When a “beauty specialist” reveals your “level of aging”.

I am not a woman who puts a lot of value in makeup. It is more of a nuisance to me than a necessity. That being said, makeup has its place. I would feel foolish walking into a big event without a few strokes of mascara and a dash of color. Because of this, I … Continue reading When a “beauty specialist” reveals your “level of aging”.

Tonight I cried in front of my kids.

There are days that are more emotionally taxing than others. We've all been in an emotionally vulnerable frame of mind that leaves us exhausted. For me, today was one of those days. Emotional vulnerability is not something I am comfortable with. I prefer to keep my emotions tight-lipped. Honestly, I'd rather have a colonoscopy than … Continue reading Tonight I cried in front of my kids.

Why forgetting your phone is not the end of the world: Advocating for a digital diet.

I had the diapers, wipes, bottle, sippy cups, snacks, extra clothes, bandages, bug spray, kitchen sink, pacifiers, blanket, back-up blanket, and the stroller. I counted a couple times and I for sure had all the kids. I even went the extra mile and remembered the husband. My little family was totally prepared to take on … Continue reading Why forgetting your phone is not the end of the world: Advocating for a digital diet.

The Nursing Club: Trial by fire.

I have never been a person who sought out being a member of a peer group. I identify as an extrovert loner (shut up, that's a thing). Every aspect of the nursing profession has challenged my typical social position. Once I entered nursing school I was forced into becoming a member of a very elite … Continue reading The Nursing Club: Trial by fire.

A little gardening saved me.

It was a soft Sunday afternoon when my 3 year old was napping and the Wisconsin summer sun seemed extra warm. Not harsh, just warm. There was a breeze that was so perfect. It was the breeze you only ever read about in a book, never really experiencing (or remembering) the perfection of what the … Continue reading A little gardening saved me.

Watching my anxiety develop in my son: Guilt and frustration.

My anxiety is functional. I am hyper-organized, I am prepared for anything, and I am typically 10 steps ahead of reality. My mind also never stops. I over analyze every conversation. I have certain fears that are irrational but very real to me. My anxiety has lead to me having success academically and professionally but … Continue reading Watching my anxiety develop in my son: Guilt and frustration.

Losing a friend to their divorce.

Divorce is painful. At times it is needed. The pain of losing that relationship is unimaginable. By no means am I minimizing the loss the actual participants of the marriage are experiencing. But there are other casualties to divorce. Friend relationships are severed in the process. Being that friend that is cut due to divorce … Continue reading Losing a friend to their divorce.

Instant dislike: Just admit it’s a thing.

There are people you meet in life that you simply have an instant connection with. Certain vibes click and your impression of that person is solidified. Typically people talk about this connection as a positive one but the negative is just as prevalent. Sometimes you meet someone that you simply detest. They have not done … Continue reading Instant dislike: Just admit it’s a thing.

A tornado was my wind of change: Seriously, it took a freaking tornado.

Written by Shasta Westaby Edited by RNplusmommy May 16th, 2017 was a day that turned the lives of so many upside down. Seriously, a damn tornado flipped my community. 83-miles of damaged homes, barns, crops, woods, businesses. It was and is overwhelming. I won't minimize my anxiety over storm season but I get to remember … Continue reading A tornado was my wind of change: Seriously, it took a freaking tornado.

When you are only honest in your head: Mental replies versus reality.

We're supposed to be honest. We're also supposed to be nice. Here lies a real dilemma. Many times honesty is not nice. So we find ourselves stuck in a bizarre limbo between what we say and what we actually want to say. For example... Parenting advice: Parenting advice is frequently unsolicited. Unwanted and unneeded advice … Continue reading When you are only honest in your head: Mental replies versus reality.