Adventures in Life

Thursday- Friday- Saturday!!!

2012-02-14T01:43:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this blog today, Saturday Feb 11, but I'm going to wait to publish it until I find out the results of my NCLEX exam. Because if for some streak of bad luck I didn't pass- this post will be completely useless.

So, let's start with Thursday. I went to my very first RN job interview. I interviewed with an RN recruiter in the HR department at a local hospital. Local as in about fourty minutes away local... It's a New Grad program. I would be following a preceptor for twelve weeks, working three twelve hour shifts with him or her, and then every Friday I would be attending a New Grad class where I would learn and review procedures. It's a really good deal. The interview went great! She wanted me to go up to the tower and meet the nurse manager right away, but the nurse manager had gone home for the day by the time we were done in HR, and she is the one who was to have the final decision. I was asked to come back the next day.

Friday, I woke up so early. I could hardly sleep. I was so excited and I had such a good feeling about the job. Part of me was worried, but the other part of me knew that this job was already mine. It was fate. When I met the nurse manager she was really nice. She interviewed me and loved me. During the interview she explained to me what I would be doing, and what floor I would be working on and that she wanted me to start as soon as possible after I passed my NCLEX. So, I got the job! The best part? My dream job is to work in Oncology, and yep! She hired me to be an Oncology Nurse!! It could not have been more perfect. I was on cloud 9 for the rest of the day... well, at least until I got home.

When I got home the reality that my exam was the next day started to set in. I was in a panic. I could not relax. I was frantically going over insulin and lab values, and I realized I needed to stop. I went to the local Casino/Resort and got myself a massage, relaxed in the jacuzzi, took a shower and came home. I played some video games and the butterflies still wouldn't go away. When my husband got home, we went out to dinner to celebrate my new job and then I went to bed.

Saturday morning. I woke up about five. I needed to be at the testing center by 0730 to check into my exam. It's about thirty minutes from home. So, of course, I left at 0600 because I was so anxious. I was there incredibly early and I was sick. I vomited. I ran laps around the building to calm my nerves, and I even ran up and down the stairs. I was waiting for security to come get me and tell me I was guilty of suspicious activity. HA!

So, finally the time came for me to sit in on my exam. I walked into the little testing room at about 0800, and I was back in my car by 0820. The NCLEX was easy. I thought I failed. It went too fast. How could I have gotten through 75 questions that quickly? Had I been in a time warp? I can't even remember any details from the exam. I spent most of the day crying, and sleeping and crying and sleeping. Then, I remembered the Pearson Vue Trick, and I realized I can't reschedule my exam! I PASSED! I must have passed!

My life changed drastically over a period of three short days. I went from being an unemployed nursing school graduate to being an RN employed at a local hospital in the Oncology department. All the hard work, it was worth it. All the sleepless nights, the hard ships... all completely 110% worth it. It feels GOOD to finally have gotten to the other side of the line.

I'd like to reintroduce myself. My name is Sarah and I'm an RN!

Keep Calm & Pass NCLEX

2012-02-06T22:52:00.000-08:00

Source: keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk via Sarah on Pinterest

So, I feel ready now. My scores were super high last week on practice material, then started dropping horrendously the past couple days. Why? Probably because I am stressing out. I need to brush up on some labs, and maybe a little pharmacology- and tada, I think I'm ready. I'm getting nervous as the day approaches. Tomorrow- my count down will be in the single digits. Considering moving it up. I honestly feel like at this point, I know what I'm going to know, and what I don't know I can critically think my way through... there's no way I'm going to know it all. No way. Nor does the NCLEX expect me to know it all. It's testing if I am ready to be an entry level RN, and safe. I'm ready. I know I'm safe. I know how to be safe, and I think I've mastered this stupid Kaplan decision tree.

I can do this!! To move the test up or not, now that is the question.

Please read and pass on: Military Family in Need.

2012-02-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

This story is heart breaking; if you can, help them out, they really need it. Even passing this around I'm sure would be a big help.

Read: Here

Over-stressed, and Overwhelmed

2012-01-31T18:16:00.000-08:00

How many posts am I going to make about how stressed I am? Hopefully not too many more. I had NO idea how much work it would be to keep the dogs separate, nor did I ever realize that when it was Bubba's turn to be alone in a room that he'd spend the ENTIRE two hours howling. For the past two days, I've devoted no good study time toward passing my NCLEX. Time is getting away from me and I'm even considering rescheduling my exam to a later date because I don't think I will pass at this rate. My neck is sore, my jaw is sore, and I always have a headache. Stress HURTS.

Today, I went to go talk to the Deacon at my church. I guess I was looking for some spiritual guidance with my animals, my marriage (don't worry, it's not in jeopardy), my stress levels... just about everything. I think I was in there for less than five minutes after he asked how things were going in my life before I started bawling my eyes out. I spent the next hour and a half talking and crying about how overwhelmed I am and how I didn't know how to get myself out of this rut that I'm in. Hopefully that won't be the last time he asks me how I'm doing. Maybe a preemptive strike with tissue next time.

I've decided to accept the set back on studying. I'm behind by a good three days. I can't change it. Today I am going to just forget about it, and then start fresh again tomorrow. Maybe I need to consider scheduling study time away from home. It's become apparent that my little sanctuary is no longer that.

If you pray, please send some my way. I need them. I need to relax. I need to manage my stress, and I need to take it one day at a time.

Stressed to the max with dogs!

2012-01-29T14:15:00.000-08:00

I'm completely out of sorts with my dogs. Before I go on, I just want to let everyone know that I'm venting. I'm not looking for advice, nor do I need to be lectured on what I should have done to prevent the issue. I know what I should have done, and I didn't do it. Now, I am taking the steps to get back on track and that's all that matters.

If you read my blog, you know that I recently introduced a new dog to the family. My Frenchie has been exhibiting some very aggressive behaviors since then, and attacking my other two dogs. He's not fixed and he should have been, and I'm sure that's part of the problem. He has an appointment this coming Saturday to take care of that problem- but, I know that will not be the end of it. He needs behavioral modification.

I've been talking with a couple of trainers, and trying to narrow it down to someone who I think will work best for my family so we can start up with the training here in home a couple times a month as soon as Bubba is recovered and healed from his surgery.

Today, my poor Husky mix has been attacked three times. Now, I have them separated, and with the advice of a trainer am not going to integrate the two back together again until after surgery. I've also purchased another crate so we can get back to crating the Frenchie at all times when no one is home, and in the evening. This dog needs a complete overhaul. My husband and I have probably unknowingly sent signals that his aggressive behavior is ok. It's getting worse, and that's not ok. Someone is going to get hurt. My dogs are not safe at home alone together and that's NOT what I want.

I've got some good advice on how to handle things until I get someone here physically in home. Walking Bubba (The Frenchie) several times a day, short walks to drain his energy. Crating him, keeping him separate and then of course starting with some behavioral modification training for the ENTIRE family is going to be key to restoring order again in my home.

I love my dogs, I'd do anything for them. Rehoming someone is a last resort, no other options kind of option. Until I get to that point I'm 110% in this to get Bubba to stop being such a jerk to everyone. I know that if I put in the effort that things will get better, they have to get better. :(

Therapeutic Blogging

2012-01-25T12:10:00.000-08:00

I think as of late, I have been neglecting my blog because I have been so busy- so stressed- so out of sorts, but the truth is that I really should be writing more because I need some therapeutic relief. Finishing up nursing school and reintegrating back into the world is stressful enough in itself, then add in having to study for NCLEX, gathering documents to apply for grad school, raising a new puppy, some money issues, and then you have a recipe for emotional disaster.

I'm fortunate to have found the group Wives of Faith, and recently put in a prayer request regarding all my crazy issues I've been having and it's been so wonderful to receive emails from people praying for me every day. It's uplifting, and I have needed that lately.

Yesterday was one of the worst days I have had in a long time. I moved my exam date up by a good two weeks, because I feel that I am so close to being ready and I didn't want to drag it out. The sooner the better is what I keep being told. So, sooner it is. Plus, I can always push it back if the day arrives and I don't feel ready yet. So, it's more set in jello than stone.

When I went to APU, I had gone there before I met my husband, and before passing the GI Bill onto your spouse was even an option so I got through it on student loans, grants and scholarships. I have about $30k that I still owe to pay it off. On a monthly basis it's about the cost of a small car payment. So, when I checked the bank account to find out that it had been taken out twice on accident, I was extremely horrified. That really put us into a pickle financially this pay period, and of course, this happens to be one of those long pay periods. *sigh*

Monday, it was raining, my husband works outside on a shooting range. He teaches recruits to shoot during boot camp. So, all day, his iPhone4 with no insurance was sitting in a wet pocket. Needless to say I was a little irritated at his lack of common sense- so all day yesterday, I was trying to figure out how to get him a phone- any phone, because sharing a cell would be incredibly difficult. After a long wasteful day of my time focusing on the phone instead of NCLEX- we got one. It will be here Friday by the end of the day.

Then as if to add icing on the top of my terrible day, my French Bulldog (Bubba) attacks my English Bulldog puppy (Bella), nicks her ear and blood goes everywhere. My house looked like a crime scene. The cut was so small, but because it was on her ear... she was bleeding, and bleeding, and dripping. She's white and the whole left side of her head and upper body was now pinkish red. It looked way worse than it really was. Hopefully she learned her lesson about not trying to steal food from other dogs, and hopefully Bubba will finally figure out that I will not under any circumstances condone his aggressiveness toward her. He spent some time in isolation after that, while I patched up Bella's ear and washed the blood off her.

My saving grace? A new friend I made here in the neighborhood invited me over for wine. I walked a block down the road, had two glasses of wine, and some nice conversation and venting, then made my way home a little less stressed and little more relaxed. This morning I went to my spin class, and I feel almost completely relaxed again, and I'm ready to get to business with my studying.

Happy Hump Day! The weekend is almost here. Thank Goodness!

QTag: 11 Facts, 11 Questions

2012-01-21T21:34:00.000-08:00

I got hit by my friend Erin to do this Q&A meme. I'm pretty sure she tagged me because I've been expressing some post nursing school boredom:

The Rules
1. You must post the rules. (and link up who tagged you)
2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.
4. Tag however many people you want
5. Let them know you've tagged them!

Erin's Questions for Me
1. What's the best season/holiday for candy? What's your favorite seasonal candy purchase?
Easter. I love peeps, so naturally this would be the best season to obtain them in.
2. Fill in the blank: "If you go down to the woods today, ____________________________."
Bring me back some firewood.
3. What cartoon character has a personality that is closest to yours?
Well, my husband says Wilma from the Flintstones, but I am not sure that's accurate. However, I am far from a cartoon aficionado so I will go with that for the sake of making it easy.
4. TV series box sets - Waste of money, or do you actually watch the episodes again?
I actually watch the episodes again, but now with the invention of NetFlix, I don't really buy any kind of DVD anymore.
5. Tell me about your most memorable road trip!
I seriously hate being in the car for long periods of time- I can't stand it. I get restless, agitated, grumpy... I can't do it. I can't say I've ever been on a true road trip.
6. How do you feel about the statement, "I married my best friend?"
I feel that for me, it's completely accurate. I tell my husband everything, we are very close. When I am down in the dumps and I don't want to talk to anyone, I always want to talk to him. He's pretty awesome.
7. Tell me about the most influential/inspirational hostess you've ever known.
uhhh? I don't get it... LOL
8. If you could only eat at one fast food chain restaurant for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
It has to be a chain? umm... I guess In-N-Out, hands down.
9. Ice cream or froyo?
FROYO!
10. Imagine yourself in the following Snoop Dogg video. What kind of dog would you morph into?

I'd totally morph into a French Bulldog. My little Frenchie is so peculiar that I'd love to see the world through his eyes, even for a day.
11. How are you doing on those new year's resolutions so far?
I'm doing GREAT! But, I didn't really make any resolutions. I decided to live a healthier and more fit lifestyle, and so far I've kept with it.

11 Facts About Me
1. As of late become addicted to Spinning.
2. I've been married for 5 years on May 11 of this year.
3. I own a house in a county that I actually hate living in.
4. If someone told me tomorrow that my husband had to leave the Marine Corps, and we would have to move back home to Los Angeles- I'd have this house packed up in less than 24 hours.
5. I'm deathly afraid of failing the NCLEX
6. I have 3 dogs; Bubba a French Bulldog, Bella an English Bulldog, and Major the resident fluffasaurus.
7. I've been a Scentsy consultant for about three years now. I finally made Director in 2011.
8. I can read, speak and write in Japanese. I'm not fluent, but I can get by.
9. I spend more time of Facebook than anyone I know.
10. I'm Catholic, and I go to mass most Sundays. I grew up in the church, and even though I'm not very vocal about my faith- I am very wholehearted about my beliefs.
11. I hate Pilates, but I go every week because I know it will make me look better eventually.

My Tagged Friends
1. Taryn @ Iron & Wine
2. Ines @ The Few, The Proud, The Wife
3. Alex @ Today is Where my Book Begins
4. Beckie @ Turn for the Nurse
5. Nicole Marie @ Being a Marine Wife

My Questions for Tagged Friends
1. If you could live anywhere in the world, except where you are living now, where would you live?
2. What is your dream job?
3. How much wood could a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?
4. Do you own any Scentsy? If so, what's your favorite Scent?
5. What's your best accomplishment in life up until this point?
6. If you could give $1million to any charity, which one would you give to?
7. Do you believe dogs are people too? (hint: the correct answer is YES!)
8. What do you think of the Honey Badger?
9. Who would you call first, if you won the lottery?
10. Do you wear shoes in the house?
11. Could you live without a computer?

Meet Bella

2012-01-15T20:06:00.001-08:00

She'll be 3 months old on Jan 25th. Now, before you think I named her Bella because I'm a Twihard, let me correct you. I saw her and thought she was such a beautiful little girl that I had to name her Bella. <3 My boys have been wonderful and are accepting her into the pack quite well. I'm a proud Mama tonight.

So, Tebow's team lost yesterday.

2012-01-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

On Facebook, from friends, I noticed a lot of ridicule about his faith. I just have one thing to say:

It's a SAD day in America, when a man is ridiculed for practicing his right to religious freedom.

I'm not a bronco's fan, but I do admire the man for continuing to publicly show his faith in God, despite the ridicule he's received.

If you are one of those people, you should be ashamed of yourself for making fun of him. He's not doing anything wrong, and there's no reason why his Christianity should bother you or offend you.

Kind of freaking out

2012-01-14T18:37:00.000-08:00

Facebook is evil most of the time. It seems like everyone I "friended" from nursing school received their authorization to test letter today. I didn't get mine, so what am I doing? I'm freaking out. Where is mine? Did it get lost? Is there something wrong with my application? What if I never get it?

Half the time, I don't get my water bill and I have to call to get my balance so I can pay it. So, of course I'm thinking my crummy post delivery person is hiding my mail or something. She probably stole my letter, and is reading it now chucking at me at home while I freak out.

Ok. probably not. But, it's possible.

I want my letter. Why isn't it coming?!!?!! :(

MilSpouse Quiz

2012-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

I saw this over at Iron and Wine. Usually I don't do things like this because, quite frankly it is a little silly. However, I'm ok with being a little silly today.

1. How did you and your spouse meet?
We met at the airport. I was there waiting with a friend (I had just flown in from Japan), and he was on the pay phone. We started talking, he was flying back out to Zimbabwe shortly after he was done visiting his brother down in Oceanside. My brother in law was a Marine when the hubs and I met stationed here at Camp P. Hubs and him had plans to room together in the ultimate bachelor pad after my husband was done with his assignment in Zimbabwe. Yeah, I ruined that. Anyway; the hubs. He needed a ride. He was kind of cute, and those eyes OH MY GOD, to DIE for. So, two crazy college girls (my friend and I) drove him to his brother's apartment in Vista. OHHHH it was only a two hour detour, but what did we have to do? It was a thursday night, and nothing was going on at APU for us to do, so we made our own trouble. Down to Vista we went! I went back the next day for a "date", Hubs took me to the movies and his brother tagged along, then we went out to Ocean House for drinks, and his brother and some other Marine tagged along. The rest is pretty much history. We were unseperable from that point on.

2. How old were you when you two met?
I was 24.

3. How long have you been together?
Since we pretty much started dating the second we met, back in 2006, it's been about six years. Married for five.

4. Where are you and your spouse originally from?
I am from San Gabriel, CA. It's a couple blocks away from Pasadena. Most of you know where I come from by the famous Rose Parade or the Rose Bowl. Yep- that's me. I grew up there.

The hubs is from a place called South Milwaukee, it's a suburb of Milwaukee and not actually the south side of the big city, like many people think. haha.

5. How did you feel about him joining the military?
I didn't know him when he joined, but because of his miltiary status I didn't really take him seriously at first. I thought he was a Marine, those guys are usually tools to date, he's probably a player like ALLLLLL the other Marines here in SoCal. Eh, so he proved me wrong. LOL

6. Where did your spouse go to Basic Training?
MCRD San Diego, CA

7. Has your spouse ever been deployed?
Oh yes, he has been. He deployed as part of the initial invasion after 9-11. I didn't know him then, but I still think he's pretty bad ass for invading a country. ;) He's also done some tours in Iraq, and Afghanisuck since we've been married. I've done one thirteen month deployment and one seven month deployment with him since we've been Married. Now he's non-deployable because he's been called to help make Marines. YEAH!

8. Ever been to his promotion ceremony?
Darnitall NO! First time he was promoted and I knew him, he was on Embassy duty, next time he was in Iraq. He got pinned at midnight US time. I was supposed to get photos but no one remembered a camera. BOO! I'm determined to be there when he picks up Gunny. That one is MINE!

9. How long have you been a military wife?
It will be FIVE years in May 2012.

10. Did you marry him before or after he joined?
After.

11. How did your husband propose?
Well see, he was going to fly in from Zimbabwe to Pasadena and propose to me on the boardwalk in Santa Monica, so he sent a box to my house Fed-Ex that I was strictly told NOT to open. Under any circumstances, Do. Not. Open. So, what did I do? I opened it, called him (they get cell phones on embassy duty) and told him YES! Over the phone. Yep, that was my very unromantic ruined due to my own fault proposal. HA!

12. Where did you get married?
Our first wedding, on May 11, 2007 was at the courthouse in San Diego. My friend, correction: my very best sisterly friend, Seadra drove all the way from LA to be my witness. She even brought me a Daisy.
Our Second wedding was on May 19, 2007 in Las Vegas! WOO! It wasn't a cheesy vegas wedding, it was a destination wedding/ vacation for both our families to get together and let loose.

13. How old were you two when you got married?
I was 25, he was 24.

14. Did he wear his uniform on his wedding day?
Well the first wedding day, which I celebrate, no. He wore jeans and a polo shirt. It was flipping awesome. For the big family wedding, he wore his blues.

15. Where are you and your spouse currently stationed?
Right now we are stationed at MCRD- Weapons and Field Training Bn.

16. Do you live on base?
No way! We did that for just under five years. At first, when I was new, I loved it. I thought I was so cool living on base. We had a three bedroom house, no kids, near the ocean. Yeah! Then it started to sink in what a pain the neighbors were. People on base have no respect for their neighbors. They are loud, they let their kids run a much with no supervision, they are rude. Finally got tired of it and BOUGHT our own home off base on a pretty decent sized lot. We own property and a house now. HA! That's WAY better than base housing.

17. How long were you married when you had to go through your first separation?
about nine months, something like that. We found out when he first checked into Camp Pendleton. We only had one car, I had to drive him around. He got back in and said "We're deploying soon". Yeah, I pretty much broke down right on the spot.

18. What is your favorite base so far?
Well, I love MCRD because the MCX is totally AWESOME! But, we live close to Camp Pendleton or Miramar- kind of in the middle of the two, so I still feel like I'm stationed at Pendleton. But, as a mil spouse I've never been out of CA. If it were up to me, I'd keep it that way. I can pray... don't pop my bubble.

19. Do you think your spouse looks good in his uniform?
Absolutely. He's very handsome, both in and out of it. ;)

~~20. Do you think military life is more advanced than civilian life?~~
~~I don't think I like the word "Advanced", it doesn't suit this question. I don't like this question. I'm not answering it. LOL~~

21. Do you like the benefits you receive as a military dependent?
Oh, I love them! When my husband reenlisted, we paid of half of my student loan from my Bachelor's degree at APU, and then when I went to nursing school, I got a free ride courtesy of the VA and his GI Bill. It's wonderful. Free education is priceless. The military has allowed me to have a very marketable career as an RN. I'm stoked! (now I just need to actually BECOME and RN by passing NCLEX.)

22. Do you have a lot of military wife friends?
A couple. Strangely enough, I know more military spouses in my off base neighborhood that I do with my on base neighborhood. I try to stay arms length away from the military community. I enjoy having things to talk about and people to commiserate with, but I've had some very bad experiences with military spouses so I am very cautious when meeting other wives. I'm just nervous that I'll be shot in the back again. Some of us can be darned right kniving you know? It's kind of sad.

23. What is the hardest part of the military life?
I love that my husband has job security, and that he makes a pretty good pay check. I love that our VA loan allowed us to buy a home with $0 down, I love that I got a free nursing education. I love that I have health care. It's great. I really can't complain. The deployments seem like a small price to pay when I think about all that the military has done for us.

24. Do you own military wife stuff?
I do. But, I don't wear it out of the house usually. It's just cosy home wear.

25. Do you support your spouse as a member of the military?
Totally. If I didn't, this marriage wouldn't work. I think as a military spouse you need to be supportive. Their jobs are so stressful, and demanding that support on the home front is really essential to them doing a good job for the military.

One step closer

2012-01-11T23:19:00.000-08:00

So, today is kind of a big deal. I registered for the NCLEX. That doesn't mean I have my test date yet, it just means I am in the system. Once the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) receives all my transcripts, and stuff, I will receive and Authorization To Test (ATT) letter. Then, at that point I can schedule my exam.

My degree is supposed to post sometime next week- and my school will overnight everything THEN if I am lucky about six to eight weeks after that I will receive my ATT. Possibly sooner... if I am lucky. I know last semester some of the students were able to test within a couple weeks of graduation. Hopefully, I will be as fortunate.

This whole NCLEX thing has kind of taken over my life right now. As I sit- I'm taking a week off then starting back up on Jan 23. Graduation ceremony is on Feb 17, which is also the same day as the pinning. Goal: loose some major weight before then so I look more like my normal self in photos and not like my nursing school blob self. I know if I keep up my spinning, this will be accomplished.

Loose weight & pass the NCLEX!

Spinning Love.

2012-01-07T12:08:00.000-08:00

[Img Credit]

I'm addicted. 23 miles in 60 minutes this morning. <3

WOOO! I feel amazing!

8lbs down since I started 3 weeks ago.

It's my healthy obsession.

Nothing like an emotional break down to start my day.

2012-01-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

New this year, in 2012- the CA BRN requires official transcripts sent over from every school with coursework that you completed to satisfy your nursing education. This means things like english, speech, sciences, psychology and sociology. At my college now, since I'm doing my ADN I only did the actual nursing courses there & because I have a Bachelor's degree in another field I have the other courses done at a university as well as a junior college.

So, I have copies of the JC transcripts here at home, sealed and unopened. I had to overnight and rush the official transcripts from the university where I received my B.S. from to the tune of $45. They arrived yesterday- and required a signature. I wasn't home. The note said they'd be availble for pick up at my local post office after 0930 this morning. So off I went. When I got home, I looked at the envelope- it was one of those 8.5 x 11 cardboard express mail type of envelopes. Nothing indicated "do not open", or "official transcript". So, what did I do? I opened it? I figured the smaller sealed and marked envelope is inside. Usually- it would be.

Guess what happened? The transcripts were just sitting there, staring at me, maroon paper and all- no envelope. I cry. What else is there to do, but cry?? Then I pick up the phone and call the registrar at my university and speak to someone who explains to me that this isn't normal practice and she's not sure what happened. Thankfully I went to a very small college so they knew who sent out mine specifically the other day and they get me on the phone with her.

She apparently made a mistake- she thought I didn't need them in a sealed envelope. Why? I don't know. But I can access this same information through the alumni portal and print just the same- so why on earth would you think I'd pay $20 for expedited processing, $5 for official transcripts and another $20 for overnight mail to get something I could have printed myself off the internet?!!

*Le Sigh* As soon as I get through all this paper work mumble jumble- maybe, just maybe, I might be back on track to becoming an RN.

Yoga, Pilates and Cycling, OH MY!

2012-01-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

For about three weeks, I've been working out at a small privately owned studio near by where I live in Temecula. I think I'm in love. They only do Cycling, Pilates and Yoga. I have yet to try the Yoga- but I've been doing Pilates and Cycling like a mad woman! So mad that I've lost 8lbs already. Isn't that great!?! WOO HOO!

My actual graduation ceremony is Feb 17, and I'm gonna look a hell of a lot better for that than when I left school. Heck yeah. I've learned my lesson; diets don't work, fads don't work, nothing except eating right and exercising works. Medifast doesn't even work- unless you plan to stay on the stuff FOREVER. EW! I've tried just about everything under the sun, and lost weight, then gained it all right back. This time, is for good.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T18:20:00.000-08:00

2011 was good to me. My husband came home safe, and in one piece from Afghanistan, He PCA'd to a non-deployable unit (WOO HOO!), we bought a house, I was promoted to the rank of Director with Scentsy, and I finished up RN school. Onward to 2012! I'm hoping that it will be just as wonderful to me, if not better.

My goals (I don't do resolutions) for 2012:

1. Study at least 5 days a week, like it were a full time job until I take and pass my NCLEX.
2. Go to Pilates, Cycling or Yoga at least four times a week.
3. Eat healthier.
4. Be happier.
5. Find my first job as an RN.
6. Find more time to spend up in Los Angeles with my family. I miss them.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

During this year, my husband and I have renewed our faith together. I know I am a better person for allowing God in my life again, freely. I have a better marriage for joining in this journey with my husband. The both of us have learned to trust him, and his grace with our lives. With God on my side, anything is possible.

This is why, I want to remind everyone that today is not a day just for gifts. It's not a day of gluttony and greed; which in the past, and even in the present for some people Christmas means receiving gifts, money, etc. It is nothing about God, or religion anymore.

For me, that's not what today is about. Today, I shall be thankful that for us, a son is born. Merry Christmas to all, whatever your beliefs, I hope that each and every one of you enjoy today richly in love with friends and family. That's truly the essence of Christmas.

"(2) The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. (6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.'" - Isaiah 9: 2, 6

and that's a wrap...

2011-12-17T22:01:00.000-08:00

Friday, I had my last day at the facility in my extern position. I had a great time, and I was actually sad to leave. I really felt like I was part of the team. I love the staff there. I would love more than anything to be accepted into their new graduate residency program once I pass boards, and apply. I'm going to be praying for things to go well, so that I might get lucky enough to get in.

Lot's of big things going on. Christmas! NCLEX! omg... I'm going to take the NCLEX. When, I don't know? Honestly, at this point I have no idea, and when I do have an idea- I won't be sharing. HA! However, I'm sure I'll make plenty big of a deal when I pass and you'll know for sure.

I applied to a BSN program. Not going to tell you where, but it's an online program through one of the state schools locally in SoCal (& no it's not SDSU for those of you trying to guess!). The application period for the Fall semester started already, and I'm just required to have my license before enrollment begins some time at the end of summer. I think I can manage that. Now, cross our fingers and say our prayers that I am accepted. I'd love to attend this program. I have a plan B too, so regardless, probably around September time frame, I'll be enrolling in school again to complete my BSN.

So, for now, I'm going to be signing off for a while. You might not hear from me for a month or more. Not because I am going to be drowning in studying or anything like that, but because I need to take time away from the computer and reintegrate with my husband, my friends, and my family. The past two years, I have been glued to this machine- studying, typing, reading, facebooking, and blogging my way through nursing school.

It's time to get back to normal again.

Happy Holidays my friends and I'll see you in 2012.

Worlds Smallest Marine

2011-12-14T14:09:00.000-08:00

I would just like to point out that the correct spelling is Marine Corps. Other than that, this video is adorable. I want my own little DI.

Fitness Dilemma!

2011-12-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

I really think I am over thinking things. I can't decide which gym to go to. Today- yes, TODAY I am starting to go workout again regularly. This is not an option, however I've already failed at making it to the gym by 9 because of my indecisiveness.

So, let's see here.

Choice 1: FREE, about 17 miles from home- Paige Fieldhouse on Camp Pendleton.
Choice 2: about $30, 10 miles from home- kind of rude-ish sales people at Paradise Fitness in Fallbrook.
Choice 3: Fitness 19 in Temecula, about 12 miles from home with about a $20 price tag.

What to do, what to do...? Free is always nice, right? Yes, and usually I agree, but is it convinient to drive 30 minutes to the gym 3 days a week? Will it save me the money in gas to just pay to go somewhere closer?

Oh, I don't know what to do. Today, I think I'll head out to Paige Fieldhouse, but- I am not sure if I'll make it my permanent fitness home.

If only there was a gym on Naval Weapons, that would be that.

I found it!

2011-12-10T13:10:00.001-08:00

Oh, I am so happy. I've lived here for almost five years, and I have had the darnedest time finding it. Finally, there's an Italian market/deli in my neighborhood, and seasonally, they have it!

It's going to be a Buon Natale for sure!

NCLEX is the bane of my existence!

2011-12-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

So, I'm graduating, or so I think anyway. I'm enrolled in the Kaplan test prep course. I start on Dec 21. Supposedly this is one of the best courses to take. My school makes it required and out of last semesters class the school had a 100% pass rate for NCLEX, so I'm just trusting the process. Those are some pretty good numbers.

So, to prepare for this class there's like 4 NCLEX trainers you have to do. Apparently you should be scoring at least a 65% to be tracking to pass NCLEX. Yeah, so I just took trainer 4 and totally bombed it with a 54%. ARGH! I really feel like the stupidest person on the planet. I get good grades, I have a 3.67 GPA in nursing school- that's effing golden. For nursing school that's phenomenal.

Anyway, back to this crappy NCLEX thing. I'm totally going to fail. I feel like I am going to fail and I'm sure that my BP just went through the roof, along with my anxiety level, and I probably just gained 10lbs for good measure on top of it all.

Seriously? a 54%, that's like TEN PERCENT lower than I should be scoring. I'm going to go sit in the review course and the lady is going to call my name and ask me to leave because she thinks I should repeat nursing school. I'm sure of it.

Did I say UGH, yet? I'm going to go eat a cookie.

In search of Baccala for Christmas Eve

2011-12-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

I am just throwing this out there on my blog. I am in search of Baccala for my Christmas eve dinner. Are there any San Diego County Italians that might know where I can get a piece of it in North County? Anywhere in the County?

I know some people unfamiliar with this tradition might want to suggest that I just buy a piece of cod at any market- but, that will not do. It's not the tradition. I need the dried, salted version so that I can soak it and prep it for the meal.

Hoping I get some responses here.

Five lectures, and one six hour exam away from...

2011-11-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

Source: scrubsmag.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Wow, what a week I've had. I had a great time visiting family, and eating my heart out. It was a nice break from reality. Monday is finally here, and I'm back and ready to go. I looked at my calendar today, and I realized that I only have five more lectures to go until I am done with nursing school. Isn't that exciting?

Five lectures, one two week Kaplan Test Prep course and a six hour state board exam away from being able to call myself a Registered Nurse!

It all happened so fast. A couple years ago, my husband and I were driving home from Thanksgiving dinner at my families house, and I was complaining about how I hated working in the corporate world- and had the bright idea to apply to nursing school. I did, then started the following January semester. It seems like that life changing conversation was just yesterday. Time flies.

I can't wait to be done. I'm ready to be done, I'm ready for patient care! Watch out world, here I come!

Small Business Saturday & Free Gifts!

2011-11-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

The first 10 people to make a purchase of $50 or more from my store will get free holiday gift from yours truly sent to you.

Check out my items. No need to be a fan, or comment on my blog. Just 1 $50 purchase and you're there. It's super simple.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Thankful for Thanksgiving x 30

2011-11-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

I notice a lot of people are doing the 30 days of thanks, which seems a bit tedious; I never got on board. But, I think today I will write a post reflecting on all the things that I am thankful for not just during Thanksgiving, but for every day.

1. I am thankful for my husband, and everything that he does for me and his love that he's shared with me over the years.
2. I'm thankful that we have decided to start building a relationship with christ together. It's only going to make us stronger- and I'm thankful for the opportunity.
3. I'm thankful for my family.
4. I'm thankful for my friends; each and every one of you.
5. I'm especially thankful for one of my closest friends, JM, girl, I love you and I don't think I'd have survived these five years as a military spouse without your friendship and guidance. BFFs forever. <3
6. I'm thankful for a wonderful new life that entered the world this October, JM's son, my godson, Gabe. He's a wonderful healthy little chunker and I'm so happy he's here.
7. I'm thankful that through my husband, I've had the opportunity to be accepted wholly and unconditionally as a member of his family. I love you guys, and you've been so wonderful to me. I couldn't imagine marrying into a better family.
8. I'm thankful to have my husband home this year.
9. I'm thankful to have the means to have purchased a beautiful home this year.
10. I'm thankful to the Marine Corps, for allowing me a free ride to nursing school, among other things. As much as I complain sometimes, the Marine Corps has allowed for us to have many things; education, food, shelter- I will forever be grateful for those things.
11. This should be higher on the list, but I am THANKFUL that my sister, Alex is alive, well and cancer free this holiday.
12. I'm thankful to have been placed at a fantastic hospital with a wonderful RN during my externship. I've been learning so much, and becoming more "fluent" in my nursing skills.
13. I'm thankful to have the pleasure of the companionship of my two dogs, Bubba and Major.
14. I'm thankful that I was taught how to cook as a kid, and am comfortable in the kitchen. I'm also thankful that my husband thinks I am a good cook. ;)
15. I'm thankful for sushi dates with my girl, SH. Those are some serious therapy sessions. I love it!
16. I'm thankful for my health.
17. I'm thankful, that my grandfather is as healthy as can be, given his diagnosis of AD. It's great to still have him around.
18. I'm thankful, that I will have the opportunity to enroll in grad school in 2012.
19. I'm thankful for being back in touch with my Rochester family; we lost each other and I'm thrilled to be getting to know one another. This is how it should have been all along and I'm excited to have you all in my life. The same goes for my family that hails from CT.
20. I'm thankful for coffee.
21. I'm thankful that RN school is almost over.
22. I'm thankful for the deacon at our church, having the patients to deal with my crazy school schedule and meet with me outside of regular class times.
23. I'm thankful for technology; iphones specifically.
24. I'm thankful that my dog, Bubba didn't die on that walk a few weeks ago.
25. I'm thankful for my kindle, it saves me from lugging around pounds of notes to study with.
26. I'm thankful for reliable transportation.
27. I'm thankful for my nursing school BFF, AD, those car pool rides are extremely beneficial. I think I'd be even more stressed out without her.
28. I'm thankful for K's Sandwiches.
29. I'm thankful to have a gym in my home, it really makes keeping fit easy.
30. I'm thankful to my Mom and my Nonna for raising me with good values.

I (heart) Nursing

2011-11-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

I started my preceptorship yesterday; I'm required to work 8 12 hour shifts (not all in a row, silly.) with an RN sharing her patient load. My first day was fabulous! I actually am starting to feel like a nurse. I was doing a lot of things independently and it felt good. Of course, I still have to check with the RN before I give meds, or do any procedures- I'm still in training wheels, but I'm getting it and I feel like I'm doing great.

I can do this! Yesterday really solidified my choice to go back to school and totally change career paths. I don't think I could have chosen anything better for myself. I'm really excited about my path now. It's just beginning It's the end of my formal school training, but really I am just starting and there's so much to do, so much to learn. I'm so motivated at this point. Strangely enough, it was the cure to my senioritis.

Twelve hours is a long time to be on your feet, an actually today my legs feel sore. I feel like I worked out or something. I feel like I could do this two days in a row, and even three or four times a week with no problems. I'm just so excited about it. YAY!

An Interesting Mexican Fashion Trend

2011-11-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Marines!

2011-11-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

Why Do I Always Get Sick at the Wrong Times?

2011-11-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not feeling so hot lately. I can't even tell you what bad timing this illness is. Yesterday during my exam in my med/surg class I was sniffing to try and keep the snot from dripping onto my exam. I couldn't think straight and I focused on my boogers more than I did the material. Good news: I did ok, I passed. I didn't do my normal fantastic but I scored good enough. Most people in my class probably wouldn't think twice about getting the score I got, but I'm pretty rough on myself sometimes.

Tomorrow is the meeting I have been waiting all of nursing school for. I meet my preceptor at the hospital and we get our schedule together. For those of you who are unfamiliar with nursing school terms, my preceptorship is similar to an internship. I go to the hospital and I am assigned to an RN and I work with her, she shows me the ropes and I start to become independent in some things. Kind of like a little test run for the real world. I'm excited about it, but I look and sound like death warmed over. I'm going to have to bust out all the make up tricks tomorrow to make sure I at least don't look like crap.

In the mean time, I have about two more chapters to read to prep for my med/surg class, and two assignments with 18 questions to answer for my Leadership class. It's not a lot but.... I don't wannnaaaaaaaa. ugh.

The senioritis is setting in.

The Truth About the Troops Coming Home

2011-11-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

As military families, we know that the Troop withdrawal isn't real- but yet, that's the story Americans are getting.

Take a read here for the real story & thanks to Semper Fi Momma for putting together so eloquently.

Now, go, share, spread the truth around.

It's Moretti Time

2011-11-02T19:57:00.001-07:00

What a long day. I took two finals, sat through a two hour lecture on renal dysfunction, then sat in two hours of traffic to get home. Time to enjoy my beer and my wonderful pasta dish.

Pasta e Ceci

2011-11-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

One of my favorites, definitely a comfort food, and a food for cold winter nights. YUM! I used to love eating bowl after bowl of my grandmother's Pasta e Ceci. For the non-italians out there, Pasta e Ceci is just a tomato based soup with Ceci beans (garbanzo beans, pronounced "chee chee") and some kind of pasta, any kind will do. I like to use spaghetti and break it up into smaller pieces.

So, here's how you can have your very own pot of Pasta e Ceci, now, remember I'm Italian so I don't use recipes. I cook to taste, and you'll have to as well. Trust me, that's the way to do it. Don't be afraid to just wing it.

So you just gotta break the spaghetti into thirds, boil it in some chicken broth, use as much or little as you want. You can even use water, beef broth, vegetable broth, or whatever you want. There's no rules here. I use chicken broth though, then you let it boil and get soft, let it sit for a few minutes off the heat when it's done so it absorbs the liquid. Add more if you need more.

Next, add a can of tomato sauce, just plain tomato sauce. Preferably Cento if you can get it, but really, any kind will do. For tonight, I am using Trader Joe's brand because it's what was available to me. Turn the heat back on low, and heat up your soup!

Now, open your ceci beans, rinse them off and add to the soup. Add one or two cans, it's up to you. It depends how many beans you want with your pasta.

Now here comes the fun part- season to taste with salt and pepper and if you want an added kick, add some red chili flakes.

Tada! Simple, cheap, authentic. Buon Appetito!

Good Morning!

2011-11-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

It's 0730 and I've probably done more than most have this morning and it feels good. I really need to consider getting up at 0500 on a regular basis.

Orginally I was in a total bad mood. My husband hit the snooze 4 times. He will deny it, but he did. I counted, and was wide awake. On the final time, he hit the wrong button and the radio went on full blast, except there was no music; it was that no reception fuzz crap? Oh yeah. That's fun.

Anyway, I got up. I didn't have to be up until 0800 today, because I have class at 1130. So, I made myself a quick breakfast; a piece of panettone toast, caught up on my facebooking- got my dinner ingredients ready to go for this evening, and hopped on the elliptical for about 53 minutes, which was how long it took to watch part two of the Jerseylicious reunion show.

Now, I'm sitting enjoying my wonderful morning smoothie consisting of mango, banana, spinach and muscle milk.

It's been a good morning. :)

My Primary Job, Hijacked from A Cup of T.

2011-11-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

"But the fact is, your primary role is always going to be Marine Wife. Everything else just comes second" (I stole this from A Cup of T)

So, this actually struck a cord with me, pretty strongly. I have never considered myself to be a "Marine Wife" first. I am one, because I am married to a Marine, but it doesn't define me. I don't even really consider it a title. It's more of a lifestyle. I can't speak for anyone but myself here, not even my dear friend over at A Cup of T, and I do realize that some things I may say could be offensive to others, but just remember I speak for myself and my life only- not for yours, or anyone else. We are all individuals and free to do and say as we please, correct? CORRECT! Ok, so let's get moving with this.

So, everything else just comes second eh? I wonder where this statement came from, or what type of woman originally said it. It just couldn't be more incorrect. Those of you who may subscribe to this type of thinking- you have made a choice. People who believe this statement to be true, are choosing it to be true for their own life. If that's the case, and you are satisfied with this way of life; great! No problem and more power to you. That's what works for you, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Me? I'm not happy with this. I am a modern day woman, I don't let any man or any man's job dictate who or what I am or where I live. If I go with my husband, I go willingly- I go because I want to go and I want to be with him. Up until this point, I have never had a circumstance come up where my husband and I have decided that it be better that I stay behind, with the exception of deployments of course, and then that genuinely was not up to either of us.

Recently, mostly, we have been talking about me re-entering the work force. Nursing school has taken over our lives, and I think my husband is more of a "Student Nurse Husband" than I would be a Marine Wife. So, HA! Anyway, we've spoken about me temporarily moving far away to get some experience. The job market climate for new grad RNs is dismal in this county- and if we need to live apart for a year, eh, so we do it. It's not a deployment, we can visit. We will still see each other. See, that's the great part about my husband and I; we love being together, but we can still rationally decide when being apart would also be beneficial.

We've also talked about him taking a geo-bachelor assignment should it come up, since we do own the house here. Hey, what's in our best interests? We don't have kids- we have freedom right now. Might as well do what is best for the both of us, namely- my career. I need to get my nursing experience in there somewhere- and when I get a job, that's it. I'm sticking with it for at least a year. If my husband has to move, then he has to move and I will wait here or follow later. But, I have to do what I have to do & right now that is putting some roots down in the nursing profession.

So, NO- I am NOT a Marine Wife first. I am myself first, I am my husband's wife, and I will not let the Marines dictate how I live my life. If that makes me a bad wife to anyone, well then- good thing I'm not your wife, right? Last time I checked, I had as close to perfect of a marriage as one can get. So I must be doing something right.

2011-10-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

So, I'm still convinced at this point that I've been cursed. Most of my day prepping for this thing went terribly. My hair didn't come out the way I wanted, for some reason my hair dresser was having a hard time getting it to do the style which I wanted so I just decided to have her change it to whatever was easy for her because about 2 hours into it, I needed to get going. I will say, I was happy with it at first, but an hour later, while still in the car- most of it had fallen out (note: I told her my hair has a way of doing that and to add bobby pins. I don't think she believed me and it wasn't secured well enough).

When we first arrived, we arrived to the wrong hotel. DOH! At this point we are already about an hour behind schedule, so I'm super stressed. Finally, we arrive, get into the room and I just break down- full blown anxiety attack. Then what happens? My nail breaks and my husband is yelling at me to calm down. I couldn't breathe and he was making it worse.

In the end, everything turned out ok. I managed to get my hair under control, my make up on, and a nice cold beer. From that point on, the night went smooth as molasses.

Moretti to the rescue!

The ceremony was lovely. They did a video on Pearl Harbor, and 9-11. I couldn't watch about half of it. I don't know why, but I can't stand the footage from that day. My make up was perfect, and I didn't want tears to ruin it. The guest speaker was a WWII vet, and he was very entertaining. It was an honor to hear him speak of his experiences. Oddly enough, after dinner, everyone kind of just left- the ballroom cleared out.

Ben and I were able to get some nice photos of the two of us, and snag the nice iron cast center piece of the Marines raising the flag on Mt. Suribachi.

Taken at the beginning of the night with fresh makeup.

Tada! He earned it.

So, what I mean by "he earned" it with the above photo is that we hovered around our dinner table until everyone left and then snagged it and ran off to our room. They were meant to take home, but with only 1 per table, they were very much supply in demand.

Alright, now I will go into the long awaited What Not To Wear segment of my blog post. This has become a tradition over the years. I know, I know, it can be seen as kind of tasteless and mean on my part, but- leave me alone. It's my guilty pleasure. First, if you need a refresher, read this post.

Now. I won't post every shot I took, but I will post my top two for you bloggy friends, these ones really take the cake.

Apparently, it's acceptable to buy your date. Who knew?

Why yes, those are skulls. Thank You for noticing.

I mean, I could make this post a mile long with the rediculous cocktail dresses, and queen victoria gowns that I saw at this event. It was terrible! One girl looked like she walked out of a quincenera, and a couple others I couldn't decide if they were rewearing their wedding gowns. uh, just terrible. Believe it or not though, this was probably overall- a better dressed group than any other Marine Corps Ball I've attended.

The Ball GIft

2011-10-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

So, for those of you who don't know, every Ball- you get a gift. Usually a pair of glasses, or shot glasses is traditionally given. This year- my husband came home with this:

While, it's very nice. What on earth will I do with it? It lights up too, if you put 3 AA batteries into it. Isn't that hilarious? I mean, it's a paper weight? A night light? A giant ice cube? What is it? LOL

I don't mean to sound unappreciative, as it is a gift- a mass gift given to everyone part of the command, but still- what were they thinking?

Nurses we are not hiring

2011-10-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

I totally feel like this when it comes to graduating, taking my NCLEX and applying for jobs. I take my "final final" on Jan 13th. Then I wait for acceptance to the board, schedule my exam, and hopefully pass! From there- I start looking for jobs.

I have a great deal of anxiety more so over looking for jobs, than I do over taking and attempting to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. I've heard of New Grad RNs being unemployed for up to 2 years attempting to find employment. What on earth will I do for two years? I already plan on enrolling in a Master's Degree Program as soon as I am officially licensed, but- what's going to happen to my skills? AH!

I really need to stop stressing out, but truth is that I miss having two incomes. Prior to RN school, I was working full time and bringing in a good income. I have a Bachelor's Degree in another field and I was paid decently for doing administrative work. Better than most. So it was a nice cushion. We didn't have to watch our spending- we did and went wherever we wanted to go. I just want that back. Pinching pennies sucks! We live fairly modestly. Eat out once a week, only once a week, and keep our expenses down to the bare minimum (until someone *cough* Bubba, has an emergency).

I know I am not the only senior RN student feeling like this, or the first, or the last to feel this way- but the uncertainty is killing me.

MilSpouse Friday Fill in #63

2011-10-28T10:13:00.001-07:00

Head on over and visit Wife of a Sailor to participate:

1. The best part of October was finally getting into the single digits with regards to the weeks left of finishing nursing school.

2. The worst part about October; ER visit with dog, two episodes of fleas, busted tire on the car, and the expense of the Marine Corps Ball- needless to say, thank God I had, note: HAD, a decent savings.

3. For Halloween, we will be at Church. We planned originally to dress up the dogs, hang out in the driveway and pass out candies, but then- I forgot we already had a commitment at church. Oh well.

4. I hope that in November, I will have an amazing preceptor experience and start to network and build professional relationships so that I can help secure myself a job after graduation.

5. I will not be participating in the Santa Secret- We are tight here, as a previously two income household turned one when I decided to go back to school to become a nurse, we don't have much extra around here for giving. :(

Also, I'd like to add the MilSpouse Weekly Roundup to this post as well.

9 weeks

2011-10-27T21:53:00.001-07:00

I'm laying in bed, updating my blog from my blogger iPhone ap while watching Grey's Anatomy and thinking about how I only have 9 more weeks of RN school left. Isn't that amazing? I'm super stoked, and I can't wait to leave this chapter of my life behind. There are some pretty awesome things waiting for me out there.

Today is where her book begins.

2011-10-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

My sister is an awesome cancer survivor who has a lot to say, a lot to do and a lot to share with the world. Recently she's started a blog to help raise awareness about ovarian cancer, while sharing her story. There is so much I could tell you about why she is awesome but, I will let her do that. Follow the link & follow her blog.

Today is Where My Book Begins

Minestra Maritata

2011-10-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

Alright, I have a robust appreciation for my culture and am actively involved in educating myself on the language and customs of Italy. I love my heritage, and am extremely proud of where I came from. So, this will help you understand my irritation with this blog post regarding Minestra Maritata (Zuppa Escarole as she calls it- *BUZZ* wrong)

My favorite quote from the article states: "We always call it Italian Escarole Soup, but it's also known as zuppa di scarola, or Italian Wedding Soup because it is a traditional course at Italian nuptials." Really? That's funny- are you even Italian? Because I am, and I've never seen it at an Italian wedding.

So, let me educate here: The name of the soup is "Minestra Maritata", and not "Zuppa di Scarola", which literally means escarole soup. You see, the english name "Italian Wedding Soup" is just a mistranslation of Minestra Maritata- which quite literally means that the ingredients marry well.

You know, what irritates me is that the person who wrote this most likely put no research into it, if you are going to write about it- make sure you are distributing correct information. How many people are walking around now thinking my people eat this meat ball and escarole soup dish at every wedding? SHEESHHH!!!

In Service of America

2011-10-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

I found this photo and the text on a facebook post, none of it is mine, but I thought it was a good read and wanted to share.

TO CLARIFY:

1) I did not write this, note the name Nick in the quote itself. Nick Palmisciano wrote this for RU.

2) link to the shirt: http://www.rangerup.com/th e45.html

3) The author of this is tagged in the photo.

"I remember the day I found out I got into West Point.

My mom actually showed up in the hallway of my high school and waited for me to get out of class. She was bawling her eyes out and apologizing that she had opened up my admission letter. She wasn’t crying because it had been her dream for me to go there. She was crying because she knew how hard I’d worked to get in, how much I wanted to attend, and how much I wanted to be an infantry officer. I was going to get that opportunity.

That same day two of my teachers took me aside and essentially told me the following: “Nick, you’re a smart guy. You don’t have to join the military. You should go to college, instead.”

I could easily write a tome defending West Pont and the military as I did that day, explaining that USMA is an elite institution, that separate from that it is actually statistically much harder to enlist in the military than it is to get admitted to college, that serving the nation is a challenge that all able-bodied men should at least consider for a host of reasons, but I won’t.

What I will say is that when a 16 year-old kid is being told that attending West Point is going to be bad for his future then there is a dangerous disconnect in America, and entirely too many Americans have no idea what kind of burdens our military is bearing.

In World War II, 11.2% of the nation served in four years. In Vietnam, 4.3% served in 12 years. Since 2001, only 0.45% of our population has served in the Global War on Terror. These are unbelievable statistics.

Over time, fewer and fewer people have shouldered more and more of the burden and it is only getting worse. Our troops were sent to war in Iraq by a Congress consisting of 10% veterans with only one person having a child in the military. Taxes did not increase to pay for the war. War bonds were not sold. Gas was not regulated. In fact, the average citizen was asked to sacrifice nothing, and has sacrificed nothing unless they have chosen to out of the goodness of their hearts.

The only people who have sacrificed are the veterans and their families. The volunteers. The people who swore an oath to defend this nation. You.

You stand there, deployment after deployment and fight on. You’ve lost relationships, spent years of your lives in extreme conditions, years apart from kids you’ll never get back, and beaten your body in a way that even professional athletes don’t understand. And you come home to a nation that doesn’t understand. They don’t understand suffering. They don’t understand sacrifice. They don’t understand that bad people exist. They look at you like you’re a machine – like something is wrong with you. You are the misguided one – not them. When you get out, you sit in the college classrooms with political science teachers that discount your opinions on Iraq and Afghanistan because YOU WERE THERE and can’t understand the “macro” issues they gathered from books with your bias. You watch TV shows where every vet has PTSD and the violent strain at that. Your Congress is debating your benefits, your retirement, and your pay, while they ask you to do more.

But the amazing thing about you is that you all know this. You know your country will never pay back what you’ve given up. You know that the populace at large will never truly understand or appreciate what you have done for them. Hell, you know that in some circles, you will be thought as less than normal for having worn the uniform. But you do it anyway. You do what the greatest men and women of this country have done since 1775 – YOU SERVED. Just that decision alone makes you part of an elite group.

Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few.

You are the 0.45%."

It's Time for The Ball Again

2011-10-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

I have decided to write a little etiquette lesson, quite ~~frankly~~ harshly, I am sick of seeing the Marines bring dates, whether they be wives or girlfriends, and in some cases possibly escorts (?), arriving in inappropriate attire. In my opinion it cheapens the event, and yes, it makes you and your date look bad. On another note, like it or not, it may not be right, but, yes. People do and will talk about you, not only that evening but for years to come. Especially if you look particularly ridiculous and out of place. No one will ask you to leave, but you will probably get some pretty bad stares, and your date may even be made fun of on his next full work day.

The Marine Corps Ball is a formal event. It's a tradition and an honor to attend. It is a formal ball. If you know anything about proper etiquette you know that attendees to these events who are not wearing a formal military uniform should be wearing a floor length gown, or a tuxedo. That is what is considered to be formal ball attire.

"A formal gown is a specific type of dress a woman wears to a formal event such as a formal dinner, a formal ball, or a formal wedding. The definitions of white-tie formal wear for women occasionally changes from time to time. In the past, the appropriate clothing for white tie formal attire in female dress would have been the ball gown, and not an evening gown. Most of us would not know the difference between the two. However, according to etiquette rules, the distinction between an evening gown and a ball gown is determined by examining the fullness of the skirt and the modesty of the top. The ball gown may have a décolleté style, or have a low neckline, while the evening gown may be more revealing, with spaghetti straps or strapless. Under most circumstances these distinctions are unimportant. The bottom line is when white tie formal attire is requested a woman must wear a full-length dress- a formal dress." (Source)

It's not always about how much you spend, or what your hair looks like, or if you are the prettiest, or even the color. Remember, this event is not about you. It's about the Marines, and you are privileged to be able to attend. The least you could do is follow proper etiquette for ball attire.

A knee length dress, that you might consider formal is a cocktail dress- Just think, are you attending a cocktail party? No. Furthermore, a butt length dress with your boobs hanging out makes you look like a hooker- a cheap hooker.

Marine Corps Ball, Camp Pendleton, 2009 (YES, this was a real attendee)

Please think about what you wear. Don't embarrass yourself or your date. It's really simple: Don't dress like a slut, and make sure the dress at least goes to your ankles, although floor length is most appropriate. You can still be sexy and stylish with a full length gown.

When Your Dog Turns Blue

2011-10-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

I assure you, this was no episode of Blue's Clues. I decided that I needed some lemons, tomatoes and bananas. One of the lovely things about rural living is that there are fruit stands all over. There are plenty of farmers with fresh produce all over. So, the husband and I decided to take the pups on a walk to the closest stand, which is about a mile away from home. Usually not a problem for Bubba, except that yesterday it was 80 degrees, and if you have any experience with French Bulldogs or any brachycephalic breeds, you know this could be dangerous.

I would like to say, this walk was probably a bad judgement call on my part with the Frenchie, but I wasn't thinking it was as warm as it was outside, nor did I consider the fact that his breed overheats fairly quickly and can end up in danger at the blink of an eye. Moreover, you never think these things will happen to you.

Bubba was panting pretty hard as we approached the fruit stand, I ran in and asked for water- I bought 4 bottles. We tried to cool him off, but he was gasping for air, and his tongue was turning smurf blue. My nursing powers kicked in and told me that this was a sign of hypoxia and no good. We were about a mile from home, what should we do? I felt like my dog was going to die out there on the dirt road. At that moment, it was as if God sent me two angels. This couple drove up and asked if we needed help, a ride home, or to a vet- anything. I gladly accepted a ride home with my panting little boy.

I got home and I layed him in the shade, and started to cool him off. He slowly started to turn pink again, and I thought I was out of danger. I had spoken to the vet and they told me that I should bring him in straight away- but again, my nursing powers kicked in and this time they failed me. Pink mucous membranes = restored oxygen = good. No Vet.

So, an hour went by and my dog was increasingly lethargic, starting to get unresponsive, and pupils were not reacting to light. He was stumbling around, confused. He wasn't my Bubba. I started thinking Intracranial pressure leading to decreased levels of consciousness, or dangerous levels of hypoxia had lead to brain damage- off to the ER we went as fast as the Chevy would go.

We sat. and sat. Finally I went to the desk and I said "Excuse me, I called and your concern was that my dog had gone into shock. What I know about shock in humans is that we have very little time to intervene. I don't mind waiting, but I'd at least like a tech to come eyeball my dog to make sure we are not heading into danger." Immediately they rushed out and grabbed Bubba, apparently they hadn't even looked at my paperwork that I filled out, and obviously they hadn't listened to what I said when I checked in. Anyway, no harm, no foul. Just an angry Mommy.

So they took him back and put him into an oxygen chamber. Ben and I waited in the wait area, they wouldn't let us go back. Finally they called us back and the doc talked with us. They did a chest xray to make sure his lungs were clear because she heard some bilateral wheezing, which I had noticed myself at home. I checked because I wanted to make sure he hadn't aspirated any saliva when he was panting so hard earlier, and gotten some fluid in his lungs. No crackles, but wheezes.

The Vet recommended and overnight stay. 1L of IV fluids to help hydrate him, some antiemetic for his vomiting and prophylactic metronidazole for the bloody diarrhea. They also ran labs, a CBC and a test to check his clotting factors, just to be sure he wasn't heading into a condition called DIC, in which your body consumes all it's clotting factors and eventually leads to a condition where you can't clot. In other words DANGER! But, we were clear from that. His Hemoglobin levels were a bit high, and were still high this morning. But, that's ok. He was hypoxic and that's what your body does to try and get more oxygen to your tissues.

It was a long sleepless night, and a $700 bill later- but, the pup is ok. His right front arm is shaved, that's where the IV was and he remains angry with me and wants nothing to do with anything about me. However, he's happily cuddling with his brother. I'm confident he will get over his grudge soon.

As for me, I'm totally relieved, and now I can get back to studying for my exams this week. Back to reality I go.

What a relief!

2011-10-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

So, I did it. I passed! The dreaded cardiac exam that is rumored to be one of the worst exams at school- except for the "final final". I did it, just barely- and by just barely I mean I got the minimum score required to pass. I'm actually thrilled, which is strange for me because I would normally be crying at anything that isn't in the A range. However, I haven't spoken to anyone today that has actually passed, and it seems like a good majority of my class failed- so, yeah. I'm happy with mediocre this time around.

In other news; I made this awesome recipe for dinner tonight. Hinan Chicken. Of course I found the recipe on Pinterest. You can try it out here. My husband said "It's on of my favorite things now." So, go, try it. My only change I made was that instead of using a pot on the stove- I crock potted it, and used chicken broth in place of the water.

And now, I am off to bed with my 50mg of benadryl to ensure a good night's sleep before I spend 12 hours at the psych hospital again tomorrow. I can tell you, psych is not my thing. I don't plan on ever going into psych nursing. I don't have the patience.

Good Night!

Bring Back My Bar

2011-10-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Bring Back My Bar is BACK! Head on over and vote for your favorite Scents. Then come back and tell me what some of your favorite Scents are. This should be a fun post.

My all time Favorites are:

1. Sugar

2. Just Breathe

3. Cranberry Mango

If I had to pick just 3. I could go on all day with Scents I love. :)

Last Care Plan, EVER!

2011-10-09T22:27:00.001-07:00

Yeah go me! So, it's done. The last care plan of nursing school- EVER! This semester as crazy as it has been going, I only had two care plans to do- 1 for my psych clinical, and another for my geriatrics project.

Tonight- They are both complete.

So, adios to student nursing care plans for me. It's been nice, but let's not meet again, k? :)

Oh, how I love the rain

2011-10-05T20:35:00.000-07:00

My first rain in my new home- I always knew there were frogs in the creek behind my house, I could hear them at night. Ribbit. Ribbit.

It's been raining all day, and they are ALL OVER the back of my home, all over the yard. It's really kind of cool. Look how tiny and sweet this little guy is?

(not so wordless) Wednesday!

2011-09-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

Ah! I'm up! Last night I fell victim to the worst migraine EVER! I had a long day. I did my Geriatric clinical hours, and then met up with a friend for close to three hours of Myocardial Infarction with a side of Valvular disorders, and a stroke for dessert. It was awesome; but, in all seriousness- it's finally starting to sink in. Oh boy is this semester a beast! I know, I keep saying that, but it really is and that's actually an understatement.

I accomplished so much over the weekend, it's no wonder I'm getting these awful migraines again. System overload. I think it's my brains idea of CTRL+ALT+DEL. I slept for a good twelve and a half hours last night and I finally feel refreshed. Too bad I won't get home until about nine this evening and have to get up about four Thursday.

I'm off the grid until Friday!

THE FINAL SEMESTER: Update

2011-09-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had my first day on a Psychiatric unit. For patient privacy I won't go into too much details, but I will say that it was interesting. I was able to see some text book examples of different ways of speaking actually being used by patients, and was able to identify them, I got to use some of my therapeutic communications skills and I even saw a couple of conflicts and exciting moments. It was interesting to say the least; a learning experience for sure.

I think school is getting under way quite well. I just have six more weeks left of the first half of the semester, meaning- only six more weeks of Geri and Psych, then I start leadership and my preceptorship and once that is over on Jan 13, I am DONE. DONE. DONE. NCLEX bound! 14 more weeks until it's all complete.

I have been fairly productive this week actually, and I am surprised. I wrote my six page paper, so I can cross that off my list of to do, which is a HUGE relief. So for this weekend, I just need to focus on doing my geri hours which will be taken care of today, Friday, and Saturday and then studying for my Psych exam on Wednesday.

Did I mention how stressed out I was?

Thank God after I take my Fake NCLEX this morning, I don't have to be back on campus again until Wednesday late morning. HOORAY!

(Update Sept. 25: I took my NCLEX predictor and I got what I thought was a horrible score, so I went to go see the DON- according to her little book thing, the score I received lined up to say that if I were to take the NCLEX now, I'd have a 90% chance of passing- WOO HOO!)

I think it's safe to say that I survived week 2 of the final semester.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T09:43:00.001-07:00

Source: google.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Today has been... quite a day.

2011-09-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

Mondays are always rough- but, especially more so on me today because it finally hit me that I have a million things to do.

1. I have a 6 page paper due on October 12 to be written in strict accordance to APA format for my psych course. My topic: The role of nursing care in the inmate population.
2. I have to read 4 more chapters in my Gerontology text before Wednesday
3. I have 22 chapters to read in my Psych book before my first exam on Sept. 28
4. I have to prepare for my lecture on valvular disorders before wednesday.
5. Print out my course packet for psych clinical
6. Formulate a schedule to turn in to school for my gerontology clinical site; and manage to do 48 hours of clinical on my own in the community.
7. Get some rest
8. Be at a clinical site sixty miles away from home on Thursday morning ready to experience the wonderful world of psychiatric nursing.

Hello?!!! Who has time for all that crap. This 8 week class format this semester is going to kill me. What were they thinking?! I can't wait until it's over. The second 8 weeks are going to be a breeze compared to this.

Three months, Three weeks, and four days until this nonsense is over. I can't wait to be done.

To Blog or Not to Blog... That is the Question

2011-09-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

I want to write about it, but I don't want to write about it. Have you ever had this feeling? I think sometimes I may go into too much detail about my personal life and the people in it, but then again, I also feel like I do a good job at keeping people anonymous with the exception of my husband. So, why do I feel like an asshat for sharing my feelings about a topic sometimes? I've had it happen a couple times where people have approached me and said "I read that blog you wrote about me". I don't know how to respond, really. My blog isn't private so I'm not sure if I should be surprised or not. Usually, it doesn't surprise me. I'm a fairly intelligent person, I know that what I write here is open to everyone and anyone on this planet. I also don't believe in censorship. So there!

I guess, "oh well" it is.

Me. As me as it gets? I am tired of worrying about what people will say or think about me, or who's feelings I may hurt with my opinion in my next post or last post, or the post three weeks ago. If you know me, in real life, you know there's not much I wouldn't just say to someone face to face anyway. I lack a filter, and I'm passionate. So, sometimes that gets me into trouble but... oh well. It is what it is. I am who I am, and at this point in my life, basically...

Take it or leave it.
Love me or hate me.
Live and let live.

I think we can spend all day thinking about the people who have upset us at one point in life, but really, why should we? If they were worth anything to us... they would still be around, or they wouldn't be holding a grudge, and they certainly would be more forgiving of our faults.

So, I find my self thinking this morning: "Why did I even bother trying?"

and in case you hadn't noticed, yes... this too is referring to a specific incident- This is my liberation from the confines of mental masturbation regarding the issue.

Some day, I really will learn to master the art of not letting things get to me. Some. Day.

Reflections

2011-09-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

If you've been following me long enough, you were with me through my last deployment so you may remember this post. Since that post has happened, not only did we move out of base housing to buy our own home, but my husband received orders to a non-deployable unit, and finally I made it to my last semester of nursing school. A lot has changed in my life since the beginning of that deployment. I've gained friends, I've lost friends, I've progressed on my journey to being an RN, and I've gotten spoiled with having my husband home.

I love having him around, and I enjoy the fact that he's here every night without fail- except for once a month when he has to stand his twenty-four hour duty. The other day I told him that I never want him to leave again, that I enjoy having him around. His response? I can have him around every night after the next ten years. Le Sigh.

I don't know how I ever put up with a thirteen month deployment followed shortly with a seven month deployment. It seems like a far distant memory now, like a bad dream that didn't really happen. I think I've grown to place of denial; I am not thinking about him ever leaving again because we have two plus years of him being home. It's too far out to think about.

I don't know why I am even writing about it... BAH! Back to the books I go. I need to study. :)

The Dreaded Maliok

2011-09-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

If you are Italian, you know what I'm talking about- and the mere mention of it makes you want to run for the hills with cornutti to hide from all the blue eyed people of the world. LOL

I came across a blog called Sigilicious recently, and the author wrote a story about the Maliok, which I found to be amusing, so I wanted to share.

If you are Italian, you will probably find this extremely humorous, if you aren't Italian, after reading this, you may just decide that I'm crazy. :) Please know, that I absolutely am.

Either way, take a read. The Maliok (Maloccio) or The "Evil Eye"

A New Journey

2011-09-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

I'm home, and I have a couple days left to relax before my LAST semester of nursing school starts. I had a nice time away visiting friends and family, and now I'm home relaxing.

img: www.isthmuscatholic.org

Today marks the start of a new religious journey for my husband and I. We are Catholic, me more "official" at it than he, but we both consider ourselves Catholic. Recently we've decided to start the process for him to become Catholic officially within the church, by easter of this year he should be all baptized, confessed, and confirmed! So, tonight we start the courses that the church calls RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation for Adults). I will be taking the courses with him, so it's something we can do together.

I'm super excited to be starting on this new journey with him. I think it's going to be a great opportunity for the two of us to grow together in our marriage and in Christ.

Keep Calm and Nurse On!

2011-09-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

Source: img0.etsystatic.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Med/Surg final is done, and graded. I did well, and I passed the class. Next semester it's onto Advanced Med/Surg! I can't wait, and I'm not going to lie, I'm more than a little excited for my preceptorship. Not only did I find my own preceptor at the hospital of my choice; the hospital that my friends like to refer to as "The Flagship Hospital", but it was approved! I can't wait to start "working" there for my last semester. It's going to be such a great experience.

In other news: Hubby is home late from work today, but because his work is forcing him to take leave since he has too much leave on the books! How great is this? Finally we will get some time off together. I'm stoked. I will get to spend a whole two days of uninterrupted fun with him before I leave for LA! YEAH!!!!

Just one more final tomorrow, and I'm done until Sept. 14- Tomorrow at this time I will be a SENIOR RN Student!

From Gloomy to Gorgeous

2011-09-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is what I woke up to

This is what the skies look like now

So long, farewell... at least until next week.

2011-09-04T22:40:00.000-07:00

So, my big week starts Tuesday. I have two finals which I feel completely unprepared for and then, I get to leave San Diego and take a trip back home to Los Angles! I'm so excited to spend time with my family and see some of my friends that I haven't had time for lately with the rigors of nursing school.

I will tell you what, I'm super stoked about going home. I didn't go away to college because the university I wanted to go to was just a 20 minute drive from home, but, I loved it just the same. I ♥ my Alma Mater, and since I won't be available to attend homecoming weekend this year, I've bought myself some tickets for the game this Saturday: Azusa Pacific University v. University of LaVerne @ Azusa. It should be a good game. GO COUGARS!

img: apu.edu

Other than that, I plan on eating at all my favorite places; Golden Deli, Shakas, 888 for Dim Sum, The Farmer's Market down in Hollywood!!! Oh I can't wait. It's going to be great to be home for a little while. A nice time to reset my mind, and get back on track and ready to focus for my final semester.

See you in a week or so!!

A Great Start To a Great Weekend!

2011-09-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

Who's excited for this holiday weekend? For me, because of my schedule, when it's all said and done I will have had a five day weekend. Isn't that awesome.

So, I'm super stoked! Yesterday, my friend drove down here from LA and we went to Pala Casino to eat buffet and play some slots. The buffet had LOBSTER claws, which they don't usually have. Super stoked event #1 for the day, and then, I put $10 into a slot machine and got this!

YEAH!!! Hello groceries this week! Thank You Pala Casino!

Today, Sears did their registration for the Heros at Home program, and I had a bit of trouble getting in. I'm still not sure that I was accepted in this time around, but I'm stoked that the program has started and that 20k military families will be getting some pretty awesome gift cards from Sears this year. Hopefully we get it, but if not, oh well. I will try again next year. If you were one of the lucky people or even if you were not, stopping over at Sears to say Thank You would be an awesome gesture. I don't think we, as military families can thank them enough for the support that they give us year round! HOORAY FOR SEARS!

Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!

Fire Season is in Full Effect

2011-08-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

img: cbs8.com

This is a photo of the 300+ acre fire that is going on over at the Pala Indian Reservation, which is less than a couple miles from my home. I've never been this close to a fire before. I'm a veteran when it comes to Fire Season, however. I grew up in California and this is nothing new to us. Fires and Quakes, it's what we do.

I'm not going to lie, this time it's a little different, and I'm a tad stressed out. Not only do I own my house that is so close to this burning monstrosity, but I also have dogs to think about now, as well as finals to prepare for.

img: latimesblogs.latimes.com

I basically did a drive by at school today. I went in, gave my presentation (by the way, thank you to my classmates who were gracious enough to let me go first so I could get back home in case of evacuation; your kindness is much appreciated), and then I took off. I left my house at 0630, and here I am home by 0900. Now, to sit an wait. I'm hoping the fire gets contained. As of 0630 it was 60% contained, and as of 0800, 40% contained. So, we are making progress. But, I've been living here long enough to know that any kind of unfavorable wind and we could be back up to full blaze again. I will relax when it's 100% contained.

My plan for the day: Keep the air on because the air sucks, soot and ash doesn't smell good, and it makes a mess with open windows & focus on studying for finals with the news on in the background so I can keep updated with what's going on environmentally around here.

Have Some Class

2011-08-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

Source: weheartit.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Anxious

2011-08-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

I loathe getting up in front of people to speak. I would rather sit in a room full of bugs, and if you know me, that really is saying a lot.

Today I have to give a presentation in front of my Med/Surg class about an Organization called Michelle's Place. It's a great organization, but with my speaking (or lack there of) skills, I'm not sure I will do it justice.

Tomorrow, it's on Autism to a class full of about 60 people, which is DOUBLE the class size for today's presentation.

I don't know how I will survive the next couple of days!!!! AHHHHHHH!

I have a theory

2011-08-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Img: St. Agnus School of Nursing

Whenever I have something super important to do, like prepare for finals or a presentation that's due the next day; I'm always super productive around the house. Take for example today:

I slept in until 11 (thank God, I really needed it), then I woke up drank two cups of coffee, hubby and I split up to do team work; he did the yard work while I made breakfast (a tomato and mozz egg bake), then I went to the store while he cleaned up the house. Now that I'm home and everything is done, I felt it uber necessary to make home made granola to keep in stock so we would have it for our yogurt this week, and then I doubled the recipe so that we'd really have a lot!

Necessary? No, not really... but, I'm being productive!

My Thoughts on Friendship

2011-08-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that we've all had, you know, that one friend. The toxic friendship. You know, the one that takes more out of you than is even worth putting into it? Maybe they all didn't start out that way, but they sure all ended up that way. I couldn't honestly tell you when this all started happening, but it happened, and now it's over. I can honestly say, the only regret I have, is not ending it sooner.

I spent months being nice, just for the sake of being nice. Why? Because I don't believe in being rude to people, especially people I consider to be friends. Maybe I even believe that sometimes friends can be annoying; it happens. Then it passes, and things go back to normal... or not. I'm not even sure when the point happens where you realize that the annoying phase isn't going to pass, but you eventually realize it.

Here's some tips that I'd like to document, so that for one, my bloggy friends won't find themselves in the same situation and for two, I won't forget the lesson I learned today.

10 ways to know your friendship is over:
1. Your friend talks more about his/her own life, than he/she is willing to listen to you about yours.
2. You do more for your friend than they are willing to do for you.
3. Your friend is rude to you, then blames it on XYZ and doesn't take responsibility for it, on a regular basis.
4. They don't trust you.
5. Your friend is incapable of taking constructive criticism well.
6. Your friend is unwilling to compromise.
7. If you ever call your friend, he/she is too busy to talk to you, on a regular basis.
8. You feel like your friend is always being rude to you, and you can't figure out why.
9. Your friend pretends they are not upset with you just to avoid confrontation.
10. Your friend suddenly can not form his/her own opinions without checking the opinion of their significant other first.

Seriously, learn to look out for these signs, and you too can avoid getting screwed over by friendship.

Jane Wayne Day! Dun Dun Dun...

2011-08-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

So, for those of you who are not familiar with this event, it's a day where you get to experience life as your husband. So, as you know, my husband teaches recruits to shoot. So, I thought yay! I get to stand around and watch people yell at recruits. (Insert annoying buzz here!)

Apparently, I get to become like a recruit, and experience this:

Oh what have I gotten myself into? I've even been told that I will be enjoying an MRE for lunch. EW!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Available for Purchase Oct. 1
http://sarahvanleuven.scentsy.us

Just a bunch of randomness, and a photo!

2011-08-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today, I took my last exam for peds. Now I am all done, except for finals. I have approximately two weeks to prepare for two comprehensive exams, and I feel good and I'm confident with the rest of the semester. There's no doubt in my mind that I will complete and pass both classes this time around. Sept 21st I start my final semester of RN school, and I couldn't be more excited. I am ready to start working, and ready to move onto grad school. Done and Done!

Now, I did mention something about a photo, didn't I? Let's see if you can figure out what's wrong with this photo. I stopped through base on my way home from school to get some gas and some Starbucks and I came across this and the first thing I thought was "EPIC FAIL!"

In case you didn't catch it, they misspelled Corps. That's one of my pet peeves. A Corp. is an abbreviation for Corporation. The last time I checked, the Marines were not in any way, shape or form a corporation. One of my other pet peeves are wives who plaster their vehicles in military stickers; I just think one or none is enough, this happened to be one of those vehicles, so... two strikes for you lady (or man). I didn't happen to see who the car belonged to. Either way, learn to spell!

Medifast FAIL! or... maybe WIN!

2011-08-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

So, the third time is not a charm. I kept cheating on my Medifast diet, the cravings for other foods were just so unbearable. I stopped and restarted so many times, and I'm just over it. It's just not the diet plan for me. Here's what I think. It's roughly about 800 calories a day, and you do get all the nutrients your body needs so you do not get malnourished, however, 800 calories is not enough for the energy required to basically be a human being. The cumulative effects of lethargy I felt at the end of the solid month that I did stay on it, just was not worth it to me. I lost 20 pounds, and I'm happy for that and haven't gained any back, but I did not enjoy that I couldn't even make it through a low impact twenty minute workout. Something about that just doesn't seem right to me.

So, what I've been doing the past couple weeks that I've been off the calorie starved diet is working out four days a week, sometimes five if I have the time for roughly an hour each and burning up to 600 calories each time. I feel better, more energized, and less stressed. Exercise and healthy eating IS the way to go. Powdered food, is not! My long term success will be greater if I do this the right way; the eat healthy and exercise way.

Today's workout: 60 minutes on the elliptical which burned a total of 570 calories
Today's Breakfast: A bowl of whole wheat cheerios with non-fat milk
Today's Lunch: Turkey with provolone on whole wheat with low fat mayo.

and for dinner we are having 99% lean ground turkey tacos on corn tortillas.

This is the way to go, it's the way I used to live when I was thin and in my early 20s. Eat right, be active. The End. None of that other crap works, at least not for the long term. Being healthy and fit, it's a commitment. One that I have finally made for myself. So, I may have failed at Medifast, but I think I learned a great lesson about feeding and fueling my body. So, in the end, I WIN!

Big news, I've finally made a decision

2011-08-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

As nursing school comes to a close for me, I am starting to look at options to further my education. I've been looking into options for grad school- which I can do with an ADN because I have a Bachelor's in another field. Over the past few months I've been contacting various schools, inquiring about programs and requirements, cost, etc. There's just so much to consider.

Originally I had been debating about going to NP school, or getting my MSN in Nursing Leadership. I have my BS in Leadership, and I thought maybe I might be interested in doing something similar for my Master's program. So, I have decided that an MSN in Nursing Leadership it is.

I've found an awesome independent study program, an online public, non-profit university with reputable and accredited programs that I think will suit my needs well. It's also fairly affordable- honestly, grad school isn't cheap, but as far as grad schools go, this one isn't too bad. Their tuition combined with my GI Bill benefits, will make getting my MSN a fairly painless experience on my pocket book.

I'm stoked, in a few months not only will I be an RN, but I will also finally be able to call myself a grad student. HOORAY!

A Cup of T at Disneyland

2011-08-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

One of my very wonderful and dear friends, who happens to be another California girl married to a Marine as well (I introduced her to my husband's friend. hehe); stranded in Maine, came home to visit for a week and we had a chance to hang at out Disney. It was a blast. I just wanted to share a couple of awesome photos.

You can check out my gal pal over at A Cup of T.

MilSpouse Friday Fill in #52

2011-08-05T09:07:00.001-07:00

1. Give a man fish, and he'll eat for a day, teach a man to fish and....
He'll eat for a lifetime.
2. It is amazing what you can accomplish...
If you just believe in yourself.
3. If you can't stand the heat...
at least shut up about it.
4. What lies behind us and what lays before us are tiny matters compared to...
what is happening now. Focus on the right now.
5. Well behaved women seldom...
drink an entire bottle of wine on a Friday night.

Super Stressed & Frustrated

2011-08-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

So, here I am sitting here extremely frustrated. Let me take you back to Monday- so, I have my lab at 10am, and then lecture at 1pm, during lab my lecture instructor came in to make an announcement. She said that we would be put into groups of three and given a topic from the afternoon's lecture and that we would be teaching ourselves about GI Disorders. My first instinct was that this was going to suck and I should just go home, however, I carpool and I couldn't just leave, so I stayed and tried to have a more positive outlook on the afternoon. I mean, maybe people will do a good job teaching because they have an interest in learning too, right? WRONG!

I learned nothing. Some people did a good job, but the majority of the presentations were too hard to hear because people spoke too softly, or I couldn't take notes because the student was talking so fast I couldn't tell if they were speaking english or french at me. Then, we got to the lady who is from Russia, and don't get me wrong, I do like this woman, but she is so hard to understand! She may as well have been up there teaching us how to make cupcakes for goodness sake!

So, here I sit, confused as heck with no idea about anything that I need to know for the test on Monday. This is so not like me. Once I read and hear the lecture, I get it. It's not hard- you learn what manifestations go with what disease and what interventions you should do and why. Right? Simple! Well, simple if you know what all of those things are. Sure, they are in my book but it's so darned tedious.

I just feel like lecture was a waste of my time. Instead of sitting in class for four hours trying to figure out what everyone was saying I could have been at home for four hours reading my book and actually learning something. UGH!

Article III, Letter J- Landscape appearance

2011-07-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

This is my house, and if you know me on facebook you probably already have an idea of what this post is to be about.

I am in violation of Article III, Letter J- Landscape appearance and I must comply by 08/22/2011 and should I fail to comply I may be called into a hearing before the Board of Directors and I could face possible fines.

Isn't that great? I thought so, what a lovely welcome to the neighborhood letter that was. I just moved in here May 10th and already they send such a warm welcome. Gee I am sure glad I live here.

Obviously, this photo is of a fresh Mow. My husband mows every Monday. Last time he mowed before last night was Monday July 18th- this week, we got kind of busy. It's summer, there's more recruits and my husband doesn't get home until dark, so this week, just this week- he decided to skip his Monday mow and save it for Saturday, that is until we got the citation for being in violation of the lawn mowing rule. You know, we were overdue by three days. Just three days. If the stupid lady who walks around with her note pad and poodles taking notes on houses would have just waited until tomorrow (Saturday), the lawn would have gotten mowed, but instead after being up since 0400, both my husband and I headed outside in the dark to do yard work by street lamp.

I sure love the Lake Rancho Viejo HOA. Don't you?

Open Letters

2011-07-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Nursing School,

I would appreciate a little bit more organization on your part. Today I met with my preceptor during clinical, and she had some questions for you; which I promptly relayed to which you replied that I hadn't given you the correct information. I worry that with five weeks left of this semester, that no one would have informed me of this little snafu and I would have just been assigned to any old preceptor. Guess what? I don't want any old preceptor, I want the one that I found for myself. Thank You.

Dear Clinical Instructor,

Seriously, you are totally awesome. Like, no joke... super duper awesome! I have seen you advocate for us as students on many occasion. I can honestly say you are my favorite instructor of all of nursing school. I'm so glad I had you for my very last med/surg clinical

Dear Husband,

Thank You for being such a big help to me. I don't think I'd have made it through nursing school without your help. I can't possibly ever express with words just how much I appreciate your support. muah muah muah.

Always,

Miscellany Monday on Monserate Mountain

2011-07-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

[One]. I'm down to 181lbs from 200 as of this weekend. That's 19lbs gone! Hooray! Just 31 more to go and I will be at my healthy weight.

[Two]. Monserate Mountain. My husband and I have made a pact to become more active, one of the things we decided was to make it a point to go hiking on Sunday's. There are tons of trails around my home, Monserate Mountain being the closest at about two miles away, so we tried that one first.

Here is the beginning of the trail. I was stoked at this point. Soon, I began to realize just how out of shape I really was. Of course, my husband was just trucking along, enjoying himself as I was straggling and dying behind him. We made it to about the half way point before I got sick and vomited. I thought that once you got sick, got it out, you'd be go to go so I kept going. I wanted to make it to the top!

Hubby and I before I got sick, at about the half way point

Half way point marker, 1.1 miles in.

So, up I go... the mountain kept getting increasingly steeper. I thought I was going to DIE! At one point I even started crying! YES! CRYING! Side note: When I was about 24, I climbed Fuji so I used to be in incredible shape. Monserate Mountain has nothing on Fuji, so I felt awful. How did I get so out of shape? and why are all these old people passing me like this incline is nothing? UGH! Finally, I decided that it was enough. My legs were wobbling, I wasn't safe anymore. I could see myself falling and rolling down the side of the mountain in the brush, rocks and rattle snakes. No Thank You! All in all, it was a nice hike, we shall try again next week. Sooner or later, I will get to the top.

The view from about the half way point. Some day, I will get to the top.

[Three]. I hate Monday, same as always. But, this Monday is particularly special. Six more weeks until this semester is over, which means about seven more weeks until I start my FINAL semester of Nursing school. Finally... the light, I see it!

Shrimp Dilemma

2011-07-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have a dilemma. I want to make Jambalaya and I have a good recipe that calls for shrimp, chicken, and sausage. I am hoping that some of my bloggy followers may have some suggestions for which I can use as a shrimp substitute. I can't eat shrimp, because I am allergic. I love the stuff, but my body just doesn't. I started having reactions to it about five years ago... up until then, it was probably one of my favorite foods.

Some suggestions I've already gotten which I am opposed to are:
Lobster- love it, but it's too pricey for me right now.
Imitation crab- neither hubby or I enjoy the taste.
Crawfish- I love this stuff, but it's hard to work with because I'd have to de-shell it and I can't find it sold anywhere here without shells.
Ham- I just don't like pork, something about the texture just makes me nuts.

I was thinking maybe scallops or vegan shrimp? I don't know... what do you guys think?

Up too early...

2011-07-21T05:10:00.000-07:00

I have clinical this morning and I thought I met my carpool at 0515 but, in fact we meet at 0545. DOH! So, now I am up. I ate... I am a bit thirsty and I'm sure there's a sugar free red bull calling my name at the ARCO. Today, I am sporting my new flip cap badge holder that I bought from raddpt on Etsy. It's super cute, and it's pink! I don't know which med has pink flip caps, but I love it!! I can't wait for people to tell me how cute it is.

And... that's all the interesting jargon I have this morning. Off to go get me a fix of caffeine.

Are you a stereotype?

2011-07-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

(Warning, this post may be offensive to some. Please keep in mind this is based solely on my own opinion which you are more than welcome to agree with or not.)

I wouldn't say I'm a salty old Marine Wife, but I've been around long enough to see all kinds. I know a thing or two (not everything) and I've settled into an identity of my own that I'm comfortable with. I am who I am, and I'm comfortable enough to tell people they can take it or leave it. I don't change to make people happy or to fit in, in any situation.

So, with that, I was having a conversation with some friends yesterday and I really got to thinking about "that" military wife. You know the one I am talking about, the one with tons of "I love my Marine" stickers plastered all over her car, the one with every Marine Corps T-Shirt on the market, the one who flaunts her military marriage status all over the place, the one who thinks she is better than any other married woman on the planet because she's been through a deployment or two, and the one who refuses to think outside the military box. Yes, you know who I am talking about, and I'm sure you all know one or two, or perhaps even a few.

I always wonder, do these women not have lives of their own? Careers? Children? Friends? Does everything revolve around their husband and their husband's job? Is there nothing else about life that gets you passionate or interested in identifying with? Is the family readiness meeting really the highlight of your week???

I for one, do not identify myself by my husband's job. I am a Marine Wife, yes. I will never deny that, nor will I ever hide that. I am proud of what my husband does, and I am proud of the sacrifices that he and I make as a unit for this nation. HOWEVER, it is only part of me; just a piece of me it does not DEFINE me. Life outside the military is grand! It's nice to have friends that are military wives, but sometimes it's nice to have friends from all walks of life. I don't always want to talk about military stuff; tanks, guns, deployments... oh how borrrrinnggggg!!!! *gag*

I just think that some people get wayyyy to into this military lifestyle... I wish I could walk up to people sometimes and demand they receive a reality check. What is it about the military that attracts these crazy women?

Summer Fun!

2011-07-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

I've been having a blast this summer, I've been working hard in school and playing even harder in my personal life. Hubby and I are still doing dates as usual, but we've discovered Pala Casino. It's just four miles from us, and there's tons of penny slots. The routine has been brunch on Saturday morning, with five dollars of slot play then home for me to study.

Our very dear friends Taryn & Drew are in town this week, and yesterday we went to Disneyland! I have an awesome photo of T and I with Stitch, I will post it soon. I promise! It's been quite a while since I had been to Disneyland so it was super fun, plus I got to hang out with my girlfriend like old times! Just nine more months until she's done in Maine and here's crossing my fingers that her and her hubby get to come back to San Diego!

Today, I'm being a bum! I big BUM! This couch is mighty comfy.

Clinical Cancelled!

2011-07-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today's clinical was cancelled! Yeah! I'm kind of excited, and normally I wouldn't be but, I've been having a tough time with tele strips and I have an exam on Monday. So, when I saw the mass text from my instructor all I read was: now you have an extra day to study!

Tele strips have been a nightmare, there's so many different heart rhythms and so many variations on each that it's more or less you have to memorize specific land marks. I did find a couple of good websites for self help. If you are a nursing student you may appreciate them as much as I do. Check them out here and here.

So, on that note. I'm going to take off and get my workout going and clean the house up a little bit for a friend so we can study in cleanliness.

Weight loss, Buffets and Gambling

2011-07-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

I think that I've recently decided that I don't need vegas anymore. I spent all day saturday hanging out with the penny slots at a few of the local casinos. My Saturday went something like this; Hubby and I woke up, went to Pala and at the buffet there for brunch (the food there is amazing! If you haven't checked it out, you should!)- we then went over to Pauma which is a huge joke! It's a bunch of slot machines in what looks like an air conditioned tent. FAIL! So, we went home and I spent a little time studying and took a nap before we headed out to Pechanga- the BIG casino! There we played slots until about midnight and then headed home. It was fun, and I only came out -$5. WOO HOO! Can't wait to do it again next Saturday. Yes! We actually made plans to do it AGAIN next weekend. HA!

So, all this buffet talk probably has you wondering how I am on a diet. Yes, I'm still on Medifast and it's going great. I take one day off per week to keep my sanity and I weighed in at 184lbs yesterday, and if you don't remember, I started off at 200lbs, so that's a grand total of 16lbs GONE! Awesome, right? I'm pretty stoked!

Well, that's about all that is going on with me. I have some photos; maybe I will upload them later on this week when I have some time. School is keeping me busy, and I have my Cardiac exam next week! YIKES! (save me!)

Oh, How Pinteresting...

2011-07-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

Source: stumbleupon.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: closetcooking.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: seriouseats.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: bumpybrains.com via Sarah on Pinterest

A Quick Review on Time Warner Cable

2011-06-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

I think this is an awful company, and I would love for nothing more than if my blog post made at least one person decide against using their service. Let's go through my experience.

In May 2011

We had a scheduled appointment to install both the cable outlets and cable service, the man showed up unprepared for the job; he didn't have the correct equipment to install the outlets so we had to reschedule but for two weeks in the future.
Once the new appointment happened, the installation guy thought it would be a good idea to drill the cable lines through the floor because he thought it was easier... thank GOD I stopped him before he actually DID it.
Cable went out on a daily basis; we called every time and we were assured that this is only something that happens once every six- eight months.

In June 2011

I called to cancel our service, and then all of a sudden, the same last 4 of my husband's social all of a sudden was not correct in the system, so they could not verify my account. If I want to cancel I'd have to drive an hour away to the nearest payment center to turn in my equipment.
The next day, my husband drove them back their equipment.

Yesterday June 28

They took $188 out of our account, unauthorized.
When I called, they apologized for the inconvenience since it was their mistake. Aren't they polite?

Today June 30

I receive a call saying they can't refund my money, that I need to dispute it with my bank; so I disagreed and then was finally told the only way they could refund my money was in the form of a check because they don't have the ability to do refunds otherwise.
The check will take fifteen to twenty business days to arrive.

So, if you are thinking about Time Warner Cable, think no further; they are awful.

Do yourself a favor and go with AT&T U-Verse instead. Or any other company, ANY other company is better than Time Warner Cable.

Oh, How Pinteresting...

2011-06-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

I love food, so naturally, I love finding new and yummy (sometimes healthy, sometimes not so much) recipes on Pinterest! I love figs, and I love tomatos, and who doesn't like gnocci and mac & cheese? Combined? YES PLEASE!! I'm more addicted to Pinterest that I should be; it's a wonderful enjoyable waste of time. Interested? Just leave your email and I'll send you an invite, and you can start pinning your life away too. Here's a few pins from the past week in the mean time.

Source: thecuttingedgeofordinary.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: luxirare.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: honestfare.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T09:59:00.001-07:00

Source: brabournefarm.blogspot.com via Sheena on Pinterest

Aloe Vera?

2011-06-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

"ALOE VERA:

Not only does aloe vera help to calm and soothe your skin if you suffer from a sunburn, but it works well as a home remedy for a sour stomach as well.

Aloe vera can be consumed before or even after a meal to help soothe and settle the digestive tract. It works very well to get to the cause of the symptom and alleviate any pain and indigestion that you may be suffering from."

So, has anyone actually tried this? I have two humongous Aloe plants in my back yard, and my stomach is killing me; and by humongous I mean brontosaurus sized... What else can you use Aloe for other than sun burns?

Week 3- Medifast

2011-06-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

I am down to 188.0 lbs, and if you remember I started out at 200.4. For a refresher photo, check this out, and then compare it to this weeks photos. Do you see the change? It's awesome!

What's your song?

2011-06-23T04:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is probably a song that no one has heard of. I love it. It's in Italian, so I will post the translated lyrics for those of you who can't understand. One of my favorite Italian artists right now is Lorenzo Jovenatti, he's pretty awesome. If only he'd come tour in America.

tutto l'amore che ho (All the love that I have)

http://lyricstranslate.com

The wonders in this part of the universe,
Seem born to frame our faces
And if you'd gotten lost in the chaos,
I'd have had a strong feeling of unresolved.

A great vacuum that would have gone further,
To the extreme limits of my hopes,
I would've looked for you like a mad knight,
I would've fought against evil and its instances.
I would've gone through the labyrinths without hints,
Feeding on the ground that they would offer
And each new frontier I would have asked for a roof,
I'd have risked my life at sea.
Considering that love is priceless
I am willing to do anything to get a bit of it,
Considering that love is priceless
I will pay all the offered love,
all the love I have.
A prisoner inside the infinite prison
Is you I'd feel if you were not in my heart,
I would be hidden like many behind a finger
To give in to the sellers of pain.
And I've seen things reserved for dreamers
And I drank the juice of bitter contempt,
And I committed all my purest acts.
Considering that love is priceless ...
Considering that love is priceless,
I am willing to do anything to get a bit of it,
Considering that love is priceless
I will pay all the offered love,
all the love I have,
all the love I have.
Without you I would be all in vain,
Like a sword that pierces a dead body,
Without love I would be just a charlatan
Like a ship that never leaves port.
Considering that love is priceless,
I am willing to do anything to get a bit of it,
Considering that love is priceless
I will pay all the offered love,
all the love I have,
all the love I have,
all the love I have,
all the love I have,
all the love I have.

Take that!

2011-06-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

I know, it's super early and you may be wondering why the heck I am up so early. I have clinical at the hospital today. I'm super excited about it! Something new, and challenging. I'm just not so stoked on the fact that I need to be there so early.

Anywho! I did it! I weighed in this morning at 188.6, I finally got out of the 190s. I've been picking veggies off the list that have the least carbs, and much leaner proteins. Woo hoo! I just have six more weeks to go... let's see how low I can go! I'll be happy with a total weight loss of 30-40lbs, and then I can work on the last little bit up to 50 on my own with my new well behaved eating habits.

Brand new me, brand new healthy lifestyle!

Mother Nature: YOU SUCK!

2011-06-22T08:52:00.001-07:00

Ok so, I'm following my diet to a T! And I've added more exercise! Stupid scale's only moved about one pound. I just want to see it click on over to 189 so I can get out of the 190s, but I am stuck at 190. Yesterday I was 190.0 today I am 190.4. This bloat and junk that is heading my way; I'm not a fan off. I'm a little annoyed that now I won't really get a more accurate non-bloaty weight until next week. PHOOEY!

Ahhh! So what's new?

2011-06-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have a moment to update my bloggy fans on my life. I am out of class early today, and home relaxing for a little while before I finish up putting some paperwork together for Friday's clinical.

So, as you can tell from my lack of quality blog posts, I've been pretty busy. I started my semester about six weeks ago. Can you believe it? I'm already six weeks in, that leaves me with ten more weeks before this semester ends, and about 24 weeks of school before I am done with Nursing school all together. December is going to come around pretty quickly. I can't wait!

Right now I am taking pediatric nursing and my last med/surg class before I get to the advanced med/surg class. That means this semester is my FINAL med/surg clinical too; next semester I will be doing a preceptorship and on my own out there on the floor without an instructor to talk me through everything. That means this semester I really need to hone my skills and polish up.

My peds clinical is almost over, about two weeks left at the site and I couldn't be happier. You know, part of it is that children just aren't my thing, and the other part is the type of facility that I've been assigned to. It's a day care that accepts special needs children along with the other "normal" kids; it's a great place, wonderful facility- don't misunderstand me there. I just don't feel like I am getting the learning experience with it that I should. I'm lucky if I have a medical case to take care of that involves something nurse-y. Most of the time, I just do an evaluation and I feel like I am a day care attendant. We go to recess with the kids, sit in on teaching time; I just don't feel like we are getting to do a lot of pediatric medical type things.

Med/Surg this semester I hope will be awesome on the other hand. It's at a great hospital; magnet status, and brand new. We will get to rotate to special areas too while we are there; out patient centers, and surgical area, maybe even the ICU. Last week was my first day there, so we spent most of it getting oriented with the staff and the floor. This week, I actually really start the rotation with patient care. I'm super excited. A super bonus for me: I love love love my clinical instructor. She seems really awesome and really excited about teaching us. I can't wait!

Over the weekend, I actually was able to do something social. I went to a party at a friend's house. Her sister graduated high school so her mom threw an awesome party. This is where I ate lots of wonderful Serbian food, which was fan-tas-tic!! I'd love to have some again some day. The party actually reminded me of a bunch of crazy Italians... except they were Serbian, not Italian. Needless to say, I felt very welcomed and right at home. I even learned to do a Serbian dance. Tons of fun!

That's me trying not to loose my step. My friend is the gorgeous one on the left in the pink dress. I actually danced to about three songs. I was just having too much fun. I'd have stayed all night dancing, but hubby was getting tired, so we went home and off to bed we went. Just a couple of old folks. HA!

So, there's my update. Kind of long, but I guess that's what happens when you don't really blog for six weeks.

Weekly weight in- no photos this time :(

2011-06-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

So, I lost nothing this week. I stepped on the scale and I weigh 192. I do know what went wrong, however.

For one, I am getting bloated because in a few days mother nature is due to bring her awesome gift by. For two, I went to a party on Saturday night and I told myself I would only eat some salad and a piece of meat so that I could stay on track with my lean and green. I did not do that. I got there and the food all looked amazing! It was Sebian food, and I had never had Serbian food before (it's amazing by the way), so I wanted to try everything, and I did. I even had a piece of delicious cake and 1 alcoholic beverage. Yesterday I was good, I even worked out for 45 minutes on the elliptical but, then when it came to dinner, I had a second helping- which in reality is not a lot of food, but it's not what is prescribed for my diet.

So, I basically lost no weight this week. I made some bad choices and I'm a little bloaty. Well, no one is perfect; I'm not going to be too hard on myself, but I am back on track this week. NO CHEATING!!!!

Scentsy- Mystery Hostess Party

2011-06-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

I'm starting something fun with my business, and I wanted to get all my bloggy friends involved! I've been a Scentsy consultant since May of 2008, I absolutely stand behind this product. It's wonderful, safe, beautiful and flameless.

What is Scentsy? If you don't know already, it's a flameless wick-less candle system. There are over 80 scents, and I've lost count of how many warmers you have to choose from, but there is something for everyone.

10% off this warmer in June ONLY!

If you like candles, you will LOVE Scentsy, check out my cost comparison. In my humble opinion, Scentsy is much better than any candle on the market.

So, how can you get in on some free stuff you ask? Well, let me explain the Mystery Hostess Party that I am having! First take a look at the hostess rewards (this is what you will be winning). The more people that purchase, the bigger the hostess rewards will get.

So, the rules for this contest are easy, and you don't even have to be a follower of my blog. It's open to ANYONE!

1. You do have to "Like" my Scentsy fan page (This is where I will be posting updates, and winners).

2. You must place your order of $20 or more through this link to be counted toward the Mystery Hostess Party. (The link is also posted on Facebook.)

3. Don't forget to include your email in your order so that I can contact you when you win.

Available for purchase July 1

Super easy? Right? The party starts today, and you can make purchases until August 15; I will randomly draw the winners name and announce it that day. The winner will have 3 days to claim their prize before I close out the party. Have fun, and good luck!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T11:09:00.001-07:00

Down 7.2lbs since last week.

2011-06-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

One week of Medifast down, with about seven pounds. I can't wait to see what this next week brings. I'm loving this plan. It's easy, I'm eating small meals all the time so I'm definitely not hungry and I'm having fun with my lean and green meal. I'm getting creative with veggies.

192.3lbs

Not So Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

Week 1- Medifast

2011-06-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

Today I started my Medifast, as promised; the start of my journey with a photo and a weigh in.

The first three weeks you are not supposed to exercise, you can gradually start doing about 10 minutes after your body adjusts and then go from there. I thought I'd walk today, but I feel weak, and I'm tired. Definitely having sugar withdrawals. Good news is that I'm not hungry. I may try to take a waltz down the driveway to the mail box. I still have my lean & green meal to eat and 1 more Medifast meal. So far, so good. Hunger is under control. The worst part about this is the sugar withdrawals. I CAN DO THIS!

Weigh in: 200.4 lbs

I need your HELP!

2011-06-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

I am looking for some help for a pregnant Marine who is 8 months pregnant. She's a junior Marine and recently lost her home to a gas explosion, so she's lost EVERYTHING. If you have any baby clothes, adult clothes, gift cards, toys, any necessities that you can donate, please leave your email in a comment and I will send you the address where you can send the items to on board Camp Lejeune.

Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated.