Thanks ladies!
Friday, October 31, 2008
my socialization via blogs
Stopped by Nurse Ratched's Place and am so happy I did! She posted about "Change of Shift", in particular Amanda's submission of CoS, at This Crazy Miracle Called Life. I consider myself fortunate for taking the time to check out these blogs because as you may know from my last couple of posts, I am in desperate need of inspiration. Through Amanda's blog I came across Running Wildly, who offers yet another remarkably inspirational forum for other nursing students to seek refuge in and take away a ray of hope!
Thanks ladies!
Thanks ladies!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
oops, I'm doing it again...
I've battled with the idea of whether or not nursing is right for me. Funny thing is I really can't see myself doing anything else. Earlier this morning I was set off by another blog. I'm not going to link to it because I would feel horrible if she thought she was the cause of my indecision and frustration. She's not, it has been ongoing since I started this semester. Here's a link to one of my previous whine sessions: KLS, Student Nurse: to be or not to be
I was looking at this blog, originally because she is also a SN, and I had never come across hers before. What caught my attention, and got me thinking is her love of home decorating. We have this in common.
There is so much I want. I don't even want to go that in-depth right now...not enough time. But it all has to do with me really just wanting to be able to work right now and bring home a paycheck so I can replace the flooring in my kitchen, or carpet upstairs.
I don't have the time for keeping up the house even as little as I did before. I am grateful to have a husband that is a bit OCD in that area.
Who has the time to even look at a decorating magazine, let alone redecorate your teenager's room, while in nursing school? I sure make time to blog. I think insanity would have finally taken me into her clutching claws long ago if it weren't for my blogging.
I have been going to school off and on, more on than off, for nearly ten years now! In less than 38 days I will take my final final exam with UMUC, and December 30th will "graduate". I'll walk at commencement in May. The point is why am I doing this? Why am I going to school beyond December? I might even benefit from taking some time off. I could find a job somewhere...
Then there's the $500 I still have in scholarship money to be used for Spring semester. I would be inclined to take the Nutrition class that I still lack, as well as A&P II that I'm probably going ot have to take. That doesn't make any sense.
I'm not making any sense, and if you've come this far than thank you.
Well I have to at least finish this semester out, so it's onward with the reading and assignments...
I know this is somewhat insipid. There are so many more important things in life, but it is a matter of happiness.
I was looking at this blog, originally because she is also a SN, and I had never come across hers before. What caught my attention, and got me thinking is her love of home decorating. We have this in common.
There is so much I want. I don't even want to go that in-depth right now...not enough time. But it all has to do with me really just wanting to be able to work right now and bring home a paycheck so I can replace the flooring in my kitchen, or carpet upstairs.
I don't have the time for keeping up the house even as little as I did before. I am grateful to have a husband that is a bit OCD in that area.
Who has the time to even look at a decorating magazine, let alone redecorate your teenager's room, while in nursing school? I sure make time to blog. I think insanity would have finally taken me into her clutching claws long ago if it weren't for my blogging.
I have been going to school off and on, more on than off, for nearly ten years now! In less than 38 days I will take my final final exam with UMUC, and December 30th will "graduate". I'll walk at commencement in May. The point is why am I doing this? Why am I going to school beyond December? I might even benefit from taking some time off. I could find a job somewhere...
Then there's the $500 I still have in scholarship money to be used for Spring semester. I would be inclined to take the Nutrition class that I still lack, as well as A&P II that I'm probably going ot have to take. That doesn't make any sense.
I'm not making any sense, and if you've come this far than thank you.
Well I have to at least finish this semester out, so it's onward with the reading and assignments...
I know this is somewhat insipid. There are so many more important things in life, but it is a matter of happiness.
tortured no more
Phillin Phine in Philadelphia.
So I've caught the bug. Who wouldn't especially being somewhat of a history buff? I watched, along with a zillion others, as history was made last night!
In a world where so much can be depressing this was a sheer moment of joy. If only you could have seen the look on my husband's face.
Big B is heading up to NJ this afternoon. He's from the Trenton area, which I guess you could say is the sister city to the city of "brotherly love." He'll stay at his dad's house tonight, wake up tomorrow morning and set out with his brother to Philly so they watch the parade.
Wish I could go, but the boys have exams today and tomorrow, and I have to study along with completing some assignments.
A picture is worth a thousand words
Brad Lidge after throwing winning pitch,with Carlos Ruiz, photo courtesy of The Charlotte Observer 
photo courtesy of Associated Press 
Ryan Howard just before dog piling his teammates, photo courtesy of Reuters 
Chase Utley celebrating with champagne, photo courtesy of Associated Press 
Cole Hamels won 2008 World Series MVP, photo courtesy of Reuters 
So I've caught the bug. Who wouldn't especially being somewhat of a history buff? I watched, along with a zillion others, as history was made last night!
In a world where so much can be depressing this was a sheer moment of joy. If only you could have seen the look on my husband's face.
Big B is heading up to NJ this afternoon. He's from the Trenton area, which I guess you could say is the sister city to the city of "brotherly love." He'll stay at his dad's house tonight, wake up tomorrow morning and set out with his brother to Philly so they watch the parade.
Wish I could go, but the boys have exams today and tomorrow, and I have to study along with completing some assignments.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
irony and integrity
I must vent.
Our next assignment has to do with describing the purpose of the nursing profession, highlighting values and ethical principles that are important regarding the nursing profession. In this essay we are to give an example of how these values or principles apply to a certain action, and contrast that action with another important value. We are also supposed to contrast nursing with another helping profession, and its purpose and/or values. I'm so mad I'm probably not making much sense. It's ok, the assignment has had many people confused anyway.
Originally I was going to use integrity and the opposing value would have been timeliness. An example would be making a mistake that needs reporting. If you value integrity you will report the mistake no matter what. If you value timeliness you may forego reporting, especially if there were not any ill consequences suffered due to the mistake, in an effort to save time.
I discussed this with another student yesterday, after she had told me about her essay. She said her value was equality. She was having a lot of trouble discerning if her essay was appropriate per the assignment or not.
Fast forward to today, I talk to this other student, whom I consider a friend, and she informs me she rewrote her paper, using integrity as her value.
I was definitely taken aback by this admission, but she went on to say how she'd been inspired and how it gave her clarity as to what the assignment was supposed to be about.
Since hanging up and thinking about this I have come to the conclusion that it really does irritate me. I would never take another person's idea and make it my own...never. It wouldn't matter how tempting it was.
I dunno, to me it's a matter of integrity.
note to self
Do not watch basic nursing skills CD-Rom, subject bathing an adult client-perineal care, while 12 year old boy is within a mile. He may be oblivious when you are speaking directly to him, at any time; however, he will pick up the word "rectum", from a distance, as if it were said through a megaphone when in all actuality the volume was at a normal level.
The word "rectum" will send 12 year old boy into fits of disgust and he will most likely be drawn to the source. If you are caught in this situation again, hope that once again, he will just miss the visual of the female perineum.
Thank goodness for draping.
The word "rectum" will send 12 year old boy into fits of disgust and he will most likely be drawn to the source. If you are caught in this situation again, hope that once again, he will just miss the visual of the female perineum.
Thank goodness for draping.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
my head might as well be a pressure cooker
For one I have a headache, and have had it all day long, even after taking 2 extra strength acetaminophen, 1 Allegra-D, and 1 ibuprofen. I get headaches quite frequently, and have for many moons. If it'snot a menstrual migraine it is a sinus headache.
The real reason my head is about to explode would be the pending academic obligations that are climaxing as I type.
In class today we got our group presentation assignments, for Nur100. Each group has to present about something medically related, or something we've maybe learned about this semester, but maybe not indepth. My group is going to do animal therapy. We were originally going to do alternative healing modalities as a whole, each member taking on one therapy, but the prof put the big kibosh on that idea. So we will focus on one therapy. It's no fun having your bubble burst!
For my psych class I have to head up the conclusions section for our lab report, as well as complete a lit review for a student who dropped and left us hanging in the lurch. Then I have to combine that lit review and another one a fellow group member is writing up for the same reason, into the lit review we already have started for the report.
I have an assignment due next Tuesday for Nur100. We also have our third exam for Nur105 that day. Hence a need for studying. Luckily it's only one chapter. Don't let the meager number fool you. It is nursing school after all.
I have about 7 chapters to read by this time next week, or really by the 18th. Our next Nur100 exam is then. Of course I'll have had them read long before then and will be studying it all.
Tomorrow I have my hygiene/bedmaking skills test. You know, bed bathing, oral care, occupied/unoccupied bedmaking, blah, blah, blah. So I need to review the CD-Rom for that this evening to make sure I don't miss any of the details or reasons for why we do what we do.
The Phillies will hopefully finish, and win, game 5. It was delayed last night because of rain. If they win Big B is planning on going up to Philly for the parade and such. Normally I could careless, except for the historical aspect of a win for Philly as a whole. I wouldn't mind being part of it. Had they won last night, he would have left today for a parade he suspected would have taken place on Wednesday. Instead they will finish game 5 tomorrow, and a parade would probably happen Thursday or Friday.
Halloween is Friday-must hand out candy.
There are not enough hours in the day, or days in the week!
Monday, October 27, 2008
meet irwin
Getting off the computer here in a bit to go do some reading, but had to share some of my most recent photos. I finally learned how to use the manual focus on my camera. Yeah, lightbulb moment for sure!
This fine looking fellow is Irwin. While visiting the summer of 2005 my mom bought Irwin for BZ. Since then he has become my pet, much to my pleasure! He is a Bearded Dragon.
This fine looking fellow is Irwin. While visiting the summer of 2005 my mom bought Irwin for BZ. Since then he has become my pet, much to my pleasure! He is a Bearded Dragon.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
unlike dazzled, more like frazzled
Just taking a moment to whine. I have oh, about 4 chapters to read before Tuesday, and my first ATI test to take tomorrow afternoon. At least it's not much to worry about, it's just a critical thinking test-nothing that could be studied for.
Weekdays are so much better than weekends. I only have the girls to contend with, not that they're simple or anything.
What else? Oh, yes my psych class lab group had to submit our results section for our study by this evening. All thanks go to one member of the group, who so gallantly took on this task of enormous proportions, being that it was the statistical nightmare portion of the study. The other member of the group and myself have just suffered through a stats class together, this past summer. Stats is not a class to take online, but there really wasn't much choice, since the closest UMUC campus to me is TOO FAR AWAY! Anyway, we didn't really learn much, sad to say. Put it this way, if I were to go further in psych, such as at the grad level, I would take another stats class...in person, nonetheless. So she and I let the boy(well as compared to me, at my ancient age, he is a boy!) do the work. Never fear, we've pulled our weight in other areas, and will do so for the duration.
This coming week we have to complete the conclusions section. We are lacking some sources from our literature review because our fourth member dropped the class without warning, leaving work to be done.
So yeah, add all that together with the upcoming Nur105 skills lecture test on the 4th of November, the necessity of reading the ATI Fundamentals book, and oh let's not forget, an assignment due on the 4th, I'm a bit frazzled. This is all not to mention the family, the dead plants out in my garden, the toilets that need to be scrubbed, catbox needing a scoop or ten, and far be it from anyone else in the family to enter the kitchen and actually prepare a meal for anyone else!
Let me just go pour myself another glass of wine!
Weekdays are so much better than weekends. I only have the girls to contend with, not that they're simple or anything.
What else? Oh, yes my psych class lab group had to submit our results section for our study by this evening. All thanks go to one member of the group, who so gallantly took on this task of enormous proportions, being that it was the statistical nightmare portion of the study. The other member of the group and myself have just suffered through a stats class together, this past summer. Stats is not a class to take online, but there really wasn't much choice, since the closest UMUC campus to me is TOO FAR AWAY! Anyway, we didn't really learn much, sad to say. Put it this way, if I were to go further in psych, such as at the grad level, I would take another stats class...in person, nonetheless. So she and I let the boy(well as compared to me, at my ancient age, he is a boy!) do the work. Never fear, we've pulled our weight in other areas, and will do so for the duration.
This coming week we have to complete the conclusions section. We are lacking some sources from our literature review because our fourth member dropped the class without warning, leaving work to be done.
So yeah, add all that together with the upcoming Nur105 skills lecture test on the 4th of November, the necessity of reading the ATI Fundamentals book, and oh let's not forget, an assignment due on the 4th, I'm a bit frazzled. This is all not to mention the family, the dead plants out in my garden, the toilets that need to be scrubbed, catbox needing a scoop or ten, and far be it from anyone else in the family to enter the kitchen and actually prepare a meal for anyone else!
Let me just go pour myself another glass of wine!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
in a moment of silence
Last night at the homecoming football game for our local high school, before the American Anthem was played, we were asked to take part in a moment of silence.
October 23, 2008, will be remembered forever by two families as they lost their sons to a fatal car crash that evening. One of the boys graduated this past June, and the other was a senior, both from our local high school.
So in the crisp fall air we bowed our heads and paid respect. I also said a little prayer, hoping to never be the parent who receives the dreaded phone call, or knock on the door.
This really hits home because, if you follow my blog or know us, you know my 15 year old son recently received his learner's permit.
Today ends the annual National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 19-25. By October 24th, seven teens, including the two spoken of above had died in traffic accidents, in Virginia, this year...this week.
That fact alone makes me shudder.
I am extremely proud to say my son is taking part in a club at school that involves this very subject, YOVASO. The club's mission involves teens in making wise choices as they get behind a wheel.
Tonight is the homecoming dance. Before the dance a bunch of us parents are putting on a dinner for our sophomores. I like the idea. For one it's less expensive than them dining out, and it will be an occasion they can remember in years to come. This will be the last year that my husband and/or I needs to chaffeur BZ to his major social events.
This time next year, I'll say good-bye to BZ as he gets in his car to go pick up his date. I will have to take a deep breath, and hope he makes wise decisions. Of course that goes for every time he steps out the door.
I haven't gotten any gray hairs yet? I'll certainly have plenty by the time AW reaches this milestone.
October 23, 2008, will be remembered forever by two families as they lost their sons to a fatal car crash that evening. One of the boys graduated this past June, and the other was a senior, both from our local high school.
So in the crisp fall air we bowed our heads and paid respect. I also said a little prayer, hoping to never be the parent who receives the dreaded phone call, or knock on the door.
This really hits home because, if you follow my blog or know us, you know my 15 year old son recently received his learner's permit.
Today ends the annual National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 19-25. By October 24th, seven teens, including the two spoken of above had died in traffic accidents, in Virginia, this year...this week.
That fact alone makes me shudder.
I am extremely proud to say my son is taking part in a club at school that involves this very subject, YOVASO. The club's mission involves teens in making wise choices as they get behind a wheel.
Tonight is the homecoming dance. Before the dance a bunch of us parents are putting on a dinner for our sophomores. I like the idea. For one it's less expensive than them dining out, and it will be an occasion they can remember in years to come. This will be the last year that my husband and/or I needs to chaffeur BZ to his major social events.
This time next year, I'll say good-bye to BZ as he gets in his car to go pick up his date. I will have to take a deep breath, and hope he makes wise decisions. Of course that goes for every time he steps out the door.
I haven't gotten any gray hairs yet? I'll certainly have plenty by the time AW reaches this milestone.
Friday, October 24, 2008
tea time
Received this in an email and had to share:
Cup of Tea
One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me.
I was maybe 2 1/2 years old and had just recovered from an accident.
Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift and it was
one of my favorite toys.
Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I
brought Daddy a little cup of 'tea', which was just water. After several
cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home.
My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of
tea, because it was 'just the cutest thing!' My Mom waited, and sure
enough, here I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she
watches him drink it up.
Then she says, (as only a mother would know.. :)
'Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water
is the toilet?
making an entrance
My hubs and I got a big kick out of this sign as we were leaving our small town today. It's posted for our local haunted house. Scarey isn't it? The illiteracy, I mean.
just a little jealous i suppose
Came across another student nurse's blog, and have to share:
Stethoscopes and Diapers
I must admit I'm a little jealous. I don't think our program does the nurse cap thing. Will have to check into it, and if they don't I will suggest it!
Kudos to all your hard work Student Nurse Nancy!
Stethoscopes and Diapers
I must admit I'm a little jealous. I don't think our program does the nurse cap thing. Will have to check into it, and if they don't I will suggest it!
Kudos to all your hard work Student Nurse Nancy!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
holy cannoli!
No, I'm not really talking about the delicious Italian dessert.How can anyone be excited about anything other than the Phillies are in the World Series!?
Yes, if you really know me you know that is some sort of BS line.
Literally.
That's not only the degree I'm finishing, but it is also my husband's initials. Haha, you probably thought it meant cow poo.
Nope, the hubs loves those Phillies.
This year, upon seeing some of the finer strengths of the Philadelphia Phillies, I've sort of stepped on the bandwagon too. How could a girl not, with all that there is to admire?
Really now, my hubs is the eternal "tortured Philly fan." Philadelphia sports fans are nothing if not loyal. Let's just say it has been a long time since any one of their teams has won a season title. They've come close, even in recent years-but no cigar!
It's almost a poetic justice as the Phillies are playing Tampa Bay in the 2008 World Series, after the Eagles lost to TB in the 2003 Super Bowl, which was apparently a close game and a truly devastating loss. I wouldn't know, didn't really care. I'm sure I quietly tiptoed around the house for days after the loss, because Big B was most assuredly grumpy.
So the next few nights, while the World Series plays out, as the tension mounts, will hopefully culminate in a win and Philly will be tortured no more.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
not a fashion statement
Next semester we start our clinicals. Our class of twenty will be split into three groups, and we'll be going to one of two nursing homes. Two groups will go to one of the nursing homes, and the other group will go to the other home.
I haven't ordered my uniforms yet. Was just browsing online, and am hating what we are being forced to wear. I don't mind scrubs at all, but come on...the ugliest ones available? Puh-lease! Shoot me now! Do they not know that tapered pants went out a long time ago!? Skinny jeans are one thing...but tapered scrubs? And only certain body styles should even wear skinny jeans, and that would not be my voluptuous, hippy curves!
The top is to be white, and so is the jacket. The pants will be khaki.
Cry with me.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
l.w.a.i.
living while ability impaired
That's me, today. Dare I get behind a wheel and drive an automobile, or speak to another person, or or or, take a nursing exam? I really, seriously thought about calling my instructor to see if I could schedule to take the exam some other time. Then I thought better of it, that would be a hassle. So I hopped in the family roadster, drove the 14 or so miles in to town, none of which is remembered, and attempted to take the test. It turned out not to be such a bad deal. Checked for my score online earlier and it had already been posted--33/35. That would be a 92%.
Yeah, see...I really shouldn't even be typing! Here I am babbling on and haven't even mentioned how my abilities are impaired! Ehh, who knows? Flu? onset of sinus infection? ...just basically feeling like crappola deluxe!
Time to go crawl back into bed, and attempt to watch an episode of House.
That's me, today. Dare I get behind a wheel and drive an automobile, or speak to another person, or or or, take a nursing exam? I really, seriously thought about calling my instructor to see if I could schedule to take the exam some other time. Then I thought better of it, that would be a hassle. So I hopped in the family roadster, drove the 14 or so miles in to town, none of which is remembered, and attempted to take the test. It turned out not to be such a bad deal. Checked for my score online earlier and it had already been posted--33/35. That would be a 92%.
Yeah, see...I really shouldn't even be typing! Here I am babbling on and haven't even mentioned how my abilities are impaired! Ehh, who knows? Flu? onset of sinus infection? ...just basically feeling like crappola deluxe!
Time to go crawl back into bed, and attempt to watch an episode of House.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
needed a breather
Last night Big B, LB, LB's friend BR and I set out for an evening of haunting and chills. AW opted out, and spent the night at his friend MS's house. Our local amusement park, Kings Dominion, puts on a fright fest of sorts, called "Halloween Haunt."
In the past I have always loved Halloween. Maybe it's the stress level, but this year I'm just not feeling it as much. Don't get me wrong, we had a great time. We met up with some friends, rode some rides, dined on overly expensive food-2 cheeseburger combos, 2 chicken sandwich combos, 4 drinks, because they're not part of the combo=$50!, and then stood in lines to go through the mazes.
This is where I'm baffled, it it weren't for HH, our friends' teen daughter, being incredibly frightened by the bumpities and spookables it wouldn't have been any fun to go through those mazes! Is it that they really sucked, or am I sensitized to "horror" after viewing so many movies, haunted houses, and such over my lifetime? The mazes appeared awesome, and the park goes to great extremes to make them so. There really wasn't a lot of activity inside the mazes, as far the real people were concerned. Their outfits were spooky, but their acting skills left alot to be desired. They would saunter up to you and just be there. It was very passive and mellow. There are about 6 mazes altogether, "Club Blood", "Blackbeard's Revenge", and "Big Top Terror", to name a few. Walking through "Big Top Terror" was a blast because it was hilarious to watch HH continually freak out when one of those scarey clowns would appear out of nowhere. Maybe I was just to caught up in watching her.
Before you think I'm horrible for laughing at the horrid plight of a young girl, you must know she went into the mazes completely voluntarily. Her parents, brother, boyfriend, my husband and I all got a kick out of her screams of terror. Horrible, I know.
Sad thing is I didn't get many pictures, two to be exact. Only one of them was of the haunting nature. Check out Jack in the Box. All of a sudden, when you least expect it he would pop up and start playing some eerily, frightening music.
The other was just a shot of the KD version of the Eiffel Tower.
Later in the evening, after walking many a mile, my hips started aching. It suddenly dawned on me in a near-epiphany, how am I going to handle being on my feet for 8-12 hours a shift when nursing? This is pretty serious.
I've never mentioned this before in this blog, but I had gastric bypass surgery in 2006, and lost quite a bit of weight. I was nearing 300 lbs at an alarming speed. So it stands to reason that my hips would hurt after all that pressure on them. I didn't lose all the weight I needed to, wasn't one of the lucky ones who drops half their body weight. The pain is noticeable only after walking long distances, for long perids of time, such as a day of shopping at the mall, or an evening spent roaming an amusement park.
Interestingly enough I am losing weight again. Stress? You guessed it. Who wants to eat when they're under so much pressure, and there's no time to do so anyway? Rest assured I do get 3 meals in a day. They may not be substantial, but necessary because of what must be a slight case of hypoglycemia.
Well, speaking of stress, we have our next Nur105 lecture test on Tuesday, and the next two days will be spent as usual...studying! Whodathunkit?
I'll leave you with some photos from the country-side near where I reside. Enjoy the fall foliage. Peaceful isn't it?
In the past I have always loved Halloween. Maybe it's the stress level, but this year I'm just not feeling it as much. Don't get me wrong, we had a great time. We met up with some friends, rode some rides, dined on overly expensive food-2 cheeseburger combos, 2 chicken sandwich combos, 4 drinks, because they're not part of the combo=$50!, and then stood in lines to go through the mazes.
This is where I'm baffled, it it weren't for HH, our friends' teen daughter, being incredibly frightened by the bumpities and spookables it wouldn't have been any fun to go through those mazes! Is it that they really sucked, or am I sensitized to "horror" after viewing so many movies, haunted houses, and such over my lifetime? The mazes appeared awesome, and the park goes to great extremes to make them so. There really wasn't a lot of activity inside the mazes, as far the real people were concerned. Their outfits were spooky, but their acting skills left alot to be desired. They would saunter up to you and just be there. It was very passive and mellow. There are about 6 mazes altogether, "Club Blood", "Blackbeard's Revenge", and "Big Top Terror", to name a few. Walking through "Big Top Terror" was a blast because it was hilarious to watch HH continually freak out when one of those scarey clowns would appear out of nowhere. Maybe I was just to caught up in watching her.
Before you think I'm horrible for laughing at the horrid plight of a young girl, you must know she went into the mazes completely voluntarily. Her parents, brother, boyfriend, my husband and I all got a kick out of her screams of terror. Horrible, I know.
Sad thing is I didn't get many pictures, two to be exact. Only one of them was of the haunting nature. Check out Jack in the Box. All of a sudden, when you least expect it he would pop up and start playing some eerily, frightening music.
The other was just a shot of the KD version of the Eiffel Tower.
Later in the evening, after walking many a mile, my hips started aching. It suddenly dawned on me in a near-epiphany, how am I going to handle being on my feet for 8-12 hours a shift when nursing? This is pretty serious.
I've never mentioned this before in this blog, but I had gastric bypass surgery in 2006, and lost quite a bit of weight. I was nearing 300 lbs at an alarming speed. So it stands to reason that my hips would hurt after all that pressure on them. I didn't lose all the weight I needed to, wasn't one of the lucky ones who drops half their body weight. The pain is noticeable only after walking long distances, for long perids of time, such as a day of shopping at the mall, or an evening spent roaming an amusement park.
Interestingly enough I am losing weight again. Stress? You guessed it. Who wants to eat when they're under so much pressure, and there's no time to do so anyway? Rest assured I do get 3 meals in a day. They may not be substantial, but necessary because of what must be a slight case of hypoglycemia.
Well, speaking of stress, we have our next Nur105 lecture test on Tuesday, and the next two days will be spent as usual...studying! Whodathunkit?
I'll leave you with some photos from the country-side near where I reside. Enjoy the fall foliage. Peaceful isn't it?
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Forty-six days
On December 5th I take my final exam for UMUC, for my B.S. in Psychology.
It's been a long time coming.
I am a military wife, an Air Force wife to be exact. My husband retired from the AF, this past August after 21 years and 21 days. As any military spouse will affirm, we make many sacrifices.
Up until recently I've followed my husband from Greece when we were newly engaged, to North Dakota, to the Virginia Peninsula, to Italy, and now back to VA-this time Northern VA, supporting him in his military career.
In 2001 we left the good ole U.S. of A. for a four year assignment to Italy. Prior to this I had been in a pre-nursing program, but had switched gears with the orders to go overseas. I started with UMUC soon after settling in to our new home. Not wanting to write any more papers than necessary, I opted not to go with a major in English, for one in Psychology. At this point I was leaning toward a career in education, and figured a psych degree would articulate toward education or if I changed my mind, again, nursing. There were no other suitable choices for me anyway.
Now that Big B's retired I am able to press on with my career aspirations. After working in the public school system for a couple of years, and always yearning for a career in nursing, I've come full circle and whilst starting that endeavor, am finishing up the B.S.
There are many times I have found that abbreviation fitting.
It is time, and you will hear me from afar as I shout for joy.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
strategies for success, and some other schtuff
Nursing exams are hard. That's the bottom line, and I think anyone who has endured, or is enduring, nursing school would agree on some level. I recently found a wonderful resource to help with NCLEX-type questions...the type that frequent the school based nursing exams.
I'd thought about buying one of the many books available, but who has time to read another book, what with all the required reading? So when searching for a book, I came across the CD-Rom version of Professor Nightingale's Test Taking Strategies for Student Nurses. This link will take you to the website to place an order, or you can do the two week free trial. Had I found that prior to purchasing via Amazon, I would have gone that route. It was still worth the $13 spent!
change of subject...
Have I mentioned my girls? You know, normally when people are exclaiming "TGIF!" I am patiently waiting for "TGIM!" Thank God it's Monday. This is because my family, being all people with penises, tend to drive me crazy. By Monday morning I am ready for peace and quiet. Normally.
Oh sure, they look all sweet and innocent.
Have you ever been around Labrador Retrievers???
If so you know they do not have a temperament conducive to a study environment, that is unless they've played themselves into utter exhaustion!
As I'm trying to study...read...concentrate, I am having to referree wrestling matches, do some retrieving of my own taking socks, or shoes away from them, OR let them out 155 times a day. If that's not bad enough our fence is a farm style fence.
Not my fence, but you get the picture-no pun intended 
Minnie (short for Minnie Pearl, Howdeee!), the lankier, skinnier of the two girls can wriggle herself in between the spaces of the criss-cross boards. She also jumps, but for some reason she likes to go through instead of over.
If that's not enough to loosen my last marble of sanity, they also like to run around the house at Nascar speeds. We have the perfect "track" for them to do this since out floor plan is open and has a square type flow around the staircase.
As so many of us "older" nursing students endure, I too have succumbed to the stress and strain of school vs. family life.
During class the other day someone brought up, during a non-educational discussion that their hair is falling out, alot, lately. I thought I was the only one! I thought it was maybe the fact that I need to be taking more vitamins...or something. It is indeed stress. It has to be. So what if I'm bald at graduation?
Impaired hair retention r/t stress~just a little nursing humor. Yeah, this fledgling nursing student has just learned about nursing diagnoses.
If you've followed my blog at all you know I've been at odds over my career choice, more specifically over the schooling aspect. When I found out my school is non-accredited I was thrown for a big, huge loop. Do I stay? Do I go?
Our program is being revamped due to inadequacies. I am an information seeker, and therefore the Internet is one of my bestest friends. In researching my school, trying to find graduation and NCLEX pass rates I came across this report.
Yep, you guessed it. My school is one of the one's with a less than 80% pass rate!
Great.
Um, maybe that's why we had such a big instructor turn over just before classes start this Fall? Ya think?
Needless to say I've been looking at other options. There is another community college ADN program, and there's also the option of going into an accelerated BSN program, for that matter there are accelereated MSN programs out there that bypass the BSN altogether. I think I'd, if I were to choose to transfer, would go for the BSN option. It would suit me better to go the more conservative, quicker route, considering I really don't know where I would want to practice advanced-wise.
Then you have to consider the huge difference in tuition costs, and along with that $$$ there is further travel involved just to get to classes. But wouldn't it be smarter to transfer? I am finishing up my B.S. this semester so I could do this.
I am becoming obsessive over this issue. I really do like my classmates, and there's a certain level of comfort there...along with less $$ being spent.
Is it as simple as the difference between a more expensive, higher quality pair of shoes vs. the cheap pair that don't serve you as well or as long?
I've heard conflicting stories. One friend has nursed in multiple states, after having graduated from a non-accredited school years ago, and it's never been an issue for her. Others say "Transfer!" emphatically.
I'm expending too much time and energy on this. The best action for the time being is to finish this semester out, and revisit these options during winter break. I wouldn't be able to apply for Spring admission anyway, because of a couple of prerequisites I lack.
Speaking of, I spoke with my advisor the other day and she wasn't able to give me an answer as to whether or not they would accept my previous A&P credits. I had to fill out a course substitution form, and am now awaiting approval from the powers that be. I'm hoping they'll at least accept the five credits, and just require me to take A&P II.
Before anymore hairs fall out I better do some deep breathing and get on with the task of writing out my method statement for my psych class/ticket out of UMUC.
Oh to be a dog. care free. footloose. fancy free.
Minnie loves to look out windows, and apparently finds the ottoman a bit comfy.
I'd thought about buying one of the many books available, but who has time to read another book, what with all the required reading? So when searching for a book, I came across the CD-Rom version of Professor Nightingale's Test Taking Strategies for Student Nurses. This link will take you to the website to place an order, or you can do the two week free trial. Had I found that prior to purchasing via Amazon, I would have gone that route. It was still worth the $13 spent!
change of subject...
Have I mentioned my girls? You know, normally when people are exclaiming "TGIF!" I am patiently waiting for "TGIM!" Thank God it's Monday. This is because my family, being all people with penises, tend to drive me crazy. By Monday morning I am ready for peace and quiet. Normally.
Oh sure, they look all sweet and innocent.
Have you ever been around Labrador Retrievers???
If so you know they do not have a temperament conducive to a study environment, that is unless they've played themselves into utter exhaustion!
As I'm trying to study...read...concentrate, I am having to referree wrestling matches, do some retrieving of my own taking socks, or shoes away from them, OR let them out 155 times a day. If that's not bad enough our fence is a farm style fence.
Minnie (short for Minnie Pearl, Howdeee!), the lankier, skinnier of the two girls can wriggle herself in between the spaces of the criss-cross boards. She also jumps, but for some reason she likes to go through instead of over.
If that's not enough to loosen my last marble of sanity, they also like to run around the house at Nascar speeds. We have the perfect "track" for them to do this since out floor plan is open and has a square type flow around the staircase.
As so many of us "older" nursing students endure, I too have succumbed to the stress and strain of school vs. family life.
During class the other day someone brought up, during a non-educational discussion that their hair is falling out, alot, lately. I thought I was the only one! I thought it was maybe the fact that I need to be taking more vitamins...or something. It is indeed stress. It has to be. So what if I'm bald at graduation?
Impaired hair retention r/t stress~just a little nursing humor. Yeah, this fledgling nursing student has just learned about nursing diagnoses.
If you've followed my blog at all you know I've been at odds over my career choice, more specifically over the schooling aspect. When I found out my school is non-accredited I was thrown for a big, huge loop. Do I stay? Do I go?
Our program is being revamped due to inadequacies. I am an information seeker, and therefore the Internet is one of my bestest friends. In researching my school, trying to find graduation and NCLEX pass rates I came across this report.
Yep, you guessed it. My school is one of the one's with a less than 80% pass rate!
Great.
Um, maybe that's why we had such a big instructor turn over just before classes start this Fall? Ya think?
Needless to say I've been looking at other options. There is another community college ADN program, and there's also the option of going into an accelerated BSN program, for that matter there are accelereated MSN programs out there that bypass the BSN altogether. I think I'd, if I were to choose to transfer, would go for the BSN option. It would suit me better to go the more conservative, quicker route, considering I really don't know where I would want to practice advanced-wise.
Then you have to consider the huge difference in tuition costs, and along with that $$$ there is further travel involved just to get to classes. But wouldn't it be smarter to transfer? I am finishing up my B.S. this semester so I could do this.
I am becoming obsessive over this issue. I really do like my classmates, and there's a certain level of comfort there...along with less $$ being spent.
Is it as simple as the difference between a more expensive, higher quality pair of shoes vs. the cheap pair that don't serve you as well or as long?
I've heard conflicting stories. One friend has nursed in multiple states, after having graduated from a non-accredited school years ago, and it's never been an issue for her. Others say "Transfer!" emphatically.
I'm expending too much time and energy on this. The best action for the time being is to finish this semester out, and revisit these options during winter break. I wouldn't be able to apply for Spring admission anyway, because of a couple of prerequisites I lack.
Speaking of, I spoke with my advisor the other day and she wasn't able to give me an answer as to whether or not they would accept my previous A&P credits. I had to fill out a course substitution form, and am now awaiting approval from the powers that be. I'm hoping they'll at least accept the five credits, and just require me to take A&P II.
Before anymore hairs fall out I better do some deep breathing and get on with the task of writing out my method statement for my psych class/ticket out of UMUC.
Oh to be a dog. care free. footloose. fancy free.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
give me an A!
Nur100 Exam #2, the results are in and I'm happy to announce I received a 96%. Which is kind of weird, since that's exactly what I scored last time! No complaints though!
OK, so I'm exhausted. Time for a nap.
OK, so I'm exhausted. Time for a nap.
who's stopping by?
Really! I'd like to know! I've made some new friends via the blog world, and appreciate their comments. I also appreciate my old friends' comments. So if you would please just take a moment, and let me know you stopped by I'd appreciate that too!All you need is either a Google or Blogger, Wordpress, Typepad, or AIM ID. You can also click "anonymous" and just sign it in the post.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
busy days ahead
ugh! double ugh! Momentarily I will be starting my day, post cup o' joe.
Our second test in Nur100 is today, after which we have Nur105 lecture. Because people have complained about the single, lonely, inept hour dedicated each week to our Nursing Skills lecture class our instructor has agreed to add an hour.
This is all well and good except for when she is also your advisor and has informed you that you need to speak to her after class today. I'd emailed her last week about my prior classes transferring-or not-and she said to see her after class on Tuesday, that being today.
So, I've been patiently waiting to hear my worst case, that they wont accept my A&P credits from long ago, or the credits for my how-to-be-a-college-student class I took at the university level for my B.S. How appropriate the abbreviation for that degree is!
What's one more hour when you've been waiting DAYS?
This is all not to mention the fact that for the next 72 hours I am going to be in school-induced, family-related hell. LB has a baseball game tonight...must attend, even at the expense of other priorities. I promised, well that may be a strong word, told, my online psych class, (you know the one I'm referring to? the one that provides my last ticket to graduation with the B.S.?) lab group that I would have my methodology for our lab done by tomorrow night.
That may have to be adjusted!
We have Nur105 lab all day tomorrow, as our group has every Wednesday.
It's sad, but true, I have to go to the cheerleading competition tomorrow night. Have to! It will probably be one of the only ones I go to in the next year and a half. It's the first for this year, districts, and is at our high school.
You're probably wondering about this daughter I must have, that I haven't mentioned before?
Yeah, daughter from another mother! I also like to think of her as my future daughter-in-law, although that probably isn't going to happen...
All this and I have to study for the Nur105 test that we have next Tuesday.
I don't know when I'll be able to blog again...will probably squeeze it in somewhere.
Must go shower, then suffer through another test...wish me luck!
Our second test in Nur100 is today, after which we have Nur105 lecture. Because people have complained about the single, lonely, inept hour dedicated each week to our Nursing Skills lecture class our instructor has agreed to add an hour.
This is all well and good except for when she is also your advisor and has informed you that you need to speak to her after class today. I'd emailed her last week about my prior classes transferring-or not-and she said to see her after class on Tuesday, that being today.
So, I've been patiently waiting to hear my worst case, that they wont accept my A&P credits from long ago, or the credits for my how-to-be-a-college-student class I took at the university level for my B.S. How appropriate the abbreviation for that degree is!
What's one more hour when you've been waiting DAYS?
This is all not to mention the fact that for the next 72 hours I am going to be in school-induced, family-related hell. LB has a baseball game tonight...must attend, even at the expense of other priorities. I promised, well that may be a strong word, told, my online psych class, (you know the one I'm referring to? the one that provides my last ticket to graduation with the B.S.?) lab group that I would have my methodology for our lab done by tomorrow night.
That may have to be adjusted!
We have Nur105 lab all day tomorrow, as our group has every Wednesday.
It's sad, but true, I have to go to the cheerleading competition tomorrow night. Have to! It will probably be one of the only ones I go to in the next year and a half. It's the first for this year, districts, and is at our high school.
You're probably wondering about this daughter I must have, that I haven't mentioned before?
Yeah, daughter from another mother! I also like to think of her as my future daughter-in-law, although that probably isn't going to happen...
All this and I have to study for the Nur105 test that we have next Tuesday.
I don't know when I'll be able to blog again...will probably squeeze it in somewhere.
Must go shower, then suffer through another test...wish me luck!
Monday, October 13, 2008
hark! a wise decision
In the past my husband and I have been compulsive buyers. As we've aged the compulsiveness has slowed down.
Case in point, just this afternoon we made the wise choice to not buy a third car-yet. It's not necessary at this point. Our 15 year old has several months until he can legally drive on his own, so he is not in need of a car any time soon. I don't even think he really needs a car as soon as he turns 16 anyway. Not only do we add another car payment, but also the exhorbitant amount of money that we look forward (said with sarcasm) to paying for insuring a young male driver under the age of 25...way under the age of 25!
We should probably invest in this:
No really, he's actually done very well. My biggest complaint is his need to say "I know" whenever I try to tell him anything.
He is 15...
Case in point, just this afternoon we made the wise choice to not buy a third car-yet. It's not necessary at this point. Our 15 year old has several months until he can legally drive on his own, so he is not in need of a car any time soon. I don't even think he really needs a car as soon as he turns 16 anyway. Not only do we add another car payment, but also the exhorbitant amount of money that we look forward (said with sarcasm) to paying for insuring a young male driver under the age of 25...way under the age of 25!
We should probably invest in this:
No really, he's actually done very well. My biggest complaint is his need to say "I know" whenever I try to tell him anything.
He is 15...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
supposed to be studying...
...but am full of tension, so much so I could be plucked like a guitar string and emit a note at the highest decibel possible. If it weren't for melodrama how else could I complain?
So I blog.
This will be dedicated to my second born. AW in first grade, and 7th grade.
He, although he can frustrate me to no end, gives me such joy I can't help but talk about him.
As far as frustrations go he leaves his towel on his bedroom floor, would rather give off the not-so-sweet scent of BO than shower daily (he does shower daily for school), sleep amongst a floor strewn about with clothing, books, CDs, and well, guitar strings. He has his favorite clothing and would rather wear the apparel dirty, than choose something inferior to his treasured choices.
To look at him you'd see this gorgeous, blond haired, blue eyed dreamboat...in all black...with hair that pretty much hides the blue eyes.
All this and he is charming, so much so he doesn't go without the companionship of some pretty girl for too long. Don't fret for too long when one has broken up with him, because within a few short days he will be smiling to the name of a new lady love.
When messaging with the "ex" via Myspace, at her initiation, I'd said something about his eccentricities, more to the point about him being a little weird. His choice in music, and all black wardrobe may leave some a little weirded out. She replied that that was one thing she liked about him, that he's weird. This being said amidst some utterance of regret. Come to find out she'd only broken up with him because they hadn't talked very much.
That happens in middle school, with little chance for anything other than texting or IMing. That is of course unless you live close to one another and can see each other often, outside of school.
The new girl? A freshman in high school, and a varsity cheerleader! They've been friends since they met last year. AW, then in sixth grade, was friends with many of the eighth grade girls.
There's something about him.
He's artistic, smart, funny, kind, and anyone would be lucky to have him in there life!
He is very sweet.
Let's get back to the music. I have a newfound respect for my parents and what I put them through. I used to listen to some music that undoubtedly caused them to question my tastes. Ozzy, Metallica, Guns N Roses, AC/DC, etc. The tide has turned and there are times I think my eardrums may start bleeding...and we don't even have the music up very loud! Ever heard of Slipknot?
Be afraid! Actually, aside from some of the content, the music isn't all that bad!
If you had told me years ago that someday I would have a child that would listen to the likes of Marilyn Manson I would have laughed in your face!
And I would be shameful, in the here and now!
He is very sweet, and has a slightly sinister side to him! "He" being my second born.
Disclaimer:
Since so many different people come across blogs, and read them I feel I must defend my parenting, and the content of this blog. My husband and I take part in our children's lives, and their choices. I believe parental control and involvement is the root of how we should monitor our children's choices. Some may disagree with our choice to let our son listen to the music he does. We take responsibility, and we teach responsibility and accountability. We also teach that music, television, movies, etc. are for entertainment purposes and should not be regarded as the way one should live their lives.
If you find any content on this blog offensive, by all means move on...
If you wish to pass judgment, please consider your own imperfections beforehand.
So I blog.
This will be dedicated to my second born. AW in first grade, and 7th grade.
He, although he can frustrate me to no end, gives me such joy I can't help but talk about him.
As far as frustrations go he leaves his towel on his bedroom floor, would rather give off the not-so-sweet scent of BO than shower daily (he does shower daily for school), sleep amongst a floor strewn about with clothing, books, CDs, and well, guitar strings. He has his favorite clothing and would rather wear the apparel dirty, than choose something inferior to his treasured choices.
To look at him you'd see this gorgeous, blond haired, blue eyed dreamboat...in all black...with hair that pretty much hides the blue eyes.
All this and he is charming, so much so he doesn't go without the companionship of some pretty girl for too long. Don't fret for too long when one has broken up with him, because within a few short days he will be smiling to the name of a new lady love.
When messaging with the "ex" via Myspace, at her initiation, I'd said something about his eccentricities, more to the point about him being a little weird. His choice in music, and all black wardrobe may leave some a little weirded out. She replied that that was one thing she liked about him, that he's weird. This being said amidst some utterance of regret. Come to find out she'd only broken up with him because they hadn't talked very much.
That happens in middle school, with little chance for anything other than texting or IMing. That is of course unless you live close to one another and can see each other often, outside of school.
The new girl? A freshman in high school, and a varsity cheerleader! They've been friends since they met last year. AW, then in sixth grade, was friends with many of the eighth grade girls.
There's something about him.
He's artistic, smart, funny, kind, and anyone would be lucky to have him in there life!
He is very sweet.
Let's get back to the music. I have a newfound respect for my parents and what I put them through. I used to listen to some music that undoubtedly caused them to question my tastes. Ozzy, Metallica, Guns N Roses, AC/DC, etc. The tide has turned and there are times I think my eardrums may start bleeding...and we don't even have the music up very loud! Ever heard of Slipknot?
Be afraid! Actually, aside from some of the content, the music isn't all that bad!If you had told me years ago that someday I would have a child that would listen to the likes of Marilyn Manson I would have laughed in your face!
And I would be shameful, in the here and now!
He is very sweet, and has a slightly sinister side to him! "He" being my second born.
Disclaimer:
Since so many different people come across blogs, and read them I feel I must defend my parenting, and the content of this blog. My husband and I take part in our children's lives, and their choices. I believe parental control and involvement is the root of how we should monitor our children's choices. Some may disagree with our choice to let our son listen to the music he does. We take responsibility, and we teach responsibility and accountability. We also teach that music, television, movies, etc. are for entertainment purposes and should not be regarded as the way one should live their lives.
If you find any content on this blog offensive, by all means move on...
If you wish to pass judgment, please consider your own imperfections beforehand.
Friday, October 10, 2008
happy thoughts
I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.
~Martha Washington
As I sit here at 4:17 a.m., which is so often a time I should never think, I was pondering happiness. I am basically a happy person. Sure, there are plenty of things I would like to change about my life, but even more that content me to no end.
So I thought I would Google "happy", and did so under the Images link. Here is the very first result:
Before the morose thoughts kick in, from stress and fatigue, I better head back to bed! Maybe a game of Freecell to make me sleepy first...and well, it makes me happy!
~Martha Washington
As I sit here at 4:17 a.m., which is so often a time I should never think, I was pondering happiness. I am basically a happy person. Sure, there are plenty of things I would like to change about my life, but even more that content me to no end.
So I thought I would Google "happy", and did so under the Images link. Here is the very first result:
Before the morose thoughts kick in, from stress and fatigue, I better head back to bed! Maybe a game of Freecell to make me sleepy first...and well, it makes me happy!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
from my garden
Just a few random shots...
One of the dear hobbies I have, along with scrapbbooking, is gardening-mainly flowers for now. Unfortunately, there's not time for much else, after family and my studies!
a single Rudbeckia bloom
shot at dusk
grand ole flag and a petunia
jacob's ladder, salvia, and some others
basking in sunshine
late summer bloom with autumn colors
black eyed susie and achillea
One of the dear hobbies I have, along with scrapbbooking, is gardening-mainly flowers for now. Unfortunately, there's not time for much else, after family and my studies!
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