(
jen’s last blog post..(TAG) Six UN-Spectacular Things About Me . . .
August 18th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Momisodes, this is so beautiful. You wrote it down so nicely. And the words you used made me feel the emotions so much.
louann’s last blog post..“Geez” A Post Full Of Rants
August 18th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Solomon- So true…so very true.
Jen- I know. Hurricane season is 1 thing I DEFINITELY don’t miss about S.Fla. Hope you all stay safe and everything dodges the state!
Louann- Thank you so much louann
August 18th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed this
August 18th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
tho i know people in the state i still feel a bit of the same right now. that fear of new surroundings is no joke is it? you’d think “evolution” or whatever it is would’ve lightened up by now!
jameil’s last blog post..I’M BACK!!
August 18th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Well done! You do have a way with words … capturing the essence of this experience in just 100 words is admirable. I’ve never lived anywhere but Southern California … though I’ve ‘vacationed’ all over the USA. I’m not sure I’d want to live out of suitcases for more than a week or two.
Hugs and blessings,
storyteller’s last blog post..Belated BYBS#14 – Sacred Life Sunday … and
August 18th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Wow! I give you a lot of credit for not only staying for the length of the contract but to have stayed even after the contact was finished. I love your epilogue on how you met Dadisodes. You truly were meant to be there at that time.
PS I was with family vacationing in Disney World during Hurricane Jeanne in 2004–that was some storm and while it was scary it was also fascinating at the same time. However, I would not choose to have that experience again.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I have said before and will say it again – you missed a turn somewhere along the way – because you were meant to be a writer.
lceel’s last blog post..Nothing Monday Post
August 18th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Isn’t it amazing where life takes you?!
Thanks for the comment on my blog. My sweetie came up with the name for the photo. I agree; it’s the perfect title.
Kim’s last blog post..Menu Plan Monday
August 18th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I think it’s crazy how one step this way leads to a whole new adventure.
Anglophile Football Fanatic’s last blog post..Holly’s Method of Global Shopping Domination (HMoGSD)
August 18th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Missy Wiggins- Thanks
Jameil- Oh sweets. *hugs* to you. I know you’re going through something very similar now. Hope all is going well in the new place
storyteller- Thanks so much
It’s great vacationing in new places. It’s the perfect balance I find. So Cal does have incredible weather!
August 18th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Joyce-Anne- Thank you
I do feel like I was meant to be there. Especially since I never had an interest in living there. Hurricane’s always scare me! Whether they’re a tropical storm or category 4-5…They all freak me out.
lceel- Hahah, perhaps one day
Kim- It is amazing. You just never know!
August 18th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Such vivid images- I was there with you!!
Great post!!!
Laura@StorytellinMama’s last blog post..It’s Bad Poetry Day…
August 19th, 2008 at 12:05 am
You are such a good writer! I cannot imagine the endurance required to make this trip. But, it is always better to travel and get to know yourself before settling in
August 19th, 2008 at 12:15 am
Everytime I come to your blog, I’m amazed at how your writing is just so good – and you were a nurse! I could mistake you for a writer. Thanks for your kind words about the whole nursing thing, I’ll definitely be turning to you with questions
Jojo’s last blog post..Nosy Birthdays and stuff
August 19th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Beautifully said… Like what someone once told me, life is an adventure or nothing at all. And can I just say that you look cute in the photo? Hehe…
philos’s last blog post..My Lakbayan grade is C-!
August 19th, 2008 at 4:22 am
I love the seed of fortitude.
MizFit’s last blog post..Tuesday Testdrive and RAK revisited.
August 19th, 2008 at 6:00 am
Lovely way to sum it all up. That was a very brave step, and yes, I’m sure it was life-changing.
Jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..This Man has Class with a Capital “C”
August 19th, 2008 at 7:52 am
I think everyone needs an experience like that, I remember mine, and you are right, it definitely changed me.
brittany’s last blog post..Dermatological Guest Post
August 19th, 2008 at 8:32 am
AFF- How did I miss your comment! I know. Isn’t that crazy? I sometimes wonder if that’s why I tend to second guess everything I do now.
Laura@storytellinmama- Thank you. So glad you came along
Michelle- Thank you. That means so much! In the moment, it never really sank in how big of a step it was. But in retrospect, my life has never been the same…A little bittersweet
Jojo- Aww, thanks Jojo. You are an incredible writer as well. And I just KNOW you’re going to soar through nursing school like a breeze. I’m here, huh. Anytime
Philos- Very well said! I love that saying
Oh no. I look horrible in that pic! *shields face* But thank you
MizFit- I could use that seed these days too…
Jen of a2eatwrite- Thank you Jen. As I mentioned above, it never seemed so at the time, but in retrospect, life has never been the same.
Brittany- I agree. If given the opportunity, having an experience like this to just be…all alone…can be priceless
August 19th, 2008 at 8:54 am
That is awesome. Seriously!
Kathryn’s last blog post..PSF- Healing Waters
August 19th, 2008 at 9:04 am
The reason behind the 100 words was as interesting as the 100 well written words. I enjoyed both your stories. And kudoes to you for taking that giant step into life. I’m a newbie to 100 Words, and finding I’m enjoying it very much.
Patsy’s last blog post..100 Words FRESH
August 19th, 2008 at 9:07 am
great job Momisodes!!
I think you did a wonderful job expressing what you were feeling while getting off the plane and getting out through the airport. I could and I couldn’t imagine going across the country without anyone and only three suitcases and surviving. right now it sounds thrilling, only b/c i know I will never ever in my life do that… but when i was 24 or younger, i would have been anxious, nervous and some what fearful… mostly of being lonely.
you go girl!!
xoxoxo
Jennifer’s last blog post..School Days
August 19th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Yep…Ya never know what yer gonna get;o) LOL! I LOVE Forrest Gump!
August 19th, 2008 at 9:51 am
I love your take on “Fresh”.
Mine probably would have involved milk or eggs…
Beth (A Mom’s Life)’s last blog post..People Google the silliest things!
August 19th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Well done….I would totally read the rest of the story if you were to write it!
Nap Warden’s last blog post..What’s a Mom to do?
August 19th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Sandy,
You should write a book. I’m serious. Loved this!
Genny
August 19th, 2008 at 11:28 am
I agree, you should be a writer!
And a photographer, I loved your Weekly Winners and Photo Hunt too!
And you ARE one hell of a good wife and a mother, and it sucks when the hubby is away on bussiness, I know! Hugs xxx
Jientje’s last blog post..Ruby Tuesday Reflect this … Ruby London
August 19th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
[...] « Fresh New World [...]
August 19th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Kathryn- Thanks so much Kathryn. So glad you stopped by
Patsy- Thanks Patsy. I look forward to checking out your 100 Words! So glad you decided to join.
Jennifer- Aww, never say never! I never imagined myself in that scenario either
Thanks so much.
Crystal- Hahah, you never know indeed.
Beth (A mom’s life)- LOL! I have to admit. I was totally thinking veggies when I first saw the prompt “fresh”
Nap Warden and genny- Thank you so much! Perhaps one day. Until then, I look forward to learning and growing from reading blogs like yours.
Jientje- You are so sweet. I really enjoy your blog and photography as well. It does suck when hubby is gone. So glad to have friends like you stop by though.
August 19th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
You’re so brave. You’re right — sometimes we really do need a challenge.
August 19th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
What a wonderful post, Sandy! You write so beautifully!
I had a similar experience moving to unknown terrain when I got on a plane to Japan to teach ESL for two years. I also met someone…but it didn’t turn out like it did for you and Dadisodes!
C’s last blog post..Engrish…and an award!
August 19th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Holly at Tropic of Mom- Haha! I believe it wasn’t so much bravery at the time as it was naivety
C- Thank you. I SO admire you leaving to Japan. I would have loved an experience like that
August 19th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Wow…you used to be in South Florida? I’ve never been to Florida before. I didn’t move out of the house until I finished college, but it was still somewhat local to where my parents used to live (now they are both out of the country). It must have been scary to venture out on your own with 3 suitcases like that. It must also have been an experience that taught you many things about people and life.
Linda’s last blog post..Jade Goody have Trouble Spelling the Name of her Perfume
August 19th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
That is just awesome. Sometimes those kinds of experiences really are the “big deal” parts of our lives where we learn the most and become who we are the most. It takes courage and guts to do that kind of thing, and that is awesome.
Maggie’s Mind’s last blog post..Honestly?
August 19th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I totally feel you. I had a very similar experience and you captured it well. Thanks for that darling!
Velvet Verbosity’s last blog post..100 Words on Pillar
August 20th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Change is always so scary but it is the single thing that makes life so damned interesting! What wonderful words
Nola’s last blog post..Sayonara
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:24 am