Thursday is here agiain...

Yay! I survived another week of clinical. It went a lot better than last week, my patients were at least nice to me. Today, I am studying HARD all day for my adult test tomorrow. I am very nervous, because I haven't done very well in that class so far. I really need to do good on this test.


I had such a great time with David and his parents last weekend. It was so much like spending time with my family and it helped to not be so homesick. So thanks to the Holleys for letting me tag along! Anyway, this is a short post. Nothing else going on! Love you guys!

TGIF!

So, I love Fridays. I feel so accomplished at the end of a stressful week. I only have 4 more weeks of clinical and cannot wait to be done with it! My last clinical ever! I really love my instructor and my group, but I HATE the hospital. Yuck.

David and I are going to Biloxi for the weekend to visit with his parents. They haven't been here since David moved, so they rented a condo and we are going to hang out. I am excited to get to spend time with them again.

With everyone being so negative lately, I decided to make a list of everything I love right now! It is definitely bigger than the list of things I hate, so here goes:

1) The much much lower gas prices. I don't buy my own gas, but it still makes me excited. I got gas today for $2.55 a gallon.
2) The cooler weather, or boyfriend weather as I call it.
3) That I actually can see myself graduating nursing school in the very near future and I seem to actually know what I am doing at the hospital (somewhat)
4) That CATO was having a sale last night and I got 4 really cute shirts.
5) My boyfriend taking such great care of me. He is the best.
6) My new apartment! Well, it's not new, but it now looks amazing.
7) My halloween wreath my aunt Pam made me, so cute!
8) Monkey Munch (if you watch Jon and Kate plus 8 you will know what this is). I made some last night and it is very yummy.
9) Rachael Ray's talk show. I look forward to it each and everyday.
10) The mexican restaurant in Gulfport that me and David frequent.
11) Willow Tree Figurines. I need more, but I love the ones I have.
12) All my friends in nursing school. So great to have people going through the same things you are.
13) My amazing family for always supporting me and believing in me.
14) Monopoly at McDonalds. I go there just to get a Diet Coke and try to win. So far, no luck.

That's just a few of the things I love. I also love all of you who read my blog! Thanks!

Two patients now...oh the joy!

So, yesterday was my first day picking up two patients. Oh my, the chaos. I was at the hosptial for almost 4 hours and about had a nervous breakdown. Then I came home and worked straight until about 2 in the morning. The great thing was that David is in town this week for work and he brought me dinner and a lot of Diet Coke. I couldn't have made it without him! He is the best.

Today I have to take care of 2 patients. They are both really sick and I am scared. I am also scared about having to give all of these medications and getting quized on them. Anyway, I am trying to stay calm and know that God is with me. He is my strength. I honestly do not know how people survive nursing school without Him, I sure couldn't. He called me to do this, and I am doing it for Him, He has it all in control.

Love you guys! Pray for me!

New clinical...same old nerves...

Today is my first day of Adult 2 Clinicals. I lucked out again and got night clinicals (3-11pm) so at least I am well rested and didn't have to get up at 4:30 this morning. But, I am very nervous. I am just not an adult med-surge kind of person. I don't like it. I have a several hours before I have to leave, and my paperwork is done, but I still feel like I am forgetting something.

Today we only have one patient, but starting next week, we will have 2, and then maybe even 3 or 4 before the end. It is a lot. I am stressed. Everyone please say a little prayer for me today if you think about it. I really appreciate it! Love you!

Always be my baby!

Today is my six month anniversary with the love of my life. I cannot believe how lucky I am to have found such an amazing person. He makes me so happy and makes me feel so appreciated and treasured. At the end of my previous relationship, I was so hurt and angry. I just wondered if there was anyone out there who would love me for me and who wanted to be with me. Well, the day David Holley came into my life he proved that there indeed was someone out there for me.

Everyday that we spend together is so peaceful and fun. There is no pressure, stress, or uncomfortableness (if that's a word). He is my boyfriend and also one of my best friends. I can tell him anything, I can cry on his shoulder, or I can act like a goofball. From day one our relationship has been like that and I am just so grateful to God for placing someone like him in my life. David, if you are reading this, please know how much I love and appreciate you. I am so proud of the man you are and the example you are to all of those around you. You rock! Love you, babe!

My apartment is now incredible!

This is a small taste of what my apartment looks like now! To see all the photos go to my myspace page! My mom came down for a couple of days and we did amazing things. My apartment is gorgeous!

Peds clinical has come to a hault...now, bring on Adult 2!

So, sadly Peds clinical is over. I am sad. Yes, it is nice to cross one more thing off of my list, but I really don't want to move on to Med-Surge (Adult) 2. I am scared. But, I know that God has brought me all the way through this scary mess of nursing school and He will not leave me this close to the finish line. I loved Peds. I loved taking care of kids and getting all the hugs and kisses. Strangely, you don't get all that appreciation from adults. Not to mention, the workload in Adult 2 is bumped up 200%. You don't just get to take care of one patient. You now have 3. That means, 3 databases, 3 careplans, 3 concept maps, and learning 3 lists of medications. And of course, you only get one night to do it in. It's ok. I can do it. It will be my last clinical and that is amazing! I can officially see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks to all my friends who have put up with me through this heck. I know I have been busy the last year and I appreciate all you guys support. Your prayers are helping. Now everyone pray that I get the nicest, sweetest Adult 2 instructor ever. That makes all the difference in the world. I don't mind working hard, but I do mind getting treated like dirt.

On the upside, I am about to head to Long Beach! YAY! Then, tomorrow David and I are going to Aunt Pam's for the night. They haven't met him yet and I cannot wait to hang out with them and the boys. Also, my mom is coming into town next week, so that will be fun as well. Yay! Exciting!

Love is in bloom!

So, David surprised me Tuesday night after clinical and brought me some roses (pink ones, of course). I have enjoyed waking up every morning and going into my kitchen and watching them just open up. They become more beautiful everyday. It is amazing.

It reminds me of relationships. Like for example, me and Dave. When we first started going out I was so excited. I thought I would never be as happy as I was in that moment. He was perfect for me. But, we have dated for almost 6 months now and everyday I wake up and find out he is even more perfect for me and I find myself falling even more in love with him. It's amazing to be on this journey with someone so incredible. He really is awesome.

God is also amazing. He is working things out for me so well. I am almost done with school, I have the BEST family in the world, a boyfriend who adores me, great friends, and a great place to live. He really does work everything out for good to those who love Him. There have been times I have doubted Him, sometimes I mess up. But, He is still there. Nothing I could ever do would change that and I am so grateful.

Tomorrow is going to be a very long day. School from 8-3, then I have to go pick up a patient, then I have to do paperwork all night. I am just trying to remember that I am so close to being done. So close. Can't quit now.

Dancing with the Stars, Crystal lite, and Kleenex!

Well...Monday is over. That is an amazing feat in itself. Mondays are my days from you know where. Class, picking up a patient, and of course, tons of paperwork to get ready for clinical.

On top of that, I am sick. Or maybe it's just allergies, I am not sure. My throat hurts, my head hurts, and my sinuses hurt. But, I don't want to complain. I will survive. A little cold isn't going to ruin my day.

On a positive note DWS is back on! YAY! I am totally addicted and it is making me want to take another dancing class. Maybe one day David and I can take one together, now that would be fun.

It is also my little brother's birthday today. He is 17, if you can believe that. Gosh, it just doesn't seem right. It also doesn't seem right that I am alsmost 22. Crazy.

I had so much fun with David this weekend. We went to New Orleans and had a blast. I totally have the best boyfriend in the ENTIRE world. He is better than yours, sorry, but he is all mine. Church was awesome Sunday. David did awesome on the worship and then Raven delivered a message that was totally annointed by God. God is doing amazing things in Long Beach. He is really touching people's hearts and The Way has already come so far! Let me just say....God rocks!

I know that this blog is a little choppy. I don't have enough energy to come up with a masterpiece tonight. This will have to do. Love you guys!

In LB once again...

So...I am back in Long Beach and am so excited to spend the weekend with my sweetheart. I think we are going to go out to lunch and to see a movie. There isn't much out that isn't rated R, so we are going to see Fly Me to the Moon which is in 3D and is rated G. Should be fun, I think.

Anyway, I am officially done with school nursing and am glad to be going back to the hospital next week. I enjoyed it, though, the kids were so cute. I did my teaching project on handwashing and after I got done talking with them, this tiny little kindergartener ran up to me, threw her arms around me, and said "I promise to always wash my hands." It was adorable. The kids were so excited to be learning. Kindergarteners are so eager to learn and answer questions. It is amazing how smart they are.

Well, I think we are leaving. My amazing shrinking boyfriend is ready! Love you all!

Quiz!

Have you ever liked someone older than you? yep, my boyfriend is older than me...

Do you have a good relationship with your parents? very good

Think of the person who's hurt you the most? I really don't want to...I have better now!

Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? Absolutely

Have you ever been a gymnast or a cheerleader? in elementary school

What are you looking forward to in the next three months? finishing this semester

Do you have or had any gay guy friends? not really

Will you talk to the person you like on the phone tonight? Yep

What woke you up this morning? my alarm clock

Do you think you can last in a relationship for 3 months? already have

Would you ever donate blood? sure

At what age do you plan on having kids? idealy 25 or 26

Ditched school to do something more fun? not in awhile, but yes

Do you take compliments well? I try to

Does anyone hate you? I hope not

Do you like to make the first move? no way, the guy should do that

Do you miss anyone? very much!

What is stressing you out most right now? school

Does anyone love you? yep

What are you doing tomorrow? school work

Do you have a job? no

Do you fall for people easily? sort of

Are you high maintenance?not really

Are you happy with the way life is going? yeah

Do you hate it when people smoke around you? YES!

In the past week have you cried? I am sure I have, but I don't remember

Is there someone you will never forget? Lots of people

Where’s the guy/girl you like right now? at church

Is any part of your body sore? no

Last thing you ate? I am drinking Diet Coke, haven't eaten in awhile

Are you a morning person or a night person? Both

BB 10 Finale!

So...I am very addicted to Big Brother. I have been from the very first one and have seen every single season. I even have gotten David as addiced as me. Anyway, I am sitting here watching the finale and am very sad this season is over. I have watched it all summer. But, the good news is that Dancing with the Stars is coming on in a few weeks so that is good, I guess.

Well, I only have one more day of school nursing. I have to go to Griggs Elementary School tomorrow and do a teaching project on handwashing to kindergarten students. It should be interesting. I am so ready for community to be over. I am ready to get back to the hospital.
Just wanted to check in with everyone. Love you all!

I Believe...

So, I heard of this exercise where you write "I believe" on the top of a piece of paper and then just list what you believe. I thought I would give it a try. Here goes...

I BELIEVE:

In my Lord Jesus Christ. That a broken heart is the most painful thing you can experience in life. That mexican food WILL be in heaven. Nursing school was meant to beat you down and try to kill you. It won't kill me. Kids are life's most precious gift. Chocolate chip cookie dough was meant to be eaten raw. My boyfriend is better than any other. I have huge earlobes. Smallville is as addicting as drugs (well, at least as addictive as Diet Coke). Laughing until you cannot breathe is the best feeling ever. Clinical is scarier than an operation. Lip gloss rules. High heels make the outfit. Pajammas are the comfiest things ever and should be worn whenever possible. My family is the best in the whole world. Church brings out all my emotions. Care plans are of Satan. I look like my mom. Boyfriend weather is the best. Pink roses make me happy. Naps are awesome. Foot massages are better. God healed me. I didn't deserve it. Clean sheets are very important. The air conditioner should be set on 72 degrees. Dates with my boyfriend should be cherished and thoroughly enjoyed. Friends who go behind your back and betray you are not friends. I am a good roommate, even though I have had bad experiences thus far. My brothers mean the world to me. I am so ready to be done with school. Low-carb diets are hard.

You all need to try it...

You know you are a nurse when...

You know you're a nurse when....

1) you recognize that you can't cure stupid.

2) you own at least three pens with the names of prescription medications on them (I have more than that...and a coffee cup)

3) you believe there's a special place in hell for the inventor of the call light.

4) you believe that saying 'it can't get any worse' causes it to get worse just to show you it can.

5) you wash your hands BEFORE you go to the bathroom (a definite must)

6) you believe that any job where you can drive to work in your pajamas is a cool one. (I love scrubs)

7) you consider a tongue depressor an eating utensil (never done this one, but I guess it might work)

8) eating microwave popcorn out of a clean bedpan is perfectly natural (never done this one either)

9) you've been exposed to so many x-rays that you consider it a form of birth control (not that I need it)

10) you've ever heard a patient with a nose ring, a brow ring, and twelve earrings say 'I'm afraid of shots (isn't that something?)

11) you've ever placed a bet on someone's blood alcohol level.

12) your bladder can expand to the size of a winnebago's water tank (so true! there is no time to use the bathroom!)

13) you believe that not all patients are annoying... some are unconscious

14) your family and friends refuse to watch medical sitcoms with you because you spend the whole time correcting everyone and pointing out upside down x-rays.

15) you don't get excited about blood, unless it's your own.

16) discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal is perfectly normal to you. (yes, it doesn't bother me, but it does bother everyone else)

17) your idea of fine dining is anywhere you can sit down to eat.

18) your idea of a good time is a cardiac arrest at shift change (no, not really)

19) you believe in the aerial spraying of prozac (haha...that might be nice)

20) you believe that unspeakable evils will befall anyone who utters the phrase 'Wow, it's really quiet, isn't it? (very true)

21) you have ever had a patient look you straight in the eye and say 'I have no idea how that got stuck in there.' (haha)

22) you've had to leave a patient's room before you begin to laugh uncontrollably.

School nursing...definitely harder than it sounds!

So, my first week of school nursing is complete. I never really knew everything school nurses did, but goodness they do a lot. I spent 2 days helping out a school nurse and the kids are absolutely adorable. I liked it a lot. Anyway, it is nice to be around normal healthy kids. It is so sad to see all the sick ones in the hospital. But, I am starting to think one way or another I might just be a peds nurse. I really love interacting with the kids and taking care of them.


I have not been feeling well this week. I think it's just pure exhaustion. I am so tired and definitely miss my night clinical. Obviously, we have to do our school nursing during the day.

David just started his new part time job this week and he is doing well. I know it is hard on him, but it is a lot more money so that is definitely motivating. I get to see him this weekend! YAY!

Anyway, just wanted to write a quick update. Love you all!

I Love Thursdays!

So...I thought I would post a few pics from me and my mom's cruise this summer. All of them can be seen on my Myspace page. It was awesome!

So, I am back in Mobile! We ended up leaving for a day and dodging the hurricane. But, no damage here, so I had to be back for clincial on Tuesday and Wednesday night. I really like Peds clinical and I think I might want to be a pediatric nurse. My patient was 5 months old this week and she was such a little grin-box. She always smiled. The only thing that's hard for me is the little kids who don't have parents or their parents don't care. It breaks my heart.

Anyway, this weekend will have to be spent studying! I need to read a lot of stuff. David is going to stop by on Saturday on his way back to Mississippi, so I am excited about that! I have the best boyfriend in the entire whole world!

Hurricane Gustav...

So, we are in a waiting game right now. It looks like an evacuation is very possible within the next day. I am still in Long Beach and waiting for the official word from the school. I can't imagine that they would not cancel school, but hey, anything is possible!

Hurricane Gustav looks pretty scary, everyone keep us in your prayers. We need everyone to be safe. I wanted to let everyone know I am safe and will be safe. If this hurricane is headed towards us, I am going to get the heck out of dodge!

Love you all!

First day of Peds clinical!

So, I had a busy, but great day today. I was really worried about this clinical for some reason, but it's a lot of fun. The kids are adorable, you get to play with them, my instructor is awesome, and the staff is very nice and friendly. I could see myself as a Peds nurse.

My patient today was only 10 days old. I got to hold her and assess her status and help with her mediations. She was adorable. Anyway, I am completely exhausted tonight. I was at the hospital until 8 and then had to come home and finish up paperwork. But, I am heading to Long Beach tomorrow night after clinical and I get to spend the weekend with the man I am in love with. I am just hoping we won't have any hurricanes to worry about.

Not ready for school this week!

How come the weekend is never long enough? I am so not ready for this week to start. Uhh...I am so tired of school. I was sick all day today and am still not feeling 100%. Tomorrow, I have all of my classes and I have to pick up a patient at the hospital. That means, coming home tomorrow night and doing loads of paperwork.

Anyway, I forgot all about Big Brother coming on tonight...so I missed it. Dang. Today is just been one of those days. Oh well, this week will be over soon enough and I can see David again! YAY!

TGIF!

So, it's Friday. Yay. One week down, many more to go. Today was good. I came home from Long Beach and "tried" to read Adult Health. I say "tried" because it is impossible to read and follow that book. It is ridiculous. I mean, who wrote that doggone thing. It's one of those books that you read until your eyes are glazed over and then you are like "Oh my gosh, I have no idea what in the heck I just read." Yep, that's Adult Health Nursing for you. Tomorrow Peds and Leadership are going to be tackled. That is the plan anyway.

Clinical starts next week and I am nervous. It always freaks me out. I am trying to relax about it. I have a nice instructor and it's pediatrics. I love kids! I just never had to convince one to take medication for me or give one a shot when 3 people are holding them down. Ahhh...it will be an experience.

So, anyway, I know I talk about school a lot. I am sorry. I can't wait until the day when school doesn't consume my life. That will be great. On a side note, I am currently reading The Shack, if you have never read it, you need to. It is amazing. It has changed the way I see God and think about Him. It's a very interesting and different book, but fascinating. You cry, laugh, and everything in between while reading it.

God just overwhelms me sometimes. His hand on my life is so amazing and He has blessed me far above what I deserve. I can't imagine my life without Him. Sometimes when I get to thinking about my blessings I just breakdown. I just feel like I don't deserve them. I worry and whine and complain so much. I have to get on God's nerves sometimes. But, you know what, He lets me complain to Him. He holds me, lets me cry, gives me peace and then usually straightens me out. I am so glad I don't have to "do" anything to earn His love. He just wants me to accept it. That is so beautiful to me.

So many people think that if they mess up God is up there with a giant lightning bolt ready to get them. Nope, He is right there with open arms ready to help you up and hold you tight. He doesn't expect perfection, He knows we are human. All He wants us to do is try our best in everything we do, put Him first, and others second. He even will give us the strength to do it. We just have to be obedient!

Mama Mia...here we go again!

Today we had a great date night, or actually it was a great date day! We hung out all morning and watched Ocean's 11. Then David took me to our favorite Mexican restaurant and we ate. It was very yummy! Next, we went to see Mama Mia. Yes, my boyfriend is the best, he sat through the entire movie. He was the only guy in the whole theater. The old ladies told me that I had a good guy to come with me. Yes, I told them I had a keeper.

After the movie, we came home and checked our respective email and myspace's and then settled in to watch episodes of Smallville (yes, David has me addicted). Anyway, I am about to head to my bed (or actually my really comfy pillow pallet). Tomorrow I am heading home early because David has to work all day and I am going to study. I can't believe school is already back...grrr....

Yay! Everyone start reading my blogspot!

Hey Everyone!

I decided to give blogspot another try and hope to keep it updated frequently!

Well, I survived my first week back at school and I haven't cried yet, that is amazing. This semester will be tough, but I know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am almost done with this thing and I am so happy to almost be a nurse. And no, I still don't know what kind of nurse I want to be (I get asked that question at least once a day). I am hoping something will jump out at me during my clinical rotations, but I just haven't found my niche yet. I have Pediatric rotation right now and I am thinking I might like it. You know, I could see myself as a Peds nurse. I just have that personality and I LOVE kids.

Anyway, I am now in Long Beach, MS with my loving boyfriend and am so glad to have him only one hour away from me. I am going to stay until Friday and then head back to The Grove, lock myself in the room and study (with tiny breaks to eat and watch tv).

I can't believe that this time next year I will be out of school, have my degree and actually be in the real world working. How crazy! Anyway, enough for tonight. I will write more later.