Nursing 101

August 25th started a MOST interesting week in my life. After all the waiting and testing, and classes and certification requirements, I finally began my nursing program. I have to say I was extremely nervous, but once I got there and met everyone and my 2 teachers (this semester) I was able to relax. I forgot how much I enjoy a school setting. My teachers are awesome; both down to earth, cool, understanding, and extremely helpful; excellent teaching techniques. Monday, my first day, was pretty much Orientation, getting different class info, syllabuses, etc. I got my photo I.D, which I wear to school and MUST have around my neck on all Clinical days, which begins Sep. 23rd in extended care facilities, which I will will enjoy, as I love the elderly. This semester, well technically, through October, I have A&P I, Nursing Fundamental, and Math & Medical Admisitration. End of Oct I start 4 new courses which go through January, then another 3 through April, then 2 more through July. At this point I will be in a hospital 3 days a week, so there is less class time. I was told I will get to witness and help with a live birth (which I am over the moon about) and pretty much anything else I can imagine. YES!!!!!

Tuesday I had a great first day of Nursing Fundamentals. We get a 10 minute break almost hourly for restroom and drinks, and an hour lunch Tues-Fri and a 2 hour break (11-1) on Mondays. I like this a lot. As my school is less than 8 miles from home, I was able to run home one day and make some lunch.

Tuesday on my way home from school, I was rear ended pretty badly and the back of Jeep pretty much destroyed. Police came, took reports, and sent me off. I went home immediately called the claims dept. and got the ball rolling. Ruthi took me to enterprise to pick up my rental. On my way home from there, I realized I left my school book bag in their building. I immediately drove back; they were closed and I literally "lost it" mentally. I had none of my school work, my homework, etc. I was in a lot of pain from accident, had splitting headache, was still shaking, and the night just got progressively worse. The only thing worth mentioning was I got home, and realized I was locked out as my house keys were also in my book bag. TG for friends who live close...Thanks again for letting me in :) I rented a new Dodge Charger and I LOVE it. I don't think I want my Jeep back....

That day was pretty much a wash. I was able to somewhat explain to teacher why I didnt have my 10 pgs. of written homework and she worked with me. As our books had not yet arrived, we did that Wednesday furing lunch (which is when I was supposed to finish my late homeowrk) and then again after school. That afternoon I took my smashed up Jeep to the autobody shop, and guess what I saw??? The guys car (BMW X5) who slammed into me. He beat me there and we ended up at the same place. Pretty funny. Very interesting process as we both have Allstate. Hoping to hear from them early this week as to how long they will have my car.

The homework load has been everything I was told to expect and then some. Reading 3-4chapters a night per class, and usually 5-10 written worksheet pages per class. They were not KIDDING when they said this was an accelerated Program. I have met some great people and have exchanged several phone #'s for study groups etc. Hoping This week is just as exciting, minus the car accident. I really didn't need that. It's difficult having to go through something like that alone, no family here for support, but in the end the people I've chosen to have in my life are my family here. I love you and thank you for all you do for me. Thank you for rides for Tanner from football practice, thank you for getting faxes from doctor documenting my immunizations, ,thank you for coming to my accident site to make sure I was ok. Thank you for rides back and forth to help me with what I needed as far as my Jeep was concerned. Thank you for hot cooked dinners and for the company. Thank you most of all for helping me with my 500 medical terms flashcards. If I pass this test on Tuesday, I owe half of it to you. You made my week so much better than it would have been. I miss my kids so much, but it was really great having this first week alone to dive in and get a routine going. I cannot wait to see my babies again.

Despite the accident, this has been a great week. I am super excited for the direction my life is now going in. I am learning something I love and I cannot wait to be able to implement my skills.

The Dishes Are DONE Man.....

Here is Wilson playing in the dishwasher, one of his favorite things to do!

Tina moves out!

We all knew this day would come, and it has. Tina moved out last week. She has decided to move to Portland, OR this time. She took most of her things with her, including her BFF Sara. She is almost there and is making excellent time. We all miss her and wish her the best in her new digs. We had a family dinner the night before she left and it was a good time. We love you Tina! xo

Gorgeous Sunset

Quality Time

Drew and I headed to the nursery today to pick up new flowers. Our cucumbers ran their course and man did I enjoy eating them almost daily for weeks. That was exciting. Here are the new flowers Drew picked out. We had a blast planting them. Drew is quite a natural although he hates the dirt being on him....hmmm. I was happy to spend some quality time with him, before I no longer have much time :(

Six Flags Great Adventure

I wanted to do something fun with the kids so we headed to Six Flaggs. Looked like a beautiful day out. Tanner was tired and would NOT drag his butt out of bed to go with us. He ended up not missing much. We had two hours of beautiful weather before it started pouring rain w thunder and lightning. We ducked for cover, had a nice lunch, then ice cream. The boys had a blast in the rain and puddles. We were all soaked. I bought Drew a batman rain poncho. Brady opted for a trash bag. It was hilarious. We were hung out for another few hours. Drew and I had fun on the tea cups, as it was one of only 3 rides open during the rain. Our friends had a blast too. Brady had his picture with Taz and Drew and I had our picture with Porky Pig. I chased down Sylvester, but he was too busy.

Andrew's 1st time at the dentist

Andrew did really great. I was worried. He had some pain as he had to have an abscess drained. A few months ago, he and the boys and Tina were running around the house and things got out of hand and Drew slipped and slammed face first into a wall. He smashed his front tooth really bad and bled for quite a while. After a few days he seemed fine, but apparently he got infected. The dentist cut it open and drained it for what seemed like forever. Poor kid. He was a trooper though. He didn't even cry when he saw all the blood coming out. Brady and I could not believe it. He got his teeth polished and took x-rays too. No cavities. Apparently all the torture of brushing teeth has paid off.

A few days down the shore

I recently had a few days down the shore in Wildwood, NJ. Rex's mom and sister were in town so he took the boys for a week so they could all hang. I hear they had a good time minus a tornado watch and severe storm that really freaked them out. It didn't effect my vacation. Had some rain Wednesday night (overnight) but none during the day. The ocean was amazing. So beautiful. Our hotel looked out at the ocean and we had a nice balcony too. We were right by the MAJOR piers as well, and had a blast on all the different roller coasters. My favorite was the one with 3 loops and 2 cork screws; quite the thrill. I had the best lobster dinner along with steamed clams, shrimp and king crab legs one night. We did this cool boat ride called The Silver Bullet, which is the largest speedboat. It held around 50 people I think. We went down around the Cape May area of NJ and then out into the deep Atlantic Ocean. It was such a beautiful ride. Once out we stopped for a bit for the dolphin watch part of the trip and we were surrounded by 20+ frolicking dolphins. Several moms with calves as well. It was simply amazing. It was a nice 4 day break from LIFE!