Meet Mary
Mary was a biological researcher studying bone marrow stem cells before becoming a nurse.
She has been an RN for 15 years and works as a Bone Marrow Transplant nurse in Oregon
What is the soundtrack for your life?
The theme music for Raiders of the Lost Ark. Can you hear it? Every time I get in the car that music pops in my head as if an adventure is about to unfold! But my favorite song is Better Things by THE KINKS, performed by Fountains of Wayne.
What’s something you do that contributes to your resiliency?
I pray on my drive to work…that it won’t be the day that I’ll be breaking ribs doing chest compressions, that I have the fortitude to make it through the day, that I have patience and compassion for everyone, that I don’t overlook anything, that I have the right words…to comfort, to calm, to encourage, that I’ll be able to forgive myself if . I also schedule consecutive days..so I can “change gears” and be a mom and domestic diva.
What’s your best life hack?
I got a United Airlines credit card several years ago when they were offering 60,000 miles with signup. As soon as the miles were deposited into my account, I immediately went on a trip to Europe for free! I use my United Airlines credit card for EVERY PURCHASE and BILL possible. With the mileage I have accrued over the years from credit card transactions, I have flown to Europe several times for free to visit family. The $95 annual fee (waived the first year) pays for itself with free checked bags.
What’s something you cook that’s super easy and super delicious?
I sprinkle a generous amount of Tony Chachere’s original creole seasoning on a huge piece of salmon and bake it at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes. It can’t get any easier than this. It comes out delicious every time…and dinner guests think I’m an amazing cook!
Do you have a side hustle?
Our son was born in Germany. We wanted him to learn German while his brain was young and elastic, even though we now live in America. I converted our garage into a beautiful studio apartment and listed it on Airbnb–to finance tuition at the German International School. When people are on vacation they are very happy! It is a great pleasure being a host and experiencing a little bit of my guests’ vacation joy!
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Without a doubt, nursing American and coalition soldiers in a military hospital in Germany. These heroes were wounded in the war in Afghanistan, and being with them when they came out of sedation and discovered the extent of their life-altering injuries was both the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
What are the products you use, love and that make your life a little more awesome?
Joybed, LX mattress. As an oncology nurse, it is very important to me to have a mattress that is 100% natural, without polyurethane foams or chemical flame retardants. My Joybed mattress has 4 components: organic cotton, wool, plant fibers and steel, which are sourced in the USA and are made in Michigan. Wool is a natural flame retardant, so no chemicals are sprayed into the fabric. Wool is also a natural moisture and temperature regulator that keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. And did I mention that I sleep like a baby….the kind of baby that sleeps.
Bucky, Organic Cotton Buckwheat Bed Pillow. I was first introduced to buckwheat pillows as a kid, when I was an Air Force brat living in Japan. Years later, as an adult in search of the perfect pillow, I discovered Bucky’s Organic Cotton Buckwheat Bed Pillow. The buckwheat hulls can be “fluffed” to the exact height and shape needed for any sleeping position and RETAINS the desired shape and height while sleeping. The interlocking nature of buckwheat hulls DOES what all other pillow filling attempts to do–it provides the pressure-relieving support that allows neck muscles to truly relax while sleeping. Goodbye sore neck! Buckwheat hulls are also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and naturally antimicrobial.
On, Cloudsurfer running shoes. This model of running shoes is phenomenal. My feet and knees were really hurting me at work. It was painful to walk, let alone sprint to bed alarms or codes. It was grueling to work consecutive shifts (my resiliency tactic). I was starting to feel OLD. I went to buy new shoes for work. I noticed this cool pair of running shoes that actually had arch support. I put them on and…they…felt…AMAZING! I bought them immediately. I had no idea what brand they were or how much they cost, nor did I care, because I felt such relief when I put them on. These shoes have alleviated 98% of my foot and knee pain and have given me “spring in my step”. When I wear these shoes I feel 10 years younger. I can sprint to alarms as fast as the new grads! On, Cloudsurfer running shoes have been a game-changer and have allowed me to continue doing what I love to do.
United Explorer Mileage Plus Card. I got a United Airlines credit card several years ago when they were offering 60,000 miles with signup. As soon as the miles were deposited into my account, I immediately went on a trip to Europe for free! I use my United Airlines credit card for EVERY purchase and BILL possible. With the mileage I have accrued over the years from credit card purchases, I have flown to Europe many times for free to visit family. The $95 annual fee (waived the first year) pays for itself with free checked bags.
Lash Blowout Mascara. I am a huge fan of 
CC+ Cream Foundation is hydrating, stays in place and looks dewy and natural the whole day through.
Bye, Bye Under-eye Concealer doesn’t settle into “creases” and accentuate them. It hides dark circles and makes me look way more awake than I feel! Lash Blowout Mascara makes my lashes look amazing, stays on all day without making my eyes itchy.
Tony Chachere’s original creole seasoning. I sprinkle a generous amount of Tony Chachere’s original creole seasoning on a huge piece of salmon and bake it at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes. It can’t get any easier than this. It comes out delicious every time…and dinner guests think I’m an amazing cook!
Grampa’s Weeder – The Original Stand Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handle – Easily Remove Weeds Without Bending, Pulling, or Kneeling. I love gardening and this tool really works. It makes pulling weeds easy, fast and, dare I say, FUN!