Blog-tember // 1: Introduce yourself
Last September was a crazy-busy month for me. I moved all my belongings to Texas, had several wedding showers, and then high-tailed it back to Oregon for last-minute prep before our October wedding. Throughout the month, I was determined to join the fun of Bailey Jean's annual Blog-tember
Blog-tember everyday
____________________________________
Today's challenge: Introduce yourself!
My name is Elena.
I am a lot of things (wife, daughter, sister, pediatric nurse practitioner, etc) but even more important is that I am saved, redeemed, forgiven, and loved by an Everlasting Father God and His Son Jesus. Anything good in me is because of God at work in me. I am a mess and yet His love is deep enough to deal with it all. I love studying the Bible and finding new ways to engage in the truth in it. Some resources that have helped include: She Reads Truth Bible studies & online community, reading & applying what I learned from the book Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin, practicing lectio divina
I am a newlywed and our one-year anniversary is next month! My husband is my best friend and beloved. He is more than I ever dreamed or prayed for. Marriage has been a beautiful mess. I am learning t he
I was born in Romania, immigrated to the USA when I was 3 and grew up in Oregon. I lived in Seattle for a few years during grad school, then back down near Portland for a few years to work as a PNP until moving down to Texas last year when I got married. I have a large family: 6 brothers and two sisters (plus nephews and niece, and in-laws).
I am a pediatric nurse practitioner and a pediatric registered nurse. I enjoy what I do but it can be very stressful at times, so I have been learning over the years to give myself grace, not to expect perfection from myself, and to stop comparing myself to other co-workers and how fast/efficient/better they are than me (I am a work in progress).
I am a big reader & hoping to read 75 books in 2016. I am currently at 69 books, so I may bump that goal up to 85!(Find me on goodreads
NONFICTION:
FICTION:
I also love exploring, whether my own city or far beyond. Favorite trips include Paris, London, Nice, NYC, Oregon coast, Yellowstone, Hawaii, and all the Texas exploring my husband and I did while dating long-distance.
I have struggled with anxiety for many years and have learned a lot through it. HERE is my anxiety story thus far and HERE are strategies I have found to help in my battle against anxiety.
____________________________
That's a little about me! I am excited to meet more bloggers through this challenge!
Oooh I am excited to check out your recent reads! I am always looking for new books! I had a goal to read 52 books this year but with having a new puppy and a new daughter I'm behind and somewhere in the twenties. I think I need to redeem my time spent nursing the baby though and start reading again, instead of just scrolling social media. It's also neat that you were born in Romania. That's our area of the world, but we've yet to go there!
ReplyDeleteI found audiobooks to be the way to go these past few months! I listen to novels while cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, driving, and running. I can also do memoirs that way, but nothing where I have to think too much. And yes, Romania is on your part of the world! I hope to visit with my husband next year so he can see more of my roots!
DeleteChecking out your books ... I've read 6 of them ... and they were all so excellent! Nice to get to know you a bit better ...
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda!! Which 6 did you read and like?
DeleteLove that you're joining in again! I remember this was how I first connected with you last year-- so much fun! :)
ReplyDeleteYES! That was the main reason I wanted to do it again -- I loved meeting new faces/ bloggers to follow, plus I was really in a blogging slump so this will help, I think!
Delete75 books? That's incredible!
ReplyDeleteWe got married in October too and will be celebrating our one year anniversary this year - is there any more perfect month in the year?
I love that you have such a heart for children. I'm sure being a pediatric nurse practitioner would be really challenging some days.
Happy (almost!) one year!! YES, October is a fabulous time for anniversaries! :)
DeleteYes, it is very challenging! My new job is especially hard because it is in a children's ER. I am not sure I can do it once I am a mom because it is emotionally, mentally, and physically straining, but for now, I am learning a lot and really enjoy being there for parents and children during rough times like an illness or injury
woohoo, so excited to see you're joining the challenge this year!
ReplyDeleteLikewise!!! I have missed following your posts!!!
DeleteOhhh! I love SO many of those books, I need to add the ones I haven't read to my list! Can't wait to read more about you during the challenge :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post! Your wedding pictures are gorgeous. I'm so impressed with your reading goals. Books are my love language.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting - your path so far!
ReplyDeleteYou've clung to the One who will make beauty from the ashes and it will be so exciting to watch.
The books you've had/made time to read - how? I have piles but seem not to have the time that I once did and have not yet determined how to squeeze books back in.
Excited to learn more!
Hi, nice to meet you! I also love to read and look forward to reading some of your book reviews! I am also a fellow travel lover! I'd love to visit Paris, London and Yellowstone!
ReplyDeleteIt's a pleasure to meet you Elena! Hooray for life in the South!
ReplyDeleteI am loving all of these Blogtember posts! Next year I'll have to participate!
ReplyDeleteOh man, I'm a huge reader. I'm excited to check out your recommendations!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you and thank you for the prayer inspiration! Saddened by my lack of priority in that lately, so excited for a fresh start!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thats a lot of books, I should let you inspire me. I'm definitely going to look on your Good Reads list to see what you like/have read! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDelete