On The Prowl, and then Some

I've been J.O.B hunting to the point that it's become a job, with NO pay. Most places are not hiring. We all know this economy is crap. I had two interviews today and both went well as usual. I was told I'd hear from one tomorrow and the other by sunday. One is in a Gastroenterologist's (group) office, and the other is private duty home care. Will update when/if i hear anything. Thanks for the chat Mom.
I am so excited for the holidays. I still get so excited to spend quality time with my family and those I love. I have the kids for the holidays this year which is exciting. I get Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve into Christmas Day to open presents. They go to Daddy/Sue at noon. I love doing the meal planning, cooking, and goodie making. Ruthi will be here with her kids Turkey Day, but her Ex has the kids Christmas Eve, so she will be here with us.
Our weather hasa been nice. Not too cold, no snow yet, and a moderate amount of rain. The leaves have all fallen and made a mess everywhere. It has been mild up to this point.
I think I'm going to get a few inches or so cut off my hair. It is too long again.
so my health is somewhat not well again. I'm having issues with my blood pressure, so im taking random readings and then have been asked to go into doctor in a week or so with my readings. I'm in the Hypertension range which is anything over 139/89. I'm in the 145/95 range. SO NOT GOOD! I'm thinking it could be part of the reason I'm having so many frequent headaches. We shall see.
Kids are well, life is good, hope the same goes for ya'll.

Halloween 2009

We had a nice Halloween this year. I got to take Andrew Trick-or-Treating finally for the 1st time. We had a great time, despite the rain. We went out with Ruthi & Lily, as Brady and Sean went to a party, and Tanner and his girlfriend went to a party as well. It was a late night so say the least. Andrew was a trooper.  We walked quite a bit. He has a mess load of candy. Here is our Jack-o-Lantern. Andrew was a great helper in designing.

Andrew was a police man this year. Brady was a Jack-o-Lantern (hand carved pumpkin on his head) and Tanner was a jail convict.

This is Tanner and his girlfriend Christina.

Andrew had a fun Halloween Parade/party at school. I will attach a picture of his class and some of the animals he got to pet and feed .

He had a blast playing with the animals. We also trunk-or-treated in the parking lot from parents of children in school. All in all it was an excellent day/holiday.

FUN Fall Activity

Sunday was a beautiful day, although chilly, but as it was not raining, we decided to go to the Apple Orchard (Melick's Farm) for apple picking and pumpkins in Oldwick, NJ.

The kids had a blast climbing the trees to get the MOST perfect apples.

For the most part they each carried their own barrells. They were quite full after an hour.

We then picked pumpkins...

Then the infamous "Hay Ride" backdown the slopes...

Delicious Empire apples...

We ended up spending too much time in line to weigh in and check out, but all in all it was a fun time. The kids loved spending time together. Tanner was down the shore with his friend for the weekend, so we missed him. Ruthi made a delicious homemade APPLE PIE that evening, and it was to die for.

Latest Creations

After the stress in my life wore down, I felt the creativity bug, so I went to the ceramics store and decided to paint.

Halloween Haunted House

Here was a family activity on Monday night. Brady, Sean, Lily & Drew made this cool little house. I of course helped. I did the windows and door, kids did the rest. It turned out so cute.

My Big Boy in the morning....

Peek-a-boo...I love you! This is my little buddy bright & early in the a.m. Can you tell he is not a big fan of morning? I have to drag him out of bed literally...This kid is hilarious!
I LOVE YOU DREWIE xoxo

State Boards Updated

"Destiny is not a matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved."
William Jennings Bryan 1860-1925

This is one of my favorite quotes as of recent, and today it came true in my life! I am proud to say I PASSED my NCLEX-PN! I got my paid "Unofficial" results. Not sure what "Unofficial" means but it says PASS so I am gonna take it and celebrate. I read online last night (obsessing) that when you have a lot of SELECT ALL questions, it means you are doing well, and I had more than half of my 85 as select all. I am on cloud 9 right now. Nothing in life has ever felt this good, except for the birth of my sweet babies! Thank you MOM for all your words of encouragment. Thank you Ruthi for all your help with Andrew, a shoulder to cry on when life got too rough, and for helping me study almost every weekend. Thank you Brady for always loving me and saying it daily, and for your hugs and constant encouragment; Tanner for being great with Andrew and always helping to keep him occupied and for helping with dvd to playstation connections while I was studying. Thank you Andrew for being such a good boy and letting mommy study hour after hour. And a shout out to my instructors for everything, and for never giving up on me and pushing me to always do and be my BEST.  I learned so much and I have a NEW life because of it. Nothing is impossible with hard work and dedication!

My Graduating Class

This was just sent to me by a class member and I was happy to get it. This is my class, minus three who didn't show for one reason or another. I spent more time with these guys for a year than my own family. I miss them. From Left: Rachel, Jen, Darnetta, Nacia, Dawn, Christina, Alyson, Lauren, Faatima, Me, Theresa, Aja, Anthony, Monique, Sheena, Susan, Eddie. It was a wild ride, one I actually miss a little.

State Boards

The day finally came, Monday morning bright and early. I have studied hard, and up to the last day. Ruthi helped, Brady helped, I read, did online tests, cd rom tests, did an entire 1400 page NCLEX review book containing 64 chapters, with over 4,000 questions, as well as another NCLEX prep book with 400+ questions. I also did about 3/4 of a 3rd NCLEX review book (2500 questions).

This is an interesting test. Kind of difficult to explain, but it is a computer adaptive test, meaning it adjusts to your right or wrong answers, making subsequent questions easier or harder. A mathematical algorhythm calculates your competence. It was nerve racking. It is a 205question test, with each taker doing a minimum of 85 questions, or the maximum of 205 based on your competency level that is calculated with each question answered; with thrown in questions not graded, but being tested for usage on furture exams.

As I was going along, I was frustrated with the bank of questions I received. No right answer ever jumped out at me like they did in my review books. I found myself becoming quite anxious and insecure. Seems to me like every other question was a "Select All" and I loathe those. As I got question 85 I was prepared for it to either shut off, or continue. I answered 85, hit next and BAM, computer shut off. I flipped out. There is absolutely no way to gauge how you did. You can pass or fail with 85, and pass or fail with more. I took about 90 minutes to hit 85.

As I left, completely stupified, I was handed a pamphlet that said I can pay with credit card online for "UNOFFICIAL" quick results in 2 business days. That will be tomorrow. I am going nuts waiting....the second guessing is horrific. I just don't know what to think. I have been to all my nursing website chat forums and from what I've read shutting off @ 85 is a good thing, but other people had tested up to 170 questions and passed, as well as many people failing at 85. So, I sit here, sick to my stomach...I have completely chewed my fingers up and have not slept well in 3 nights now! I cannot wait for tomorrow...either way I just want to know. If I do not pass, I will receive notification from Board of Nursing as to when I can test again, either 45 or 90 days! If I pass I will receive mail notification with license #, etc. FINGERS CROSSED! Thanks to all for your continued love and support. It has meant everything to me!

Kindergarten Fun

Here is Andrew with some friends at school making the letter "F"